National athletes can apply for undergraduate scholarship, to get CPF top-ups under spex scheme
SINGAPORE: A new scholarship for undergraduate student-athletes as well as CPF top-ups for those under the , Sports Excellence Scholarship ( SpexScholarship ) programme were announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong on Wednesday ( Aug 21 ).
Mr. Tong stated that the spexEducation Undergraduate Scholarship may offer cash for expenses like tuition fees and training materials at the High Performance Sport Ecosystems stakeholder wedding program at the Sports Hub.
The award, which will be available to applicants from next fortnight, may have two tracks, the first being the “dual job” track for athletes continuously pursuing their studies while training and competing.  ,
For those who decide to pursue their studies after retiring from competitive sports, there will also be the “new job” record.
The scholarship is open to active sportsmen prior to pursuing their full-time undergraduate education, as well as active sportsmen pursuing their academic research, said the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY ) in a brochure.
Applicants must be carded spexPotential and above and supported by their National Sports Association ( NSA ) at the time of application, among other requirements.
Applicants may choose to analyze any academic sure although sport-related courses are “preferred”, especially for those applying for the “new job” track, said MCCY.
The fellowship will give our sports yet more assurance that their primary training can be managed, said Mr. Tong.  ,
To give “even more reassurance”, for those who , taking up the fellowship and study sport-related programs, Sport Singapore ( SportSG) does aid job opportunities in the sports industry when they are ready to join the workforce, as formerly done, said Mr Tong.
Under the , “dual career” track,  , full tuition fees will be covered for scholars who , pursue degrees in local autonomous universities or overseas universities assessed to provide a good “daily training environment”. Regardless of their academic path, this is.
For the “new career” track,  , full tuition fees will be covered for scholars who , pursue degrees in local autonomous universities as well as , sports science or sports management degrees in overseas universities.
These scholars are responsible for paying the additional costs associated with pursuing an equivalent degree at a local autonomous university, according to MCCY, for non-sport courses at foreign universities.
Property agent let unregistered agent he was mentoring handle S$900,000 condo unit purchase
SINGAPORE: A real estate agent with several juniors under his guidance helped an unregistered agent he was mentoring , handle a S$ 900, 000 ( US$ 688, 000 ) purchase of a condominium unit.
Under the Estate Agents Act, an unlicensed salesperson may promote property transactions.
When the agent for the unit’s sellers at Symphony Suites realized the mentee was unregistered, she complained to the Council for Estate Agencies ( CEA ), which oversees the real estate agency sector.
Spencer Ng Boxiong, a 32-year-old Singaporean, was ordered to pay S$ 8, 000 by a court on Monday ( Aug 19 ) for assisting a property purchase by an unregistered real estate agent under the Estate Agents Act.
The person he was mentoring, 33-year-old Singaporean Benjamin Chang Yongxie, was fined S$ 21, 600 for his role on Tuesday. He was charged with more crimes than Ng.
THE Event
According to court records, Ng knew Chang from about 2020. Chang informed Ng that he had begun taking a real estate seller course and was getting ready for the CEA exam by the end of April 2021.
Once he was registered, Chang intended to visit Ng’s group of officials at ERA Realty Network. In September 2021, he informed Ng that he had passed the exam.
In October of that year, Chang began messaging Ng to get tips on conversations he had with friends or acquaintances looking to purchase or sell real estate.
Ng listened to Chang’s questions and guided him through the steps necessary to accomplish a home purchase despite knowing that he had yet to be registered as a salesperson.
Even though he had not yet obtained his license, Chang asked Ng if he could post on Instagram that he was” for viewing” a friend’s home.
Ng responded with:” Yes do n’t worry” and” Just Insta”.
Chang reported to Ng that his companions had requested financial assistance in the form of a condo unit around October 16.
Ng praised Chang for expressing his support for his two companions, saying that it would be a “win-win” condition.
The two friends would n’t have to pay Chang because Chang would be co-broking and splitting the profits with the seller’s agent.
Chang gave his acceptance of this counsel and said he would “firm it up” with his client companions.
He also stated to Ng that he was attempting to persuade his friends to approach another friend who wanted to purchase a unit at the same property in Yishun. He was encouraged to try by Ng.  ,
Chang after stated to Ng that he would be presenting his two companions and their friend in their respective purchases. Ng responded with an encouragement.  ,
Ng continued to advise Chang on how to accompany a potential client, instructing him to close both purchases as soon as possible and to claim that the commission was “easy five ( figure )”.
He also taught Chang to” only remain it” and following his second customer while the seller’s agent conducted the viewing.  ,
Ng asked Chang on Oct 16, 2021, if he had already obtained his membership. Chang told him not.
Chang had spoken with an adviser from PropNex Realty, who was referred to in court records just as Irene, who represented the apartments unit’s dealers in Symphony Suites.
Chang claimed to have “buyers who are interested in this product” and that he was” Benjamin from ERA.”
His second customer claimed that Irene was represented by a Chang-based agent named” Ben” when they had spoken differently. Irene was unaware that Chang and the three customers were connected.
After Chang and his two companions had taken pictures of various properties, he sent Ng a picture of himself and his buddies posing with a blank copy of an exclusive land company agreement on October 17.
He suggested that Chang ask Ng if the image might be shared on social media, and he agreed.
Finally, Chang contacted Irene to express his two companions ‘ give of S$ 890, 000 for the condo device, after getting Ng to examine through the present.
Chang after spoke to Irene, who agreed to share her fee of 2 per cent of the property’s selling value with Chang likewise.
Ng encouraged Chang, saying:” Got 1 per share is great! “!,” great income” and “push for the 5 determine”!
He also explained to Chang that he would only have another S$ 1,100 payment to meet his five-figure goal.
Finally, Chang represented his two companions to get the condominium unit for S$ 900, 000.
Ng congratulated him and wished him good fortune, reminding him that” the key was making money and learning things” by facilitating the transaction.
FINALISING THE Purchase
On Oct 27, 2021, Chang and Ng met Irene to finalise the purchase. After Chang introduced Ng to Irene as his companion, they began to fill out the paperwork.
Because Chang was yet to be registered, Chang and Ng agreed that any purchases Chang handled may be “tagged” under Ng’s brand.
After Irene signed on the co-broke deal, Ng signed off as the “purchaser’s seller for and on behalf of ERA”, yet though he had not met the customers.
On November 3, 2021, Chang received his subscription and the home purchase was complete.
Around that day, ERA issued an receipt to PropNex for S$ 9, 630- 1 per share of the purchase price plus GST- for Ng’s supposed cooperation of the order.
Ng was to get only 90 percent in commission, with the remainder going to Chang.
Around Nov 16, while submitting exchange records to PropNex, Irene realised that the deal did not contain Chang’s description.  ,
She texted Chang and claimed that the terms of the agreement were unclear.
Chang replied that the facts were Ng’s, which prompted Irene to glance up Chang’s title in CEA’s open file. Before becoming a real estate agent, she realized that Chang had facilitated a deal.
In March 2022, Irene complained to CEA, and CEA immediately began looking into the matter.
In August 2023, ERA issued a credit statement to PropNex as a reimbursement for the payment PropNex had paid ERA. On the grounds of a committee debate, Chang and Ng had started the refund.
UNIQUE CASE WITH OVERLY EAGER MENTOR: Doctors
Prosecutors sought a great of S$ 9, 000 to S$ 10, 000 for Ng.
Ng’s doctors, Mr Anthony Wong and Mr Dominic Kwok from Lee &, Lee, sought a fine of S$ 5, 000 otherwise.
They claimed that this was a “unique event” where Ng had offended someone who he was mentoring had been too keen to get a good start in their new career rather than out of self-interest or private gain.
Despite the fact that Chang appeared to be obtaining his RES registration imminently ( and did receive his registration one week after the period of the offence ), the accused’s chief fault lay in disobeying the sanctity of the RES registration system, according to the attorneys.
They claimed that Ng, who has worked for ERA Realty Network since 2018, was promoted to a group leader when Chang first informed him about passing his exam. More than 10 agents later joined his team.
The attorneys claimed that Ng is now in charge of a group of 60 real estate agents, and that this was his second legal encounter, calling the court proceedings “highly distressing.”
Both Ng and Chang are also listed as real estate agents for ERA Realty Network, according to a search on the CEA’s public record.
Both gentlemen received full payment for their charges.
A conspiracy to aid in a home purchase by an unlicensed real estate salesperson could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 weeks, a fine of up to S$ 25 000, or both.
Indonesia-Australia set to become brothers in arms – Asia Times
On August 20, Indonesia and Australia finalized a fresh defence cooperation agreement, which could have a potential game-changing impact depending on its still-unreleased information.
Some will read the final words carefully for any indications of a change in the two important regional powers ‘ proper placement, especially with US-China relations at a constant cook and Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto assuming the country’s presidency in October.
The whole scope and value of the agreement will only become clear when Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, travels to Indonesia for its standard signing. Marles has already struck a jingoistic word, humming the arrangement as the “most major partnership that our two countries have actually made.”
Marles claimed that the agreement will facilitate the operations of the Indonesian and American militaries in each other’s nations as well as help them work together to promote the “rules-based order,” increase the number of shared exercises, and increase interoperability.
Although this is not an ally as for, Marles said,” …] This is very much both countries saying to one another that we see our individual security as being embedded in one another.”
Indonesia, nevertheless, seems more optimistic about the treaty’s implications. Jokowi praised the agreement as a significant success for both nations, but he made sure to point out that this agreement may certainly undermine Indonesia’s longstanding neutrality.  ,
” As you know we are, by custom, non-aligned. Our people do n’t want us to be a part of any geopolitical or military alliances or groups, Marles said in a press conference with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He framed the agreement as part of Indonesia’s desire to be a” good neighbor” to all.
Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program and a proponent of resserring security ties between Australia and Indonesia, says,” We should n’t believe that this is any indication that Indonesia is somehow getting off the fence in terms of aligning with the West again China.”
As such, experts have cautioned about taking Australia’s passionate remarks to literally. ” Australia often talks up agreements with Indonesia and I suspect this case is no different, even if the agreement has  , treaty , status”, says Euan Graham, a senior analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute ( ASPI).
Prabowo, in my opinion, does n’t agree with Australia’s assertion that bilateral defense cooperation with Australia is about upholding regional order. Instead, he sees connections through a neighbor-to-neighbor , camera”, Graham said.
In the past, Australia and Indonesia have signed significant surveillance agreements. The 1995 Suharto-Keating Pact, put together by Australian prime minister Paul Keating and Indonesian president Suharto, committed the two nations to a solution that almost amounted to a defensive alliance but did n’t pay attention to Indonesia’s long-standing principle of non-alignment.
Since then, but, the connection has been complicated. Australia’s interference in East Timor in 1999 saw the Suharto-Keating agreement abandoned. And while the Lombok Treaty of 2006, which established security cooperation plans for a range of places, has also caused a lot of friction, most just over AUKUS and the Quad, which Indonesia fears could cause conflicts in the region.
With Prabowo’s vote, Australia seems to see an opportunity to develop relationships with Indonesia. Just weeks after Prabowo’s vote, Marcels was in Jakarta to give his gratitude and start the negotiations.
Jokowi has previously taken a more relaxed perspective than many other Indonesian policymakers regarding contentious American foreign policy decisions, including moving Israel’s embassy to Jerusalem and signing to AUKUS. And Prabowo’s defense history and muscular nationalism make him well-disposed toward security politics.
Australia has a strong opportunity to strengthen security ties with Indonesia as a result of China’s rapid rise. Closer security relations with Indonesia have been a common tactic of American politicians, especially among those who question America’s long-term viability as a security partner.
” The great promise of an Australia-Indonesia deal is that they share one important strategic objective”, says Roggeveen. He says the key to success is that neither nation wants to see sea Southeast Asia ruled by China. However, he anticipates that Indonesia will continue to take a counterargument to the West on the topic.
However, Indonesian experts warn Prabowo against doing anything that might damage China’s relations. Yohanes Sulaiman, associate professor of international relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, said,” Persons would be very dangerous.
Given that Jakarta relies on China for purchase in important sectors and has a limited ability to police Indonesia’s enormous territorial waters, the Chinese response to joint US-Philippines patrols in the South China Sea is a caution Jakarta will probably take seriously.
Similarly, Prabowo’s first overseas visit following his election was to China – balanced by successive visits to Japan and Malaysia. Additionally, Indonesia just consented to resume long-running joint military exercises with China.
The political elite of Indonesia if not undervalue the persistent suspicions about American intentions. Some people can still recall deeply about Australia’s involvement in Timor as well as more recent revelations that Australia had spied on Indonesian officials. Regardless of Prabowo’s opinion of AUKUS, some security and foreign policy elites in Jakarta will continue to be ensnared by it.
However, the new security arrangement is an obvious gain for Indonesia-Australia relations and may include within it the seeds of greater integration. Ian Montratama, a professor at Pertamina University, flagged Marles ‘ remarks at improving connectivity between the Asian and Indonesian army as potentially substantial.
Under Suharto, Indonesia procured the donkey’s communicate of its products from the United States, cementing their illegal proper position.
But, post-Suharto and post-Cold War Indonesia have tended to outsource weapons procurement by buying from both the US and its allies, Russia and China, with the problem that it is then frequently challenging to connect these various systems.
Improved connectivity with Australia may lead to a shift away from American military suppliers for security procurement. If this does occur, it wo n’t leave Indonesia akin to the West, but it will undoubtedly lead to a tightening of ties and growing dependence on defense.
Namwa banana prices soar
PUBLISHED: 21 Aug 2024 at 18: 38
The price of the famous namwa selection has skyrocketed as a result of the loss of fruit trees during the hot season, according to distributors, with more increases likely to occur in the next few months.
A bunch of namwa fruits, a favourite range, then retails at 50-60 baht, twice the rate earlier this year, according to Suchada Kongpunt, a 38-year-old fruit distributor.
Numerous fresh fruit trees were wiped out across the country by April’s scorching summer warmth and lack of rain. She said that the situation is getting worse as a result of a severe deficit hitting the business.  ,
Middlemen’s efforts to purchase bananas from growers and the higher fuel costs associated with their transportation to markets contributed to the rate increase.  ,
According to Ms. Suchada, fruit prices may increase even further over the next two months, probably reaching 100 baht per bunch.
Peeraphan Korthong, director-general of the Department of Agricultural Extension, acknowledged the limited availability of namwa fruits, particularly in urban areas.  ,
Despite strong demand, the banana production does not keep up with demand because of the fruit’s lower income during growing and selling.  ,
According to the office, the standard cost of producing bananas was 9.6 ringgit per number, while the total revenue was 2.64 baht per number last year.
Namwa fruit rates at Talaad Thai, one of the region’s largest wholesale markets, have risen constantly since June. The rate increase is attributed to the summer heat’s impact on grain produces. Additionally, the namwa fruits being sold are of lower value and are smaller.
Due to drought, vermin, and disease, the ministry said the prices are expected to either continue rising or decrease until the close of the year.  ,
Mr. Peeraphan advised producers to determine the best time to grow crops to avoid extreme weather and price volatility.
Extension of B30 health care service delayed in Bangkok
PUBLISHED: 21 Aug 2024 at 18: 34
A pilot initiative offering health care at any hospital in Bangkok for 30 baht, according to Caretaker Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, will have to be postponed pending formation of the new government.
The project is intended to be a component of the 2002 launch of the universal health coverage program ( UHCS), also known as the gold card.
People are typically required to visit clinics they have registered with the UHCS before moving on to other institutions to receive specialized care.
This bureaucracy causes inconvenience and deteres many patients from seeking medical care, particularly if they reside far away from their listed hospitals or in other provinces.
By uploading and sharing heath data between various hospitals and clinics, the captain scheme aims to overhaul the country’s healthcare system. It will help UHCS beneficiaries to obtain healthcare and medical supplies from any location that has been approved by the program.
To obtain the service, they may display their identification cards at designated health facilities.
The project has been expanded to 46 provinces, with Bangkok the latest province joining the program that was actually scheduled to begin on Monday.
But, Mr. Somsak claimed on Wednesday that the project had been put off for an indefinite period while the new government was being created and its decisions were being made public.
Mr. Somsak denied that the delay was caused by the inaction of several agencies. He emphasized that the government had already laid the foundation for the project and had engaged in testing.  ,
” Despite the delay, the government will push ahead the project and see it through”, said Mr Somsak.
Somchai Krajangsaeng, a part of the Thailand Consumer Council’s health services sub-committee, said institutions participating in the company may meet certain requirements before they can recognize people.
They may show the task logo. Additionally, there have been conferences held to finalize the financial plans for the participating hospitals so that they have enough money to keep the program in Bangkok going.
He also emphasized the need for open communication with the general public to prevent overcrowding at prestigious institutions like Siriraj, Vajira, Phra Mongkutklao, and university-affiliated facilities that are capable of carrying out advanced techniques.
Indonesia’s Golkar party elects chairman with ties to Jokowi; analysts say move benefits outgoing president
CHAIRMANSHIP A “STRATEGIC POSITION” ,
Al Azhar University Indonesia’s Ujang Komarudin, a political analyst, told CNA that Mr. Bahlil’s session as Golkar chair must have been approved by Mr. Widodo.  ,
” The chairman of Golkar must have a strategic position, ( Mr) Bahlil fulfills that requirement, because he is now an extension of Jokowi”, said Mr Ujang, referring to a commonly used name of Mr Widodo.  ,
He added:” In this environment, whoever the leader is, Golkar will always be under the direction of the leader. But later when Prabowo becomes leader, the Golkar chair may be close to him too” . ,
Social analyst Aditya Perdana believes that Golkar’s former chairman Airlangga Hartarto’s shock resignation was likely result of the intervention of” two powerful people”- Mr. Widodo and Mr. Prabowo- in order for them to benefit in the future.  ,
” So they need a strong ( man leading ) Golkar, a determine who can assist them in the next five years, particularly Mr Prabowo”, Mr Aditya- a social teacher with the University of Indonesia- told CNA.  ,
On August 10, Mr. Airlangga resigned from his position in the group, which was earlier predicted to be advantageous for Mr. Widodo.
Soon after Mr Airlangga’s departure, Golkar announced it would maintain a national conference to appoint a new president. The appointment was originally scheduled for December, but rather took place on August 20 and 21.
Mr Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the group’s time chair, denied that the two-day parliament was a mere politeness to nominate Mr Bahlil as the fresh chair.  ,
” This is not a ( mere ) formality. This democratic plan needs to be put into action by the gathering. To get ready for the social plan that will come up next, especially the local elections, Mr. Agus told IDN Times.
However, political spectator Dr. Cecep Hidayat from the University of Indonesia predicted that Mr. Bahlil’s close relationships to Mr. Widodo and Mr. Prabowo will be crucial to a successful move to the upcoming government.
He thinks Mr. Bahlil might be given a higher supervisory position within Mr. Prabowo’s coming management.  ,
” Bahlil could fill a relatively higher post, such as ( that of a ) coordinating minister”, Dr Cecep told CNA.
However, Ali Mochtar Ngabalin’s statement from Golkar legislator Ali Mochtar Ngabalin on August 20 that party leaders have requested that Mr. Widodo been the chairman of Golkar’s Board of Trustees may be a sign of things to come.
In order to determine several party plans, the Board of Trustees is tasked with providing guidance and suggestions to Golkar group leaders.
Golkar people informed the local media that Mr. Bahlil, the group’s newly-elected president, is in charge of appointing somebody as chair of its Board of Trustees.  ,
And if Mr. Widodo does indeed resign from office in October, according to analysts, the party may give him a platform to expand his social influence outside of the Palace.  ,
Previous Indonesian President Soeharto served in this advisory capacity up until he resigned in 1998. And Mr. Soeharto had complete control over setting Golkar’s party policy at the time, even though he was n’t the party chair.
A potential shift by Mr. Widodo to add Golkar will help keep his political strength and proper negotiations positions intact, according to Mr. Agung Baskoro, a political researcher at the consulting firm Trias Politika Strategis.  ,
” Jokowi is a strong figure, has a clear mass base, ( and ) his track record is quite good at the executive level”, Mr Agung told CNA.
Sudarat”s party to expel MP for rebellious behaviour
PUBLISHED: 21 Aug 2024 at 17: 50
An MP who frequently voted against the tiny opposition group’s stated line and argued with another parties’ has been given a recommendation from the Thai Sang Thai Party ethics section.
Khunying Sudarat Keyurapan, the TST party leader, and Pokin Polakul, the group’s control and morality general, created the committee to look into all six MPS.
Supaporn Salapsri, a Yasothon MP, was recommended in their record on Wednesday.
The commission claimed that Ms. Supaporn, a first-time MP, frequently voted against the opponent’s stated place and publicly joined another party’s activities without explaining why.
Her behavior posed questions about the TST and may lead people to believe that the group had received rewards from other parties, according to the council.
Despite being summoned twice to support herself, Ms Supaporn had not offered any reason.
The committee decided to punish her by imposing an eviction and determined that she was in violation of the group’s code of ethics.
The group’s executive committee will receive a report from Mr. Pokin and the party’s board for more action. The committee will ask each of the five different MPs for clarification on how they behaved as they go on.
The five people are list-MP Thakorn Tanthasit, MP for Roi Et’s district 7 Chatchawal Paetyathai, MP for Ubon Ratchathani’s district 9 Rampoon Tantiwanitchanon, MP for Udon Thani’s district 3 Rang Thurapol and MP for Udon Thani’s district 6 Adisak Kaewmongkolsap.
Next year, all six TST MPs voted in favor of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the candidate for prime minister in Pheu Thai. Khunying Sudarat was upset by their behavior because they alleged they contravened celebration policy and the moral standards that were required of them.
Following that statement, List-MP Thakorn claimed that he and another MPs had endorsed Ms. Paetongtarn as prime minister. The group had no vested interest in the selection and had not made any discounts.
China’s laser-armed warship heating up Pacific tensions – Asia Times
China’s most recent decision to install a light tool on an aquatic war ship represents a significant expansion of its naval capabilities, reversing previous trends toward energy-based defenses and escalating tensions in the Pacific.
A new light weapons program has been installed in a Model 071 amphibious transport dock, according to a report from The War Zone this month.
The ship, reportedly the Siming Shan, with the crossbow quickly aft of the spear’s 76mm gun, was hidden under a dome-like support when not in use, according to The War Zone.
According to the document, this action echoes the efforts of the US and other countries to put directed energy arms on their ships, as demonstrated by the USS Portland’s Laser Weapon System Demonstrator.
According to the report, China’s laser system, whose details are still undetermined, is intended to boost defense against small-boat swarms and unmanned aircraft, with potential dazzler capabilities for blind sensors and seekers.
The War Zone states that the Type 071 fleet, close to the US San Antonio course, serves as a test platform for the light tool, indicating China’s growing curiosity in enhancing its naval battle technology.
In the South China Sea, China has recently used light arms in non-lethal ways. In a number of maritime skirmishes in June, Chinese maritime law enforcement officers focused what appeared to be a bright light on Spanish officers who were documenting the experience.
In February 2023, the Philippines claimed that China had fired a military-grade light at a Spanish Coast Guard vessel while conducting a recharge vision to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
The event, which briefly blinded the Philippine team, took place shortly after the Philippines gave the US more complete access to its military installations. China’s Foreign Ministry denied using laser against the BRP Malapascua, asserting that the Philippine ship had entered the area without license.
These activities go against China’s proper “war without gunsmoke” and aim to undermine allies ‘ confidence in China’s resolve and strengthen China’s positional advantage in the area.
China may have taken training from the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Ukraine war by mounting a new form of light tool on its Model 071 amphibious transportation dock.
Unmanned surface vehicles ( USVs ) have severely damaged Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine, while the Houthi’s arsenal of ballistic missiles and suicide drones has stretched US and allied interceptor missile stockpiles.
In April 2024, Asia Times reported that Taiwan, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s marine successes, is escalating its USV production to store possible Chinese aggression. The use of USVs against Russia’s marine assets in the Black Sea is at least a part of Taiwan’s strategic move toward asymmetrical satellite war.
A US$$ 25 million development programme for USVs has been launched by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology to begin production of at least 200 vessels by 2026.
These USVs, costing around US$ 250, 000 each, are designed for murder strikes against People’s Liberation Army Navy ( PLA-N) boats and can be operated remotely from up to 70 meters away.
Taiwan may become gaining USV creation a boost from the US. Asia Times reported in February 2024 that the US Department of Defense ( DOD ) is actively seeking design proposals for a new fleet of low-cost, highly autonomous drone boats known as the Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary ( PRIME) Small Unmanned Surface Vehicle ( SUSV ) project.
In light of the proper insight gained from the Ukraine conflict, this initiative aims to strengthen coastal military functions. The proposed SUSVs are expected to have a variety of 926 to 1, 852 meters, carry a load of 450 kilograms and obtain a sprint rate of at least 35 knots.
They must also navigate autonomously, even in GPS-denied environments, and feature a resilient manufacturing supply chain for critical components.
The PRIME project emphasizes the value of cooperative autonomy and the ability to integrate various modular payloads, sensors, and effectors.
These drone ships could significantly improve the capabilities of foreign allies and partners, including Taiwan and the Philippines, making them an affordable option for asymmetric naval warfare in the context of a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
In addition to USVs, Taiwan’s new loitering munitions may have given China a sense of urgency to develop laser weapons as a cost-effective countermeasure, given the inconsequential use of multi-million-dollar interceptor missiles against suicide drones that cost just a few thousand dollars each.
This month, The Aviationist reported that Taiwan is set to deploy its Chien Hsiang loitering munitions in a large-scale “precision live-fire exercise” from August 20-22 near Jiupeng Base in Pingtung. The Aviationist claims that this is the first time the domestically developed drones, which were unveiled in 2019, are actually used. They resemble the Israeli IAI Harpy.
The Aviationist says the Chien Hsiang, designed to engage enemy missile positions and radar stations, has two variants: an anti-radiation weapon and a decoy.
It states that with a range of 1, 000 kilometers, speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour and five-hour endurance, these drones can autonomously navigate to preset waypoints and are launched from a 12-cell trailer-mounted launcher.
In addition to the Chien Hsiang, Asia Times reported in June 2024 that the US has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of Switchblade 300 and Anduril ALTIUS 600M loitering munitions, both of which have been combat-tested in Ukraine.
The US Navy is working to improve its anti-air defenses with pure energy weapons, according to Defense One’s report this month, in contrast to China’s progress with using and developing laser weapons. Defense One claims that the lack of a commercial market for enough powerful lasers has hindered US progress.
The main challenge is developing lasers that can defuse missiles from miles away, a technology that is not fueled by increasing commercial demand. It asserts that as offensive missiles and drones become more accessible and deadly, the need for cost-effective and flexible defenses grows.
Defense One notes that although the US Navy has deployed experimental lasers, such as the Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy ( ODIN ) and the 120-kilowatt High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance ( HELIOS), their effectiveness against fast-moving or non-optical sensor weapons is still limited.
According to the report, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and US defense contractor Lockheed Martin collaborate to test and create prototypes of up to 500 kilowatts. However, it points out that integrating these systems into a layered defense strategy is challenging.
According to Defense One, the US has tested individual directed-energy devices per ship in an effort to create a multi-system defense in the upcoming years. It does mention, however, that the US military continues to rely on expensive missiles to combat less expensive drones, which highlights the need for more effective measures.
Bangladeshi preacher used passport with different name to enter Singapore and give illegal, extremist sermon
A Bangladeshi extremist preacher used a passport with a name that was different from what was on the country’s security databases to enter Singapore and deliver an illegal sermon there, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) on Wednesday ( Aug 21 ).
MHA claimed that although it was conscious of Amir Hamza’s history, it “did not have his fingerprint at the time of his access.”
The Bangladeshi regional is being investigated by the government for speaking to migrant employees at the Lantana Lodge hostel in Tuas without permission. Additionally, it is looking into the event’s administrator and the participants.
” Amir Hamza’s lecture propagated fundamentalist and separatist lessons that were unsafe, and harmful to Singapore’s social harmony”, said MHA.
BALANCE AT THE Territories
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam told the media on Wednesday that Singapore must strike a balance between what its safety demands and what visitors encounter.
” You’ve got to remember, individuals from all over the world come into Singapore. We must maintain a positive experience at the airports. Individuals have to feeling welcomed to Singapore”, he said.
At the same time, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) has the “very difficult” task of guarding against people like Amir Hamza from entering Singapore.
Mr. Shanmugam pointed out that Singapore has historically prevented pastors from entering, including by disqualifying them at edges.
Indonesian priest Abdul Somad Batubara arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in May 2022, but he was denied entrance and later returned to Batam on the same day.
” In this case, he ( Amir Hamza ) managed to get through”, said Mr Shanmugam.
When asked by CNA if the agency’s procedures would be reviewed, Mr. Shanmugam responded,” You don’t be interviewing every individual who is coming in as if he is even a possible radical, or someone who might be a radical.”
The minister claimed that ICA was identify each new traveler and pose specific questions to them, but doing so would adversely affect both the airport experience and Singapore’s tourism sector.
He ( Amir Hamza ) appeared to be the same as any other person entering Singapore, and we will examine it, but keep in mind that we must ensure that we balance the needs of the economy with those needs, he said.
EXPOUSING EXTREMIST VIEWS
MHA said in a media release that the Bangladeshi regional had in his Aug 9 sermon , called non-Muslims “kafir”, which means heretics.
He even held up alleged Bangladeshi extremists as places of worship, including many Jamaat e-Islami leaders, who are banned in Bangladesh, and whose members have been detained for allegedly engaging in terrorism, according to MHA.
Amir Hamza had politicized his entire lecture as well. He claimed that the earlier Bangladeshi authorities, which was led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, had executed people who opposed them. He called the past state “oppressors.”
He also asserted that victory will come when Bangladesh becomes an” Islamic nation” ( MHA ).
According to the government, neither Amir Hamza nor the administrator had requested the necessary permission before he could deliver a speech in Singapore.
He left Singapore the following day, on August 10, and the government received authorities information on August 12.
SECURITY ATTENTION BACK HOME WITH ATTRACTED SECURITY
Amir Hamza’s reported radical teachings and connections to terror have attracted the attention of Bangladesh’s security, according to MHA.
” He has reportedly promoted religious prejudice, hatred and violence in his speeches. He is also alleged to be an influential figure in Ansar al-Islam ( AAI), a pro-Al-Qaeda terrorist organisation operating in Bangladesh”, said the ministry.
In 2021, he was arrested in Bangladesh for his alleged evil links, terrorism-related actions and inciting violence. He apparently was freed on bail while awaiting test in December of last year.
A Bangladeshi AAI-linked evil suspect who planned to attack the Bangladesh parliament was also reportedly influenced by Amir Hamza’s statements.
He apparently admitted to intentionally misinterpreting religious doctrines and spreading extremism through his speeches, according to MHA.
ZERO TOLERANCE
The authorities are looking into those responsible for the August 9 incident and may “take solid action” if it is determined that they broke Singapore’s laws or pose safety risks.  ,
This includes imprisonment, trial or detention under the Internal Security Act.
The Singaporean government takes love and extremist talk quite seriously. We will not tolerate people, international or local, spreading and promoting opinions that threaten Singapore’s security, or our racial and religious harmony”, said MHA.
Additionally, it cautioned immigrants against bringing their political agendas into the nation or engaging in such actions.
Additionally, it stated that foreigners who want to hold discussions that are “religious, cause-based, or political in nature” in Singapore must get a Miscellaneous Work Pass, and that it is against the law to organize or take part in a public council without a police force.  ,
” Despite our best efforts, some citizens with security concerns will pass through our investigations and enter Singapore because we are welcoming and welcoming to the rest of the world. “, said MHA. ” The government can help us by staying diligent, and reporting suspicious persons and actions to the regulators”.
Myanmar shopowner caught selling smuggled goods on Koh Phangan
PUBLISHED: 21 Aug 2024 at 16: 56
A Myanmar person has been detained for operating a seized goods retailer without permission and selling contraband cigarettes and other illegal goods on Koh Phangan, a popular tourist island.
Local leaders, multiculturalism and local authorities soldiers raided the store on Wednesday and arrested the landlord, Aye Ae Khaing Oo, aged 36 years.
They found and impounded a range of illicit products, including instant noodles, canned tuna, coffee and international smoking.
The girl was accused of operating a company without permission as a foreigner.
At the store, two gentlemen from Myanmar were also detained. Soe Min Niang, 27, was charged with working outside the words of his work force, and Phyo Wai Soe, 28, a client, was charged with unlawful entry.
All three were turned over to the Koh Phangan officers place for legal actions.
Two Burmese people are also being detained by police who seek the store. ( Photo: Supapong Chaolan )