Opinion

Singapore has issued a travel advisory for its citizens and residents, urging them to wear masks at airports and avoid non-essential travel abroad, as the country faces a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new variant JN1-409797. However, this measure is too little, too late, and does not address the root cause of the problem: the lack of strict …

Singapore has unveiled its second National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to triple the pool of AI experts, develop a large language model for local culture and dialect, and build an iconic AI site to showcase its achievements. The new strategy, announced on December 4, 2023, will focus on how AI can be used for the public good, both in …

Central Asia, a region rich in natural resources and strategic location, has long faced challenges in fostering a collective regional identity among its diverse and independent nations. However, recent initiatives and developments have shown a renewed commitment and interest in enhancing the level of cooperation and integration within the region. One of the main drivers of this process is Uzbekistan, …

As the holiday season approaches, many Americans are looking for gifts to buy for their loved ones. But how much attention do they pay to where these products are made? According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, only 36% of Americans say it is very important to them to buy products made in the USA, while 52% …

The UK and South Korea have agreed to sign a new Downing Street Accord, a major long-term partnership that will redefine and strengthen their ties for the next generation. The accord, which follows similar agreements with Singapore and Japan earlier this year, will deepen cooperation between the two countries on technology, defense and security. The accord was signed by Prime …

Japan is facing a serious challenge in keeping up with the global market as its people lack the proficiency and confidence to speak English, the lingua franca of the world. According to a recent survey by EF Education First, a global education company, Japan ranked 53rd out of 100 non-English speaking countries and regions for English language abilities in 2019, …

Singapore police have uncovered one of the world’s largest money laundering cases, involving more than S$2.8 billion (US$2 billion) worth of assets seized or frozen from 10 suspects of Chinese origin. The case has exposed the dark side of Singapore’s bid to attract the world’s super-rich, as well as the links between online gambling, cybercrime and transnational crime syndicates. The …

In a remarkable turnaround, Huawei Technologies Co., once on the brink due to US sanctions, has emerged as China’s crucial weapon in the global semiconductor battle. Beyond being a major chip customer and designer, Huawei plays a pivotal role, extending engineering expertise and financial support to smaller companies in the chip supply chain. The extent of its involvement often remains …

In the face of a proposed dog meat ban in South Korea, the Korea Dog Meat Farmers’ Association, a staunch opponent of measures to curb the industry, has raised the stakes with a controversial threat. Joo Young-bong, the head of the association, revealed during a recent radio show that they are considering releasing 2 million dogs near government landmarks in …

In a twist of fate, the Philippines finds itself at a crossroads as discussions intensify over the prospect of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC). This unexpected contemplation, once considered implausible, has ignited a fervent debate, unveiling the complex layers of a nation grappling with its international identity. Back in 2011, the Philippines, under the influence of the “Yellow cabal” …