Asean smart cities network

Andrea Trinidad, president of Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines, awards $700 Micro-Enterprise Grant to Rolly Marsula who has Hemophilia A. Image from Trinidad’s Facebook account MANILA, Philippines — In 2015,  Andrea Trinidad, president of Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines (HAP) and former reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, wrote a story narrating the struggles experienced by Filipinos with bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder in which the blood can not clot properly. This can cause spontaneous and prolonged bleeding following an injury or surgery. It affects a person’s joints and internal organs. For people with hemophilia, simple cuts can be fatal. In her story, she shared how thousands of Filipinos with hemophilia further suffer due to the lack of access to treatment in the country. Six years have passed but Trinidad said the same issue is still relevant partnered with the current issues caused by some restrictions implemented due to ... » Learn More about Six years later, Filipinos with hemophilia still struggle in getting treatment

SINGAPORE - While Singapore has become less race-conscious and more tolerant of differences, Singaporeans must not think that they have arrived at an ideal "post-racial state", or that no more effort will be needed to bridge different groups. "Race and religion remain fault lines, and are emotive issues. The risk of regressing on what we have achieved is always there, and we cannot assume that our progress will be in a straight line," said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong on Thursday (Sept 3) at the debate on the President's Address. Indeed, Singapore is by no means perfect, and discrimination remains a "visceral lived reality for some", he said, echoing points that had been made by Workers' Party MP Faisal Manap (Aljunied GRC) and People's Action Party MP Ms Carrie Tan (Nee Soon GRC) during the debate this week. "We must continue to find ways to do better". SINGAPORE'S PROGRESS IN MANAGING RACE RELATIONS The minister said that there is "absolutely nothing ... » Learn More about Parliament: S’pore has become less race-conscious, but has not yet arrived at a ‘post-racial state’, says Edwin Tong

A $106 billion Unity Budget was unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Feb 18. Along with strategies to tackle immediate and long-term challenges were measures to help Singapore’s youth face a secure future with confidence. Key takeaways are: 1. Building a future-ready workforce As global competition intensifies in a fast-changing economy, Singaporeans will need to learn new skills or risk falling behind. To that end, the Government will provide every Singaporean aged 25 and above in 2020 with a one-off $500 SkillsFuture credit top-up to boost industry readiness. The top-up, which can be used from Oct 1, will expire at the end of 2025. This is in addition to the initial $500 SkillsFuture credit that was introduced in 2015 with no expiry date. Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister, explained that the five-year deadline is to “encourage Singaporeans to take action early to learn new skills, and to make the best use of this period of economic slowdown”. Will it ... » Learn More about 5 things Singapore’s youth need to know

SINGAPORE - Young people with a dream to make a difference to the lives of Singaporeans will now have a chance to pitch their ideas to relevant government or industry agencies. The best 12 ideas can each get up to $50,000 in grants to kickstart the projects. Those with a cause to champion or a suggestion to make can take part in the Youth Action Challenge, a six-month programme organised by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Youth Council under the SG Youth Action Plan. It was announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu on Saturday (Jan 18) afternoon. Addressing 260 young people at the National Youth Council's youth engagement session at Raffles City Convention Centre, she said: "If we want a better Singapore, we have to roll up our sleeves and do the work." Since September last year, young people aged 15 to 35 have been working in teams, mentored by leaders from various industries, communities and the Government, to come up with ... » Learn More about Young people can suggest policy changes or champion initiatives through government programme

SEOUL: A South Korean steelmaker on Friday (Apr 16) said it plans to end a joint venture with a military-controlled firm in Myanmar following criticism that its business has benefited military leaders who have violently suppressed pro-democracy protests there. POSCO Coated & Color Steel said it has decided to discontinue its partnership with Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited, which is about 40 per cent owned by Myanmar’s Defense Ministry. However, the South Korean company said it would not pull out of Myanmar. READ: Myanmar junta says protests are dwindling as at least 10 reported killed by troops POSCO C&C owns 70 per cent of its joint venture with MEHL, Myanmar POSCO C&C. Min Ji-hyun, an official from POSCO C&C, said the company has informed MEHL it wants to buy the Myanmar firm’s 30 per cent stake so that it can continue operating the venture with full ownership. MEHL has yet to respond to POSCO C&C’s offer, Min said. Min said he ... » Learn More about South Korean steelmaker to end partnership with Myanmar military