CNA wins international award for scoops on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts

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The anti-graft agency’s recent arrest of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin’s premier Ilham Tower was one of the posts he won the award for. One of the largest buildings in the money is the multi-million dollars business building in Kuala Lumpur City.

Mr. Lopez spoke with former politician’s close contacts in funding, who had a sizable amount of authority during Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s two terms as top. Following Mr. Daim’s refusal to submit petitions from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC ) to reveal his and his family’s financial holdings, they informed Mr. Lopez that the seizure occurred on December 21.

The splitting news article, published that evening, made CNA the first to take the information to visitors. &nbsp,

Another post covered how a royal pardon helped to reduce Najib Razak’s 12-year prison sentence. &nbsp,

Najib started serving his prison sentence in August 2022 after being found guilty in 2020 of corruption-related 1MDB fees. &nbsp,

Mr. Lopez spoke with established sources, including top state figures, to make sure CNA was once more on the record with the account. &nbsp,

These two exclusives were included in Mr. Lopez’s estimated ten research pieces and features on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts and their effects on its social environment, business field, and investment environment.

Mr Lopez is based in Kuala Lumpur. Since the mid-1980s, he has covered a lot of political and economic issues in the area.

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Singtel detected and ‘eradicated’ malware said to be from Chinese hacking group

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SINGAPORE: &nbsp, Singtel said it had detected and&nbsp, “eradicated” ransomware that was apparently from Chinese state-sponsored thieves.

It was responding to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday ( Nov 5 ) that claimed Singtel had been “breached” by a hacking organization known as Volt Typhoon. &nbsp,

The report stated that the incident was reported in June and that it was a part of a wider campaign against telecom companies and other important facilities around the world by quoting two people with knowledge of the situation. &nbsp,

When questioned about the Bloomberg record, Singtel responded to CNA on Tuesday, saying,” We are constantly probed, like any other big organization and key network support company around the world.

The malware was discovered by our safe and detachable steps, which were then reported to the appropriate authorities.

Singtel is the largest telecommunication operator in Singapore. Its company Optus is the second-largest controller in Australia.

US officials announced in May that they had spoken with the Chinese government about a massive computer spy operation involving Volt Typhoon.

According to officials, the activity targeted&nbsp, crucial American network organizations that range from transport hubs to communications networks, and could be used against the country in a potential political crisis.

China’s attempts were to&nbsp, utilize the exposure it has gained into US companies in the event of a conflict or conflict, according to American leaders. The Chinese have denied these complaints. &nbsp,

The Wall Street Journal reported in October that Chinese thieves had hacked into US broadband providers ‘ systems and hacked into provincial government networks for investigations.

Singtel stated on Tuesday that system resilience is essential to its company, adding that it collaborates with security partners to track and tackle the risks it encounters everyday.

The company added,” We also regularly review and improve our security abilities and position to protect our critical resources from evolving challenges.

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No train services between Tanah Merah and Tampines from Dec 7 to 10 as works are carried out: LTA

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To solve this, shuttle&nbsp, railways will run every five hours between Tampines and Pasir Ris facilities, every eight minutes between Tanah Merah and Expo channels, and every 11 hours between Expo and Changi Airport facilities.

On Saturday and Sunday, station companies on the EWL may terminate at Tanah Merah place, before turning around.

The EWL’s coach services may alternate between turning around on Monday and Tuesday during peak hours, switching between ending at Paya Lebar station and Tanah Merah station. This will help to reduce masses at this time.

LTA also intends to increase the frequency of trains on the Downtown Line (DTL ) during the affected time, adding four more trips per hour.

Riders are advised to plan their adventures in advance and speak to LTA’s MyTransport. They could see up to 30 hours of additional travel time. SG mobile apps as well as LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms for changes.

Commuters who pass through the damaged EWL stations are” strongly urged” to take alternative routes via the DTL and various MRT lines, as this may lead to shorter journey times, according to LTA.

An estimated 100, 000 riders will become affected per day, on regular, said an LTA director in response to queries from CNA.

ECID WORKS” Moving WELL”

LTA added that the problems are important because the EWL lines ‘ connection to the ECID calls for a” constant window” for the removal of about 80 m of the existing lines, sleep, and third rail along the existing EWL bridge.

Trains are powered by the second rail, and sleepers are used to keep tracks in place.

The installation of new attendance songs that connect to the reception trail leading to the ECID may follow this.

The third bridge and power cords will then need to get re-installed along the new lines, before testing of the signal, power and communications structure is conducted.

The shutdown was anticipated to occur during the school holiday season, when there are fewer travellers. LTA will also be able to finish the majority of the runs over the weekend and on Monday by beginning the closing on a Saturday, when fewer people are traveling to work.

According to the statement, LTA planned and carried out all probable preparatory work in advance, including the conclusion of the bridges and other works to allow the relationship of the tracks, in order to minimize the overall closure’s duration to the least necessary to finish the needed works safely.

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SFA revokes recall of Gold Plum Vinegar due to ‘false positive’ for sulphur dioxide

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SINGAPORE: A vinegar product that was previously recalled by the Singapore Food Agency ( SFA ) due to the presence of sulphur dioxide, is in the clear, with the agency saying that its previous testing had led to a “false positive” result.

SFA announced on Tuesday ( Nov. 5 ) that the 550ml bottles of Gold Plum Vinegar imported by Goy Chiap Hin do not contain sulfur dioxide and are now permitted for sale in Singapore. &nbsp,

SFA continued to say that those who have purchased the product can continue to take it.

In response to CNA’s questions, the organization stated that this was the first time a false positive had resulted in a understand.

SFA is constantly speaking with the buyer and supplier to examine and explore the best course of action.

The food security regulation recalled the merchandise on Sep 18 after it claimed to have detected sulfur dioxide during regular regulatory sampling efforts, which was not declared on the food package label.

” Following SFA’s relationship with the buyer, &nbsp, SFA conducted further studies and found that the testing procedure used to analyze for&nbsp, sulphur dioxide had led to a false positive effect”, SFA said on Tuesday.

SFA has reviewed and developed a suitable testing strategy for sulfur dioxide in acid products while the methodology used to check for sulfur dioxide is regionally accredited for most meals products.

According to the report, people who are allergic to sulphur dioxide may experience allergic reactions when their food contains too much of it. &nbsp, Symptoms include hives, itchiness, heartburn, diarrhoea and vomiting.

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From national fencer to award-winning director: Nelicia Low on making her debut feature film Pierce

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And the rest was past. Before Pierce, Low directed a slew of critically-acclaimed little movies including 2015’s Ice which was screened at the 38th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the 53rd Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and the 33rd Busan International Short Film Festival.

As one would think, making a feature-length picture is no simple matter. In reality, the 33-year-old admitted that she came close to quitting right before the start of Pierce’s generation.

There was a moment where I thought that if I were to continue shooting the movie in this direction, it would n’t be the movie I had wanted to make in the ten days before Pierce started shooting. I tried to leave because the conditions were so challenging. I said: ‘ I do n’t want to continue because if I do, it’s not my baby anymore.'” said Low.

She added that she called her parents to let them know her determination, anticipating their satisfaction.

” But my uncle looked at me via FaceTime and said: ‘ No, you’re not. You’re gonna go up and you’re gonna accomplish the movie.'”

Without going into detail about what precisely happened, Low said that there were “extremely, extraordinarily difficult killing conditions” that were largely due to COVID-19.

” I carried this on for a long time, and it just fell off,” I thought. It’s extremely painful. If my dad did n’t tell me to go on, I do n’t think I could have done it”, said Low.

” In the end, the popularity and independence from my relatives was very, very important. You can always remember that moment because your kids finally acknowledge who you are in life.

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SPH Media lays off 34 employees in technology division

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SINGAPORE: A total of 34 people in SPH Media’s technology division have been laid off, the company said on Monday ( Nov 4).

The cuts affect people across a variety of groups and divisions, accounting for roughly 10 % of the division, according to The Straits Times, which is a publication of SPH Media.

SPH Media has restructured its tech team in response to CNA’s questions in order to remain competitive and green despite the changing press scenery.

” This includes streamlining its functions and resourcing across various systems works.”

The Business Times and Lianhe Zaobao are even published by SPH Media.

According to the company’s director, the choice was made following” thought and consideration of various alternatives.”

The spokesperson continued, “SPH Media is committed to supporting the affected employees and providing them with complete compensation packages that subscribe to bilateral guidelines, job training, job placement assistance, and counseling support to help relieve their transition.”

Numerous functions in the sector have been streamlined, resulting in job breaks, said the firm ‘s&nbsp, chief operating officer Loh Yuh Yiing and chief technology officer Kaythaya Maw in an e-mail to workers on Monday night.

After the delisting and restructuring of Singapore Press Holdings, SPH Media was established in 2021.

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Becoming a new mum for the first time, I felt both grief and joy when caring for my baby

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Although my child is the best gift I will never regret, the first few days of his care as a new mother were harsh. &nbsp,

His cries and howls were quiet and powerful right away when he was born. He even struggled with sleeping, which meant I struggled with him. It was a Sisyphean work to put him to sleep. &nbsp,

My husband and I had alternately spend time singing, swinging, and shushing him until the period was over because he would light up the moment we put him in bed.

Google and well-meaning feedback told us: You suddenly have a child, you may feel grateful! The time of the newborn baby passes but quickly! Blink and you’ll lose it! &nbsp,

But all I can recall is constantly winking and experience stuck. &nbsp,

Being a fresh mother affected my entire being. No amount of reading, listening to audiobooks, or visiting sites could have predicted the sudden change. &nbsp,

As I learned to adapt, often horror had complete me. Does caring for our child always be this way, I wondered to myself and loud to my husband. Did we come up with a schedule that works for us? Will we ever regain our sense of self?

To these persistent questions, my husband did hold me nearer and assure me that well, even if it’s tricky, we may figure things out. Even if our parenting style is different from what we’ve been used to, we may find our music as new parents. &nbsp,

EMBRACE THE GRIEF- IT ELPS YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THE NEW Winter OF Marriage

The feeling that first struck me when I began acknowledging this grief was guilt. I felt guilty for missing my pre-baby career when my brother, whom I love passionately, was in front of me.

Anxiety and realization of my role as a family contributed to this guilt-grief. My brother and the man he grew up to become would now have a direct impact on the decisions my husband and I made. Coming to terms with that was yet another method impact.

But while terrifying, the realisation even empowered me. I could n’t just sit back and feel nostalgic about missing my old life. Although I’m frustrated and looking for freedom, I must be there for my child. I have to become a responsible family.

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Patients ‘clearing MCs’ or taking sick leave for holidays: Doctors speak out about telemedicine abuse

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STEPPING UP CHECKS ARE TELEMEDICAL APPS

Some healthcare apps and healthcare services reported to CNA that they are increasing checks on their doctors and patients to avoid abuse in the midst of the MaNaDr event.

Speedoc, a modern healthcare provider that provides telemedicine and house calls, announced more checks and assessments on how its doctors issue MCs.

According to the bank’s chief executive officer, Dr. Shravan Verma, this is to assure that the MCs are given in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Dr. Verma added that if a person visits frequently for picture consultations, they might suggest an in-person discussion to make sure no underlying problems are overlooked.

Also, Fullerton Health, which even offers teleconsultations, said it has an call for repeated-visit people who undergo three or more sessions within the calendar quarter. &nbsp,

According to its spokesperson,” These metrics may help doctors advise for patients to visit a real clinic for a rigorous assessment of unsettled or regular health conditions,” as well as a summary of the times and duration of the medical certificates that were issued for each patient.

CNA reported problems last year about some healthcare apps issuing MCs after very brief consultations. After a 43-second distant conversation, a CNA writer obtained an MC from MaNaDr.

Dr Zeng Zhi Yong, a resident physician at BCH Clinic@Pasir Ris, said he conducts about two to three sessions per week, which typically take about five to 10 days.

” It would be challenging to go through everything in a minute because I have other things to do besides ask them about their symptoms. Additionally, we need to examine potential dark colors. For example, if they say they have a toothache, we may ask them to take their temperatures to see if they are having a fever too”, he said. &nbsp,

Dr. Zeng claimed that single teleconsultations can be made with patients who have previously visited the doctor in person. &nbsp,

Besides methods to reduce hypochondria, &nbsp, healthcare providers CNA spoke to said their doctors have to have a vetting operation before they are allowed to conduct teleconsultations.

According to the telemedicine app Doctor Everywhere, all doctors must provide details about their present employment, licensing, and telemedicine experience, as well as proof that they have completed the health ministry’s required telemedicine e-training. &nbsp,

It does n’t employ doctors who have potential conflicts of interest or are in the public healthcare sector.

Also, Raffles Medical said all teleconsultations are conducted by qualified family physicians and general experts. Moreover, all specialists on its teleconsultation system work full-time, with no outside locums. &nbsp,

Also, Dr Zeng said consultant doctors at his office are never allowed to conduct teleconsultations. &nbsp,

” We do this because we do need our people to see a familiar face, but that it’s a bit more comfortable”, said Dr Zeng.

However, the secret doctor who works part-time on healthcare software remained skeptical about how effective these procedures are in preventing healthcare abuse. &nbsp,

She argued that repeat-visit alerts just function when individuals use the same program.

If a person uses a unique telehealth app, the physician would not be aware of their prior consultations on various platforms unless the patient provided this information.

Setting a teleconsultation minimum duration might not be practical, she said, because some conditions do n’t need much time to be diagnosed.

” These steps are more for the doctors to be able to defend themselves”, she said.

” Actually, the people who abuse healthcare, or the whole MC method, may continue to do so. They should also be held liable for their behaviour” .&nbsp,

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Two roads to the same cliff? What a Harris or Trump presidency could mean for China-US ties

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“( A Trump or Harris win is ) two roads to the same cliff”, said Mr Tangen.

Also, Mr Steven Okun, top assistant from the public affairs advisory firm APAC Advisors, told CNA that whoever takes the Oval Office will not have “directional shift” in China policy.

” US-China plan will be the same under either a Harris or Trump administration. There will be more taxes and more investment limits”, he said.

Both candidates for president have now made it clear what they think of China.

” I will make sure … that America, never China, wins the competition for the 21st millennium”, pledged Ms Harris in late August when she accepted the Democratic nomination for the presidency.

However, her Republican rival Mr Trump- who launched a business war against China while in the White House from 2017 to 2021- has vowed to get even tougher on China and” totally eliminate dependent” on the state of 1.4 billion people.

At a recent public lecture in Singapore, Dr. Chen Dongxiao, a senior research fellow and president of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies ( SIIS), said that China is clear-eyed on this and that a Trump or Harris presidency would determine how much of the world’s No 2 economy is contained.

Dr. Chen emphasized that he would have four more years in business without the pressure of re-election if Trump were to win. A US senator may just serve two terms under American law.

He explained that this would be of concern to China, as Mr Trump may have “more area and potential” to mobilise federal companies in order to provide his” aggressive, anti-China isolation plan and measures”.

As observers have noted, China does not want to be accused of meddling in the US vote, so it is not expected to formally state or even mention who it wants to replace as America’s next president. Authorities in China have asserted repeatedly that the US presidential election is an internal matter.

” They do n’t have a vote. They do have a preference. But when they do n’t get their preference, they have to work with whoever occupies the Oval Office in the White House”, said Dr Choong on Beijing’s perspective, based on his conversations with Chinese academics.

The former or the opposition party’s candidate comes out on top, according to Professor Jia Qingguo, past dean of the Peking University School of International Studies and older member of China’s top political advisory body. In this case, a Harris presidency would be more advantageous for Beijing.

” The reason is in a presidential vote, the opposition party would denounce or has to criticize the ruling party’s plans. At a recent event in Singapore, he explained that generally the opposition party prospect would denounce the ruling group for being too soft on China.

” When they get elected, they would have to glory some of their plan promises- &nbsp, whether they are realistic or no- and ( when trying to do so ), the marriage would be in trouble”, he added.

Prof. Jia also cited the possibility of confusion as a result of the presidential change, which might lead to more tense exchanges between the Chinese authorities and the new US management.

A president-elect takes over the federal government’s management from the current leader in the US, giving the incoming head and their group time to prepare for management.

In contrast, he predicted that a victory by the former party candidate, particularly Ms. Harris, may result in a more smoothly transition and some degree of policy continuity-predictability.

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Big city, small home: How millennials face an urban squeeze amid rising rents in Asia-Pacific

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Real estate developers like Spilytus are building micro flats in sought-after areas, such as Ebisu and Nakameguro. This explains their popularity among young people, who like living in prime locations at reasonable rents, said Keisuke Nakama, the company’s president.

Spilytus, which has been developing these shoeboxes for a decade, reported an occupancy rate of 99 per cent across more than 100 properties, with the majority of tenants aged under 30.

Designed specifically for singles, these micro flats typically see stays of around two years. But for Hirata, four years on, he has no plans to move unless prompted by marriage or a major job change.

MILLENNIAL DREAMS IN MANILA

With his plan to upgrade, Permalino feels less inertia but still faces the issue of housing affordability in Metro Manila, where a new home costs, on average, more than double the value per square metre in areas outside.

WATCH: Savings and side hustles to achieve Filipino millennial’s Manila condo dream (7:17)

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