The city’s highest court had dismissed the appeal against Saridewi Djamani’s conviction on October 6 last year….reports Asian Lite News
For the first time in 20 years, Singapore on Friday executed a woman convict who was found guilty of trafficking 30 grams of heroin in 2018.
Singaporean national Saridewi Djamani, 45, is the second drug convict to be executed this week, after fellow Singaporean Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, and the 15th since March 2022, reports the BBC.
Under Singapore’s anti-drug laws, which are some of the world’s toughest, death penalty is imposed on anyone caught trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin.
In a statement, Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said that Saridewi, who was sentenced to death on July 6, 2018, was accorded “full due process” under the law.
The city’s highest court had dismissed the appeal against her conviction on October 6 last year.
A petition for presidential pardon was also unsuccessful, according to authorities.
Her execution came just two days after Aziz was hanged on Wednesday, following his conviction of trafficking 50 grams of heroin in 2017.
According to Amnesty International, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Singapore are the only four countries to have recently carried out drug-related executions.
Speaking at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi on Monday, Jaishankar said that it is a big step because when a country like Singapore which is so active and motivational for many, joins ISA fully…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday hailed Singapore’s ratification of the International Solar Alliance as a “big step.”
Calling it a big step, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday announced that Singapore has ratified the International Solar Alliance, signifying the decision to join collective efforts on climate action. “Singapore has ratified the International Solar Alliance. This is a big step because when a country like Singapore which is so active and motivational for many joins ISA fully, this is something very important,” the EAM said.
Speaking at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi on Monday, Jaishankar said that it is a big step because when a country like Singapore which is so active and motivational for many, joins ISA fully.
Taking to Twitter, Singapore in India wrote, “Today, Singapore Minister Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman deposited Singapore’s @isolaralliance (ISA) Instrument of Ratification with India EAM HE @DrSJaishankar, signifying our decision to join collective efforts on climate action. @PMOIndia #OWOSOG #ISA #Renewables.”
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), also called the International Agency for Solar Policy and Application is a group of 106 signatory countries (86 of which are members), the majority of which are sunshine countries that lie entirely or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
The alliance’s main goal is to promote efficient solar energy use in order to lessen reliance on fossil fuels. This program was first presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who co-launched it with French President Emmanuel Macron at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
International Solar Alliance is also the treaty-based agency responsible for implementing One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), which aims to transfer solar power-generated energy to other areas and meet electricity demands.
Meanwhile, speaking at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi, the External Affairs Minister said, “We have approved unanimously two outcomes- one is a G20 Action Plan on Accelerating Progress in the Sustainable Development Goals, and the second is G20 High-Level Principles on Lifestyle for Sustainable Development.” (ANI)
Under the patronage of Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), Singapore’s prestigious Global Schools Foundation is opening its first school campus in the Saudi capital in September 2022…reports Asian Lite News
The One World International School (OWIS) will be the fourth school to be established in Riyadh under the RCRC’s International Schools Attraction Program, an initiative to bring international schools to the Saudi capital in partnership with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Education.
The international schools attracted by the program add diversity to Riyadh’s education system and represent globally recognised curricula, teaching and learning systems, offering experience-based best practices. The International Schools Attraction Program is part of the Kingdom’s Regional Headquarter (RHQ) Program, which incentivizes companies to set up their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. To date, 44 global companies have received licences to move their regional headquarters to the capital city.
Mazen Tammar, Head of Education Sector at the RCRC, said: “Attracting prestigious global institutions such as the OWIS is a big part of how Riyadh is creating a world-class education ecosystem. This is a significant milestone in improving educational opportunities for all Riyadh residents.
The Global Schools Foundation (GSF) currently operates 26 campuses in eight countries with a strength of over 25,000 students from 70 nationalities. Recognized as the world’s most awarded network of schools by the World Book of Records, London UK & Switzerland in 2021, GSF received 350 international awards in educational excellence, health and safety, social & emotional learning, and organisational excellence from world’s leading award bodies. The school offers comprehensive and holistic educational programs that include arts, sports, music, and languages. OWIS provides personalized teaching for various stages of development based on International Baccalaureate (IB), Primary Years Programme (PYP) and an American curriculum based on Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of the GSF, said: “OWIS believes in an all-inclusive education to help the next generation blossom into young adults with a global outlook. The school also adapted its education to meet the needs of the changing times. The Riyadh campus will reflect the OWIS’s inherent philosophy of commitment to quality education. It will also give students the right foundation to propel them to international success in the future.”
OWIS has received recognitions from renowned organizations such as the Asia Pacific Quality Organization for its innovative practices in international curricula. The Foundation has a track record in creating technology-enabled learning environments and providing diverse linguistic and cultural exposure to students in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, India, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.
The school offers modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure within a digital environment, designed to impart 21st century learning abilities to make students inquisitive explorers, able to apply their education in real world experiences. Through sports and skills-based learning, students will be given the opportunity to hone inherent talents and acquire new proficiencies. The range of programs offered include coding, robotics, design and technology, and STEM-related studies.
OWIS students in Riyadh will gain exposure to peers, experts, and faculty from the GSF’s global education network through interschool, inter-campus and international activities to support in building strong student portfolios and global mindsets. GSF’s educational offering is underpinned by value-driven programs that builds emotional intelligence, encourages awareness, and equips students with the ability to flourish in culturally diverse environments.
Distinguished as one of the best education systems in the world by the OECD, Singapore’s education system has placed top-five in educational outcomes by both the Program for International Schools Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
Abdullah bin Zayed, Singapore FM review global developments
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore review global developments…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, emphasised the privileged relations between the two nations and their determination to strengthen and develop cooperation across various fronts.
This came as the UAE’s top diplomat met with his Singaporean counterpart here and discussed issues of common interest and exchanged views on the latest regional and global developments.
The two sides also reviewed global efforts being made to accelerate post-COVID recovery at various levels. Dr. Balakrishnan hosted a dinner banquet in honor of Sheikh Abdullah. (WAM)
Al Maya Group to expand more FMCG products from Singapore
Mr. Kamal Vachani, Group Director and Partner of Al Maya Group, welcomed H.E Mr. Kamal R Vaswani, Singapore’s Ambassador to the UAE …reports Asian Lite News
Mr. Kamal Vachani informed the Ambassador about the FMCG products available at Al Maya Supermarkets across the UAE coming from Singapore. Mr. Vachani also showed his interest to increase import of food products from Singapore. The Ambassador appreciated the Group’s role in promoting Singapore’s food products in the UAE.
Mr. Kamal Vachani, informed the Ambassador about the variety of products available from Singapore at the Al Maya Supermarkets.
Al Maya Group is keen to expand its products portfolio from Singapore, Mr. Kamal Vachani told the Ambassador. A large number of FMCG products are being imported and stocked in our Supermarkets from Singapore, Mr. Kamal Vachani informed the Ambassador.
Al Maya Group, the UAE-based business conglomerate, has more than 50 supermarkets in the GCC countries in addition to other businesses.
Mr. Kamal Vachani thanked His Excellency for visiting Al Maya and assured his full support from Al Maya Group for importing more and more FMCG goods from Singapore.
OnMonday, General Naravane laid a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial…reports Asian Lite News
Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane and Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen met on Tuesday and discussed regional geopolitical developments.
General Naravane reviewed the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence in Singapore and complimented the Guard for an impeccable turnout and parade.
The strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between both the two nations was reaffirmed, the Army said in a statement.
He also called on Brigadier General David Neo, Chief of Army of Singapore Army and discussed the roadmap to further enhance defence cooperation between the two nations.
General Naravane is on a three-day visit to Singapore to enhance military cooperation from Monday (April 4).
On Monday, General Naravane laid a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial.
Last year in December, General Naravane went on a week-long visit to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the first ever trip by an army chief to both West Asian countries to significantly boost the security ties.
Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the strength and vibrancy of the relations between the UAE and Singapore, and the development they witnessed in all fields…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, to discuss ways of advancing bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation.
The two ministers also took stock of the latest regional and global issues and developments of mutual interest.
They reviewed the participation of the Republic of Singapore in Expo 2020 Dubai, the outcomes of this prominent global event, and its role in developing innovative solutions that support efforts to achieve sustainable development in societies.
Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the strength and vibrancy of the relations between the UAE and Singapore, and the development they witnessed in all fields.
For his part, Dr. Balakrishnan affirmed his country’s aspiration to bolster joint cooperation with the UAE in light of the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries.
Earlier, Singapore Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu Hai Yien, said that the country is keen to collaborate with the UAE through new projects and solutions, as well as the exchange of expertise to achieve low-carbon economy.
During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), she said that the UAE has many ideas and strategies to decarbonise its economy and “that’s exactly where Singapore is heading as well”.
“In this journey of decarbonisation, there will be many new opportunities and technologies [which need to be tested and piloted]. So, I’m here to explore the opportunities for us to work together in this new phase of sustainable development,” Minister said.
One of the areas of interest for Singapore to explore here is sustainable food, in which Minister Grace Fu believes the UAE is progressing well.
“We are looking at low-carbon, high-efficiency production because resources are very scarce. We want to reduce our water usage, our energy usage and get the best system up there, so we can produce food sustainably,” she said, adding that Singapore is developing a new area, similar to the UAE’s Food Tech Valley, to meet its food security goals.
Launched last year by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Food Tech Valley is an initiative that seeks to triple the UAE’s food production by creating an integrated modern city that will serve as a hub for future clean tech-based food and agricultural products and an incubator for researchers, entrepreneurs, startups and industry experts.
This MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years and will be automatically extended for a successive period of five years…reports Asian Lite News
Industry and research institutes from India and Singapore would soon jointly develop new products related to economic and societal challenges.
This will come following through a MoU on cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation signed between Indian’s Department of Science and Technology, and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The MoU signed by Secretary, Science and Technology, S. Chandrasekhar and Permanent Secretary, Lee Chuan Teck, will follow a demand-driven approach in developing cooperation, facilitating companies and institutions that wish to optimise the benefit arising from the cooperation, for encouraging companies and institutions to cooperate and utilise programmes, which promote the mobility of scientists and high-level experts.
Recognising the importance of international cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation for the two countries’ economic and social development, the MoU would strengthen India-Singapore Science, Technology, and Innovation Collaboration.
The cooperative activities will include sharing experiences on the national research, development, and innovation policies and programmes of each country, exchanging and sharing of scientific and technological information, organising partnership development activities, workshops, scientific seminars, and conferences covering fields on issues of common interest, joint research and development projects, including industrial R&D to advance technology development for commercial outcomes, exchange of scientists, researchers, technicians, and research students, training of scientists, researchers, technicians, and research students, a release from Ministry of Science and Technology said.
It will encourage, develop and facilitate cooperation between India and Singapore in fields of common interest in science, technology, and innovation, including areas like agriculture and food science and technology, advanced manufacturing and engineering, green economy, energy, water, climate, and natural resources, data science, emerging technologies, advanced materials, and health and biotechnology.
This MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years and will be automatically extended for a successive period of five years.
Following the signing of MoU, an implementation agreement was also signed between the Department of Science and Technology, and Enterprise Singapore by S.K. Varshney, Adviser & Head, International Cooperation, and Edwin Chow, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, the release said.
Along with the Central Bank of Russia, the sanctions targeted four Russian banks: VTB, Vnesheconombank, Promsvyazbank and Bank Rossiya, reports Asian Lite News
Singapore has introduced sanctions on the Russian Central Bank and some other Russian banks as well as imposed restrictions on the exports to the country over the Russian military operation in Ukraine, the Singaporean Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
“Financial institutions in Singapore will be prohibited from the following: … entering into transactions or arrangements, or providing financial services that facilitate fund raising by: the Russian government; the Central Bank of the Russian Federation; any entity owned or controlled by them or acting on their direction or behalf. The prohibitions apply to buying and selling new securities, providing financial services that facilitate new fund raising by, and making or participate in the making of any new loan to the above entities,” the ministry said in a statement.
Photo taken on March 1, 2022 shows armed personnel in Donetsk. (Photo by (Victor_Xinhua_IANS)
The sanctions targeted four Russian banks: VTB, Vnesheconombank, Promsvyazbank and Bank Rossiya.
“In order to constrain Russia’s capacity to conduct its war in Ukraine and cyber aggression, all permit applications to Russia involving (a) all items on the List of Military Goods under the SGCO; and (b) all category codes under Category 3 – Electronics, Category 4 – Computers and Category 5 – Telecommunications and “Information Security” on the List of Dual-Use Goods under the SGCO will be rejected,” the statement added. (ANI/Sputnik)
Singapore is keen to collaborate with the UAE through new projects and solutions, as well as the exchange of expertise to achieve low-carbon economy, said a minister from Singapore…reports Asian Lite News
Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of the Republic of Singapore, who was visiting the UAE for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), said that the UAE has many ideas and strategies to decarbonise its economy and “that’s exactly where Singapore is heading as well”.
“In this journey of decarbonisation, there will be many new opportunities and technologies [which need to be tested and piloted]. So, I’m here to explore the opportunities for us to work together in this new phase of sustainable development,” Minister Grace Fu told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an interview.
One of the areas of interest for Singapore to explore here is sustainable food, in which Minister Grace Fu believes the UAE is progressing well.
Grace Fu Hai Yien
“We are looking at low-carbon, high-efficiency production because resources are very scarce. We want to reduce our water usage, our energy usage and get the best system up there, so we can produce food sustainably,” she said, adding that Singapore is developing a new area, similar to the UAE’s Food Tech Valley, to meet its food security goals.
Launched last year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Food Tech Valley is an initiative that seeks to triple the UAE’s food production by creating an integrated modern city that will serve as a hub for future clean tech-based food and agricultural products and an incubator for researchers, entrepreneurs, startups and industry experts.
Meanwhile, the Lim Chu Kang area in Singapore will be developed into a high-tech agri-food zone that can raise food production in a sustainable and resource-efficient manner, with an aim to strengthen Singapore’s food security.
“We are having discussion with the [UAE] Minister of Climate Change and the Environment to look at whether we could come up with some projects and maybe pilot some technologies. I think there are many areas where we [can] find commonalities and common topics,” the minister said.
Another area of interest is the UAE’s net-zero strategy. “Talking to some of the UAE ministers and decision makers about how they see the transition to [net-zero economy] was very interesting because we are also looking at net-zero path and obviously we are looking for new solutions,” Minister Grace Fu said.
Last year, the UAE announced its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, thus becoming the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to make such a commitment. Meanwhile, Singapore aspires to halve its emissions from its peak by 2050, with a view to achieving net zero emissions as soon as viable in the second half of the century.
“This transition towards renewable energy and also to look at how we can decorbonise as societies, give me a lot of inspiration,” she said.
The Minister also voiced confidence in the UAE’s ability to tackle some of the pressing issues related to climate change and global warming during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which the UAE will host in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
One of those issues is building up a cardon credit market, that is of high standard and that is functioning for the needs that’s up there.
“The compliance market, airlines, maritime, shipping, are all sectors that are looking for carbon credit solutions, in addition to new technologies. I think there are immense opportunities for discussion and I think it will be the leadership of COP27 and the leadership of COP28 that will guide us towards that future,” she concluded.
