Amazon back-to-office policy ‘a bummer’ for Singapore employees, but more tech firms could follow suit

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He added that Amazon wants to “operate like the largest startup in the world,” which includes being” joined at the hip with your friends when inventing and solving difficult issues.”

Other businesses that are known for their “hustle culture,” quite as Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, now require employees to work daily from the office, according to Mr. Ethan Ang, co-founder of Nodeflair, a tech talent platform.

Nevertheless, not all researchers agree.

Amazon’s shift is “quite unexpected” as it goes against the trend of hybrid work becoming normalised, said Mr Sachet Sethi, senior director of technology and change at recruitment firm Robert Walters Singapore.

A complete return to the office may make it challenging to find and retain talent. Some employees may have to commute long distances and work long hours, he said, which can also affect how many successful hours they work.

People may think that management mistreats and mistreats them. According to Mr. Sethi, they might even feel worn out or burned out due to having to work every day.

One of the world’s foremost experts on work institution, health, and well-being called “dinosaurs of our age” in an appointment with the Guardian.

” If you value and trust people to get on with their job, and give them autonomy – and flexible work is one of those – they’ll work better, you’ll retain them and they will be less likely to have a stress-related illness” ,&nbsp, said Professor Cary Cooper, &nbsp, who is known for coining the term “presenteeism”.

” If you micromanage, you wo n’t get productivity gains, and you wo n’t attract the next generation”.

One of the Amazon workers CNA spoke with claimed that the hybrid work environment, which some had joined the company during the pandemic, was what they were taught, and that the adaptation may take some getting used to.

But she also pointed out that&nbsp, it is a “privilege” to have the option of working from home.

” I did n’t sign up for the job because it was hybrid”, she said. &nbsp,

” I’ll just consider it and tackle it along the way,” I said,” of course, the change may disturb my lifestyle, it would upset some of the points I used to do.” If it really becomes quite a discomfort point, I’ll merely find another job that offers versatility”.

IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES AND Loyalty

The new legislation would begin on January 2 of next year, according to Mr. Jassy, in order to provide the required lifestyle changes.

Given that many people have built a life around cross work, the individual who CNA spoke to claimed the lead time to make changes is “quite small.”

This could be “very, very disruptive”, in special for those whose schedules use specific pledges, he said.

Nodeflair’s Mr Ang said that while income and job opportunity are still the most important elements when choosing an company, the product’s data suggests that about 70 per cent of people treat hybrid work plans as “non-negotiable”.

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Commentary: Singapore Paralympians’ gold medals shine, but radical inclusion will be the real prize

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THE Trouble

A mischaracterization of illness is a part of the issue. There’s a tendency to correlate disability with obvious signs of physical damage, overlooking the difficulties faced by those with visible disabilities.

A common member will likely offer assistance to someone who is in a wheelchair, without a limb, or with a light cane. Persons with visible disabilities, however, may encounter the same routine difficulties, but without the recognition of others.

Visible disabilities include severe pain disorders, mental dysfunction or psychological illnesses that effect on a woman’s well-being in ways that require cautious, individualised accommodation.

Singapore’s laws have begun to address the needs of this group, but more work is needed.

The LTA’s Helping Hand Scheme, which was launched in 2019, now includes bracelets that people with visible disabilities can use on public transportation to letting people know they need the chair. However, commuters may not always be as flexible as one might expect, when CNA writer Grace Yeoh discovered when she tested it in 2023 and was standing.

How we approach those who have disability is a major obstacle to participation.

Arthur Frank, in his 1995 publication The Crippled Storyteller, writes about the various tales of disease. He describes what is known as” the restitution narrative,” which in many ways reflects how disability is perceived today.

In this narrative, illness ( or disability ) is seen as something to treat and overcome, which does n’t reflect the reality for many living with visible or hidden disabilities. This confluence of illness and disease may cause people in the community to feel sorry. But sympathy is far from encouraging. In reality, pity may be paralysing. &nbsp,

Think of the MRT riders admiring CNA’s Ms. Yeoh. They may include understood that the lanyard indicated a hidden illness and may have felt sympathy for her state. However, compassion cannot be used to influence activity. They did n’t know what response would be appropriate.

This is not unexpected. As publisher Susan Sontag describes in her guide, Regarding the Pain of People, kindness and compassion are fragile feelings, and if they are not translated into actions, they wither into apathy. It’s simple to do nothing when we are n’t sure how to deal with other people’s suffering.

Permit us return now to the Games. One notable instance is when world accepts those who, despite their impairments, have vowed to overcome the odds and accomplish something amazing.

But these we also need to be cautious.

There is a chance that when we oversaturate attention on those who have overcome their disabilities in some remarkable way, the tacit message being transmitted is that someone with disabilities should strive to perform the same tasks and accomplish the same goals as someone with disabilities.

When their lives do n’t coincide with socially accepted success criteria, this makes people with invisible disability extra visible.

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China sees hike in ‘climbing buddy’ services during Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays

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SINGAPORE:” I’ve climbed Mount Tai several days, so I’m not afraid of any conditions situation”! claims one of many related messages on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

First coming across as bragging, these users are really marketing their services: To been climbing buddies- for a price- for people who want to climb up one of China’s most prominent mountains, Mount Tai.

Commonly known as “pei pa”, meaning “accompany (you to ) climb” ), it’s been an emerging trend in the country over the Mid-Autumn crack and upcoming National Day trip in October, according to local media reports. &nbsp,

It’s even drawn attention to the growing” companion economy”, or “peiban jingji” in Mandarin, in China as more people keep one amid rising costs of living and a fiercely competitive job market.

Trekking WITH COMPANY- FOR A PRICE

Experienced climbers do offer” climbing friend” service on online websites, including Xiaohongshu, to travelers who want to go climbing over the holidays, including prominent mountains such as Mount Tai in Shandong province and Mount Emei in Sichuan province. &nbsp,

CNA on Xiaohongshu searches revealed that some people, mostly young, athletic guys, were offering to accompany aspiring rock climbing. Natural measurements, such as their height, weight, and time, were frequently included in the posts. &nbsp,

One customer, Xitian from Shandong, posted solutions for climbers who wanted to go up Mount Tai. Xitian, a university student, offered a rate of 399 yuan ( US$ 56.49 ) a day with a 100 yuan deposit. &nbsp,

Xitian introduced himself as a previous man who has “many days” hiked up Mount Tai in his blog. If you’re engaged, he also provides additional services, such as a walking stick, a one-use blanket, or free photography.

Xitian added that those interested in visiting Mount Tai would not need to purchase tickets to enter the place because he also has a” special pass.” But, curious climbers would have to pay for his transportation, lodging, and other essential costs, aside from food.

According to a report released by the state-run Guangming Daily on Tuesday ( Sep 17 ), many of these climbers have seen an increase in bookings as a result of recent and upcoming holidays, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

The National Day tear is scheduled for October 1 through October 7, while the Mid-Autumn Festival vacation ran from September 15 to September 17. Some climbing claimed to be completely booked between mid-September and mid-october. &nbsp,

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CNA Explains: What does a Fed rate cut mean for you in Singapore?

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For the first time in four decades, the Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates significantly.

The key lending rate was reduced by 50 basis points to between 4.75 and 5 % on Wednesday ( Sep 18 ). While a price cut was generally anticipated, the size of it came as a surprise for some.

” Generally, 50-basis-point cuts have been used during crises so this violent walk by the Federal Reserve is indeed a surprise”, said Mr Koh Siong Qun, head of investment advice at Wrise Private Singapore.

The most recent action by one of the world’s most powerful central banks is expected to have far-reaching effects beyond America, ranging from influencing economic policies, financial markets, customer mortgages, and saving prices around the world.

Researchers explain to CNA how this will impact you in Singapore.

Why is the Fed cutting costs?

The Fed’s rate-setting commission is generally focused on two things: Prices and the employment market.

Between March 2022 and July 2023, the Fed went on a tightening binge, increasing levels from nearly zero to a five-decade large collection of 5.25 to 5.5 %, mainly due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The US central banks then remained stagnant for more than a year as it attempted to reduce inflation to its target of 2 %.

The central bank has since increased its assurance that its battle against inflation is almost over as a result of the decline in the US consumer price index, which was over 2.5 % in August, its lowest reading since 2021. Fed policymakers anticipate a lower-than-expected 2.3 % annual headline inflation price based on updated estimates released on Wednesday.

Concerns about the labor market have however decreased as inflation has subsided as unemployment rates have increased to 4.2 % from 3.7 % at the start of the year.

Fed officials now anticipate that the unemployment rate will end this year at 4.4 %, which is higher than the current 4.2 %, and will remain that low through 2025.

The price cut on Wednesday, according to Mr. Kerry Craig, a global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, suggests a significant change in the Fed’s interests from regulating prices to” a jobs-first technique.”

Researchers from BMI, a system of Fitch Solutions, echoed that.

A report from BMI states that” the higher unemployment rate and lower inflation forecasts are regular with a more aggressive stop to the easing period than we had anticipated.”

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Driver in Nicoll Highway crash that killed cyclist was driving against traffic: Coroner’s court

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SINGAPORE: A driver who allegedly collided with a cyclist along Nicoll Highway, killing him, was driving against traffic and believed to be drunk, a coroner’s court heard on Wednesday ( Sep 19 ).

On Wednesday, an investigating officer released his observations regarding Mr. Basra Rajan Singh’s dying.

Mr Singh, a 45-year-old person from the United Kingdom, was cycling along Nicoll Highway in the first hours of Dec 19, 2023.

A car was captured on a video from a Land Transport Authority camera traveling in opposition to the flow of traffic along Nicoll Highway, heading Rochor.

The incident took place close to a stretch. Mr. Singh was walking when images emerged of him attempting to avoid colliding with the vehicle but failing.

In a head-on motion, Mr Singh was flung upward before getting on the road surface.

He was taken to medical but died that same night, the court heard.

The investigating official said the pilot, a Mr Tan, had said he had “dozed off temporarily” before the incident.

Mr. Tan is slated to face a charge of dangerous moving.

Claim FROM THE VALET Vehicle

The court was informed that Mr. Tan was actually supposed to be driven by a Mr. Ong valet.

Ong began his duties on December 18, 2023. According to the investigating agent, Mr Ong described waiting for Mr Tan and his partner.

Around 5 a.m., Mr. Ong opened the website by taking the keys from Mr. Tan’s girl. Since they were patrons, he was aware of which vehicle they drove.

Mr. Ong claimed that Mr. Tan yelled at him and yelled at him when he inquired about the place.

Mr. Ong said he needed to release his colleagues after realizing that Mr. Tan appeared to be intoxicated.

He claimed that Mr. Tan refused to listen and kept yelling at Mr. Ong, telling him that if Mr. Ong could n’t drive, he may “drive himself.”

Mr. Ong departed from the car after assessing the situation and made the decision to stop providing his servant service.

A part-time Grab driver who was about to enter the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE ) when he saw a motorcyclist waving at him also gave narrated accounts from other witnesses who were present at the scene.

The pilot, a Mr Han, stopped his car and asked the motorcyclist what happened. The motorist claimed to have noticed a light car, which he thought was Mr. Tan, moving in opposition to the flow of traffic.

The light car, according to the motorcyclist, may include collided with a biker before leaving.

Mr Han saw Mr Singh lying on the middle wall of Nicoll Highway, also breathing.

He called an ambulance right away, waiting for it, along with the officers, and waiting for it.

A taxi drivers looking for consumers was traveling on Nicoll Highway towards the KPE on December 19, 2023, according to the investigating official in Mr. Singh’s situation.

He was following the intersection of Beach Road on Lane 2 of the three-lane street when he saw a car’s headlights from a distance.

The cabby repeatedly applied his large frame to the opposing driver to signal the other driver.

The cabby drove past the vehicle, believed to be Mr Tan’s, but could not see the vehicle.

He noticed that the car’s entry car had been damaged and lacked a registration number.

The taxi driver continued as he saw a man standing next to the KPE gate, and he also saw some bits on the road surface and an unidentified object at the center divider.

Checks of Mr Tan’s vehicles revealed no defects. Due to the damage to Mr. Singh’s bike, which was most likely caused by the accident, administrative tests were inaccessible.

Mr. Singh passed away from numerous accidents that matched those in a road traffic accident.

There was no evidence to support foul play, according to the authorities.

The coroner asked the investigating officer if there was any analysis done on the speed of Mr Tan’s vehicle, but the officer said the police were waiting on the Attorney-General’s Chambers ( AGC ) for this.

The coroner may release his results at a later time. The reading was attended by Mr Singh’s woman and Mr Singh’s companions, who declined comment when approached by CNA.

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CNA Explains: What is an ETA and why are more countries like Thailand implementing it?

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Was Singapore also introduce its own ETA? &nbsp,

Mr Herison said that Singapore’s existing SG Arrival Card, which was implemented during the COVID-19 epidemic to display incoming travellers ‘ health position,” strongly resembles an ETA” in how it collects information for immigration certification. &nbsp,

But, it differs from an ETA as it is for every adventurer at air and sea gates, including Singapore people. &nbsp,

Mr. Wong claimed that an ETA is improbable to be implemented in Singapore.

Given that the free movement of goods and people is essential to our overall market, he said, “it’s a little more challenging for a nation like Singapore to have this requirement.” &nbsp,

Does implementing an ETA hurt a country’s hospitality business? &nbsp,

Assistant Professor in Human Geography Zhang Jiajie said that in common, a “borderless universe” philosophy is extremely obsolete. &nbsp,

According to Dr. Zhang, who is from the Nanyang Technological University’s National Institute of Education,” seamless travel is bound to get a seat to the focus being given to the securitization of the frontier in the name of national safety.” &nbsp,

States are becoming more selective about the types of guests they want to draw, according to Mr. Wong, aside from safety concerns.

For instance, young backpackers who may spend a lot of time in the country but do n’t spend much money might be turned off by an ETA fee, in contrast to wealthy tourists. &nbsp,

” There’s a general move towards higher-value tourism”, he said. &nbsp,

He added that larger nations have a local tourism industry and may not rely heavily on immigrants to increase commerce income. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, locations are then making a cost-benefit research on how they approach hospitality, and some are choosing the more careful approach. &nbsp,

” States that have decided to introduce the ETA may have determined that the advantages of erecting a more restrictive e-border outweigh the possibility costs,” said Dr. Zhang. &nbsp,

What does travelers be aware of? &nbsp,

Less unexpected trips are what this means for travelers, according to the industry experts. &nbsp,

” Although the approval process is generally fast, usually within 24 hours, visitors may ensure they have important documents, such as evidence of hospitality and a return ticket, ready”, said Mr Herison. &nbsp,

” This shift encourages earlier itinerary planning and may reduce last-minute flexibility” .&nbsp,

Before making a reservation, Mr. Wong argued that travelers can search travel websites like joinsherpa.com to find out what documents are needed based on their nationality and travel location. &nbsp,

He also urged people to stay away from a growing number of scam websites that defraud visitors of the ETA application fee. &nbsp,

The onus is on the individual to make sure they are visiting the official website, he said.” Scams like this invariably lead to scams and impersonation websites,” he said. &nbsp,

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NTUC to provide S.5 million to support upskilling for migrant worker representatives

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SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said on Wednesday ( Sep 18 ) it will provide S$ 2.5 million ( US$ 1.93 million ) to support migrant worker representatives in their welfare and training.

The money will be used to fund classes that will improve their ability to advance professionally within their organizations.

These courses are eligible only for Migrant Workers ‘ Centre ( MWC ) ambassadors, NTUC said in response to CNA’s queries.

Migrant workers “are like community representatives in their area and at their workplaces,” the statement continued.

They are experienced instructors who information and assist new workers&nbsp, integrate into Singapore world.

They are also taught the fundamentals of employment rights, making them a good resource for other migrant workers to handle employment issues first. &nbsp,

The ambassador system, according to NTUC, “helps clean the inclusion of newly-arrived migrant workers and provides real-time ground sensing ability.”

MWC will also provide funding for immigrant workers to organize activities and training sessions at the four NTUC Club and MWC operate, as well as to sponsor such activities.

MWC associate members may also get gift bags with daily essentials to help pay for their monthly rent, according to NTUC. &nbsp,

” At NTUC, we believe that every employee deserves the opportunity to expand, thrive, and been appreciated, regardless of where they come from”, said NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng.

This S$ 2.5 million commitment reflects our commitment to improving the well-being and abilities of our immigrant workers. For instance, a portion of the funding will go toward supporting our Migrant Workers ‘ Centre ministers so that they will have the support and resources necessary for career advancement and a better quality of life.

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The moon’s dimming light: China sees lacklustre mooncake sales as consumers refuse to bite

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SINGAPORE: Instead of buying mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Event this year, consultant Ms Liu Siqi decided to save money and cook her own at a factory in Guangzhou, before reuniting with her home in her home, Foshan.

” I was considering whether to get them especially since Mid-Autumn is a unique time”, Ms Liu, 23, told CNA. However, I do n’t find them particularly tasty, and I believe the holiday mark-up is excessive. &nbsp,

With her eight handmade mooncakes, the recent graduate remarked that she could save up to four yuan ( US$ 0.56 ) a piece.

That’s actually as cakes prices have fallen this time. &nbsp,

According to research by Mashangying, the average market price dropped from 85.69 renminbi in 2023 to 83.36 renminbi. &nbsp,

The China Bakery and Confectionery Industry Association also found that the majority of the cheap product boxes are under 60 renminbi, and the majority of the major cakes gift boxes are more economical this time.

However, it seems as though the once-dazzling autumn pastry’s glow may have lost its appeal among consumers, with businesses also suffering from subpar sales despite the lower price point.

” We always ( purchase ) so many mooncakes during Mid-Autumn, and this year is no different”, Ms Liu said.

“( This year ) I wondered, if I brought home another ( store-bought ) box, would my family really need it”?

According to observers, it reflects new spending patterns in China, particularly among younger consumers, as individuals become more observant and pragmatic with their choices for both purchases and spending. &nbsp,

China’s extremely competitive cakes business was valued at a staggering 20 billion yuan in 2019, but revenue have decreased since the pandemic and merchants have continued to struggle. &nbsp,

While cakes sales in 2023 crossed pre-COVID rates, generating more 22 billion renminbi, the forecast this year is dimmed. &nbsp,

Cakes production is estimated to be about 300, 000 kilograms, down from 320, 000 kilograms in 2023. However, profits are projected to decline to 2019’s levels, according to a market trend statement released last month by the China Bakery and Confectionery Industry Association. &nbsp,

SIMPLICITY OVER LUXURY&nbsp,

In China, pastries are more than just a snack. Regarded as a symbol of luxury and extravagance, they are traditionally given to family, friends and relatives during the annual Mid Autumn Festival, which fell on Tuesday ( Sep 17 ). &nbsp,

The majority of Chinese buyers have become “more pragmatic”, said Ms Olivia Plotnick, chairman of Wai Social, a Shanghai-based social media marketing company– which is “in collection with broader market changes” .&nbsp,

A greater emphasis on practicality, affordability, and real value is being fueled by rising economic pressures and changing consumer values, according to Ms Plotnick. &nbsp,

” When it comes to traditional products such as mooncakes, this manifests in ( consumers ) choosing simplicity and meaningfulness over luxury”.

Ms. Liu, one of the less financially savvy shoppers, attributed this year’s decline in mooncake purchases to China’s overall economic situation. &nbsp,

” Everyone is being more budget-conscious. It’s quite normal for people to scale down their spending in such situations”, she said. ” I think it’s due to the overall economic situation, which is n’t great this year, including my personal financial situation, which is not as good as last year”.

The slowing economy and continued anti-corruption drive, as well as quality issues, are contributing factors to the decline, according to some experts.

According to Julien Lapka, founder of Inner Chapter, a brand strategy and insight studio with a base in Shanghai, a nationwide crackdown on bribery and corporate gifting negatively impacted sales this year. &nbsp,

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CNA Explains: What is a Sumatra squall and did it bring a sudden storm to Singapore?

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Singapore on Tuesday night ( Sep 17 ), strong winds and heavy rain tore down trees in various locations. &nbsp,

The immediate storm&nbsp, was good brought about by a Sumatra storm, authorities told CNA.

What is this climate occurrence, and when does it occur?

What is a Sumatra thunderstorm? &nbsp,

A thunderstorm is simply a sudden collapse of powerful winds followed by heavy rains. It is simple but extreme, and it can kill down as quickly as it started.

A Sumatra storm has traits unique to this place: it is a series of thunderstorms that develop over Indonesia’s Sumatra area or the Strait of Malacca before moving eastward to change Singapore and, eventually, Peninsula Malaysia.

In a common case, a storm line or storm line&nbsp, can bring about one to two hours of torrential rain.

Wind gusts may reach up to 80kmh.

Squalls have a much larger impact along their path than regular storms because of their straight structure. However, their short diameter prevents swift passage of heavy rain and strong winds.

Storm lines are spatial weather systems that can last hundreds of kilometers, but they generally only hundreds of kilometers wide, and they typically move quickly, according to Professor Matthias Roth from the geography department of the National University of Singapore ( NUS).

According to the statement,” Their emergence is related to the cooling of the heat on the high ground in northern Sumatra by radiation.”

When do storms appear? &nbsp,

Sumatra squall occurs usually between April and November during the southwest monsoon and during the intermonsoon periods.

” It’s strongly associated with southwest wind” ,&nbsp, said Dr Wang Jingyu, &nbsp, an assistant professor of physical geography at the National Institute of Education ( NIE ).

The “linear-shaped heat systems that cross the Malacca Strait and the Malay Peninsula are forced to fly over the Bukit Barisan mountain selection” are produced by the southerly winds.

Dr Wang added that on normal, storms occur five to 10 times per month during these peak times.

According to a 2020 review by the Meteorological Service Singapore, the land experiences&nbsp, 45 storms per year on average.

Storms typically occur in the pre-dawn time or early day.

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Ah Boys To Men actor Ryan Lian arrested for allegedly tampering with lock at Telok Blangah flat

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Ryan Lian, a famous actor from Singapore for his roles in Ah Boys To Men 4 and Money No Enough, was detained on Sunday ( 15 ) after being caught on camera trying to break open an electronic lock on a Telok Blangah resident’s home.

The native, a 30-year-old caregiver named Laura, was out having a dinner with her family when she was alerted by her smartphone, saying that someone had pressed her door. A naked man fiddling with her gate and efficiently opening the switch were the footage from the security camera that was installed outside her wall, Laura saw.

She continued, claiming that the man had pressed her wooden door’s electric lock but he had resisted. He also ran into Laura’s helper who was n’t aware of what had happened.

” My companion was unaware that the person wanted to open our door.” Fortunately, he did n’t carry a weapon and did n’t hurt anyone”, said Laura in an interview with publication Shin Min Daily News.

Laura therefore requested that her husband call the police and that she contact her neighbors through her group chat group to inform them of the event.

Police have confirmed that they received a report at 11.25 am and that they have detained one person under the Mental Health ( Care and Treatment ) Act. &nbsp,

In a separate interview with 8world, Laura said:” From the picture, it seems that his behavior is not in a great mental position… Happily, he is not aggressive. I do n’t know what his intention was. There were some packages outside the neighbour’s house, but he did not take them away” .&nbsp,

Lian had recently discussed his issues with psychological health. He disclosed his three-year sadness to Shin Min in 2022. He likewise revealed to Lianhe Zaobao that it was the cause of his departure from the television series When Duty Calls 2 at the time.

Lian has been contacted for feedback by CNA Lifestyle.

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