Wide range of industries in Johor-Singapore SEZ offers buffer against global trade tensions, says state’s chief minister

By:
On:
In: Asia

He said that data centres in Johor are set to offer starting salaries of around RM4, 000 ( US$ 900 ) for diploma holders and RM5, 000 for degree holders. &nbsp,

More than two hundred colleges and more than 100 complex training facilities are working with the Johor Talent Development Council to provide components and programs to enhance the capabilities of Johoreans.

” So it’s not just about advanced pay, but it must also fit with the certification and the skill set, and that’s how we’re going to differentiate ourselves from other state”, said Onn Hafiz. &nbsp,

The Machap position assembly emphasized that the RTS Link is the “medium to long term answer” to lessen congestion and improve convenience for travelers. He cited the improved communication between Singapore and Johor. &nbsp,

By the end of 2026, the 4 km Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is expected to be in operation. By ferrying up to 10, 000 people each method on a trip that lasts about five minutes, it aims to relieve customers congestion on the Causeway, one of the nation’s busiest border bridges.

However, in the meantime, Onn Hafiz stressed that the government were pressing forward with implementing passport-free go at the property gates via the QR-code certification game MyBorderPass. &nbsp,

Travelers who travel across the property checkpoints by vehicle or scooters are officially permitted to use it, but Onn Hafiz added that the next step is to make the app work for those who drive. &nbsp,

According to Onn Hafiz,” That will also be a game-changer because when they start implementing it for the vehicles, I believe the gridlock will go away with itself because it will reduce people error.” &nbsp,

The deputy minister even touched on the recent tax opportunities that the Malaysian national government has announced to attract investors to the Johor-Singapore SEZ. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

Silent but social: Jakarta book club that promotes quiet reading in public spaces draws fans

By:
On:
In: Asia

” A PLACE WHERE I BELONG”

Beyond promoting joy reading, Baca Bareng Jakarta addresses the issue of reading in open areas. &nbsp,

Hestia stated,” I want to make a place for those who might think judged for their guide decisions or hesitant to join book clubs where effective participation is required.

A welcoming park management also offered to pause the lawn maintenance to avoid obstructing attendees at Baca Bareng Jakarta sessions since January. &nbsp,

During a meeting next month that CNA attended, other playground visitors were also seen adhering to the park’s no-smoking rule.

Individuals claimed that reading surroundings is a unique experience that frees them from the distractions that come with house. &nbsp,

” As Jakarta people, most of us do our reading inside, whether at home or in houses. That can get boring”, said Eka, who is from Kalibata in South Jakarta. &nbsp,

In a garden like this, the atmosphere is much warmer and more energizing.

Seeing people engrossed in reading is push motivation. ” If everyone else is reading, I have to learn too”, added Eka.

First-time student Tere, who was reading the movie The Only One Left by Riley Sager, said the occasion helped her to keep focused. &nbsp,

” I often get distracted by my phone. But these, I managed to read five sites without checking my messages at all”, she said with pleasure. &nbsp,

Tere said she is extroverted and enjoyed being surrounded by people while reading, despite the fact that introverted book clubs have been called “happy hour” for introvert. &nbsp,

” I enjoy reading textbooks, but I also enjoy being in lively social settings. That’s why I’m excited about activities like this”, she said.

The element of discovery is appealing to Annisa, a Bekasi visitor who was reading Carmine Gallo’s Speak Like TED, a guide to pubic speaking.

” Sometimes I catch myself glancing at what others are reading”, she said. The passive browsing session “helps me finish my books while also giving me a taste of fresh books I might not have otherwise taken into consideration.”

She described her experience with the Baca Bareng Jakarta group as” I feel like I suddenly have a spot where I belong and I have made a lot of new friends.”

Continue Reading

The Singapore women’s softball team’s big goal this year is a SEA Games gold and they’ve already started work

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Team commander Cacia Tan, 26, said:” There are so many elements to the game, from batting to pitching and basic running, which are different from simply running or swimming”. The physician has been playing ball since she was ten.

Bowie Tan, 23, even a final-year college student, added:” Each ball game is uncertain. There is a bit of approach at play, as well as subtly gentle hand signals that only our team is aware of when we want to steal bases. You must always be alert emotionally because anything can happen.

The crew frequently watches on-line video clips of events and of their competitors to play against their shortcomings in order to improve their game. They gather after each game to reflect on how they can increase, regardless of whether it was a win or a loss.

Accidents, TIME MANAGEMENT AND NO FAMILY HOLIDAYS

The players said skipping out on family vacations or gatherings is the norm due to several coaching sessions, sometimes up to six times per month, on top of a full-time work or college.

” I haven’t taken a trip with my community since I was 19″, said staff captain Tan. Even though the training sessions help her concentrate on her work, she occasionally feels actually worn out, especially when her workday begins early and coaching ends soon.

The women claimed that playing ball they have suffered some sort of injury. When something happens, it actually kills your speed, and that’s when you really need to find the power to come back and continue to work hard, said Guo, who had three wounds in a year.

Continue Reading

Basketball fans can look forward to NBA events in Singapore with new multi-year deal

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

UPPING THE Sport

NBA Asia’s head of marketing, Ms. Sheila Rasu, noted that young people in this region usually only get to compete against their peers.

” We believe that having even more playing and competing day is crucial,” said Ms. Rasu.

” By (us ) inviting their peers from around the region, they are able to see how other countries and territories play, what their level is ( and ) how they can ( improve ) to that level”.

Hockey was the third most popular sport among teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 according to the National Sports Participation Survey, which was released in 2023, after badminton, and jogging.

The event is among the nation’s sports hospitality plans.

” We worked very hard at it when this prospect came to work with the NBA to send something here. This strengthens our efforts to bring world-class recreational activities to Singapore, according to SportSG CEO Alan Goh in a relationship with the hospitality board.

Discussions are raging to find some celebrity energy for the occasion, according to Ms. Rasu. &nbsp,

” At the moment, we are also talking to a few of them. It will depend on their work schedule over the summertime. We’ll have to wait it out because the time is still in progress. But we are definitely talking to both current and retired players, both from the NBA, and also the WNBA ( Women’s NBA )”, she said. &nbsp,

SPORTS TOURISM IMPACT

According to Mr. Nicholas Fang, managing director of Novastella Consulting, a Singapore-based firm with experience in company partnerships and sponsorships, if the sports personalities do make an appearance even if they do not play in Singapore, their presence may create a buzz around the game, which has the potential to make the nation a destination for sports tourism.

” Having a multi-year offer to hold occasions is a great step forward in terms of boosting the firm of sporting events that we have in Singapore that are global, well-known, and have potential to attract people from other nations as a place to take the item as well,” he told CNA’s Singapore Tonight. &nbsp,

He added that such occasions may also affect the lifestyle of Singapore’s sports scene. &nbsp,

” These activities are even just a precursor to get more fresh citizens interested and enthusiastic about activities and to encourage them to think, “maybe I want to do that as a job as well,” he said.

Continue Reading

ACRES received 15 tip-offs for illegal snake-keeping last year 

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

YEAR OF THE Reptile

The serpent is an opportune animal that represents prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture.

Even though it is prohibited in Singapore, this may cause some to want to keep one since they are not allowed to be kept as pets.

In ACRES, a rise in cases of people abandoning or giving up wild snakes occurred in 2013, the final year of the snake’s zodiac.

Leva, a sexual ball python found in a car company’s lost-and-found section that year, is one of the reptiles that the organization continues to care for to this day.

According to the animal shelter organization, the ball python is one of the most frequently traded improper snake species in Singapore.

Leva has been under ACRES ‘ treatment for 12 centuries but the species, tribal to West and Central Africa, may live up to 30 years.

The non-profit claimed that its center is nearing its optimum capacity and only accepts wild animals on a case-by-case basis.

The organisation is currently cover more than 120 species in quarantine, and hopes to return them where feasible.

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Wildlife specialists warned that buying and owning illegal animals not just violates the law, but also causes abuse to the animals.

” When wild creatures are smuggled, they are usually smuggled in big numbers. They go through a lot of problems and suffering”, said one of ACRES ‘ Directors Kalaivanan Balakrishnan.

” The whole smuggling approach is unethical. Maybe it’s linked to other pleasures. Therefore, purchasing illegal animals could actually help you fund other illegal activities as well.

According to the Herpetological Society of Singapore ( HSS), many reptiles and amphibians are subject to heat stress or even perish when brought into transit in high temperatures, such as in a car in the hot sun. Because they have cool blood, they are unable to regulate their body temperatures. &nbsp,

Additionally, Singapore does not have a good specialist equipment to treatment for them.

Those who elude or are abandoned in the wild after their proprietors are sick of them are often safe from harm.

HSS, which advocates for the protection of snakes and reptiles, has seen some move up as roadkill in its database.

” Many of these creatures do not pass away in pain.” The worst-case situation is that they have a breeding people and they start impacting our native wildlife”, said Law Ing Sind, co-founder of the world.

AGAINST THE LAW

Nevertheless, the demand is it.

CNA discovered a neighborhood Telegram channel with over 10,000 subscribers that connects pirates and producers of non-native animals with buyers.

Some of the available types are nationally endangered.

One seller claimed that he could enter Singapore with an amazing snake in one to three days.

The National Parks Board ( NPPs ) stated that Singapore takes a zero-tolerance position regarding illegal wildlife trade.

The legal board routinely monitors real and virtual marketplaces and collaborates with partner organizations to halt trade at border checkpoints.

The only reptiles that can be kept as pets in Singapore are the local Malayan field tortoise and the red-eared slider turtle.

Continue Reading

Former Singapore transport minister S Iswaran placed on home detention scheme

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Former transport minister S Iswaran, who is serving a 12-month jail term, was placed on home detention from Friday ( Feb 7 ).

The&nbsp, Singapore Prison Service ( SPS) announced this on Friday in response to CNA queries.

” Like all individuals emplaced on the Home Detention Scheme, S Iswaran will serve his remaining sentence at his house under specified problems, which include curfew checking using an electronic monitoring label, &nbsp, being gainfully occupied either in work, study or training, and reporting to SPS for counselling”, said SPS.

Iswaran began his 12-month prison expression on Oct 7, 2024.

Doctors confirmed with CNA that in their knowledge, offenders&nbsp, become ready for home confinement after serving around one-third of their statement.

Individuals who have approved work may leave the house during their working hours while those who are unemployed typically only have a few hours outside of the house in the afternoons, according to Mr. Adrian Wee of Lighthouse Law LLC.

The Prison Act allows for home confinement to help residents ‘ recovery and reintegration into society. Captives may be held in homes for no more than a year.

They will offer out their words at home under certain circumstances like law monitoring, urine testing and counselling. They may work, research or be involved in community support during this time, with digital tagging.

To be qualified, they may have served at least 14 weeks of a prison term lasting at least four months. These conditions may be changed by the Home Affairs Minister’s warning in the state newspaper.

Additionally, available prisoners must fulfill additional requirements, such as not having committed any crimes or not being answerable to be expelled from Singapore after their release. Prisoners who are serving a living word are not available.

Most prisoners who exhibit great behavior in captivity are released after serving two-thirds of their sentences, independent from home confinement.

Iswaran may be eligible for release on a cure order after serving an eight-month sentence.

Continue Reading

Malaysia’s app for passport-less immigration clearance gets users’ thumbs up, despite glitches and data security concerns

By:
On:
In: Asia

But, when he checked a week later, the speech disappeared and has not reappeared since. &nbsp,

Although I’m not sure what caused this speech to disappear, Ong, a former deputy secretary of trade and industry, hopes that this app and other authorities apps can be synchronized using the rear end with the MyDigitial ID as a Single Sign On to avoid having to register at various times for various government applications. &nbsp,

CNA reached out to the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs to find out if there are plans to integrate the MyBorderPass and MyDigital ID, as well as how they would resolve issues with data protection, glitches, and how they would create a second QR code for many travelers.

Despite these issues, there is hope for the game and trust among existing customers that it will be expanded to more international borders gates and to increase the number of lanes at existing checkpoints. &nbsp,

Chellannu, who trips his bike across the nation’s borders, argued that the software should be expanded to the motorbike lanes at KSAB, which are connected to Tuas Second Link. &nbsp,

” I prefer to use the Second Link because I reside on the north side of Gelang Patah.” Now KSAB does not help MyBorderPass for drivers, only BSI”, he said.

There are only two emigration lanes at BSI that accept vehicle passengers using MyBorderPass, compared to about 20 different lanes that accept passports for immigration clearance, according to Singh, the item head of a Singapore IT company.

When CNA visited BSI on Tuesday, it observed a similar structure.

” Immigration should raise attention to more people and expand it to more registers because this can greatly ratchet up visitors,” Singh said.

He also noticed that there were 20 bars at KLIA when he traveled back to Malaysia via air travel and saw the game.

” I hope that this ( initiative ) can be expanded to other airports around the country as well in the different states like Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching”, he added.

The academic Ong argued that the app’s ability to facilitate passport-less clearance is a positive step in attracting investors over the long term, especially in southern Johor, where the Special Economic Zone ( SEZ ) with Singapore is located.

When the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS ) Link begins operation in early 2027, the MyBorderPass app is a step in the right direction, said Ong.

The logical next step would be to enable non-Malaysians visiting Malaysia frequently to use this software, particularly for immigration certification at the Malaysian-Singapore borders.

More reporting by Ahmad Zamzahuri Abas&nbsp,

Continue Reading

Kashmir struggles with environmental crisis amid rising tourism numbers

By:
On:
In: Asia

KASHMIR: Gulmarg is a skiing destination in Indian-administered Kashmir popular with tourists and citizens. &nbsp,

From a distance, the snow-covered hills look beautiful, but they hide a major problem: Debris.

Caretakers collect more than 2, 000kg of rubbish daily from hotels, resorts and contractors, they told CNA.

It is a result of the increasing number of visitors to the area during the spring. &nbsp,

Not only is Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg a victim of overtourism. Heaps of cheap misuse can also be seen in other popular tourist areas like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, and Doodhpathri.

Records show that about 3 million travelers, including 43, 000 immigrants, visited the contested Himalayan Territory last month, a 9 per cent increase from 2023. &nbsp,

Tourism contributes an estimated 7 per cent to the region’s gross domestic product ( GDP ) of around US$ 28 billion.

” Kashmir is wonderful. Citizens as well as tourists must keep the environment to maintain its beauty. People from various regions of India’s Madhya Pradesh visit this place because of the fresh atmosphere and beauty, according to Ravi Baghel, a visitor from Madhya Pradesh.

Continue Reading

How do Chinese AI bots stack up against ChatGPT? We put them to the test

By:
On:
In: Asia

SINGAPORE: Unless you’ve been living under a stone, you may have heard of DeepSeek-R1, the low-cost Foreign AI software that has rattled Silicon Valley and taken the world by storm. But pressure has grown on Chinese tech companies and start-ups to enhance and restart their own models since its famous launch on January 20. A ChatGPT-like verbal type that surpassed its status as China’s top AI bot in 2024, which saw 60 million monthly active users as of November 2024, was released on January 22 from TikTok proprietor ByteDance, who updated its popular Doubao app. Foreign e-commerce giant Alibaba unveiled a new version of its Qwen2.5-Max bot on January 29th, claiming that it “outperforms about entirely,” especially when it comes to things like programming and legitimate logic and solving math issues. &nbsp, Another offerings like the open-source Chinese-language type ChatGLM, Baidu’s Ernie Bot and Kimi k1.5, developed by Beijing-based startup Moonshot AI- have also been continuously evolving from basic tools to complex systems, experts note. &nbsp,

WHAT’S BEHIND CHINA’S Artificial BOOM? &nbsp,

President Xi Jinping has long sought to transform China into a technology power, and the country has long had its places on becoming the world’s leader in AI by 2030. &nbsp, China opinions Artificial as being” carefully important” and its venture into the industry has been “years in the making”, said Chen Qiheng, an associated scientist at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis. After ChatGPT started in 2022 and showed promise of real-world enterprise software, personal and public investments in Chinese AI grew, Chen told CNA. But it was DeepSeek’s fall that actually “encouraged” the idea that smaller players like start-up companies may have responsibilities to play in AI research and advancements, &nbsp, he adds. &nbsp,Continue Reading

‘Missed the boat’?: Malaysia ready to reconsider total vape ban, but ‘lacks political will,’ say experts

By:
On:
In: Asia

Professionals: Target SHOULD BE ON ENFORCEMENT

According to pulmonologist Helmy Haja Mydin, the current emphasis should be on enforcing the laws as they become law as the policy becomes effective, both in terms of sales and use.

He said that whenever there are attempts to increase cigarette control laws, the lack of protection is often cited as a cause for disappointment, and therefore, an excuse to not create new regulations.

According to Helmy,” It is therefore extremely important for the Ministry of Health and its related partners to show the success of police efforts,” as this will affect support for more comprehensive policy like a complete ban on vaping products. &nbsp,

” With suitable protection, there should be much less selling and one would assume fewer new customers as well”, he added. &nbsp,

Helmy may also help a total ban on vaping, citing its effects on health. &nbsp,

There is growing evidence that it harms both the human body and our mental wellness, as well as that it serves as a gateway to other types of habit.

It is especially concerning to observe children become dependent as a result of vaping, he said. &nbsp,

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh reported about 20 000 cases of individuals vaping in schools last year.

In a parliament question day session on Tuesday ( Feb 4), Wong said&nbsp, 19, 450 were caught, about seven times more than the number of students caught tobacco, &nbsp, citing statistics from the Learners Discipline System.

According to Dzulkefly, the current priority is to tighten controls, including requiring product registration with the authorities, which has led to the ban on 80 % of vape and e-cigarette products.

However, Azrul pointed out that the online store that was intended to be immediately prohibited by Act 852 is still operational and accessible. &nbsp,

” It shows the lack of effectiveness in enforcement, “he said, pointing out one website that continued to sell their products online. &nbsp,

He claimed that before Act 852 was passed, there were an explosion of retail establishments selling high nicotine vapes and e-cigarettes in various stores and even gas stations, and that the sale of these items to minors was also permitted. &nbsp,

He said,” It is very likely that Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17 have a higher prevalence of e-cigarette and vape use than the 14.9 % recorded in 2022.”

Although the Federal Government hasn’t completely outlawed vapes, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the country’s ruler, decreed that Johor would stop issuing sales licenses for the products in 2016.

CNA had previously stated that even then, vape products were still being sold in public, and that enforcement remained difficult, especially given the limited resources available to the state government. &nbsp,

Continue Reading