Travellers advised to defer non-essential travel to Johor as heavy rain worsens traffic at land checkpoints

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Travelers in Singapore are advised to postpone non-essential journey to Johor because the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints will experience persistent heavy traffic this weekend. &nbsp, Both checkpoints have experienced very heavy arrival and departure traffic since the start of the March school holidays, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints AuthorityContinue Reading

Singapore and Vietnam upgrade ties; deepen cooperation in digital economy, renewables

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In a Instagram post, Mr Wong said Mr Lam’s visit was “especially important” as Singapore marks 60 years of independence while Vietnam commemorates its 80th celebration.

The CSP is Singapore’s first for relationship with an Asian member state.

” It reflects the close connections and confidence between our countries and the huge potential for perhaps greater collaboration”, Mr Wong wrote.

He added that the comprehensive corporate relationship reaffirms both countries ‘ shared commitment to working together in the above places.

Mr Wong said in his bread conversation during the formal breakfast that the “robust monetary cooperation” between Singapore and Vietnam are the” core of our partnership”.

” Last month, Singapore was Vietnam’s major foreign investment, and that reflects the high level of confidence that our businesses have in Vietnam’s potential”.

Vietnam’s imports to Singapore have even increased tremendously over the same time, Mr Wong added, noting the growing connections between both markets.

During Mr Lam’s attend, both leaders also witnessed the change of Memoranda of Knowledge and agreements related to combatting international crime, online transformation, offshore wind power trade cooperation, and the development of Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Parks, said MFA.

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Hacker responsible for international data breaches arrested in joint Singapore-Thailand operation

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According to SPF, Thai officials from the Criminal Investigation Department’s ( CID ) cybercrime command collaborated closely with Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) to share investigation findings relating to the suspected threat actor, who is also alleged to be responsible for a wave of data breach cases in Thailand.

The identity of the man was established based on the prospects uncovered, it added.

Following the man’s arrest, assets valued at over 10 million baht ( US$ 295, 000 ) were seized, including laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles and branded bags.

International teamwork is essential in the cyberspace because scammers do not value territories, according to SPF’s head of hacking control associate commissioner of police Paul Tay.

The Royal Thai Police are commended for their great assistance in eradicating this legal system and making our cyber safer, and The SPF is committed to working carefully with our local partners.

Investigations are ongoing, SPF said.

THE Attacker

A securities trading company in Thailand was the first to fall victim to a data breach under the name ALTDOS in late 2020, according to a joint advisory from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore ( CSA ), Personal Data Protection Commission ( PDPC ), and SPF.

ALTDOS targets organizations for monetary gain, along with those from Singapore and Bangladesh as victims.

In August 2021, real estate agency OrangeTee &amp, Tie received an email from ALTDOS, demanding a payment of 10 Bitcoin for the health and non-disclosure of the data. Additionally, the ransom demand contained picture of five directories that were purportedly taken.

After discovering a number of errors that led to the compromise of more than 250, 000 customers ‘ and employees ‘ personal data, the organization was then fined S$ 37,000 by PDPC.

Authorities noted in another shared advice that GHOSTR was founded in August 2023 and concentrated on organizations in Southeast Asia. It allegedly extorted, demanded a payment, and sold its victims ‘ sensitive information.

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Singapore confirms one imported case of vaccine-associated polio; low risk of community transmission

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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health ( MOH) on Friday ( Feb 7 ) confirmed one imported case of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis in Singapore, adding that its findings so far indicate a low risk of community transmission. &nbsp,

The client is a five-month-old women Indian infant who arrived on Jan 26 for health care.

The case, according to MOH, has an immunocompromised history and has previously received two doses of inactivated polio vaccine ( IPV ) and oral polio vaccine ( OPV ) in Indonesia. &nbsp,

She had developed disease, chronic floppiness and numbness of the lower legs in December 2024 while in Indonesia. Poliomyelitis was never suspected by her physician then, said the government. &nbsp,

On January 26, she was medically evacuated for treatment of her symptoms and was then flown to the National University Hospital ( NUH) upon arrival in Singapore. The baby is already in stable condition.

” Our studies so far indicate reduced chance of community transmission. When arriving in Singapore, the circumstance was immediately conveyed to NUH, where it was later isolated. When suspected of having poliomyelitis illness, she was likewise subject to the correct infection prevention and control measures, according to MOH.

” Now three near connections, who are home people or caretakers of the case, have been quarantined as a cautionary measure”.

Poliomyelitis is brought on by the poliovirus and is primarily transmitted through food that has intestinal materials infected. &nbsp,

Vaccination is the most powerful defense against poliomyelitis, alongside maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, said the health department. &nbsp,

There are two vaccines for smallpox – OPV, which contains live attenuated or diminished poliovirus, and IPV, which does not have any life poliovirus. &nbsp,

Singapore stopped using OPV in 2021, according to MOH, and many other nations have gradually switched to IPV. &nbsp,

An extremely uncommon undesirable event that results from vaccine-associated anesthetic poliomyelitis occurs when an individual develops paralytic polio after receiving OPV. The danger is higher for those who have immunocompromised, for whom IPV is suggested rather than OPV.

Singapore has not yet reported any instances of smallpox that have been directly acquired since 1978. The last influenza situation reported in 2006 was an imported circumstance, added the government.

Singapore has maintained its status as a “polio-free nation” by maintaining high levels of environmental hygiene and sanitation, higher levels of polio vaccination coverage, and a robust security system to identify potential poliomyelitis situations.

Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), toddlers receive a total of five vaccine doses – three IPV doses for babies at two decades, four times, and six times, with another two booster doses of IPV at 18 weeks and 10 to 11 years old both. &nbsp,

” As the IPV does not have live influenza, it carries no risk of vaccine-associated anesthetic poliomyelitis. All Taiwanese kids are free to receive vaccinations under the NCIS at Community Health Assist Scheme General Practitioner facilities and polyclinics, according to the government. &nbsp,
 

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Coast guard took ‘appropriate enforcement action’ as Indonesian fishing boats entered Singapore waters: SPF

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Indonesian fishing boats repeatedly entered Singapore waters, the Police Coast Guard said on Thursday ( Jan 2 ), prompting the Singapore Police Force to take “appropriate enforcement action.” &nbsp, SPF said it was informed of news reports and a video that Indonesian fishermen who were fishing in Singapore’s territorial watersContinue Reading

Singaporean parents shell out thousands of dollars to send preschoolers on Japan exchange programme

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” Singapore’s knowledge is different, and we really wanted her to experience the land and fringes a little. For example, her class in Singapore is air-conditioned, but the Chinese school is not”, he said.

In Singapore, the kids are “more protected, with a bigger perception of self-entitlement”, he added.

The courses also had a lower teacher-to-students proportion than in Singapore, where the Early Childhood Development Agency’s laws imply one staff member to every 20 to 25 babies for Eden’s time party.

” Each course had 13 individuals including her. The education included a half day of scientific work and a half day of outdoor play, according to Mr. Sim.

Singapore, according to him, places a higher emphasis on intellectual teaching, and the curriculum begins earlier in the school year.

” But in Japan, it is about personal development and the softer aspects, such as motor skills and interpersonal skills” .&nbsp,

Mr Chia also said the Chinese education is “more nature-based and experienced” compared to up in Singapore, where Leanne is enrolled in Zion Bishan Kindercare Child.

For example, Leanne experienced something new every day during each of her five weeks of classes that, according to Ms. Chia.

” There was a time when they prepared the food and served their own meal. Therefore because it was Halloween, they even had a tiny Halloween rally, walking around Omori area. On another day, they went on a nature walk.

It kind of broadened her frontiers and made it easier for her to understand the differences between them.

OVERCOMING THE Speech Hurdle

Both kids informed CNA that neither of their children nor they do not talk Japanese. However, their kids were able to survive despite the language barrier.

First, Eden and her colleagues relied heavily on brain vocabulary and the teachers ‘ versions to communicate, said Mr Sim.

” But after a while, she started to be able to brand her companions, and began to pick up Chinese phrases like’ hello’ and greeting people before eating, “he said.

” She even learnt some basic words while playing, like as ‘ please’ and’ excuse me’.”

In past, Eden’s two-week project was a little short, said Mr Sim, as his child was really starting to get used to her colleagues at the end of the first week.

Ms. Chia added that they were able to communicate with the neighborhood through the use of cellular language apps.

” The teachers both communicate in Chinese. So when the teacher wanted to ask her ( Leanne ) something, or when she wanted to tell them something and they didn’t understand, they would use Google Translate. ” &nbsp,

WORTH THE MONEY

Ms Chia forked out about S$ 3, 000 ( US$ 2, 200 ) for Leanne’s week-long programme, including school fees and accommodation for both of them. Another expenses, such as flight reservations, meals and everyday needs, were not covered.

” A bit costly, to be honest, but for it. It’s a journey she will often recall,” she told CNA.

The programme’s head Ms Chiyu said prices can go up to 3 million yen ( US$ 19, 500 ) for two adults and one child for three months.

True costs vary based on the type of school and the type of lodging.

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Man gets 16 months’ jail for attempting to smuggle 58 Indian star tortoises into Indonesia via Changi Airport

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SINGAPORE: &nbsp, A person was transiting through Singapore&nbsp, in August when he was caught&nbsp, at Changi Airport with&nbsp, 58&nbsp, American star reptiles in his bag.

Abdul Jaffar Haji Ali, an Indian national, was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Tuesday ( Dec. 10 ) after being found guilty of one count of illegally importing a listed species into Singapore. &nbsp,

In Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, the American star snail is listed as a very endangered species. If their trade is not severely restricted, then these species face a serious risk of extinction, according to the National Parks Board ( NParks ).

The reptiles were discovered inside a gentle backpack belonging to Abdul Jaffar, wrapped in a linen bag, according to court records.

The traveller was awaiting his connecting flight to Jakarta on Aug 29, after&nbsp, flying in from Chennai, when his luggage was screened by&nbsp, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) officers.

They discovered a problem, and turtles were discovered right after the case was opened. The problem was then referred to NParks for more studies.

The animals, however, were seized and sent to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation for evaluation.

A veterinarian claimed in an evaluation of the animal health and welfare of the examination that the method of transporting the tortoises into Singapore did not adhere to the guidelines set forth by the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) for the safe and humane transportation of animals.

This&nbsp, caused them “unnecessary suffering”, the physician added.

For the reasons listed below, the vet claimed that the reptiles ‘ transport conditions did not adhere to IATA’s requirements:

  • The backpack they were discovered in was not strong enough to withstand vigorous piling or other external forces. There was a&nbsp, hazard of the creatures being crushed during their travel, which could have led to injury or fatalities.
  • There were no air openings in the backpack, creating&nbsp, a danger of suffocation, heat stress and cold.
  • The turtles were packed very richly in&nbsp, a little and confined area. The animals, as a result, &nbsp, faced&nbsp, increased anguish, and a higher&nbsp, threat of strangulation and heat stress.
  • The suitcase&nbsp, was also not sufficiently labelled, and if the case had been badly handled, it&nbsp, may have caused anxiety or injuries to the tortoises, leading to affected security.

Of the 58 reptiles, one of them was found dead. &nbsp, While it did not exhibit any visible signs of injury or conditions, it was assessed to be very slim. Twenty-two others were also found to be slim and the rest were&nbsp, found to be of acceptable pounds.

According to court documents, Abdul Jaffar was not authorized to buy a listed species into Singapore without a valid permit from the director-general of animals trade control.

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