Author Archive
25 Nov, 2016
Watch Live: 28 Nov – Commemoration of Int’l Day for Elimination of Violence against Women
Bangkok, Thailand, 28 November 2016, (UNESCAP News release & Travel Impact Newswire) – As a major employer of women, the travel & tourism industry is almost certainly a victim by extension of this global scourge. Readers wishing to join the campaign are invited to watch the Asia-Pacific Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination […]
more…25 Nov, 2016
Water resources ‘a reason for cooperation, not conflict,’ UN Chief tells Security Council
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 22 November 2016 – Noting that three quarters of UN Member States share rivers or lake basins with their neighbours, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today highlighted the value of water resources as a reason for cooperation, not conflict. “The need for coordination in water management is especially compelling for […]
more…25 Nov, 2016
World’s largest anti-corruption conference to be held 1-4 Dec
Berlin, 24 Nov 2016, (Transparency International media release) – The 17th International Anti-Corruption Conference will take place from 1-4 December in Panama City. Leading experts from a wide variety of disciplines will discuss how to best take the fight against corruption forward under the theme Time for Justice: Equity, Security, Trust. The four-day event will […]
more…24 Nov, 2016
Bangkok to host world’s largest LGBTI rights convention
Bangkok, 24 Nov 2016 (APCom media release) – At a time when advocacy to promote the basic human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex (LGBTI) persons has never been louder, APCOM (Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health) is joining other civil society organisations, development partners and other fellow community advocates in Bangkok, […]
more…21 Nov, 2016
Wuryastuti Sunario, MD, Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board
Date of Birth 6 November 1940 Place of Birth Salatiga, Indonesia Education GCE Advanced Level, Oxford University, in English Literature, French and German Languages and Literature 1959 University of Reading, Berkshire, England, General Degree in English, French and German Literatures. 1962 Bachelor of Arts, Padjadjaran University in Bandung, majoring in English Language and Literature. Career […]
more…21 Nov, 2016
Pakir Singh, Secretary-General, ASEAN Tourism Association
Date of Birth : July 21, 1945 Date of Passing: July 1, 2015 Place of Birth: Singapore Religion: Sikh Education : Bachelor of Arts ( Honours ) in History from the National University of Singapore Bachelor of Law from the University of London Master of Arts ( History ) from the National University of Singapore […]
more…21 Nov, 2016
Datuk Abdullah Jonid, Executive Director, ASEAN Tourism Information Centre
Date and Place of Birth: 10 May 1938, Pontian, Johor Date of Passing: 01 Dec 2021 Education Cambridge School Certificate (1957) Diploma in Tourism Studies Bournemouth College of Technology, United Kingdom (1973) Group Training Course in Tourism in Japan under the Colombo Plan Training Course in Court Procedures, Police College, Malaysia Career Began career […]
more…21 Nov, 2016
Tunku Iskandar, President, ASEAN Tourism Association
Date of Birth: 01 January 1947 Marital status: Married to Maneesah Ahmad since 1970, 3 daughters / 3 sons-in-law, 4 grandchildren Education: M.Sc. International Marketing, University of Strathclyde, UK. Professional Career: Fully involved in travel & tourism business since 1972, in various capacities: Mitra Malaysia Travel and Mitra Kembara Travel – Group President Pacific […]
more…19 Nov, 2016
Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery Presents First Major U.S. Exhibition of Qur’ans
Washington DC, (Smithsonian media release) – The first major exhibition of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, in the U.S., “The Art of the Qur’an: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts,” opened at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on Oct. 22 and will continue through Feb. 20, 2017. The exhibition was organized by […]
more…19 Nov, 2016
320,000 families live below poverty line in Israeli-occupied Palestine
RAMALLAH, November 17, 2016 (WAFA) – More than 320,000 families in Palestine live below the poverty line and 400,000 people are unemployed, Labor Minister Mamoun Abu Shahla said on Thursday. He told Marina Wes, World Bank West Bank and Gaza Country Director, that the situation in the West Bank and Gaza is very difficult due […]
more…17 Nov, 2016
Political Risks to Business Up After Brexit, U.S. Elections: Global Corporate Survey
MAIDENHEAD, England–Nov 16, 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Sword Active Risk has published the results of its annual survey of Risk Managers from 80 top international organisations. The survey, which was completed during Sword Active Risk’s Global Risk Management Conference series (held in Chicago, London, Dubai and Sydney), shows a dramatic increase in political risk, emanating from the […]
more…16 Nov, 2016
Sequence Survey Confirms Politics Creates More Tension at the Holiday Table Than Smartphone Use
SAN FRANCISCO, 04 November 2016, BUSINESS WIRE–According to new data released by Sequence today, the boundaries between technology and holiday traditions continue to blur. The survey found that consumers are showing more digital tolerance when it comes to smartphone use at holiday gatherings this year, and increasingly people are demonstrating good mobile manners. In fact, […]
more…16 Nov, 2016
Almost One-Third of Women in IT Experience an Unwelcoming Work Environment, Survey Finds
NEW YORK, 03 November 2016, BUSINESS WIRE –Twenty-nine percent of women in the IT field experience an unwelcoming work environment to women and minorities, compared to only seven percent of men who feel the same way, according to the 2016 Harvey Nash Women in Technology survey. Survey results reveal long hours, high pressure and poor work/life balance […]
more…16 Nov, 2016
Landmark report shows Australian film industry worth $3 billion in jobs & exports
Melbourne, 15 11 2016 – Media release – Mr Mitch Fifield, Minister for the Arts, launched Screen Currency, the most significant report ever undertaken into the value of Australia’s screen industry. The report is the first comprehensive assessment of the economic, social and cultural worth of the nation’s screen sector, and comes amid discussion around […]
more…11 Nov, 2016
Chinese company rewards well-behaved tourists for promoting national image
Beijing, 09 November 2016, People’s Daily Online –China’s e-tourism giant Ctrip has rewarded 10 well-behaved tourists in an effort to improve the country’s image overseas – especially when it comes to tourism. Launched in October by Ctrip, the “Excellent Chinese Tourists Fund” aims to reward tourists who serve as role models for others, and promote the idea […]
more…11 Nov, 2016
Istanbul to host Global Symposium on Islamophobia in Europe
Istanbul, (IRCICA media release) – Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) of the OIC, and Center for Balkan and Black Sea Studies (BALKAR) of Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, are to organize a joint international symposium on “Islamophobia in Europe: Past and Present” on 13-14th January, 2017. Islamophobia in Europe has a long […]
more…8 Nov, 2016
Joop Ave, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecoms, Indonesia
Date of Birth: December 5, 1934 Place of Birth: Yogyakarta Marital Status: Unmarried Education Studied at the Foreign Service Academy (1957) and the University of the Philippines, Manila. Fluent in English, Dutch, French and German. Career Born to Dutch ancestors, he served in the Fourth Development Cabinet under Indonesian President Suharto. Active for 20 […]
more…8 Nov, 2016
Narzalina Lim, Secretary, Department of Tourism, The Philippines
Date of Birth: 17 February 1947 Marital Status: Married, 2 children Nationality: Filipino Education 1971: Master of Arts in English Literature, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 1967: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Maryknoll College, Quezon City (Dean’s Honor List) 1963: High School, Philippine Women’s College, Iloilo City, Philippines, (Graduated Valedictorian) 1972: French Language, […]
more…8 Nov, 2016
Col Somchai Hiranyakit, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Date of Birth: 22 October 1925 Place of Birth: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand Education A career military officer. Completed Dhepsirin School (1941), Pre-Military Academy Class No.5 (1943), and B.Sc (Army) from the Royal Military Academy in 1949. After further training as an Anti-Aircraft Company Commander (USA) Anti-Aircraft Mechanics (USA), graduated from the Army Command and General […]
more…3 Nov, 2016
Saudi student beaten to death in Wisconsin
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/2/16) The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of a deadly attack on a Saudi Arabian student in Wisconsin. CAIR said University of Wisconsin-Stout student Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, […]
more…1 Nov, 2016
GBTA forecast: China Solidifies Position as World’s Largest Business Travel Market
ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 31, 2016 – Despite a moderating economy, China remains one of the fastest growing business travel markets in the world, according to the GBTA Foundation’s latest business travel forecast, GBTA BTI™ Outlook – China 2016 H2. Total business travel spending is expected to grow 9.2 percent this year reaching $317.9 billion USD. […]
more…1 Nov, 2016
Cashless Debit Card trial helps cut gambling, alcohol abuse in Australia
Canberra, 31 October 2016, (Media release from the Minister for Human Services) – The Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion and the Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge, will visit the Ceduna region in South Australia today to meet with community leaders and to see first-hand the impact […]
more…26 Oct, 2016
Australian “The Longest War” Memorial highlights how families suffer
Canberra, 25 Oct 2016 (Australian War Memorial news release) – A series of portraits depicting the impact of war on the family members of Australian servicemen and servicewomen was launched today at the Australian War Memorial. Painted by Australian official war artist Ben Quilty, these portraits focus on the partners, children, and parents of Australian […]
more…21 Oct, 2016
UN report shows workers getting screwed by globalisation
Brussels, 20 October 2016 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC has welcomed the publication of a major new UN report on the right to freedom of assembly and association, and called on governments to act on its findings. The report, by UN Special Rapporteur and distinguished Kenyan lawyer Maina Kiai, is to be presented to the UN […]
more…17 Oct, 2016
ITU standardises universal charger for laptops to improve energy efficiency, cut e-waste
Geneva, 14 October 2016 – The International Telecommunications Union, ITU, has approved a new environmentally friendly standard for a universal charger for laptops and other portable devices. The new standard provides for improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and is expected to lead to significant reductions in e-waste. The new international standard – […]
more…12 Oct, 2016
Symposium to address World Heritage Committtee conservation concerns on Ayutthaya
Bangkok, UNESCO media release, Oct 12, 2016 – Thailand’s Fine Arts Department aims to address UNESCO World Heritage Committee concerns regarding recent conservation challenges faced by the Historic City of Ayutthaya site at an upcoming international symposium. The symposium, co-hosted by UNESCO, will address issues ranging from post-flood management to ensuring that standards of excellence […]
more…12 Oct, 2016
Fate of Arctic and that of the world are intertwined, UN chief warns
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 8 October 2016 – Drawing attention to the melting of the Arctic ice cap, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underlined the urgency of implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change and the need to help developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change. “The Arctic supports key pillars of the climate system […]
more…12 Oct, 2016
Croatia to host International Halal Congress, November 2-4
Opatija, Croatia (IINA) – Opatija Town in Croatia will host next month the first major international halal congress in the country, (World Halal Day), which will bring together the world’s leading halal institutions, manufacturers, service providers, customers and vendors, academic and research community, embassies, government institutions and representatives of other local and international institutions. The […]
more…12 Oct, 2016
New UN manual gives more say to indigenous peoples in development projects that affect them
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 10 October 2016 – The United Nations agricultural agency today unveiled a new manual that seeks to ensure that indigenous peoples, custodians of more than 80 per cent of global biodiversity, are able to freely give or deny their consent in development interventions that affect their natural resources or their […]
more…12 Oct, 2016
1st Iran Investment Summit to be held in Singapore
Singapore — MillionaireAsia Pte Ltd (Singapore) and Basio Consultants & Services Ltd (Hong Kong) with the support and endorsement from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is pleased to organise the inaugural 1st Iran Investment Summit to be held in Singapore on October 26, 2016 The lifting of sanctions on Iran has created […]
more…10 Oct, 2016
Chinese rail companies learn from their mistakes as they expand in Africa
By Luo Ensi (People’s Daily Online), October 07, 2016 – The Chinese-built railway linking the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and the port of Djibouti, which will be Africa’s first modern electrified railway, was inaugurated in Addis Ababa on Oct 5. Stretching 725.7 kilometers and with a designed speed of 120 km per hour, the newly-built electric […]
more…10 Oct, 2016
China displaces US as top cross-border assets acquirer
Beijing, (CRI Online) October 07, 2016 – China now holds the place as the largest outbound mergers and acquisitions, overtaking the place the US previously held. South China Morning Post reported that the change underscores a global buying spree driven by China’s economic growth over the last three decades as well as its programme encouraging […]
more…10 Oct, 2016
China boosts aviation power with nationwide strength
Beijing, (Xinhua), October 01, 2016 – China is gearing up to realize its dream of “taking off” by boosting a global aviation power. It goes all out with the state will and nationwide strength, targeting to have its own aircraft with home-made aero-engine. Within one year, China showed the world with three iconic models of […]
more…10 Oct, 2016
Herbalife survey: Millennials find physical activities difficult in the modern workplace
HONG KONG, Oct 6 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition company, has released findings from its Asia Pacific Millennials At Work Survey(1), showing that younger workers in Asia want to do more physical exercise while working, but they are finding it difficult to achieve this in the modern workplace. With the millennial generation […]
more…7 Oct, 2016
Complaint Filed Against Southwest Airlines for anti-Muslim Religious and Racial Profiling
(SANTA CLARA, CA, 10/5/2016) (CAIR media release) – The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today filed a complaint with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings against Southwest Airlines for racial and religious profiling of a Muslim passenger. In its complaint, CAIR-SFBA Civil […]
more…7 Oct, 2016
Running out of Money is Top Retirement Concern, says AICPA Survey of Financial Planners
NEW YORK, 6 October 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) — What do you get when you have 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day, at an average retirement age of 62 with a life expectancy of about 22 years, and retirement savings of only $104,000? If you answered a recipe for fiscal disaster, you’d be right. A recent […]
more…7 Oct, 2016
ASEAN youth debate on human rights
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 October 2016 (ASEAN secretariat media release) – ASEAN youth met in Kuala Lumpur on 22-23 September 2016 to exchange their views on human rights issues such as abortion, child marriages, climate change, the rights of migrant workers and the right to peace. Their meeting was part of the Youth Debate on Human […]
more…7 Oct, 2016
Yahoo gives U.S. intelligence access to users’ emails, report says
LONDON, 5 October 2016, (Xinhua) — Internet technology giant Yahoo reportedly built a custom software program last year to scan all users’ incoming emails so as to comply with a classified order from U.S. intelligence. In a Reuters exclusive report published on Tuesday, sources familiar with the matter told the British media that the U.S. […]
more…7 Oct, 2016
China spends 500 mln yuan to support public-private partnerships
BEIJING, 5 October 2016, (Xinhua) — China will support the “preliminary stages” of public-private partnerships (PPP) with 500 million yuan (about 75 million U.S. dollars) in subsidies this year. The funding will be spent on planning, evaluation, formulating implementation programs, preparing bids and contracts, financial consultation, legal counsel, and asset evaluation for over 700 PPPs, […]
more…7 Oct, 2016
China sees rising holiday trips, spending
BEIJING, 4 October 2016, (Xinhua)– China has seen a marked increase in tourist visits and spending during this week’s national holiday. Altogether 415 million people visited tourist attractions around the country in the past four days, up 13.8 percent from last year, according to estimates by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Nationwide, tourist spending […]
more…5 Oct, 2016
ADB to Provide India $500 Million for Solar Rooftop Systems
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 4 October 2016, ADB News Release — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to provide $500 million in financing for rooftop solar systems that will help the Indian government expand energy access using renewable energy. ADB will provide the financing to Punjab National Bank – one of India’s largest commercial banks – […]
more…5 Oct, 2016
LUI Che Woo Prize – US$2.5 million prize for World Civilisation holds inaugural ceremony
HONG KONG, Oct. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The LUI Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilisation (“the LUI Che Woo Prize” or “the Prize”) today held its Inaugural Prize Presentation Ceremony in Hong Kong, recognising the significant contributions to world civilisation by the three inaugural laureates and share in the Prize’s mission of building […]
more…5 Oct, 2016
Europe Plans Major Trade Initiative to Attract Chinese Tourists
London, 3 October 2016, (ETOA Press Release) – At a Conference to be held at the Barbican on November 3rd, ETC and ETOA will unveil their plans for the World Bridge Tourism project sponsored by the European Commission. The project will involve hosting 100 European tourism suppliers in May of next year, who will meet with […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
New Study Reveals The Role of Job Control In Burnout
Montreal, Canada, 24 September 2016, PRWEB –Some employees thrive on structure and routine, and prefer to have the details of their roles and tasks clearly outlined. However, preferring to follow rather than lead doesn’t necessarily imply a lack of desire for autonomy. In fact, according to research from PsychTests, employees who lack job control at work […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
China’s outbound tourists to exceed 600 mln in five years
Beijing, 27 September 2016 (Xinhua) — Over 600 million Chinese tourists will travel abroad in the next five years, according to data from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). In the first half of the year, China’s outbound tourists reached over 59 million, according to CNTA data. Thanks to relaxed visa policies and rising disposable income, […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
Roula Allouch, U.S. Civil Rights Advocate, on Muslims and Travel – New York Times
Roula Allouch, 36, is a Cincinnati lawyer and the chairwoman of the national board of directors of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the nation’s largest civil rights and advocacy groups for the American Muslim community. Raised in Kentucky, she is a member of the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative for the […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
Japan to relax visa regulations for Chinese visitors from Oct. 17
TOKYO, 27 September 2016, (Xinhua) — Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Tuesday that a previous plan to relax visa regulations for Chinese visitors would come into effect on Oct. 17, with one of the objectives being to boost repeat arrivals and increase bilateral people exchanges. The ministry said that its plans that […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
Major construction of world’s longest cross-sea bridge completed
Guangzhou, 27 September 2016, Xinhua — Major construction work was completed Tuesday on the world’s longest cross-sea bridge, which connects Zhuhai in Guangdong Province with Hong Kong and Macao. A ceremony was held in Zhuhai to celebrate completion of the 55-km cross-sea route and beginning of the assembly of the bridge floor and related work. […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
Thomas Exchange Global Benefits from Post-Brexit Tourism Surge in London
London, UK, 26 September 2016, PRWEB UK –The situation is not entirely dire for the United Kingdom, following the monumental Brexit decision. While the decline in the value of the pound has made it more expensive for British citizens to leave, tourist arrivals in the UK have surged dramatically. Over 3 million additional tourists have […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
Australian dementia deaths continue to rise as population ages
Canberra, 28 September 2016, Australian Bureau of Statistics – Heart disease has been Australia’s leading cause of death since the early part of the 20th century, but that could be set to change as dementia death rates continue to rise, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). There were 159,052 […]
more…29 Sep, 2016
African-American Newspaper Association Declares Police Brutality State of Emergency in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, 26 September 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE)–The nation’s largest trade association of African American owned newspapers and media companies, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), today declared the existence of a police brutality state of emergency in the United States with respect to Black America. Denise Rolark Barnes, Chairman of the NNPA and publisher of The […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
Iran calls for honest debate on “flawed polices and erroneous actions” that worsen terrorism
United Nations, UN News Centre, 22 September 2016 – The century that began with terror in New York City should not continue with the spread of hatred, violence and destruction in the Middle East and North Africa, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, told the United Nations General Assembly today, underscoring that the most pressing […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
Timor-Leste knows ‘all too well’ price of war, Prime Minister says at UN
United Nations, UN News Centre, 24 September 2016 – Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste today underlined the concept of mutual dependence, saying that without peace and stability, there is no development, and without development, there is no peace and stability. “Timor-Leste, as a country that experienced conflict, knows all […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
Cuba launches “targeted tours” to lure more Chinese visitors
By Yang Feiyue Beijing, (China Daily) 2016-09-26 – Travel authorities in Cuba have designed a series of tours that take in historical and cultural sites and natural scenery to attract more Chinese visitors to the island. More than 28,000 Chinese traveled to the country last year, making up only a small proportion of the total […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
Didi invests in bicycle-sharing platform ofo
BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) – China’s leading on-demand mobility (ODM) company Didi Chuxing on Monday announced its investment in ofo, one of the country’s leading bicycle-sharing platforms. Didi Chuxing said it has invested tens of millions of U.S. dollars in ofo, as part of a multi-layered partnership between the two companies in the urban mobility […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
AIIB breaks ground for headquarters in Beijing
BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — A groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was held on Friday in Beijing. The headquarters will be located in the north of Beijing, between the Olympic Forest Park and the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium, with construction expected to be completed by the end […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
New museum of African American history opens in U.S. capital amid nationwide racial tensions
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) — The past is never dead. It’s not even past, wrote William Faulkner, a late U.S. Nobel Prize winner. Resonating to the remarks, a new, grand museum setting for the tale of African American history and achievement, the only one in the U.S. exclusively focused on African-Americans, officially opened in central […]
more…26 Sep, 2016
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Caucus to Convene Right to Travel Panel: “Flying While Brown”
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | – For the first time, the upcoming American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) annual convention will feature a panel session titled “Flying While Brown” to provide an analysis of the increase in discrimination on commercial airlines. The panel will discuss the profiling of Arab, Muslim and South Asian passengers at airports and by airlines. […]
more…21 Sep, 2016
Wake Up! One in Three Meeting Attendees are Falling Asleep
MCLEAN, Va. 07 September 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE)–With one in three attendees falling asleep or feeling drowsy during a meeting, and productivity for the average meeting dropping around 2 p.m., it’s clear that corporate meetings need a new agenda. Attendees around the world are desperate for a change – and meeting professionals are taking notice. According […]
more…20 Sep, 2016
People’s Daily criticizes U.S. as “source of turmoil”
BEIJING, Sept. 18, (Xinhua) — The People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, has criticized the United Statesas the “source of turmoil in the world.” The newspaper on Sunday published three articles by Chinese scholars to analyze the causes of expansive and hegemonic moves by the United States from systemic, ideological and strategic […]
more…7 Sep, 2016
Terrorist fears lead to decline in European visitor arrivals
07/09/2016, (European Cities Marketing media release) – The latest results from the Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer* produced by European Cities Marketing and ForwardKeys highlight that terrorist fear is weakening arrivals in Europe for Q2 2016. During Q2 2016 international arrivals decreased considerably As a result of the rising threats of terrorist attacks in Europe, the […]
more…7 Sep, 2016
Survey: Male suicide rate thrice as high as women, but help is available
LONDON, September 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ The Hunting Dynasty media release — Men kill themselves at a rate of 3:1 relative to women of any age (ONS, 2015). Yet, men are less likely than women to actively seek help. The common misconception is that men don’t want to talk. This is wrong – the messages by all and any […]
more…7 Sep, 2016
ING Survey: Europeans Sharply Divided About Future Prospects
LONDON, September 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — More than a third (37%) of Europeans are optimistic about their future standard of living over the next five years. But over a fifth (23%) are pessimistic, leaving a net optimism balance of only 14%. There are sharp divisions on personal goals and expectations depending on background, income, their personal circumstances […]
more…6 Sep, 2016
Commission proposes 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage
Brussels, 30 August 2016, (European Commission media release) – Today the Commission has put forward a proposal to the European Parliament and Council to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage. In doing so, the Commission is seeking to highlight the role of Europe’s cultural heritage in fostering a shared sense of history […]
more…6 Sep, 2016
Alibaba Group, Canada ink pact to connect Small Businesses with Chinese Consumers
HANGZHOU, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 03, 2016 – Alibaba Group Executive Chairman Jack Ma and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today unveiled a declaration of cooperation that will strengthen efforts to promote trade between Canadian small and medium sized businesses and Chinese consumers. Both Mr. Ma and Prime Minister Trudeau said at a ceremony at Alibaba Group’s […]
more…6 Sep, 2016
Maldives banker whistleblower facing charges for revealing multi-million dollar corruption on island deals
Male / Berlin (Transparency Ibternational media release). 04 Sept 2016 — Gasim Abdul Kareem, a former manager at the Bank of Maldives, is being prosecuted for disclosing customer information that revealed details related to a multi-million dollar corruption scandal in the Maldives, where money that should have gone to the state was allegedly siphoned off […]
more…4 Sep, 2016
U.S. Chamber of Commerce cheers as Brazilian President deposed
Brussels, 1 September 2016 (ITUC OnLine): The international trade union movement is warning that a wave of corporate greed will be unleashed in Brazil following the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff by a corruption-riddled Congress. The all-male, all-white cabinet, headed by little-known former Vice-president Michel Temer, had already been drawing up plans for massive budget […]
more…4 Sep, 2016
Indian Government Should Heed Message of General Strike – ITUC
New Delhi, (ITUC media release) – 2 September 2016 – The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi should heed the clear message from a huge general strike in India today, as workers across the country backed calls for a living minimum wage and decent pensions, proper enforcement of labour laws, measures to stimulate creation of […]
more…4 Sep, 2016
Listen to the world’s workers – Global Trades Unions tell G20 leaders
Brussels, (ITUC media release) 9 August 2016 — Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation said G20 leaders must support new principles on labour income share for income inequality agreed by G20 Labour ministers. “A policy agenda that rebuilds strong labour market institutions to create quality jobs and reduce income inequality must […]
more…4 Sep, 2016
Global Survey: Chartered Accountants do not fear Automation nor Artificial Intelligence
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) — Despite popular fears which range from job losses to doomsday scenarios, finance professionals welcome the rise of artificial intelligence, automation and robots, according to the latest survey by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The results of the poll of 1,628 CIMA members reveal that 83% support the […]
more…4 Sep, 2016
Call for More Transparency on UNAIDS HIV Treatment Estimations
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 01, 2016 — AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization which serves 600,000 clients in 36 countries, today called for more transparency and accountability on the way, data and assumptions that UNAIDS uses to make estimations of the numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS who are on lifesaving anti-retroviral treatment […]
more…4 Sep, 2016
Call for Entries: UN4U Video Contest – Why are Sustainable Development Goals important for the Asia-Pacific?
Bangkok, 01 Sept 2016, (UNESCAP media release) – This year, UN Day on 24 October will be celebrated across Asia and the Pacific with a video contest highlighting the ways in which people in the region are working towards implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on seven key themes. The themes are: Education 2030, […]
more…3 Sep, 2016
Survey: U.S. Businesses Overwhelmingly Concerned About Active Shooters, But Unprepared for Them
BURLINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 31, 2016 – Everbridge, a global enterprise software company that provides applications which automate the delivery of critical information to help keep people safe and businesses running, and Emergency Management and Safety (EMS) Solutions, a provider of professional consulting services in the area of incident management, business continuity planning and exercise design, […]
more…1 Sep, 2016
‘Pressure’ on Palestinian households to move raises risk of forcible transfers – UN official
United Nations, 22 August 2016, UN News Centre – A senior United Nations official has cautioned that many Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank are facing a heightened risk of forcible transfer as there has been a recent surge in the number of demolitions in the area. “Repeated rounds of demolitions, restrictions on access […]
more…1 Sep, 2016
G20 Hangzhou summit to discuss documents on inclusive finance
BEIJING, 26 August 2016, (Xinhua) — The upcoming G20 Summit will discuss three important documents on inclusive finance to guide the sector’s development globally, a Chinese central bank official said on Friday. The documents, which are about high-level principles, a new indicator system and funding services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will be submitted […]
more…1 Sep, 2016
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank set to hit 90 member states
Beijing, 26 August 2016, (People’s Daily Online)–The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will review more than 30 new membership applications beginning in September, and the bank may have as many as 90 members by early 2017, outstripping the membership numbers of U.S. and Japan-led Asian Development Bank (ADB), said Jin Liqun, the bank’s president, at […]
more…1 Sep, 2016
China’s richest man offers solutions to bring Chinese visitor spending back home
Beijing, 26 August 2016, (People’s Daily Online) – “Chinese overseas spending is growing by double digits. This is a problem that needs our attention. To change the situation, we not only need tariff reductions and good quality domestic products, we also need the government to get involved a high level,” said Wang Jianlin, chairman of […]
more…1 Sep, 2016
People’s Daily Editorial: Four major tasks G20 Hangzhou summit is expected to accomplish
Beijing, 23 August 2016, (People’s Daily Online)–The G20 summit in Hangzhou is scheduled to take place on Sept. 4 and 5. It is regarded as the next in a line of globally influential events hosted by China, coming after the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2014. The summit, as China’s most important diplomatic event […]
more…1 Sep, 2016
Japanese shrine Prayer Hall restoration wins top honor in UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards
BANGKOK, 1 September 2016 (UNESCO media release) — The Restoration of the Sanro-Den Hall at Sukunahikona Shrine in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, has received the Award of Excellence in this year’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. A total of 13 winning projects from six countries – Australia, China, India, Iran, Japan and Pakistan […]
more…23 Aug, 2016
Low petrol prices not being passed on to motorists: Aussie consumer watchdog group report
Canberra, 22 August 2016, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission media release — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s latest report on the Australian petroleum industry shows that average petrol prices in 2015–16 were at their lowest levels since 2002. However, gross retail margins also increased to their highest levels, indicating that the full benefits of […]
more…22 Aug, 2016
Exclusive Compilation: Highlights of the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 22 August 2016 (19 Dhul Qa’dah 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA AUGUST MARKS INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR MALAYSIA Proclamations […]
more…20 Aug, 2016
China to push for new rules to stabilise global financial governance
by Xinhua writer Xiong Ping BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Global financial governance desperately needs to continue to overcome hurdles to become more stable and resilient, as it has now entered a period of risk exposures. The global financial crisis emerging in 2008 has exposed the flaws of the existing global financial system and highlighted […]
more…20 Aug, 2016
Muslim, Sikh Groups Launch ‘Twitterstorm’ Urging FIBA to Drop Hijab Ban
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/19/16) Later today (3-5 p.m. EDT) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will join with MPower Change and the The Sikh Coalition to launch a “Twitterstorm” urging the Switzerland-based International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to permanently lift the ban on athletes wearing religious attire when it issues a final decision on its […]
more…20 Aug, 2016
Nine out of ten US tourists more likely to visit Britain following Brexit vote
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 17, 2016 – London remains a top destination for US tourists following the EU referendum vote, according to new research, with two thirds of US visitors pledging to return to the capital. Analysis carried out by London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s promotional company, shows that London’s booming tourism trade is set […]
more…20 Aug, 2016
Human suffering at highest level since founding of UN
New York, 19 August 2016, (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs): On World Humanitarian Day, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, is calling for increased global leadership to address humanitarian crises. “Today, the scale of human suffering is greater than at any time since the United Nations was founded. A record 130 million people are […]
more…19 Aug, 2016
13 Unusual Things Job Seekers Have Done To Get Noticed, like Kissing the Hiring Manager
CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — When you’re applying for a job, you don’t just want to get noticed, you want to stand out as the best applicant the hiring manager has ever seen. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, candidates are doing some creative and crazy things, but are they really helping them get […]
more…11 Aug, 2016
Gulf residents favour Southeast Asia for summer breaks
Dubai, Aug 9, 2016, Media release distributed by Shamal Marketing Communications — According to Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Gulf residents spinning the globe in search of exciting destinations in which to enjoy summer breaks are being drawn to Southeast Asia with direct air routes, the affordability factor, cooler temperatures and an ample choice of accommodation […]
more…11 Aug, 2016
$81 Billion Mobilized In 2015 to Tackle Climate Change – Joint MDB Report
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – ADB News Release – 9 August 2016 – Climate finance totaling $81 billion was mobilized for projects funded by the world’s six largest multilateral development banks (MDBs) in 2015. This included $25 billion of MDBs’ direct climate finance, combined with a further $56 billion from other investors. The latest MDB climate finance […]
more…11 Aug, 2016
Dutch Chamber hosts first luncheon talk on Historic Success of Thai Tourism
Bangkok – The Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce has become the first in Thailand to host a luncheon talk on the inspiring history behind the phenomenal success of the Thai tourism industry. Two of Thailand’s longest serving travel trade journalists, Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor of Travel Impact Newswire, and Don Ross, Editor of TTR Weekly, gave […]
more…30 Jul, 2016
Singaporean Museum hosts World’s First Exhibition on History of Christian Art In Asia
Singapore – The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) presents Christianity in Asia: Sacred Art and Visual Splendour, the world’s first exhibition on the history and spread of Christian art in Asia. This is also the ACM’s inaugural special exhibition after an extensive revamp last year. Asia has played a significant role in the spread of Christianity […]
more…24 Jul, 2016
UNESCO: How Satellite Imagery Can Help Monitor Threatened Cultural Heritage
Singapore, Asia-Europe Museum Network media release, 9 July 2016 – A report published by UNESCO and UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) in late June illustrates how satelllite imagery analysis can help to assess potential damage to cultural heritage sites today. The report, which includes examples from Iraq, Nepal, Syria and Yemen, covers […]
more…24 Jul, 2016
Study Shows Positive, Long-Term Effects of Science Museums
Singapore, 15 June 2016 (Asia-Europe Museum Network media release) – Science museums and fairs have clear positive effects in the long term, both for its visitors and for the cities hosting them. This is the main conclusion drawn from a study undertaken in six Spanish cities, where nine scientific culture initiatives (science museums, planetariums, science […]
more…21 Jul, 2016
Muslim Passenger Removed from American Airlines Flight
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/20/16) (CAIR media release) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a major Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to investigate a possible bias motive for the removal of a Muslim passenger from an American Airlines flight in December of 2015. [NOTE: CAIR filed […]
more…20 Jul, 2016
First Russian-made business jet delivered to Royal Thai Air Force
Bangkok, July 15, 2016, (Russian embassy media release) – Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) held a roll-out ceremony of two Sukhoi Business Jet (SBJ) aircraft built for Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The aircraft will be providing VIP transportation services for Thai top officials and government leaders as well as to the High Command of Thailand. […]
more…6 Jul, 2016
UN officials call for global consensus, preventive approach to combat terrorism, violent extremism
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 30 June 2016 – The unprecedented levels of terrorism and violent extremism on a global scale requires balanced implementation of commitments made through collective action, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized, calling on the international community to act with unity and resolve to address “this major scourge of our time.” “We […]
more…6 Jul, 2016
Four UK Muslims detained for days in Israel for trying to visit Al-Aqsa mosque
Jerusalem, (IINA), Sunday 03 Jul 2016 – Four British Muslims including a 10-year-old boy who planned to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque were detained and deported from Israel, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported. The Muslims who were held for several days in an Israeli detention centre were earlier this week removed from a Monarch Airlines flight back […]
more…5 Jul, 2016
On World Day, UN hails cooperatives as drivers of sustainable future
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 2 July 2016 – Cooperatives are an old idea but more relevant than ever as they can be the drivers of a sustainable future, senior United Nations officials said on the International Day of Cooperatives today, urging Governments to create an enabling environment for these groups to thrive and grow. […]
more…5 Jul, 2016
UN rights expert deplores conviction of tax whistleblowers in LuxLeaks trial
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 30 June 2016 – A United Nations independent human rights expert today deplored the conviction of two whistleblowers who revealed how tax avoidance and tax evasion occurred in Luxembourg banks in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. “Whistleblowers are heroes of our time and serve society and human rights,” said Alfred de […]
more…4 Jul, 2016
PayScale Releases New Report “Underemployed: The War on the American Worker”
SEATTLE, Washington, (PRWEB), 29 June 2016 – PayScale, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand compensation data and software, today announced its new report “Underemployed: The War on the American Worker.” The study included data from 962,956 workers collected between 3/21/2014 and 3/21/2016. “There are many economic indicators followed by business and policy leaders to gauge […]
more…4 Jul, 2016
OECD releases guidance to strengthen transparency in int’l tax reporting
PARIS, OECD Press Release, 29 June 2016 – Today the OECD has taken a new step in its continuing efforts to boost transparency in international tax matters with the release of Guidance on the Implementation of Country-by-Country (CbC) Reporting. The OECD/G20 BEPS Project set out 15 key actions to reform the international tax framework and ensure that profits are […]
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