Resorts World Sentosa’s casino licence renewed for just 2 years over ‘unsatisfactory’ tourism performance

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SINGAPORE: The Gambling Regulatory Authority ( GRA ) has renewed the casino licence of&nbsp, Resorts World Sentosa ( RWS ) for just two years, one less than the usual three, over the integrated resort’s “unsatisfactory” tourism performance.

The innovative two-year word begins on Feb 6, 2025.

GRA reported on Monday ( Nov. 18 ) that it had evaluated RWS’s ability to develop, maintain, and promote its integrated resort as a” compelling tourist destination that meets prevailing market demand and industry standards, among other things.

In doing so, GRA said RWS ‘ tourism performance for the time of analysis from Jan 1, 2021, to Dec 31, 2023, was “unsatisfactory, with a number of areas that require repair and large development”.

An independent review board, led by the Minister for Trade and Industry, held this view.

Sentosa Development Corporation ( SDC ), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry ( MTI ) were also taken into account.

CNA has contacted GRA to inquire about where RWS fell little.

The second examination, according to the evaluation panel, should take place in 2026.

” GRA will continue to work with MTI, STB, and SDC, to ensure that RWS meets the requirement to create, maintain and market its IR as a powerful holiday destination”, said GRA.

In December 2023, GRA fined RWS S$ 2.25 million ( US$ 1.7 million ) for failing to perform due diligence checks when receiving cash of S$ 5, 000 or more from third parties to deposit into customers ‘ accounts.

The game technician is required to carry out checks on lenders when they receive S$ 5, 000 or more, according to GRA, adding that the great was the biggest penalty it had ever dealt to a game controller.

RWS operates one of Singapore’s two games. The other is run by Marina Bay Sands.

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‘So horrible’: Fashion e-retailers complain about high parcel return rates after Singles’ Day sale

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SINGAPORE: A week after the close of China’s largest website shopping windfall, one issue is starting to rear its mind: The fall of product results, with some womenswear shopowners seeing profit rates of up to 90 per cent.

Singles ‘ Day, or” shuang shi yi,” a 24-hour online shopping event that means “double eleven in Mandarin,” has grown into an annual blockbuster retail season. This time, deals were dangled from Oct 14, three-and-a-half days before the meeting.

According to regional media reports, product results have increased significantly this year, compared to previous trends. On social media, angry e-commerce shops also voiced their grievances, which drew attention to the issue.

Buyers have reacted at the same time, saying they did so because their payments were not of the highest caliber and fit.

“PLEASE STOP RETURNING YOUR GOOD S”&nbsp,

No official data is available for the number of returned items during the Singles ‘ Day browsing time. But, checks by CNA found several online content complaining about this trend.

Xiao Feng, &nbsp, a person on the Taiwanese social media platform Xiaohongshu, posted a picture on Oct 29 showing a large pile of returned items containing children’s clothing.

” Choose stop returning your products! There were so many people in this first Singles ‘ Day return, the person grumbled. ” I sent out 20, 000 plans and 10, 000 were returned, among them were also items that were unjustly sent again. &nbsp,

” This is so terrible, who would even try to sell women’s clothes? ” &nbsp,

A blog by another person Tian Tian on Nov 1 claimed that during the initial wave of profits for Singles ‘ Day, out of the 2, 000 items sent out, 1, 500 were returned. &nbsp,

A, a different retailer, displayed the large collection of clothing that had been returned to her Xiaohongshu account. &nbsp,

” Results on the left, items that are supposed to get shipped out, and this is definitely only 50 per cent of it,” she wrote”. Fellow retailers, what are your profit rates? ” &nbsp,

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Billion-dollar money laundering case: 15 of 17 foreigners who fled Singapore agree to surrender S.85b of assets

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SINGAPORE: Fifteen of the 17 foreigners who fled Singapore amid the probe in the&nbsp, S$ 3 billion money laundering case&nbsp, have agreed to surrender about S$ 1.85 billion ( US$ 1.37 billion ) worth of assets to the state, said the Singapore Police Force ( SPF ) on Monday ( Nov 18 ).

These assets, which make up 98.6 % of the entire property seized from them, had been ordered by the court to surrender them. &nbsp,

The 15 immigrants who had their circumstances dealt with had been “dealt with,” according to the authorities.

CNA is aware that all 15 of their circumstances have been successfully settled because of this.

The various two immigrants are still the subject of inquiries.

SPF continued,” Assets worth S$ 144.9 million that are related to them are still being seized or subject to restriction of waste orders.

The cases involving the 17 immigrants fall under one of Singapore’s largest income fraud satellites. Tips on a group of immigrants using forged papers to launder money in the nation were the start of investigations in 2021.

In August 2023, nine people and one female were simultaneously detained in wealthy estates all over the country, with roots in China.

In the weeks following the detention, billions of dollars worth of assets linked to the offenders and another offenders on the run were seized- including difficult cash, luxury properties, branded items, crypto and beer.

All 10 immigrants were immediately convicted of money laundering, among other crimes, and sentenced to jail.

Of the entire property seized from the 10 criminals or often linked to them, about S$ 944 million worth of assets, or 92.1 per share, &nbsp, were surrendered to the position, the authorities said on Monday.

In June, the final of the ten criminals was sentenced. Following their prison sentences, they have all been deported and are prohibited from regaining Singapore.

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CNA Explains: What are the legal options for victims of deepfake porn?

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SINGAPORE: Last month, it emerged that&nbsp, spoofing skinny photos&nbsp, of Singapore Sports School individuals had been created and circulated by colleagues.

Officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, were able to recover this after receiving blackmail letters containing fabricated, vulgar images earlier in 2024. &nbsp,

A recent and growing scourge has been identified as an “explosion” of deepfakes created using artificial intelligence ( AI ) techniques to alter visual and audio content. &nbsp,

What are the legitimate alternatives? &nbsp,

According to attorneys, works involving these fake photos may fall under the Penal Code.

” As these are all critical arrestable crimes, the officers did research and if the offender can be found, the issue would probably result in state prosecutors”, said Mr Cory Wong, chairman of Invictus Law. &nbsp,

He cited certain Penal Code provisions that might apply to the Singapore Sports School patients, who could be between 13 and 18 years old. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Wong, one who creates algorithmic AI video with a child’s mouth on under the age of 16 may face a criminal record for purposefully creating child abuse stuff under Section 377BH of the Penal Code.

This can lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, plus possible fines or canings.

For distributing baby abuse stuff, a man could be jailed up to seven years, and can&nbsp, even be answerable to a good or to punishment.

If the patients are aged 16 or below, the offences may fall under Area 377BE of distributing close pictures, said Mr Wong. &nbsp,

A possible excellent and punishment are associated with this section. It can serve as a maximum sentence for up to five years. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Under the Protection from Harassment Act ( POHA ), those who&nbsp, intentionally cause harassment, alarm or distress could be charged as well. And this could use to creators&nbsp, and marketers of photoshopped sexuality, &nbsp, said Ms Tania Chin, chairman of the dispute division at TSMP Law.

Patients may also submit a POHA request to obtain a protection order against the offender. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Wong, a security order might contain conditions allowing the offender to remove the material and refrain from publishing or disseminating it. &nbsp,

He acknowledged that a sufferer may not be able to sue every social media person who distributes the content, making a protection order in this situation “pointless.”

Under Singapore’s Films Act, custody or development of an outrageous algorithmic video could also be an infraction.

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Far From Home: Migrant workers risk death, arrest and abuse by illegally entering Malaysia. Is it worth it?

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Like Mr Syamsul, Mr Jaspal ( not his real name ) was blacklisted from Malaysia under similar circumstances: Absconding from his first workplace whom he claims did not pay him his income.

For four years, the 32-year-old- who hails from Punjab in northeastern India- was working without right paperwork, doing different informal jobs for an employer who was in the agrarian business in the town of Rawang, Selangor.

While the minimum pay in Malaysia is fixed at RM1, 500 ( US$ 342 ) per month, Mr Jaspal said that in some good months he can earn up to RM2, 500 monthly, depending on commissions.

He used the emigration department’s relocation program in 2022 to avoid returning home because he had missed work and had to pay a fine of RM500.

Mr. Jaspal claimed to try to work in India, but it was only a fraction for someone without any formal education. His time in Malaysia, where he could make five days as many as he could in the same work, was a far cry.

” I thought I had no choice but to go home,” he said. He continued, adding that he had previously secured employment with his former employer prior to his return, “it really was n’t an easy decision to come here again.”

Mr. Jaspal entered Malaysia in 2023 after being blacklisted from entering the country. He had previously booked a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, before taking a bus to fraudulently area in Malaysia. &nbsp,

He paid about RM4, 000 to an adviser.

Mr. Jaspal admitted that he did not hear the bus’s way, but that he did enter Malaysia without having his passport stamped. He added that he was riding the bus the entire time and did not have to cross any immigration land crossings.

It took roughly 20 hours to travel to the border with some immigrants from India as well as those from different nations. &nbsp,

He is aware of another immigrant people who have entered Malaysia through crossing streams. &nbsp,

The federal government was informed on November 5 that the state government of Kelantan may consider the structure of a 100-kilometer wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Saifuddin Nasution, the home secretary, claimed the wall was still in the development stage about a week later. However, it has been reported that Thailand has consented to the construction of the frontier crossing along the Golok River. &nbsp,

Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police&nbsp, Razarudin Husain was reported as saying by Bernama that a roof would enable the government corner cross-border unlawful activities. &nbsp,

In the interim, it is unknown whether Thai and Malaysian leaders were paid to enter the country safely after Mr. Jaspal was smuggled into Malaysia.

However, a report released by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime earlier in March on immigrant trafficking in Southeast Asia claimed that for corrupt practices are prevalent both in the area and elsewhere in the world.

Mr. Jaspal, who is now a lorry drivers in Kuala Lumpur, claims that many of his friends have been detained at different immigration department detention facilities and has heard horrifying tales of abuse there. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Mr. Jaspal said he makes a silent appeal to God that he avoids the regulators each morning before going off to work.

He claims that in order to avoid being imprisoned, he has offered money when he has been stopped by law protection. &nbsp,

Due to the immigration department’s latest extensive raids against illegal immigrants, Mr. Jaspal added that his drives are now limited to areas close by.

” I have learned to become more careful and alert of my area. If I have a choice, I would still like to go home and be with my family, but it just is n’t possible at the moment. Mr. Jaspal, who wants to get married and sit down one evening, said,” I can just take it one time at a time.”

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What’s behind some Southeast Asia countries’ push to join BRICS and will Trump’s win be a catalyst?

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WHO WOOULD JOIN THE BRICS NOW? &nbsp,

According to the analysts who CNA spoke with, they see some other South Asian countries that might be able to impose their stamps on the ring, such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are the three Southeast Asian nations that are BRICS finalists. According to Dr. Ian Storey, referring to the NDB, all three nations have close relationships with both Russia and China and get financial help from the BRICS bank. &nbsp,

Myanmar has formally reaffirmed its participation in the BRICS, citing the union as a means of reducing the influence of international sanctions and expanding its economic reliance on China, according to Mr. Jamil.

He warned that it might be difficult for the nation, which has been besieged by a civil conflict since 2021, to join the alliance.

” Myanmar’s domestic political position and strained global position may present challenges to its admission”, said Mr Jamil.

Agreeing, Dr Chong posited that Myanmar is a “very poor prospect” to meet BRICS. &nbsp,

” If they join, it’s because they want some kind of de facto geo-economic or political empire. Because this is the country’s closest point to defending itself against a American action in relation to the country’s ongoing civil war, I use the word “alliance” sparingly. &nbsp,

Should China and Russia join the BRICS, he said,” I would assume that the calculation ( in Myanmar’s capital ) is that the country’s current regime will unwaveringly support it.” &nbsp,

Dr. Chong thinks Laos and Cambodia might ultimately join the BRICS as a result of their support for powerhouse China. &nbsp,

I believe it to be in line with China, their alliance or sponsor. I do n’t believe Laos or Cambodia can serve as true BRICS leaders. Because they primarily enjoy the financial largesse of China, they may begin with observer status. &nbsp,

China has supported them with numerous system projects. Therefore, they do earn China some degree of support”, said Dr Chong. &nbsp,

UNLIKELY FOR SINGAPORE, PHILIPPINES &amp, BRUNEI TO JOIN

Experts believe there are slim chances of them joining the BRICS among the remaining Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Brunei, and the Phillipines.

These nations ‘ economic, foreign, and partnership with American power contribute to this. &nbsp,

Singapore values its position as a global economic hub and adheres to a strict policy of independence in international relations, according to Mr. Jamil, who added that it is “unlikely” to visit a group that would give the impression that it is more in line with China or Russia. &nbsp,

He claimed that joining the BRICS would trample its corporate flexibility and possibly aggravate already-existing relationships.

Note that Singapore had formerly formally imposed financial sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp,

By joining the BRICS, it is unlikely that the Philippines ‘ powerful economic and security ties with Washington will compromise those relationships.

According to Dr. Chong of RSIS,” Americans view the Philippines as an excellent ally, on the same level as South Korea and Japan, and the US is good to invest some of their high-tech funds with the Philippines.”

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Incentives, expectations and reality: Will China’s new push to boost birth rates deliver results?

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Experts cautioned against policies in China’s circumstance, which might have faced the same problems as those in South Korea and Japan, where declining delivery and fecundity rates have not been reversible. &nbsp,

The Chinese government has already done what the Taiwanese government intends to do, according to Dr. Yi. ” China’s newly-introduced policies have been largely economic ( in ) trying to reduce the cost of childcare for families”.

” Japan’s strategy has proved costly and inefficient, only briefly boosting fertility costs”.

Dr Gietel-Basten cited South Korea’s continued fertility problems and warned against adopting a strictly “pronatalist” method, referring to laws designed with the purpose of increasing the delivery rate.

What has changed about Korea’s reproduction level? It just keeps going down and down and over”, he said, noting that, despite plan opportunities, the underlying problems often remain unanswered. &nbsp,

” I believe we must take fresh people’s issues into consideration and incorporate them into the decision-making process.”

WHAT OTHER CANINA Accomplish? &nbsp,

A number of family planning policies, including pregnancy plan, expanded care, and tax deductions for families, were unveiled by China’s State Council in an official statement on October 19.

Some local administrations have also used targeted opportunities to go further. If the wedding is younger than 35 and registers her second marriage in Luliang, Shanxi province, financial incentives of up to 1,500 Yuan may be given to newlyweds who register their first wedding.

With beautiful locations and setting off for the event in gorgeous parks, beaches, and historical landmarks, marriage registrations have also been simplified and yet glamorized, making it easier for couples to enjoy the occasion. &nbsp,

Despite these initiatives and guidelines, some Chinese ladies still have reservations about changing their lifestyle priorities. &nbsp,

Mr Ya Nan, a working and married 29-year-old from Hangzhou, has grown extremely frustrated with societal expectations. ” To me, wedding is basically relationship and it’s for passion. It might not have anything to do with having children”, she told CNA. &nbsp,

” If I want to own children, I did. If I do n’t, I wo n’t. I do n’t pay attention to policies, only to what I truly feel”, she said. ” Just because I now have the legal right to bear children does n’t mean that’s my purpose” .&nbsp,

Instead of rushing to adopt a child out of fear of being pressured by society,” Can’t I wait until I really want one before doing so?”

She even made the point that many people in her city were unable to overcome the system because of her work for a foreign corporation. ” Currently, maternity benefits are n’t even given directly to us ( mothers ), they go to the company”, Ms Ya said. &nbsp,

” In Zhejiang, we simply get one pay: either the pregnancy benefit or six times ‘ salary—whichever is higher, paid by the business”, she said. &nbsp,

” Compared to our acquaintances in Dalian and Shanghai, we end up receiving about 100, 000 yuan less”.

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Former actor Huang Yiliang fined and banned from driving after colliding with cyclist

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SINGAPORE: Former professional Ng Aik Leong, better known as Huang Yiliang, was up in court again on Friday ( Nov 15 )- this time over a customers motion.

Huang, a 63-year-old Singaporean, was sentenced to a fine of S$ 3, 000 ( US$ 2, 230 ) and a driving ban of five years for driving his van into a cyclist as he exited a slip road, fracturing the victim’s elbow.

He admitted guilt on one count of driving without giving another road consumers a due respect, as required by the Road Traffic Act.

On September 20, 2013, the judge learned that Huang was driving a truck along Cavenagh Road’s pass street onto Bukit Timah Road at around 8:20pm.

The target, a 27-year-old Singaporean, was riding on street 4 of a four-lane route along Bukit Timah Road, towards Serangoon Road.

The prosecutor was informed that Huang, who was traveling on driveway 1, of a two-lane pass road leading to Bukit Timah Road, did not appear to stop before the “give method” line.

The victim’s kept side collided with the front left side of his bike as he continued to drive out of the pass road.

After the crash, Huang looked after the biker.

The rider suffered bruising over his right hip, with swelling, and an scratching.

When he arrived at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, he was informed despite having a correct hip fracture. He was afterward given a seven-day hospitalization left afterward.

He was afterwards seen at an orthopedic doctor, where he was given 50 times ‘ hospitalisation left.

His vehicle sustained bruises on both edges, while Huang’s de suffered no harm.

For Huang, the deputy public prosecutor, requested a great of between S$ 3, 000 and S$ 4, 000 as well as a five-year driving ban.

He noted that Huang does not have previous beliefs for this infraction, and that the injury,” though severe, is not very significant”.

Mr. James Gomez, a Sidereal Messiah from Edmond Pereira Law, defended Huang. His prevention argument was “taken as read,” which means that it was not read out entirely in court.

The attorney said it was daytime and Huang could not see plainly, and that Huang had been “blinded” by signals.

CNA contacted Huang’s attorney for the prevention appeal and a speech, but was told that Huang declined both calls.

He paid the fine in total.

After being found guilty of assaulting a Bangladeshi employee in 2018, Huang was given a 10-month prison sentence in February 2021. He was also ordered to pay the target S$ 3, 300 as payment.

He had hired a lawyer to defend his case against the verdict and word, but his arguments were voided.

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St Joseph’s Church stabbing: Man who intervened was retired cop, headed Lee Kuan Yew’s police security team

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SINGAPORE: A member of the congregation who intervened during the St Joseph’s Church stabbing was a retired officer who headed the Singapore Police Force ( SPF ) team responsible for the security of Singapore’s founding prime minister&nbsp, Lee Kuan Yew.

In a LinkedIn article, SATS, the current boss of Mr Richard Tan Chai Boon, said that he&nbsp, was originally from the SPF Special Operations Command.

He is also well known for being a former officer in charge of the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s protection group, according to the blog.

Mr Tan is now the head of studies, training and safety at SATS Security Services.

According to inquiries from CNA, SPF confirmed that Mr. Tan was a police commander and that he retired on May 3, 2018. Mr. Tan opted not to speak with CNA.

On his Linkedin report, Mr Tan described himself as a “veteran legal inspector” who served 38 times in the SPF. &nbsp,

According to the Prime Minister’s Office ( PMO ) website, Mr Tan had received National Day Awards- the Efficiency Medal in 2006 and the Long Service Medal the following year.

If not for members of the church community who stepped up to assist, the startling knife attack on a Catholic priest in Singapore on November 9 could have had tragic effects, according to SATS’ Singapore Hub CEO Henry Low.

” On behalf of the SATS staff, I would like to congratulate Richard Tan… for his confidence, noble nature and professional inclination in mitigating a harmful situation. Richard has two years of experience with SATS. We are pleased that Richard and the rest of the Exams team share our values.

The Singapore Police Force’s ( SPF ) Public Spiritedness Award was presented to Mr. Tan and Mr. Damien Liew Khee Rui on Sunday, November 10.

” We saw our pastor being attacked. After that, Mr. Tan told writers,” We had to go and destroy this man.”

” I needed to do something to make sure that no one else gets hurt, &nbsp, or ( that ) &nbsp, nothing bad further happens”, added Mr Liew.

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