Writers in Singapore issue collective statement denouncing NLB’s ‘uncritical endorsement of generative AI’

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The members requested that NLB adjust its policies and programs in light of concerns raised by intellectual house, the psychological impact of relational AI, the quality of AI-generated plays, and the environmental impact.

Additionally, they requested that NLB hold an open dialogue with Singapore’s artistic elite to discuss AI issues.

” We trust that you will remember this important part you play in our culture, and spend wisely in policies that may enrich, not oppress, our literary tradition”.

CNA Lifestyle has reached out to NLB for feedback.

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MOM urges contractors, construction workers to stay alert in busy lead-up to Chinese New Year after worksite death

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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower ( MOM) said on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ) there must be” no compromises” on safety in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year period, following the death of a construction worker last week.

The 29-year-old Indian national was at the Plantation Edge I &amp, II Build-to-Order ( BTO ) project construction site in Tengah at around 8.40pm on January 2 when he was struck in the chest by the hose of a concrete pump truck.

One of the four outriggers in the truck pierced the practical, causing the hose to hit the man and the machine to bend.

The victim was performing casting repairs, according to both MOM and the Housing and Development Board ( HDB).

The employer was taken to Gleneagles Hospital, where he died. He was employed by Keong Hong Construction, who was awarded&nbsp, the S$ 293.7 million ( US$ 215.6 million ) tender for main contract works at&nbsp, Tengah Plantation in January 2024. &nbsp,

The task is expected to be finished in 2027.

With the Chinese New Year quickly approaching, MOM urged contractors and employees to keep call, noting that the time period “typically sees companies facing period pressures to finish projects.”

” During this time, MOM may proceed with our increased police work. There must never be any compromises on the health of the work.

The event is being investigated, it said.

Employers and contractors must make sure that the outriggers of technology are fully extended and sleep on steady, level foundations or basic plates with sufficient strength to maintain stability during operations, the ministry continued.

HDB, which is the job designer, told CNA on Tuesday that it also takes a serious perspective of the dangerous affair, and will provide support and assistance to the murderer’s family.

The tower contractor’s investigation into the union’s death is of utmost importance, the statement read.

” We may continue to collaborate with our business colleagues to improve workplace safety at our workplaces.”

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Singapore-Malaysia relationship can be ‘building block’ in strengthening ASEAN amid global challenges: PM Wong

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A way of focusing and leveraging each other’s strengths is not only in the heart with Singapore, but can also be observed in “many another countries” within ASEAN, said Mr Anwar, highlighting their stance in trying to resolve the “more controversial” Myanmar turmoil.

Since February 2021, Myanmar has experienced turmoil, with the junta struggling to maintain its hold on power as its military seized power and removed a democratically elected government.

” There is that willingness to try and work together as a team, and I believe we can do that as a team,” said Mr. Anwar.” It’s the only thing we may do,” he said.

In order to support Malaysia’s ASEAN chair this year, Mr. Anwar is assembling a team of unofficial counselors. This is a proper effort, according to analysts who have spoken to CNA.

Mr. Wong stated that Singapore fully supports Malaysia’s leadership of ASEAN, adding that” ASEAN will now be more important than ever for it to be strong, included, and united, because the greater opposition we experience isn’t between ourselves within ASEAN, but rather it’s outside the place.” &nbsp,

” The major markets are all talking about re-shoring, on-shoring, near-shoring- they want the important tasks to get nearer to their house economies. But ASEAN needs to come along, examine how to improve our worth proposition, and compete up, according to the prime minister of Singapore. &nbsp,

Also, Mr Anwar emphasised the importance of ASEAN in strengthening itself as a local army, ready to “withstand unexpected pressure” from “other places or groups or regions”.

What we can do is our best right now, to strengthen our foundations and our force, and to work as friendly nations to collaborate with everyone, and that’s the position Malaysia has adopted.

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Seasonal increase in HMPV cases consistent with previous years: MOH

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SINGAPORE: The rise in Human Metapneumovirus ( HMPV ) infections is part of the seasonal cycle of respiratory viruses, with more cases typically observed&nbsp, during the year-end period.

The Ministry of Health ( MOH) informed CNA on Tuesday ( January 7 ) that this rise in cases is likely the result of “increased social gatherings and holiday travel.”

” In 2024, the weekly HMPV positivity rate among Acute Respiratory Infections ( ARI ) samples in the community ranged from 0.8 per cent to 9.0 per cent, with a range of 5.5 per cent to 9.0 per cent in December”, said MOH, adding that this increase is consistent with previous years.

HMPV infections have a seasonal pattern, with the ministry noting that the ministry’s ministry’s notices are more prevalent during the colder winter months in temperate regions, in contrast to other common respiratory viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV).

The people are advised to exercise good personal hygiene, including frequent dishwashing, particularly when travelling abroad. &nbsp,

When coughing or sneezing, they may even cover their nose and mouth, and they should also throw away organs after using them. &nbsp,

Individuals with mild respiratory infection symptoms may remain at home until they are gone, and they should exercise social duty by limiting social relations, using a mask, and avoiding packed locations, according to the MOH.

Who have these symptoms and are biologically vulnerable people- which might include young children, seniors, and those who have chronic medical conditions- are advised to see a doctor right away.

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Bak kwa sellers finding ways to keep prices down ahead of peak Chinese New Year season

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HIGHER COSTS OF MATERIALS

According to CNA’s inspections, some significant bak kwa retailers like Lim Chee Guan and Century Bakkwa haven’t already raised their prices as of January 5 as of yet, compared to last year. &nbsp,
 
Bee Cheng Hiang and other people have substantially raised own.
 
Fragrance Bak Kwa, which has been able to keep prices low thanks to using cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, said it has been able to keep prices low despite the fact that its prices have dropped since last year.
 
” We are using various kinds of technology to help us, like using solar ( power ) in our factory to help reduce the costs and better manage the costs,” said Fragrance Bak Kwa’s director of operations. &nbsp,
 
” Also, we normally pre-order our flesh, therefore we try to get the best value for our meat to keep the price affordable for our shoppers”.
 
Century Bakkwa told CNA that product prices are rising. It currently pays S$ 45 ( US$ 33 ) for a kilogram of the more premium Spanish Iberico pork, up from S$ 39 in previous years.
 
The retailer hopes that its new products will bring in more clients, despite the store’s absence of any plans to raise prices. Simbian Chua, the company’s user, reported that sales are expected to be about 25 % higher than the same time last year.

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Philippine laws seek to prevent online casino resurgence, plug loopholes uncovered in years-long probe

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Following years of investigation into crime-ridden online gambling catering to international clients, Spanish legislators are attempting to pass numerous laws to close gaps in such areas as immigration checks, unusual disturbance, and spying monitoring.

Spanish Offshore Gaming Operators, who are frequently referred to as POGOs, were ordered banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a national target in July of last year, citing social costs like rising violence.

In Congress, a rules proposal is currently pending to stop these offshore gaming operations from resuming.

” I hope the year 2025 is the year we finally pass the Anti-POGO Act. In a statement released at the beginning of this year, Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that” we need a complete regulation to ensure that there will no longer get POGOs that fraud, hurt, and intimidate people.”

President Marcos formalized the restrictions and gave the nation’s game controller until the end of 2024 to stop operating activities in an executive order signed in November. However, lawmakers claimed that policy would greater institutionalize the restrictions.

Instead of just the gambling regulation cited in the government’s executive order, lawmakers have proposed expanding the scope of the restrictions to contain POGOs licensed by various government agencies in a bill currently pending in Congress.

In an interview with CNA, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said,” Our proposal expanded the definition to ensure that ( it ) will be incorporated into the law regardless of who issued the license.”

” There’s a chance that these ( POGOs ) might go underground, but I think law enforcement has been very cautious about ensuring that these operations are seized before they spread further,” said Joseph Velasco, associate professor in the De La Salle University in the Philippines ‘ Department of Political Science and Development Studies. &nbsp,

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Parliament to discuss unmasking of NRIC numbers, telemedicine practices and vaping

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As parliament convenes on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ), the unmasking of National Registration Identity Cards ( NRIC ) numbers will be in focus.

There were also issues filed on healthcare practices in the midst of provider&nbsp, MaNaDr Clinic getting its licence revoked, vaping as well the prospect of further&nbsp, safeguards&nbsp, around social media usage for children and teenagers.

Members of Parliament were questioned about the justification for the partial masking of NRIC numbers, when it was decided to stop it, and whether the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA ) would face sanctions for exposing the numbers in question in the order paper released on Monday.

Private concerns were raised over ACRA’s fresh Bizfile site, which&nbsp, was launched on Dec 9, and showed&nbsp, titles and full NRIC figures for free via its search function.

Recently, research results displayed masked NRIC numbers, and people had to pay for complete information, including NRIC figures and names.

The government announced on December 14 that it wanted to change the process of masking NRIC numbers, but before the public was made public, the new Bizfile portal was launched. &nbsp,

The authorities on Dec 19&nbsp, apologised to the government for the stress caused&nbsp, over the NRIC unmasking story, while ACRA main professional Chia-Tern Huey Min said the event was due to a fall in cooperation.

She continued, noting that the Ministry of Digital Development and Information ( MDDI) had issued a circular to government agencies in July “interrupting any planned use of masked NRIC numbers in new business processes and services.”

However, due to a lack of coordination between the team regarding how this was going to be implemented, ACRA proceeded with the misinterpretation that NRIC numbers should be removed from the new Bizfile website, according to Mrs. Chia-Tern.

Lawmakers posed more than 30 queries on the subject.

MPs Liang Eng Hwa ( PAP-Holland-Bukit Timah ), Dr Tan Wu Meng ( PAP-Jurong ) and Sharael Taha&nbsp, ( PAP-Pasir Ris-Punggol ) asked for the rationale behind the government’s intention to phase out the use of masked NRIC numbers. &nbsp,

Mr. Liang even wanted to know whether the government’s most recent plan place aligns with the private sector’s current status and whether the total supply of NRIC numbers for the consumer will result in security concerns or individual privacy concerns. &nbsp,

Pritam Singh, the leader of the opposition, questioned when the MDDI circle that intended to change how government companies were told to conceal NRIC numbers, and when the government made the decision and began making plans for it.

He also inquired whether there had been any whole-of-government discussions prior to and following the publication of the round, and whether any other state agencies, besides ACRA, had misinterpreted or misunderstood it. &nbsp,

MP Sylvia Lim ( WP-Aljunied ) was interested in knowing if the Personal Data Protection Act ( PDPA ) will still be obstructing government agencies and whether sanctions will be imposed on ACRA or its officers as a result of the exposure of NRIC numbers through its Bizfile portal.

Next Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah responded to CNA’s request to know whether something will occur to the specific employees in question when asked at a media conference on December 19 about the issue.

A number of additional inquiries were made about the safety threats and repercussions of NRIC number leaks.

MP Yip Won Heng ( PAP-Yio Chu Kang ) asked whether the move to unmask NRIC numbers could heighten the risk of NRIC-related scams, particularly among the elderly, while MP Christopher de Souza ( PAP-Holland-Bukit Timah ) asked how the government will ensure that Singaporeans are not exposed to the risks of scams and&nbsp, identity thefts as a result.

He Ting Ru ( WP-Sengkang ) from the PDPA sought information on the number of organizations that were investigated and fined for making public disclosures of NRIC numbers. Also requested was information on the projected cost of the public education campaign on the appropriate use of NRIC information.

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The best hotels in Seoul and Tokyo if you’re travelling for concerts, according to a K-pop and J-pop fan

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It takes less than eight hours to get from Richmond Hotel Tokyo Suidobashi to either Korakuen or Suidobashi facilities. &nbsp,

Pro idea: If you’re arriving at Richmond Hotel Tokyo Suidobashi via Narita Airport, you can take the car vehicle, drop off at the Tokyo Dome Hotel, and cross the street for a more practical walk.

Address: 1 Chome-33-9 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan, Check-in day: 2pm

Best motel near Ajinomoto Stadium

Ajinomoto Stadium, which is located in Tokyo’s Chofu district, is quickly gaining popularity as a place for international artists like NCT and Twice. While there are a few inexpensive hotels close to Ajinomoto Stadium, I would advise avoiding them in favor of those close to Chofu station to appreciate more sights and easy access to Chofu’s personal spots.

Additionally, depending on the occasion, there might be specific shuttle buses that will take you from Ajinomoto Stadium to Chofu place on music days.

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SingPost open to discussions with SIAS about sacking of 3 top executives after call for independent inquiry

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SINGAPORE: Singapore Post said on Thursday ( Jan 2 ) it is open to discussions&nbsp, with the Securities Investors Association Singapore ( SIAS ) about its decision to fire three top executives, after the retail investor watchdog called for an independent professional inquiry.

Due to the improper handling of reporting reports, SingPost fired its party chief executive officer Vincent Phang, party chief financial officer Vincent Yik, and mind of its international business system Li Yu next month.

According to SIAS president and CEO David Gerald,” the immediate expulsion of three top professionals from SingPost, coupled with their vehement denial of the allegations against them, has raised vital questions in the minds of shareholders, investors, and the business.”

” They were told to leave with immediate consequence, which in turn necessitates thorough interpretations,” they were told.

However, it must be noted that the company’s statements and the three executives ‘ actions have fared more into questions than they do answers.

If all are to make informed decisions regarding their assets, owners deserve better and so does the business.

He said the watchdog” highly urges” the commission of an impartial professional inquiry into the problem given the seriousness of the event and the number of” also circulating” issues.

SIAS calls itself” the tone for minority owners” and is an advocacy group for shareholders ‘ right.

In response to CNA’s questions on Thursday, SingPost stated that it had “been kept abreast of its reporting duty while being careful never to prejudice any possible legal proceedings.”

Given these considerations, a director said,” We have spoken with SIAS and are willing to talk about current events as much as we can.”

The organization had earlier requested that SingPost release the key findings of its inner research.

In a filing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX ) last Sunday, the company said that&nbsp, it would not do so. &nbsp,

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Google, X yet to apply for Malaysia licence despite new online harm rules from Jan 1

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In accordance with a new regulatory framework that became effective on Wednesday ( Jan 1 ), tech giants Google and X have not yet applied for a new class license in Malaysia.

The registration framework was made public in July of last year and was intended to shield users from alleged website harm. Social media and internet communications services in Malaysia with at least eight million registered clients were required to adhere to the new policy. &nbsp,

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that Google, the owner of YouTube, had raised concerns about the video sharing capabilities and its categorization under the licensing model. &nbsp,

The committee stated in a speech on Wednesday that “MCMC has deliberated on the concerns raised and shall ensure that YouTube as well as all important software providers who meet the registration criteria are bound by their duties and responsibilities to adhere to the registration framework.” &nbsp,

In the meantime, X reported to MCMC that the company’s eight million customer base in Malaysia has not yet reached the necessary threshold. In light of this, MCMC stated that it is “actively reviewing the validity of the customer base as stated by X and may continue to hold wedding meetings to examine X’s place.” &nbsp,

Separately, four other significant social media and messaging services have “taken significant steps” to obtain the licenses needed to operate in Malaysia, or are in the process of getting them. &nbsp,

Tencent, which runs WeChat, was the first service provider to receive the Applications Service Provider Class license, according to MCMC. This is followed by social media platform TikTok, owned by another Chinese internet company ByteDance, the commission added. &nbsp,

While Meta, which controls Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is in its “final stages” of the licensing process, Telegram is in its “final stages.”

The commission continued, noting that platform providers found to be in violation of the licensing requirements may be subject to investigation and regulatory action. “MCMC will assess the status of platform providers that have yet to obtain the required licenses. &nbsp,

If a class member doesn’t obtain the class license, they could face a maximum fine of RM500, 000 ( US$ 111, 600 ) in addition to the fines that may apply to those social media platforms and messaging services. Operators could also be fined RM1, 000 for each day they remain unlicensed.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil previously told CNA that Malaysia does not intend to block or ban any social media platforms, saying that the country is an “increasingly important market” for the platforms, which in turn bring “value” to the country.Continue Reading