29 Sep, 2017

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

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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 […]

29 Sep, 2017

Malaysia Received 1.8 Million Thai Tourists Last Year

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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 […]

21 Sep, 2017

US$4,000 prize money for first global essay competition linking Travel & Tourism to UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Bangkok – Today, Sept 21 2017, Travel Impact Newswire marks the United Nations International Day of Peace by launching an essay competition on how Travel & Tourism can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Olive Tree Awards essay competition is claimed to be the first of its kind in the global Travel & […]

20 Sep, 2017

10-Point Plan to Stop Tropical Forest Deforestation Launched

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New York City, USA, 19 September 2017 – The World Economic Forum-hosted Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 is advocating a 10-point plan to remove deforestation from commodity supply chains by 2020. Aimed at company executives, policy-makers and civil society leaders, the Commodities and Forests Agenda 2020 plan lays out strategies to address one of the biggest […]

19 Sep, 2017

China-ASEAN collaboration brings tourism boom

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Beijing, Xinhua, 2017-09-15 – Vincent Hou, a tour guide from Brunei, speaks Mandarin thanks to practicing with Chinese tourists. “I can speak Cantonese, Hakka, Malay, English and Mandarin, so it’s no wonder that I had an accent when speaking Mandarin. But my customers from the Chinese mainland, especially the elderly, often corrected me,” said Hou, […]

19 Sep, 2017

Integration or disIntegration: Democracy and human rights at risk as ASEAN turns 50, parliamentarians warn

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MANILA, 19 September 2017, APHR media release — As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrates its 50th year of existence, the region faces a human rights crisis and the future of democracy is at risk, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) said today. Speaking at a press conference in Manila, lawmakers from Malaysia […]

19 Sep, 2017

Maritime link between Songkhla – Penang in the pipeline

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BANGKOK, Thailand Sept 15 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia’s proposal for a better connectivity between Songkla Port in southern Thailand and Penang Port has received a thumbs-up from Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. The premier said both countries would intensify discussions on the matter as it could be of mutual benefit. “We share the border, so, […]

19 Sep, 2017

World Bank: Enabling tourism could help lift Palestinian economic growth to 7%

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JERUSALEM, September 12, 2017 (World Bank press release) – The World Bank released a report today that calls for a new vision for the Palestinian economy that can lift growth to an average of 7 percent per year. While recognizing the critical importance of a political settlement, the report argues that measures over the medium […]

19 Sep, 2017

Bangkok summit to mull escalating HIV/AIDS epidemic, fuelled by Gay X

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BANGKOK, September 18, 2017 (APCOM media release): Some of the Asia Pacific region’s leading health, rights and community advocates have lent their support to a special summit in Bangkok in November aimed at revitalizing the region’s response to the HIV epidemic and its impact on vulnerable communities. The RRRAP Summit – which stands for Rights, […]

13 Sep, 2017

Hotel chains rated highly in America’s Most Trustworthy Brands Survey

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SANTA ANA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 12, 2017 — Amazon is America’s most trustworthy brand following by Marriott, Microsoft, Hilton and Southwest Airlines. Hotels and electronics are the country’s most trusted brand categories while auto insurers and mobile communications rank lowest on the public trust spectrum. Those are the findings of a first-ever national survey and peer […]

13 Sep, 2017

Lecture: “In Search of a Prophet” – Kahlil Gibran: An Unparalleled Guide for Our Times

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Washington DC — Paul-Gordon Chandler. Author, Interfaith Advocate, and Art Curator, will be delivering a special lecture on his newly-published book “In Search of a Prophet” which traces the life and work of the Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran. The lecture will be held on September 15, 2017, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm at the The […]

11 Sep, 2017

Why the monolingual British need multilingual migrants in hospitality and tourism

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By David Tarsh London — Since the UK voted to leave the EU, cries to “take back control of our borders” have come thick and fast from the Brexit hard-liners. The EU migrants most in the firing line include those working in the hospitality industry. Research commissioned by the British Hospitality Association (BHA) revealed that […]

11 Sep, 2017

Israel blamed for arming Myanmar amidst anti-Rohingya atrocities

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CAIRO, Egypt, Sept 10 (NNN-MENA) – Human rights groups criticised Israel, for the continued sale of weaponry to the Myanmar junta, amid violence against Rohingya Muslims, local media reported, on Saturday. More than 100 tanks, as well as, boats and light weapons have been sold to the Myanmar government by Israeli arms companies, investigations by […]

11 Sep, 2017

Indonesian MPs issue united call for immediate action to halt Myanmar atrocities in Rakhine State

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JAKARTA, 11 September 2017 (ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights statement) — Indonesian lawmakers from multiple parties issued a joint call from the halls of Parliament today for an immediate end to atrocities in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, urging their own government to do more to help resolve the crisis, including by exercising regional leadership to get […]

9 Sep, 2017

Asia-Pacific environmental crime fighters recognized for tackling illegal trade in chemicals, hazardous waste

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Bangkok, 7 September 2017: (UNEP media release): Poor enforcement of environmental regulations is a major problem in the travel & tourism industry. Industry events looking for award-winning crime-fighters to address them as speakers on the challenge may find it useful to contact any of the eight winners of this year’s Asia Environmental Enforcement Awards. Enforcement […]

9 Sep, 2017

Ridesharing helps injured workers meet medical appointments, improve transparency

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sept 7 — Digital devices and mobile applications are breathing new life into traditional workers’ compensation services—this was a key takeaway from the session, “Ridesharing Technology: Transforming Transportation in Workers’ Compensation,” presented at the 2017 California Workers’ Compensation & Risk Conference in Dana Point, California. “Until recently, the workers’ compensation industry relied […]

9 Sep, 2017

Research study: Alcohol industry misleading the public about cancer risk

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London, 8 September 2017 (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) – The alcohol industry (AI) is misrepresenting evidence about the alcohol-related risk of cancer with activities that have parallels with those of the tobacco industry, according to new research published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review. Led by the London School of Hygiene […]

9 Sep, 2017

FREE Download: Amadeus report pinpoints why travelers click “Buy” at the Moment of Truth

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MADRID–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 07, 2017 — A new report published today by Amadeus, ‘Embracing airline digital transformation: a spotlight on what travelers value’, sheds new light on what travelers value when shopping for a flight. Today retailers from a multitude of sectors have reinvented the customer experience. However, the challenge often lies in working out what […]

9 Sep, 2017

Insurance claims clarified as hurricane season disrupts travel across the Caribbean and Southeast U.S.

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STEVENS POINT, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 08, 2017 — Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, Hurricane Irma is on a path to wreak havoc on the Caribbean and Florida, already forcing cancelled flights and cancelled, shortened and rerouted cruise vacations. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP.com) offers travelers tips on the ins and outs […]

4 Sep, 2017

Sponsorship support grows for landmark SDG publication, The Olive Tree

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Bangkok — The September-October 2017 of The Olive Tree, the first and only publication designed to help travel & tourism become a more enthusiastic part of the solution in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has just been published. Click here to download FREE. September is an important month for global travel & tourism. The […]

2 Sep, 2017

First Command survey: Financial concerns prompting U.S. military families to rein in vacations

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FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 30, 2017 – Anxiety over the future of defense spending and the economy are prompting many of America’s career military families to rein in their summer vacation plans. First Command’s annual survey on summer vacation spending reveals that 84 percent of middle-class military families (commissioned officers and senior NCOs in pay […]

1 Sep, 2017

Shanghai to host Asia’s leading musical instruments fair, Oct 11-14

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SHANGHAI, Sept. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Music China, known as one of the most reputable musical instruments fairs in the world, will be held on October 11-14, 2017 in Shanghai New International Expo Center. Launched in 2002, jointly organized by China Music Instrument Association (CMIA), Shanghai Intex Exhibition, and Messe Frankfurt, Music China now is […]

1 Sep, 2017

World Bank Group to boost funding for peace-building and development in Mindanao

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WASHINGTON, August 31, 2017 (World Bank media release) — The World Bank Group will scale up support for peace-building and development in Mindanao as part of the midterm adjustment of its country partnership strategy. This follows the completion of the Performance and Learning Review report (PLR) endorsed today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive […]

31 Aug, 2017

Africa visitor arrivals projected at 18 mln in 2017, driven by digitalisation, niche tourism

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Market Research Company Euromonitor International revealed today the key trends shaping travel and tourism in Africa at the 41st Annual World Tourism Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. According to Euromonitor International’s new data, international arrivals to Africa are projected to grow by 6.5 percent in 2017, to […]

31 Aug, 2017

Business jet company launches app to promote one-way and empty leg flights

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LONDON, Aug 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VistaJet, global aviation company, has launched VistaJet Direct, an app-based digital membership offering priority access to VistaJet’s one-way and empty leg flights at preferential rates. VistaJet sets another milestone of what the future of private travel will look like, becoming the only company in its sector to offer a […]

31 Aug, 2017

New Atlanta Stadium installs waterless urinals, saving annual water bill by $230,000

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VISTA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 29, 2017— The new home for the Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes Benz Stadium, has just opened in Atlanta and has already been called the most environmentally responsible sports venue ever built. The stadium was first planned in 2007. Since then, there has been much more focus on green and sustainability issues. As a […]

31 Aug, 2017

Air Travel to Totality Cities Nearly Doubled for Aug 21 U.S. Solar Eclipse

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ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 30, 2017 – The August 21 solar eclipse proved to be a highlight of the 2017 summer travel season as air travel to U.S. cities located along the path of totality nearly doubled for the weekend prior to the eclipse compared to 2016*, according to analysis by the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). The […]

29 Aug, 2017

Grants help Australian researchers and SMEs go global

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Canberra, 17 August 2017, (Ministry of Industry News) –Eighteen Australian researchers and 11 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) will share in $1.4 million in government grants to meet and collaborate with global partners to progress their ideas.  The grants, under the Global Connections Fund,  will provide seed funding to help viable Australian projects to grow in scope and […]

29 Aug, 2017

Young people in despair as conditions deteriorate in Israeli-blockaded Gaza

GAZA, Palestine, 12 August 2017, (NNN-XINHUA) – Mahmoud Taha, a man in his mid-20’s from the Gaza Strip, is dominated by despair, due to the deteriorating conditions in the blockaded territory. Working 15 hours a day, Taha’s daily income is below 20 New Israeli Sheqel (NIS), or about six U.S. dollars, which forced him to […]

29 Aug, 2017

Construction of Thailand-China high-speed railway to start in October

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Bangkok, 20 August 2017, (Xinhua) — China and Thailand are working together to sign two contracts of the first phase of Thailand-China railway project in September to begin the construction work of the first section in October, Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said in a statement Saturday. According to the statement, the two countries concluded negotiations of […]

29 Aug, 2017

Guizhou becomes 6th Chinese regional govt to ban alcohol at official events

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22 August 2017, (China Daily) — Guizhou government has banned serving of all alcohol at official functions for civil servants effective from Sept 1. Rolling out the strictest regulation, the government said no alcohol, including those offered by individuals or organizations, will be served at official receptions and functions. It bans civil servants from using […]

29 Aug, 2017

Indonesia acts to curb stunted child growth via improved nutrition

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Jakarta, 26 August 2017, (ANTARA News) — Children are the most valuable assets of a nation, as the future of a country lies in their hands. If the children are malnourished, they will experience stunted growth, and their brain development will not be normal. Indonesia is currently facing the issue of child malnutrition, and the […]

29 Aug, 2017

Malaysia wins bid to host World Congress of Surgery 2021

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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2017,  (Bernama) — The International Society of Surgery (ISS) has announced that Malaysia will play host to the 49th World Congress of Surgery (WCS) in 2021. The announcement was made by ISS at the 47th WCS General Assembly, which is currently being held in Basel, Switzerland. The Malaysian delegations to this […]

29 Aug, 2017

Anzac Portal brings Australia’s war history to life

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Australia, 17 August 2017, (DVA News) — Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Mr Dan Tehan today encouraged Australians to visit the Anzac Portal website after a recent renovation. The Anzac Portal website at http://www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/ aims to promote awareness of Australia’s wartime history. Mr Tehan said the portal now contained information and educational resources spanning campaigns from […]

29 Aug, 2017

Malaysian E-sports academy kicks off with a Dota 2 Training Bootcamp

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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2017, (Bernama) — The Academy of Esports (AOES), Iskandar Malaysia’s first Esports education institute, was officially opened for registration from aspiring gamers and game enthusiasts; taking the future of Esports in Malaysia a step higher. During at an event at Makespace, Kuala Lumpur, AOES offers certification-level education and is powered by […]

29 Aug, 2017

12 global cities slated to participate in Asia’s biggest Smart City event

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SHAH ALAM, Malaysia Aug 28 (Bernama) — Barcelona and Selangor have come together to collaborate on the Selangor Smart City & Future Commerce Convention 2017. The convention from 7 – 9 September at Setia City Convention Centre is set to be the first of its kind in the region to explore how smart, digital & […]

26 Aug, 2017

UN rights experts criticize US failure to unequivocally reject racist violent events

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 23 August 2017 – The United Nations body monitoring implementation of the global convention on prohibiting racial discrimination has called on high-level politicians and public officials of the United States to unequivocally and unconditionally reject and condemn racist hate speech and crimes in Charlottesville and throughout the country. “We are […]

26 Aug, 2017

Chinese tourists can now use Alipay in all 242 Starbucks across Malaysia

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HANGZHOU, China, Aug 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Alipay, the world’s largest online and mobile payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group (“Ant Financial”, “Ant”), is now available for Mainland Chinese tourists at all 242 Starbucks branches across Malaysia. Chinese tourists can find a nearest Starbucks through the in-app Discovery platform, and pay for their […]

26 Aug, 2017

New platform launched in Malaysia as a “One Stop Centre” for holistic tourism services

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) — TW Global Connections Sdn Bhd, also known as “Tours Wealth”, a uniquely positioned entity in the Tourism Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 22 Associate companies along with a Distributorship Agreement with Forest City, Johor; confirming collaboration of joint related Tourism activities benefitting Malaysia and ASEAN. […]

24 Aug, 2017

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Uncovers U.S. Passport Holders More Likely to Be Content with Their Lives

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MCLEAN, Va., 17 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Approximately 41 percent of Americans have a valid U.S. passport,1 and it turns out, that’s a good thing. Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton (NYSE: HLT), has uncovered that Americans with passports are more likely to be content with their lives than those who do not […]

24 Aug, 2017

China’s middle class face peer pressure to send kids on study tours abroad

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Beijing, 10 August 2017, (Global Times) — China’s urban middle class are under growing peer pressure to send their kids on expensive study tours abroad which have become the latest fad. Recently, a post titled “A monthly salary of 30,000 yuan could not afford [my] child’s summer holiday” has been widely circulated on social networks […]

21 Aug, 2017

Chinese Artificial Intelligence software beats doctors at diagnosing certain diseases

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Beijing, (Xinhua) August 20, 2017 — After listening to the patient’s symptoms, “he” provides checklists for the patient and medical advice based on the results. Then the therapy will be verified by human doctors. A China-made AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based software made its debut Saturday at a seminar held in Hengyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. […]

21 Aug, 2017

Chinese Commentary: US is not a human rights paradise, nor the world’s moral leader

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By Shi Feiran (People’s Daily Online) Beijing, 17 Aug 2017 – The U.S. Department of State issued its report on International Religious Freedom for 2016, once again using human rights as a political tool to interfere in the internal affairs of China, tarnish its international image, and promote U.S. strategic interests. In response to the report, […]

17 Aug, 2017

Next wave of U.S. white supremacist hate rallies planned on Sept 9

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(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/16/2017) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on officials in cities targeted by a nationwide series of hate rallies scheduled for September 9 to step up security measures to ensure public safety. [NOTE: Earlier today, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter called on the […]

17 Aug, 2017

‘Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia are poisoning our societies’ – UN chief

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United Nations, 16 August 2017, (UN News) – Urging people everywhere to speak out against hate speech and hate crimes, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today reiterated his call for tolerance, respect for the other and the importance of recognizing diversity. “Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia are, as I mentioned yesterday, poisoning our societies,” the […]

17 Aug, 2017

New Analytics Product Helps Airbnb Hosts Compete with Hotels

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DENVER, 16 August 2017, (PRNewswire) — Leading provider of vacation rental data AirDNA has released a cutting-edge market intelligence product to help professionalize the Airbnb host community. Market Minder displays key hospitality metrics for every Airbnb rental worldwide, enabling hosts to compete on the same level as hotel executives. In a simple, interactive dashboard complete […]

13 Aug, 2017

AirAsia celebrates inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Langkawi

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LANGKAWI, Aug 10 (Bernama) — Low-cost airline AirAsia today welcomed its inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Langkawi with 89 percent load factor. The flight AK 1713 was greeted by a water canon salute upon arrival into Langkawi International Airport and was also received by Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, Chief Executive Officer, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). […]

13 Aug, 2017

UNITE HERE files Federal labor charges against Anbang demanding hotel ownership disclosure

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CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 10, 2017 – UNITE HERE this week filed federal unfair labor practice charges against Anbang Insurance Group and three of its hotel operators for failing to comply with its request for information on the firm’s ownership and sources of financing. The charges come as China-based Anbang reportedly may be under pressure to sell […]

12 Aug, 2017

30% of Palestinian population are millennials, aged 15-29

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RAMALLAH, August 10, 2017 (WAFA) – Marking the International Youth Day and under the theme “Youth, Peace and Security”, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said Thursday that a third of the Palestinian society is young. Statistics show that the percentage of youth in the age group of 15 to 29 in Palestine comprises […]

12 Aug, 2017

Cancer-stricken Palestinian woman dies after Israel delays permit to reach hospital

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GAZA, August 10, 2017 (WAFA) – A 47-year-old woman with cancer died in Gaza on Tuesday Aug 8 while waiting for an Israeli army permit to get treatment in a hospital outside Gaza, al-Mezan human rights center said on Thursday. It said Itimad Fathi Rabi, from Shabora refugee camp in Rafah, was suffering from cancer […]

10 Aug, 2017

JetBlue Partners with Gladly to “put Humanity back into Air Travel”

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SAN FRANCISCO & NEW YORK, 8 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) and Gladly, a modern customer service platform, today announced a partnership that will enable travelers to have one continuous conversation with JetBlue’s customer support team across multiple communication channels. Gladly’s people-centered approach empowers companies like JetBlue to humanize the customer service experience by treating […]

10 Aug, 2017

U.S. News & World Report Reveals 2017-18 Best Travel Rewards Programs

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WASHINGTON, 9 August 2017, (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Cruise Lines and Best Vacations, today announced the 2017-18 Best Travel Rewards Programs. The annual rankings identify 26 hotel and airline loyalty programs with the most rewarding perks for everyday travelers. Marriott Rewards ranks No. 1 in Best Hotel […]

10 Aug, 2017

XE.com Global Payments Report: Top Reasons People Transfer the US$ around the World

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SAN FRANCISCO, 8 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–XE.com, part of Euronet Worldwide, Inc., (NASDAQ: EEFT) one of the world’s largest global payments companies, today announced findings from its global payments report based on U.S. dollar transactions that shows when, where, and for what reasons U.S. residents transfer money around the world. “Now is a great time […]

10 Aug, 2017

ComPsych Wellness Report 2017: High Rate of Employees Taking Medication for Chronic Conditions

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CHICAGO, 7 August 2017, (BUSINESS WIRE)–ComPsych today released its yearly aggregate report of health assessments across its book of business, including data from hundreds of thousands of employees of all ages, occupations, regions and industries. The report provides a snapshot of employee physical and emotional health as well as guidance for employers on how to […]

10 Aug, 2017

Last chance to enroll for unique Farm Tourism Course in the Philippines

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Manila — Farm tourism is a fast-growing branch of sustainable tourism that offers additional and significant income for farmers and local communities. It offers tourists a respite from the city by going back to the simple, healthy and down-to-earth lifestyle of the countryside. This course aims to provide the basics of setting up your own […]

9 Aug, 2017

Entries for 21st Japan Media Arts Festival Now Open

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Japan, Tokyo, 1 August 2017, (Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet) –The Japan Media Arts Festival Executive Committee is now accepting entries for the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival. All artists around the world, without distinction as to professional, amateur, independent, or commercial, are invited to submit their works to the four divisions — Art, Entertainment, Animation, and Manga. […]

9 Aug, 2017

European taxpayers fork out another €20M to July payment of Palestinian salaries and pensions

JERUSALEM, 3 August 2017, (WAFA) — The European Union Thursday contributed €20 million to the payment of July salaries and pensions of 57,500 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners. This is the third yearly contribution in the framework of its Direct Financial Support to the Palestinian Authority (PA). “For the year 2017, the EU has allocated […]

9 Aug, 2017

Interbrand Releases First-Ever Best Asia Brands Study: Engage to Grow

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SINGAPORE, 1 Aug 2017, (Bernama-Business Wire)–For the first time, Interbrand has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the best brands in Asia. The 2017 study compiles insights from Best Japan Brands, Best China Brands, Best Korea Brands and Best India Brands, while delving into how brands are growing within Australia and the markets of Southeast […]

9 Aug, 2017

ASEAN to deepen regional integration as it marks Golden Jubilee

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MANILA, 8 August 2017, (ASEAN Secretariat News) – Today, ASEAN celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of its journey. To mark this golden jubilee, various commemorative activities are being carried out across the region. A tribute to the five Founding Fathers at a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN is scheduled today in Manila, the Philippines – […]

9 Aug, 2017

Full text: ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN

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8 August 2017, (ASEAN Secretariat News) — The following is the full text of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN. 1. The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN is a historic occasion that highlights our success in building an ASEAN Community that is rules-based, people-oriented, and people- centered. 2. As we celebrate this […]

9 Aug, 2017

Malaysia hosts ASEAN 50th Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony and Related Commemorative Events

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 August 2017, (Bernama) — The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) commemorates its 50th founding anniversary today, 8 August 2017. This is a significant milestones year for the regional bloc. The extended community of ASEAN with the important pillars of political, economic and social shows the solidarity of its own community […]

9 Aug, 2017

ASEAN MPs call for stronger protections for migrants and refugees

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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2017, (APHR News) –ASEAN lawmakers urged regional governments today to do more to protect migrant workers and refugees, arguing that all members of the ASEAN community are entitled to basic rights and deserve to have their dignity and humanity respected. Members of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) made the call […]

5 Aug, 2017

Pew Research: Globally, more people see U.S. power and influence as a major threat

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August 1, 2017 (Pew Research Centre) – Concerns about American power and influence have risen in countries around the world amid steep drops in U.S. favorability and confidence in the U.S. president. Across 30 nations surveyed by Pew Research Center both in 2013 and this spring, a median of 38% now say U.S. power and […]

5 Aug, 2017

Indian Armed Forces veterans condemn Modi govt: “Dissent is not treason”

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New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) A group of Indian armed forces veterans have flagged their concern over “divisiveness” and “relentless vigilantism” gripping the country and condemned the targeting of Muslims and Dalits. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 114 veterans wrote that issues like vigilantism and “targeting of Muslims and Dalits” have […]

5 Aug, 2017

The “Cooler Lumpur” Festival of Ideas returns for its fifth instalment 17-20 August

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) — Southeast Asia’s first and only festival of ideas, The Cooler Lumpur Festival, will be returning with its fifth edition – Notes from the Future – at its home ground Publika, Solaris Dutamas from 17 to 20 August 2017. The KL-centric festival that adopts specific themes each year, aims to […]

5 Aug, 2017

ETOA Statement: Ministerial Response to European Border Delays is ‘Self-Mutilation’

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London, 4 August 2017 (ETOA media release) – The new Schengen border controls, which were planned and announced before the Brexit vote last year, impose rigorous checks on those people entering the Schengen zone, which embraces 26 European countries. This has caused severe delays – the very kind of delays routinely experienced by visitors entering […]

5 Aug, 2017

U.S. Govt’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Approach Continues to Single Out Muslims

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By CAIR Government Affairs Coordinator Amineh Safi (aSafi@cair.com) Last week, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a congressional hearing examining the government’s policy for countering violent extremism (CVE) domestically.  Disappointingly, like the federal government’s overall CVE program, the oversight committee singled out the American Muslim community as the sole focus of its countering violent extremism […]

3 Aug, 2017

European passengers face four-hour security queues, flight delays this summer

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Brussels, 27 July 2017, (A4E) –Thousands of flights recently had to be delayed because EU border controls are significantly understaffed to comply with tightened immigration checks — some passengers even missed their flights. During this busy summer travel season, airline travellers have become victims of the disproportionate impact that the implementation of a new EU […]

3 Aug, 2017

Hundreds of Jewish extremists break into Al-Aqsa mosque compound

Jerusalem, 1 August 2017, (WAFA) – More than 800 Israeli settlers Tuesday forced their way into al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, only a few days after the mosque was reopened to Muslim worshipers following a two-week closure by Israeli authorities. WAFA correspondent said about 870 settlers under heavy police protection entered the holy site […]

3 Aug, 2017

Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa Brings Luxury Stays to Thailand’s Nostalgic Seaside Destination

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Thailand, Bangkok, 1 August 2017 — Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa is fast becoming a favoured family vacation choice for domestic and international travellers looking to combine a modern luxury escape with engaging multigenerational activities and in a classic beachside setting. The 196-key resort offers luxury, quality and convenience in abundance with a fresh, […]

1 Aug, 2017

Langkawi’s PATA Event to help Malaysia hit 2020 tourism target

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Malaysia, Langkawi, 29 July 2017, (NNN-Bernama) — The PATA Travel Mart 2018, to be held in Langkawi, will pave the way for Malaysia to achieve its 2020 target of 36 million tourist arrivals annually with a RM168-billion income from the tourism industry. Tourism Malaysia director-general, Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said the event, which will be held […]

1 Aug, 2017

Malaysia: Wat Charok Padang Continues to Attract Tourists

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Malaysia, SIK, 27 July 2017, (NNN-Bernama) — A bottle-shaped Buddhist temple, Wat Charok Padang, here continues to attract tourists who came to see the First Bottle-Made Temple in Malaysia as listed in the Malaysia Book of Records. The temple, which was inspired from Wat Pa Maha Kaew or the Temple of Million Bottles in Sisaket, […]

1 Aug, 2017

Qatar Airways Sticks to Plane Orders Despite Crisis

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Doha, Qatar, 29 July 2017, (NNN-QNA) — Qatar Airways continues to make money, and will go through with jet orders it’s already committed to, as the nation seeks an international ruling, restoring its access to air corridors, the Minister of Transport & Communications, Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, said. “We are continuing and maybe we’ll go […]

1 Aug, 2017

Kenya Eyes More Chinese Tourists After Jack Ma’s Visit

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Kenya, Nairobi, 31 July 2017, (NNN-Xinhua) — Kenya’s tourism marketers promised to bring more Chinese tourists to the East African nation after a visit by Chinese business magnate Jack Ma. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said travel agents have termed the visit by the billionaire a major boost and endorsement to their campaigns – that seek […]

1 Aug, 2017

New Air Route to link Vietnam’s Da Nang and China’s Zuni

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China, Beijing, 31 July 2017, (NNN-Bernama) — Chinese tourist arrivals in Vietnam are expected to rise after the launch of a direct air route between Vietnam’s Da Nang city and China’s Zunyi city, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. The route, to start on Aug 5 and served by an Airbus A321, will take off at […]

1 Aug, 2017

China to boost green manufacturing in Yangtze River Economic Belt

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China, Beijing, 30 July 2017, (Xinhua) — China will develop green manufacturing in the Yangtze River Economic Belt to reduce pollution and boost economic growth. The total industrial output of green manufacturing in the region will reach 5 trillion yuan (742 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020, according to guidelines released by the Ministry of Industry […]

1 Aug, 2017

Chinese smart bike-sharing platform Mobike launches service in London

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LONDON, 31 July 2017, (Xinhua) — Chinese bike-sharing company Mobike on Monday announced the launch of its popular service in London, starting in the West London borough of Ealing. The launch comes hot on the heels of Mobike’s success in launching the UK’s first council and community backed bicycle sharing scheme in Manchester just a […]

1 Aug, 2017

Thai conglomerate to invest US$311 million in Maldives’ first multi-island resort

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Republic of Maldives, Male, 31 July 2017, (PRNewswire) — Mr. Moosa Zameer, Minister of Tourism, joined Chairman of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, Mr. Chutinant Bhirombhakdi; Director, Chairman of Executive Committee, Mr. Chayanin Debhakam, D.B.A; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Naris Cheyklin; and the company’s Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Thiti Thongbenjamas, at an official groundbreaking ceremony […]

1 Aug, 2017

Traveloka raises nearly US$500 million to tap potential of Southeast Asia travel market

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, 31 July 2017,(PRNewswire) — Traveloka announced today that the company has raised approximately $500 million through investments from global online travel leader Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), East Ventures, Hillhouse Capital Group, JD.com and Sequoia Capital within the last year. The investment by Expedia, Inc. will deepen the existing partnership in hotel supply, allowing Traveloka to provide even greater selection […]

1 Aug, 2017

China supports two-state solution on Palestinian issue: President Xi

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BEIJING, 18 July 2017, (Xinhua) — China supports a political settlement of the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution, President Xi Jinping said Tuesday. China supports Palestine in building an independent, full sovereignty state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, Xi said in his talks with visiting Palestinian […]

1 Aug, 2017

UN agency develops new guidelines to help countries better monitor forest resources

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26 July 2017, (UN News) – The United Nations agriculture agency has created new guidelines to help countries develop a strong mechanism to monitor national forest resources. “The demand for reliable, up-to-date and more diverse forestry data and stronger analytical capacities at a national level has grown considerably in recent years,” said Eva Muller, Director […]

1 Aug, 2017

“This Is Palestine” documentary charts brutality of life under Israeli boot

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Israeli-occupied Palestine, 16 June 2017, (TrocairePLUS)–‘This Is Palestine’ follows the journey of Riverdance founder John McColgan through the West Bank and Gaza as he explores the impact of ongoing conflict and military occupation on the people who live there. The documentary features powerful interviews with people who have lost their home, land and family members […]

1 Aug, 2017

More Chinese students go on overseas study tours

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BEIJING, 29 July 2017, (Xinhua) — More and more Chinese students are putting overseas study tours on their agenda this summer. Consisting of language courses, sightseeing and international communication, study tours meet the demands of Chinese parents and students for a long and fruitful holiday, despite high costs of around 4,000 to 6,000 U.S. dollars. […]

1 Aug, 2017

China to plow big money into emerging industries

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BEIJING, 30 July 2017, (Xinhua) — China is set to boost investment in emerging sectors ranging from artificial intelligence to biopharmaceuticals as it seeks fresh growth impetus in the new industrial revolution. A number of local authorities, including Ningxia, Guangxi and Shandong, have rolled out support policies and detailed investment plans, eyeing a bigger proportion […]

1 Aug, 2017

Chinese tourists to Vietnam up 51% in 7 Months

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Hanoi, Vietnam, 28 July 2017, (NNN-Xinhua) — Vietnam is estimated to welcome over 2.2 million Chinese visitors in the first seven months of this year, up 51 percent against the same period last year, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said on Friday. Vietnam this year has so far received a total of over 7.2 […]

30 Jul, 2017

89 Chinese uber-rich to go on uber-luxury holiday to Kenya, Tahiti

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by Zhang Lei Beijing, chinadaily.com.cn, 2017-07-28 – Crystal Skye, a luxury Boeing 777, will leave Hong Kong on Sept 30 for maiden eight-day cruise to Kenya and then Tahiti. Only 86 Chinese passengers will take the trip and be waited on by butlers and served Michelin-star quality food. The plane can hold up to 450 […]

29 Jul, 2017

Cruises: European Union moves to improve working conditions of seafarers on EU-flagged ships

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Brussels, 27 July 2017, European Commission media release – The European Commission is proposing that an agreement between social partners to improve the working conditions of seafarers on board of EU-flagged vessels, be enshrined in EU law. The proposal will ensure that seafarers are better protected against abandonment in foreign ports in the future, and […]

27 Jul, 2017

UK 20-something fashion designer details harsh reality of modern dating in chatty, real-life memoir

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LONDON, July 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Remember the story about the girl kissing a frog and how the frog turned into a charming Prince? Well, this is it, except for the turning into a charming Prince part. In her hilarious debut novel, Katie Miller writes candidly about the dating life of a twentysomething single girl and […]

27 Jul, 2017

Tech Leaders, Office Workers Say Email Will Continue to Dominate in 2020, Followed by Instant Messaging

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MENLO PARK, Calif., July 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — While offices are steadily going paperless, inboxes will still be filling up in the next three years, according to respondents in two surveys recently conducted by Robert Half Technology. Regardless of their relationship to the technology – either those leading the group who manages and implements communication platforms […]

27 Jul, 2017

Vancouver Rally on July 30 For Pluralist India

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Source: An Hour For India — by Press Release — There has been a systematic attack on the rich pluralist society and culture of India since Narendra Modi came to power with a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) majority in 2014. A secular, democratic republic with guaranteed citizenship rights and constitutional protection of minorities is in the […]

27 Jul, 2017

Welk Resorts Files Suit Against Timeshare Exit Team For Alleged “Racketeering Scheme”

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SAN DIEGO, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE –Welk Resorts, developer of family-friendly vacation resorts, has filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against Reid Hein & Associates, operating as “Timeshare Exit Team,” and law firms in two states for allegedly operating a nationwide racketeering scheme to induce vacation owners to […]

27 Jul, 2017

87% of Retailers to Increase Use of AI in Customer Engagement During Next 24 Months – Research study

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SUNNYVALE, Calif., 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE —Linc, the customer care automation platform that powers digital experiences to strengthen brand/shopper relationships, today announced the release of its new research study, How AI Technology Will Transform Customer Engagement. In partnership with BrandGarage, this study highlights the overwhelming emphasis retail executives are placing on automated platforms to improve […]

27 Jul, 2017

Busan One Asia Festival, Asian No.1 Korean Wave Festival, to be held in October

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BUSAN, South Korea, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–Best K-pop singers will meet their Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans from all over the world in Busan in October. They will come together in the 2017 Busan One Asia Festival (BOF), Asian No.1 Korean Wave Festival. The fest will be hosted by Busan Metropolitan City Government and run […]

27 Jul, 2017

AIDS still a global “burning crisis”

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PARIS, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE –The latest data presented at the 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science in Paris suggest that the AIDS crisis is on track to be over by 2020, but many persistent problems with access to treatment and prevention in hard-hit countries seem to contradict this optimistic outlook. “We are concerned that leaders […]

27 Jul, 2017

Amazon Introduces Prime Now in Singapore: Free Two-Hour Delivery on Tens of Thousands of Items

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SEATTLE, 26 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the launch of Prime Now in Singapore, which offers free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items right from your phone. Customers can shop on the Prime Now app for everything on their list from eggs, cold beer and ice cream to baby […]

21 Jul, 2017

Thousands of Palestinians march towards Al-Aqsa to protest Israeli mosque restrictions

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JERUSALEM, July 21, 2017 (WAFA) – Thousands of Palestinians Friday afternoon marched towards Jerusalem’s Old City to express their rejection of the metal detectors, which the Israeli cabinet has decided to leave in place despite Palestinian protests. Islamic Waqf in charge of running the mosque compound called earlier this week on Palestinians in East Jerusalem […]

21 Jul, 2017

U.S. Retailers Say Border Tax Would Shift Corporate Tax Burden to Consumers

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WASHINGTON, 19 July 2017, BUSINESS WIRE–The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to reject a proposed border adjustment tax that would drive up the price of imported merchandise, saying the measure would force consumers to pay the cost of lowering taxes for large corporations. “The solution for reducing the corporate tax rate should not be […]

21 Jul, 2017

Chinese community joins S. Africans in marking Mandela Day by helping the poor

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CAPE TOWN, 20 July 2017, Xinhua — The Chinese community in Cape Town joined South Africans on Tuesday in marking the Nelson Mandela International Day by helping the poor. The Chinese Community Police Forum (CCPF) in the Cape West Coast hosted a charity event by donating daily necessities to the elderly at a time when […]

21 Jul, 2017

Chinese tourism study reveals expenditure shift from shopping to culture

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Beijing, 15 July 2017, China Daily — Chinese tourists are the biggest spenders in the world, but increasingly direct their dollars away from shopping to local culture. Their overall trip expenditure is still on the rise, according to a recent survey. The new study by Oliver Wyman, an international management consulting firm, covered 2,000 correspondents […]

21 Jul, 2017

China tightens regulation of private museums

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Beijing, 20 July 2017, Xinhua — China has issued new rules to strengthen the management of non-state-owned museums, forbidding private museums to distribute property among founders and sponsors when they are shut down. According to the regulation issued by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the residual property should be used for the public interest. […]