Malaysia Digital Tech Adoption Summit stresses acceleration of AI adoption

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  • Onboarded 140 AI alternative services into habitat with US$ 232mil revenue&nbsp,
  • 372 Mfis have completed onboarding at the Dattel Asia led MyDataHub. Ai

(L to R): Tan Aik Keong, CEO of Agmo Group; Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Head of Digital Industry Acceleration, MDEC; Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of MDEC; Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital and Fadzli Abdul Wahit, Head of Transformation, MDEC.
In his opening address at the Malaysia Digital ( MD) Tech Adoption Summit: Artificial Intelligence ( AI), which was the first in a series of events aimed at accelerating AI adoption across industries, Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, stated that” through its AI initiatives, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) has successfully onboarded 140 AI solution providers into the digital ecosystem and has successfully generated US$ 232.2 million ( RM1 billion ) in revenue. &nbsp,

According to MDEC, these homegrown providers within the Malaysia Digital ( MD) AI ecosystem include a diverse mix of SMEs, larger non-SME companies and several public-listed entities. No specific date was given for the time frame during which the US$ 232.2 million revenue was generated.

The revenue achieved speaks volumes about the role AI is already playing in Malaysia’s economic transformation, said Gobind, from boosting productivity in small-and-medium enterprises ( SMEs ), to enhancing efficiency in large corporations.

The mountain, which is hosted by MDEC, provides a system for showcasing cutting-edge AI improvements, fostering business contacts across sectors, and promoting the widespread adoption of AI systems across various sectors.

Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of MDEC, said,” This summit is not just an event, it is a platform for action, as under the Malaysia Digital’s ( MD) national strategic initiative, this summit brings together industry leaders, innovators, early adopters, and key stakeholders to share insights, explore opportunities, and collaborate on AI-driven solutions that will define the future of our digital economy”.

As Malaysia continues its rapid modernization, AI implementation is key to unlocking the region’s potential possible. Emerging technologies, such as generative AI, are set to contribute US$ 113.4 billion ( RM488.9 billion ) in productive capacity by 2030.

Gobind likewise provided an update on the MDEC and Dattel Asia Group’s MyDataHub. Ai system, launched in June, to support SMEs gain access to US$ 34.79 million in funding and connect organizations and partners.

]RM1 = US$ 0.232 ]

” In only three times, I am happy to show that this program has reached out to more than 10, 000 MSMEs with 3, 613 expressing curiosity to ship onto the MyDataHub. Ai system. 372 Enterprises have completed their recruitment, and are benefiting from solutions offered via MyDataHub. Ai”, Gobind said.

While AI implementation promises a substantial effect across all levels of the company ecosystem, there are concerns nontheless, especially in terms of the eager energy use taken for each Artificial inquiry made and, particularly, from data centers. &nbsp,

Gobind assured that the government has measures in place to address the power issue and is aware of the concerns. We are aware that energy is a big issue in data centers. When requesting investments from global players, the government has taken these factors into account.

It is crucial to grasp that AI can also help us take preventive measures, Gobind said. Because we can identify the issues and take steps to resolve them, it saves us from trying to find out what the problem is and how to solve it.

Syed Ibrahim agreed, stating that “it is crucial that we build a society where AI is embraced at every level.” This includes ensuring that Malaysians from all walks of life have access to the tools and resources they need to participate in this AI-powered future by investing in upskilling our workforce, encouraging continuous learning, and making sure that we build a society where AI is embraced.

The summit aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint ( MyDIGITAL ), which seeks to transform the country into a digitally driven, high-income nation. The summit directly contributes to the objectives of the Fourth Industrial Revolution ( 4IR ), which aim for a 30 % increase in productivity through AI-driven solutions.

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US-China decoupling disruption as opportunity not threat – Asia Times

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The speculative financial decoupling between the United States and China is now occurring, and the effects will have an impact on every aspect of the world market. Driven by business imbalances, modern rivals and national security issues, the split is accelerating and will form the 21st century.

The course of events continues regardless of the outcome of the next US national poll. The relationship is framed as one of rivalry because both main parties have taken a confrontational attitude toward China. Tools like taxes, trade handles, and supply chain swings will continue to be deployed. Decoupling is not just feasible, it is unavoidable.

This growing tear carries tremendous implications, especially for third-party countries. These nations—ranging from big markets like India and Germany to emerging markets such as Vietnam and Mexico—rely heavily on both the US and China for business, investment, systems, and safety partnerships.

The problem for these nations is certainly whether they will be affected by the world’s two largest economy ‘ separation, but how they will bridge the gap.

Collectively, the US and China accounts for over 40 % of global GDP. Increased coupling could lead to scattered supply chains, competing scientific standards, and independent financial spheres of influence.

For third-party nations, this means higher company costs, reduced international development, and changed trade patterns. Firms have already had to reevaluate their supply chains as a result of the pandemic and ongoing business disputes, and US and Chinese economies are likely to experience even greater disruption.

Each phase of this decoupling presents challenges and opportunities for third-party regions, and it is happening in five different and parallel stages.

Five isolating stages to observe

1. Global supply chains

The second phase—already good underway—involves the restructuring of global supply chains. US businesses are seeking to lower over-dependence on China, particularly in important areas like electronics, medicine, and consumer gadgets.

As a result, places like Vietnam, Mexico, and India are emerging as other producing centers, attracting investment shifting away from China. For example, Vietnam saw a 10.5 % increase in foreign direct investment ( FDI) in the first half of 2023, while China’s FDI declined by 5.6 % during the same period.

This development highlights Vietnam’s ability as a key player in the growth methods of multinational corporations.

2. Digital structures

The US and China build specific technical ecosystems that are governed by different governmental frameworks and standards, which contribute to the divergence of modern infrastructures. This is evident in the development of 5G networks, where US allies have banned Chinese businesses like Huawei in favor of non-Chinese alternatives.

In this fragmented environment, countries like South Korea and Japan, with advanced technological capabilities, have the opportunity to become neutral digital hubs. Their neutrality allows them to avoid higher costs faced by non-neutral hubs, such as the US$ 4-$ 5 billion increase in US 5G deployment costs due to Huawei’s exclusion.

South Korea and Japan establish themselves as key players in the changing digital landscape by balancing technologies from both ecosystems.

3. Data sovereignty and AI innovation

As the US and China tighten control over data flows, which are increasingly viewed as crucial to national security and AI development, the third phase, which is data sovereignty and artificial intelligence, furthers the divide.

Singapore is emerging as a neutral player in this regard, establishing itself as a secure data haven through initiatives like AI Verify, Digital Economy Agreements ( DEAs ), and Singapore’s robust Personal Data Protection Act ( PDPA ).

AI Verify offers a forward-thinking approach to AI governance, enabling companies worldwide to assess the transparency, fairness and ethical compliance of their AI systems.

In 2022, over 60 % of the world’s cloud services ran through Singapore’s digital infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a key hub for secure data management. The city’s DEAs facilitate seamless cross-border data transfers, and cross-border data flows contributed$ 540 billion to the region’s GDP in 2021.

As Singapore enhances its AI governance and data sovereignty, my firm, Temus, contributed insights to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change’s report,” Greening AI: A Policy Agenda for the Artificial Intelligence and Energy Revolutions”.

Our recommendations, alongside those from other industry and research institutes, focused on how Singapore can leverage its computing power and data center footprint sustainably—ensuring competitiveness in the AI era while maintaining environmental responsibility, a paradox many governments and enterprises strive to resolve.

Singapore offers a balanced approach to AI innovation by encouraging collaboration between industries and governments in response to growing concerns over data sovereignty.

4. Financial decoupling

The fourth phase, financial decoupling, is rapidly gaining momentum. Chinese businesses are increasingly denied access to US capital markets, and China is making strides to develop alternatives to the Western financial system, including by encouraging the digital yuan.

For third-party countries, this phase brings risks and opportunities. Financial hubs like Dubai and Zurich might become neutral areas, drawing in both US and Chinese capital. However, these nations will need to diversify their currency reserves—balancing among the US dollar, euro, and yuan—to hedge against financial shocks.

The “weaponization of the US dollar,” a concept that economist Eswar Prasad explored in his book” The Dollar Trap,” is a key driver of this change. Prasad illustrates how the dollar’s dominance, with nearly 90 % of global trade conducted in dollars, allows the US to impose sanctions and exert influence over the global financial system.

Countries like Russia and Iran, cut off from dollar-based networks due to US policy, face severe economic repercussions. Countries are forced to align with US interests or face isolation as a result of this over-reliance. In response, many nations are looking for other ways to combat the growing US-China conflict and the need to take sides.

5. Competing Visions

The final phase is fueled by ideological and political divergence. The US and China are promoting competing visions of the global order: the US emphasizes safeguarding intellectual property, fair competition, and the free flow of information, while China prioritizes technological self-reliance.

For third-party countries, navigating this landscape is increasingly complex. As decoupling gets deeper, nations like India and Turkey have demonstrated that it’s possible to maintain strategic autonomy while engaging with both superpowers. However, this balancing act will get harder as the conflict gets deeper.

In this context, former Singaporean diplomat Bilahari Kausikan advocates for a strategy of dynamic multipolarity. Third-party nations are encouraged to cooperate more flexibly than to acquiesce to one power’s interests, thereby maximizing their own national interests.

Dynamic multipolarity allows countries to adapt to shifting geopolitical landscapes without getting too deeply entangled in either the US or China’s sphere of influence. Third-party states can maintain strategic autonomy while ensuring win-win outcomes by diversifying partnerships and engaging pragmatically with major global powers.

In an increasingly multipolar world, this enables them to capitalize on opportunities from various players and to form stronger, more balanced relationships with one another, fostering resilience and development among other third-party states.

Strategic autonomy, cooperation and capacity building

The US-China decoupling is already changing the world economy, and its effects will continue to grow over the coming decades. Third-party countries are not powerless in this transition.

By strategically navigating the five phases of decoupling—realigning supply chains, adapting to digital fragmentation, asserting data sovereignty, managing financial flows, and positioning themselves geopolitically—they can turn disruption into opportunity.

Agility will be a must for these countries to keep themselves from being permanently bound up to either the US or China. In this fragmented world, those who maintain strategic autonomy, increase cooperation among themselves, and develop their technological prowess will prosper.

Third-party countries have the opportunity to protect their economic interests as decoupling progresses and to strengthen their relevance in a rapidly changing global order.

Marcus Loh is a director at Temus, a provider of digital transformation services, where he leads public affairs and strategic communication as well as serving as Step IT Up Singapore’s business head. He serves on the executive committee of SG Tech, the largest trade organization for Singapore’s technology sector, for the digital transformation chapter.

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Ex-director of New Silkroutes Group jailed for market rigging; prosecution calls Goh Jin Hian the ‘mastermind’

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SINGAPORE: A former finance director at New Silkroutes Group ( NSG) was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail on Monday ( Sep 16 ) for false trading and market rigging.

This is the first moment the facts of the case are being made public because Teo Thiam Chuan William is the first of four co-accused to enter a admit guilty.

In its punishment claims for Teo, the trial labelled his co-accused, past CEO Goh Jin Hian, as the “mastermind” in the program.

Goh, 55, is the brother of former prime minister Goh Chok Tong.

The four gentlemen allegedly conspired to raise the price of NSG securities in 2018, yet employing a business market maker to raise the price from S$ 285 to S$ 50.

Teo, 55, entered a guilty plea to six counts of crime abetment under the Securities and Futures Act. Another 25 claims were taken into consideration.

THE CASE&nbsp,

NSG is a holding company for investment that has been trading on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX ) since 2002. It has companies in sectors like care, information systems, and fuel trading.

As funding director, Teo managed the company’s records and worked on money, mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, he was authorized to hold stock buybacks of NSG stock and had power over NSG’s corporate stocks trading accounts.

Oo Cheong Kwan Kelvyn, 53, who was NSG’s executive chairman and chief operating officer, and Huang Yiwen, 40, who is GTC Group’s only producer, are the other co-accused.

According to judge files, NSG started out in the&nbsp, oil trading, technology and IT solution supply business.

Through the expansions of hospitals and health offer companies, it entered the field of healthcare in December 2016.

NSG mainly funded the expansions through the issuance of NSG stocks as payment for the order.

However, its declining share value in 2017 hindered its efforts to acquire businesses and raise funds through personal placements.

NSG SHARE PRICE DECLINE

The share price ranged from S$ 0.70 to S$ 0.90 from January to May 2017, before dropping to around S$ 0.40 to S$ 0.50 in June. It hit a small of S$ 0.285 in November that time.

On Nov 29, 2017, NSG properly applied to block exchanging of its stocks. A few days afterwards, this turned into a buying suspension.

Between the period the trading was suspended and the date the suspension was lifted on February 25, 2018, NSG agreed to a number of business transactions that included the probable issuance of new NSG shares as concern.

To increase a total of S$ 5 million, NSG announced on February 21, 2018 that it was proposing the position of more than 11 million new stock at a price of S$ 0.44 per share to an outside buyer named Dr. Andrew Chua Quickly Kian. This position was finished in March 2018.

In February 2018, NSG even made a memorandum of understanding with a third party named Mr. Shen Yuyun to get two medical supply firms in Shanghai. To finish the acquisition for S$ 65 million, NSG planned to issue new shares at S$ 0.50 per share.

A memorandum of understanding between NSG and Haitong International Securities was signed that month, in which NSG announced that the company would subscribe to a$ 5 million convertible bond with a two-year maturity date.

Interest on the convertible bond may be 5 % annually.

THE Crime

But, while exchanging was suspended, Teo and his three collaborators agreed to participate in a scheme to deliberately drive up the price of NSG securities, the prosecutors said.

The prosecution claimed that the scheme involved using Goh’s personal trading account to place orders and execute trades in NSG securities, market maker GTC’s trading account to place orders and execute trades on the company’s trading account, and trading orders and executing trades in NSG securities.

GTC was not permitted to influence a security’s share price because it was a commercial market maker with SGX. Marketers are instead primarily expected to increase trading liquidity for the contracted securities by offering competitive bid-ask quotes on a continuous basis with an agreed-upon spread.

Teo, Goh, and Oo allegedly hired GTC to place orders and trade trades for NSG securities in an effort to artificially raise and maintain NSG stock prices under the guise of providing reliable market-making services.

One of the benefits of raising the share price was the ability to give investors confidence to close the corporate transactions that had been announced and allow for upcoming share placements based on an attractive share price.

Goh asked him to find a market maker to support NSG’s share price on February 4, 2018, according to the statement of facts Teo pleaded guilty to. Then, sometime between February 21 and February 28, 2018, NSG hired GTC.

Goh, Teo and Oo allegedly gave GTC’s Huang a target price of S$ 0.50 to achieve.

The four men allegedly carried out the market-rigging scheme over the course of six months, communicating via text and emails, and negotiating when and how much NSG securities should be purchased.

Goh allegedly allegedly urged Teo to submit bids at a specific time in a text message.

Goh allegedly told Teo to make it clear to GTC that they were not meeting their$ 0.50 target price in another email that the prosecution provided.

Goh allegedly suggested not paying GTC its fees “until the share price hits S$ 0.40 in May” in a group discussion.

” This was a concerted and coordinated effort between ( Teo ) and his co-accused persons to engage in market rigging”, said the team of three prosecutors.

TRADING SUSPENSION LIFTED

After the market closed on February 25, 2018, the trading suspension for NSG shares was lifted.

Teo and his associates allegedly discussed how to raise NSG’s opening share price in order to hit their goal the following morning.

Huang allegedly placed buy orders using GTC’s trading account before the SGX’s trading session started at 9am during the opening period.

On Feb 26, 2018, the price of NSG shares opened at S$ 0.390, which is a 36.84 per cent increase over its last traded price of S$ 0.285.

Early in March 2018, Teo and Huang placed orders and executed trades for NSG securities to artificially increase the share price.

GREAT DISTORTION CAUSED: PROSECUTION

The prosecution sought 12 weeks ‘ jail for Teo, calling the scheme” sophisticated, well-coordinated and effective”, designed to manipulate the price of NSG in order to allow its shares to be used as consideration for corporate deals.

They said Teo played a” critical role” in the scheme as finance director.

The scale of the market rigging was significant, with “great distortion” caused to the market for NSG securities, said the prosecutors.

The alleged trades and orders executed by Teo, Huang, and Goh made up 28.78 % of the total market volume, excluding buy trades, during the 31 days that constitute Teo’s proceeded charges.

Additionally, they increased the closing price of NSG securities on 22 trading days and set the intraday high on 11 trading days.

The accused made a concerted and effective effort to sway the NSG price to appear more attractive than normal market forces would otherwise, according to the prosecution.

According to the prosecution, the plan was created as” a quick and convenient way” to raise money through the issuance of new NSG shares and to facilitate NSG’s expansion by acquiring other companies.

Additionally, the men engaged GTC to give their” conflict of legitimacy” to their deceptive trades.

” While not the mastermind ( which was Goh ), ( Teo ) played an important role in the scheme”, said the prosecutors, adding that he was the&nbsp, main liaison between NSG and Huang.

On September 18, Teo was given the opportunity to begin serving his jail time.

The pre-trial conference stage is currently holding the Goh, Huang, and Oo cases, with the upcoming trial scheduled for September 26.

According to court records, Huang intends to plead guilty.

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China says new US tariffs ‘compounding its mistakes’ – Asia Times

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After the United States finalized its tariff increases on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles ( EVs ), batteries, solar panels, metals, and medical tools, Beijing has pledged to take measures to protect Chinese firms ‘ interests. &nbsp,

Following Section 301 tariff investigations, the Office of the United States Trade Representative ( USTR ) announced on September 13 that it will continue with its previously proposed tariff increases on imports from China. &nbsp,

From September 27 this month, the US will establish a 100 % tax on EVs and a 50 % tax on solar cell, syringes and needles imported from China. It will also impose a 25 % tariff on China’s facemasks, battery parts ( non-lithium-ion batteries ) and lithium-ion EV batteries, critical minerals, ship-to-shore cranes and steel and aluminum products.

The US will start imposing a 50 % tax on Chinese-made health gloves and electronics starting in 2025. From the beginning of 2026, the US will impose a 25 % tariff on China’s lithium-ion non-EV batteries, natural graphite and permanent magnets, a 50 % tariff on facemasks and also a 100 % tariff on medical gloves. &nbsp,

These tax increases, which cover imports worth US$ 18 billion from China, have mostly been unchanged from those that the Biden administration announced on May 14.

The USTR stated on September 13 that it made its decision after taking into account public feedback and the recommendations of the Interagency Section 301 commission and other acceptable advisory boards. &nbsp,

China has consistently made significant representations to the US side regarding Area 301 tariffs, and the WTO has already determined that these taxes are against the rules, according to a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce. ” Instead of addressing this, the US has further increased tariffs on Chinese products, compounding its mistakes” .&nbsp,

The US Section 301 tariff increase, according to the spokesperson, is standard unilateralism and protectionism that drives up the costs of US imports while finally being borne by US businesses and consumers.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry released its 2024 Report on US compliance with the World Trade Organization ( WTO ) on September 12. The statement expressed grave concern about the US’s alleged misuse of Section 301 to impose tariffs on Chinese goods, claiming that the US “disrupts world business and provide chains”.

Additionally, it criticized the US for defaming the multilateral trading system, engaging in punitive trade bullying, imposing double standards on professional policies, and stifling the global commercial and supply chains by politicizating and using economic and trade issues by using a “tariff baton” under the guise of “de-risking.”

According to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT ), Section 301 tariffs violate WTO guidelines and severely impair the trust of the relevant Chinese and US industries in long-term, stable cooperation.

Tech income

The Office of the USTR’s latest announcement said Chinese semiconductors that will be subject to a 50 % import tariff include diodes, transistors, photosensitive semiconductors, processors and controllers, integrated circuits ( memories, amplifiers and others ) and parts of integrated circuits and microassemblies. &nbsp,

But, CITIC Securities said the US price hikes will not have a big impact on China’s semiconductor industry. It said China’s export of semiconductors to the US amounted to 22.7 billion yuan ( US$ 3.2 billion ), or only about 1.65 % of China’s total exports of semiconductors of 13.78 trillion yuan in 2023. &nbsp,

Another analysts claimed that Taiwanese thermal product manufacturers are more affected by overcapacity than US tariff increases.

There has been hardly any immediate import of solar panels from China to the US in the past 12 years, according to Lu Jinbiao, deputy director of the expert council of the Beijing branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, who spoke to Yicai.com.

He claimed that since the US began an anti-dumping exploration into Chinese renewable batteries and units in October 2012, Chinese manufacturers have rerouted their production traces to Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos to avoid additional US tariffs.

In order to provide US providers more time to build their domestic production capacity, the Biden administration extended a tax deduction for renewable product producers in the four Southeast Asian nations by two years in June 2022. &nbsp,

After the deduction expired on June 6 of this year, US manufacturers of solar materials from the four nations are now required to pay an additional 14.25 % work. &nbsp,

Lu said some manufacturers of Taiwanese renewable energy might choose to relocate to the US to prevent additional tariffs while others might be in Southeast Asia. He claimed in an interview with Caixinglobal.com that the bigger issue in China’s thermal product sector is a price war brought on by overcapacity and fragile global demand. &nbsp,

He claimed that some Chinese thermal product manufacturers have since lost money as a result of the decline in silicon prices from 300,000 yuan per lot two years ago. He claimed that since the third quarter of last year, costs of solar chips, cell, and components have fallen by more than 50 %. &nbsp,

Longi Green Energy Technology, China’s thermal chip maker, reported a net loss of 5.2 billion yuan in the six month ended June 30 this year, compared with a net income of 9.2 billion yuan a month earlier. &nbsp,

A solar body manufacturer, TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy Technology, recorded a net loss of 3 billion yuan in the first quarter, compared to a 4.5 billion yuan earnings in the same time of last year. &nbsp,

Read: Germany invests more in foreign companies than China.

Following Jeff Pao on X: &nbsp, @jeffpao3

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Tweaking the casino plan

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A croupier is at an illegal casino in Nonthaburi province when immmigration police raided it in November last year. (Photo courtesy of the Immigration Bureau)
When immigration authorities raided an illegal casino in Nonthaburi territory in November of last year, a croupier was there. ( Photo courtesy of the Immigration Bureau )

Members of the tourism industry suggest that some laws and regulations been amended to support the government’s plan on included entertainment complex growth in the hope it may stimulate the economy.

Some, nevertheless, doubt whether the job will be for the effects.

Weerawit Krueasombat, president of Phuket’s Patong Entertainment Business Association ( PEBA ), stated that he thinks it would be a good idea to build an integrated complex that includes a casino in a major tourist destination.

For a challenging may be developed on a full size with all matters considered, including duty regulation, to bring in investors and raise money circulating in the country, he said.

He sees Phuket’s residential areas, such as Thalang area near Phuket Airport, as possible locations instead of a downtown area.

Bring it on

Nopporn Wutthikul, the governor of Hua Hin, stated that his tranquil resort area is also willing to support the construction of an entertainment complex as part of the government’s plan for man-made hospitality.

However, he argued that the government should think about expanding the airport to accommodate international flights in order to draw in more international visitors if Hua Hin is chosen as the site of the proposal.

According to Mr. Nopporn, the city’s man-made attractions, including water parks and amusement parks, have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn, which has led to economic difficulties for business owners.

He urged the government to support Hua Hin’s promotion as a major tourist destination and to encourage more customers, citing the possibility of a sports complex and its place as a place for international sports events.

Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, chairman of the Khao San Business Association in Bangkok, said he supports the president’s policy to promote tourism via an entertainment advanced with a game, as it could generate massive income for the region.

Thailand could be a top destination for tourists if the game is appropriately regulated by the law due to its natural sights and variety of entertainment options offering an all-inclusive travel experience, according to Mr. Sa-nga.

He stated that because it had spread income more evenly, the amusement complex would be more advantageous if it were constructed in a secondary city rather than a well-known tourist destination that is already beset by foreign tourists.

He claimed that the project’s proceeds could be used to fund projects in various areas of the nation, such as learning.

Boonanan Pattanasin, chairman of the Pattaya-Chonburi Business and Tourism Association, said joint ventures between Thai and international investors are popular in Pattaya.

The city is home to some man-made attractions, such as water parks, amusement parks and reptile gardens, most of them foreign shared projects.

He suggested that laws be in place to control the funding sources and ensure fair competition.

According to him,” The government also needs to support the operators in terms of laws and regulations, not just encourage them to invest,” adding that the government should also improve the transportation system to attract more visitors.

Keep the casino averted.

Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association ( PTA ), stated that while he supported the concept of a casino, it was necessary.

The PTA, he said, doubted if the casino would have a big impact on tourist numbers, especially repeat visitors. He inquired as to whether a study on such a subject had been conducted by the government.

” We think Phuket has a charm that results from its natural beauty, culture, and many other unique characteristics that have attracted repeat visitors from all over the world and helped to boost the economy,” said Mr. Thanet.

He claimed that the majority of the world’s top casinos are located in deserted areas without any natural or cultural attractions, so they needed to create something to draw people in. That was never the case with Phuket.

The PTA questioned the requirement for investors to have a registered capital of at least 10 billion baht, as well as the shareholding structure. How many businesses in Thailand have this kind of capital? he asked, criticising the rule as being favourable to large companies.

” Phoenix’s tourism revenue has increased from tens of millions to hundreds of billions of baht over the past four decades. Many local businesses, especially in the hotel industry, have contributed to this growth by considering long-term impacts.

” The island’s future would be uncertain if large foreign investors come in because they might just take the profits and leave the problems,” he said.

Mr Thanet said what the locals need is development of infrastructure, such as more roads, better public transport, an adequate water supply, wastewater treatment and waste management.

He added that if a casino is set up, there are concerns about social effects and potential harm to locals.

Mr. Weerawit of the PEBA agreed, suggesting that the government put forth precise measures to stop disadvantaged locals from becoming gamblers.

Mr Thanet said that from January to July, Phuket earned 284 billion baht from 7.6 million visitors, with an average hotel booking rate of 82.57 %.

The tourism industry generated 500 billion baht in revenue for the island this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ). This clearly has nothing to do with casinos,” Mr Thanet said.

Ready to move forward

Julapun Amornvivat, the deputy minister of finance, recently updated the organization about the progress of the Entertainment Complex bill, stating that some details are being looked at because they do not comply with the Fiscal Discipline Act.

He added that no one in his ministry has the authority to decide how much money is appropriate for the project, or who or where to hire operators.

However, Mr. Julapun confirmed that the project is ready to proceed now that most participants in the planning process have listened to a public hearing.

He added that there will be a few more meetings before the revised bill is discussed with the cabinet for discussion.

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Expo heeds royal wisdom

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SX 2024 takes a look at sufficient idea

PUBLISHED: 17 Sep 2024 at 04: 41

Visitors to Sustainability Expo 2023 last year participate in various activities at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This year's SX 2024 is to be held from Sept 27 to Oct 6.
Next month, attendees of Sustainability Expo 2023 took part in a variety of events at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This week’s SX 2024 is to be held from Sept 27 to Oct 6.

Organisers and exhibitors at the upcoming 5th Sustainability Expo 2024 ( SX 2024 ), which will take place from September 27 to October 6, are gearing up to encourage attendees to learn more about environmental sustainability in 10 zones.

The event, which will be one of the biggest conservation activities in Asean, will be held under the style” Sufficiency for Sustainability,” which is inspired by the first statement His Majesty the King delivered at his crown on May 4, 2019.

According to SX 2024 press statement, the 70, 000-square-metre Queen Sirikit National Convention Center ( QSNCC ) will be divided into 10 zones.

According to the statement, the museum area on the ground floor may be divided into five sections and include awards-giving activities that encourage people participation under the theme.

The show opens with “SEP Inspiration,” a space where individuals and businesses, including the Chaipattana Foundation, share ideas about the sufficient economy philosophy.

The members will also be greeted by Prologue, an interactive experience that displays the impact humans have on the culture, and Story from Plateau, by Bangkok Art Biennale 2024 designer Bounpaul Phothyzan.

They may learn how to live happily with people of different generations in the” Better Me” area and stay informed about upcoming food trends.

They will know about activities or tasks by leading companies that promote a circular economy and a clean environment in the” Better Life” zone.

The” Better Community: Building Inclusive Community” zone will house exhibits about local involvement in promoting a more sustainable quality of life as well as the” Better World” art gallery, which will display a variety of works in accordance with the theme.

On the lower ground floor, there is to be a Kids Zone with activities to improve children’s skills and imagination, an SX marketplace with more than 280 shops selling green products, an SX department store where participants may donate unwanted items to others and shop for second-hand products, and an SX food festival offering tasters from the many green menus on display by celebrity chefs from Masterchef, Iron Chef, Major Chef, and Hell’s Kitchen.

For the seminar on the second floor, participants will be taught more about in the B2C2B ( business-to-consumer-to-business ) context during forums hosted by leading sustainable networks such as Nikkei BP and the Australian Trade.

The event may work from 10am to 8pm, at the QSNCC. It is co-hosted by its co-founders: Thai Beverage, Frasers Property, PTT Plc, Siam Cement Group (SCG), and Thai Union Group, with the help of the Thailand Supply Chain Network.

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Precarity trap: Gig economy failing Asia’s youth – Asia Times

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Youth in the Asia-Pacific area are extremely concerned about the perilous work situation, with a growing number of young people finding themselves in temporary work without social security or long-term deals.

In Southeast Asia and the Pacific, over 28 % of children were working temporarily without financial security and social privileges in the document Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 from the International Labor Organization.

This circumstance not just undermines the financial stability of people, but it also has significant effects on the state’s leads for long-term economic growth.

International changes, outlined in the ILO’s report, show that temporary jobs in the region has been rising since the early 2000s. Although adaptable, these jobs often provide long-term agreements, leaving younger workers without access to important benefits like medical and pensions.

In places like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, the gig economy has more exacerbated the problem by creating accommodating but often unpredictable work. More than 44 % of Indonesian children are reportedly employed in the informal sector, frequently without arrangements, which makes it difficult for them to obtain social security or monetary stability.

The pressures that children are subject to also increase as a result of social expectations. In some Asian countries, steady employment is seen as a symbol of personal and social victory. This cognitive dissonance, but, causes emotional stress for some younger people who can only secure vulnerable jobs.

For instance, in South Korea and Japan, the societal pressure to find permanent jobs has increased in the number of mental health issues, including a noteworthy rise in youth suicides.

Technology, which was first seen as a gateway to new job prospects, has also played a part in expanding the uncertainty of these tasks.

Although the gig economy has opened up new employment opportunities for young people, particularly in the fields of logistics and transportation ( like Gojek and Grab drivers ), these positions come with significant financial hazard because of the absence of social security. Many of these employees rely on fluctuating desire, which results in unexpected income.

However, systems also holds the potential for revolutionary solutions. To improve transparency and offer better protection for gig workers, blockchain technology and intelligent contracts are being looked into.

These websites can make sure that employees are given timely payments and have access to fundamental social security benefits. In order to incorporate these safeguards into their job market frameworks, nations like Singapore are looking into collaborations with technology companies.

Precarious employment even poses obstacles to social mobility. Youth who are confined to temporary or casual jobs frequently lack access to training or advancement opportunities, which makes it challenging for them to change into more stable and well-paying positions.

This exacerbates intergenerational inequality, specifically for those in lower-income organizations. In order to address this, empowering and mentoring initiatives must be prioritized to enable youth to transition to industries like alternative energy and information technology with better job security.

Governments in the Asia-Pacific area want to improve interpersonal protections for younger workers, including expanding access to healthcare and pension plans for those in the informal sector, at the coverage level.

The establishment of more stable employment in the conventional business might be aided by tax opportunities for companies that offer long-term contracts to younger workers. Also, educational and vocational initiatives need to be more in tune with demands coming from the labor market in the future.

With a more integrated approach—combining open plan, technological innovation, and cultural change—the Asia-Pacific area can create a safer and more diverse labour market for children, paving the way for sustainable economic growth in the long term.

Setyo Budiantoro is a fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ), Nexus Strategist The Prakarsa, and IDEAS Global Program Fellow.

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Funding for inclusive hiring, gig employment among plans to help 4,500 people with disabilities get jobs

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SUPPORTING EMPLOYERS&nbsp,

Over 7, 000 businesses have hired people with disabilities who are recognized as having access to government-supported illness services, according to a report released by the Taskforce on Promoting Inclusive Employment Practices. &nbsp,

According to the statement, some employers choose not to employ people with disabilities because they are unaware of the benefits of diverse hiring or have limited knowledge and internal resources.

Also, close to 4 in 5 diverse companies hire only one man with a illness.

Therefore, according to the task force’s report, there is a need to help employers better tap into the pool of people with disabilities and make diverse workplaces where they can make a meaningful contribution to businesses. &nbsp,

To do this, companies must increase the number of diverse ones in addition to supporting and expanding the choosing of people with disabilities. &nbsp,

The state targets to increase the number of diverse employers from over 7, 000 now to 10, 000 by 2030, of which, 30 per cent may get more than one employee with disability. &nbsp,

The task force recommended increasing help to strengthen businesses ‘ internal capacities in order to implement equitable hiring practices in this context.

This could include covering the cost to appoint, employ or engage and empower an inclusive work” hero” or in-house career coach to maintain an inclusive work environment.

The task force even acknowledged the value of leveraging existing diverse employers to increase awareness and promote diverse hiring. &nbsp,

The work force observed in conversations with businesses that many people were unsure where to begin when it came to diverse hiring or the types of careers that were appropriate for people with disabilities. &nbsp,

In response, it recommended expanding the pool of” champions” of inclusive hiring who could support inclusive hiring practices in six key industries. &nbsp,

These include businesses like as information and communications, health and social services, and transport and storage.

The government may look into providing money to companies that are willing to advance the diverse hiring agenda for their efforts to increase diverse hiring among their peers or networks, according to the task force’s report. &nbsp,

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Japan’s faith in US eroded by impolitic election rhetoric – Asia Times

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In voices and techniques that have upset America’s most crucial Pacific ally, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and J D Vance have all voiced passionate opposition to Japan’s proposed merger of US Steel. The underlying meaning of the condition is best expressed in the next quotations.

Joe Biden:” It is crucial that we keep strong American steel firms that are led by American steel employees.” US Steel has been a renowned American steel company for more than a century. It is important that it continues to be a domestically owned and operated business.

Kamala Harris:” US Steel is an ancient American business. And it is crucial for our country to keep strong British metal businesses. And I could n’t agree more with President Biden…”

Donald Trump:” I would stop it. I think it’s a awful thing. When Japan buys US Steel, I would stop it quickly. Definitely”.

J D Vance:” Today, a critical part of America’s security industrial base was auctioned off to immigrants for cash” .&nbsp,

Sherrod Brown, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee:” As you examine this offer, I urge you to… study Nippon’s ties to the Chinese authorities and the harm this consolidation poses to British regional and economic security”.

This political, if not misinformed, communication has played well on the campaign road, with some critics suggesting the chest-beating is nothing more than campaigning. However, that is not how the Chinese view things.

Shigeru Ishiba, a former Chinese defence minister, said:” I find what the United States is saying very disconcerting. Making such statements or behavior may undermine the trust of its friends…

The US has just started imposing threats and agreements on its allies, which is true both with Japan and NATO. I’m not sure if that approach is actually good. The Chinese authorities should discuss these issues with seriousness, sincerity, and naturally.

We all believed that the US has a market-oriented business and that Japan and the US are great friends, and this takeover is not just about the merger of US Steel; it will also have implications for that.

Ishiba is currently topping polls in the race for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s ( LDP ) presidency. One more significant candidate out of nine is Kono. In October, anyone who wins that vote on September 27 will almost certainly be elected as Japan’s future prime minister.

Speaking in English at the Foreign Correspondents ‘ Club of Japan (FCCJ) last week, Kono said that while the US-Japan security relationship is fundamental to Japan’s defense, when the US becomes” volatile “and” we do n’t know what’s going on “in Washington, Japan needs the” deeper assurance “of” layered defense.”

In Kono’s perceive, that includes working with various friends in Asia-Pacific and Europe, a financially stronger private security market, and long-range weapons, drones and nuclear-powered submarines with non-nuclear torpedoes and missiles waiting quietly in the choke points between China and the Pacific Ocean.

Kono supports speech with China, but argues that Japan needs to collaborate with other countries to put strain on China and avert it in the global south.

Ishiba thinks that” the US-Japan empire is very important, but that does not mean trying to meet all the requirements of the US,” he told the FCCJ.” It is not in Japan’s curiosity to increase its military abilities just to satisfy the US.

But, he also said” The United States never coming to the security of Ukraine because it is not a NATO member is really disturbing. Additionally, the absence of a global security system here in East Asia is incredibly problematic. I’ll do everything in my power to create one.

When Ishiba and Lai Ching-te, the president of Taiwan, met in Taipei in August and discussed how stronger a deterrent to Chinese aggression is needed for peace in the Taiwan Strait. Noting that” Today’s Ukraine might be tomorrow’s East Asia,” &nbsp, he added that the most pressing need now is to prevent that from happening.

Minister of State for Economic Security&nbsp, Sanae Takaichi, a disciple of former and now deceased prime minister Shinzo Abe, is the most hawkish of the LDP’s candidates.

Three years ago, she campaigned for the LDP’s leadership and said,” We need to prepare for a new war.” Our satellites could be attacked. Undersea cables might become severed. We should concentrate our resources on constructing our country’s defenses.

This time around, Takaichi advocates removing a buoy from China’s disputed Senkaku Islands, promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” and discussing the revision of Japan’s” Three Non-Nuclear Principles” ( one of the country’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles ).

If elected, Takaichi also promises to travel to the Yasukuni Shrine, a move that will undoubtedly enrage China and both Koreas. The International Military Tribune for the Far East, which found Japan’s war dead, as well as those who were detained there after World War II, are buried there.

On August 15, the 79th anniversary of World War II’s end in the Pacific, Takaichi, Minoru Kihara, Katsunobu Kato, Takayuki Kobayashi, former chief cabinet secretary, and former mister of the environment Shinjiro Koizumi, made a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.

Eight of the nine candidates in this month’s election – Takaichi, Ishiba, Kato, Kobayashi, Koizumi, Kono, LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi – have emphasized the revision of Japan’s” peace constitution “in their campaign presentations.

The ninth, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa, does n’t really need to. She has been a key figure in the efforts of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to strengthen security ties with other nations in the Indo-Pacific region, including serving as the LDP’s headquarters for the Promotion of Revision of the Constitution.

For the third Japan-India 2 2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in August, Kamikawa and Defense Minister Kihara traveled to New Delhi. In early September, she took part in the 2 2 meeting in Australia, where the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to Australia and Japan’s Special Strategic Partnership.

Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles are: not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory”. Peace constitution “refers to Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, entitled” Renunciation of War”, which reads:

The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes as they sincerely aspire to an international peace based on justice and order.

” In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The state’s right to belligerency will not be acknowledged.

Article 9 – which, like the rest of Japan’s constitution, was drafted by American occupation officials after WWII – has been only nominally honored with the build-up of ground, maritime and air Self-Defense Forces.

However, a growing number of people’s elected representatives now believe that recognition of the importance that those forces play in safeguarding the country’s interests.

The Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan’s top daily newspapers, conducted an annual poll in May that revealed 53 % of people were in favor of Article 9’s second paragraph, which is the highest percentage ever and ten percentage points ahead of those who claimed it was not necessary.

75 % of respondents saw no reason to revise the first paragraph, indicating that most Japanese are facing the reality of international relations, not turning pro-war.

Overall, 63 % were in favor of revising the constitution versus 35 % against. Some people would like to have the constitution revised, while others would prefer to have it independently drafted by the Japanese themselves.

The Japanese are on the verge of establishing themselves as a normal nation that is more self-reliant in protecting its national interests as a result of rising threats from China and North Korea and impolitic statements from US politicians.

On September 12, Kobayashi declared,” I will make Japan a leading country in the world and a truly autonomous country that does not go every way following the trends of other countries,” on the first day of active campaigning.

Follow this writer on&nbsp, X: @ScottFo83517667

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Anduril poised to fill America’s missile supply gap – Asia Times

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In the face of numerous challenges in the US and the allied security manufacturing base for quite munitions, National defense contractor Anduril Industries plans to replenish thoroughly depleted US weapon stockpiles with its fresh low-cost Barracuda cruise missile.

This month, Anduril unveiled the Barracuda family of Autonomous Air Vehicles ( AAVs ), including the Barracuda-100, Barracuda-250 and Barracuda-500 – all of which are designed for affordable, hyper-scale production.

Anduril mentions that these air-breathing, software-defined inconsequential AAVs offer increasing size, variety and cargo capacity and are compatible with different loads and work mechanisms.

The company says the Barracuda-M configuration provides a cost-effective, adaptable cruise missile capability, addressing the US and its allies ‘ pressing need for more producible and upgradeable precision-guided munitions ( PGM ).

The Barracuda home of AAVs functions advanced automatic behaviors, given and air-breathing engines, enabling higher speeds, agility and extended ranges. Anduril says the Barracuda is designed for fast, low-cost council and requires fewer equipment and parts, making it 30 % cheaper than competition.

It makes use of components from the supply chain to support supply chain resilience, and notes that its compact design makes quick adjustments to changing threats and new technologies. Additionally, the Barracuda home supports a variety of vision sets and can be used on a variety of platforms, including surface-to-aircraft and fifth-generation fighters.

With Barracuda, Anduril says it aims to restore the US army with these intelligent, adaptable and mass-producible weapons, combining modern technology with cutting-edge equipment to improve air dominance and strike capabilities.

At a time when the US defense industry base struggles to meet demand, Anduril’s Barracuda AAVs could provide flexible, affordable, and versatile PGMs to address some of America’s production and supply chain issues.

Seth Jones notes that the US faces a number of significant challenges in producing PGMs in a report from January 2023 for the Center for Strategic and International Studies ( CSIS ).

Jones says lead times are a significant bottleneck, with certain missiles, such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile ( JASSM) and Tomahawk Block V, taking up to two years to produce.

He mentions that due to workforce and supply chain constraints, the US defense industry base struggles to maintain surge capacity.

Jones points out that despite businesses needing stable contracts and more consistent demand signals to invest in production, inconsistent orders from the US Department of Defense ( DOD ) only make the issue worse.

He adds that the US defense industry is further hampered by single-source dependencies for crucial components like rocket motors and missile energy. He mentions that the global supply chain, particularly reliance on China for rare-earth metals, also poses vulnerabilities.

Jones says that regulatory hurdles, such as outdated Foreign Military Sales ( FMS ) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations ( ITAR ), retard arms sales to critical allies, impacting the defense industry’s ability to ramp up production efficiently.

Further, in a February 2023 CSIS report, Jones says that the DOD’s munitions stockpiles would likely be insufficient in a major regional conflict, including a war with China over Taiwan.

According to Jones, simulations revealed that the US would run out of crucial long-range PGMs in a few weeks, which poses a significant challenge in continuing a protracted conflict with China.

He makes the point that China has outpaced the US by five to six times in terms of buying expensive weapons, making this shortfall even more so.

Jones points out that the defense industry base has long faced problems, including inconsistent demand signals and supply chain vulnerabilities, which prevent it from being able to replenish stockpiles quickly.

He claims that with China’s expanding military might and the rising threat of conflict in the Taiwan Strait, the need to deal with these issues has grown. The author makes it clear that deterrence depends on a strong industrial base that is capable of producing enough munitions and weapons systems.

In a report for the Center for a New American Security ( CNAS ) in June 2023, Stacie Pettyjohn and Hannah Dennis claim that the main problem with the US defense industrial base is a combination of a lack of manufacturing capacity and fragile supply chains.

These issues, according to Pettyjohn and Dennis, are made worse by the industry’s reliance on complex and frequently unstable supply chains for crucial components, such as rocket motors and microelectronics. They add that the US defense sector, which cut production during the post-Cold War era, is now battling to increase production quickly.

To address these problems, they mention that the DOD has identified the need for stability and capacity expansion, which they argue can be achieved through multi-year procurement ( MYP ) and large-lot procurement ( LLP ) programs.

Pettyjohn and Dennis claim that these initiatives are intended to boost production capacity, provide consistent demand signals to the US defense sector, and increase the ability to increase output when necessary.

In addition to boosting US domestic production inefficiencies, Anduril’s Barracuda will need to leverage the capabilities of key allies like Japan and South Korea.

Wilson Beaver and Jim Fein suggest that the US should look into the possibility of working with partner countries to increase America’s munitions production capacity in a report from February 2024 for The Heritage Foundation, a conservative US think tank.

In some allied nations, including South Korea and Japan, Beaver and Fein mention that there is significant manufacturing capacity and robust defense industries. They recommend that the US make the most of this capability and look into ways that allies ‘ foreign companies can increase the production of US-made defense equipment like munitions.

They point out that the supply of munitions is so inadequate that the production of munitions by partners and allies, including Germany, the UK, Japan and South Korea, would not negatively affect US manufacturing.

However, a US Congressional Research Service ( CRS ) report from June 2021 mentions the difficulties of coordinating the industrial bases of different countries to meet US military standards, which frequently causes synchronization of production and increases the risk of operational delays.

The CRS report makes it clear that the complexity of working with foreign supply chains can increase potential delays. It mentions that US PGMs frequently contain ingredients from foreign countries, which pose risks to supply chain integrity and allow for quick replenishment of stockpiles.

In a March 2023 War on the Rocks article, Vasabjit Banerjee and Benjamin Tkach discuss significant challenges that the US’s co-production of weapons with allies poses, which they claim are primarily caused by supply chain bottlenecks and export regulations.

Banerjee and Tkach point out that international collaboration is hampered by export laws meant to safeguard US intellectual property and maintain technological advantages. According to them, these regulations frequently lead to bureaucratic strains that can stymie co-production licensing agreements.

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