Pandemic

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Reconnecting with its Asean neighbours will be a key focus for Singapore as it reopens its economy and recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee on Thursday (Sept 9). He added that if people can travel in and out of Singapore safely, the country can reestablish its hub status and better serve the interests of Asean and Asia. But the linkages should also extend to the digital realm, since rebuilding physical links will take time. Lee made the remarks at the Asean and Asia Forum, with the theme of "Seeking Recovery amid Covid-19: Regional Strategies and a Digital Future". Delivering the keynote speech at the event organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, he noted that many sectors in Singapore had been affected by movement restrictions and border closures around the world. Companies in the construction, marine and offshore engineering sectors found themselves ... » Learn More about Reconnecting with Asean a key focus for Singapore as it recovers from pandemic: minister

SINGAPORE - Freelance writer Sng Ler Jun has been taking on more writing assignments since March to earn extra money for his family and himself. His 55-year-old mother was retrenched from a part-time job as a food promoter in February and his father, a 59-year-old taxi driver, has seen earnings fall since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the 24-year-old, who is doing a communications degree from the University at Buffalo at the Singapore Institute of Management, said he feels "pressured to work harder". The worry of finding a stable job after he graduates in December keeps him up at night. "I'm doing unpaid writing work to beef up my resume so it'll help in my job hunt," said Mr Sng, who is an only child. Still, he feels "plagued by the uncertainty" as he does not know when the economy will improve. "It's demoralising thinking about it and I feel burned out." Because of this, his mood and energy has been low and he no longer enjoys the walks he used to take ... » Learn More about Singaporeans feeling burned out due to Covid-19 and ways you can battle pandemic fatigue

PUTRAJAYA: An initiative to provide housing for those whose livelihood has been affected by the pandemic has been launched. Known as the "Malaysian Family Housing Initiative" or Rumah Ikram, this initiative by the Housing and Local Government Ministry was aimed at assisting those affected in getting affordable rental. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was scheduled to launch and hand over keys to Rumah Ikram participants on Sept 24. Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that 1,000 People's Housing Project (PPR) units nationwide are available for rent at RM124 monthly. "We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the lives and livelihoods of many people. "Some lost their income or had their salaries greatly reduced, affecting their ability to pay for housing," he said. "There are also people who were evicted as they could not pay rent," added Reezal on Wednesday (Sept 15). Reezal said that the government was aware of the plight of affected ... » Learn More about Rumah Ikram housing for those affected by pandemic launched

Jennifer Aniston is still taking "baby steps" back into public life. The Morning Show star won't be attending the Emmy Awards on Sunday (Sept 19) despite the Friends reunion special receiving four nominations because she's still adjusting to being back around other people following months in quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she said: "No, I will not be going. I think Ben Winston, our producer and director, [who's] incredible, who put the whole thing together [will go]. "This is a big step for me to just be here. I'm just [taking] baby steps." Meanwhile, the 52-year-old actress admitted she loves it when her and Reese Witherspoon's characters on The Morning Show, Alex Levy and Bradley Jackson, argue because it's so far removed from what her co-star is like in real life. She said: "It's always fun to fight with Reese because she is so not ...She is such a sweet burst of sunshine, that, you know, she is not someone you want to go scream ... » Learn More about Jennifer Aniston taking ‘baby steps’ back into public life after months of quarantine due to pandemic

THE annual Merdeka spirit was visible at the Peace Children Care Centre in Penang despite the pandemic. The children there took part in fun games and activities together to celebrate National Day and also the birthdays of those born in August. The centre’s chairman Alagesan Ayaru said the internal celebration taught the children how the country achieved independence from the British on Aug 31, 1957. “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all events in the country were put on hold. A simple ceremony to celebrate the birthdays of children born in August. “But this did not stop the children at the centre from celebrating Merdeka in high spirits. “They waved the Jalur Gemilang and participated in quizzes to learn more about the special occasion,” he said. “There was also a simple ceremony for the August babies at the centre.” Alagesan hopes to see brighter days ahead, having missed the National Day celebration for two consecutive years due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The centre ... » Learn More about Merdeka cheer for children amid pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is in favor of allowing a temporary ban of demolition activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a House hearing on Friday on the department’s proposed budget for 2022, Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said he agrees with the recommendation of Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas for a moratorium on demolition activities. “I support the recommendation of the honorable congresswoman that we can have a moratorium during this pandemic,” Del Rosario said. In March, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in a memorandum circular, lifted its previous memorandum issued in April 2020 where it banned demolition and eviction activities due to the enforcement of enhanced community quarantine and state of national emergency. However, Brosas said demolition activities should still be postponed considering that the pandemic is not yet over. READ: DILG lifts ban on ... » Learn More about Housing secretary favors temporary ban on demolition during pandemic

Scene from ‘Salidumay’ A total of 11 films, carrying the theme “culture in crisis, art fighting to survive COVID-19 impact,” are featured in the third edition of the ongoing Abrenian Heritage Film Festival 2021. The festival had a virtual opening program last Sept. 6 and will run until Sept. 12. According to its festival director, filmmaker Dexter Macaraeg, the movies will be made available to the public online for free via the festival’s own YouTube channel, Abrenian Heritage Film Festival. Macaraeg emphasized that each film was “made during the COVID-19 pandemic; and [showed] how arts, creativity, and resilience were used in fighting the global health crisis.” Originally intended for filmmakers based in Abra and the Cordilleras, the festival first opened its submissions to artists from Regions 1 and 2, as well as from Metro Manila, in 2020. The 11 film finalists are the following: Ernani Antonio’s “Distansya,” Danni Ugali’s “Me Time,” Kenneth Louie Laurie Peralta’s ... » Learn More about Art survives pandemic: 11 films in Abrenian Heritage fest

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has expressed the Philippine government’s gratitude to the United States for its continued assistance to the country’s COVID-19 response, including an additional $11.3 million to help bankroll its vaccination program, testing and contact-tracing efforts. Locsin flew to Washington and met with his US counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Thursday afternoon (Friday in Manila), said a statement issued by the US state department. The two top diplomats were set to discuss various matters on security and diplomatic relations involving the two allies, such as the renewal of the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. The United States has provided a total of $39 million in assistance to the Philippines since the pandemic broke out last year. —Marlon Ramos Subscribe to our global nation newsletter ... » Learn More about Locsin thanks US for pandemic aid

After over a year and a half in lockdown, the food and beverage industry has seen it all – sudden closures, loss of staff, permanently shuttered windows, to re-openings, an increase in deliveries, new products, and even expansions. While some small businesses managed to pull through, some weren't so lucky. Nobody anticipated the lockdown to stretch on this long, and hardly anybody was prepared for added troubles: restrictions that changed rapidly, an uncertain economy , rises in COVID-19 cases, and a lack of government assistance. We're halfway through 2021, and less than a year away from the next presidential elections in June 2022. With the possibility of a new administration approaching, small businesses want to know: What's next? Innovative "pivots" and private sector support aside, another year in lockdown might just be the tipping point for many small businesses. Dishing the hard truths For chef Ed Bugia, it's been over a year of ... » Learn More about ‘Stimulus, not loans’: Restaurants struggle to survive in the pandemic

Did you know that Singapore has its very own magic duo? BFFs Darren Tien, 27, and Jerryl Tan, 25, may be Singapore’s youngest illusionists, but with a combined experience of over 15 years, they are by no means rookies in the field. On top of performing magic at restaurants, at small events, and on stage (prior to Covid-19), Darren and Jerryl also stage theatrical magic. Their latest show, Playing the Hand (directed by Dwayne Lau), streamed in August as part of Flipside, presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. As enthralled as we are by their tricks, we’re even more intrigued by how they managed to make a career of out magic. It doesn’t help that live performances were affected by Covid-19, meaning that Darren and Jerryl have had to focus on virtual performances. Still, nothing could stop them from bringing magic into people's homes amidst all the heartache of 2020 and 2021. In an email interview with Wonderwall, Darren and Jerryl recounted the challenges they ... » Learn More about Singapore’s youngest magician duo conjures joy amidst the pandemic