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Retrenchments doubled in Q3, highest since pandemic Q4 period in 2020

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Retrenchments doubled in Q3, highest since pandemic Q4 period in 2020

SINGAPORE: The latest labour market advance release, published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) last week, shows that retrenchments have doubled since 2022, with the third quarter of 2023 experiencing the highest quarterly retrenchment rate since the COVID-19 pandemic period in 2020.

During the third quarter of this year, 4,100 individuals were retrenched, surpassing the peak seen in the fourth quarter of 2020 amid the pandemic. This surge brings the total retrenchment figures for 2023 to 11,120, a figure nearly twice the 6,440 recorded in the entirety of 2022.

Amid these unsettling statistics, MOM provided some contrasting insights. Total employment in the country, excluding migrant domestic workers, grew 24,000 during the third quarter.

Citizen unemployment also saw an uptick, rising to 3 per cent, while overall unemployment remained at 2 per cent. Resident unemployment registered at 2.8 per cent, reflecting the more significant impact on the local population.

MOM attributed the bulk of this surge in unemployment to the wholesale trade sector, citing its weaker external outlook. “Business restructuring” remained the predominant reason for retrenchments in the third quarter, underscoring the ongoing challenges businesses face in adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The Ministry emphasized that while retrenchments and unemployment have risen, the unemployment rates have remained relatively low. This suggests that many retrenched workers have secured new employment relatively quickly.

Temasek Foundation allocates $4M to provide scholarships to students from low-income families

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Temasek Foundation allocates $4M to provide scholarships to students from low-income families

SINGAPORE: Temasek Foundation has allocated more than $4 million to provide scholarships with no service requirements to students from low-income families.

These scholarships, named after three prominent labour movement leaders, Mr G Muthukumarasamy, Mr Nithiah Nandan Arumugam, and Mr RKS Nachiappan, are set to benefit nearly 200 students over the next five years. The scholarships are also the first in the country to extend financial assistance to the beneficiary’s family members, in addition to offering a bond-free and merit-based opportunity for academically gifted low-income Singaporeans.

The three labour movement leaders after whom the scholarships are named have made significant contributions to Singapore’s labour movement over the years. Mr Muthukumarasamy, a former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers, Mr Nithiah, a founding member and later General Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE), and Mr Nachiappan, the former General Secretary and Emeritus General Secretary of UPAGE, are well-known figures in Singapore’s labour landscape.

The scholarships aim to empower the underprivileged by offering them a comprehensive support system for their higher education endeavours. The support extends to various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Singapore, including six universities, five polytechnics, and the ITEs (Institute of Technical Education).

The financial assistance provided under this scholarship is multifaceted. Recipients will receive financial aid covering living expenses ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Additionally, a unique aspect of this scholarship is the provision of $2,000 to be shared among the recipient’s family members. This family support acknowledges the vital role played by the beneficiary’s family and aims to alleviate the financial burdens they may face.

The first batch of scholarship recipients was recently announced, with 38 deserving students awarded this prestigious scholarship.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam was present at the Temasek Foundation-Union Scholarship Award Ceremony on Wednesday (1 Nov) and addressed the awardees and their families. He said: “Let me thank your families for all the support they have given you. Let me also thank Temasek Foundation, the unions, and the IHLs, for making these scholarships possible. This is an effort that can change lives.”

How much allowance to give helper every month, employer asks

Obbana Rajah
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How much allowance to give helper every month, employer asks

SINGAPORE: An employer took to social media asking others if they gave an allowance to their helper every month and how much money they would give her. In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the employer wanted to know the general consensus and how others paid their helpers.

One employer wrote: “I give my helper 130 per month extra because she has a lot of friend and a boyfriend. On top of that, I organize parties for her friends to come my house and I buy alot of nice food and drinks to entertain them. Lastly she has 6 days off and can bring her friends to my house to gather but limit to 10 pax. Hope she enjoy her work here. Year end if my business is good, she get additional 4 months bonus with yearly air ticket going back to Indonesia. I hope I am making her happy”.

A helper wrote: “me 30$. But im free from everything.. and except from my allowance she still give me another 50$ incase im with kids or i go out i can use it.. then if not much give me again extra.. just update how much left money with me”.

Last year, a maid took to social media complaining that her employer was going on holiday for two weeks but did not pay her salary or give her any money for food. In a post to Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), the maid wrote that she was unsure about her situation and also how to ask her employers for money. She added that in preparation for the two-week trip, her employer started telling her what she needed to do a week ago, and even “put camera to make sure I’m working while they’re away”.

Though she thought the family would leave three days after she wrote the post, she noted that her female employer and two children had already left. Only her employer’s husband was still at home. The maid said in her post that she had a letter from the Manpower Ministry (MOM) for her medical checkup but her employers did not give her any money. “who suppose to pay my medical, me or my employer?” the helper wrote.

She also said that they did not pay her salary. “i suppose to ask her today to have it advanced because they’re gone for 2weeks,but when she wake up just send the kid to school and when she come back she was in a hurry cause they need to go already”, the maid wrote. Additionally, her employers did not give her any money for food and only bought rice. The helper wrote that she was not sure if she wanted to ask her employer’s husband who was still at home. She was afraid to talk to him lest he picks a fight with his wife, ruining their vacation.

M Ravi wins International Bar Association’s award for outstanding contributions to human rights

Obbana Rajah
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0
M Ravi wins International Bar Association’s award for outstanding contributions to human rights

SINGAPORE: Human Rights lawyer M Ravi was bestowed with the International Bar Association’s award for Outstanding Contribution by a legal practitioner to human rights. The annual conference was held in Paris between Oct 29 and Nov 3.

The International Bar Association (IBA) is the world’s leading international membership organisation for legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Chairs of the IBA Human Rights Law Committee, Melinda Taylor and Alka Pradhan, congratulated Mr Ravi and wrote in an email that the depth of his “commitment and perseverance – in the face of very steep odds and adversity is incredibly inspiring, as is your strategies resulting in groundbreaking developments in areas that are very close to our hearts (the death penalty, decriminalisation of homosexuality and freedom of expression”.

In her speech, Ms Taylor described Mr Ravi as Singapore’s first and perhaps only ’cause’ law. She added that his “immense contributions to the field of human rights through his work in promoting LGBTQI rights. This includes mounting constitutional challenges to laws penalising same-sex relations and also advocating for LGBTQI equality in the work place”.

In her own speech, Ms Pradhan said: “Described as “one of the foremost advocates against the death penalty worldwide,” Ravi Madasamy’s advocacy contributed to an amendment in the law on the mandatory death penalty for certain. Drug offenses. He has taken on many such cases pro bono, paying out of pocket for legal expenses and also for funeral expenses. On this issue, what Amnesty International calls Ravi Madasamy’s “rock firm, inspiring dedication to this cause” has truly made change in the world”.

When asked for his thoughts on the award, Mr Ravi said: “I feel truly honoured to be the recipient of this rare award. It has come at a time when I’m going through so much of challenges in Singapore and the award has certainly uplifted my spirit. It is great to know that IBA is appreciative of my contribution to human rights in Singapore in the course of my legal practice over a span of 20 years. I wish to dedicate this award to my late mother who had shown me the path and also dedicate the award to all the human rights activists in Singapore who have worked with me over the years”.

He continued: “For the moments of heartbreak, tears and hopelessness, receiving this award makes my journey completely worthwhile even if it means losing my liberty along the way; it has been a journey worth taking”.

“The IBA Award opens more doors for me to work with international organisations and charities who might hear of my work and collaborate. It also gives people a perspective of my struggles”, Mr Ravi added.

Sharing that he was deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award from the IBA, Mr Ravi added that he “least expected to win the award when there are so many other human rights lawyers around the world who do some amazing work and who make huge sacrifices in their career in furtherance of human rights”.

 

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The human rights lawyer said that his work has now expanded to include human rights due diligence on companies and climate justice. “I am currently running an international law practice, M.Ravi Law, which is headquartered in Bangkok providing legal services in the region. The firm has a presence in Myanmar and Nigeria as well as alliances in Malaysia and Singapore. Apart from that, I’m working on environmental, social and governance ( ESG) consultancy work in Singapore with a group of ESG professionals. In the last four years, I have been actively involved in the ESG sphere where I can bring my human rights law expertise into it. It is exciting to see the interaction between human rights and business and how ESG can play a part in optimising the client’s business”, Mr Ravi said. /TISG

Mother of premature twin babies struggles to meet staggering $150,000 hospital bill

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Mother of premature twin babies struggles to meet staggering $150,000 hospital bill

SINGAPORE: A mother working in Singapore has turned to the community in a desperate plea for help as the medical bills for her premature twin babies have surged to over $150,000. Sharing her heart-wrenching story on the Give.Asia crowdfunding platform, the mother is seeking support from kindhearted Singaporeans to alleviate their financial burden and ensure the well-being of their twin babies.

Their twins, born at just 31 weeks, weighed only 790g and 1640g at birth. Their baby girl faced the harsh reality of a congenital heart defect that stunted her growth, while their baby boy had his own struggles but emerged victorious after a battle with Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

In a heartfelt appeal on the Give.Asia platform, the mother revealed that she and her husband, both proud Permanent Residents of Singapore, had dreamt of becoming parents. When they discovered they were expecting twins, their joy was tinged with worry as their financial plans were originally prepared for one child.

The journey of pregnancy was filled with emotional turbulence, marked by fear and financial strain, as they prepared for the arrival of two children. The family’s world changed dramatically during a routine check-up in August when doctors informed them of complications, urging immediate action.

The twins’ mother said that the medical journey that followed has been both a blessing and a burden. The dedicated medical team at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital has been their guiding light, providing updates on the twins’ progress. Their baby girl continues to fight bravely, but her road to recovery is long.

As of now, their hospital bills have surpassed a staggering S$150,000, a financial burden that the family is struggling to bear.

The parents of the twins have received some government assistance in the form of partial Medisave deductions and government subsidies. However, the financial burden remains overwhelming, prompting them to turn to the community’s generosity for support.

The Give.Asia crowdfunding campaign, managed by the family, has seen an outpouring of support from more than 1,000 kind-hearted donors, who have contributed close to $60,000 thus far. These contributions will directly ease the family’s financial burden and ensure that their twins receive the care they urgently need.

In their appeal, the family humbly requested continued support, love, and generosity. The mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you from the depths of our hearts for standing by us in this challenging time. Your kindness will forever be etched in our hearts, a testament to the goodness in the world.”

The crowdfunding campaign on Give.Asia remains open for donations, allowing individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these premature twins and their parents.

Visit this link to give your support and help towards the medical bills of baby Lei En and baby Wei Le. Donations will be channelled directly to the hospital to help cover the twins’ medical expenses.

DBS Group apologises for service outage; senior leadership will face pay cut

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
DBS Group apologises for service outage; senior leadership will face pay cut

SINGAPORE: In the wake of a severe digital service outage last month, DBS Group has issued a public apology and pledged to allocate an additional $80 million to fortify its system resilience. The announcement comes in the aftermath of a series of disruptions that have raised concerns about the bank’s digital infrastructure.

The latest service outage saw DBS digital services and electronic payment applications being rendered inaccessible, with customers finding themselves unable to withdraw money from ATMs. The situation was particularly dire for some DBS customers stranded overseas, unable to use their cards or access funds.

DBS Group CEO Piyush Gupta expressed his regrets in an official statement, acknowledging the bank’s commitment to digital transformation to enhance convenience for its customers. He conceded that DBS needed to do a better job in ensuring the stability and resilience of its digital systems.

The $80 million investment will be channelled into multiple areas aimed at strengthening technology governance, staff and leadership training, as well as enhancing existing systems and procedures.

Mr Gupta assured DBS customers that the group is fully committed to implementing these new measures promptly, with the ultimate goal of improving its digital services in the near future. He also emphasized the importance of delivering a more reliable and efficient banking experience to its clients.

DBS Group Chairman Peter Seah, meanwhile, publicly acknowledged that the recent series of service outages over the past year fell short of meeting customer expectations and the bank’s high standards. As a result, he stated that DBS’s senior management would be held accountable for these shortcomings, and this accountability would be reflected in their remuneration.

https://theindependent.sg/embarrassed-dbs-chairman-bows-to-apologise-and-sets-up-special-committee-to-look-into-service-disruption/

Child Labor: Spiraling illegally-employed children in hazardous roles

Gemma Iso
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0
Child Labor: Spiraling illegally-employed children in hazardous roles

Uzbeks, Child Labor

The United States is witnessing a surge in child labor, exposing them to perilous working conditions.

Surge of illegally-employed children

Labor Department inspectors discovered a staggering 5,792 children working illegally, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year and an alarming 470% surge since 2015. These violations have led to fines totaling over $8 million against offending employers.

Many of these young workers are migrants, escaping poverty and violence in Central America. They find themselves trapped in arduous and hazardous jobs. This summer alone, three 16-year-olds tragically lost their lives in industrial accidents. One was entangled in a conveyor belt at a Mississippi poultry plant, another got caught in machinery at a Wisconsin sawmill, and the third was crushed between a semi-truck and a trailer at a Missouri landfill. These grim incidents underscore the dire consequences of child labor in America.

The issue extends beyond industrial accidents. Earlier this year, a Wisconsin-based company was slapped with a hefty $1.5 million fine for employing over 100 children aged 13 to 17 in meat packing plants across the country. These young workers were tasked with cleaning bone saws, head splitters, and other equipment using caustic chemicals. Regulators have also unearthed cases of 10-year-olds working late shifts at a McDonald’s and an 11-year-old operating a forklift in a Kentucky warehouse.

Reasons for child labor to rise

Two significant factors are contributing to this grim reality. First, there is a shortage of adult workers, leading employers to turn to underage labor. Second, a sharp increase in unaccompanied migrant child arrivals, with more than 250,000 minors entering the U.S. over the past two years, is further exacerbating the issue.

Since 2008, federal law has allowed migrant children to reside with sponsors while their immigration cases proceed, aiming to prevent these vulnerable youngsters from being stranded in dangerous Mexican border towns.

Kevin Tomas, a former child laborer, emphasized, “It’s not that we want to be working these jobs; it’s that we have to help our families.”

The surge in child labor violations in the United States is an urgent and deeply concerning issue. As a nation, it is crucial to address the root causes of this problem, protect these vulnerable children, and provide them with the opportunity to break free from the cycle of illegal and hazardous employment.

Read More News

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Cover Photo: Pexels

The post Child Labor: Spiraling illegally-employed children in hazardous roles appeared first on The Independent News.

Musk hates Wikipedia, says writer in a missive against the billionaire

Gemma Iso
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0
Musk hates Wikipedia, says writer in a missive against the billionaire

hates

This time it’s Elon Musk vs. Wikipedia but it is happening because the billionaire hates Wikipedia. At least, this is the reason given by a writer in The Guardian.

“Wincing and scorn aside, Musk is after Wikipedia for a reason. The sight of something created socially that works is an insult to him. I would spend two quid a month, or more, just for that,” writes Zoe Williams, a Guardian columnist.

Last week, the outspoken owner of Twitter and SpaceX, launched a public tirade against the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, accusing the site and its operator, the Wikimedia Foundation, of alleged bias and their persistent donation drives.

“Why does the Wikimedia Foundation need so much money? It certainly isn’t necessary for Wikipedia’s operation. You can fit the entire text on your phone!” He, however, omitted the fact that it cost $2.7 million to host Wikipedia’s websites just last year.

Billion dollars for name change

Musk went on to mock Wikipedia with a bizarre donation offer. “I’ll give them a billion dollars if they change their name to Dickipedia,” he playfully proposed in another tweet, adding, “One-year minimum for the name change. I mean, I’m not a fool lol.”

Musk’s statements suggest a personal issue with Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia after a report from a company advised by Wales claimed that a significant portion of misinformation about the Israel-Hamas conflict on Twitter comes from verified accounts.

Musk hates Wikipedia?

“So, the sight of Elon Musk charging towards Wikipedia with his trademark guile and delicacy was so predictable that it was almost relaxing. He saw a collective resource that people prized and he wanted to hurt it. Why does Wales even need any money to run Wikipedia in the first place, he wondered on Sunday. You could fit the entire thing on your phone, he claimed. Eleven minutes later, he offered $1bn if it would change its name to Dickipedia,” wrote Zeo.

Read More News

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Cover Photo: YouTube

The post Musk hates Wikipedia, says writer in a missive against the billionaire appeared first on The Independent News.

Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz are engaged after dating for two years

The Independent
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Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz are engaged after dating for two years

Tatum

Channing Tatum and Zoë Kravitz have recently become engaged, according to exclusive reports from multiple sources. The couple, who were first linked in 2021, were spotted leaving a Halloween party over the weekend. Kravitz, dressed as Rosemary Woodhouse from the 1968 horror movie “Rosemary’s Baby,” appeared to flaunt her new engagement ring in the photos.

Kravitz, a 34-year-old actress known for her role in “The Batman,” openly discussed her relationship with the 43-year-old Tatum in a cover interview for GQ’s 2022 Men of the Year issue. She praised Tatum as “a wonderful human” and emphasized their shared interests in art and deep conversations about the creative process, particularly in the context of film analysis.

Photo: Instagram/Zoe Kravitz

Positive test for their relationship

The couple first met during the casting process for Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Pussy Island,” with Tatum serving as her guardian on set. Kravitz expressed her appreciation for Tatum’s support, whether it was making her tea, pouring her a drink, or helping maintain order on set. She described their collaboration as a positive test for their relationship, ultimately making them stronger.

A source previously revealed that the couple, who began dating in the summer of 2021, were very content together and shared a focus on their careers. While they enjoyed quiet nights with friends, they typically preferred low-key evenings at home, emphasizing the seriousness of their relationship.

Caring for one another

Tatum, a father to a 10-year-old daughter named Everly from his previous marriage, spoke highly of Kravitz in interviews, characterizing her as a perfectionist in a positive sense. In “Pussy Island,” Tatum plays the role of Slater, a philanthropist and tech mogul, who takes cocktail waitress Frida, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, to his enigmatic private island.

Kravitz expressed gratitude for the creative collaboration that their shared work on “Pussy Island” brought into her life, highlighting the depth and sacred nature of creative partnerships that can lead to the exploration of other facets of one’s self when artistically compatible with someone.

Read More News

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Cover Photo: IG

The post Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz are engaged after dating for two years appeared first on The Independent News.

Deepfake video of Taylor Swift speaking Mandarin sparks discussion over AI

The Independent
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Deepfake video of Taylor Swift speaking Mandarin sparks discussion over AI

 

Taylor Swift garnered the attention of her Chinese fans this week as clips of her speaking fluent Mandarin went viral on Chinese social media.

In a video shared on the Chinese platform Weibo, the 33-year-old pop star showcased her Mandarin-speaking abilities, with a slight American accent, in what appeared to be a talk show.

Swift said in Mandarin, “Recently, I’ve been to many places, like Italy, France, and Japan.” The video, posted on October 21, has since amassed over 6 million views.

Photo: Instagram/Taylor Swift

Being available to everyone

In another video, Swift discussed songs that tend to “get left behind” and expressed her desire for people to hear these tracks.

The surprising element is that Swift’s Mandarin proficiency was actually achieved with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). The deepfake videos were created using an AI tool from HeyGen, a Chinese startup, according to The China Project news outlet. The tool synchronized her lip movements with her Mandarin speech, closely resembling Swift’s actual voice. This realistic AI-driven performance left Chinese netizens amazed by the technology, with comments like “This is awesome!” There was even requests for Mandarin versions of their loved shows.

Pros and cons of Deepfake

However, the technology also sparked conversations about potential drawbacks as AI continues to advance, including concerns about scams and job displacement. One netizen pointed out that the most alarming aspect is the potential misuse of this technology for fake news, as the AI can manipulate both voice and mouth movements, making it easy for people to believe deceptive content. Another Weibo user expressed concern that this AI technology could be used for fraudulent purposes, allowing criminals to deceive victims into giving them money.

HeyGen, the company responsible for the video creation tool, was co-founded in November 2020 by Joshua Xu and Wayne Liang. Their AI-powered video generator enables users to create text-to-speech videos in over 300 voices, spanning more than 40 languages, using more than 100 AI avatars with various ethnicities, ages, poses, and attire.

Possibility of scamming

The development of such technology has raised concerns about its potential for criminal applications. Earlier this year, a scammer in northern China used deepfake technology to trick a man into transferring a substantial sum of money to someone impersonating a friend during a video call.

In January, China implemented new regulations requiring businesses offering deepfake services to verify the real identities of their users and appropriately tag deepfake content to prevent confusion.

Read More News

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Cover Photo: Instagram

The post Deepfake video of Taylor Swift speaking Mandarin sparks discussion over AI appeared first on The Independent News.

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