(Reuters) - AC Milan's technical director Paolo Maldini said striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was close to signing a new deal with the club. Italian media reports said the 39-year-old Swede, who is Milan's top goalscorer in Serie A this season, would sign a one-year extension in the coming days. Maldini, speaking ahead of Milan's Serie A clash with Parma on Saturday, confirmed contract talks were almost at their conclusion. "With Ibra, we are very close to an agreement," Maldini told Sky Sport Italia. "There are just a few minor details to be resolved." Ibrahimovic is not the only high-profile Milan player out of contract in the close season, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and key midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu also yet to agree deals beyond the end of the current campaign. Maldini was less positive at the prospect of both players remaining with the club. "These are choices everyone needs to be happy with," Maldini added. "I am not here to judge, I am here to do what is ... » Learn More about Ibrahimovic close to signing new Milan deal – Maldini
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DFA awaits probe of Ayungin incident
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has deferred any action on the incident in which Chinese ships prevented a fishing boat carrying Filipino journalists from going to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to interview fishermen. The DFA on Saturday said state agencies were investigating the incident and advised those who were planning to visit the maritime features within the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to “coordinate” with the authorities. “If proven to be true, the [DFA] will raise the matter with the Chinese government,” the department said in a brief statement. “In the meantime, the department is thankful that the crew and the Filipino vessel are safe.” Chiara Zambrano, an ABS-CBN reporter, said they were headed to Ayungin Shoal on Thursday to interview Filipino fishermen and check on their situation amid hundreds of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in Julian Felipe Reef. In her televised ... » Learn More about DFA awaits probe of Ayungin incident
OCBC Cycle: With newfound love for cycling, nose cancer survivor now aims to complete 100km virtual ride
SINGAPORE - Mehar Mukesh Muni used to be an avid runner. A former army regular, he would clock at least 5km a day twice a week along East Coast Park. But gradually, the 51-year-old found his knees getting worn out due to the constant impact of running, experiencing knee pain whenever he attempted to increase the frequency of his runs in a week to meet his fitness and weight-loss goals. He said: "It was a whole chain of events that (made exercising) actually quite discouraging." But Mehar was determined to continue as he is a cancer survivor. In February 2016, he was diagnosed with Stage Three nasopharyngeal cancer, or nose cancer. He had to undergo six sessions of chemotherapy weekly, and eight weeks of daily radiotherapy, which took a toll on his immune system. Towards the second half of the treatment, he had lost the ability to salivate or taste, and had to rely on nutrition supplement drinks - usually given to the elderly who have problems eating solid food - for meals. ... » Learn More about OCBC Cycle: With newfound love for cycling, nose cancer survivor now aims to complete 100km virtual ride
Crisis-hit Peru names centrist lawmaker as third president in a week
LIMA (REUTERS) - Peru's Congress on Monday (Nov 16) chose legislator Francisco Sagasti as the Andean country's caretaker president, in an attempt to defuse a sharp political crisis after angry protests and the departure of two presidents in the past week. Mr Sagasti, 76, from the centrist Morado Party, won enough votes to head Congress, which means he will constitutionally assume the presidency of Peru ahead of national elections called for April. The move makes Mr Sagasti Peru's third president in a week, after interim leader Manuel Merino resigned on Sunday , five days after being sworn in following the ousting of centrist Martin Vizcarra. The removal of Mr Vizcarra , who was popular with many Peruvians but angered lawmakers with his push for anti-corruption measures and attempts to curb parliamentary immunity, sparked days of protests that led to the deaths of two men. "Today is not a day of celebration," Mr Sagasti said, striking a somber tone in his first words after ... » Learn More about Crisis-hit Peru names centrist lawmaker as third president in a week
Peru President Manuel Merino resigns after five days in power
LIMA (AFP) - Peru’s President Manuel Merino resigned Sunday (Nov 15), just five days after taking office, sparking celebrations in the capital Lima following street protests against him and the ousting of his popular predecessor. Merino, 59, stepped down shortly after a crisis session of Congress called on him to quit power before 6pm (2300 GMT) or face censure. “I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning,” Merino said in a televised address, a day after a police crackdown on protesters left at least two people dead. Congress was expected to appoint a new president – the South American country’s third in a week – in a new session on Sunday evening. Thousands have taken to the streets in days of protests against Merino following the ouster of his predecessor Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on corruption allegations on Monday. Elections are scheduled for April 2021 and Merino was scheduled to leave power in July, when Vizcarra’s mandate was to end. ... » Learn More about Peru President Manuel Merino resigns after five days in power
HPB launches campaign to promote healthy lifestyle ahead of Ramadan
SINGAPORE - A public education campaign to promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits in the Malay/Muslim community was launched on Sunday (April 11) ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan, which starts on Tuesday. During the two-month long campaign, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) will encourage the community to consume less sugar and choose healthier food options during Ramadan and Hari Raya Puasa, which falls on May 13. HPB said it will amplify the message of "Kita Dah Cukup Manis, Kurangkan OK?" ("We are sweet enough, Reduce it OK?") both online and offline. It will also collaborate with its community partners to encourage people to quit smoking. On Sunday, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam kicked off the campaign by noting the community's resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. "We have come to realise during the pandemic that the things that are important to us are family and health. "This Ramadan and Hari Raya ... » Learn More about HPB launches campaign to promote healthy lifestyle ahead of Ramadan
Peru President Merino faces calls to resign after three protesters killed
LIMA (AFP) - The head of Peru's Congress has called for the "immediate resignation" of interim President Manuel Merino after a violent crackdown on protests against his new government left at least three dead and more than 60 injured. Thousands have taken to the streets in days of protests against Merino following the ouster of his popular predecessor Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on corruption allegations on Monday (Nov 9). "I ask Mr Merino to evaluate his immediate resignation," Congress head Luis Valdez said in a statement Saturday night to Channel N television. Lawmakers will meet in an emergency session on Sunday to discuss Merino's resignation, a statement released later on the Congress Twitter account said. The ultimatum came after news of the death of three protesters during a massive and peaceful march in Lima, which was violently repressed by police firing shotgun pellets and tear gas. Lima mayor Jorge Munoz, from the same centre-right Popular Action party as ... » Learn More about Peru President Merino faces calls to resign after three protesters killed
Robinsons’ closure: Retailers in Singapore struggle amid 10-month high in closures for sector, more expected to shutter
SINGAPORE - Home-grown department store Robinsons has become the latest high-profile casualty in a growing list of retailers that the Covid-19 pandemic has claimed. Business cessations in the retail trade sector hit a 10-month high in September, with 457 companies calling it quits, according to figures from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Topshop, Esprit and Sportslink are among those that have bowed out or moved their operations online as safety restrictions and tighter purse strings dent store sales. Another wave of closures is expected after relief to protect qualifying commercial tenants unable to pay rent from eviction and hiked up interest rates ends on Nov 19, said retailers and observers. Winter wear retailer Universal Traveller, for example, is facing the possibility of folding if it is unable to work out a rental payment plan with landlords for its five outlets. With travel off the cards for most Singaporeans this year and few tourists in sight, ... » Learn More about Robinsons’ closure: Retailers in Singapore struggle amid 10-month high in closures for sector, more expected to shutter
Local brands give Design Orchard thumbs up despite management Naiise’s troubles
SINGAPORE - Local brands selling their goods at Design Orchard say they have not encountered payment delays and other issues faced by vendors of Naiise, though they are also represented by the multi-label lifestyle retailer. More than 40 of the 60 or so up-and-coming labels stocked in the prime retail showcase have chosen to sign new contracts and stay on for another year. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply. ... » Learn More about Local brands give Design Orchard thumbs up despite management Naiise’s troubles
Topshop closing last physical store here after two decades
British fashion brands Topshop and Topman will close their last outlet in Singapore next Thursday and go online instead, with retail experts saying more brands might follow suit. Yesterday, Wing Tai Retail, brand manager for Topshop and Topman here, confirmed the closure of the VivoCity outlet, and said its focus for the two brands will be online. Topshop and Topman have been in Singapore for two decades, with the first store opening at Wisma Atria in Orchard Road in 2000. A Wing Tai Retail spokesman said the lease of the brands' shop at VivoCity has ended and that Wing Tai will be focusing on its omni-channel retail strategy - which involves both physical and online sales channels - to better meet changing consumer preferences. Besides Topshop and Topman, Wing Tai Retail also manages brands such as Adidas, G2000, Dorothy Perkins and Uniqlo in Singapore. The spokesman said the closure is part of Wing Tai's business review of its brands portfolio to fine-tune its distribution ... » Learn More about Topshop closing last physical store here after two decades