Spritzer Joins Hands with NGOs and Pledges Aid for Vulnerable Groups Affected by COVID-19
The Company, which turns 32, affirms commitment to help communities in distress KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – Spritzer Malaysia (“Spritzer” or the “Company”), which produces Malaysia’s best-selling natural mineral water, is committed to the wellbeing of the community and has endeavoured to send aid to the vulnerable and less privileged in society during these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is especially poignant for Spritzer as the Company turns 32 today, that the best way of celebrating another milestone in its corporate journey is to continue the commitment to support fellow Malaysians, especially those who have been marginalised by society and lack the basic necessities such as food, shelter or even safe drinking water. Spritzer Malaysia recognises that the pandemic has been especially hard on those in the Bottom-40 income bracket, the Orang Asli, the homeless and those living in rural areas. The Company escalated its community outreach programme in April 2021 by working through non-governmental organisations (“NGOs”) to send them aid in the form of clean drinking water amid the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has, to-...
Tech industry will still grow post-pandemic
(NYTIMES) - In April last year, Mr Jeff Bezos, Amazon's chief executive and the world's richest man, announced he was focusing on people rather than profits. Amazon would spend about US$4 billion (S$5.5 billion) in the next few months "providing for customers and protecting employees", he said, wiping out the profit the retailer would have made without the coronavirus. It was a typically bold Amazon announcement, a shrewd public relations move to sacrifice financial gain at a moment of misery and fear. He said this was "the hardest time we've ever faced" and suggested the new approach would extend indefinitely. "If you're a share owner in Amazon," he advised, "you may want to take a seat." At the end of July last year, Amazon announced quarterly results. Rather than earning zero, as he had predicted, it notched an operating profit of US$5.8 billion - a record for the company. The months since have established new records. Amazon's margins, which measure the profit on every dollar of sales, are the highest in the history of the company, which is based in Seattle. Even as most other industries are pummelled by the pandemic, the tech industry has flourished. The combined stock market ...
Pay $272k to return to life decades after death?
(NYTIMES) - When an 87-year-old California man was wheeled into an operating room just outside Phoenix last year, the pandemic was at its height and medical protocols were being upended across the country. It was an elaborate workaround, especially considering that the patient had been declared legally dead more than a day earlier. He had arrived in the operating room of Alcor Life Extension Foundation - located in an industrial park near the airport in Scottsdale, Arizona - packed in dry ice and ready to be "cryopreserved", or stored at deep-freeze temperatures, in the hope that one day, perhaps decades or centuries from now, he could be brought back to life. As it turns out, the pandemic that has affected billions of lives around the world has also had an impact on the non-living. From Moscow and Phoenix to China and rural Australia, the major players in the business of preserving bodies at extremely low temperatures say the pandemic has brought new stresses to an industry that has long faced scepticism or outright hostility from medical and legal establishments that have dismissed it as quack science or fraud. In some cases, Covid-19 precautions have limited the parts of the bod...
NUS holds first-ever online graduation ceremony for 186 students
SINGAPORE - A total of 186 students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) graduated in a virtual ceremony on Saturday morning (June 26). This is the first time NUS has held a graduation ceremony in this manner. Saturday's was the first among 60 online ceremonies that will see more than 23,500 students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 graduating. Those from the class of 2020 had their graduation ceremonies postponed to this year. President Halimah Yacob, who is also NUS chancellor, gave a speech to the graduating students, in which she noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had upended Singaporeans' way of life and altered the face of an already disruptive future. "It is a reminder that sometimes, even the best-laid plans can be overturned by events that are not within our control," she said. Addressing 154 graduates from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and 32 graduates from the Master of Science in Industry 4.0 programme offered by the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education, Madam Halimah encouraged them to hold steadfast to values of respect, integrity, innovation, excellence and resilience during these challenging times. She said: "I encourage you to e...
Cleaning firm gives Covid-19 pandemic bonus of close to $1m to front-line workers
SINGAPORE - One cleaning firm is handing out a special pandemic bonus of close to $1 million to its cleaners and other employees. Mr Abdul Aziz Yusof, chief executive of Cleaning Express (Atalian Global Services Singapore), said: "During Covid-19, there was a crisis of manpower and resources, but our workers were motivated. This bonus is to show our appreciation for their contributions and sacrifices." Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.
What Mother’s Day means to mums on front line of Covid-19 pandemic in S’pore
SINGAPORE - Some of them have not seen their families for more than a year since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Others are worried about bringing the virus home with them. Three nurses, a bus captain and a community police officer tell their Mother's Day stories. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat, Perm Sec Aubeck Kam to receive May Day honours
SINGAPORE - Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs Chee Hong Tat and Permanent Secretary for Manpower Aubeck Kam will receive the Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest accolades in this year's May Day Awards. Mr Chee has been a strong advocate for the protection of healthcare and public transport workers against abuse, while Mr Kam has made significant contributions towards improving the wages and work prospects of workers. The Distinguished Service Award is conferred by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) on those who are still active and continue to make significant contributions for three years or more after receiving the Meritorious Service award. Mr Chee and Mr Kam are among the 143 individuals and organisations who will receive awards next Wednesday (April 28). Other recipients include union leaders, government officials and firms advancing workers' interests amid an uncertain economic outlook brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as workers who are role models at their workplaces. The recipient of the Medal of Honour - the top May Day accolade - will be announced next Tuesday, a day before the awards ceremony. It is given to indi...
HKTDC International Sourcing Show: Fashion industry experts reveal post-pandemic moves
HONG KONG, Apr 12, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - As the fashion world continues to react to the impact of the pandemic, a new paradigm is emerging within the industry. The HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE hosted three fashion-related webinars last month, with industry experts revealing the changes and opportunities that the pandemic has brought to the fashion arena.At "The Perfect Storm: Future-Proofing Your Fashion Business" webinar, Harvey Mok, Senior Vice President, Business Development at CASETiFY, shared insights into the online-and-offline shopping experience and retail trends.Edwin Keh, CEO of the Hong Kong Research Institute at Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), showcased an innovative clothing material.Industry experts including Michael Leow, Asia/Pacific Sales & Marketing Head at Fashion Snoops, Matthew Olivier-Lovett, Director of Retail at Omnilytics, and Jaana Jatyri, CEO at Trendstop, shared the latest trend forecasts at "The Visionary Fashion Trends: Lifestyle and Retail" webinar.Expand product categories and enhance online salesIn the webinar titled "The Perfect Storm: Future-Proofing Your Fashion Business", Michael Ho, Marketing & Brand Par...
Solidarity shown by WWII generation can guide Singapore in pandemic: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - The sense of solidarity and collective responsibility that the pioneer generation embodied during the Japanese Occupation serves as a guide to how Singapore should deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday (Feb 15) on the anniversary of the fall of Singapore. Drawing parallels between the pandemic and World War II, he said the pandemic can be a defining moment in Singapore's history, where Singaporeans were tested but overcame the "toughest of circumstances" with resilience and resolve. The country's pioneers, who endured the hardships of war, were a generation who got things done, served with honour, and helped built Singapore, said Mr Wong, who also co-chairs the multi-ministry task force tackling the pandemic. "They have taught us that there is no trouble we cannot endure; no calamity we cannot overcome as a people." While the Japanese Occupation of Singapore lasted more than three years, said Mr Wong, it is unclear how long the pandemic will last, although "at some point, it will be over". "At that time, I hope we can look back and say that this has been a defining moment in our history. We have been tested in this crucible, bu...
Nearly one-third of Singaporeans gained weight during Covid-19 pandemic: Survey
SINGAPORE - Covid-19 has been a weighty affair in more ways than one, with almost one-third of Singaporeans saying they have piled on the kilos during the pandemic, at an average increase of around 5kg. And while many would point their fingers at how lifestyles have become more sedentary with many working from home, four in 10 reported that they are exercising more often. These are among the findings from an online study by marketing research company Ipsos, which looked at how health choices have changed during the pandemic. A total of 500 respondents, aged between 21 and 74, were interviewed between Oct 23 and Nov 6. More than half of those surveyed also said they were trying to lose weight but a majority of these - more than 70 per cent - added that this was unrelated to gaining weight during the pandemic. More exercise was the most popular way to slim down, followed by reducing one's food intake and eating healthily without dieting. However, these Singaporeans were least willing to give up meat and alcohol to lose weight. Only 10 per cent said that they could abstain from meat and alcohol, while 65 per cent of them could cut down or forgo sugar. Cheaper healthy food topped the l...
Probation for youth who used bogus Covid-19 grant applications to cheat MSF of $2.5k
SINGAPORE - A full-time national serviceman (NSF) who duped the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) into disbursing $2,500 from the Temporary Relief Fund (TRF) for his benefit was sentenced on Tuesday (Jan 19) to 18 months' probation. The court heard that Yee Jia Hao, 20, used his ill-gotten gains to gamble and has not made any restitution. Yee had submitted four bogus Covid-19 grant applications in April last year to receive monies from the TRF, a fund to deal with the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. Three applications were accepted while one was rejected. The fund is administered by MSF and the People's Association. As part of his probation, the Singaporean has to remain indoors from 10pm to 6am every day and perform 60 hours of community service. He must also attend a gambling-relapse prevention programme. His parents and brother were bonded for $5,000 to ensure his good behaviour. Yee had pleaded guilty last year to three counts of cheating and one count of attempted cheating. Six other charges, mainly for cheating, were considered during sentencing. The TRF, a financial support scheme the Government announced in March last year as part of the R...
Insurers enhance outbound travel protection plans with Covid-19 coverage
SINGAPORE - Insurers have been re-thinking their policies in light of the pandemic with more firms gearing up for a post Covid-19 world. Most insurers stopped offering insurance benefits last year for trip cancellations or delays due to the pandemic unless the policy had been bought before a certain date- as early as mid-January for some companies. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.
US stocks dip as market awaits Biden stimulus plan
NEW YORK (AFP) - Wall Street stocks finished a choppy session modestly lower on Thursday (Jan 14) as the market awaited details of President-elect Joe Biden's stimulus package after digesting disappointing labour data. Biden is set to unveil later on Thursday a proposal for a third major fiscal package in the wake of coronavirus restrictions imposed over the last 10 months. The announcement comes as data showed applications for unemployment benefits rose sharply in the first week of 2021, with a surge of 181,000 - the biggest increase since the coronavirus pandemic began in March - bringing the total close to the one million level not seen since August. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 30,991.52, down 0.2 per cent. The broad-based S&P 500 shed 0.4 per cent to 3,795.54, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.1 per cent to 13,112.64. Despite the employment data, the latest in a string of mixed or poor economic indicators, equity markets remain near all-time highs as investors look ahead to a better 2021 economy thanks to coronavirus vaccines. Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell predicted the US could see a boost of "exuberant spending" after the pandemic, addin...
Wall Street closes out wild pandemic year with Dow, S&P at records
NEW YORK (REUTERS) - US stocks ended a tumultuous year with the Dow and S&P 500 at records, as the three major US equity indexes notched solid-to-spectacular yearly gains despite an economy upended by the Covid-19 virus as investors looked to a post-pandemic world. In a year that marked the end of the longest bull market on record as pandemic-induced government lockdowns battered the global economy, equities stormed back, with the S&P 500 climbing more than 66 per cent from its March 23 low, resulting in the shortest bear market in history. The gains, which sent the Dow and S&P to record highs to close out the year and the Nasdaq to a record earlier this week, were fuelled in part by massive fiscal and monetary stimulus put in place to buttress the economy reeling from the coronavirus fallout, as well as progress on a vaccine. For the year, the S&P 500 gained about 16 per cent, the Dow roughly 7 per cent and the Nasdaq more than 43 per cent, which marked the biggest yearly gain for the tech-heavy index since 2009. "For broad indexes, this is a bullish year despite the craziness in the real world," said Mike Zigmont, head of research and trading at Harvest Volatility Management. "It...
Wall Street climbs to record as fiscal aid bill signed
NEW YORK (REUTERS) - US stocks rallied on Monday (Dec 28), with each of Wall Street's main indexes closing at record levels as President Donald Trump's signing of a long-awaited US$2.3 trillion (S$3.06 trillion) pandemic aid bill increased optimism for an economic recovery. In a sudden reversal late on Sunday, Trump backed down from his threat to block the hard-fought bill, restoring unemployment benefits to millions of Americans and averting a federal government shutdown. "It's a positive tone to the US market and part of that is the signing of stimulus package by Trump, which appeared to be in doubt but is finally been accomplished," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment strategist at Inverness Counsel in New York. "We still have a follow-on to the Christmas rally and the favorable market we've had for a while here," he added. Unofficially, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 207.58 points, or 0.69 per cent, to 30,407.45, the S&P 500 gained 32.34 points, or 0.87 per cent, to 3,735.4 and the Nasdaq Composite added 94.69 points, or 0.74 per cent, to 12,899.42. Stocks battered by coronavirus lockdowns, such as airlines and cruise lines, advanced. The S&P 1500 airlines index gained a...
Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Dec 27
Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, Dec 27. S'pore's sea cargo one bright spot amid pandemic but reviving air travel remains a challenge Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said ridership on public transport has bounced back. READ MORE HERE What happened to the McDonald's boys and other S'pore missing persons cases still unsolved? For cold cases, the police said they regularly review missing person reports. READ MORE HERE Malaysia records highest daily Covid-19 case count; KL most affected The capital city Kuala Lumpur made up one-third of country's total number of cases on Saturday. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Roller coaster of emotions for S'poreans spending year-end in UK amid tight lockdown "This has been the most challenging Christmas I've had in my life," said a Singaporean student. READ MORE HERE Covid-19 pandemic will not be the last: WHO chief Tedros Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was time to learn the lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. READ MORE HERE Lebanese man who stayed at Mandarin Orchard among new Covid-19 cases in S'pore Saturday's cases also include two Singaporeans ...
Kindergartens, temples and Government help migrant workers celebrate Deepavali despite Covid-19
SINGAPORE - The coronavirus pandemic may have put a dampener on Deepavali festivities for migrant workers here, but the spirit of the festival was not lost on Saturday (Nov 14), as various organisations came together to distribute goodies to the workers across 144 dormitories. They also helped pre-record religious prayers and greetings by the chief priests of various Hindu temples here, which were shared with migrant workers through social media. When the coronavirus pandemic hit Singapore's shores, the migrant workers in dormitories were the worst affected, with tens of thousands infected. Many were placed in quarantine or under lockdown in an effort to control the spread of the disease, and restrictions were imposed on what they could do on their rest days. Currently, they are still largely restricted to their workplaces and dormitories, or approved locations such as recreation centres. Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said on Saturday: "The last few months have been very challenging for our migrant brothers in the dormitories. They have cooperated with measures implemented by the authorities and have generally taken all the controls in the right spirit... (i...
Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 14
Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Nov 14. Will Covid-19 create a 'lost generation' in Asia? What is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the young people of Singapore and Asia? READ MORE HERE Trump appears to acknowledge for first time that Biden could succeed him He appears to acknowledge the possibility of a Biden administration, in first public remarks since election loss. READ MORE HERE Hospitals should have flexible designs to adapt to changing needs, says Gan Kim Yong Changing demographics and disease patterns will require a changing model of care, he said. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Biden solidifies US election victory over Trump, with 306 electoral votes to 232 Biden wins Georgia, while Trump claims victory in North Carolina. READ MORE HERE More than 130 US Secret Service agents struck by Covid-19: Media Numerous agents had travelled to campaign rallies with Trump where many officials and most of the attendees went maskless. READ MORE HERE Family takes Covid-19 pandemic in its stride for Deepavali festivities While some customs have been disrupted this year, the spirit of ...