Retrenchments in Singapore more than doubled in 2023: MOM report
EMPLOYMENT Total employment, excluding migrant domestic workers, rose by 8,400 in the final quarter of the year. It was also the ninth consecutive quarter that total employment had increased. MOM noted that the growth in total employment has moderated “significantly” for both residents and non-residents as compared to previous quarters. “ThisContinue Reading
Dissident Russian band remain in Bangkok prison, fearing extradition
PUBLISHED : 31 Jan 2024 at 11:13
UPDATED : 31 Jan 2024 at 15:38
A Russian-Belarusian rock band has found itself in a precarious situation as its members languish in a Bangkok prison following their arrest while performing in Phuket, AFP reported, as an international clamour continued against their potential deportation to Russia.
Authorities apprehended members of the Bi-2 band, who have vocally opposed President Vladimir Putin and his involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, following their concert in Phuket last week. Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns of the dire consequences they could face if sent back to Russia, citing statements from a Kremlin spokesperson accusing the band of supporting terrorism.
In a recent update on the band’s official Telegram channel, it was revealed that singer Egor Bortnik, also known as Lyova, has departed Thailand for Israel, leaving the rest of the group detained in a cramped cell alongside scores of others.
Officials acknowledge the arrest of “seven or eight” individuals for performing without proper work permits, hinting at potential deportation. According to a police source, “four or five” detainees are currently held in a Bangkok detention centre.
The band members may be extradited if they broke the law, Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said later on Wednesday.
“If people do nothing wrong, we cannot extradite them,” he said.” This is subject to international law. But if they are wrongdoers, action must be taken.” Mr Parnree said the National Security Council was finding facts about the matter.
However, Thai media reported that a senior immigration police official had cast doubt that any band members would be extradited. “Those wanted for political or other reasons won’t be sent back to Russia,” Deputy Chief of Immigration Police Pol Maj Gen Pantama Nutnarot reportedly said.
One of the seven band members had already been deported to a third country, he reportedly added, while the others can request help from the UNHCR and if they hold dual nationality, can seek to return to the other country of their citizenship.
The organisers, VPI Event, claimed they had secured all necessary permits, but the band was issued tourist visas erroneously, resulting in their detention. VPI asserted that immigration officers focused solely on penalising the artists, ignoring the usual protocol of contacting event organisers in such situations, AFP reported.
Allegations have surfaced of pressure exerted by the Russian consulate to thwart the band’s performances since December. VPI has lamented the obstacles encountered in securing the artists’ release, citing unprecedented challenges at every turn while expressing hope for a swift resolution.
While several members holding dual nationality, including Israeli and Australian citizenship, the band enjoys significant recognition in Russia. Their stance against supporting the war in Ukraine led to the cancellation of numerous concerts in 2022, prompting their departure from Russia.
A co-founder of the band has publicly criticised the Putin regime, expressing profound disillusionment and accusing the longstanding leader of causing harm to Russia. HRW has underscored Russia’s track record of targeting dissenters abroad and implored Thai authorities to refrain from deporting the band members, fearing repercussions for their outspoken criticisms.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, called for the release of the detained members, saying they should be allowed to depart freely and asserting that deportation to Russia could subject them to arrest or worse, given their outspoken opposition to President Putin and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the government not to deport the band to Russia.
“I’m worried about the situation involving the Belarus-born rock band Bi-2,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“It’s now absolutely clear that Russia is behind the operation to deport the band.”
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Dissident Russian band remain in Bangkok prison, fearing deportation
PUBLISHED : 31 Jan 2024 at 11:13
A Russian-Belarusian rock band has found itself in a precarious situation as its members languish in a Bangkok prison following their arrest while performing in Phuket, AFP reported, as an international clamour continued against their potential deportation to Russia.
Authorities apprehended members of the Bi-2 band, who have vocally opposed President Vladimir Putin and his involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, following their concert in Phuket last week. Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns of the dire consequences they could face if sent back to Russia, citing statements from a Kremlin spokesperson accusing the band of supporting terrorism.
In a recent update on the band’s official Telegram channel, it was revealed that singer Egor Bortnik, also known as Lyova, has departed Thailand for Israel, leaving the rest of the group detained in a cramped cell alongside scores of others.
Officials acknowledge the arrest of “seven or eight” individuals for performing without proper work permits, hinting at potential deportation. According to a police source, “four or five” detainees are currently held in a Bangkok detention centre.
Despite claims by the organisers, VPI Event, of securing all necessary permits, the band was issued tourist visas erroneously, resulting in their detention. VPI asserted that immigration officers focused solely on penalising the artists, ignoring the usual protocol of contacting event organisers in such situations, AFP reported.
Allegations have surfaced of pressure exerted by the Russian consulate to thwart the band’s performances since December. VPI has lamented the obstacles encountered in securing the artists’ release, citing unprecedented challenges at every turn while expressing hope for a swift resolution.
While several members holding dual nationality, including Israeli and Australian citizenship, the band enjoys significant recognition in Russia. Their stance against supporting the war in Ukraine led to the cancellation of numerous concerts in 2022, prompting their departure from Russia.
A co-founder of the band has publicly criticised the Putin regime, expressing profound disillusionment and accusing the longstanding leader of causing harm to Russia. HRW has underscored Russia’s track record of targeting dissenters abroad and implored Thai authorities to refrain from deporting the band members, fearing repercussions for their outspoken criticisms.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, called for the release of the detained members, saying they should be allowed to depart freely and asserting that deportation to Russia could subject them to arrest or worse, given their outspoken opposition to President Putin and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
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Navigating Bangladesh’s economic trajectory – Asia Times
Bangladesh, since its liberation in 1971, has undergone a profound economic transformation, evolving from one of the world’s most impoverished nations to one of the fastest-growing economies.
Despite significant progress in indicators such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recent external shocks, particularly from the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have brought attention to the vulnerabilities in the nation’s economic landscape.
Also read: Why Bangladesh can’t get enough of Hasina
In the face of adversity, Bangladesh showcased resilience by achieving GDP growth of 3.4% in 2020, outperforming many developing nations and earning accolades for its government’s adept management.
However, the subsequent move to seek a US$4.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), alongside Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in late 2022 suggests underlying economic challenges that extend beyond immediate global uncertainties.
Awami League re-elected
As Bangladesh concluded its 12th parliamentary election on January 7, with the Awami League securing victory for a fourth consecutive term under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the implications for the country’s economic future are significant.
A critical concern that emerges is the over-reliance on the textile and ready-made garments (RMG) sector, contributing more than 84% to total export earnings in the fiscal year 2019-20. This concentration exposes the economy to risks associated with global demand fluctuations and the labor-intensive nature of production methods.
While the service sector offers short-term support, the imperative for long-term diversification strategies becomes evident.
Turning attention to the tax landscape, Bangladesh currently maintains a tax-to-GDP ratio of 8%, ranking as the second-lowest in South Asia. Institutional corruption poses a substantial hindrance to revenue mobilization, negatively correlating with the tax-to-GDP ratio and impacting taxpayer compliance.
Urgent anti-corruption measures, coupled with progressive tax systems and expenditure rationalization, are indispensable for ensuring fiscal stability, addressing inequality, and fostering sustainable economic development.
The balance of payments presents another challenge, with a significant import-export mismatch exacerbating issues in both the current account and the overall balance of payments.
Fiscal deficits, partially attributed to reduced exports and increased import bills, add strain to the economic scenario.
A decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) further contributes to the fall in the capital-account balance. Strategies such as export promotion, reducing dependency on imported inputs, and improving the business climate are necessary to rectify these macroeconomic imbalances.
Because of global events, the diminishing foreign-exchange reserves and weakening Bangladeshi taka necessitate urgent government action to protect the country’s business environment.
Such measures as halting non-essential imports and limiting the supply of US dollars to commercial banks aim to safeguard reserves but simultaneously pose challenges, including uncertainty in timely payments to foreign suppliers.
Government intervention, complemented by social-security measures, is crucial to stabilizing the domestic economy and protecting vulnerable sections.
In the energy sector, despite a significant increase in electricity generation capacity, the plant load factor (PLF) reached an all-time low in 2022. Addressing the demand-supply gap through technological upgrades and a swift transition to renewable sources becomes imperative for sustaining economic growth.
Inflationary pressures, primarily driven by escalating food and fuel prices, intensify economic challenges and intersect with a banking sector in upheaval. Issues such as loan fraud, capital flight, cronyism, and bureaucratic corruption underscore the intricate ties between economic challenges and the dynamics of patronage politics in Bangladesh.
Environmental concerns
Furthermore, Bangladesh grapples with the dual challenges of addressing inequality and managing the economic risks associated with rapid climate change. Efforts to reduce inequality through increased social expenditures, stimulating savings and investments, and ensuring inclusive growth are crucial.
Simultaneously, the country contends with the threat of climate change, marked by rising sea levels, urbanization, and deforestation, jeopardizing livelihoods and ecosystem services. Effective mitigation strategies, supported by international grants and technology transfer, are crucial to combat environmental degradation and safeguard economic productivity.
In a broader context, the political business-cycle lens sheds light on the fluctuation of economic activities in response to external interventions by political actors aiming to boost the incumbent government’s re-election prospects.
Bangladesh’s historical trends reflect a departure in 2014 and 2018, where GDP growth increased during election years, possibly due to reduced uncertainty about power transfer. If the newly elected government successfully addresses ongoing challenges, the economy may rebound in the latter half of this fiscal year, leading to another period of growth in the next election year.
Finally, as Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of its economic trajectory, strategic interventions and a departure from historical trends are crucial. The intricate interplay of economic challenges, political dynamics, and global uncertainties necessitates a holistic and proactive approach.
By addressing these multifaceted issues, Bangladesh can not only weather the current storms but also position itself as a resilient and thriving player on the global economic stage.
Taiwan angered at ‘unilateral’ China change to Taiwan Strait flight path
Chieh Chung, a military researcher at Taiwan’s National Policy Foundation, said the new route would be about 7km from the median line, which would squeeze the pre-warning and reaction time for Taiwan’s air defences. “It is trying to completely eliminate and deny the existence of the median line,” he said.Continue Reading
Randstad Malaysia released the 2024 job market outlook & salary guide report
Companies seek talent in gaming, cybersecurity, renewable energy & data analytics
Cost, flexible work crucial in today’s talent market, with M’sians seeking higher-paying jobs, non-monetary benefits
Randstad, the world’s largest talent agency has released the 2024 Job Market Outlook and Salary Trends Report in Malaysia to help employers and job seekers navigate the…Continue Reading
Billion-dollar money laundering probe: Man accused of lying to get work passes for himself and his wife
SINGAPORE: A man implicated in the billion-dollar money laundering probe involving suspects from China and luxurious property purchases has been handed fresh charges of lying to get work passes.
This comes just two days after Su Wenqiang received new charges for laundering about S$477,000 (US$355,770).
The 32-year-old Cambodian national who is originally from Fujian, China, allegedly lied in applications for work passes for himself and his wife.
According to the fresh charge sheets, Su signed and declared in an application for an employment pass in February 2022 that he would be employed as a sales director by Fleur Business Service.
However, he allegedly had no intention of working for the company.
Around the same time, Su allegedly conspired with a person known as “Wen Wen” to obtain a work pass for his wife, Su Yanping.
His wife and “Wen Wen” applied for the employment pass, declaring that she would be employed as a director of Ju You Family Office. However, the employment was allegedly false.
Su now faces 11 charges in all. According to the prosecution’s claims in previous court hearings, he was wanted in China and worked as an executive in a remote lottery business operating from the Philippines and Cambodia.
He then moved to Singapore with his two young children, intending for them to live here permanently.
He allegedly used S$500,000 from his illegal proceeds to buy multiple luxury goods including a Mercedes Benz vehicle and to pay for rental at lavish condominiums.
He is set for a pre-trial conference on Thursday.
‘His Majesty will set it right’: Optimism over Malaysiaâs new king as Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim is sworn in
He noted that in recent times, the relationship between the different ethnic races in Malaysia has been tense, perpetuated by polarised political differences, and that the Johor Sultan will be the right person to unite the masses.
“Presently, we can see the relationship between the races are beginning to fracture,” said Mr Hussein.
“But I do believe that His Majesty will set it right to unite all people of Malaysia as one Bangsa Malaysia,” he added.
Mr Teh, the South Johor SME Association advisor, said Sultan Ibrahim could also improve Malaysia’s bilateral relations with some foreign countries through soft diplomacy, given his strong personal friendship with international world leaders.
“His Majesty … has very good international diplomatic connections, especially with Singapore,” said Mr Teh.
“We believe and we also hope that he can make Malaysia the choice to attract more foreign direct investments,” he added.
Political analyst Adib Zalkapli, director of public policy consulting firm BowerGroupAsia, told CNA the role of the monarch in Malaysia has evolved over the years.
He noted that previously, the king played a symbolic role as head of state. However, especially during the reign of Sultan Abdullah over the last five years, the king has been crucial in resolving political stalemates in Malaysia.
For instance, Sultan Abdullah played a key role in resolving the political impasse after the last 2022 general election ended in a hung parliament, when he appointed Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister to lead a unity government.
Mr Adib noted that Sultan Ibrahim’s outspoken style and willingness to lend advice in government matters means that the ruler would further shape the role of the monarchy.
“Sultan Ibrahim has always played a key role in the governance of the state. And I think with the expansion of the role of the Yang Di Pertuan Agong that we’ve seen over the last five years, it fits very well with Sultan Ibrahim’s character and style of ruling,” said Mr Adib.
“So it wouldn’t be a big surprise to Malaysia in general to see a more assertive monarchy in the coming years.”
S$1.5b Envy Global fraud case: Ex-director gets new charge of trying to launder S$500,000 in shophouse sale
SINGAPORE: A businessman at the centre of an alleged billion-dollar nickel investment fraud case was slapped with a fresh charge of attempted money-laundering on Wednesday (Jan 31).
Ng Yu Zhi, a 36-year-old Singaporean who was formerly managing director at Envy Global Trading, is accused of trying to sell a shophouse at 13 Bussorah Street to a Gan Wee Pin for S$500,000 (US$372,800) in October 2023.
This was at a fraction of the S$5 million price he had purchased it for in the first place.
The property in the new charge is already part of his existing set of charges, numbering over a hundred.
Ng was already accused of laundering money by buying the shophouse in the first place in 2020 or 2021 with a sum of more than S$5 million that came from alleged criminal proceeds.
Those criminal proceeds are from the alleged fraudulent business by Envy Global Trading, according to previous charge sheets.
Ng was remanded in February 2023 after being unable to raise the increased bail of S$6 million sought by the prosecution.
This was after his bankruptcy proceedings revealed he had further undisclosed assets.
At the time, his then-lawyer had argued for a lower bail amount, saying Ng would not “run away” and “do that to his own father”, who raised the previous bail of S$4 million for his son.
However, Ng eventually managed to raise the increased amount and was out on bail when the fresh charge allegedly occurred.
He is currently detained at A Division at Police Cantonment Complex after attending an interview with the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) on Monday.
On Wednesday, Deputy Public Prosecutor Gordon Oh sought seven days’ remand for Ng, saying there are further suspected incidents of money-laundering involving “many parties”.
He said there were also telecommunication devices found in Ng’s possession which require further review.
He sought no bail for Ng, saying there were risks of tipping off other suspected involved parties and potential destruction of evidence if he were released.
“There are also risks that computer evidence found in telco devices may be destroyed or compromised and other investigative leads from these devices or these persons may also be compromised,” said Mr Oh.
Defence lawyer Johannes Hadi from Eugene Thuraisingam’s law firm said that his client had attended the CAD interview on Monday morning.
“Investigations into these alleged offences have been ongoing since Monday. I just want to put this on record, so that by the time we get back next week, we will have a sense of how long the investigations had been going on and we can evaluate the position again then,” he said.
The lawyer added that this case has been ongoing for quite long, with intensive investigations.
The prosecution said the new charge involves property which is the subject matter of one of the charges that has been transmitted to the High Court.
Ng was first charged in March 2021 with cheating and fraudulent trading. His latest charge is his 107th.
He allegedly raised money from investors to purchase nickel, promising varying returns when the companies involved did not purchase any nickel.
The scheme allegedly cheated investors of about US$1.1 billion, and has already landed other men in jail for their attempts to help Ng flee Singapore.
The judge ordered Ng to be remanded for investigations and adjourned the case to next week.
4 men charged with forgery, submitting false documents for building works at Our Tampines Hub
SINGAPORE: Four men were charged on Wednesday (Jan 31) over creating or submitting false procurement documents relating to the development of Our Tampines Hub, a project under the People’s Association.
At the time of the offences between October 2017 and June 2019, Seet Thong Kok, 67, was a facilities manager with the term contractor engaged by PA for minor works.
He allegedly instigated the term contractor’s administrative staff to forge 18 quotations purportedly issued by other contractors.
The police said Seet had intended to deceive PA that the term contractor’s quotation was the lowest of the three quotations for the building works.
Seet was charged with forgery offences. If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to four years and fined.
Three other men – Vincent Chang Yew Teck, 63, Lee Kian Wee, 51, and Soh Chun Kang, 42 – were also charged with offences relating to furnishing false information to a public servant.
Chang was a deputy director of facilities management at the PA, while Lee was a senior facilities manager of contracts at the PA.
Soh was a senior key account manager of the then-managing agent engaged by the PA.
The trio are accused of engaging in a conspiracy to furnish backdated procurement documents to the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) between December 2020 to February 2021, during the AGO’s audit of Our Tampines Hub development project.
A total of 142 allegedly backdated procurement documents were submitted to the AGO.
If found guilty, they could be jailed for up to six months and fined.