Shanghai / Singapore: According to sources, China’s efforts to prevent the yuan from falling caused the chaos in the money markets last week. This pressure comes from Beijing, which is attempting to control its markets and economy during a significant slowdown. On October 31, routine month-end cash requirement in China’sContinue Reading
MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was among the 23 national leaders who attended last month’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) summit in Beijing, marking the 10th anniversary of the US$1 trillion globe-spanning infrastructure-building program.
At the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced close to $100 billion in new state policy bank financing for the initiative. In a white paper published last month, China maintained “the ultimate goal of the BRI is to help build a global community of shared future.”
But the Philippines won’t be among the recipients of China’s largesse or shared future as Marcos Jr’s administration swerves decidedly away from China’s monied but troubled program for paving its global influence.
In a major development with geopolitical implications, the Philippine Department of Transportation has announced the full termination of a series of big-ticket infrastructure projects with China in favor of Japanese and Western rivals.
According to the Philippine Senate, nearly all of China’s key investment initiatives in the Philippines are now in doubt due to both economic and political factors. The upshot is a new nadir in Philippine-China relations, a dramatic about-turn from the six years of warm engagement under the pro-Beijing Rodrigo Duterte presidency.
For the Philippines, China has largely engaged in “pledge trap” diplomacy during the Duterte administration, a cynical ploy that entailed forward-deployed concessions in the South China Sea in exchange for largely illusory investment pledges. China pledged as much as $24 billion in infrastructure projects under Duterte, nearly none of which have been delivered.
Marcos Jr’s apparent departure from the BRI is rooted in deep bilateral grievances over contested territories in the South China Sea. Most recently, the Marcos Jr administration expressed vocal outrage over China’s harassment of Philippine resupply and patrol missions on and around the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila maintains troops on a grounded ship.
Following a recent collision between Chinese and Philippine sea vessels, US President Joe Biden made it clear that America will respond to any attack on Philippine ships, aircraft or soldiers stationed in the South China Sea as outlined under the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
From Beijing’s perspective, however, the Marcos administration has walked back its earlier commitment to pursue a “new golden era” of bilateral relations by actively courting a stronger US military presence on its soil.
Under an expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the Pentagon is set to gain access to a whole host of military facilities close to both the South China Sea as well as Taiwan’s southern shores.
Upon closer examination, however, it’s becoming clear to many observers that the BRI is under strain amid China’s economic slowdown, property crisis and various investment debacles overseas.
From its peak in 2018, China’s overall BRI-related activities are down by some 40%, according to recent reports. This is partly due to declining financing from Beijing as well as regulatory hurdles and financial fragility in various recipient countries.
A recent research report published by Boston University found that while China’s development finance institutions provided partner nations with about $331 billion between 2013 and 2021, “many of the recipients of Chinese finance are subject to significant debt distress.”
By some accounts, China spent as much as $240 billion to bail out BRI recipient nations on the verge of bankruptcy, most dramatically in the case of Sri Lanka and increasingly in Pakistan and Laos.
Heightened China-Philippine sea tensions have coincided with a virtual collapse in bilateral investment deals. Though two-way trade between the two neighbors remains robust, although largely in Beijing’s favor, nearly all of Beijing’s infrastructure investment pledges made during the Duterte era are now in jeopardy.
Just days after a Chinese vessel collided with a Philippine resupply mission in the South China Sea, Philippine Transportation Secretary Jaime Batista announced that the Philippines is scrapping $4.9 billion worth of Chinese big-ticket infrastructure projects, involving two railway projects on the northern island of Luzon and another on Duterte’s home southern island of Mindanao.
“We have three projects that won’t be funded by the Chinese government anymore. We can’t wait forever and it seems like China isn’t that interested anymore,” Bautista told a forum organized by European investors in Manila. Instead, the Philippines is now seeking alternative “better” deals from traditional investment partners like Japan, South Korea, the US and the European Union.
The Filipino official complained about the lack of financial commitment and perceived as relatively onerous terms of Chinese-funded projects in comparison to Japan’s concessional loan programs. Japan is currently developing a multi-billion subway project in Manila and several major “connectivity” initiatives in industrialized regions of the country.
In fact, the Marcos Jr administration warned as early as last year of the potential cancellation of Chinese-backed projects due to the lack of any meaningful progress on the ground. The issue was also raised during the Philippine president’s state visit to Beijing in January, to no avail of a renewed Chinese commitment.
According to Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, as many as six big-ticket Chinese projects are now being “reconsidered” due to Chinese delays, concerns over lending terms and broader geopolitical frictions.
Chinese projects likely to face Manila’s axe include the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project; the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project; the New Centennial Water Source — Kaliwa Dam Project; the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project or the PNR Bicol; the Mindanao Railway Project Tagum-Davao-Digos segment; and a closed-circuit television project in several cities in Metro-Manila.
“We [in the senate] convened an oversight on [China’s] ODA [Official Development Assistance], so I know that many of the ODA-funded projects are delayed due to the implementation of the right of way and bidding,” Gatchalian said in an interview.
“China’s grace period is shorter with only five to seven years compared to Japan with five to almost 10 years, which means (with China) we would need to immediately pay and it would be more expensive. Let’s compare the economics: it is cheaper in Japan,” he said.
But as the Philippines effectively pulls out of China’s BRI, the risk of a more volatile downward spiral in bilateral ties is rising. And it remains to be seen whether Japan, the US, South Korea and Europe will actually fill the infrastructure gap China had earlier pledged to address.
Follow Richard Javad Heydarian on X at @Richeydarian
Above all, it’s vital for the individual to come to terms with the losses and stark truths. Yes, they should accept that they made mistakes but also recognise that the vicious cycle of self-blame and sadness won’t aid in progression. This is a pivotal step in the healing journey.
How long the ensuing emotional distress lasts differs from person to person – some could grapple with the pain for months or even years. This is shaped by their support networks, coping strategies, and the magnitude of their financial setbacks.
At a roundtable on combating scams in May, I voiced my apprehensions and scepticism about the true feasibility of preventing scams. Relying solely on public education isn’t sufficient. Everyone, including experts in the field, remains susceptible, particularly amid hectic schedules, multi-tasking, and moments of human oversight.
The government also acknowledged on Oct 25, in its consultation paper on how the scam losses will be shared, that preventing scams is not only the responsibility of consumers but also of industry stakeholders. Financial institutions act as “gatekeeper against the outflow of monies due to scams”, while telcos are infrastructure providers for SMS.
Vigilance may be the best defence against scams, but scammers are relentless and getting more sophisticated. Technology also grants scammers expansive access to vast audiences, thereby increasing potential victims.
Would rejoice in accomplishments and objectives. Positive energy, desire, and motivation are provided by this. Success, the solution, and being cancer-free are more of a trip than an end in themselves. Consider joyous moments and savor them, Ng said. & nbsp,
9. DO MAKE A LONG-TERM PLAN.
Stay involved in the journey and provide assistance, whether it be personal or useful, even after the initial treatment stage. & nbsp,
Guys, please don’t undervalue the importance of your achievements. Be aware that the results are significantly influenced by your aid.
According to Ng,” studies support the idea that the breast cancer knowledge must be regarded as” shared.” Whether cancer survivors and their partners recognize it as a” family disease” that must be fought together determines how much psychological distress they both experience.
For every person, a husband’s assistance might not appear to be the same. Snehal Rajendra Ponde, 40, who is receiving treatment for breast cancer and co-wrote the book Exercise Ask Me How I’m Doing, described her father Daksh Pratap Singh as” my biggest champion, my biggest competition as well.”
He constantly tells me,” You’re not doing enough.” Please stop moping around in self-pity right then. After knowing me for so many centuries, he knows exactly how to drive me.
In fact, your personalized TLC may encourage your spouse to persevere if you are familiar with her love language. Guys, you do matter in the fight against breast cancers. & nbsp,
shabby graphicsAfter an increase in student suicides, training centers in Kota, a city in northern India, are dealing with stricter regulations. Vineet Khare of BBC Hindi has been speaking with students who have traveled to Kota to receive education in order to help them move access exams for prestigious colleges, and he has discovered that many of them are under a great deal of pressure to succeed.
Twenty-one-year-old Vijay( never his true name ) has failed the medical college entrance exam three days. He had hoped that by attending a pricy coaching facility in Kota, in the state of Rajasthan in northern India, he may pass the test.
Vijay, like many other pupils, had imagined Kota to be a dreamland.
Huge billboards with the names, images, and ratings of successful students are all over the city. More than 200,000 students — some as young as 13 — come here to study and are housed in dorms or privately rented spaces.
It is well known for its educational facilities, which were created to help young people prepare for India’s fiercely competitive entrance examination for the top engineering and medical schools. With least 50 smaller tutoring centers are present, along with 12 larger ones.
For American parents, getting into one of these prestigious institutions is a source of pride, and failing is despised. For many people, the annual cost of institutions is over 100,000 American inr($ 1, 200,£ 1, 000 ). However, admission to a prestigious executive or medical school is an entry-level job with higher pay.
Vijay’s community is not wealthy and resides in the land. His dad is a producer, so he was constantly worried about disappointing his kids.
He acknowledges,” I used to lay to my kids about my poor check effects.”
He claims that at one place, his increasing worry was causing him headaches and stomach pain, and that it was only after failing his subsequent exam that he nearly committed suicide.
He claims,” I felt I had no choice left.”
” I had ruined my parents’ standing and wasted their money.”
He says,” I just kept my depressive thoughts to myself despite the pressure of the situation.”
Vijay claims that after seeing Bollywood sun Deepika Padukone discuss her despair, he had a change of heart. The artist made a public speech about how overworking is frequently exaggerated and the detrimental effects it can have on mental wellbeing. Her candor motivated him to ask for assistance. Vijay claims he is trying to take each day as it comes and is currently receiving medical care.
Other students also share their stories with me regarding the challenges of living alone, great familial expectations, match stress, intense competition, and 14-hour workweeks. According to police data, more than 100 individuals in Kota have committed suicide over the past ten years, including at least 25 this year, the highest number ever in a single season.
One of those suicides, involving a 15-year-old woman, occurred while I was in the area.
It’s unclear why she committed suicide in the first place. Her dad told me over the phone while traveling to Kota after learning of her passing that she never expressed any study-related grief to us. She did, however, mention scholar deaths in Kota. He continued,” I told her to concentrate on her studies instead.
The Hindustan Times, a local paper, examined government data and came to the conclusion that the majority of student deaths in Kota in 2023 involved males under the age of 18 who were getting ready for clinical exams. These boys primarily came from low-income families in remote parts of northern India.
Adarsh Raj, who was also from a farming home and was enrolled in Kota, wanted to be an ophthalmologist but committed suicide in August at the age of 18. His home has been devastated. We didn’t exert any strain on him. According to his brother Harishankar, we believe that his despair was caused by low test scores, which is why he took this drastic action. Death, however, is not the answer.
The Rajasthan state government has imposed stricter regulations on these training centers as a result of the current increase in student suicides in Kota.
It published guidelines on September 29 that forbade test results from being made people and discouraged student enrollment below class nine( children under the age of 14 ).
Additionally, student-focused mental health seminars and programs may receive more attention. Additionally, an effort is being made to ensure that more posters are posted to promote a student support helpline.
In June, a group of 11 individuals led by senior police officer Chandrasheel was established with the goal of identifying individuals who were exhibiting signs of depression.
He explains,” We go to dormitories and talk to people to find out which individuals are exhibiting behavioral adjustments.” If there are any warning signs, we keep an eye on the student, engage in conversation, speak with the lodge governor, and contact the parents.
According to the World Health Organization, suicide is the third leading cause of death among children between the ages of 15 and 29 worldwide.
According to federal statistics, more than 13, 000 students in India committed suicide in 2021, an increase of 4.5 % from 2020.
According to one professor, a tutoring center can have up to 300 students enrolled in each class, and occasionally teachers are unaware of the students’ individual names, which can make students feel isolated.
Many lockdowns and the Covid crisis have also had a significant effect.
According to Nitin Vijay, managing director of one of India’s top instruction facilities, Motion Education, post-Covid students’ ability to handle stress is less than it once was. But with period, this will get better, he insists.
The pandemic has had an effect on students’ ability to interact with their peers and teachers, according to Urmil Bakshi, who has worked in the field of knowledge for centuries. However, she also attributes the current state of affairs to the commercialization of instruction in Kota.
” Groups are made up of hundreds of students.” Instructors are unaware of their titles. A baby is unable to create friends out of concern that another pupil might advance by learning more about their academic methods. She claims that the kid is left together.
In Kota, students can live in more than 3,500 hostels and thousands of privately rented spaces, which significantly boost the state’s economy.
I make the decision to investigate the kind of lodging available in Kota’s Vigyan Nagar neighborhood. Empty hallways lead to stairs that take me to a person’s apartment on the second ground. I enter the run-down, claustrophobic space that has a potty next door. Arnav Anurag, 18, who moved to Kota to pursue his career as a doctor— his passion since childhood — lives here.
On a table, some publications are stacked, and more are dispersed across the bed. On one side, there is a computer, and on the other, an atmosphere cooler. A poster of the regular board has been hung on the wall, and clothing hang from the door’s up.
It’s oppressive below, admits Arnav. However, I may leave and say that this is where I again studied once I pass the exam, he says with assurance.
The new regulations mandate coaching for teachers and university managers, as well as wardens of hostels and other personnel at student housing.
For students who are struggling, they even include a provision for an” quick return and refund plan.”
However, Vijay believes that a perfect cultural transformation is required. Allow kids pursue their interests, he advises.
” Kids really let their kids know that there is a universe out there besides engineering and medicine.” The existence of a child is more significant than anything else.
SINGAPORE: An investigation into the disappearance of a paddler off Sentosa is ongoing. A person was reported missing off the coast of Sentosa island, according to the Singapore Civil Defence Force( SCDF ), which announced on Sunday( Oct 22) that it had been alerted at around 10.25 a.m. A kayakerContinue Reading
The two organizations that are exhibiting the greatest signs of mental health problems in Singapore are younger individuals aged 18 to 29 and the old over 70. What sets off the process of seeking assistance, and what are the causes? Rae, a 23-year-old college student, is the father of the youngsters Mak Kean Loong and older clinical psychologist Chris Wong, who is 44 years old.
Death brainstorming is covered in this Heart of the Matter episode. Viewer discretion is suggested.
Where can I find assistance?
Line for Samaritans of Singapore: 1767
Service for the Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222
Service for the Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800 283 7019
A list of global helplines is also available here. Visit 24 hour emergency medical service if you know someone who is in immediate danger.
SINGAPORE: As it expressed” deep distress” over the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Singapore government announced on Monday( Oct 16) that it will donate S$ 300,000( US$ 219, 073 ) to humanitarian aid for the Israel-Has conflict.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) of Singapore noted in a statement the rising number of civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian crisis brought on by Israeli military operations in response to Hamas attacks on October 7. & nbsp,
The Singapore government did contribute$ 300,000 to humanitarian relief efforts through the Singapore Red Cross in response to the immediate humanitarian situation.
Singapore urged all factions to abide by international humanitarian law and permit the Gaza Strip’s civil population to receive humanitarian assistance right away.
The Singapore Red Cross also announced on Monday that it will contribute$ 150, 000 ( S$ 255, 412 ) to support ongoing relief efforts. & nbsp,
According to the organization, the money will benefit both sides’ support efforts, including those of the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Israel’s Magen David Adom. & nbsp,
The public fundraising campaign A & nbsp was introduced on Monday and will run through the end of January of the following year.
Israeli attacks on Gaza had already claimed the lives of at least 2,750 people, including roughly 10,000 wounded and a third of children. Another 1,000 people are missing and thought to be in ruins.
According to the MFA, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas intentionally targeted civilians in its wonder strike, killing and abducting them, and committing heinous acts of terrorism.
” There is no justification for these crimes by any logic.” All civilians taken prisoner by Hamas must be released immediately and safely, according to a director.
Israel has a right to defend its people and its country, according to the law. Israel had, nevertheless, abide by all applicable international law, including the laws of war, in order to exercise this right. It may exert every effort to safeguard civilians’ safety and security.
Whistling has a history of defending businesses from accidental people all over the world.
More than 2, 000 instances of fraud committed by people against the organizations that employ them were examined in a 2022 international study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, totaling loss of more than US$ 3.6 billion.
It discovered that 42 % of this fraud was first discovered through tip-offs, compared to 16 % through inner audit. Workers themselves provided more than half of those tip-offs.
According to Mr. Abdul Jabbar, head of the corporate and transactional group at Rajah & amp, Tann Singapore, whistleblowers in Singapore are protected by pieces of legislation aimed at particular groups of informants or types of information.
For instance, those who report problem are protected by the Prevention of Corruption Act. Those who report safety violations and accidents in a work environment are protected by the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
The Companies Act shields auditors from responsibility for reporting scams in good faith and from libel lawsuits. According to Mr. Jabbar, independent legislation specifically addresses reporting regarding income tax, extremism financing, competition issues, and drug trafficking.
There are laws for some officials as well. According to the Singapore Exchange Regulation ( SGX RegCo ), listed companies are required to uphold a whistleblowing policy and to describe how they do so while maintaining independent oversight of it.
Financial institutions are required by MAS to create official reporting programs that include safeguards against employees who voice concerns and ensure anonymity.
However, this also leaves a gap.
Mr. Jabbar continued by pointing out that the present mishmash of policy in Singapore is insufficient to address various segments of whistleblowers.
Simply listed businesses and financial institutions are covered by the SGX RegCo and MAS suggestions, which lack legal authority. This excludes a sizable group of companies, including private businesses and governmental organizations.
Reporting on bribery or work protection does not provide protection for those who report common error in the workplace, which may include fraud, fraud, misappropriation of company funds, collusion, and theft.
Additionally, there is no specific regulations that safeguards those who report economic crimes.
According to Mr. Jabbar, where there is security, it is uneven and varies depending on the situation. For instance, while some laws allow privacy, others shield people from revenge.
Additionally, there are no communicate clauses that lessen whistleblowers’ criminal sentences for taking part in the illegal action they reported. Sentences are generally up to the courts’ discretion.
According to the attorney,” one clear law that provides comprehensive protection on all sides, including against torment, trial( and) civil actions like slander will be good.”
Another feature of the law that affects whistleblowers is mandatory reporting requirements. In some circumstances, people and businesses must disclose data they have or risk being held accountable for an offense.
According to Ms. Celeste Ang, main at Baker McKenzie Wong & amp, Leow, such responsibilities can be found in Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code, legislating to curb violence financing, and anti-money laundering legislation.
A person who has cause to believe that a property is involved in an offense under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking, and Other Serious Crimes( Confiscation of Benefits ) Act is required to disclose the information in accordance with anti-money laundering legislation.
The responsibility is relevant to businesses as well if the individual came across the information during the course of their employment. For breaking the law, there are consequences, such as a good and incarceration for up to three years.
The exact Act stipulates that the informant’s identity and information are not to be made public.
Information about the commission of or intention to commit an” arrestable offense” must be reported in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code. This includes a wide variety of crimes, including murder, rape, extortion, and assault.
According to Ms. Ang, acts of intimidation, harassment, and bias do not fall under the reporting requirement.
However, in Asia-Pacific, such deeds predominate journalist problems, accounting for 72 % of them in a study of Japan, island China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia that Baker McKenzie published last year.
Given the potential for revenge, Ms. Ang said it is crucial to have regulations that safeguards sources at work.
If they are perceived as a” known informer ,” they may be fired from their jobs, have their positions or responsibilities negatively altered, experience emotional distress, and have difficulty finding employment elsewhere.
It is crucial to emphasize that the difficulty in striking a delicate harmony lies in the complicated discourse on the over-medicalization of mental health issues.
On the one hand, we must exercise caution when over-pathologizing typical personal experiences because doing so could result in stigmas and needless medical interventions. However, it’s important to recognize and no downplay mental health issues that call for medical attention.
Anyone can contribute to promoting a fair, compassionate approach to emotional health. People, family members, friends, and community as a whole contribute to the mental health landscape by recognizing signs of distress, providing emotional support when necessary, as well as encouraging expert consultation. Together, these work is drastically raise the standard of living for people dealing with mental health issues by directing them in the right directions for diagnosis and treatment.
Interestingly, expert assistance does not always entail physiological treatment. The bio-psycho-social-spirit model promotes a more comprehensive approach to mental health care that takes into account not only the natural but also the mental, social, and spiritual aspects of well-being.
From counselling and life changes to interpersonal support and spiritual guidance, this rounded unit provides a variety of treatments that can be customized to the individual’s needs. When necessary and in conjunction with other types of action, medicine becomes just one of the choices.
The recently introduced National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy in Singapore appears to take a balanced stance, offering the four-tiered concept that tailors mental health services to the individual’s intensity of requirements. The model provides a wide range of treatment options, from community-led mental wellbeing promotion and peer support at the lowest level to specialized medical interventions. By offering other pathways for treatment and support, this style may reduce the risk of over-medicalization, which is consistent with the multi-dimensional approach of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model.
In terms of mental health care, striking the right balance is a delicate work that is full of potential hazards at either extreme. However, it’s an important effort to build a medical system and society that acknowledges, supports, and nurtures the emotional health of all of its members, regardless of what their needs may be.
Given the complex nature of mental wellbeing, it’s crucial that we keep improving and adapting our strategies, guided by ongoing research, social changes, and the real-world activities of those we want to assist.
Connections MindHealth’s top analyst and medical director is Dr. Jared Ng. He recently oversaw the Institute of Mental Health’s emergency and crisis maintenance division.Continue Reading
