Singapore’s 60th anniversary a significant milestone, opportunity for us to renew our commitment to nation: PM Wong
Some features include Chingay, Exercise SG Ready, Singapore World Water Day, Racial and Religious Harmony Month, the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and the World Aquatics Championships.
The SG60 events mark Singapore’s nation-building trip and” shared values of diversity, courage, endurance and openness”, said MCCY.
Singaporeans of all ages may take part in the festivities.
The National Youth Council ( NYC ) and PA will engage youths through the SG60 Youth Engagements, from January.
Students can participate in in-person meetings, roadshows and modern commitments, to share their aspirations for the future and how they can lead to Singapore.
Additionally, there will be a FutureYOUth Action that will cover sustainability, racial and religious unity, and emotional health.
From April next year to March 2026, an action by the Founders ‘ Memorial called” Project Citizens – The First Million” will also be launched to get reports by Singapore’s foundation technology, reflecting on the government’s principles from its earlier years and into the future.
When the Founders ‘ Memorial opens in 2028, it will be a permanent feature.
The project will involve three parts: Gathering stories from seniors, organising pop-up installations across the island, and an exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore called” Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore”.
Indonesia-Russia naval exercises more surface than substance – Asia Times
On Monday ( November 4), Indonesia held its first-ever diplomatic naval exercise with Russia. Three Russian ships and a support vessel were present, and the drills were scheduled to last from November 4 to November 8.
The activities, known as Orruda 2024, have been interpreted in some quarters as Indonesia’s new leader, Prabowo Subianto, tilting the Southeast Asian nation aside geopolitically from the US and its supporters and toward Russia and apparently China.
However, there is a general discussion in Jakarta regarding the exercise, with some claiming that it is simply a response to Russia’s growing security ties to the US and its supporters.
To be sure, there is no denying that President Prabowo, who assumed department on October 20, is strong on cultivating warm relations with Russia, a long-time company of Indonesian hands.
In July, when Prabowo was president-elect but also serving as defence minister, he traveled to Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin. Prabowo praised Russia as a “great buddy” of Indonesia during the journey and expressed political optimism that ties between the two countries would continue to improve.
On October 25, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono announced Indonesia’s desire to join BRICS while attending the expanding bloc’s summit in Kazan, Russia – a clear break from the past Joko Widodo administration’s non-committal position.
There was no denying that Sugiono received the best education because she is a close friend of Prabowo. So, Prabowo’s first big foreign policy walk as national head was Russia-friendly.
Importantly, Indonesia and China have begun debate about the possibility of conducting diplomatic joint military exercises, which could be groundbreaking since they have not been held for nearly a decade.
Indonesia suspended them in 2015 as a result of the two countries ‘ ongoing conflict over the North Natuna Sea, which are Indonesian territorial waters that fall under China’s nine-dash range state to almost all of the South China Sea. These preliminary actions may irritate Americans and allies, but in their wider context they are less serious.
For one, despite the standard branding, this year’s drills are not the first day Indonesia has held a naval exercise with Russia. The international Komodo Exercise, held four times since 2014 and most just in 2023, included Russia from the outset alongside the US, Japan and China, among others. Holding a smaller bilateral training with Russia may be a significant growth, but it’s rarely a step modify.
However, while serving protection minister, Prabowo oversaw the continuous expansion of Indonesia’s protection ties with the US and its allies. In August, Indonesia signed a new security pact with Australia, hailed by the latter as the most important safety contract in the two neighbors ‘ story, with Prabowo shepherding the agreement on Indonesia’s side.
Super Garuda Shield, an annual martial training involving Indonesia and the US plus aligned capabilities, grew in size and difficulty under Prabowo’s view. This time, the practice ran for a fortnight from August 26 to September 26 and involved some 5, 500 forces from Indonesia, the US, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Brazil, Brunei, India, South Korea, New Zealand and Thailand.
By contrast, the Orruda 2024 naval exercise being conducted with Russia right now is obviously smaller in size, lasting only four times and involving only a few hundred soldiers overall.
As one expert, who preferred to remain unnamed, frankly put it:” It’s kind of a pitiful practice if you compare it with Garuda Shield. This is similar to the shift you give a man after consuming a delicious meal at Garuda Shield.
Fauzan Malufti, a security analyst and part of JATOSINT, which provides open-source knowledge on Indonesia’s defense, was less contemptuous.
” Given the number of warships and the exercise materials, I do n’t think it’s merely symbolic”, he said. But, Malufti agreed that if compared to activities with American forces, Orruda was evidently much smaller and less complicated.
Zooming out, Prabowo’s willingness to amuse hot ties with Russia and possibly boost military assistance can be viewed as part of Indonesia’s classic choice for non-bloc positioning.
In terms of security, reaching out to Russia and China might serve as a signal that Indonesia’s close ties to the US do not indicate that it has abandoned its space for political maneuvering.
According to Fitriani Bintang Timur, a senior researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute,” I privately think Prabowo would like to emulate India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who positioned India as a member of the Quad while also meeting with Putin.”
She cited Prabowo’s unanticipated request for a peace deal with Ukraine at the Shangri-La summit in Singapore in 2023 as evidence of his desire to establish Indonesia as a dominant middle-class on the global stage.
However, Prabowo’s well-known preference for foreign plan, his desire to cut an important figure on the global stage, and his unpredictability may be what are driving a foreign policy that is attention-grabbing but does not actually signify a course change.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank’s deputy executive producer, Shafiah Muhibat, acknowledged that some members of Indonesia’s foreign policy community were surprised by moves like joining the BRICS but unsure of their true significance.
Jokowi is known for his ability to attract attention, but he also enjoys being on the international stage, she said. Whether these may add up to a clear and specific proper perspective, though, is still uncertain, Shafiah said, suggesting the situation may be clearer over the next year.
For the time being, this year’s marine practice seems more important for Russia than Indonesia, according to Radityo Dharmaputra, a teacher and specialist in Indonesia-Russia connections at Airlangga University.
Russia can demonstrate that, despite American attempts to isolate it diplomatically, it still has strong diplomatic relations with an important middle power, he said.
The exercises have the potential to grow even further. Russia, I believe, also understands that Prabowo wants a global stage to showcase his abilities. If Russia gives that, and the West overly criticizes Prabowo, he will lean to Russia more”, Dharmaputra predicted.
Philippine military drills to seize an island in the South China Sea
Manila: On Monday ( Nov. 4), the Philippine military held two weeks of combat training that would include capturing an island in the contested South China Sea and probably drawing criticism from China. More than 3, 000 Filipino military, military, and air force workers may participate in the maneuvers, whichContinue Reading
Bangladesh steps up payments to Adani Power to avoid supply cut
After the American company allegedly cut energy supplies by half because of an underpaid$ 800m costs, Bangladesh is ramping up obligations to Adani Power.
Adani, which supplies 10 % of Bangladesh’s power, is currently being processed by two senior government officials, according to two state sources.
A senior Bangladesh Power Development Board official told the BBC,” We have addressed payment issues and already issued a$ 170 million ]£143m ] letter of credit to Adani group.”
Adani products Bangladesh from its 1600 watt coal-fired plant in southeast India. The company has n’t responded to BBC queries about cuts to its supply to Bangladesh, which suffers regular power shortages.
According to reports, the firm has threatened to halt all purchases if the money owed to it is not paid for by November 7th. However, the Bangladesh Power Development Board official claimed that they “did not think it would not occur” that supplies may be completely cut off.
Officials from Bangladesh told the BBC they are comfortable in resolving the payment crisis and that they may make payments slowly and regularly.
” We are shocked and surprised that resources have been cut despite us ramping up bills.” We are prepared to pay back and take alternative arrangements, but we wo n’t let any power producer hostage us or blackmail us, according to Fouzul Kabir Khan, energy adviser to the interim government.
Bangladesh stepped up repayments from$ 35m in July, to$ 68m in September and$ 97m in October, he said.
In remote areas, there are already more severe power shortages in the nation.
Bangladesh has been having trouble generating foreign currency to pay for expensive, necessary goods like light, coal, and fuel. Following decades of student-led demonstrations and social unrest that led to the Sheikh Hasina government’s ouster in August, foreign currency reserves decreased.
In addition to its current$ 4.7 billion bailout package, the interim government that took her place has requested an additional$ 3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund ( IMF).
Adani’s energy deal with Bangladesh, signed in 2015, was one of the many under Sheikh Hasina, which the present time government has called thick. A federal committee is then reassessing 11 previous offers, including the one with Adani, which has often been criticised as expensive.
Another American state-owned companies, such as NTPC Ltd and PTC India Ltd., are selling power to Bangladesh, according to officials from the Power Development Board, who confirmed that partial payment of money owed to various American energy suppliers are also being made.
To address the source shortage, Bangladesh is restarting some of the gas- and oil-fired energy plants, despite the claims that it will raise electricity prices. As air conditioners are down, power usage on the grid is anticipated to decrease as the winter draws near.
It is crucial to maintain the readymade power supply from Adani because other coal-fired plants are operating at 50 % power and the nation is unable to purchase enough coal due to the dollar crisis. Although it is marginally more expensive than local producers, the supply is important, according to retired professor and energy expert Dr. Ajaj Hossain.
In order to expand its energy mix, Bangladesh plans to start building its first nuclear power plant in December. Built with Russian help, it is costing$ 12.65bn, typically financed by long-term Russian money.
Thailand to send 800 workers to Israel despite conflict
PUBLISHED: 4 Nov 2024 at 19: 29
Despite the region’s ongoing conflict, the Department of Employment did give 800 workers to Israel this month, according to DoE chief Somchai Morakotsriwan on Monday, despite the fact that many Thais continue to show an interest in working there.
Mr. Somchai assured the personnel that they would only be stationed in secure places, noting that employers are prohibited from sending Thai employees to conflict areas in northern Israel.  ,
Mr. Somchai predicted that the government would develop a plan to move the staff to safety in the event that Israel and Hezbollah’s issue worsens. He claimed that staff from the Labour Ministry have spoken with representatives from the Bangkok-based Israel Embassy to discuss the matter.  ,
When asked if the selection would endanger the laborers ‘ existence, Mr. Somchai said suspending the assistance do not protect their health because if they really want to work in Israel, they may find a way to travel alone, which would make it more difficult for the government to follow and defend them.
The number of people who attended a new recruitment drive at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, where thousands of potential employees took a knowledge test, reflect the high demand for jobs in Israel.  ,
Marius Savescu, a member of an Israeli recruitment company, said Zionist companies are looking to replace about 2, 000 posts, with many looking for builders, ironsmiths, carpenters, and tilers. According to the organization, the majority of companies are looking for male applicants between the ages of 25 and 45.
According to Mr Savescu, at least 3, 000-4, 000 additional workers will be needed in Israel’s construction sector before the end of the year. The demand is expected to rise to 10, 000 next year, he added.
Last year, 2, 174 Chiang Rai locals left for various jobs in Israel. After being held hostage following the Hamas attack in October 2023, three people were killed, one injured, and two were rescued.
Mr. Somchai said the Labour Ministry is in discussions with Israeli authorities regarding repatriation and compensation under Israeli labor laws in light of Hezbollah’s rocket attack in the northern city of Metula, which resulted in four Thai workers ‘ deaths and one injured worker.
The DoE will work with the Overseas Employment Fund unit to offer immediate financial aid to the victims ‘ families.
They are expected to receive 40, 000 baht for funeral expenses and another 40, 000 baht for their descendants, said Mr Somchai.
High Court dismisses Changi Airport Group’s appeal for tax savings on S$272 million spent on assets
SINGAPORE: The High Court dismissed an appeal by the operator of Changi Airport to claim capital allowance on S$ 272 million ( US$ 206 million ) it spent on assets over three years.
In response to capital expenditures made by Changi Airport Group, which was granted a license to maintain Changi Airport in 2009, two airports, several airport, and aprons were made in accordance with the Income Tax Act in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Capital conclusions can be claimed for certain fixed resources ‘ wear and tear. The volume can be deducted from taxable business income, lowering the amount of corporate taxes due.  ,  ,
CAG’s capital expenses in respect of these goods amounted to S$ 272, 575, 162 across the three times.  , But, the Comptroller of Income Tax denied the investment income statements.  ,
The main point of the debate was how neither party could agree on whether the goods should be referred to as “plants.” Capital allowances will be available for property that fall under the flower concept.
According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore ( IRAS ), a plant refers to the , apparatus with which a person carries on a trade, business or profession. This contrasts with the conditions under which the deal, business, or job are conducted.
According to CAG, the property were “plants” within the significance of the Income Tax Act. The Comptroller disagreed, and he granted CAG commercial building permits on the grounds that the property were structures.  ,
The Income Tax Board of Review determined that the airports, airport, and aprons were no vegetation that qualified for capital accommodations, and CAG later filed an appeal against the Comptroller’s analysis.
Justice Choo Han Teck was then in charge of the case in the High Court.  ,
Justice Choo stated in a ruling from November 1 that he and the board shared the view that the fundamental purpose of the airports, taxiways, and aprons is that they are” structures that allow for aircraft to travel and sleep.”
” Appropriately, it is the premise on which the appellant’s business occurs, as opposed to an equipment used for the trade”, Justice Choo said.  ,
ARGUMENTS
The Comptroller was represented by IRAS attorneys Bjorn Lee Long Jin and Flora Koh Swee Huang, while the CAG was represented by Wong Partnership attorneys Tan Kay Kheng, Tan Shao Tong, and Goh Ziluo.  ,
Mr Tan Kay Kheng, the prospect attorney for CAG, argued that the committee had erred in finding that the runways, taxiways and aprons were more properly classified as structures , despite accepting their operating part in the business.  ,
Both factors had previously agreed that the airports, airport and aprons were “designed to aid and ensure the safe getting, driving, and take-off of airplane” at Terminals, 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Changi Airport.
He even submitted that the airports, airport and apron were” base and important” to the business, as they performed critical capabilities in facilitating the safe landing, rollout, take-off, and ground action of aircraft.  ,
Additionally, he claimed, these assets offered additional functions, such as being navigational tools, preserving the safety of aircraft, and preventing skidding.  ,
Justice Choo and the Comptroller both agreed, saying that aerodrome equipment, which had already been given capital allowances, was primarily responsible for the maintenance of safety and navigation.  ,
The judge and the board agreed that the runways, taxiways, and aprons are basically structures that allow aircraft to travel through and rest, and that is why they are the premise of trade rather than a plant.  ,
The ( runways, taxiways, and aprons ) should be regarded as the “very tools of trade” because they make up the essential components of the means used by the appellant’s trading operations, according to Mr. Tan.
” However, the focus of the inquiry as to the exact operational role of the asset is not on the extent to which it is functional, or integral to the taxpayer’s business,” said Justice Choo.  ,
He claimed that the integral nature of the runways, taxiways, and aprons did not indicate whether they were a plant or a structure.  ,
Justice Choo added that the board was the “primary trier of fact” because it was a specialist tribunal with subject-matter expertise and had the benefit of hearing witness testimony and visiting relevant sites.  ,
” Therefore, as long as there is reasonable ground for the Board’s findings, the court should be slow to intervene, “he added.  ,
He disagreed with CAG that the decision made by the board was unreasonable, or that it erred in law, and therefore affirmed the board’s finding.  ,
Malaysian pop star nabbed in drug bust in Southern Thailand
PUBLISHED: 4 Nov 2024 at 19: 17
A well-known Indonesian pop song has been arrested after more than 6, 000 meth pills were found in Thailand’s southern state of Narathiwat, authorities said on Monday.
Thin Norshaheeda Azlin Binti Wan Ismail, 29, commonly known as Eda Ezrin, was nabbed on Friday in a motel in Sungai Kolok area.
She was arrested with five different Malaysians: Mohamad Alif bucket Deraman, 32, Mohd Affendi al Ahmad, 34, Nur Aida binti Mamat, 32, Erdieka al Mohd Noor, 31, and Zuhaira Nasrin, 25.
The party was found with 6, 060 meth devices.
All six suspects tested positive for drug use, despite no one claiming to have the items in their hands, according to a policeman source.
The defendants have now been charged with possessing with goal to deliver methamphetamine, considered a Type 1 narcotic substance, and using the illegal drug, authorities said.
They were brought to court on Monday.
Two suspects have also been charged with unlawful entry into the country because their passports were improperly stamped by Thai or Indonesian immigration authorities.
On Monday, about 100 followers of the song and six suspects ‘ families gathered outside the Narathiwat statewide court.
About 50 crowd-control police officials were deployed at the police station.
According to a local source, plain-clothes Indonesian police officers and reporters were seen surrounded by the group outside the police station.
According to the cause, these officials visited Narathiwat to see how the Thai police handled the case.
Authorities in the neighboring nation have longer pursued one of the six suspects, according to an unknown Indonesian commander who told the cause.
Melbourne Cup 2024: Vauban, Absurde, Buckaroo among Flemington runners
Getty Images-
4 November 2024, 11: 44 Noon
Willie Mullins, an Irish coach, may aim for a rare first Melbourne Cup victory on Tuesday in Australia’s most renowned race.
Mullins, the only man to train 100 winners at jump racing’s Cheltenham Festival, has targeted the Flat contest ( 03: 00 GMT ) as a key event he wants to win.
He hopes next year’s favorite Vauban, who finished 14th, may fare better this time, with Mullins even running Absurde, who took eighth place 12 months before.
At Flemington Racecourse, Sea King and Onesmoothoperator will compete against other European coach Harry Eustace and represent Brian Ellison.
Holden Cup runner-up Buckaroo is among the leading Australia-based hope in the’ culture that stops a country’. Coach Chris Waller, who was born in New Zealand, even saddles Kovalica, Land Legend, Valiant King and Manzoice.
Vauban won the Lonsdale Cup at York before coming in second place to Kyprios in the British St Leger the previous day, while Absurde won the Chester Stakes after winning the County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Mullins did adore winning a Melbourne Cup.
Mullins, 68, who finished second with Max Dynamite in 2015, said,” It’s probably the biggest level race in the world that I may get with the type of ponies we buy.”
” That’s why it’s a contest that we’d really like to win”.
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7 November 2023
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There have been four Irish-trained winners of the Melbourne Cup- Vintage Crop ( 1993 ), Media Puzzle ( 2002 ), Rekindling ( 2017 ) and Twilight Payment ( 2020 ).
Aidan O’Brien, Mullins ‘ compatriot, missed out on a chance to win the race for the first time after Jan Brueghel, Mullins ‘ rival, failed a veterinary check last week. Stringent checks on international athletes, aimed at improving the event’s safety record, were introduced in 2021.
After Charlie Appleby and Cross Counter did it six years ago, Ellison and Eustace are bidding to become the next American instructor to get the two-mile competition.
Onesmoothoperator won the Northumberland Plate before in the year, and on October 23rd, Australia, it won the Geelong Cup.
After winning on Prince of Penzance in 2015, American sprinter Hollie Doyle takes the journey on Bendigo Cup winner Sea King.
Doyle is among a record number of four women riding in this year’s race, alongside Jamie Kah ( Okita Soushi), Rachel King ( The Map ) and Winona Costin ( Positivity ).
” I think it’s the most critical thing”, said Waller. ” We’re all similar on a racecourse and that’s what makes racing but unique”.
Related issues
Oz axes Lockheed military satellites, leaving a hole in the sky – Asia Times
In a significant blow to Australia’s defense capabilities, the federal government is canceling what would have been the nation’s largest-ever space project: an A$ 7 billion ( US$ 4.6 billion ) military satellite communications system.
Today ( 4 November ), a press release confirmed the decision. The Albanese state gave the green light to the ambitious programme only 18 months prior.
Despite its proper importance, sources from the defense industry who were quoted by The American newspaper claimed that inadequate funding was given to begin the program. According to the ABC, “defense industry statistics believe there are cheaper alternatives accessible.”
The program’s cancellation would represent a significant change for a system that was intended to make Australia’s defense communications safer at a time when the landscape of cyber threats has been continuously changing.
The rise and fall of JP9102
The optimistic telescope initiative is known as JP9102. Following a dynamic delicate process that included big players like Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and Optus, it was awarded to US defence company Lockheed Martin in April 2023.
The task aimed to release some huge military-grade satellites. It would also involve some ground stations, fresh dish communications operations centers, and a key management system. Taken up, this may create a stable communications system for Australia’s war.
Currently, the Australian Defense Force ( ADF) uses a complex network of up to 89 different” capabilities” ( military assets ) that rely on satellite communications.
The complete security and protection that JP9102 promised are lacking in this current system. Without it, Australian military communications might be exposed to computer and electronic battle attacks.
The Department of Defense statements in its statement that its” recent satellite communications features support the organization’s quick needs.”
What is military spacecraft deliver?
An “uncrackable information system” across the ADF was intended as a result of the proposed satellite system, according to authorities.
These high-tech satellites would have provided safe communications for ground forces, naval vessels, and fighter jets throughout the great Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike business satellites, military satellites incorporate advanced crypto and anti-jamming skills. They are thus much more resistant to cyberattacks and digital war.
Military satellites are vulnerable to complex cyberattacks from both position and non-state players.
China and Russia are commonly recognized as having advanced features in this area. They are capable of intercepting connections, compromising satellite signals, and even threatening to overthrow satellite systems. Additionally, North Korea has demonstrated expanding capabilities in cyberwarfare, especially in sign jamming.
During their businesses in Crimea in 2014, Russian troops reportedly slowed and hampered satellite connections. More recently, hackers impaired dozens of satellite computers that were a part of the Viasat satellite system, causing problems to both military and civilian contacts across Europe at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Iran has been accused of entangling GPS and dish channels in the commercial market. This demonstrates how even countries with less developed military might be able to cause serious risks to satellite contacts.
JP9102 was considered a “bleeding-edge systems job”. Ideas for machine learning capabilities to improve dexterity and responsiveness were included. The potential for potential scientific advancements was highlighted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in a previous review of the project:
If the JP9102 satellites are based on open-architecture style or software-based systems, they may benefit from upcoming on-orbit cleaning technologies that could increase their usefulness and capacity over time.
A budget real
The main lesson is that the budget reality of Australia and its defense ambitions are growing.
The choice to revoke JP9102 highlights the difficult balance between the need to secure Australia’s military communications and the costs associated with doing so as regional tensions continue to rise and computer threats progress.
In a place that is increasingly contested, Australia must figure out how to secure its military communications. A major potential space in Australia’s military communications approach will need to be filled by the withdrawal of JP9102.
Defense designers will probably need to look for other solutions. These may include partnering with business satellite companies or joining allied military dish networks like the United States.
David Tuffley is top professor in applied morality &, security, Griffith University
The Conversation has republished this post under a Creative Commons license. Read the original post.
Singapore Airlines to spend S$1.1 billion to retrofit planes
SINGAPORE:  , National carrier Singapore Airlines ( SIA ) said on Monday ( Nov 4 ) it will spend S$ 1.1 billion ( US$ 835 million )  , to retrofit the cabins of its long-range Airbus A350-900 planes, as competition toughens. According to an analyst, cash-rich Gulf airlines like QatarContinue Reading