Jho Low granted asylum in a ‘third country’ but is he currently in China or the UAE?

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November 2, 2019

Fugitive Jho Low, in dark shades at a party

Fugitive businessman and alleged mastermind of the global money-laundering 1MDB case is giving up billions that many say do not belong to him, but he remains elusive and no one from the US or Malaysia seem to be able to lay their hands on him.

According to news reports yesterday, Low is said to be in the United Arab Emirates where he is travelling freely to other destinations, unhindered despite being on an Interpol list of criminals.

Low is said to be residing in the UAE and has obtained asylum in another country on the basis of human rights and political persecution.

Based on rights issues and political persecution claims, there are many countries that may have given the latter ayslum.

But since Malaysia claims it cancelled Jho Low’s passport, one wonders which documents Mr Low is using for his business travels while evading the long arm of the law?

Aussie or Thailand passports?

Although his Malaysia and St Kitts and Nevis passports have been revoked, Low Taek Jho by his real name, may have other travel documents to help him avoid the law.

A news report dated Nov 2018 says Malaysian police believe Low has passports from Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.

A Malaysian who says he worked without a permit and visa in Australia in July exposed foreigners who are exploiting protection visas in the country.

He overstayed, spending more than a year working around Australia before returning home to his wife and children.

Nazuan Apis says he was offered a way to extend his stay while working at Robinvale, in north west Victoria in 2016, says an Aussie newspaper.

Aussie Protection Visa

Nazuan arrived in Australia on a three-month online tourist visa but picked up seasonal farm work when a Malaysian work agent offered him to take up a protection visa.

A protection visa allows foreigners to remain in Australia permanently so long as they arrived in the country on a valid visa but applicants must be refugees or meet the complementary protection criteria.

An Australian parliamentary committee recommends that electronic visa holders who lodged a protection visa application be “fast-tracked” and have limited rights to appeal.

Hiding in China?

Speaking of the success of the ‘Billion Dollar Whale’, the book that exposed Jho Low’s financial prowess and his powers of persuasion to siphon billions of US dollars from Malaysia’s 1MDB, author Tom Wright says he believes Jho Low is still hiding in China.

In a Linkedin post a week ago, he writes, “Billion Dollar Whale is out (today) in updated paperback in the U.S. and globally.

“New material throughout, including on Jho Low’s efforts to stop our book with the help of UK law firm Schillings; China’s efforts to turn Malaysia into a satellite state, and Beijing’s protection of Low (he’s still there!).”

What money can buy!

A spokesperson for Mr Low, through his attorneys, told Malaysiakini the fugitive was offered asylum in August this year “by a country that acts in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights.”

The spokesperson reportedly added that Low was also spending time in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries where he has “close relations with royal families”.

Malaysiakini quoted Singapore’s Straits Times and other sources for saying that Low was given asylum in August under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights.-/TISG

Man uses bus emergency door release while stuck in traffic on Johor Causeway, others follow suit

By

Anna Maria Romero

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November 2, 2019

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12347613_10208780213446635_5046979414492043708_n — Fb screengrab/Yewkhem Tay‎

Singapore—An impatient man, possibly tired of waiting in traffic in the Johor Causeway, activated the emergency door release on the bus he was riding.

On October 31, Thursday, at around 3:45 pm, after being caught in traffic for over half an hour from Johor Bahru to Singapore, a man was seen pressing the emergency door release on the bus he was riding on, bus service 950.

One netizen named Mr Denzel took a video of the man and shared it to the local crowdsourced news site, Stomp.

In Stomp’s video, the man is seen activating the emergency release button, which is located over the door of the bus.

He evidently wanted to get down, and presumably wished to continue his journey on foot instead of waiting on the bus.

In a surprising turn of events, the other people on the bus followed the man, and also left the bus and walked along the causeway.

Mr Denzel told Stomp, “The man asked the driver to open the door while it was stuck in the jam.

For safety reasons, the bus captain didn’t open the door but the passenger immediately activated the emergency door release to open it.”

When the bus driver did not open the bus, the passenger took matters into his own hands, with “most” of the people on the bus following him, although some chose to stay due to safety concerns.

Mr Densel said that the bus was around 800 meters from the checkpoint going into Singapore.

He added that the bus captain endeavoured to assist the passengers. “The bus did not move at all as there was still traffic congestion in front of it.

The bus captain made an effort to get down and direct traffic to let the bus passengers walk.”

Netizens seemed unsurprised that the people decided to walk instead of staying on the bus and waiting for the traffic to move.

Others wondered if he would be fined for walking off the bus and along the causeway.

Others lauded him for being so proactive amidst the traffic, and one even called him a saviour to those who followed him.

/TISG

Johor residents doubtful that adding 50 more counters will ease congestion

Govt seeks help to decide on the design of Founders’ Memorial that will commemorate Lee Kuan Yew despite his aversion to monuments

By

Jewel Stolarchuk

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November 2, 2019

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The Government is seeking feedback on which design it should go with for the Founders’ Memorial it is building.

Plans to build a Founders’ Memorial was announced a mere three months after the nation’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew passed away in March 2015. At the time, the authorities seemed to position the memorial as though it would pay tribute to many historical figures, including but not solely focused on Lee Kuan Yew, who shaped Singapore.

Curiously, Lee Kuan Yew was the only figure who is explicitly identified in a statement on MCCY’s website, that provided an idea as to what Singaporeans can expect from the memorial.

Besides indicating that the aim of the Founders’ Memorial is “to commemorate the values and ideals of our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and his team who founded independent Singapore,” MCCY states that many Singaporeans support the idea of such a memorial:

“Many Singaporeans support the idea of a Founders’ Memorial to commemorate the values and ideals of our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and his team who founded independent Singapore. Singaporeans young and old expressed hope that the memorial will help current and future generations to cherish and live by such values and ideals. Most importantly, the Memorial will tell the extraordinary story of Singapore, written by ordinary Singaporeans.”

The Government is now asking Singaporeans to select one out of five design ideas for the memorial. Revealing that it received close to 200 architectural design submissions from around the world, the committee in-charge of the project said that a jury has shortlisted five design ideas for the project.

Seeking Singaporeans’ help in choosing a design for the memorial, the committee said: “Your feedback will be a critical component of the jury’s evaluation in choosing the winning design, which will be announced in 2020.”

Photo: Screencapture from foundersmemorial.sg

Earlier, netizens pointed out that plans to build a Founders’ Memorial that seems to be centred on the late Lee Kuan Yew’s values and ideals are contrary to his well-known aversion to monuments of himself.

In April 2015, a month after his father’s passing, Singapore’s current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that his father did not care for monuments. He had said in Parliament: “Mr Lee made it very clear throughout his life that he did not need and did not want any monument… Mr Lee was very careful never to allow a personality cult to grow around him, much less to encourage one himself.”

That same month, Lee Kuan Yew’s second child and only daughter Lee Wei Ling wrote in an article in the Straits Times: “…I was baffled by the news that our MPs were suggesting naming various structures or institutions after Papa.

“Papa had worked hard to prevent any personality cult from growing around him. It would most certainly go against what he would want and what he stood for in life, such as service to Singapore and Singaporeans, because that was the right thing to do, without any ulterior motive, least of all self-promotion.”

She added: “The best response to Papa’s passing is to honour the spirit of what he stood for, which is the welfare of Singaporeans. There is much that we can all work towards for this purpose.

“Similarly, to fuss over Papa’s personal objects or portrait defeats the purpose that he had strived for so diligently in life, which was the welfare of Singaporeans.”

Interestingly, the Government commissioned a committee to look into developing a Founders’ Memorial two months after Lee Hsien Loong and Lee Wei Ling noted their father’s dislike for monuments, in June 2015.

MCCY admits Founders Memorial will commemorate Lee Kuan Yew despite his aversion to monuments

Plans to erect Founders’ Memorial moves forward despite Lee Kuan Yew’s aversion to monuments

PM Lee planted a memorial for Lee Kuan Yew the same month he said that his father “did not want any monument”

MOT: Malaysia’s decision to proceed with JB-S’pore RTS ‘welcome’

By

Anna Maria Romero

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November 2, 2019

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Screen Shot 2019-11-01 at 11.11.02 AM — Facebook screengrab: Anthony Loke Siew Fook (Malaysia's Transport Minister)

Singapore—The country’s Ministry of Transport welcomed the news from Malaysia concerning its decision to proceed with the construction of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project that connects Johor Bahru and Singapore, according to a press statement from the MOT on Thursday evening, October 31.

An estimated 10,000 commuters per hour are expected to be served by the new RTS link, in a system similar to Light Rail Transit in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier that day, Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad confirmed in a press conference that the RTS Link would indeed be constructed. Work on the link would resume without further delay, he added, and that the link would be built with a cost cut of 36 percent, “from RM4.93 billion to RM3.16 billion.”

The link was originally planned in order to reduce the heavy traffic on the Johor Causeway and connect Singapore to the Southern Economic Corridor Iskandar Malaysia. The agreement to build the link had been signed between the Government of Singapore and the administration of then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, who lost his bid for re-election in the May 2018 elections.

The project was put on hold when Dr Mahathir began his term, as his administration evaluated the currents and their corresponding costs.

For a time, whether the project would continue or not was uncertain, since in May the two countries agreeing to suspend works on the link until September 30. And in September, another month was added to the suspension with no extra costs.

But Dr Mahathir had already confirmed earlier in the month that his government would push through with the project, when the Malaysian Government launched its National Transport Policy in Kuala Lumpur on October 17.

Even earlier, Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia’s Finance Minister, also said that the Government “intends to proceed” with the link when he tabled the national budget for next year.

The MOT said in its press release, “Singapore welcomes Malaysia’s decision to proceed with the project.

Both sides are now discussing the changes to the project, which Malaysia is proposing in order to reduce the project cost.

As the changes will require amendments to the RTS Link Agreement, the discussions will take some time. Both sides are working hard on this,” the Ministry added.

The MOT spokesman told Channel NewsAsia (CNA) that it has asked for specifics from the Malaysian government regarding its proposed changes to the original agreement.

Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s Transport Minister, said at a separate event that Malaysia has already submitted an official proposal regarding the RTS Link, and is waiting for the Singapore Government to review it before finalizing the deal, according to a report from CNA.

Mr Loke said that the proposed changes will lower the costs of construction and cause the fares for commuters to become affordable.

The Transport Minister also said that he expects for the final agreement for the RTS link to be inked by both parties by early 2020./ TISG

Mahathir confirms JB-Singapore RTS Link will resume without delay with 36% cost cut

In Detroit, elusive black voters could upend 2020 Democrats

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AFP

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November 2, 2019

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American_flag_2011 — Picture Credit: Wiki Commons

by Elodie CUZIN

Outside the dilapidated Michigan home where civil rights icon Malcolm X once lived, Aaron Sims hesitated before confiding that he voted for Donald Trump.

In majority-black Detroit and across the nation, African Americans overwhelmingly support Democrats. But in 2016, their voter participation dropped — and with next year’s presidential election looming, their enthusiasm has yet to return.

“I know I’ll probably get a lot of backlash from it, but I did vote Trump,” the 42-year-old activist, an example of black disenchantment with former president Barack Obama’s party, told AFP.

“I think the Democratic Party just took the African American vote for granted.”

As troubles simmered within his community, “nobody was really addressing the issues, the problems that we were having,” Sims added.

His message to Democrats for why he switched allegiances and picked Trump — who has fueled the country’s racial tensions with his divisive rhetoric — after years of supporting more progressive candidates? “You guys didn’t do nothing here.”

Trump bested his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by less than 11,000 votes in Michigan, one of three Midwestern states that narrowly flipped in the New York billionaire’s favor to give him his upset victory.

If white working-class and college-educated women voters played a decisive role in making that happen, Detroit also contributed to the result: Clinton received 76,000 fewer votes there in 2016 than Obama did in 2012.

Sims became a landscaper after more than a decade working in one of the many automobile factories around Detroit, the “Motor City” that is also the birthplace of the legendary Motown record label.

With its bankruptcy in 2013, Detroit solidified its reputation as one of America’s poorest major cities.

Thousands of residents have fled, and empty lots and abandoned homes abound. The recent tourist revival downtown does not benefit the vast majority of its black population.

Biden not a favorite
In the cool of an autumn morning, Sims described how his city of Inkster, adjacent to Detroit, was created to house black workers during an era of segregation.

To help youths in the crime-ridden community, he founded Project We Hope, Dream and Believe in 2012.

He dreams of turning the small, boarded-up home where he said Malcolm X stayed in the 1950s into a museum.

Three years after the election, he said he sees no signs of the economic miracle that Trump constantly boasts of, even though the black unemployment rate has reached historic lows.

Asked if he’ll vote once more for Trump, Sims said, “I’m pretty sure I won’t,” but he also sounded cautious.

“It all depends on how the rest of this Democratic primary plays out.”

Through debates, conferences and campaign stops, the big names in the Democratic race have already courted Detroit.

Sims says he is presently considering rising star favorite Elizabeth Warren, the progressive senator with a binder full of policy plans, as well as her liberal colleague Bernie Sanders and black senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker.

Danielle Atkinson, the 37-year-old founder of Mothering Justice, an organization helping minority mothers navigate financial issues, is watching the race closely.

But like Sims, she also does not count Joe Biden, the former vice president struggling to maintain his frontrunner status, among her favorites.

Instead she is eyeing Harris, who has Jamaican roots, as well as Sanders, Warren, and South Bend, Indiana’s young mayor Pete Buttigieg.

Atkinson has witnessed little economic improvement under Trump. But even though this mother of six did not vote for the brash billionaire Republican, she shares the impression that Democrats did not fight enough to win over minorities in 2016.

“Women of color in particular… their vote was taken for granted,” she said.

‘Critical’ election
Black voters are “by far” the most reliable Democratic constituency in the country, noted Eric Williams, a senior attorney with the Detroit Justice Center.

“You can’t blame African Americans for Trump,” he argued, explaining that the drop in turnout in 2016 followed record voting for the nation’s first black president.

“If you expect to get an African American turnout,” he challenged, “then you actually need to respond to African American concerns.”

The Democratic candidates have yet to stir a groundswell of enthusiasm, Williams said.

But current hatred of Trump “is strong enough that it will overcome any misgivings there might be about any individual candidate” come election time.

Prominent voices like that of Martin Luther King III, eldest son of the slain civil rights icon, are seeking to inspire the community into political activism.

“This next election is one of the most critical of our time,” King told AFP after meeting with Detroit residents.

“We saw a beginning of a sea change in 2018” when Democrats scored key legislative and local victories, he said.

“That same energy, that same coalition of young people, of women, of a lot of folks from communities of color, can make the difference” in 2020.

Stay warm on trips to colder climes with these essential tips and tricks

By

Miren Gonzalez

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November 2, 2019

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TISG_Cold weather_103019 — Photo: Cold weather in Northumberland, the UK/YouTube screen grab

Travelling to colder climates is exciting, especially if, like me, you hail from a tropical country. The thought of being all wrapped up, enjoying the snow, the cold, crisp air and warm drinks conjures up sensations of coziness and decided satisfaction. But the reality is not often as pleasant as the daydream, so preparation is key!

Freezing, having wet feet and feeling extremely uncomfortable are all possible eventualities if you don’t prepare for a cold weather trip. It’s easy to feel miserable in the cold if you’re not properly outfitted, so check out these packing essentials before you start your own packing process.

Remember to check the weather forecast for your destination on the days that you will be there. Noting down temperatures and changes in the weather will help you pack wisely.

The advice in this article is based on current temperatures in the northeast of England—eight to 11 degrees Celsius during the day and between 2 to 5 degrees at night.

Layering is key

Anyone familiar with cold weather will tell you that it’s all about layering. While my tropical self naturally resists the thought of being smothered by multiple layers of clothing, I have to admit that it is the way to keep warm in cold weather. Don’t fret—there is a way to layer up but still retain a feeling of flexibility, ease and mobility (and fashion!).

The key is in light and easy-to-pack layers. These days, most outdoor and cold weather gear shops sell thermal layers, fleeces and down jackets that can be packed away without taking up much space. Remember that closer fitting layers in fabrics that stretch are better for keeping warm.

Essentials

As a rule, you want to pack several of the following items for layering in different combinations:

top-to-toe thermal base layers (merino wool will keep you warm, dry and fresh, as will hemp-based clothing)
tshirts
long-sleeved tshirts
sweaters/jumpers (look for natural fibres for extra warmth and comfort)
fleece jacket (this can be used on its own or inside down or waterproof jackets for extra insulation)
down jacket (packable down jackets are available in stores)
waterproof jacket (essential in a place like England or anywhere with regular rain showers)
dress shirts (if you need them—make sure you’ve got space under your dress shirt for a thermal layer)
dresses (pack dresses that can be worn with tights or leggings)
leggings (stretchy leggings can be used as thermals or as a layer above)
tights (shops sell fleece or wool tights that can be worn with dresses or under pants)
pants (take your pic from jeans, dress pants, hiking pants, chinos, etc. — just make sure you have room underneath for your thermal leggings)
comfortable thermal underwear
thick wool socks

And then there are the must-have cold weather accessories:

scarves (look for scarves that can double as shawls or wraps—basically mini blankets)
hats (keep your head warm and get them in a variety of colours and styles)
gloves (choose from leather, wool, or synthetic)
boots (keeping your feet dry is essential to staying warm)

Cold weather hacks

Choose layers that are easy to wear and hold or pack away. Establishments and homes in cold climates all have heaters that provide much-needed warmth. When you enter a heated building, the first thing that happens is that layers come off until you feel comfortable with the change in temperature. If you’re inside, the discarded layers can be hung on hooks or draped over furniture, but if you’re out and about and the weather changes, be ready to have to carry the layers you decide to remove.

Pack a day bag that is roomy and comfortable to use. I prefer to use a backpack or a sling bag that goes across the body. Shoulder bags are pretty much useless when wearing a puffy down jacket or anything made of smooth or slippery fabric—they’ll keep sliding off! A backpack is perfect as it has space for storing your layers and cold weather accessories plus any purchases you might make while you’re out.

Be wise about your shoe choice. You want to pick shoes that are comfortable to walk in, have room for thick socks and are not too difficult to put on and take off.

It’s all about the outerwear. Most of your photos will probably show you in jackets or outerwear, thanks to the weather, so bear that in mind and take some artistic liberties with your fashion. Most outdoor shops offer outerwear in a great variety of colours and styles, so it won’t be hard to find something that reflects your personal taste.

When in doubt, shop locally. If you can’t find suitable cold weather gear in your country of residence, don’t worry—one good tip is to buy right in your cold weather destination. Cold weather gear will be more plentiful, and perhaps it’ll even be on sale! Find out where the locals get their gear and shop there.

Though a staunch supporter of tropical weather, I must admit that the cold has its own charm and can be fascinating and beautiful. When properly geared up, the cold becomes a friend instead of a bitter enemy.

Ready to escape the heat of Singapore? Plan a cold weather vacay. Hey, Christmas is around the corner, and who doesn’t love a white Christmas? /TISG

More people come to Singapore but remain frugal in choice of hotels

By

Gemma Iso

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November 2, 2019

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Screen Shot 2019-10-31 at 2:20pm — You Tube screen gtan from Places to See

The latest report from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) revealed that the number of people traveling to Singapore has increased, however, these tourists have opted to stay frugal in their expenses especially on choosing where to stay.

In the first six months of 2019, over 9 million tourists have come to Singapore, a 1.3% increase from the same six-month period in 2018. But these tourists’ spending only totaled S$13.1 billion, a 3% decline from the same period last year.

Mr Poh Chi Chuan, STB’s director of digital transformation, said that the decline in tourism receipts can be attributed to tourists becoming cautious due to “ongoing risk and uncertainties in the global economy”, such as the trade tensions between the United States and China, Britain’s looming exit from the European Union, as well as currency fluctuations against the Singapore dollar.

Mr Poh added that there was also a slight increase in visitors who spent less time in Singapore due to the way their travel itineraries have been structured, including tourists like cruise passengers or those visiting Singapore en route to other destinations. These visitors tend to spend less too.

The decline

According to Mr Poh, the decline in tourism receipts was because more visitors have chosen to check in at lower-tier hotels, or with friends and relatives.

A tourism lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Mr Michael Chiam said that this is because travelers want to tighten their purse strings and usually cut their spending on accommodation.

He added that there is a trend for travelers to see hotels as a place to sleep so they do not see any need to pay for fancy accommodation.

“People think, ‘As long as it’s reasonable, I’m not looking for a luxury stay, so I just pay the minimal.’ They also think, ‘I’m not going to stay in the hotel room throughout the day, so why should I pay so much for the room?’”

When asked whether home-sharing platform Airbnb had a role to play in the decline, Mr Chiam said that the illegality of Airbnb in Singapore meant that the number of tourists using it in Singapore would be “very small” and would not make an impact on the tourism receipts for accommodation.

Improving market portfolio

Looking ahead, Mr Poh said that the board expects some macroeconomic and external challenges to persist and that Singapore’s tourism performance would continue to be affected, particularly its tourism receipts.

STB would continue to diversify its market portfolio by marketing to tier-two cities in China and India, such as Chongqing and Jaipur.

“We will continue to enhance our wide range of attractions and events, as well as the rich cultural and heritage precincts and festivals that remain a draw for visitors,” Mr Poh said, adding that STB has a pipeline of tourism offerings, such as the further development of Mandai Nature Precinct and the Jurong Lake District.

“We are also committed to enriching visitor experience to encourage them to spend more time in Singapore. STB will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to encourage day-trippers to extend their stay in Singapore, which will contribute to higher per capita expenditure.” /TISG

The road to a more powerful passport: Investing in citizenship is the elite way to travel the world

By

Miren Gonzalez

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November 2, 2019

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TISG_Purchasing passports_102919 — Some countries offer citizenship through investment programs. Photo: Passports/YouTube screen grab

Tied for first place in the race for the world’s most powerful passports, Singapore and Japan each have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries. Across the globe, other nations aren’t quite so lucky and have to go old school and patiently apply and pay for visas, hoping that their life’s credentials are enough to get them the official stamp.

Those whose pockets are full, however, are in a different category of their own. They don’t apply for tourist visas—they purchase residency.

Amidst the clamour and uncertainty of Brexit, British citizens are rushing to claim Irish passports, a lifeline in case it all turns ugly. But political unrest is not the only reason to change or add to your citizenship.

Citizenship by investment

For wealthy travellers who want to enjoy a freer route around the globe and have access to more powerful passports, countries offer citizenship by investment programs (CIPs), which entails investing in a country’s economy, usually in infrastructure development or government bonds, as a pathway to obtaining their citizenship.

Unsurprisingly, the booming industry is a controversial one as it clearly favours the fortunate. Citizenship doesn’t come cheap, as I’m sure you’ve already surmised.

Nations offering CIPs require clients to invest in their continued development and growth. Nuri Katz, founder of international financial advisory firm Apex Capital Partners, told CNN that CIPs are generally bought up by wealthy individuals whose home passports limit their travel plans.

Katz noted that many CIP applicants come from regions like Russia, China and the Middle East and are worth an average of US$8 million (S$11 million).

The history of CIPs

These programs are not a new concept, although it has only recently become a trend.

St. Kitts and Nevis, this year holding the world’s 24th most powerful passport, with visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 154 countries, started the first CIP.

The two-island nation in the Caribbean has been using its passport as a lure for foreign direct investment since 1984, and many other countries in the region followed suit.

Katz noted that countries like Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Malta, Cyprus and Dominica are actively pushing their own versions of CIPs, and more developed nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and a few other European countries have also made them available to foreign clients.

According to Katz, Georgia and Kazakhstan are in the midst of creating their own programs, while several other Balkan countries are considering doing the same.

How the program works

Before their applications are approved, applicants to CIPs will undergo strict and thorough financial and criminal evaluations into their person and to ensure that their money has been legally earned.

Katz remarked that the approval process is a length one, taking several years to complete. For example, the US CIP program requires applicants to live a full five years in the country as a residence requirement before being eligible to apply for citizenship.

The cost

There’s a reason only a certain percentage of the population can afford to purchase citizenship—CIPs do not come cheap. They range from US$100,000 (S$136,000) in the island of Dominica to a minimum of US$2.15 million (S$3.41) in Cyprus, which relies heavily on its European passport and status and is known for quick processing times and generally smooth and stress-free documentation.

The prestige

Katz noted that some extremely wealthy clients even collect passports as status symbols of the most elite kind.

“It shows that one has reached a certain financial level that allows them to invest in a second citizenship,” said Katz. “Like buying an expensive car, it serves a purpose but it also shows that one can afford it.”

Interestingly, Katz remarked that collecting passports is more of a millionaires-only club. The billionaires will have long taken care of these issues.

In recent news

Montenegro, known for its quaint medieval towns and rugged mountain landscapes, just recently (Oct. 4) announced that its doors were open to accept applications for CIPs.

The little Mediterranean nation along the Adriatic Sea is offering only 2,000 openings. To snag a spot, would-be citizens of Montenegro will have to invest in a minimum investment of US$274,000 (S$374,000) in projects in underdeveloped areas and pay a fee of €100,000 (S$151,000) for each application.

With citizenship in different nations up for grabs, the world’s doors are opening even more. Well, for the wealthy, at least. The rest of us will still wait in line at immigration patiently. -/TISG

Launch of BTS Barbie dolls boosted Mattel’s worldwide sales by ten percent

By

Miren Gonzalez

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November 2, 2019

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TISG_BTS Barbie 3_103119 — Photo: BTS Barbie dolls lifted Mattel worldwide sales by ten percent/Toywiz Malaysia Facebook

K-pop superband and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors BTS’s influence has spilled over into the toy industry. When toymaker Mattel Inc. launched its line of BTS Barbie dolls, worldwide sales rose by 10 percent, a testament to the strength of BTS’ “army”, or the group’s dedicated fanbase.

On Tuesday (Oct 29), Mattel reported a “surprise jump” in quarterly revenue, thanks to a demand for its flagship Barbie brand. Meanwhile, international Barbie gross sales rose 10 percent to US$412.8 million (S$561.26 million) in the third quarter, despite analysts’ fears that demand would slow down in the countdown to the release of the movie Frozen 2, the doll rights of which are owned by Hasbro.

Mattel’s international gross sales rose 10 percent to US$721.7 million, supported by BTS Barbie sales. Fans everywhere have rushed to purchase all seven dolls to complete the set.

Photo: Full set of BTS Barbie dolls by Mattel/Mattel Facebook

Over the years, Barbie has evolved to represent characters from different ethnicities, backgrounds and professions, and its popularity is stronger than ever with the rise of pop culture-relevant Barbie dolls.

“The story around BTS shows how we’re able to capture cultural trends and commercialise them,” Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz told Reuters.

Unlike Mattel’s main competition, toymaker Hasbro, Mattel reported that there were no cancellations by its retail partners in anticipation of the US tariff deadline on Chinese toy imports, slated for December 15.

“At this stage, we are not seeing any impact from tariffs and we don’t expect anything this year,” said Kreiz, noting that the brand’s popularity is going strong as the main toy-buying season, the Christmas holidays, are approaching.

The BTS Barbie dolls were launched in Singapore on August 15 and can be purchased in Toys “R” Us branches, Takashimaya, OG, selected Popular bookstores, and selected stores in Changi Airport. Fans can also order the Barbies through the Toys “R” Us website.

Mattel has priced each BTS doll at S$34.99, making the full set of seven cost S$244.93.

In an official statement, Mattel said the dolls looked “just like the beloved BTS members” and were intricately made, with rooted hair and 11 points of articulation, meaning that the dolls can be moved to pose in “many” of the group’s real life stances and dance moves.

Photo: BTS Barbie dolls V, SUGA, Jin, Jung Kook, RM, Jimin and j-hope/Mattel Facebook

-/TISG

Samsung teases a reinvented flip phone

By

The Independent

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November 2, 2019

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samsung foldable phone concept_20191030 — Photo from Samsung.

A month after the release of the Galaxy Fold 2.0, Samsung announced its new plans for a foldable flip phone concept.

Blending nostalgia and innovation, the reinvented flip phone appears similar to the traditional “clamshell” model but with a technology that allows the display to fold in half like the Galaxy Fold.

The device folds in half neatly into a square according to the sneak peak video.

“This brand-new form factor that we’re now exploring will not only easily fit in your pocket, but it also changes the way you use your phone,” said Hyesoon Jeong, head of Samsung’s framework R&D group as quoted in a report by The Verge.

Samsung announced the mysterious device during the company’s Developer Conference on Tuesday (29 Oct) in San Jose, California.

The new device has no name yet, nor has Samsung revealed enough details about its features and release date in the market.

Being the pioneer in foldable technology, Samsung said that the company is “working on advancing new foldable form factors and bringing a new foldable device to market.”

Samsung also announced its upcoming One UI 2 update with Android that allows full dark mode, animated icons, and better accessibility when using the device with one hand. -/TISG

What did Samsung fix in the redesigned Galaxy Fold?

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The MOT said in its press release, “Singapore welcomes Malaysia’s decision to proceed with the project.

Both sides are now discussing the changes to the project, which Malaysia is proposing in order to reduce the project cost.

As the changes will require amendments to the RTS Link Agreement, the discussions will take some time. Both sides are working hard on this,” the Ministry added.

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Montenegro, known for its quaint medieval towns and rugged mountain landscapes, just recently (Oct. 4) announced that its doors were open to accept applications for CIPs.

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