Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

Author Archive

16 Feb, 2018

U.S. Military Families Stressed by High Cost of Elder Care

FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 07, 2018 – Elder care costs are creating unexpected economic stress for many of America’s career military families and fueling a growing demand for professional financial advice, according to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®. First Command’s sixth annual elder care spending survey reveals that 78 percent of middle-class military families […]

more…

16 Feb, 2018

Middlebury Interactive Languages and Qatar Foundation partner to boost Arabic speakers in U.S.

HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – 2018-02-08 —Middlebury Interactive Languages has received a grant from the Qatar Foundation International (QFI) to provide up to thirteen student scholarships for the 2018 Arabic Summer Academy at St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT. The four-week immersion program provides high school students with the opportunity to accelerate Arabic language learning and […]

more…

9 Feb, 2018

“Jailing critics does not make society safer”: A speech that will NEVER be heard at a travel industry event

BANGKOK (5 February 2018) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein started today his official visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, urging all governments to employ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – in its totality – as a guide to law and policy. “The way to ensure we […]

more…

6 Feb, 2018

Malaysian Competition Commission signs the Corruption-Free Pledge

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) — The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is one of the government agencies that responded positively to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s call in signing the Corruption-Free Pledge (better known as IBR). The pledge signing ceremony held at Menara SSM, Kuala Lumpur was led by YBhg. Dato’ Abu Samah Shabudin, Chief […]

more…

22 Jan, 2018

DHL Launches Unique Indicator to Track Global Trade

BONN, Germany & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 18, 2018 – DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, has introduced a new and unique early indicator for the current state and future development of global trade. The DHL Global Trade Barometer is based on large amounts of logistics data that are evaluated with the help of artificial intelligence. […]

more…

21 Jan, 2018

Indonesia to develop border areas to boost social justice

Jakarta (ANTARA News) 18th January 2018 – Development in border areas promotes social justice for all people across Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto stated. “All people of Indonesia should get justice. People of Indonesia not only live in cities but many of them also reside in rural areas, and they […]

more…

21 Jan, 2018

Number of Indian tourists to Bali up by 48.25 percent

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News), 16 January 2018 – The number of Indian tourists to Bali surged to 243,639 people during January-November 2017, up 79,283 people or 48.25 percent, from 164,345 people in the previous year`s same period. “Most of them arrived at the International Airport of Ngurah Rai by direct flights from their country, and […]

more…

21 Jan, 2018

UNESCO opens applications for 2018 Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Awards

BANGKOK, 15 January 2018, (UNESCO News) – Submissions are now being accepted for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. This year’s awards cycle will mark the launch of a three-year partnership with Think City, a Malaysian urban renewal body that will support the programme and host the annual Awards Jury meeting in Penang, […]

more…

21 Jan, 2018

18th Int’l Anti-Corruption Conf to focus on Development, Peace and Security

21 Jan 2018, Transparency International media release – In December 2016 at the 17th IACC in Panama City, Panama, more than 1,600 people from over 130 countries had one common call: The time for Justice, Equity, Security, and Trust is now. Today’s polarized politics fuels many evils: populism and extremism, violence, human rights violations, trafficking and illicit money, […]

more…

19 Jan, 2018

Sikhism fastest growing religion in Australia

Canberra, Jan 18, 2018 – Australian Bureau of Statistics — World Religion Day (Jan 21) aims to foster interfaith understanding and harmony, and is an opportunity to recognise the diversity of religion present in modern day Australia. The 2016 Census of Population and Housing found that three-fifths of the Australian population (61 per cent, or […]

more…

8 Jan, 2018

UnionPay Cross-border B2B Payment Service Platform facilitates exports of SMEs in Yiwu

SHANGHAI, 8 January 2018, (PRNewswire) — UnionPay International announced today that the official website of Yiwu Market (www.yiwugou.com), the world’s largest commodity wholesale market, now connects to UnionPay Cross-border B2B Payment Service Platform. Purchasers outside China are able to pay safely and conveniently with UnionPay cards issued overseas to buy goods at www.yiwugou.com. This cooperation between UnionPay International […]

more…

8 Jan, 2018

Innovative Securities: Higher Risks May Come in 2018

BUDAPEST, Hungary, 29 December 2017, (PRNewswire) – We are living in the decade of bullish markets. Because of record returns (and low interest rates) retail money floods the market. What could 2018 hold for the investors after all this? Innovative Securities’ prognosis tries to answer. In 2017, the already expensive stocks (and other instruments) became […]

more…

8 Jan, 2018

Women Leaders Launch “TIME’S UP” Campaign

LOS ANGELES, 1 January 2018, (PRNewswire) – TIME’S UP, an unprecedented movement started by women in the entertainment industry, today announced the launch of TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund is one of a series of TIME’S UP’s ongoing commitments to combat the systemic power imbalances that have prohibited many women, especially […]

more…

7 Jan, 2018

UN readying training guidelines to help airline cabin crews identify, report human trafficking

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 January 2018 – The United Nations is taking the global combat against human trafficking into the skies as the Organization’s human rights office and its Montreal-based civil aviation agency begin putting the final touches on training guidelines that could help airline cabin crew spot possible victims. Human trafficking is […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

New Research shows how “Mental Load” Impacts Working Mothers both at Home and Work

WATERTOWN, Mass., 18 December 2017,  (BUSINESS WIRE)–A new study released today shows that even as women catch up to men as family earners and actually outpace them in academic achievement, they continue to bear a disproportionate portion of household and family responsibilities. According to the study, women who are primary breadwinners are doing more at home […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

Waste Management Publishes 2017 Sustainability Report

HOUSTON, 13 December 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Waste Management (NYSE: WM) today released its 2017 Sustainability Report, which provides updated data to supplement the company’s full 2016 report, “Leading Change, Reinvigorating the Spirit of Environmental Stewardship.” The report updates progress on the company’s 2020 Sustainability Goals, Key Performance Indicators and recent awards received. “Waste Management has, for […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

Student Team from India wins Xylem Water Prize

RYE BROOK, N.Y., 18 December 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, congratulates the national team of India, winners of the Xylem Water Prize 2017, awarded at the 14th annual International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). The theme of this year’s IJSO […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

New World Bank-Financed Project to Boost Tourism in Uttar Pradesh, India

WASHINGTON DC, 20 December 2017 (World Bank media release): A $40 million project, to India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh (UP), was approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors today to increase tourism-related benefits for local communities. Uttar Pradesh (UP) is one of India’s biggest cultural and tourist destinations, home to some of […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

World-Class Urban Greenway Slows Pace of Life in Central China’s Wuhan

WUHAN, China, Dec. 29, 2017 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ — Featuring China’s most intensive relics of ancient Chu culture, most splendid display of classic Chinese poetry and calligraphy, as well as top-level modern art works and sculptures as well as graffiti and three-dimensional street paintings, the second phase of a green belt encircling China’s largest urban lake in […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

Bravo Jakarta for reporting waste generated by New Year’s Eve celebrations

Bravo to the Jakarta Administration and the Antara News Agency. Instead of running the usual hackneyed Press release announcing what a wonderful time thousands of revellers had on New Year’s eve, the Indonesian national news agency Antara ran an interview with the head of the Environmental Affairs office of the Jakarta administration reporting that the […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

Malaysia 2018 Social Media Campaign Continues With Photo And Short Video Contest

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 29 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) continues organising a photography and short video contest on social media with the sub-theme #MyCuisine starting from 1 January 2018 to 28 February 2018. To enter, participants need to submit a creative photo or short video related to the uniqueness and diversity […]

more…

3 Jan, 2018

Gallup Poll: Americans see more trouble ahead in 2018

As Americans look ahead to 2018, eight in 10 predict it will be a troubled year filled with international discord rather than peace, according to the results of a Gallup Poll released at the end of 2017. The public is more optimistic about the economy, with a slight majority anticipating a year of economic prosperity. […]

more…

16 Dec, 2017

‘American Dream’ quickly becoming an ‘illusion,’ says UN human rights expert

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 15 December 2017 – The number of Americans living in poverty and the already high income inequality could worsen further in the days to come, making the United States the most unequal society in the world, the United Nations expert on extreme poverty and human rights warned Friday. “The American […]

more…

15 Dec, 2017

Are travel & tourism advertisers unwittingly funding fake news?

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — In new research, the Society for New Communications Research of The Conference Board (SNCR) concludes that big brand marketers are reluctant players in the world of online misinformation, or fake news. Nearly 50 percent of marketers do not know where their ads are running, due to programmatic advertising (or […]

more…

15 Dec, 2017

ADB clears $499 million loan to improve air quality in Greater Beijing

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (14 December 2017) — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a €428 million ($499 million) loan to set up a regional emission-reduction and pollution-control facility as part of a multiyear and multisector support program to improve air quality in the greater Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, which suffers from heavy air […]

more…

15 Dec, 2017

4G mobile networks now cover nearly 100% of Australian population: Report

12 December 2017 (ACMA media release) – The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) Communications Report for 2016-17 shows that Australians are downloading, consuming and creating more content than ever before, with more than 3.1 million terabytes downloaded in the June 2017 quarter alone. The majority of the data was downloaded over fixed line broadband, […]

more…

15 Dec, 2017

ASEAN integration boosting Malaysian SMEs, including tourism companies

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 December 2017, (Bernama) — The small and medium enterprises (SME) sector in Malaysia remain buoyant, with participants of the SME100 survey registering a 14.54 percent growth in revenue and a 6.93 percent growth in profit. This contrasts sharply with the GDP growth projection of 5.2 percent for the country as a whole. […]

more…

15 Dec, 2017

136 civil society groups again target Myanmar over genocide in Rakhine State

Bangkok — Myanmar’s global image has sunk further with the issuance of a strongly worded statement by 136 civil society groups and individuals across multiple religious denominations, professions and nationalities calling on the Myanmar government to stop violence against the civilian population of Rakhine state and address the root causes of violence. The full statement, […]

more…

6 Dec, 2017

Human Rights Watch Report documents devastating impact of Trump’s Immigration policy

Washington, DC, Human Rights Watch Media release, 05 December 2017 – A surge in immigration arrests of people living in the United States under the Trump administration is having a devastating impact on long-term immigrants with strong ties to the US. According to numbers released by the US Department of Homeland Security on December 5, […]

more…

6 Dec, 2017

Deloitte survey: Greater boardroom diversity boosts competitive advantage, improves business performance

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2017 (Deloitte media release) – The evidence is in. Business leaders clearly believe in the benefits of diversity on their boards of directors. Yet it’s equally clear that current methods of sourcing and selecting candidates tend to reinforce a lack of diversity. Three hundred board members and executives believe achieving greater […]

more…

5 Dec, 2017

Vistajet hits highest third quarter revenue earnings

LONDON,  30 Nov 2017,  (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VistaJet, which claims to be the first and only global business aviation company, has announced record results in its third quarter trading update, driven by the continued demand for the company’s flagship Program Membership with a 38% increase in revenue. The Program segment achieved a record 32% increase […]

more…

5 Dec, 2017

Online Initiative to monitor transparency of Government assistance to Malaysian SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov 2017, (Bernama) — In an effort to enhance the transparency of reporting and coordination of SME programmes, SME Corp. Malaysia developed an online initiative called the SME Central Incentives System (SCenIc). As a centralised database of beneficiaries of Government assistance, SCenIc served as an important referral to avoid duplication and optimize […]

more…

5 Dec, 2017

Malaysia’s first Creative Arts Institute launched to promote fashion, film and beauty technology

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov 2017, (Bernama) — Snips College of Creative Arts (SCCA) unveiled its all-new comprehensive creative arts college on 28 November at its grand launch event held at SCCA Sungei Wang Plaza. This is in line with the government’s initiatives to spur the growth of the arts and cultural development in Malaysia. According […]

more…

5 Dec, 2017

Malaysia and Industry 4.0: Executives Cite Need For Skilled Workers As Top Concern

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Nov 2017, (Bernama) — Shortfalls in talent and direction, and a general lack of awareness about the profound industrial revolution underway worldwide are the top concerns of senior business and government executives assessing Malaysia’s readiness for “Industry 4.0” — the automation and digitization of industrial processes through robotics and other emerging technologies. […]

more…

5 Dec, 2017

Tourism Malaysia promoting Hat Yai to Penang Bike Tours for Thais

SADAO, 3 Dec 2017, (Bernama) — Tourism Malaysia held sending off ceremony for “Biker from Phuket” to promote Southern Thai Packages to Malaysia through bikers’ ride from Ban Dannok, Sadao, Songkhla to Bukit Kayu Hitam/Kedah with the aim to increase Thai arrivals to Malaysia especially from the Southern part of Thailand. Deputy Director General (Promotion), […]

more…

25 Nov, 2017

Lifestyle survey highlights factors that make up the Good Life, and travel ranks 5th

22 November 2017 (GfK media release) — When it comes to the factors that make up ‘the good life’, the top three most popular items selected by people internationally are good health, financial security and leisure time – followed by a happy marriage, travel for leisure, a home you own, and control over one’s life. […]

more…

25 Nov, 2017

‘Stand Against Hate’ Youth Essay Contest to combat white supremacy

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 21, 2017 – As Thanksgiving approaches and people around the nation are gathering and reflecting on the meaning of family and community, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the Heather Heyer Foundation continue their call for entries in a nationwide ‘Stand Against Hate’ youth essay contest through which three winning essayists (ages […]

more…

25 Nov, 2017

Ottawa Business Survey flags value of immigrants to local economic growth

OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 20, 2017  — Businesses in the Ottawa region expressed access to a skilled workforce as a top priority according to new survey data from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce 2017 Ottawa Business Growth Survey. The survey reveals a key – yet overlooked – opportunity for Ottawa businesses to address skilled labour needs […]

more…

20 Nov, 2017

Gastronomy Tourism on a roll: Cooking class at Thailand’s first fine-dining insect restaurant

Bangkok – The Thai tourism industry’s latest gastronomy marketing campaign is set to gain new impetus with the launch of cooking classes by the country’s first edible insect fine dining restaurant. The “workshop for the adventurous” was first held by Insects in the Backyard on 18 November and joined by Travel Impact Newswire’s Chief Information […]

more…

17 Nov, 2017

Leading global media groups launch indicators, brand logo to certify trust, quality & reliability

PARIS, 17 Nov 2017, World Editors Forum news release — In a bid to revive faith in journalism, leading media companies representing dozens of news sites have begun to display Trust Indicators, which provide clarity on the organizations’ ethics and other standards, the journalists’ backgrounds, and how they do their work.    The transparency indicators […]

more…

16 Nov, 2017

2018 International Toilet Tourism Awards to open in February

Sydney, 16 November 2017, mytravelresearch.com Press release – The 2018 International Toilet Tourism Awards will open to submissions in February 2018, with winners in six categories to be announced in June 2018. The opening of the awards will take place in the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong, NSW, Australia. The public loos at the […]

more…

13 Nov, 2017

European Commission awards Paris as most innovative European city in 2017

Lisbon, 7 November 2017, European Commission – Press release — Today, the European Commission awarded the 2017 European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) prize of €1,000,000 to Paris (France). The iCapital award, granted under the EU’s research and innovation programme Horizon 2020, recognises Paris for its inclusive innovation strategy. Tallinn (Estonia) and Tel Aviv (Israel) were […]

more…

13 Nov, 2017

Combatting fake news: European Commission sets up High-Level Expert Group, launches public consultation

Brussels, 13 November 2017, European Commission – Press release – The Commission launched today a public consultation on fake news and online disinformation and set up a High-Level Expert Group representing academics, online platforms, news media and civil society organisations. The work of the High-Level Expert Group as well as the results of the public […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

World Economic Forum Launches Platform to Map Global Transformation

Dubai, 9 November 2017 (WEF media release) – Today the World Economic Forum opens access to its Transformation Maps – a dynamic knowledge tool covering more than 100 industries, countries and issues shaping the modern world. The Forum’s Transformation Maps were first developed in 2015 as a tool for understanding and visualizing industries, countries and […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Governments mull new UN migration agenda for the Asia-Pacific

Bangkok, 6 November 2017, (ESCAP News) — The Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, opened in Bangkok this week with a call for governments in the region to take action through economic, social and environmental policies to safeguard the rights and interests of all migrants, high- and […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

At Bonn conference, Global Trades Union demand Just Transition to a zero-carbon future

Brussels, 6 November 2017, (International Trade Union Confederation OnLine) – The UN climate talks in Bonn open this week to discuss how to deliver the promises of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement to stay below a 2°C increase in average temperatures, and ensure a Just Transition to a zero-carbon future for workers and their communities. […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Bonn: UN climate conference aims for greater ambition as 2017 set to be among top three hottest years

United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News – The United Nations Climate Conference opened on Monday in Bonn, Germany, with the aim of a greater ambition for climate action, as the world body’s weather agency issued a stark warning that 2017 is set to be among the three hottest years on record. The Bonn Conference […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Corruption hits most vulnerable; obliterates faith in good governance, UN chief tells forum in Vienna

United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News – Corruption can strike anywhere and deny people’s hope of a better future, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the world’s largest anti-corruption forum which opened Monday in Vienna, while urging global leaders to set positive examples and restore faith in good governance. “I have seen how corruption […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Journalism under fire amid rise of ‘fake news’ and social media-driven echo chambers – UNESCO report

United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News Centre – The media industry, which remains the primary source of news and information in the digital age, faces both vast opportunities and steep challenges, the United Nations cultural agency said on Monday in its flagship analysis of new trends in media freedom, pluralism, independence and the safety […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Protect environment from wars and conflicts, UN urges on International Day

United Nations, 6 November 2017, UN News – Commemorating the international day for lessening the impact of armed conflicts and wars on the environment, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the need to recognize that environment is also a victim of fighting. “Whether caused by fighting or a breakdown in Government control, the damage to […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Bonn: UN climate conference to focus on ways of implementing Paris accord

United Nations,3 November 2017, UN News – One year after the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Bonn Conference, which opened on 6 November in Germany, is an opportunity for nations around the world to show their ambition for climate action and their determination to keep their promises. “While Paris […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

People without nationality face ‘stark realities’ of discrimination and persecution – UN report

United Nations,3 November 2017, UN News – Discrimination, exclusion and persecution are stark realities for many of the world’s stateless minorities, the United Nations refugee agency warned in a new report, calling for immediate action to secure equal nationality rights for all. “Stateless people are just seeking the same basic rights that all citizens enjoy. […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

UN backed-report highlights how business can help achieve Global Goal on Peace, Justice and Inclusive Societies

United Nations, 3 November 2017, UN News – Through anti-corruption measures, promoting diversity and supporting justice initiatives, companies play a crucial role in achieving targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on building accountable and inclusive institutions, according to a report released Friday by a United Nations-backed global fund. “While the notion of peace […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

Thousands of Rohingyas cross into Bangladesh overnight; child malnutrition soars in camps – UN

United Nations, 3 November 2017, UN News – As more than 3,000 desperate, tired and hungry Rohingya refugees have crossed into Bangladesh from Myanmar over the past two days, United Nations agencies and their partners are working around the clock to provide urgent life-saving aid and shelter to this latest influx. “Most people I talked […]

more…

9 Nov, 2017

OECD strengthens global response to tax crime

Paris, OECD News release, 08/11/2017 – More than 200 global tax and economic crime experts have identified key areas for international action following the Fifth OECD Forum on Tax and Crime, in London. In a week dominated by media coverage of offshore issues, the Forum brought experts on tax, customs, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, policing, and […]

more…

8 Nov, 2017

TripAdvisor removed warnings about rapes and injuries at Mexico resorts, tourists say

Did anyone express worry, describe problems or share experiences that might serve as warnings? The public had no way to know. The posts had all been removed from the forum. In their place was a message from TripAdvisor that cited various reasons for the deletions: They were “determined to be inappropriate by the TripAdvisor community,” […]

more…

8 Nov, 2017

Former Indian PM denounces “tax terrorism” under Modi govt, says “winds of change” blowing in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 08 November 2017 – Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday slammed Narendra Modi government for implementation of demonetisation and the GST.  Singh said that demonetisation was a “complete disaster” for the country’s economy and chided the Modi government for not having learnt “any lessons” from what he called the “monumental blunder.”  Singh, […]

more…

8 Nov, 2017

Banyan Tree Holdings only Asian travel company in Ethical Corporate Governance Awards 2017

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–03 November 2017 — Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore Telecom, Media Prima and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) are among a carefully selected group of companies recognised in the Ethical Boardroom Corporate Governance Awards 2017 for their excellence in corporate governance. Organisations that value ethics and transparency, and work towards meaningful engagement […]

more…

8 Nov, 2017

OECD updates country profiles on transfer pricing legislation and practices

Paris, OECD news release, 06/11/2017 – The OECD has published updated versions of transfer pricing country profiles (TPCP), reflecting the current transfer pricing legislation and practices of 31 participating countries. The country profiles contain up-to-date and harmonised information on key aspects of transfer pricing legislation, provided by countries themselves. Following the outcome of the OECD/G20 […]

more…

8 Nov, 2017

The Delta Way: Outsourcing US-India Flights and American Crew Jobs To Foreign Partners

By Kevin Mitchell – November 6, 2017 Americans for Fair Skies, the anti-Open Skies lobbying arm of Delta Air Lines, argued yet again in recently tweeting that competition from Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways (Gulf Carriers) has driven Delta out of the non-stop US-India market. This repetitious political soundbite could not be further […]

more…

8 Nov, 2017

UN Security Council Presidential Statement Calls on Myanmar to End Excessive Military Force, Intercommunal Violence in Rakhine State

United Nations, 06 November 2017 — Calling on the Myanmar Government to end the excessive military force and intercommunal violence that had devastated the Rohingya community in Rakhine State, the Security Council this afternoon urged the implementation of agreed‑upon mechanisms to assist return of those who have fled and to ensure access for humanitarian aid. […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

Uber Pledges $5 Million to Prevent xxxual Assault and Domestic Violence

SAN FRANCISCO, 6 November 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE) – Uber today announced a $5 million commitment over five years as part of its “Driving Change” campaign for sexual assault and domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives in partnership with groups including Raliance, the National Network to End Domestic Violence and NO MORE. These groups began working […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

Transparency International: Time to Clean up The Offshore Financial Havens

5 November 2017, Transparency International News –The ‘Paradise Papers’ revelations published on 5 November by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and its partners show how the rich and powerful around the world are able to hide wealth through complex and opaque financial structures which allow them to keep their business dealings secret. These secret […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

Islamic Group Offers U.S. Religious Institutions Security Advice Following Church Massacre

WASHINGTON, D.C., 6 November 2017,  CAIR News – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the U.S.’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today offered security advice to religious institutions nationwide that are considering instituting additional safety measures in response to yesterday’s massacre at a Texas church. CAIR is urging all houses of worship to take […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

ParadisePapers Leaks Expose How Offshore Gurus Help Rich Avoid Taxes on Private Jets and Yachts

6 November 2017, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists – Formula One auto racing star Lewis Hamilton got a new luxury jet, a $27 million candy-apple-red Bombardier Challenger 605 with Armani curtains. He also got a refund on the value-added tax. And the lawyers at Appleby, an elite law firm founded in Bermuda, were there to […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

P&G releases “Citizenship Report” branding itself as “A Force For Good And A Force For Growth”

CINCINNATI, 1 November 2017, (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) today released its 2017 Citizenship Report, detailing progress in improving social conditions for those in need, advancing Diversity & Inclusion, building a world free from gender bias inside and outside the Company and reducing its environmental footprint. As P&G operates in about […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

How Israel profits by exporting its “security apparatus” oppression to America

By Ramzy Baroud Jeddah, Arab News, 31 October 2017, US Senate Bill S.720 should have been a wake-up call. The legislation drafted by the Israel lobby group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), would punish any individual or company that boycotts Israel with a fine of up to $1 million and up to 20 […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

Oxfam: Powerful film shows how global tax dodgers hit the poor where it really hurts

London, 07 Nov 2017, Oxfam International media release — Yesterday’s leak of millions of documents in the Paradise Papers has once again revealed the dark and murky world of tax dodging. From prominent politicians and celebrities to global corporate giants, tax dodgers have once again been exposed for not paying their fair share. Tax dodging […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

New YouGov research: Thai social media is missing a trick by ignoring baby boomers

Thailand, 7 November 2017, YouGov News – Millennials and baby boomers in Thailand feel they are represented better by the media than by advertising, according to new YouGov Omnibus research. The online survey comparing the opinions of respondents born between the mid-1940s and mid-1960s (baby boomers) and between the early 1980s and mid-1990s (millennials), asked […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

Petronas ICT launches programme to nurture “Brilliant Young Minds”

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 November 2017, (Bernama) — PETRONAS ICT Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS recently concluded its inaugural CSI programme named ‘The Brilliant Young Minds”, when participants at the programme showcase pitched to a panel of judges real-world solutions they had developed for the oil and gas industry. The Brilliant Young Minds […]

more…

7 Nov, 2017

Thailand Halal Assembly 2017 to focus on the Power of Halal Wisdom

Bangkok – For the fourth time, the Thailand Halal Assembly 2017, to be held in Bangkok between 30 November – 3 December 2017, will converge the themes of Science, Technology, and Islamic Arts under a powerful unified concept of Halal Wisdom. This year’s Assembly, the fourth in a series of annual events, is expected to […]

more…

3 Nov, 2017

A deeper look at the global trend towards assertion of identity

By Chandra Muzaffar News reports about communities and regions asserting their identity are capturing media headlines everywhere. While the media gives a lot of coverage to an event or action connected with the phenomenon — a referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan or a vote in the Catalonian parliament — the reasons that explain the assertion of […]

more…

3 Nov, 2017

3 million Americans carry loaded handguns every day, study finds

Source: American Journal of Public Health. Published Online: October 19, 2017 Authors: Ali Rowhani-Rahbar MD, PhD, MPH, Deborah Azrael PhD, Vivian H. Lyons MPH, Joseph A. Simonetti MD, MPH, and Matthew Miller MD, ScDAuthor affiliations, information, and correspondence details  Objectives. To determine the frequency of loaded handgun carrying among US adult handgun owners, characterize those […]

more…

3 Nov, 2017

This university leads in world’s first essay competition on Tourism and SDGs

Fifty-four multinational students from the University of Monterrey, Mexico, have taken the lead in sending their submissions to the world’s first essay competition on how Travel & Tourism can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Launched on Sept 21, 2017, the UN International Day of Peace, The Olive Tree Awards essay competition invites young […]

more…

1 Nov, 2017

Australian study reveals startling stats on gambling-related mental & health problems

Canberra, 26 October 2017, (Australian Institute of Family Studies Media release) – Nearly one million Australians regularly gamble on horse and dog racing with a high proportion of them experiencing one or more gambling-related problems, according to new analysis by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). AGRC researcher, Dr […]

more…

1 Nov, 2017

VOICES: New publication launched to highlight importance of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

JAKARTA, 30 October 2017 (ASEAN secretariat) – The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Department of the ASEAN Secretariat launched the maiden issue of VOICES: Bulletin of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) today.  This is a new quarterly bulletin which serves as a communication tool to keep ASEAN people informed on issues that have a direct impact on […]

more…

1 Nov, 2017

Conservation of Hong Kong working class housing tops 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards

BANGKOK, 1 November 2017 (UNSCO media release) — The revitalization of the working class “Blue House Cluster” in Hong Kong, China, has received the Award of Excellence in this year’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Sixteen projects from six countries – Australia, China, India, Iran, New Zealand, and Singapore – were recognized in […]

more…

22 Oct, 2017

“Selling Girls,” Original Investigation into U.S. Child Sex Trafficking, shown on TEGNA Station Digital Platforms

MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) announced today the premiere of “Selling Girls,” a six-part digital, episodic series investigating sex trafficking of children in America. Produced by award-winning investigative news teams from WXIA in Atlanta and KHOU in Houston, the entire series of “Selling Girls” rolls out first on TEGNA stations’ digital platforms beginning today, […]

more…

10 Oct, 2017

Inspired by Iceland Launches ‘The Hardest Karaoke Song in the World’

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, October 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Inspired by Iceland, known for its quirky campaigns and warm humour, has today launched a unique challenge via the ‘Inspired By Iceland’ website for tourists around the world. Harnessing the island’s language, which is notoriously difficult to learn, Inspired by Iceland has released what it claims to be […]

more…

10 Oct, 2017

U.K. Home Office accused of racial profiling against British citizens

Members of Parliament and human rights lawyers are calling on the Home Office to review how immigration officers carry out spot checks after data suggested that they were using racial profiling and stopping Britons.  The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, working with the media co-operative, The Bristol Cable, has obtained new Home Office data. The data […]

more…

10 Oct, 2017

Australian amnesty sees 50,000+ firearms being handed in

Canberra, 06 October 2017, (Prime Minister of Australia News)–Australia’s 3 month National Firearms Amnesty has led to more than 50,000 firearms being handed in across Australia. This is an overwhelming response and represents a significant reduction in the number of unregistered firearms in the Australian community. Australia has some of the strongest gun laws in the […]

more…

9 Oct, 2017

Chinese take 705 million trips during double holiday break

Beijing, China Daily, 09 Oct  2017 — With a record-high number of trips made during the past eight days, the National Day holiday, one of the most important times of a year in China, has inspired big changes in the way people travel. Usually, the National Day holiday runs from Oct 1 to 7 and […]

more…

9 Oct, 2017

Chinese debate: Have overseas degrees lost their value?

Beijing, 2017-09-18 – China Daily Editor’s Note: During the past few decades, the social opinion on overseas education has changed. News reports about youths returning after studying abroad, which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, but ending up with low-paying jobs have made people wonder whether it’s still worth sending their children overseas for education. […]

more…

9 Oct, 2017

Islamic University, Bank launch credit card

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) — AmBank Islamic Berhad (AmBank Islamic) and International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) yesterday launched the AmBank Islamic – IIUM Credit Card at the IIUM campus in Gombak. Under this programme, AmBank Islamic cardholders can convert their AmBonus Points into cash contribution towards the IIUM Endowment Fund from a minimum […]

more…

9 Oct, 2017

American-Islamic Council Files Legal Challenge to Trump’s ‘Muslim Ban 3.0’

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/8/17) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the filing of a federal lawsuit on behalf of six individuals challenging the lawfulness of President Trump’s most recent attempt to implement a “Muslim ban.” The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for […]

more…

7 Oct, 2017

On World Smile Day, Operation Smile marks 35 years with “Until We Heal” campaign

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (PRWEB) October 06, 2017 — From World Smile Day on October 6, to Giving Tuesday on November 28, Operation Smile will celebrate its 35th anniversary by simultaneously hosting medical, training and education programs around the world, impacting more than 5,000 patients, medical and nonmedical volunteers, and in-country healthcare workers. This ambitious effort […]

more…

7 Oct, 2017

Hotel Safety Under Scrutiny Following Las Vegas Shooting

(PRWEB) October 07, 2017 (Stokes Wagner media release) — On Sunday, October 1, 2017, a gunman shot into a crowd of 22,000 people from his 32nd-story room in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. After 11 minutes, 59 people were killed and more than 500 were injured. Whether hotels can or will respond to this […]

more…

2 Oct, 2017

Israel covers up role in Myanmar crimes against Rohingya

Source: The Electronic Intifada

Israel is attempting to bury information about its arms sales to the military regime in Myanmar, which the UN accuses of a “brutal” campaign against the country’s Muslim Rohingya population, amounting to a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” Hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas have fled their homes as the military and Buddhist mobs burn their […]

more…

2 Oct, 2017

Thailand Media Panel Discussion Oct 3: Rakhine State – Southeast Asia’s ethnic flashpoint

Bangkok — The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand will be holding a panel discussion on the topics of “Rakhine State – Southeast Asia’s ethnic flashpoint” at 7pm, Tuesday 03 October, 2017. The event announcement says:  People around ASEAN and well beyond are watching with mounting concern as some 400,000 Rohingyas face potentially permanent displacement into […]

more…

1 Oct, 2017

Myanmar tells UN Security Council: It’s all “malicious and unsubstantiated chatter”

United Nations, 28 Sept 2017 – Amid an escalating crisis in northern Rakhine state in Myanmar, United Nations Secretary-General today urged its Government to end military operations, allow unfettered access to those in need, and ensure the safe and voluntary return of displaced Rohingya to their homes. “The situation has spiralled into the world’s fastest-developing […]

more…

1 Oct, 2017

UN Secretary-General warns: Rohingya crisis could spiral into wider, regional inter-communal strife

United Nations, Sept 28 — Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the open debate of the Security Council on Myanmar, in New York today: On 2 September, I wrote to this Council urging concerted efforts to prevent further escalation of the crisis in northern Rakhine State.  I am encouraged that the Council has discussed […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

Israeli newspaper of courage calls on its military to stop arming criminals in Myanmar

Tel Aviv — Lawmakers from across the spectrum should come together to put an immediate stop to Israel’s weapons sales to Myanmar, where crimes against humanity are being committed, according to the lead editorial published on Sep 27 in Israel’s newspaper of courage, Ha’aretz. In its second editorial this month on the same subject, the […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

Chile projects tourism to hit new record in 2017

SANTIAGO DE CHILE, Sept 28 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA)–The Chilean Tourism industry is on the verge of meeting its goals for 2017, with record figures after the arrival this year of more than 6.4 million tourists, official sources confirmed today. Minister of Economy and Tourism Jorge Rodriguez Grossi praised the promotional work by Chile in the current […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

United Nations: Act Now to End and Remedy Crimes Against Humanity in Myanmar

NEW YORK and BANGKOK, September 28, 2017, Fortify Rights media release — The United Nations Security Council and U.N. member states should act urgently to impose an arms embargo on the Myanmar military and targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for atrocity crimes against Rohingya Muslims and others in Rakhine State, Fortify Rights said today. U.N. […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

India: AirAsia, Zoomcar Partner for Rental Car Service

MUMBAI, India Sept 28 (NNN-PTI) — Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia yesterday said it has teamed up with self-drive car rental company Zoomcar to provide mobility solutions to its customers to and from airports. The facility will be available to all group airlines including AirAsia-India. The tie-up allows AirAsia guests to book Zoomcar for their local […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

Malaysia Airports to Offer Alipay Service For Chinese Tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Sept 28 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has partnered China’s Ant Financial Services Group to offer the Alipay service for Chinese tourists travelling in the country. Managing Director, Badlisham Ghazali, said Malaysia airports hoped to created awareness, boost interest and also strengthen its brand positioning among Chinese travellers through the […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

Abu Dhabi Hotels See 13% Rise in Guests in Aug

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Sept 28 (NNN-WAM) – Abu Dhabi witnessed a dramatic double-digit increase, in the number of hotel guests in Aug, compared with the same period in 2016, helping to push up the total number of guests staying in the emirate, to more than 3.1 million, in the first eight months of […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

Bahrain Airport Ad Contract Awarded to French-Based JCDecaux

MANAMA, Bahrain, Sept 28 (NNN-BNA) – Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, awarded the airport’s much coveted advertising contract to the Paris-based outdoor advertising agency JCDecaux. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Engineer Kamal […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

3 Million Reusable Bags Given to Malaysian Consumers in 2017 to slow the Plastic Tide

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) — It’s quite easy to picture a row of children proudly waving the Jalur Gemilang during our Merdeka celebrations, or hundreds of Malaysians singing Negaraku at the annual Independence Day parade.  Now, try to imagine five trillion plastic bags lining the ground of our beloved Mother Earth. You may be […]

more…

29 Sep, 2017

Malaysia Received 1.8 Million Thai Tourists Last Year

BANGKOK, Thailand, Sept 28, (NNN-Bernama) — About 1.8 million tourists from Thailand visited Malaysia last year, a growth of 32.5 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2015, according to the Tourism Malaysia Thailand. The trend of strong growth in tourist arrivals from Thailand is expected to continue this year, says its director, Abdul […]

more…