Blinken in Manila as South China Sea tensions rise
Getty ImagesUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in the Philippines, a vital ally of Washington, amid heightened local tensions with China.
Mr Blinken will explain business and will repeat America’s “ironclad” safety commitments to the state, a senior State Department established said.
In recent months, tension has grown between Manila and Beijing due to competing states in the South China Sea.
US authorities say the connection may “inevitably” be part of debate.
In contrast to his father Rodrigo Duterte, who pushed relationships with Beijing, the visit is likely to be seen as strengthening American support for Asian chairman Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
As Mr Blinken’s aircraft descended towards the capital, Manila, the lighting of the state’s flourishing large- increase blocks were reflected across the sea. The Philippines ‘ economy increased by 5 % last year, but its fractious politics have been exacerbated by deepening inequality in a nation that has failed to address long-standing accusations of government cronyism.
Because of its place in a developing place, where China has emerged as a threat to American power and influence, the Philippines continues to be a crucial strategic hub for the US.
The Philippines is one of several Asian countries at odds with Beijing over place, trade routes, and sea areas because of the spread of Manila Bay into the South China Sea.
The senior State Department official stated that” China’s continued destabilizing activities in the South China Sea, which are in violation of international law will obviously be the main problem.” The standard continued,” The Secretary of State had reiterate the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.”
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A defense agreement between Washington and Manila in 2014 gave the US the authority to fund the construction of Asian military installations and to rotate American troops. Additionally, a critical agreement that strained US-US ties signaled closer ties between the two nations gave the US exposure to four additional bases in 2023.
China has criticised the agreements because some of the bases are close to Taiwan, which Beijing views as a separatist province, but which the US has pledged to support physically.
Beijing asserts that the Philippines has ignored efforts to “manage” the disagreement while also asserting that the South China Sea has historically been a part of itself.
Mr. Blinken’s visit may also be seen in the nation as a more acknowledge of Mr. Marcos, the son of American ally Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled for two years until the mid-1980s. His rule is remembered for years of martial law, the arrest and torture of dissidents, and rampant corruption that cost the state an estimated$ 10 billion.
But the younger Mr Marcos, who was elected in 2022 on the backside of a strategy that whitewashed his mother’s black tradition, has proved an essential companion for Washington.
He was given a trip to the White House last year as part of a four-day attend that many thought would be a prize for his commitment to Washington.
His father, Mr Duterte, a weightlifter who became famous for his harsh medicine war, built relations with Beijing, apparently viewing China’s growing power as very important to challenge.
Mr Blinken’s visit to Manila follows a trip to South Korea in which he warned against growing dictatorship and “democratic complacency” in some states.
Beyond the Middle East, where Mr. Blinken has spent his time dealing with the Gaza conflict and a wider geographical crisis, has had little chance of a milestone in the peace conversations between Israel and Hamas, and this is a unique opportunity for him to travel there in recent months.
The senior official questioned whether China was trying to” categorically reject” the possibility of the US becoming distracted by other foreign policy crises.
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China warns citizens in Singapore to stay away from gambling
Beijing: On Monday ( Mar 18 ), China’s embassy in Singapore urged its citizens to avoid gambling in any way because it deemed gambling abroad to be against Chinese laws. The caution comes as Beijing redoubles its efforts to stop Foreign gamblers in Southeast Asia, a popular tourist destination. InContinue Reading
Maybank and Gentari to collaborate on sustainability solutions tailored to individuals and SMEs
- EV charging facilities to be installed by Maybank in a few trees
- Consumers who use Gentari to finance their electric vehicles will be able to receive opportunities.
.jpg "hahril Azuar Jimin, group chief sustainability officer of Maybank; Tuan Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, group CEO of Community Financial Services of Maybank; Shah Yang Razalli, deputy CEO of Gentari and CEO of Gentari Green Mobility and Aliah Nasreen Abdullah, chief customer officer of Gentari Green Mobility at the official exchanges of documents ceremony.")
A Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) between Maybank and Gentari will allow for cooperation in green mobility and renewable energy solutions.
Through this partnership, Maybank Islamic’s InCharge pre- funds may be extended to incorporate Gentari’s charging channels, giving more exposure and benefits for customers. Genetari claims to have Malaysia’s largest system of DC fast chargers. With Maybank Islamic Vehicle financing and certificates redeemable at specific charging stations, the Maybank Islamic Incharge program is designed for EV owners and owners of hybrid vehicles.
Maybank says it will install charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles ( EV ) and other vehicles in its network of offices and branches nationwide, starting with ten carefully chosen locations, in conjunction with Gentari as the partner for clean energy solutions.
A really change in energy requires that various stakeholders work together to improve access to, sustain, and cost-effective energy. This partnership brings together Maybank’s set of financing and insurance options with Gentari’s clean freedom and clean energy offerings, demonstrating the dedication of like-minded partners who are working together to achieve a sustainable existence, according to Shah Yang Razalli, assistant CEO of Gentari and CEO of Gentari Green Mobility.
In Maybank’s myimpact SME Hub, Gentari may serve as the clear energy industry specialist, while Maybank SME consumers will also benefit from this partnership.
Maybank Community Financial Services ‘ Group CEO, Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, emphasized the company’s commitment to achieving sustainable funding and serving as a key force behind low-carbon activities. We provide complete solutions in clean energy and natural mobility, according to Taufik Albar. ” Embracing our goal to Humanising Financial Services, we support our customers with a full ecosystem: best- in- course, value- based offerings that is both within and beyond standard banking”.
Different areas of collaboration include cross-branding and marketing efforts for all Maybank product lines, including those involving cards partnerships, plan, and takaful, as well as cross-branding and marketing efforts.
Joel Neoh’s First Move fuels Malaysian startups with10 investments in its first year
- Investments , primarily to Malaysians &, KL- based members, US$ 100k regular payment
- Partnership view by co- engaging with Vertex Ventures, 500 Global, Gobi Partners
Second Walk, an early stage account, created by companies for businesses, is making moves in the Malaysian company picture by backing its second 10 projects in the first year. First Move is injecting considerable capital into the growth of the ecosystem, providing much-needed first funding support during a critical but frequently overlooked phase, with its special focus on earlier- stage founders.
In its inaugural year, the bank has invested the majority of its cash to Malaysians and Malaysia- based members, with an average purchase dimension of RM467, 000 ( US$ 100, 000 ) per business. The fact that 35 % of the members are supported by people underscores the bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Also, First Move has funded first level customer firms in Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam.
First Move’s latest investments in Malaysia underscore its commitment to effect investing, with a focused strategy on pricing, economic participation, and round economy. These strategic investments aim to promote regional sustainable and inclusive growth.
Koppiku hopes to transform the coffee industry by lowering the cost of premium daily items, expanding the supply chain, and fostering more local jobs. In tackling workplace gender and racial disparities, First Move supports the MalaysianPAYGAP initiative, which champions equal pay and career opportunities, contributing to broader social equity.
3Cat is leading the charge by enabling device trace- in, repair, and reuse while furthering the circular economy in the sustainable consumer electronics space. This initiative significantly reduces waste and increases the technology’s lifespan. Furthermore, enhancing access to niche markets, First Move’s investment in Collektr connects collectors of unique items, showcasing a commitment to improving circular commerce and fostering community engagement.
First Move multiplies its impact on the Malaysian startup ecosystem by combining early- stage investments with strategic co- investments alongside leading venture capital firms, including Vertex Ventures, 500 Global, Gobi Partners, and more. This approach not only provides startups with essential financial support but also grants them access to a wealth of networks, expertise, and mentorship. This cooperative approach ensures that these brave businesspeople are prepared to face off on a global scale.
” We are excited about the impact in our first year of operation”, said Audra Pakalnyte, Partner at First Move. Our investments in Malaysian startups have attracted international investors ‘ attention and interest as well as fueled their expansion. We are proud to be a part in the growth of Malaysian startups and look forward to carrying out our mission, which is to provide visionary founders with the resources they need to succeed.
First Move’s entry as an early investor complements the ecosystem established by key Malaysian enablers like Khazanah, Penjana Kapital, Malaysia Venture Capital Bhd ( MAVCAP ), EPF, and KWAP, encouraging more entrepreneurs to launch their ventures.
This synergistic approach promotes local talent by providing essential resources, promoting economic growth, and creating jobs, as well as accelerating the development of scalable ventures. Consequently, the broader aim is to reinforce Malaysia’s emergence as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement.
For more information about First Move and its investments, please visit www. firstmovefund.com.
Commentary: Is Singapore really so boring that only Taylor Swift can enliven it?
IF YOU MAKE IT AS INTENDENT AS YOU Create IT OUT TO BE, THE CITY IS ONLY AS INTENDENT AS YOU MAKE IT OUT TO BE.
For visitors, Singapore offers many interesting destinations such as Gardens by the Bay, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, ArtScience Museum and Sentosa. Since there are usually annual events that keep the rotation clean, I’ve visited these places on numerous occasions and also appreciate them.
But, Singapore’s smaller property size compared to the rest of Southeast Asia even make fun selections limited. For instance, while we pride ourselves on having a garden, we lack the natural settings that do pique the interest of adventurous people.
An emigrant friend agrees, saying that Singapore can be a bit less interesting for expatriate if you’re comparing it to cities like New York, London, Hong Kong or Shanghai. However, he added that Singapore offers plenty to fill your days if you’re looking for security and a good living environment.
In recent years, there have also been more exciting events emerging quite as thrifting, audio functions and roll- ups. Even the most mundane items like store shutdown explode with a bang. In January, 47- year- ancient Peace Centre, which in its last days was a space for writing art and cultural enterprises, was bid farewell in a mall- large party featuring DJ raves and wrestling shows.
Thanks to social media, it is n’t difficult to find something new to do over the weekend. Singapore has a lot to offer, from kid-friendly nature walks to indoor and outdoor parks and water parks, like I do if I have a young family. While some are paid sights, a number are costless- you just need to look.
I did have sworn off all and fought the heat and rain to attend” Category 100″ outside the Sports Hub to hear the sounds of the Eras Tour. But alas, I had agreements.
That does n’t mean I was n’t vicariously reliving the concert atmosphere through the social media posts of my friends. I was taken aback when my non-Swipe companions joined in on the fun, which just goes to show that there is always something going on in “boring Singapore” if you let yourself be open to new activities.
April Zara Chua is a family to a preschooler and a 7-year-old rabbit and a freelance content creator.
Curbing urban hazards
Cape Town: In the Bamrung Muang area of the Phra Nakhon district, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) and the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute Foundation ( TWCIF ) are promoting walking and cycling as a viable alternative to driving on six streets.
The streets are Din But, Mahannop, Bamrung Muang, Ratchabophit, Samran Rat and Tanao in Bangkok’s old city known as Ratanakosin area.
Information of the native initiative to encourage these “active freedom” activities, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which has invested in 700 places and 150 countries around the world, were aired at an international convention this month.
Speaking on the outside of the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, which drew some 200 participants from 52 places in 40 countries, Silpa Wairatpanij, council representative of the TWCIF, said the project has been carried out since early last month.
The aim is to minimize sedentary behavior, making healthy changes to people’s tastes.
We started the project to lessen the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases, particularly physical inactivity, because we are aware that NCDs account for the majority of fatalities in Thailand, he said.
According to World Health Organization ( WHO ), the four main NCDs– cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD )– are responsible for 74 % of all deaths in Thailand, with about 400, 000 lives lost a year. About third are unnecessary, striking persons aged under 70.
According to Mr. Silpa, residents of the Bamrung Muang place had requested a pilot initiative to build the roads there by creating a walking street and painting road markings because the study found that about 30 % of people had an average daily journey of no more than one kilometer.
Additionally, the survey found that the majority of respondents did n’t walk to work or anywhere else in the neighborhood because there is n’t a pedestrian walkway. In their place, they want roads. They said if they walk, they may simply walk in secure places, he said.
He said Silpakorn University’s Urban Ally Center, which is located in the Phra Nakhon city, was given the opportunity to work with the BMA and the basis to create a pedestrian walkway along these six roads by enhancing general safety and reducing lane height reduction.
We are working closely with state and local governments. We spoke with them, urging them to use cycling and walking as modes of transportation in their day-to-day lives.
The majority of people were supportive of us, even though some shopowners along these streets expressed dissatisfaction because they do not have any parking spaces available for buyers anymore, according to Mr. Silpa.
Since the initiative began a year ago, though. More than 80 % of residents currently cycle, while 48 % of them still use pedestrian paths. Additionally, cars have slowed down their travel rate.
We discovered that the majority of drivers who frequently traveled at 40 km/h may reduce their speed on these roads to 20 km/h. This even means that they are aware that commuters are at risk of injuries if they move too quickly, he said.
Silpa: Restricting health threats
Second hour, last hour
Sanon Wangsrangboon, lieutenant governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, said the BMA would like to build a similar job in four more places around industrial train stations: Tha Phra, Sam Yot, Phromphong and Lat Phrao 71.
It was researching the information and creating participation networks with different industries.
He claimed that the BMA chose these four locations because they each have four electric train facilities that provide daily service to riders.
He claimed that there will be bike paths and walkways built to connect the stations to reduce car usage. The BMA will construct bicycle roads and walkways to join these locations to the piers if these locations have access to water.
According to Mr. Sanon, many Bangkokians are concerned about how to leave their homes and how to get there ( the referred to as first and last mile ) on foot.
Because many roads and sois in Bangkok are without streets, forcing pedestrians to stroll on the road and harm their own health, they do not use public transportation. As a result, they opt for personal vehicles instead.
City Hall intends to improve cycling and walking safety by painting road markings from neighborhoods to public transportation routes. He said that Bloomberg Philanthropies will be asked to assist in funding the project.
Sanon: Project to expand
International plaudits
Thailand is at the forefront of efforts to prevent NCDs, according to Ariella Rojhani, director of Vital Strategies ‘ Partnership for Healthy Cities.
Ms. Rojhani claimed that her organization, WHO, and Bloomberg Philanthropies have collaborated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to reduce speeding and improve the safety of sidewalks and streets.
The city has given ownership to the initial investment and used its own funds to support the project.
Kelly Larson, director of Bloomberg Philanthropies, said her organisation has supported road safety since 2007 and Bangkok was part of the organisation’s initiatives covering public health perspectives to road safety.
The organisation has provided resources, technical guidance and support on road safety interventions, she said. We have been impressed by Thailand’s leadership in Southeast Asia, not just in terms of road safety but also in terms of public health issues, according to Ms. Larson.
MYStartup selects 26 startups for their pre-accelerator cohort 3
- From 4 major sectors: green technology, intelligent living, hospitality, digitalization
- Provides access to a supervisor community, development hubs, and market exposure
MYStartup, in partnership with Indonesian based company pedal, Growth Charger, has selected 26 substantial potential businesses, from 136 applicants across Malaysia, for the MYStartup Pre- Accelerator Cohort 3 Program. The companies will go through a four-month customized program designed to accelerate their progress toward achieving product-market accommodate and support the startup ecosystem’s general expansion.
The startups cover four key sectors: green tech, bright life, hospitality, and digitalization, including data solutions, professional IoT, and robotics. The selection process comes at the heels of the past cohort MYStartup programme, which saw similar higher- potential companies such as Materials In Works, Sayur Kita School, Luwjistik, Axcyn, Certiify, and more, gaining a leg off through MYStartup.
With the financial success of the country centered on the success of its entrepreneurs, there is an urgent need to promote an inclusive, higher- performing, and green entrepreneurship ecosystem, especially among the Small &, Medium enterprises which account for almost 98.5 % of business entities in the country, accounting for 66 % of the workforce said Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle.
We are thrilled to see Malaysian technology startups gain from this program and look forward to seeing significant growth. Malaysia is rapidly emerging as a major player in the Southeast Asian technology and innovation sector, which is in line with the country’s 2030 goal of being among the top 20 global startup ecosystems.
[ Note: The US-based Startup Genome and Global Entrepreneurship Network’s ranking as the Global Startup Ecosystem Report, or GSER, is based on the aspiration to be among the top 20 startup ecosystems, not countries. There is a Top 30 rankings and a new category introduced in 2020 called Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems. Kuala Lumpur is ranked 11th in this regard. KL’s ranking decline in the 2023 GSER was despite an effort to improve its performance in partnership with Startup Genome, which was unfavorable.
The Pre- Accelerator offers a comprehensive package, made for dedicated startups aiming to validate their concepts. This includes access to a mentor network, innovation hubs, and market exposure. The programme encompasses strategic learning modules, on- demand resources, hands- on mentoring, collaborative spaces, networking events, and strategic connections within the ecosystem. The objective is to assist startups in creating viable business models and securing growth opportunities.
” Throughout these four- months programme, it’s all about Product- market fit. We are eager to witness remarkable achievements from the 26 startups spanning various sectors such as SaaS, E- commerce &, Marketplace, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and more. Speak to your customers, refine your product and think about scale, We anticipate future accomplishments in the coming months under Growth Charge”, said Iskandar Shafi’i, the Director of Growth Charger.
Our mission at Rabt is to create a premier Islamic storytelling and knowledge-sharing platform, as well as providing a top-notch user experience and connecting users with renowned voices in the Islamic world. This programme is a unique opportunity for us to accelerate growth, secure investment, and expand our reach across Southeast Asia, beginning with Malaysia. Through the Pre- accelerator programme, we aim to secure investments and achieve 30, 000 monthly active users”, said Hasam Khan, CEO of Rabt, one of the shortlisted companies in MYStartup’s Pre- Accelerator Programme.
The MYStartup Pre-Ameritober program, which aligns with the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap ( SUPER ) 2021- 2030, aims to advance the Malaysian ecosystem by creating more creative and high-quality startups.
The list of 26 shortlisted companies include:
- Agrofly– Producing biofertiliser through insect frass degradation.
- AIMS– Artificial intelligent marketing system.
- AidEye– Your AI guide for using digital services for daily tasks.
- Beseek– Introducing the future of work in the GenAI era by increasing productivity by locating valuable information in cluttered documents.
- Bettercopy– Unleashing your revenue growth through AI.
- BOSSREC– A booking platform system for recreation.
- Compere– A marketplace that makes it simple for event organizers and vendors to connect with one another.
- Deepsight– A learning resource designed to aid medical professionals in enhancing and enhancing their capacity to better understand and interpret ECG more quickly.
- Providing access to authentically healthy farmed food and daily necessities from Eatsyfarm.
- FinDoc– AI-driven online financial screening tool that makes it simple for users to locate the best financial products and services from various banks without going through them one by one.
- FitDoc– A telemedicine company that specializes in online consultations, addressing critical health concerns such as obesity, family planning, sexual health, and HIV prevention.
- Good Stuff Alliance– A digital platform that allows business owners to sell nearly stale goods at a discount to customers who want to save money.
- Komers– A one-click checkout procedure that helps make the buying and after-sale process easier for more customers to become buyers.
- Komplen– A platform where users can complain to various authorities, all in one place.
- Mywheels is a platform for everything and anything that involves wheels.
- Pajak- i- An all-in-one online platform for the micro-finance sector.
- Pixalink– A cloud-based customer acquisition and engagement system for SMEs to automate the interaction with your customers.
- Practistica– A one stop solution for lecturers/teachers to an online question marketplace, classroom grading software &, students ‘ analytics software
- Propmoth: A platform that helps people find properties the smartest.
- Pycehub– A web service that connects owners and clients to increase revenue for them and make bookings easier for them.
- Rabt– Redefining the Islamic narrative by creating the Spotify of Islam
- Scancer AI: Using AI, early detection can be made more accessible for everyone.
- Staywokeproperty– A one- stop rental management solution, where all ends meet for effortless rental transactions.
- A CSR management system powered by AI called Volunti Connect that has revolutionized CSR initiatives and funds.
- WebX– Using AI to create simple, affordable websites in three days.
- Wellness 96 Empire– AI powered digital one- stop digital wellness platform offering curated, certified coaches, personalized plans &, community engagement.
PSA wins workplace mental health award after polling 3,000 migrant workers, contractors on what they needed to feel safe, connected
Singapore-based port operator PSA Corporation commissioned a multicultural well-being study to gather input from more than 3, 000 of its people who were migrant workers, including its suppliers and contractors, to find out what it could do to give a cognitively safe working atmosphere.  , All of its people ‘Continue Reading
Backing sought for OECD bid
PUBLISHED: 15 Mar 2024 at 05: 57
According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Thailand is requesting Germany’s support in its bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ).
According to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, who gave a synopsis of the conference, he made the remarks at a joint press meeting with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, on Thursday at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.
Given that Thailand and Germany’s bilateral trade has increased by more than 20 %, Mr. Scholz said Germany attaches an importance to strengthening ties, particularly in those relating to monetary cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia. According to Mr. Chai, the German Chancellor said that the country is also prepared to consider backing Thailand’s application to join the OECD, which will aid in the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA ) between Thailand and the European Union.
Mr. Srettha even expressed hope that a Thai-EU FTA may allow the two parties to collaborate on promoting trade and investment. He added that he hoped that Germany would back Thailand’s efforts to meet the OECD and to negotiate visa-free travel arrangements with Western nations in the Schengen area, according to the spokesman.
In order to increase Germany and other nations ‘ assurance, Mr. Srettha affirmed Thailand’s determination to promote political, economic, and social protection in accordance with predictable and rules-based political processes.
Both leaders also agreed to strengthen ties between the two nations to form a proper relationship, a relationship that will be discussed in the context of an existing diplomatic discourse mechanism.
Thailand believes that regional assistance with Asean and the Indo-Pacific area will grow more broadly as a result of the corporate relationship. This will also encourage cooperation to overcome obstacles to green growth.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, solar/wind/water power generation, and green hydrogen, as well as cooperation in electric vehicles ( EV ), especially EV manufacturing, technology and knowledge transfer, and promotion of related industries. Additionally, Mr. Srettha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue funding Germany’s funding in the development of hybrid and regular internal combustion engines.
Commentary: Singapore’s balancing act continues regardless of US election outcome
Fourth, given that his predecessor is still controversial on a national level, the Biden strategy wants this election to be less of a referendum on the president’s second term and more of a choice over a second one. Trump’s irresponsible call for social security cuts is just one example of how he made it simpler for Biden to carry out that plan.
WHAT TO Expect During A Next Trump Trial
A Donald Trump return to power in the US would have significant repercussions internally.
A Trump success will result in work to source out the therefore- called “deep position” of civil servants, impacting the US government’s ability to function as it does now. His planned severe immigration crackdown will also result in a decline in home suffering, both economically and socially, as well as in international relations and climate change.
There will be a lot of influence on the rest of the world because the world’s security is more sensitive than ever.
If the US were to remain in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO ), a second Trump term would mean a lessening of its commitment to Ukraine and a significant reduction in its involvement there.
Countries like Japan and South Korea are likely to find their individual nuclear weapons, which would have an impact on their relations with China and have a regional influence as a result.
A Trump presidency would be less likely to participate in restraining Israel in its vengeance against Hamas ‘ Oct. 7, 2023 strike, which the Biden administration has begun to do more formally.  , This could lead to further increase of the conflict, which may directly impact Singapore’s sea market.