BENGALURU (REUTERS) – Novavax Inc and partner Serum Institute of India said on Monday (Nov 1) they received emergency use authorisation (EUA) for their Covid-19 vaccine in Indonesia, making it the first approval anywhere in the world for Novavax. Shares of Novavax rose about 11 per cent before the opening bell after the company also said […]
SINGAPORE – The wet weather is here to stay for the next fortnight, said the weatherman on Monday (Nov 1). During this period, thundery afternoon showers are forecast on most days, with showers extending into the evening on a few days. Due to the large-scale convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding region, widespread […]
SINGAPORE – Two Bills on raising the retirement and re-employment age, and on Central Provident Fund (CPF) rules were debated in Parliament on Monday (Nov 1). More than 20 MPs spoke on various topics concerning mature workers, such as ageism in the workplace and whether a retirement age is still needed. Manpower Minister Tan See […]
SINGAPORE – Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) has proposed imposing a wealth tax of 0.5 to 2 per cent on the most wealthy here, saying that it could help diversify Singapore’s revenue sources and also reduce income and wealth inequality. While Singapore’s overall tax system may be progressive – with the rich taxed […]
KATHMANDU (THE KATHMANDU POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – A little over a week after the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology announced the withdrawal of the monsoon from the country and, therefore, the suspension of daily flood forecasts and flood bulletins for the remainder of the year, an unusual western disturbance slammed into the Himalayan range, triggering […]
HONG KONG (BLOOMBERG) – ByteDance ordered its employees to end their day by 7pm, becoming one of the first tech companies in China to officially mandate shorter working hours. Staff in China should work only from 10am to 7pm on Mondays to Fridays, and will need to seek permission to stay beyond those hours at […]
BANGKOK (REUTERS) – Thailand has ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal, its Commerce Minister said on Monday (Nov 1). Thailand’s ratification on Oct 28 would be a boost to the country’s trade to the area, which accounted for 53 per cent of last year’s exports, Mr Jurin Laksanawisit said in a statement. […]
SHANGHAI (BLOOMBERG) – While thousands of visitors to Shanghai Disneyland on Sunday (Oct 31) were queuing for roller coasters and watching fireworks above the fairytale castle, staff quietly sealed the amusement park. People in Hazmat suits streamed in through the gates, preparing to test everyone for Covid-19 before they could leave for the day. Nearly […]
ROME – Even as countries seek to become more resilient and self-sufficient in the wake of the pandemic, they should be careful to avoid actions that result in unintended consequences, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. “If it goes too far, it could prompt reactions and unintended consequences – for example, the deep bifurcation of […]
BANGKOK – Thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flocked to downtown Bangkok on Sunday (Oct 31), defying Covid-19 curbs against mass gatherings and a plea by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to refrain from street protests as Thailand prepares to welcome back more tourists. Sunday’s protesters called for the lese majeste law that makes it a crime to […]