Author Archive
26 Nov, 2018
Antitrust: European Commission to investigate airline ticket distribution services
Brussels, 23 November 2018, European Commission – Press release — The European Commission has opened a formal investigation to assess whether agreements between booking system providers Amadeus and Sabre on the one hand, and airlines and travel agents on the other, may restrict competition in breach of EU antitrust rules. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge […]
more…22 Nov, 2018
Juniper Research: Annual online payment fraud losses to hit $48 Billion by 2023
BASINGSTOKE, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 20, 2018 — A new study from Juniper Research has found that annual online payment fraud losses from eCommerce, airline ticketing, money transfer and banking services, will reach $48 billion by 2023; up from the $22 billion in losses projected for 2018. Juniper’s new research, Online Payment Fraud: Emerging Threats, Segment Analysis […]
more…22 Nov, 2018
$36.52 million ADB package for wastewater management in Lakeshore Tourist Areas in Kyrgyz Republic
BISHKEK, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (21 November 2018) ADB media release — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $36.52 million financing package to help improve wastewater management systems and strengthen the sustainability of water supply and sanitation facilities in the two lakeshore cities of Balykchy and Karakol on Issyk-Kul lake, one of the most popular […]
more…22 Nov, 2018
Courage, Innovation and Integrity Honoured at Annual Environmental Enforcement Awards
Bangkok, Thailand, 22 November 2018 – Nine institutions and individuals from across Asia have been recognized by the United Nations, USAID, Interpol, and the Freeland Foundation for outstanding work in preventing transboundary environmental crime in an annual award ceremony in Bangkok. Wildlife trafficking was in the spotlight as winners from China, India, the Republic of […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Full text of the Airbnb announcement delisting properties in the illegal Israeli settlements
Listings in Disputed Regions There are conflicting views regarding whether companies should be doing business in the occupied territories that are the subject of historical disputes between Israelis and Palestinians. US law permits companies like Airbnb to engage in business in these territories. At the same time, many in the global community have stated that […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Global trades union seek strong measures to protect women against work-related violence, harassment
Brussels, 20 November 2018 (ITUC OnLine): The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are calling on governments and employers to stop playing games with working women’s lives and back a strong and inclusive international labour standard on violence and harassment in the world of work. The call comes on […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Report Finds Workers Increasingly Aware of Digital Skills Gap, Yet Optimistic about the Future
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 19, 2018 – Udemy, the global marketplace for learning and teaching online, today released the “2018 Skills Gap Report,” the company’s third survey asking full-time workers directly how they feel about digital transformation and what, if anything, they’re doing to prepare and respond to workplace changes. According to the Udemy research, awareness […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Organized Retail Crime Losses Reach All-Time High – Annual Study
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 19, 2018 – Organized retail crime is continuing to grow, with nearly three-quarters of retailers surveyed reporting an increase in the past year, according to the 14th annual ORC study released today by the National Retail Federation. “Retailers continue to deal with increasing challenges and complications surrounding organized retail crime,” NRF Vice […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
Airbnb to remove all vacation rental listings in illegal Israeli settlements
Announcement from Jewish Voice for Peace, 20 November 2018 HUGE, BREAKING NEWS. Airbnb just announced it’s removing all vacation rental listings on its site that are in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank!!! Two years ago we helped kick-start a deluge of public criticism on Airbnb for allowing settlers to profit off Palestinian’s […]
more…20 Nov, 2018
New Index to map global peace over the centuries, and find ways to improve it
Sydney, November 19, 2018: (IEP media release) – The Seshat: Global History Databank (Seshat) and the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) have announced a partnership to launch the Historical Peace Index at the University of Oxford. The Index will use cutting-edge statistic methods and robust historical data to map Global Peace over thousands of […]
more…15 Nov, 2018
World Leaders ‘Cannot Be Sleepwalkers’ about Rising Nationalism, Climate Change, UN Chief Stresses at Peace Forum
Paris, UN Media Centre — Following are UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ address to the Paris Peace Forum, in Paris on 11 November: Ten years ago, in 2008, Lazare Ponticelli, the last known French veteran of the Great War, died at the age of 110. Every year on 11 November, Mr. Ponticelli, an Italian immigrant, honoured […]
more…15 Nov, 2018
Nov 16: Int’l Day for Tolerance to Spotlight How Videos Bring People Together, at UN HQ
United Nations – The UN Department of Public Information will host an educational event on the International Day of Tolerance, which will feature the 2018 YouTube Creators for Change programme, on Friday, 16 November, in the Economic and Social Council Chamber. Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m., the event will include a […]
more…15 Nov, 2018
Indonesia uses 9.8 billion plastic bags every year
Jakarta (ANTARA News) – 12th November 2018 – Indonesia used 9.8 billion plastic bags every year, almost 95 percent of it would end up as waste, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said at the 14th Asia Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) here on Monday. “Plastic waste can pollute the environment because […]
more…13 Nov, 2018
New studies on student alcohol binges flag early interventions to reduce blackouts
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] November 2, 2018 — College students who drink alcohol don’t typically intend to drink to the point that they “black out,” and they also don’t fully grasp what specific drinking behaviors present the greatest risk of blackouts, a new series of studies finds. Prior research has found that between 30 and […]
more…13 Nov, 2018
The Hindu attacks Hindu ruling party’s assault on India’s Muslim heritage
Bangkok – One of India’s leading intellectual newspapers, The Hindu, has blasted what is shaping up as a plan by India’s Hindu fundamentalists under the ruling Modi administration to wipe the country’s Muslim heritage off the map. In an editorial headlined, “The BJP’s rechristening spree goes against India’s plural ethos,” published on 10 November, the […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
UN to hold global events highlighting importance of human rights
GENEVA (6 November 2018) – The UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday announced the start, in mid-November, of “a month of activation,” involving events all across the world, leading up to the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the iconic Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948. The UDHR, based on the […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Australia to trial program to help young Australians deal with depression, anxiety
Canberra, Department of Health, 8 November 2018 – A thousand adolescents across the country will participate in a trial designed to prevent and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety and eating disorders. The Morrison Government will provide $210,000 to the Healthy Minds Program to trial the mental health and wellbeing project in 10 high schools. […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Australia’s Pacific Highway: Final link Woolgoolga to Ballina nearing completion
Canberra, 07 November 2018, Media Release by the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development – The final link in the Pacific Highway upgrade is in its peak construction period, with more than 3,300 jobs being delivered to finish the final stage of the project. Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Alarming rise in anti-Muslim prejudice in Germany: Leipzig University study
By Ayhan Simsek Berlin, (Antara/Anadolu-OANA) – Prejudice against Muslims, migrants and asylum seekers have significantly increased in Germany, according to a new study by the Leipzig University. Almost 55 percent of Germans claimed they felt like foreigners in their own country because of large numbers of Muslims. In 2010, before the refugee crisis, 33 percent […]
more…12 Nov, 2018
Indonesians fear China’s lifting of tiger bone ban will increase killing of Sumatran tigers
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 11th November 2018 – China`s decision to reverse the 25-year ban on the trade of tiger bones and rhino horns has triggered an outcry from various conservation groups internationally and considered the move a regress in wildlife conservation efforts. In response to the move, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a statement in […]
more…9 Nov, 2018
Indonesian Bamboo Bicycle wins ASEAN “Good Design” Award
TOKYO, Nov 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — A Spedagi bamboo bicycle produced by the CV Pirani Works, Indonesia, which was chosen by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (www.asean.or.jp/en) as part of its program titled “Good Design Award: ASEAN Design Selection”, achieved a prodigious feat of winning the Gold Award of the Good Design Award 2018, which was announced […]
more…8 Nov, 2018
Privacy angst set to trigger Data Revolution backlash, latest Privitar study finds
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 06, 2018 – US consumers believe technological advancements pose a risk to their data privacy; believe it is the responsibility of organisations to make the purpose of data use clear and say organisations that fail to protect people’s data should face immediate penalties from regulators. ‘Privitar Privacy Pulse’, an inaugural study published today, […]
more…8 Nov, 2018
Festival to position UAE as global hub for Islamic Art and Culture
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 06, 2018 – The UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development today announced the program of the inaugural edition of Al Burda Festival that aims to position the UAE as a global hub for Islamic art and culture and an incubator for creativity. Set to run on November […]
more…22 Oct, 2018
16-point Agenda for advancing Women’s Leadership roles in supply chains
DES PLAINES, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AWESOME (Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education), an industry-wide organization for senior-level women in the supply chain field, has a released a 16-point agenda for driving change to advance women’s leadership. According to Heather Sheehan, Executive Director of AWESOME, “Women in supply chain face the challenge of navigating […]
more…22 Oct, 2018
How will this new E-commerce Platform impact Shopping Tourism?
HOBOKEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 19, 2018 – Carbon38, an e-commerce destination for performance fashion, today announced that it has partnered with Flow, a pioneer of next generation cross border commerce, to create fully branded and localized shopping experiences for Carbon38 customers anywhere in the world. Flow’s simple-to-manage solution enables a seamless international customer experience and fuels […]
more…22 Oct, 2018
Fair Trade Movement and UNCTAD join forces to ensure fairness for farmers, workers
Geneva, 19 October 2018 (UNCTAD media release) – The Brussels-based Fair Trade Advocacy Office and UNCTAD are joining forces to improve the living and working conditions of artisans, workers and smallholder farmers and producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The two organizations, which have both been calling for a more equitable trading system for […]
more…8 Oct, 2018
Limiting global warming to 1.5ºC will require changes “in all aspects of society” – IPCC Report
INCHEON, Republic of Korea, 8 Oct, IPCC PRESS RELEASE – Limiting global warming to 1.5ºC would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment. With clear benefits to people and natural ecosystems, limiting global warming to 1.5ºC compared to 2ºC could go hand in hand […]
more…7 Oct, 2018
$4.2 Trillion Wellness Industry growing nearly twice as fast as global economy
CESENA, Italy (PRWEB) October 06, 2018 — The global wellness industry grew 12.8% in the last two years, from a $3.7 trillion market in 2015 to $4.2 trillion in 2017, according to an in-depth research report, the 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, released today by the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI). This all-new data on […]
more…4 Oct, 2018
UN Green Industry Conference opens in Thailand
Bangkok (ESCAP News) — The Fifth Green Industry Conference opened in Bangkok on Wednesday 03 October, with a strong focus on the opportunities green growth could yield for businesses and emerging economies. Organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), together with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Jewish fanatics intensify provocations in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque
JERUSALEM, September 27, 2018 (WAFA) – Jewish fanatics intensified on Thursday their provocations of Palestinians in the Old City of Jerusalem and Muslim worshippers inside the holy site, Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to witnesses. They said Palestinian residents of the Old City confronted a group of Jewish extremists who attempted to hold prayers outside some […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Palestine reports surge in Asian, European overnight hotel guests
RAMALLAH, September 27, 2018 – Overnight hotel guests from Asia and Europe visiting Israeli-occupied Palestine have surged in the first half of 2018, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) said in a joint report Marking World Tourism Day Sept 27. Asian overnight hotel guests rose 64.23% […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
WHO: 20% of Palestinians denied access to medical care outside Gaza were cancer patients
JERUSALAM, September 27, 2018 (WAFA) – A fifth or 20% of the August applications by patients in the Gaza Strip that were denied by Israel a permit to leave the besieged enclave for medical treatment in East Jerusalem or Israeli hospitals were cancer patients, said the World Health Organization’s monthly report on health access for […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Free Global E-Learning Academy Launched to Support Women’s Advancement
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– September 28, 2018 – Badiri E-Academy, a free, global, multilingual online academy was launched by the Sharjah-based NAMA Women Advancement Establishment on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly session in New York, offering educational resources and professional courses that can be accessed online by anyone around the world. The […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Guangzhou Launches Culture Journey to Connect Maritime Silk Road
AYIA NAPA, Cyprus–(BUSINESS WIRE) – September 28, 2018 — On 27 September, “Floral Whisper along the Silk Road—Culture Journey of Maritime Silk Road” marks a successful end in Cyprus. It is a global campaign to accelerate the cultural construction of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the “Belt […]
more…1 Oct, 2018
Filipina environmental and indigenous rights activist wins Champions of the Earth Award
United Nations, 26 September 2018, UNEP media release — Joan Carling, one of the most prominent fighters for environmental and indigenous rights in the Philippines, has been recognized for her work with a Champions of the Earth Award for lifetime achievement, the UN’s highest environmental distinction. For more than 20 years, Carling has been at […]
more…30 Sep, 2018
Palestine Circus Festival’s “United for Freedom” opens in Ramallah
RAMALLAH, September 29, 2018 (WAFA) – The second edition of the Palestine Circus Festival, entitled “United for Freedom”, opened in Ramallah on Thursday with the participation of about 200 local and international artists, according to press release. Palestinian officials, a representative of the European Union, representatives of international and local cultural and artistic organizations, municipalities […]
more…30 Sep, 2018
Palestine files lawsuit against US at the International Court of Justice
RAMALLAH, September 29, 2018 (WAFA) – The State of Palestine has filed a lawsuit against the United States at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the main judicial body of the United Nations, for violating international law by moving its embassy in Israel to the occupied city of Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Riyad Malki said on […]
more…29 Sep, 2018
ADB’s new Access to Information Policy “expands some areas of disclosure”
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (28 September 2018) News Release — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors today approved a new Access to Information Policy that aims to maintain ADB’s high standards of transparency. The policy, which will come into effect on 1 January, 2019, will replace the current Public Communications Policy (PCP). The new policy […]
more…26 Sep, 2018
Youth2030: UN chief launches bold new strategy for young people ‘to lead’
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 24 September 2018 — The United Nations Secretary-General launched a new partnership strategy with the world’s 1.8 billion young people on Monday, to help put “their ideas into action”. Noting that it was “a rare treat” to see so many young faces at the UN, to launch the new “Youth2030” […]
more…26 Sep, 2018
China plans education reform for seniors to counter shrinking workforce
Beijing, (China Daily) September 25, 2018 – Policymakers are considering changing the syllabuses at Chinese elderly universities, education centers that target senior citizens, to include more practical courses, equipping retirees with a modern skill set in response to the nation’s rapidly aging society and shrinking labor force. The idea has been welcomed by retirees who […]
more…25 Sep, 2018
Leaders Call for New Global Architecture for Sustainable Markets at World Economic Forum Summit
Geneva and New York, 24 September 2018 (WEF media release) – The World Economic Forum’s second annual Sustainable Development Impact Summit opened in New York City with a call for government, business and civil society leaders to scale up proven initiatives to build sustainable global markets. “The thinking has been done. Now is the time […]
more…25 Sep, 2018
Australian consumer watchdog warns of social media celebrity endorsement scams
Canberra, 24 September 2018 (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission media release) — People are increasingly being caught out by celebrity endorsement scams, with reports to Scamwatch increasing 400 per cent and losses increasing a staggering 3,800 per cent so far in 2018. These scams often appear as online advertisements or promotional stories on social media […]
more…24 Sep, 2018
7 Oct: World Day for Decent Work will highlight “deeply entrenched injustice of the global economic system”
Brussels, 24 September 2018 (ITUC OnLine): Workers from around the world will be holding activities to mark the 11th World Day for Decent Work on 7 October. This year’s global theme, “Change the Rules”, highlights the deeply entrenched injustice of the global economic system alongside shrinking democratic space and deteriorating labour rights in many countries, […]
more…24 Sep, 2018
Australian welfare debt dodgers being hit with travel bans
Canberra, 22 September 2018, Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation media release – Welfare debt dodgers are being warned they could be hit with international travel bans as part of a new push to recover hundreds of millions of dollars owed to taxpayers. The Department of Human Services began issuing Departure Prohibition Orders (DPOs) […]
more…23 Sep, 2018
Survey finds today’s children are spending 35% less time playing freely outside
MONTREAL–(BUSINESS WIRE) — September 20, 2018 – Kamik, a footwear and apparel manufacturer, today announced new survey result findings that indicate a significant decrease in outdoor play among children ages 3-12. An overwhelming majority of mothers agreed that their best childhood memories took place outdoors while playing with a friend or a sibling, recalling these […]
more…23 Sep, 2018
HSBC Value of Education Survey reveals the U.S. has the largest college funding gap
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 20, 2018 – HSBC Bank, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, today published a global study on education trends, parents’ hopes and fears for their children’s education, and their attitudes and behaviors towards funding. The survey, entitled, The Value of Education, also explores students’ own experiences while studying. Key […]
more…23 Sep, 2018
2018 Busan One Asia Festival to be held Oct 20-28
BUSAN, South Korea September 20, 2018–(BUSINESS WIRE) — BUSAN METROPOLITAN CITY announced that the Busan One Asia Festival (BOF) will be held from October 20 to 28 in Busan. BOF will open with a spectacular ‘BOF Opening Performance’ on October 20 and end with the ‘BOF Closing Performance’ on Oct 28, both will be at the Busan […]
more…21 Sep, 2018
Wars, conflict will bleed Gulf States to death, with U.S. arms dealers to be main beneficiaries, report confirms
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 06, 2018 – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are forecast to spend over USD100 billion on their defence capabilities for the first time next year, with increasing budgets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) driving growth between 2018 and 2027. Across the Gulf states comprising the GCC (Saudi […]
more…21 Sep, 2018
The three Prize-winning essays of The Olive Tree Awards Round II essay competition
First Place Co-winner Twinkle Malukani: Tourism to accelerate UN SDGs: From personal level to industry level and beyond boundaries of regions and economy Leisure has not been the sole purpose of moving from one place to another. From the time Plato propagated the concept of Cave Allegory in which his protagonist philosopher once breaks through […]
more…18 Sep, 2018
Report exposes ugly truth behind Israel’s blood-soaked “security” apparatus
September 12, 2018 (Jewish Voice for Peace media release) – From the acting Deputy Director of ICE to the current Chief of Police in Washington DC, from San Diego to Chicago to Atlanta, since 2002 thousands of American law enforcement officials have trained in Israel with Israeli police, military and the Shin Bet. And thousands […]
more…18 Sep, 2018
Israeli-occupied Palestine has world’s highest unemployment rate – UNCTAD Report
Geneva, 12 September 2018 (UNCTAD news release) – Unemployment in the Occupied Palestinian Territory rose to more than 27 per cent – the highest rate in the world – while per head income declined and agricultural production contracted by 11 per cent, as socioeconomic conditions in the past year worsened, according the latest UNCTAD annual […]
more…18 Sep, 2018
Americans urged: Oppose Jewish lobby’s bid to gag anti-Israel events on U.S. College Campuses
The following announcement has been circulated today by the the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). American expatriates living abroad, especially in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, take note. Te American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) urges you to call and email your Senators and demand they: (+) Oppose U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Assistant […]
more…15 Sep, 2018
‘Shadow’ of persistent inequality is growing worldwide, key UN human development report reveals
United Nations, 14 September 2018, UN News — While health, education, and income levels have improved overall across the globe, “wide inequalities” both among and within countries, are casting a shadow on sustained human development, a new United Nations report shows. Looking at the widening gap in real terms, a child born in Norway today […]
more…15 Sep, 2018
Seven Thai Dishes You Should Never Order
Thailand may be promoting Gastronomy Tourism, but the health promotion website WebMD has put out a bulletin warning that not all Thai food is good for health. It says, “Thai food is often packed with vegetables and lean protein, but your favorite restaurant’s menu also has some fat and calorie bombs. Here’s what to order […]
more…15 Sep, 2018
Asia will need $8.4 trillion to build new transport infrastructure
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (12 September 2018) ADB News Release — Meeting Asia and the Pacific’s transport needs will require $8.4 trillion in financing by 2030, said Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Mr. Takehiko Nakao at the Transport Forum 2018, which opened today at ADB’s headquarters, coorganized by ADB and the ADB Institute. The theme of Transport […]
more…14 Sep, 2018
Five Aviation/Aerospace stakeholders launch global study on women in leadership
Halifax, 13 September 2018 (Airports Council International media release) – Five stakeholder organizations in the aviation and aerospace industry will launch a global study – “Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling” – to identify and promote means by which the aviation and aerospace industry can more effectively recruit and advance women into leadership roles. The study […]
more…3 Sep, 2018
Hyatt under pressure to drop annual convention of U.S. anti-Muslim hate group
Shoulder to Shoulder, a coalition of 34 religious denominations and organizations which says it is “committed to standing with American Muslims to uphold American values”, has written to Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt Hotels, urging the chain’s property in Crystal City, Virginia, to drop the annual convention of ACT for America, […]
more…3 Sep, 2018
Equal Pay Day: Australian agency offers tips to narrow the male-female earnings gap
Canberra, Workplace Gender Equality Agency — Equal Pay Day falls on Friday 31 August this year. It marks the additional 62 days that women had to work to earn the same amount as men did on 30 June this year. “Although the gender pay gap has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years at […]
more…2 Sep, 2018
World Council of Churches to mark Global Week for Peace in Palestine & Israel, 16-23 Sept
World Week for Peace in Palestine & Israel, 16-23 September, 2018 Investing in young people A week of education, prayer and action for peace in Palestine & Israel, initiated by the World Council of Churches. Planned events below This year’s theme is “Youth and Children: Raising Hope and Making Change”. Youth and children are the ones […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Israel continues Palestinian home demolitions, displacements in July 2018
JERUSALEM, August 18, 2018 (WAFA) – The month of July 2018 recorded the highest number of Palestinian structures Israel has demolished or seized (54), and of Palestinian civilians displaced (97) in the occupied territories, since January 2017, a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Indonesian government pursues 50% local component for infrastructure projects
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 24th August 2018 – Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi said that the Indonesian government encourages the use of 50 percent of local components for infrastructure development, especially railways. “We will intensify our train manufacturing industry, so that `local content` would increase. When we built the first `local content,` it was […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Malaysian deal enables One-Stop Airline and Attractions Tickets Purchase
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) — Malindo Air has tied up with Tripcarte.asia, a tourism-ticketing platform to allow its customers to plan, review and confirm their holiday activities prior to their travel date. Malindo Air passengers will enjoy special rates and be able to use exclusive express lanes at various attractions to skip queues. They […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Indonesia posts 7.5 million tourist arrivals in first half 2018
Baubau, S.E. Sulawesi, (ANTARA News) – The Tourism Ministry reported that Indonesia recorded 7.5 million visits by foreign tourists in the first six months of this year. “This represented an increase from the same period and from the second half of last year. Therefore, hopefully the target of 17 million visits this year could be […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Foreign college tours for Chinese teens a growing market
CHICAGO, Xinhua, 2018-08-26 – As growing numbers of Chinese families are sending their teens on college tours in other countries, they are creating a potentially lucrative market for universities, college towns and tourism-related businesses, a study of the University of Illinois (UI) suggests. In 2013, more than 300,000 young people from China participated in overseas […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
More than Half of U.S. Employees Say Technology Makes Them Feel Isolated
CHICAGO-August 21, 2018 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–More than half of U.S. employees say technology (smartphones, social media, etc.) has resulted in more feelings of isolation, according to ComPsych® Corporation, which claims to be the world’s largest provider of employee assistance programs. The poll surveyed the 8 million employees who use ComPsych’s GuidanceResources Online site. There were 12,754 […]
more…28 Aug, 2018
Major global killer, alcohol caused 3m deaths in 2016, Lancet study reveals
SEATTLE, August 23, 2018. University of Washington media release – A new scientific study concludes there is no safe level of drinking alcohol. The study, published today in the international medical journal The Lancet, shows that in 2016, nearly 3 million deaths globally were attributed to alcohol use, including 12 percent of deaths in males between […]
more…27 Aug, 2018
International Buddhist Conclave 2018 held in India
New Delhi, 23-August-2018, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Tourism – The President of India Mr Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Buddhist Conclave (IBC), 2018 here today. The Minister of State (Independent charge), Mr K.J. Alphons presided over the inaugural function. The 4 days long Conclave has been organized by the Ministry of Tourism in […]
more…27 Aug, 2018
CIMB First Banking Group in Malaysia and ASEAN to Commit to UN’s Responsible Banking Principles
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) — CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“the Group” or “CIMB”) today announced its official membership of the United Nations’ (UN) Environment Programme Finance Initiative Principles for Responsible Banking (UNEP-FI), making it the only banking group in Malaysia and ASEAN to be a founding member of the sustainable initiative, together with 26 […]
more…27 Aug, 2018
Australian consumer protection body takes action against Trivago over “misleading” hotel price ads
Canberra, 23 August 2018, Australian Competition and Consumer Protection media release – The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against trivago N.V. (Trivago) alleging it made misleading hotel pricing representations in its television advertising and website, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC alleges that from at least December 2013, Trivago […]
more…22 Aug, 2018
Illegal 2018 World Cup gambling: Asia-wide Interpol raids yield US$1.6 bln in bets
LYON, France (Interpol media release) Aug 17, 2018 – Thousands of raids have been undertaken and suspects arrested in an INTERPOL-led operation against illegal gambling conducted throughout Asia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Operation SOGA VII (short for soccer gambling) saw more than 14,900 raids at illegal gambling dens across China – including Hong […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
ADB to host Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Sanitation in Asia
Tokyo, Japan, ADB News Release — In line with the UN 2018 Decade of Action on Water for Sustainable Development, and the international conference of the Inter Water Association in Tokyo, ADBI will host a development partner roundtable and a policy dialogue session with government officials on sustainable sanitation to be held on 20—22 September […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Philippines “Build, Build Build” Policy Gets a Boost from ADB’s $300 Million Loan
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (20 August 2018) — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a $300 million policy-based loan to support the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen the framework under which the private sector can participate in the government’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) infrastructure development program. Government reforms supported by ADB under the Expanding […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
ASEAN Research Institute warns of serious impact of US-China Trade War
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) — While ASEAN member states typically will respond to the United States-China trade war on the basis of individual national interests, it is also in the member states’ national interest to collectively make ASEAN economic integration and beyond more real in order to position the East Asian Region as the […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Malaysia to host its first Information Congress to transform global libraries
KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) — For the very first time, Malaysia will be the host country of the 84th International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ World Library and Information Congress (IFLA WLIC 2018). Scheduled for 24 until 30 August 2018, the congress will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The event is […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
ATPCO awarded patent for cacheless airline ticket pricing model
DULLES, Va., Aug 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ATPCO today announced that it has been awarded Patent #10,032,195 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cover new technology that enables construction of airline ticket prices using graph database and “functional programming” techniques to develop a unique approach to calculating airfare prices. Editor’s Comment After […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Hainan showcases tourism and MICE opportunities offered by its Free Trade Zone and Port
SHANGHAI, China, Aug. 10, 2018 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– On August 10-11, 2018, the 4th China Events (MICE) Industry Fair (CEIF) was held at Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). Major cities, associations and enterprises in the events industry from Hainan Province, guided by the Provincial Convention & Exhibition Bureau, participated in the fair to demonstrate their major […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Sunway executives join Teach For Malaysia Week with school classroom appearance
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) — Founding Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) and Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, delighted a class of 35 students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kepong when he turned up at the school to teach the Form 1 students yesterday. In a half-day […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Zoho links up with Uber for Business to simplify expense reporting
PLEASANTON, Calif., Aug 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Zoho today announced that it will automatically import Uber for Business trip receipts into Zoho Expense, its expense reporting and tracking software. With direct integration between the Uber and Zoho apps, business travelers no longer need to manually forward Uber receipts to Zoho Expense. Instead, Uber users worldwide will […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
Malaysia’s SME & Entrepreneurship Business Awards event to be held 14 November
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) — The SME & Entrepreneurship Business Award 2018 (‘SEBA 2018’) is back again for the third consecutive year and will take place on 14 November 2018 at the Grand Ballroom, Palace of the Golden Horses. Calls for nominations are currently open via www.seba.asia According to Nitesh Malani, Founder of Yayasan […]
more…21 Aug, 2018
China’s leading robotics group flags trends in US$17.4 billion market
BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — HIT Robot Group, one of China’s leading robot manufacturers, presented the Analysis Report on Robot Industry in China 2018 alongside its new “Robotics Biosphere” business model during the World Robot Conference 2018, held from August 15-19 in Beijing. Jointly conducted and produced by HRG, the China Institute of Science and Technology, and HIT Insights, […]
more…4 Aug, 2018
Malaysian oil & gas company Petronas to create new Green Lung in Bintulu
BINTULU, July 31 (Bernama) — PETRONAS Carigali Sarawak Gas (SK Gas) will collaborate with Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu (UPM) to transform Nyabau Hill here into a new green lung. Through this collaboration some 3,000 Hopea Odorata (Merawan Siput Jantan) trees will be planted on a 3-hectare plot at the Nyabau […]
more…4 Aug, 2018
Malaysians warned about shock phone bills after Haj pilgrimage, get tips on how to avoid them
CYBERJAYA, Aug 3 (Bernama) — International roaming services offered by mobile telecommunications providers can help consumers communicate with their friends and family easily even while they are abroad. However, usage of this service without knowing the correct mechanism may result in your phone bill to skyrocket. There are also consumers who experienced bill shock as […]
more…4 Aug, 2018
Asian Students invited to apply for “Gatsby Creative Awards 13th”
OSAKA, Japan, Aug 1 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Mandom Corporation (TOKYO:4917) is holding the GATSBY CREATIVE AWARDS 13th, one of the largest awards in Asia for creative students. Calls for submissions begin on August 1, 2018. This award, which highlights both the fun in personal grooming and creativity within the younger generation, will allow any student […]
more…4 Aug, 2018
ASEAN launches region-wide Car-Free Day initiative
JAKARTA, 3 August 2018 (ASEAN media release) – The region-wide ASEAN Car-Free Day (CFD), where dedicated areas or roads will be regularly free from traffic for a particular time, will be launched in Jakarta on Sunday, 5 August. The ASEAN Car Free Day is a regional advocacy initiative led by the Ministry of Health Indonesia […]
more…27 Jul, 2018
India sees rising crime against women, Dalits under Modi regime
New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, 24-July-2018- As per the latest available published information with National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the details of cases registered under total crimes against women and Scheduled Castes from 2013 to 2016 is as below: Cases registered 2013 2014 2015 2016 Crime against women 309,546 339,457 329,243 […]
more…27 Jul, 2018
New digital rights to give travellers more legal cover, better access across Europe during summer holidays
Brussels, 27 July 2018, European Commission – Press release – This summer, European citizens will enjoy more digital rights than ever before. Following the end of roaming charges across the European Union last year, holidaymakers can now travel with their online TV, film, sports, music or e-book subscriptions at no extra cost. In addition, everyone […]
more…27 Jul, 2018
Insurance company engages Malaysians to live healthier through #Laughforhealth Campaign
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) — In line with its purpose of empowering people to live a better life, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AAGI) strengthens its payer-to-partner positioning in the health segment by encouraging Malaysians to laugh and live healthier in its #LaughForHealth campaign. “As the no.1 general insurer in Medical and Health, we […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
Firms Offer Higher Salaries to Keep Departing Employees, but Staff Leave in Less Than 2 Years Anyway
MENLO PARK, Calif., July 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — In the fight to hold onto top talent, many companies are offering higher salaries to workers who announce they’re planning to quit for a better job opportunity. But new research from global staffing firm Robert Half suggests this method serves only as a stop-gap retention strategy for employers and […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
At the World Cup in Russia, BeautyCam photo exhibition proclaimed “Every Skin Color is Beautiful”
MOSCOW–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 13, 2018 – On July 11, at VDNKH Plaza, outside a football stadium in Moscow, a set of photos featuring diverse skin colors caught the eyes of visitors. This is a charity art exhibition themed “NO COLORISM” hosted by BeautyCam, a facial beautification camera app, in Russia, during the World Cup. In the […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
Creating an inclusive ASEAN digital economy will require revamp of trade and investment policies
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) — Despite the projection that the digital economy will add US$1 trillion to ASEAN GDP by 2025, there are policy hurdles that must be overcome by ASEAN to realise the digital economy potential for the region which now has a combined GDP of over US$2.6 trillion. Among others, ASEAN needs […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
Europe, Japan deal to create “world’s largest area of safe data flows”
Tokyo, 17 July 2018, European Commission – Press release – The EU and Japan successfully concluded today their talks on reciprocal adequacy. They agreed to recognise each other’s data protection systems as ‘equivalent’, which will allow data to flow safely between the EU and Japan. Each side will now launch its relevant internal procedures for […]
more…24 Jul, 2018
What Obama really said in his Mandela tribute lecture: The uber-rich and powerful have become threats to freedom and democracy
Johannesburg – On July 18, the day marking the 100th birth anniversary of South Africa’s iconic leader Nelson Mandela, former U.S. President Barack Obama delivered the 16th annual Nelson Mandela lecture. It was his first major public speech since he stepped down after eight years as the United States’ first African-American president. Unfettered by diplomatic […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
Other Side of Gastronomy Tourism: Thai Univ Forum to mull perils of Corporate Concentration in Food & Agriculture
Bangkok – Focus on the Global South, the ETC Group and Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI) are organizing a Forum on Corporate Concentration in Food and Agriculture; Implications on Food Sovereignty in South East Asia on 24 July. The rate and scale of corporate mergers and acquisitions over the past three years in the […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
Pakistan’s Buddha of Swat smiles again 11 years after being dynamited
Peshawar, July 12, 2018 (PTI) – The iconic Buddha of Swat, carved on a cliff in the 7th century, has been restored to its almost original form with Italian assistance in northwestern Pakistan,nearly 11 years after it was dynamited by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan during their control over the area. The Buddha seated in a […]
more…13 Jul, 2018
CAIR Report: U.S. Anti-Muslim Bias Incidents, Hate Crimes Spike in Second Quarter 2018
(WASHINGTON, DC, 7/12/18) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released an update on anti-Muslim incidents nationwide in the second quarter (April-June) of 2018. CAIR’s quarterly report indicates that anti-Muslim bias incidents and hate crimes are up 83 and 21 percent respectively, as compared to the […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
27% of Palestinian working-age population out of a job
RAMALLAH, July 11, 2018 (WAFA) – As the world marks International Population Day, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Wednesday that based on the results of the Population, Housing and Establishments Census 2017, the total population of Palestine in 2017 was about 4.78 million; 2.43 million males and 2.35 million females. The […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
Aug 9 deadline nearing for US$600,000 Zayed Sustainability Prize
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 11, 2018 – With less than one month to go until the August 9 deadline, the Zayed Sustainability Prize today issued a call for companies, social good organizations, and schools to submit their entries for the annual global award. This year, the Prize broadened its mandate to align itself with the United Nations […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
Israeli police wreck work to renovate compound of Al Aqsa mosque
JERUSALEM, July 7, 2018 (WAFA) – Staff of Al-Aqsa Mosque were able to stop late Friday and early Saturday Israeli destruction of what the Muslim Waqf, the official party in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and Muslim endowment, has been introducing of recent to the area of the closed Bab al-Rahmeh, also known as the […]
more…12 Jul, 2018
UN: Jewish state demolished 197 Palestinian structures in occupied territories in first half of 2018
JERUSALEM, July 11, 2018 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities demolished 197 Palestinian structures in the occupied territories during the first half of 2018, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian territory said on Wednesday. It said in its monthly report on West Bank demolitions and displacement for […]
more…11 Jul, 2018
Planet signs deal with Thai Space Agency for satellite monitoring of land, water resources
SAN FRANCISCO, July 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Planet, the leading geospatial data and analytics company, has signed a deal with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), an agency under Thailand’s Ministry of Science and Technology, to provide satellite imagery to enable frequent monitoring in the country. Editor’s Comment The importance of space technology […]
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