IN FOCUS: With a critical election on the horizon, Singapore gears up to tackle intensifying online threats

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ELD reported that the state is still working closely with major social media websites to make sure there are election integrity plans in place for content restraint during elections.

Our political processes are regularly reviewed by ELD and various government agencies, including taking lessons from international best practices, to make sure they are accurate and up-to-date, it continued.

The ELD and other government organizations simultaneously issued an consulting to presidential election prospects last year that warned of security threats and foreign interference.

Ms Kasthuri, &nbsp, who specialises in elections in Singapore and Southeast Asia, stressed the importance of voting training in both promotion issues as well as how elections work, as a barrier against propaganda.

Political topics and elections are much more difficult to deal with, according to Associate Professor Pang of NUS, while the state and schools have been working hard to improve online literacy.

Citizens perhaps be reluctant or hesitant to discuss them openly in our society, she said. The humor is that they can become more vulnerable to spreading falsehoods and conspiracy theories.

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

Mr Neo, the blogger, today has a rule of thumb when it comes to assessing whether a piece of information is reliable: Cross- verify and validate with at least two separate options.

He feels more stress to ensure the accuracy of his production as a producer of political information.

” This is why for each episode, we meticulously research before drafting questions for our guests, put sources for the information that we mention in our show notes, and when phrasing certain questions, try our best to make sure that even if taken out of context, it ca n’t be construed as misinformation”, said Mr Neo.

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IN FOCUS: As a crucial election looms, Singapore braces for torrent of ‘highly problematic’ online threats

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According to ELD, the state is still working closely with major social media websites to implement strategies for election integrity and content moderation.

Our political processes are regularly reviewed by ELD and various government agencies, including taking lessons from international best practices, to make sure they are accurate and up-to-date, it continued.

The ELD and other government organizations simultaneously issued an advisory warning of security risks and foreign intervention to presidential poll candidates last season.

Ms Kasthuri, &nbsp, who specialises in elections in Singapore and Southeast Asia, stressed the importance of voting training in both promotion issues as well as how elections work, as a barrier against propaganda.

Political topics and elections are much more difficult to deal with, according to Associate Professor Pang of NUS, while the state and schools have been working hard to improve online literacy.

Citizens may be reluctant or hesitant to discuss them openly in our society, she said. The humor is that they can become more prone to spreading falsehoods and conspiracy theories.

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

Mr Neo, the blogger, today has a rule of thumb when it comes to assessing whether a piece of information is reliable: Cross- verify and validate with at least two separate options.

He feels more stress to ensure the accuracy of his production as a producer of political information.

” This is why for each episode, we meticulously research before drafting questions for our guests, put sources for the information that we mention in our show notes, and when phrasing certain questions, try our best to make sure that even if taken out of context, it ca n’t be construed as misinformation”, said Mr Neo.

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US presence crucial to regional peace, says Philippines’ Marcos in Shangri-La Dialogue keynote address

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US- Chinese Relationships

China’s officials in Beijing are irritated by the US’s expanding presence in the area and its normal deployment of warships and fighter planes in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

China has accused the US of using the Philippines as a “pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea.”

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun met earlier on Friday in Singapore on the heels of Asia’s most important defense conference.

According to a Pentagon statement released after the conference, Austin emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation under international law, particularly in the South China Sea.

According to his spokeswoman, Dong responded by telling reporters that the US was stoking tensions by operating military forces in the area.

Marcos argued that Southeast Asia’s conflicts were causing the US and China to become unstable, and that Washington and Beijing should work harder to solve disputes.

Their conflict is limiting the regional state ‘ strategic decisions. Their competition is causing more flashpoints and creating new security problems, Marcos claimed.

China and the United States must maintain their competitiveness in a responsible manner in order for this region’s continued stability.

Manila and Beijing have a long history of sea territorial issues, but tensions have gotten worse under Marcos, who has vowed to keep the Philippines from robbing them of every inch of their country.

The South China Sea dispute is a problem that extends beyond the Asia-Pacific area, according to Marcos ‘ statement on Friday.

” The freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the peace and stability of the South China Sea are a global issue,” Marcos said.

” It is not just ( about ) ASEAN member states. It is quite obvious that the universe has actually taken control of the situation.

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Bank of Singapore creates independent global advisory council | FinanceAsia

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To support the Chief Investment Office’s ( CIO ) research capabilities and to gain client insights, the Bank of Singapore established an independent investment advisory council.

According to a declaration from the bank, eight members of the CIO Global Advisory Council have been chosen based on their track records in finance, public policy, political research, resource allocation, and investment management. &nbsp,

The members are: Belinda Boa, head of Apac engaged investments and key investment officer of emerging markets, BlackRock, Ken Caplan, world co- key investment officer, Blackstone, Fabiana Fedeli, key investment officer, equities, multi- asset and sustainability, M&amp, G Investments, Robin Hu, Asia chair, Milken Institute and advisor senior director, Temasek, Stewart James, co- head, office of government affairs Apac, Goldman Sachs, Yuichi Murao, chief investment officer, Nomura Asset Management, Adam Posen, president, Peterson Institute for International Economics, and Paula Campbell Roberts, chief investment strategist for global wealth, KKR.

Jean Chia, global chief investment officer, Bank of Singapore, said in the statement:” Building intellectual capital is a key part of the bank’s strategy to become the top private bank in Asia. We are investing in research capabilities in today’s knowledge-driven economy, which includes convening this global advisory council in addition to our in-house insights.

The Chief Investment Office has received a direct report from Chief Executive Officer Jason Moo since January 2024. The advisory and discretionary portfolio management teams manage the clients ‘ assets in accordance with their return expectations and risk appetite, while the chief investment office establishes the asset allocation framework, investment views, and securities research.

While the CIO Global Advisory Council will offer insights, the Bank’s house view– which guides investment decisions – is built upon the Chief Investment Office’s in- house research, investment strategy and asset allocation expertise, the statement said. &nbsp,

Asset managers and institutional investors use wealth management and investment management technology, which the Chief Investment Office established earlier this year. One of the first private banks in Asia to adopt the platform for clients of private banking is Bank of Singapore. &nbsp,

The Bank of Singapore is owned by OCBC and has offces in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, Luxembourg, Dubai and a representative office in the Philippines, according to its website. &nbsp,

Rickie Chan introduced the Hong Kong branch’s position as its chief executive on April 17. Chan replaced Cindy Wong, whose last day at the bank was May 31, 2024, by adding it to his role as head of private banking, Greater China. She became the CEO of the Hong Kong branch in 2021 after joining the Bank of Singapore in November 2015. &nbsp,

¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Counterterrorism, non-conventional threats on agenda as regional defence bloc expands cooperation

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SINGAPORE: The Five Power Defence Arrangements ( FPDA ) will be expanding cooperation into non- conventional areas, such as counterterrorism, maritime security, humanitarian and disaster relief, as well as cyber and drone warfare. The FPDA- formed in 1971 against the scenery of military conflict across Southeast Asia- comprises Singapore, Malaysia,Continue Reading

Japan’s service firms to hurt the worst in China split – Asia Times

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In recent years, the Chinese government has made its desire to leave China in response to growing Sino-American economic rivalries.

The Shinzo Abe administration has already provided grants worth 70 billion renminbi ( US$ 445. million ) to Chinese companies in order to move their output from China to Southeast Asia or back to Japan as of 2020.

The Chinese government could conduct more in-depth examination of trade in sympathetic goods with China on national security grounds, frequently in cooperation with US and European authorities, thanks to changes to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act that year. &nbsp,

However, it has been proven by numerous assessments that the two nations ‘ long and extensive trading relationship poses a significant barrier to dispersion. In fact, the supply chains that Japan’s and China’s latest economic partnership are characterized by are intricately intertwined.

As Japan’s largest trading partner, China buying more than 21 % of Japan’s export while providing more than 24 % of the products that support the Chinese economy bite on. These figures must be cut in order for Japan to truly detach itself from China. &nbsp,

Articles show Chinese production is decoupling from China, if slowly and cautiously, according to several factors. The most pronounced is a worry of being barred from the attractive US market as China enacts more stringent tech and trade sanctions and begins to censor China’s transshipment and different roundabout efforts to evade the disciplinary measures.

A kills of big Chinese companies are eager to establish new production facilities in the US, while only 27 % of Japanese businesses with business relationships to China expressed a desire to grow those relationships. Toyota and Panasonic are two examples of US companies that have received grants for their further growth in the US. &nbsp,

The difficulty of Japan Inc.’s ability to compete in China is also making their move toward the Chinese business more difficult. Japanese car sales in China dropped to an unprecedented 17 % next year as a result of a rapid shift toward EVs produced by Chinese companies like BYD.

Toyota and Nissan have collaborated with local Chinese companies to succeed while Mitsubishi has to cut back on its manufacturing in China. Japanese carmakers ‘ losing battle with Chinese EV manufacturers is suggestive of Chinese home electronics manufacturers that were once common in Chinese stores and were being overtaken by companies like Haier, Xiaomi, and Hisense.

Opponents of Japan’s decoupling from China also benefit from the wider restructuring of the two nations ‘ various trading partners. The slowing expansion in China, combined with concern for wider US and EU punishment, is altering global supply chains in ways that could lower Japan’s deal with the Middle Kingdom.

News from TSMC’s opening of new semiconductor factories in Japan, India, Mexico, and ASEAN’s attempts to entice companies away from China and a slow but steady flow of reshoring by US companies all point to a prospect where Japan must less rely on “made in China” products.

However, these evaluations, which are based on the patterns in producers and made goods, ignore a significant portion of the factor that will ultimately decide whether Japan’s large decoupling from China will succeed or fail.

The same cannot be said of the numerous Chinese companies that operate restaurants, stores, companies, and clinics that are based in China, although Chinese manufacturers that produce in China for Chinese markets may possibly still sell to China when factories are moved abroad.

Considering that manufacturers only account for about 40 % of the roughly 12, 000 Japanese companies that are currently active in China, ignoring this enormous presence of the Japanese service sector paints an incomplete picture of decoupling trends and potential outcomes.

Indeed, a casual look shows that Japanese service providers are deepening, not uprooting, their presence in China amid all the talk of decoupling. For instance, Japanese chain of convenience stores have steadily increased their presence in China since 2019, with Lawson almost tripling its number of locations over the same time period.

Meanwhile, fast- fashion giant Uniqlo’s presence in China grew from 711 stores in 2019 to 925 in 2023. Restaurant chain Saizeriya grew from 120 stores in 2016 to 387 over the same period. Aeon, the owner of a shopping mall, opened its first branch in 2010 and now has 22 locations in China.

These businesses ‘ growing presence in China has not been seen on a comparable scale in any other nation. The” China- only” success of the Japanese service industry is glaring from any perspective.

Among Lawson’s 7, 344 foreign outlets, 6, 288 are in China, representing 86 %. The equivalents for Uniqlo, Saizeriya and Aeon are respectively 57 % (925 out of 1, 634), 81 % ( 387 out of 478 ), and 59 % ( 22 out of 37 ).

Decoupling is a difficult task because Japan’s rapidly shrinking population makes it more urgent for these companies to expand abroad.

Japan Inc. will need to pay more attention to businesses in the services sector, not just its manufacturers, as it looks at ways to lessen its economic reliance on China.

The Japanese government should invest the same effort in helping Japanese service providers navigate a transition that could disproportionately harm their interests while implementing policies to reduce the volume of goods traded with China.

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Thailand exploring small modular nuclear reactor tech: PM

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PUBLISHED: 31 May 2024 at 11: 18

Thailand exploring small modular nuclear reactor tech: PM

As Thailand looks to extend its power mix, the government is looking into small compact nuclear reactor technology, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday.

At a Bangkok event held by the American Chamber of Commerce ( AmCham ), Mr. Srettha stated that “our green transition goal is one of the most ambitious in Southeast Asia,” and that we have a detailed plan in place to ensure that 50 % of energy production will be renewable by 2040.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, little compact units have the capability to produce roughly one-third of the energy produced by traditional nuclear power reactors.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated on Thursday that the government is developing a number of tax incentives to encourage a low-carbon society and promote business expense in environmentally friendly products.

He made the remarks at the Bangkok Post Conference 2024″ Greening the Prospect: ESG Leadership in the Sustainability Revolution”, held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

Related: &nbsp, CP key makes event for atomic energy

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Asian companies remain committed to China despite economic headwinds, trade tensions

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” TOO BIG TO IGNORE”

Other Asian firms shared similar views.

Mr Hyuk- Tae Kwon, i- founder and CEO of Singapore- based venture capital firm Pine Venture Partners, said China remains the nearest business, and one of South Korea’s largest import and export lovers.

” It’s too large to ignore”, he added, perhaps as political concerns drive some firms to transfer their assets to the area.

Mr. Kwon claimed that China’s focus on innovation and AI sends a encouraging message to investors. &nbsp,

” There are a lot of options I even see in China regarding ageing population, medical, food tech”, he noted.

There is a bit of impact that can be transferred over to China if you have the appropriate systems and business concepts that have worked in smaller areas, like Singapore and South Korea.

However, he acknowledged that operating in China is a whole different game activity, as each area may have different requirements.

” I believe that China’s operational difficulty has increased considerably. Instead of trying to do everything on your own in China, because the adjustments are very quick and drastic, I would advise some of my customers to find a competent and reliable companion as a fresh approach.

” With the right circulation lovers, you may have a higher chance of success in today’s business environment”.

Regarding those who managed to survive Beijing’s tight restrictions during the COVID-19 era and remain there, Mr. Kwon said they will benefit from China’s subsequent economic recovery.

ADAPT TO CHANGING RULES, Styles

Foreign colleagues have had to adapt to changing laws and changes while waiting for the flood to turn. &nbsp,

Ho Ren Hua, CEO of Thai Wah Public Company, said this was the most important moment China emerged from COVID-19.

He claimed that China has put more emphasis on food safety, focusing on supply chain design and quality, among other things.

” That discusses source and origin tracking. And we’ve been working a bit with our purchasing groups, our provide power, all the way to the farm”, Mr Ho said.

His Thailand- based food corporation, which exports cassava to China, now has activities in Shanghai, Qingdao and Guangzhou.

Mr. Ho noted that as the pandemic spread and digitalization advanced, Foreign eating habits even changed.

” We look at different types of business programmes, starting with current hypermarkets to direct to consumer systems, to food financial companies”, he added. &nbsp,

” Food finally is an economy of style, texture and taste. The Chinese client becomes more picky about different types of preferences, appearance, flavouring. Therefore, there are still a lot of potential for food in China over the long term.

Mr. Ho thinks that any geopolitical quake will be averted by the strong connection between Southeast Asia and China given these growing trends.

Tapioca is exported to China by his Thailand-based food business.

Because there is a significant reciprocal dependence between the Chinese economy and Southeast Asian economies, Mr. Ho said,” we do n’t anticipate there will be” significant tariffs or trade barriers between China and Southeast Asia in the near future.”

” Food product flow will continue to expand in both directions.”

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Meet the ‘fried chicken lady’ who wrote an entire cookbook on Asian fried chicken with 60 recipes

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The menu row she used to write for the SCMP gave birth to Kung Pao &amp, Beyond. The Hong Kong resident of Chinese ancestry who was born and raised in the US said,” I did n’t know if people liked fried chicken as much as I like fried chicken, and so I would try not to write too many fried chicken recipes.”

” One time, my acquaintances said,’ Susan, your grilled chicken recipe is doing really well on-line.’ And, he said, as a prank,’ We may create a text about it.’ And I I said,’ That is a truly great idea.'”

Since therefore,” I’m finding that everyone loves cooked chicken”.

The text “was very simple to write”, she said. ” I started off with 90 grilled chicken recipes, and it’s only East and Southeast Asia. I wanted to write all of Asia, but I realised it’s way too big. Perhaps then, I was able to come up with 90 foods. I wrote down 90 foods, tried 90 foods, and finally narrowed it down to 60, because that’s what the producers wanted. The types I rejected were the ones that did n’t’ well’ – when I tested the meal, I did n’t state,’ Oh my gosh, this is so tasty.'”

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Singapore’s shophouses — hotter than Fifth Avenue in New York?

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Aileen Tan, a Singaporean, owns seven or eight firms in historic shophouses, including the well-known Blu Jaz shop, close to Kampong Glam’s rich cultural heritage. The area is known for both its bars and shops as well as its textile shops and local food eateries. She has been attempting to engage state officials to help defend neighborhoods and protect residents.

She says,” Income from rich foreigners is entering shophouses and there has been a lot of flipping for revenue and it is having an impact on tenants.” Tan is currently renting a home from her previous employer of two years. She is concerned about the raise that the most recent owner hopes will bring about for her future renewal. &nbsp,

Tan has been conducting business in the area for 20 years, helping other residents promote live song or persuade local artists to paint paintings along Haji Lane. However, she contends that the mix has changed, and that new tenants, such as photo booths and souvenir shops, do n’t care about the historic aspect of storefronts.

The decline in the market for shophouses presents an opportunity, state nearby industry players, to think about the part shophouses should sing within communities. More administrative masters and landlords are putting forth efforts to highlight the buildings ‘ heritage value. For instance, the rich Spanish Portabella family made the purchase of a private shophouse on Neil Road in 2020 with the intent of donating it to aid in research and training in conserving shophouses. &nbsp,

Fang Low, chairman and chief executive of Figment, works with owners of commercial and residential shophouses, encouraging them to “bring up the mind” to shophouses by working with musicians and other artists, usually converting them back to apartments. One of his projects has been repurposing shophouses that became music plates and massage parlours&nbsp, in one of Singapore’s past red light regions. Shophouses were first homes, and people do n’t realize you could live in these.

Low was alarmed by the” copied and pasted” urban landscape of condominiums and government housing blocks after growing up in one in a shophouse and returning from abroad. We work with mostly international individuals, but as the appreciation for the heritage of shophouses increases, Low says, I am seeing more native Singaporeans. &nbsp,

One for Singaporean is Andy Lim, of JL Family Office, who says he got into the shophouse business” by opportunity” during the pandemic. He bought one shophouse, presently home to his family business on Club Street, in 2020, and a another across the street in 2021— yet as rates continued to rise. &nbsp,

” I realized there was a lot more background in this area than in the real estate I had been buying.” In college I never learnt anything about this heritage”, Lim says. &nbsp,

These owners are willing to pay the higher fees that shophouses then demand. Lim’s next shophouse value S$ 26 million, compared with S$ 21.8 million when it last sold in 2018. However, Lim has kept the room open for the consumer to use as a” social impact hub” rather than renting the second home out to the highest-paying tenant. Among the community groups that rent the building at a fraction of the cost is Lim, who pays about S$ 500, 000 in rent annually.

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