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MorningStar in the U.S., Giorgio Auctions in Hungary and Bonhams in the U.K. are the three latest foreign auction houses suspected of selling fake Vietnamese paintings reports VN Express. Ace Le, editor-in-chief of local art magazine Art Republik Vietnam and co-founder of a network of Southeast Asian curators called Off Limits, has recently accused MorningStar eArt Group of selling two fake paintings attributed to the renowned late painters Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam, Giorgio Auctions of selling one silk painting falsely attributed to Mai Trung Thu and Bonhams of another one attributed to painter Nguyen Khai. "All auction houses have been charged with selling fake paintings and in this regard, only differ with each other in terms of degree," Le, who in recent years has written extensively on his Facebook page to expose plagiarism of Vietnamese art on the international market, says. A painting titled ‘Thieu Nu Trong Vuon' (Girl in the Garden) attributed to the late master Le Pho is being put up for sale at MorningStar. The auction house expects to get US$20,000-40,000 for the work, but art experts in Vietnam suspect the painting to be fake. Photo courtesy of MorningStar As more fake paintings are discovered, art experts attribute this increasing exposure of fraud to mainstream and social media, which allows the country’s artistic community and the public to scrutinize the sales of Vietnamese art abroad. Over the years, whenever there is suspicion, Vietnamese art experts, artists and their families, media agencies, and other stakeholders have at least notified auction houses to re-examine and withdraw the suspected paintings from sale. For instance, at the end of last year Sotheby's Hong Kong removed a three-panel lacquer painting titled ‘L'image Traditionnelle d'une Maison de Paysan’ (‘The Image of a Traditional Thatch House’) which was falsely attributed to the late Nguyen Van Ty, another well-known name among an older generation of Vietnamese painters who graduated from the prestigious Indochina College of Fine Arts, now called the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. In September 2019, the same auction house had to withdraw from sale two other problematic paintings: ‘La Thu’ (‘The Letter’) attributed to Ngoc Van and ‘Hai Co Gai’ (‘Two Girls’) attributed to Tran Van Can. In the latest cases, the two paintings put up for sale as part of Morning Star’s June Art and Asian Sale auction, ‘Thieu Nu Trong Vuon’ (‘Girl in the Garden’) attributed to Le Pho, and ‘Divinité’ (‘Divinity’) attributed to Vu Cao Dam, and Giorgio Auctions’ silk painting of a young woman attributed to Mai Trung Thu are suspected of plagiarism because their colors and styles are too "careless" to have been created by those masters. As for Bonhams’ untitled painting attributed to Nguyen Khai, who is supposed to have done it in 1969, the work has been disowned as fake by the painter himself. Dire and lasting consequences According to art researcher Pham Long, counterfeiting of Vietnamese works on the international market, which many local experts agree is partly owed to organized forgery rings in Vietnam, began to proliferate when the late Pho became the first artist from the country to cross the US$1-million mark for a work in 2017. Pho was an Indochina College of Fine Arts graduate and one of the "big four" Vietnamese painters who migrated to France and made their names in Europe in the 20th century. The other three, also graduates of the same school, were Dam, Thu and the only woman in the group, Le Thi Luu. Long says most fakes are rip-offs of these and other Indochina College of Fine Arts alumni because their works fetch soaring prices, and the painters are dead and did not leave much paperwork behind for verification. "Many auctions even showcase paintings that freely imitate the styles of certain painters and bear their fake signatures. This is truly dangerous because it jeopardizes those painters’ prestige and destroys the art market." Another art researcher, Ngo Kim Khoi, shares this opinion. Paintings with distorted messages and crude techniques and colors falsely attributed to famous Vietnamese painters make collectors shy away from those names and even cause foreign museums to re-evaluate and remove them from their collections genuine works they have bought. "We may think the art market is going up while it is actually going down, and will destroy the prestige of Vietnamese art. People will no longer trust and invest in the renowned masters from the Indochina College of Fine Arts." Weak protection from Vietnam, no due diligence by auction houses When there is a suspicion of forgery, the response from Vietnam tends to be feeble. For instance, Vietnamese painters who are still alive, relatives of late painters and other stakeholders such as local museums often avoid making statements about suspected fakes if they do not know it for a fact. They try to minimize conflicts and only notify foreign auction houses if they know for sure. A prime example of this occurred in 2019 when Sotheby's ‘The Letter’ was suspected to be a fake. The late Van’s son, To Ngoc Thanh, intended to remain silent at first, believing "nothing good" would come of it. Only after some consideration did he collaborate with the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts and a few media agencies to notify Sotheby's that the above-mentioned museum was in fact in possession of the original of the same name. In the case of Sotheby's other fake, ‘The Image of a Traditional Thatch House,’ the late Ty’s family did not even notify the auction house but merely made public the information to alert the community. "Most Vietnamese paintings are sold abroad, and so any problem that arises will depend on the laws of the country where the auction takes place," Le says to explain Vietnam’s generally feeble response. "Not everyone here knows international laws or has the capacity or resources to handle the situation." Even in Vietnam, art experts point out, the legal framework does not yet provide adequate copyright protection for art. For instance, as many as fifteen out of a total of seventeen paintings displayed at an exhibition titled ‘Nhung Buc Tranh Tu Chau Au Tro Ve’ (‘The Return of Vietnamese Paintings from Europe’) held in HCMC in 2016 were found to be fake. Their collector, Vu Xuan Chung, responded by saying he had simply trusted and bought them from Jean François Hubert, an authentication expert at Christie’s Hong Kong, and that was the end of the affair. According to art journalist Ly Doi, the incident was not dealt with properly because of an inadequate legal framework, and now nobody knows what happened to those fakes. Le, who has written about numerous basic mistakes that Christie’s Hubert has made with respect to Vietnamese art, says while big auction houses often hire experts exclusively for Vietnamese art or Vietnamese art as part of Southeast Asian or Asian art, smaller ones do not. At such places, a single expert often must handle various categories encompassing both paintings and antiques. Most of these so-called experts do not know Vietnamese or Vietnamese culture, and consequently make many mistakes in authenticating Vietnamese art, Le says. Another cause of mistakes is the fact that many auction houses lump Vietnamese and Chinese paintings in one category and assign the task to Chinese-art authentication experts. They cannot read the traditional Vietnamese Nom script, and this causes errors such as the one that recently occurred at Aguttes auction house in France when Tran Binh Loc was mistaken for Tran Tan Loc and Luong Xuan Nhi for Dung Doan. In March, Aguttes auction house mistakenly attributed ‘Thieu Nu Chai Dau' (Girl Combing Her Hair) to the late painter Tran Binh Loc while the actual artist is another late master, Tran Tan Loc. This painting was later sold for EUR338,000 ($357,000). Photo courtesy of Aguttes Le says some foreign auction houses have started to correct this by consulting Vietnamese experts to help them weed out and withdraw fake paintings. Based on the information given to him, he provides insights in three areas: origin or "provenance", visual analysis, and forensic examination, he says. "But many auction houses simply ignore experts’ advice to pursue profits." Art experts therefore advise collectors and other buyers to take precautions by looking up experts’ writings and opinions before buying so that they do not unwittingly enable fake art to thrive. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

File photo of monkeypox vesicles on a hand. (Photo: iStock) SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed one imported case of monkeypox infection in Singapore. According to CNA, the patient is a 42-year-old British national who works as a flight attendant. MOH said the man was in Singapore between Jun 15 and Jun 17, and again on Jun 19 as he flew in and out of Singapore. He tested positive for monkeypox on Jun 20. He is currently warded in at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and his condition is stable. Contact tracing is ongoing, said MOH. The case had onset of headache on Jun 14 and fever on Jun 16. These symptoms subsequently resolved, and he then developed skin rashes on Jun 19. MOH said the man sought medical attention via teleconsultation on the night of Jun 19 and was conveyed to NCID on Jun 20 for further assessment. “Contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. During this period, he had largely remained in his hotel room, except to visit a massage establishment, and eat at three food establishments on Jun 16." “In general, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low, as data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact. All four locations visited by the case are undergoing cleaning and disinfection,” said MOH. As of Jun 21, thirteen close contacts have been identified. MOH said all close contacts will be placed on quarantine for 21 days since their last contact with the case. “In addition, two low-risk contacts have been placed on phone surveillance. Persons under phone surveillance will receive daily phone calls during the 21-day period to monitor for any onset of symptoms. If suspected of being infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission,” added the ministry. Health Advisory Monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Infected individuals would typically experience fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, lethargy, and skin rash. "The disease is usually self-limiting, with most patients recovering within two to three weeks. In some cases, however, the virus can cause serious complications. Individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness include young children, pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals," said MOH. MOH added that human-to-human transmission is generally uncommon but can occur via exposure to respiratory droplets or direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion material from infected individuals or contaminated materials. The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days. Those with the infection are generally infectious from the onset of fever until the skin lesions have scabbed over. Given the evolving global situation, MOH advised members of the public, especially travellers, to maintain vigilance and take the following precautions: · Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing after going to the toilet, or when hands are soiled. · Avoid direct contact with skin lesions of infected living or dead persons or animals, as well as objects that may have become contaminated with infectious fluids, such as soiled clothing or linens used by an infected person. · Avoid contact with wild animals that could harbour the virus, and consumption of bush meat. · Seek immediate medical attention if they develop any disease symptoms compatible with monkeypox. Such symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash. These individuals should inform their doctor of their recent travel history, if any.

An employee counts Vietnamese banknotes at a bank in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy The State Bank of Vietnam is set to increase the frequency of currency selling amid rising U.S. interest rates, which have strengthened the greenback. With a foreign exchange reserve of over $100 billion, the central bank will continue to sell its foreign currency to stabilize the market, Pham Chi Quang, deputy head of the bank’s currency policy department, said Monday. "The State Bank of Vietnam will increase its sale of foreign currency to increase market supply." The central bank’s decision came after the U.S. Federal Reserve on May 16 increased its interest rate by 0.75 percentage point, the biggest increase in 28 years and the third time this year. The increases boosted the U.S. Dollar Index, which measures the value of the greenback against a basket of foreign currencies, by 10 percent compared to the start of the year. But Quang said the Vietnamese dong had only weakened against the U.S. dollar by around 2 percent so far this year, which shows the dong is stable. Demand for foreign currency is met on time, especially for businesses who need to import essential items amid rising energy and commodity prices, he added. The State Bank will continue to manage the currency exchange rate with flexibility to absorb external shocks, help stabilize the macro economy and control inflation. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

The notice 'All drivers are busy' is seen on a ride-hailing app. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Tu Tuan Anh has never faced this kind of difficulty in nearly five years as a ride-hailing driver in Hanoi as his income has plunged by a third reported VN Express. "I used to earn VND600,000 ($25.83) a day after fuel costs, but now I make only VND400,000," said the GrabCar driver, who blamed it on the skyrocketing gasoline prices. He and many other drivers no longer cruise around to increase the chance of being matched with a customer but instead pull over and wait as they seek to reduce gasoline use. It also means they get fewer customers if they are not in downtown areas. Another driver in Hanoi, Dang Hiep, is selling his car to repay loans from a bank and relatives and quitting his ride-hailing job since a decline in income means he is unable to pay them by working. In end-2020 he had borrowed over VND300 million from the bank to buy a sedan, but now he struggles to take home VND10 million a month after paying the bank VND7 million. Hiep is set to earn around VND200 million from selling the car and plans to use that money to open a restaurant with some friends. Tuan Anh and Hiep are among many ride-hailing drivers who are quitting or planning to quit as fuel prices continue to rise. On Facebook groups set up by ride-hailing drivers, there have been many posts in recent weeks about drivers quitting as they cannot afford the fuel costs. RON95 gasoline has risen by 39 percent this year. Customers have been complaining of a shortage of drivers and rising fares. On Thursday Minh Trang only found a ride-hailing driver in her fifth attempt as the Grab app said no driver could be found and Gojek drivers accepted the trip and canceled it immediately. The Hanoi resident has also seen the cost of her regular three-kilometer trip rising by a third to VND40,000 in recent months, sometimes even to VND50,000. Customers in Ho Chi Minh City also complain about fares. Thanh Le of Thu Duc City said prices double or even triple during peak hours, but she is unable to find car drivers even if she is willing to pay. Drivers said they have not received much support from their companies following the relentless gasoline price rises of recent months. Ride-hailing apps increased fares in March this year amid rising prices, but they still take around 30 percent of each trip as commission, and drivers say the gasoline price increase is more than their income growth. Ngoc Son, who has been a driving a ride-hailing taxi for five years, claimed many drivers have quit over the high commission and switched to inter-provincial and airport trips, which offer better incomes. "The recovery in tourism gives them more opportunities." But Gojek said in a recent statement that while drivers’ costs have risen by 10-15 percent because of the gasoline price rises, in April-May it increased its number of drivers by 20 percent in HCMC and doubled it in Hanoi. There might be an imbalance in supply and demand during peak hours and severe weather conditions, and it is offering bonuses to the most productive drivers to support them amid the rising costs, it said. Grab said its customers could have difficulty booking in certain locations and it is trying to increase the number of drivers. But no company has said it would cut its commission rate. Transport associations have pleaded for cuts in gasoline taxes and suspension of the value-added tax for six months to help them survive the challenging period. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

A glass-bottomed walkway in Vietnam, which opened to much public fanfare in April, has been declared the world's longest bridge of its kind by Guinness World Records. Bach Long bridge Located in the rural highland region of Son La province in northwestern Vietnam, the Bach Long bridge connects visitors to a popular mountain resort and offers impressive panoramic views of lush mountain rainforest. Suspended approximately 492 feet above ground and measuring 2,073 feet in length, the glass bridge was a collaboration between local tourism authorities and a French construction company to revive tourism, badly hit by the global pandemic when the country shut its borders to international visitors. It is said to be strong enough to support up to 450 people at a time. An SUV was recently driven over it to evaluate its strength. Guinness World Records officials certified the bridge over the weekend, local media outlets reported. It is the third glass bridge to be built in Vietnam. In 2018, another spectacular mountain footbridge, held up by a pair of enormous stone hands, made global headlines after it opened in the Ba Na Hills area in Central Vietnam. Guangdong, China The previous record for the world's longest glass-bottomed bridge was held by a structure measuring 1,726 feet in length in Guangdong, China. If you have been to either of these bridges, do let us know what they were like to visit? Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (File photo) MANILA – Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said he “would not be surprised” if outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte agrees to be the legal adviser of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go after he steps down from office on June 30. In an interview with Palace reporters, Andanar said Duterte has no problem working with Go, who has been his longtime aide since 1998. He, however, said he cannot confirm or deny whether Duterte has accepted Go’s offer. “Right now, I have not received a pronouncement from the President that he is willing to be legal adviser of Sen. Bong Go…But again, as one of the closest friends of the President of course he is the mentor of Sen. Bong Go, I wouldn't be surprised kung if he will be amenable to become the legal adviser of the Senator,” he said. On Sunday, Go revealed that he asked Duterte to be his legal consultant. He clarified that his offer was still being considered by the outgoing chief executive. Asked if Duterte is open to accepting other government positions should they be offered to him, Andanar said he was not privy to the President’s decision yet. “The last offer that I saw was to become the drug czar. But he rejected the offer,” he added. Last month, former spokesperson and presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo said Duterte has declined the offer to be the drug czar of the new administration. Panelo said he previously asked Duterte about it, but he replied, “It is not my time.” Duterte, 77, has repeatedly said that he is ready to retire from politics and spend his time as a private citizen with his family and loved ones. Despite this, he said he wants to continue his anti-illegal drugs campaign in his capacity as a private citizen. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (File photo) MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reported a decrease in the number of vehicles traversing Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) this month, attributing it in part to the increase in pump prices. In a Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday, MMDA chair Romando Artes said the number of vehicles that passed through Edsa on May 5 reached 417,000--above the pre-pandemic vehicular traffic of 405,000. " But on June 9, we had another vehicle count and it's 392,000 vehicles on Edsa," Artes said. He said the latest vehicular count on Edsa was taken on Sunday and only reached 390,000. " There was a total deficit of 27,000 from before the elections and we think a big factor here is the continued rise in the prices of fuel," he said. With vehicular traffic remaining moderate, he said the current form of the unified vehicular volume reduction program (UVVRP)--also known as number coding--will not be changed. " For now we don't have any plans to enforce an expanded number codig scheme as it is unnecessary as the number of vehicles in our streets continues to drop," Artes said. If a new form of number coding will be enforced, he said it would most likely happen under the incoming administration. E-bikes and e-scooters With the rise in fuel prices, he said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is pushing for the proper regulation of electric motorized vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters. He said LTO regulation 2021-039 aims to regulate these vehicles based on their classification or speed--with electric vehicles capable of running up to 12.5 kilometers per hour (kph) limited to barangay roads or bike lanes while those capable of running up to 50 kph are required to be registered with the LTO and used with safety gear such as a helmet. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

(File photo) MANILA – Authorities have seized a total of PHP89.79 billion worth of narcotics across the country a month before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down from office. In its latest Real Numbers data as of May 31 and released on Tuesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the amount includes PHP77.01 billion worth of shabu. Since the start of the Duterte administration in mid-2016, authorities have destroyed 8,195 kilograms (kg.) of shabu, 5, 111.76 kgs of marijuana, 23.7 kgs of ecstasy, 534 kg. of cocaine, and 3,491 kg. of other dangerous drugs while dismantling a total of 1,197 drug dens and 19 clandestine shabu laboratories. A total of 15,271 high-value targets (HVTs) across the country were arrested since the anti-illegal drugs campaign was launched on July 1, 2016. The figure includes 6,873 HVTs arrested from high-impact operations, 4,052 target-listed suspects, 1,719 drug den maintainers, 800 drug group leaders/members, 533 government employees, 406 elected officials, 364 foreigners, 295 included on wanted lists, 127 uniformed personnel, 78 armed group members and 24 prominent personalities. Authorities also arrested 345,216 individuals involved in illegal drugs during the period. As of May this year, the consolidated report showed 6,252 drug suspects have died during 239,218 anti-illegal drug operations. In the same period, authorities also arrested 4,414 minors -- which consists of 2,666 pushers,1,012 possessors, 455 users, 247 visitors to drug dens, 10 drug den maintainers, 18 drug den workers, three cultivators, one clandestine laboratory worker, and two runners. The rescued minors, after court proceedings, will be turned over to the Bahay Pag-asa centers of local government units (LGUs) within eight hours of police custody, before turning them over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Since they are minors, the DSWD said they would not be put behind bars together with hardened criminals. At least 25,361 out of the 42,045 barangays (villages) have been declared drug-cleared as of May 31 while 6,573 barangays were drug unaffected/drug-free barangays and 10,112 have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs. These barangays have reached drug-cleared status after the issuance of a certification by members of the oversight committee on the barangay drug-clearing program. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Expats We are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a place to retire in a warm climate. Naturally, it will depend on a number of factors…. your budget, immigration regulations, flying time from your original country, the climate, and of course the lifestyle. SE Asia is extremely popular with ex-pats. Back in 2020, nine cities in Asia qualified for the Expat City Ranking, with results ranging from Singapore's place in the top five to Seoul ranking in the bottom 3: 5. Singapore 8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 19. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 21. Shanghai, China 30. Bangkok, Thailand 53. Tokyo, Japan 55. Beijing, China 57. Hong Kong (CN SAR) 64. Seoul, South Korea Of course, not everyone wants to live in a large city which can also be expensive. Therefore, increasingly ex-pats are also considering moving to the Philippines for its lifestyle and cost of living. Therefore, do you want tranquility, nightlife, or expat communities? Or maybe you are after a rural setting or the buzz of a city? The good news is that the Philippines has it all. If you enjoy living in big cities, look no further than Manila and Quezon City. Home to around thirteen million people each, they are the country’s most densely populated and expensive cities. Yet, despite this, they’re perfect if you need modern amenities and entertainment. Cebu The island of Cebu has the country’s second city and is just as modern as Manila but perhaps a lot less congested. It also has excellent travel connections to the rest of the country and internationally as well. In addition, Cebu’s location means it’s an excellent hub for popular weekend destinations in the Visayas region. Angeles City Angeles City is now just two hours north of Manila, thanks to improved expressways and its airport Clark International has been upgraded and accepts international flights. Its bustling nightlife, similar to Pattaya’s walking Street makes it popular with single retirees. Generally cheaper than other Filipino cities, Angeles is great if you want to meet locals and other expats during your retirement. Apart from the nightlife within the region are some of the country’s top golf courses. Cavite City Cavite City is popular with retirees because of its reputation of being peaceful, safe, and quiet. Consequently, new ex-pat neighborhoods are constantly popping up. Cavite’s proximity to Manila means that you have good access to essential services like hospitals, banks, and transport hubs. Of course there are numerous places to consider but remember to check whether there are good medical facilities and good transport. Happy hunting. Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

AFPA Singaporean steward, 51, was the highest-ranked cabin crew member on board the flights where he molested two flight attendants. SINGAPORE — Several months after being jailed for molesting his junior cabin crew colleague, a 51-year-old man was sentenced on Monday (June 20) to another three weeks behind bars for molesting a second stewardess. According to Today, he had slapped both women’s buttocks on separate flights. The second victim made a police report upon hearing about the first incident. The Singaporean steward, who was the highest-ranked cabin crew member on board both flights, cannot be named due to a court order to protect the victims' identities. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to one charge of molesting the second victim in 2018. She was aged thirty-one at the time. His sentence came on top of the five weeks jail he received in March. Back then, he was convicted after claiming trial to another charge of molesting the first victim in 2019. The court heard on Monday that for the 2018 case, he was employed as an in-flight manager at the time. He and the victim were working on board a flight from Singapore to the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It departed close to midnight on Nov 25, 2018. As the highest-ranked cabin crew member, he was tasked with supervising the other cabin crew members under his charge and ensuring service standards on board the flight. The victim reported to him. After the pilots made an announcement for the cabin crew to prepare the flight for landing, the victim entered the galley area of the business class cabin to retrieve a pair of shoes. The accused then talked to her about her husband, who was a pilot on the flight. Shortly after, she walked past him in the galley. He then slapped her buttock over her clothes without her consent. Shocked and unsure of how to manage the situation, she did not confront him but continued with her duties instead. She also did not immediately report the incident to the police or the airline, because he had a young daughter, and she did not want him to be terminated. She lodged a police report on July 1, 2019, after hearing about him being implicated in a similar incident with the first victim. For molestation under the Penal Code, read with the Tokyo Convention Act, he could have been jailed for up to two years, fined, caned, or given any combination of the three. However, those aged fifty or above cannot be caned under Singapore law. Under the Tokyo Convention Act, if a crime takes place on a Singapore-controlled aircraft flying outside of the country, the offender can be charged with the offence under Singapore laws.

The desire for spreading the world about the culture and traditions of the Co Tu ethnic group has motivated Alang Brac from Ka Dang Commune, Dong Giang District, Quang Nam Province to stop his studies at the Da Nang University of Science and Technology to become a professional social media content creator. According to Da Nang Toady, two years after launching his own social media channels, he has attracted 2.8 million views and 216,800 followers across Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Alan Brac manages life’s stresses and challenges with optimistic smile on his face. The 26-year-old man from a poor family of the Co Tu ethnic group was born and raised in the Doc Gop Village, Ka Dang Commune, Quang Nam Province. Therefore, Brac was determined to pursue his academic dreams with a desire to have a brighter future. Brac successfully passed university entrance exam and he was enrolled in the Da Nang University of Science and Technology. However, he found it difficult to live in Da Nang as he could not afford living and tuition costs despite working hard while in school. The financial problem forced him to leave the school despite being nearly graduated from the university. While studying at the Da Nang University of Science and Technology, Brac saw many people making money on YouTube, and he also wanted to try his hand at becoming a social media content creator. He then decided to stay in Da Nang for a while to earn money to buy a smartphone and support tools by becoming an app-based motorbike taxi driver before returning to his hometown in Dong Giang Province to realise his desire. Brac has created simple content videos featuring peaceful and fantastic rustic scenery along with the rustic lifestyle of Co Tu ethnic group to publish on his YouTube channel, bringing positive energy to his viewers and helping them relax after a stressful day at work. His YouTube videos describe daily life of Co Tu ethnic people with a focus on residents’ daily activities such as picking wild fruit, catching fish from streams, diving to catch freshwater shrimp under rocks, digging up ginger and turmeric in the field, pruning rice plants, cultural activities, and simple family meals. Brac's YouTube channel has attracted a great deal of attention from viewers due to his beautiful narration in simple words with a funny tone of voice along with a bright smile on his face. Recently, Brac has appeared in 24-hour movement program which was aired on Viet Nam Television's channel 1 (VTV1), thereby motivating him to continue his efforts to pursue his passion to lead him to his entrepreneurial destiny. Apart from conveying a beautiful message on life through social media channels, Brac also hopes to create job opportunities for Co Tu people and help them increase their income. He and his friends are planning to establish an agricultural processing cooperative for such local produce as turmeric, ginger, and wild fruits, thereby creating job opportunities for local residents and helping Dong Giang Province’s farmers seek their customers. Brac hopes to develop a network of distribution for local agricultural products on his own social media channels to help local residents increase their income. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

A four-seat taxi cab is on fire after crashing with another car in HCMC's Cu Chi District, June 20, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Phan Hun Two cars collided in HCMC's outlying district of Cu Chi early Monday, resulting in the deaths of two people. At around 1 a.m. a taxi with a man, a woman and a four-year-old child traveling from neighboring Tay Ninh Province to Cu Chi on National Highway 22 rear-ended another car and caught fire. The woman was tragically stuck inside and died on the spot. The driver, the male passenger and child were taken to hospital but the man died on the way. The driver is severely injured while the child is safe. The taxi completely burned down and only its charred frame remains. The driver of the other car is reportedly in stable condition. The police are investigating. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

TEACHERS’ WELFARE. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a speech during her inauguration in Davao City on Monday (July 20, 2022). President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. he wants Sara, also the incoming Education secretary, to look after the welfare of the teachers. (Presidential photo) MANILA – President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said he wants Vice President and incoming Department of Education (DepEd) Sara Duterte to look after the welfare of country’s teachers. Marcos made this remark after Duterte revealed that the incoming President instructed her to review the implementation of the country’s K to twelve programs. He said he did not want to preempt the plans of the incoming vice president but reminded her not to forget the plight of teachers. “I keep reminding her to look after the teachers. The teachers need to be guided, need to be given training so they would improve in their jobs,” Marcos said in a press conference in Mandaluyong City. Aside from ensuring that teachers receive fair salaries and benefits, he wanted them to be provided skills training as well as teaching supplies and equipment. “Teachers are the easiest people to teach,” he added. Marcos said he also wanted Duterte to assess the current medium of instruction being used in schools. “There was also the question of when we start to teach English…When we move from the lingua franca to English,” he added. Marcos said there is a need to improve the quality of education in the country. He also said he is hopeful that the country's literacy rate would improve under his administration. Duterte earlier said she would prioritize giving students quality education and improving the living condition of the teachers. Outgoing DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones earlier said she and her team are eager to assist her successor in ensuring a smooth transition of priority education programs and policies, including the Basic Education Development Plan 2030. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

PREPARING TO TOW. Personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport prepare to tow an aircraft that veered off the grassy portion of the taxiway on Monday (June 20, 2022). All passengers and crew of Saudia Airlines flight SV862 are safe, according to authorities. (Photo courtesy of Manila International Airport Authority) MANILA – All the 420 passengers and crew of Saudia Airlines flight SV862 are safe, after six of the aircraft's landing gears veered off the taxiway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday afternoon. The flight from Riyadh landed in Manila at 1:47 p.m. and was en route to the NAIA Terminal 1 parking bay when the aircraft's wheels got stuck at a grassy portion along the taxiway. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported that personnel were preparing to tow the aircraft as of 6 p.m. No other flights were affected by the incident since the other portions of the taxiway remained operational. The 420 people on board, which included 21 cabin crew, were "all safe and unhurt," according to MIAA. The MIAA's Fire and Rescue Division responded to Saudia Airlines' emergency call after its landing. MIAA General Manager Eddie Monreal assured that recovery operations followed international standards on aircraft recovery. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

AGRI PORTFOLIO. President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announces that he will temporarily head the Department of Agriculture during a press conference in Mandaluyong City on Monday (June 20, 2022). He said the problem of food security is severe enough for him to take on the portfolio of secretary of agriculture “at least for now.” (Photo courtesy of BBM Media Group) MANILA – President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said he will temporarily head the Department of Agriculture (DA), citing the need to urgently address the looming food crisis in the country. “As to agriculture, I think that the problem is severe enough that I have decided to take on the portfolio of Secretary of Agriculture, at least for now,” Marcos said in a press conference in Mandaluyong City. He said heading the DA himself will show that the government prioritizes agriculture. It will also allow measures to be carried out more quickly. “I think it is important that the President take that portfolio so that not only to make it clear to everyone what a high priority we put on the agricultural sector, but also as a practical matter so that things move quickly because the events of the global economy are moving very quickly. We have to be able to be agile, we have to be able to respond properly in a measured way as soon as there is a situation that needs to be addressed,” he added. Marcos said the most pressing matters that need to be addressed in the agricultural sector are increasing rice production and reorganizing the DA and its attached agencies. He stressed the need to improve the country’s rice industry because Thailand and Vietnam are planning to form a rice export cartel to mitigate rising production costs. “First of all, will be to try to increase production as we come into the harvest period during, before, and after the rainy seasons. Hopefully, we can counteract some of the increases in prices. You may have noted that Thailand and Vietnam, for example, one of our main sources of imported rice, have decided to ban their rice exports at least for now. So, we must compensate for that by increasing production here in the Philippines,” he said. Marcos also emphasized the need to reorganize DA and its attached agencies – the National Food Authority (NFA), the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), and the Kadiwa program. “The other priority, which is equally important, although it is a long-term process, is the restructuring of the Department of Agriculture. Many of the agencies have changed their function over the years and it’s time to return them. I talk about organizations like the NFA, FTI, and the Kadiwa which we have already started to see, especially at the local level. But we must restructure the actual department to be more responsive to the global situation now when it comes to food supply,” he added. He described agriculture as a “critical and foundational part” of the country’s post-pandemic economic development and “transformation.” As for immediate measures to assist sectors severely affected by the looming food crisis, Marcos pointed out the need to accelerate the issuance of national identification (ID) cards to ensure faster aid distribution. “We’re going to digitize the bureaucracy. It all really depends on everyone having their national ID. It’s a good database that the government should have,” he said. Russia-Ukraine crisis Meanwhile, Marcos said he has instructed agencies to make economic forecasts in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict which is disrupting global supplies of basic commodities. “I have asked the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry], NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority], Department of Finance, the DBM [Department of Budget and Management], I have asked them to start to make economic forecasts on what it is we think we will have to face for the rest of this year so that we can prepare,” he added. He also stood firm on his decision not to suspend excise tax on oil products, saying there are other ways to address the rising cost of fuel. “If you reduce the excise taxes that does not necessarily help those who are most in need…So what I am thinking is that those immediately affected, example, public utility vehicle drivers, let’s put our focus on them, those who really need assistance,” he said. In March, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Department of Finance to provide direct aid to the most vulnerable sectors, allocating PHP33 billion for unconditional cash transfers to poor families instead of suspending excise tax on oil products. Under this cash aid, qualified households would receive PHP200 a month or a total of PHP2, 400 hundred as aid. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Mr Muhammad Isa Ali (left) from Tower Transit Singapore and Mr James Rayappan with Strides Mobility (right). (Photo: Tower Transit Singapore, CNA/Grace Yeoh) SINGAPORE: As one of the first at Tower Transit Singapore to inspect an electric bus, Muhammad Isa Ali is quick to rattle off the differences between a diesel bus and an electric bus. Namely, the lack of noise and noxious fumes emitting from the latter. For example, a sleeping baby would still be sleeping if an electric bus were to drive by, but the same cannot be said if a diesel bus were to pass, the 31-year-old engineering supervisor said. But Mr Isa's knowledge about electric buses today didn't come without embracing multiple opportunities to upgrade his skills. When he joined Tower Transit Singapore as a vehicle technician in 2016, he was armed with just a diploma in marine engineering, an unrelated field. He was initially unable to identify any mechanical aspect of a bus besides its engine. Knowing that he had to bridge the gap in his knowledge, Mr Isa turned to an unlikely source: Video games. “There's this one game called Car Mechanic Simulator, which actually taught me a few things about parts and things like that. And of course, it taught me how to open things. But of course, one thing it didn’t teach me is how to open nuts and bolts in a very tight space,” he said. In his previous role as a vehicle technician, Mr Isa was the “designated vehicle examiner.” His main job was to inspect buses to ensure they were safe, and that they wouldn’t break down on the road. Since then, he has also been trained and certified in electric vehicle (EV) awareness and hazard management. For the full report go to CNA.

Expats especially after a lifetime of working hard often dream of living in a warm climate in SE Asia. Therefore, retiring to the Philippines is a dream for many ex-pats. The country has pleasant weather most of the year, interesting local cuisine, and affordable housing, are just a few reasons why. Life in the Philippines The first thing you’ll notice about the Philippines is the weather. With lows of about18°C and highs in the thirties, the Philippines is ideal if you don’t like extreme climates. The Philippines is also a naturally beautiful country Located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the Republic of the Philippines consists of around 7,640 islands — about 2,000 of which are inhabited — that form an archipelago. Although cities like Manila are all hustle and bustle, it’s the countryside, coastal regions, islands, and rainforests that make the Philippines picturesque. As a retiree, another benefit of living in the Philippines is that English is widely spoken. The absence of a language barrier makes things like banking, shopping, and travelling easy to manage. Many Philippine regions are structured to make visitors feel welcome. From English signs to general courtesy, Filipinos understand the benefits of friendly hospitality. In fact, there’s even a Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). Approved by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the PRA offers guidance to overseas retirees. The US military’s long history with the Philippines has already created a large ex-pat community. Consequently, there are tons of businesses like pubs, diners and letting agencies all catering to foreign settlers. The extensive ex-pat community also means there are plenty of opportunities to socialise. So, whether you’re into golf, (there are over 95 top-class courses there) salsa, or cooking, you’re never far away from meeting new people. Retirement visas for the Philippines The first step in retiring in the Philippines is getting a Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV). Also known as a ‘retirement visa,’ an SRRV gives you the right to remain in the Philippines. The basic requirements for the visa are that you’re at least 50 years old and you may need to deposit at least £7,250 in savings into a Filipino bank account (or £14,500 if you don’t have a guaranteed monthly income). Have evidence that your pension is at least £580 a month (or £725 for couples). You can count other benefits towards this amount. After that, you’ll need to cover other expenses like your visa fee and for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I). Of course, rules and regulations change, so best to check with a local Philippines Embassy or consulate or check out the Philippine Retirement Authority . If you want to keep up to date then join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

FAVORITE CHILD. Vice President-elect Sara Duterte gives her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, a tight hug after she took her oath at San Pedro Square, Davao City on Sunday (June 19, 2022). Despite alleged misunderstandings, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the younger Duterte is the President’s favorite child. (Presidential Photos) DAVAO CITY – The massive crowd that witnessed the inauguration ceremony of Vice-President elect Sara Duterte in Davao City on Sunday erupted in cheers when she tightly embraced her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, after she took her oath of office. The younger Duterte first hugged her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, before doing the same to the President following the ceremony presided by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. In her speech, the incoming VP expressed her gratitude to those who spent their day at San Pedro Square even if it coincided with Father's Day. "Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers who make sure that another person is given the best of everything," she quipped. The embrace is in contrast with reports that father and daughter are not on good terms as the President was not consulted regarding her political plans. Before the May 9 polls, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque explained that there was no problem between the two. “He is a bit disappointed that his daughter did not consult her but let us remember, Mayor Sara is his favorite child,” Roque said then. Like all other families, Roque said the Dutertes also have occasional disputes but remains loving toward each other. “Sometimes there are misunderstandings but there is no doubt that they love each other," he added. In her inaugural speech, Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of families in rearing children. She said society faces challenges such as the “winding cycle of poverty, trauma of broken families, life-long baggage because of irresponsible and bad parenting, abandonment issues due to an absentee parent, anguish of gender confusion and discrimination, destruction brought about by drugs, lure of easy money in criminality, cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and other sexually transmitted diseases, failure to identify and speak up against different kinds of abuses, life altering effects of teenage pregnancy, detrimental effects of illiteracy, emotional injury of bullying, unstable mental wellness, recruitment to support terrorism, and misinformation in the internet”. “Today, our children are facing a very complex future, one that is rife with conflict and uncertainties. A strong, loving, happy family sets down all the basic foundations essential in the development and growth of a child,” she said. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

JUSTICE. John Albert "Jal" Laylo after obtaining his master’s degree on International Business Law at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary in 2019. He is in critical condition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA after a random shooting over the weekend, according to official reports on Sunday (June 19, 2022). (Jal Laylo Facebook) MANILA – Filipino lawyer John Albert "Jal" Laylo and his mother were in an Uber vehicle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to catch their flight to Chicago when a still-unknown assailant fired at them. One bullet struck Laylo, 36, in the head, and he is now on life support. His mother suffered slight injuries caused by glass fragments. Officials were erroneously informed on Sunday morning that Laylo has died but his sister, Althea, later corrected that her brother is still fighting for his life. “We were told he only had less than 5% chance of surviving. But now, miracles are starting to happen. He squeezed my mom’s hand three times and started mildly breathing on his own. Thank you so much for the prayers and I am begging you all to please keep praying. He was undergoing a test to confirm if he is brain dead, but he responded. He will be having another test in an hour, please stand with us in prayer. Miracles are real,” Althea tweeted at about 9:30 p.m. Incoming Department of Migrant Workers secretary Susan Ople, who first told Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. about the incident and posted Laylo's supposed death on Facebook, is asking for prayers "that he may survive the shooting incident in Philadelphia". "We call on [our] kababayan (fellow Filipinos) to pray hard with us so that Atty. John Laylo, who we have just been informed remains on life support after yesterday’s random shooting incident in Philadelphia, would pull through," tweeted Elmer Cato, the Philippines’ Consul General in New York. In his tweet on Sunday morning, Locsin said “Laylo [was] shot in the head” and has instructed embassy officials to bring home the body and Laylo’s mother. Cato said they are "in touch with police authorities in Philadelphia who informed us that the case is being investigated and that no arrests have been made so far. We call on authorities to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice". Cato's deputy, Armand Talbo, went the hospital at once and met with Laylo's mother and other relatives. "I was able to talk to her and assured her of DFA and Philippine Consulate's support," Cato reported. Laylo’s Facebook account indicated he was a graduate of Makati Science High School, University of the Philippines Diliman (Political Science), De La Salle University (Law), and Central European University in Budapest, Hungary (International Business Law). He passed the Bar in 2015 and worked for Senator Leila de Lima. In previous interviews, Cato always reminded Filipinos in the US to stay vigilant as hate crimes against Asians are getting more frequent. Several Filipinos in New York have been attacked for no reason, some pushed down the stairs of subway stations or hit with hard objects. Forbes.com reported on June 10 that twenty-two mass shootings already took place in the US this year. "Violent gun deaths spiked by 35% in 2020 and homicide numbers -- which are shootings in 80% of cases -- remained just as high in 2022 as they had been in the previous year. Mass shootings of any kind also experienced a peak in 2021 -- 77 were recorded by Gun Violence Archive -- while 2020 proved to be an about average year,” Forbes wrote. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

File photo MANILA – A lawmaker on Sunday urged the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to ask Norway to develop the West Philippine Sea as a source of clean and renewable offshore wind energy. In a statement, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said offshore wind farms in the West Philippine Sea would be consistent with the long-term plans to develop the area as the country’s energy hub. Campos was responding to Norwegian ambassador Bjorn Jahnsen's pledge that it would help develop the Philippines’ wind and other renewable energy resources during a briefing following his meeting with Marcos Jr. “Norway has the new technologies needed to put up offshore bottom-fixed or floating wind turbines. The Philippines would benefit from the eventual transfer of these technologies,” Campos said. The Malampaya deep-water gas-to-power project in the West Philippine Sea currently supplies 20 percent of the country’s demand for electricity. He said the advantage of offshore wind farms is that they can be built faster because they do not have land use and right-of-way issues. “We have no problem with allowing foreign companies that are majority owned by Norwegian entities to develop our offshore wind energy resources,” Campos said. He said the development of wind power would help supply the country’s rapidly growing demand for electricity and create desperately needed new jobs in the process. “We have to transition faster to renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro if we want to insulate the country from future global oil price shocks,” he added. Campos said the Philippines currently generates only 443 megawatts (MW) of electricity from wind farms that are all onshore. Energy Development Corp.’s 150-megawatt wind farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte is Southeast Asia’s largest wind power producer. It consists of 50 wind turbines spread over a 600-hectare site. Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, for his part, said he is optimistic that the country can achieve long-term stability in power and energy under the incoming administration. Vargas said stability in the power and energy sector will help drive economic recovery. “I am confident that given the declared priorities of the new administration, we can bring back stability and sustainability to the power sector,” he said. Vargas said the government needs to bring in more investors to the power and energy sector considering warnings from experts that the country faces an energy crisis. He said the power outages in Luzon last Saturday, which affected an estimated one million residents, should be seen as a “wake up call.” “This incident, which has been attributed to insufficient power supply, is a stark reminder that we cannot have the power and energy sector remain in its present state and expect to meet the demands of an economy recovering from the pandemic,” he added. Vargas said long-term and inclusive economic growth would also be determined by stable, dependable, and affordable power. “More investors in power and energy would result in the longed-for stability in our power supply. This, in turn, would attract investors in key industries, such as manufacturing and tourism. With more investors coming in, we create jobs in sectors and regions that have been affected by the pandemic,” he said. Energy experts have warned of a looming energy crisis with the expected depletion of the Malampaya gas field in 2024. They also estimate that the Philippines would need an additional capacity of forty-three gigawatts by the year 2040. "Instability in power supply is a roadblock to our economy's revival, especially now that we are progressively reclaiming pre-pandemic economic growth. But I am confident that the President-elect's administration has the resolve and competence to tackle and solve this problem head on," he said. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Aerial view of the Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong. Photo by Ngo Tran Hai An One visitor drowned after two tourist ships collided in Lan Ha Bay off Hai Phong's Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam Sunday morning. Local reports said the collision took place between two ships helmed by 38-year-old Hoang Van Tung and 42-year-old Nguyen Van Lien, causing Lien's to sink and eleven people were thrown overboard. Officers of the Cat Ba border guards managed to rescue the eleven people, but the body of 56-year-old Bui Thi Nhung was found at noon, stuck inside the ship. Lieutenant colonel Nguyen The Cu, head of the Cat Ba border guards, said both vessels were carrying tourists from the Beo Port to sightsee Lan Ha Bay. They collided about 3.7 km from the Beo Port. There were strong waves at the time, he said. An initial investigation has revealed that as the vessels were running parallel with each other, Lien's vessel sped up suddenly, causing the collision. Lan Ha Bay, unknown sister of the world-famous Ha Long Bay, is located to the east of Cat Ba Islands, home to around four hundred islands. In recent years, the 7,000-hectare bay has emerged as an attractive tourist destination. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Passengers on the Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro train, November 6, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Hanoi Metro Company, which operates the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line, has reported a loss of VND54 billion ($2.32 million) since putting the line into operation in November last year reported VN Express. The company's accumulated loss since it began operations in 2015 is VND160 billion ($6.9 million) according to an audited financial report. The report shows revenues of just VND5 billion after the metro line, the country's first, began commercial operations in November last year. Its operating costs amounted to VND60 billion. High labor costs are a major factor in the company recording a net loss of VND64 billion last year, the report said. In 2020, it had posted a loss of VND23 billion. A company representative said the fourth Covid-19 outbreak that hit the country in April 2021, requiring strict social distancing measures, had negatively affected the whole country's economy including the transportation business. Its gloomy financial picture was also because the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro route is not yet subsidized by the city, the representative said. Passenger transportation by bus and urban railway are public sector undertakings, so subsidized ticket prices are determined by the city to encourage people to use public transportation and reduce the use of private vehicles to minimize congestion and environmental pollution. Hanoi's public buses have been subsidized for many years and the Hanoi People's Council earlier passed a resolution to spend VND14.46 billion ($622,470) per year in subsidies for fares on the Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line. The company is currently in the process of completing documents for the city to provide the subsidy for the metro line for the last two months of 2021 and the entire year of 2022, the representative said. The metro line runs thirteen kilometers from downtown Cat Linh to the southwestern district of Ha Dong, with a trip taking around 23 minutes. It costs VND8,000–15,000 ($0.35–0.66) a ticket and VND200,000 for a monthly pass. In six months, the metro line has transported 3.16 million passengers. It is one of ten lines planned for Hanoi by 2030 with a total length of 417 kilometers, 82 percent of it above ground and the rest underground. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Inside Apple's iPhone 13 Pro. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung Apple iPhone assembler Pegatron Corp emphasizes its expansion in other countries, including Vietnam, to reduce its dependence on China following the strict Covid-19 lockdowns there reported VN Express. "We faced Covid controls for two months. We couldn’t have assessed that in advance, so that makes me emphasize our expansion in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and North America," Reuters quoted its president, Liao Syh-jang, as saying at the company’s annual general meeting in Taipei Wednesday. The company is seeking to address labor shortages and the gap between peak and low seasons and increase capacity utilization, he said. Pegatron is one of Apple’s three iPhone suppliers along with Foxconn and Wistron. In April, the Taiwanese company suspended operations at its Shanghai and Kunshan plants in China due to strict Covid-19 protocols, impacting production and deliveries. China has since lifted the restrictions, but still faces a labor shortage that was sparked by the restrictions. Chairman T.H. Tung said the company’s customers had "different reasons" for setting up factories in Vietnam, India and Mexico. "But one shared factor is the ability to reduce concentration in Shanghai, Suzhou and Chongqing." He added that hiring staff in China has become increasingly difficult over the past seven to eight years. Pegatron has mulled expanding to Vietnam since 2020, and is building a factory in the northern city of Hai Phong. Several Apple suppliers already have factories in Vietnam, including Foxconn, Luxshare and Goertek, and mainly make AirPods earbuds and HomePod speakers. Earlier in June, Nikkei Asia reported that China's BYD, one of the leading iPad assemblers, had helped Apple build production lines in Vietnam and could soon start to produce the tablet there. It attributed the move to China’s lockdown in and around Shanghai, which disrupted the supply chain for months. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Inside Apple's iPhone 13 Pro. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung Apple iPhone assembler Pegatron Corp emphasizes its expansion in other countries, including Vietnam, to reduce its dependence on China following the strict Covid-19 lockdowns there reported VN Express. "We faced Covid controls for two months. We couldn’t have assessed that in advance, so that makes me emphasize our expansion in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and North America," Reuters quoted its president, Liao Syh-jang, as saying at the company’s annual general meeting in Taipei Wednesday. The company is seeking to address labor shortages and the gap between peak and low seasons and increase capacity utilization, he said. Pegatron is one of Apple’s three iPhone suppliers along with Foxconn and Wistron. In April, the Taiwanese company suspended operations at its Shanghai and Kunshan plants in China due to strict Covid-19 protocols, impacting production and deliveries. China has since lifted the restrictions, but still faces a labor shortage that was sparked by the restrictions. Chairman T.H. Tung said the company’s customers had "different reasons" for setting up factories in Vietnam, India and Mexico. "But one shared factor is the ability to reduce concentration in Shanghai, Suzhou and Chongqing." He added that hiring staff in China has become increasingly difficult over the past seven to eight years. Pegatron has mulled expanding to Vietnam since 2020, and is building a factory in the northern city of Hai Phong. Several Apple suppliers already have factories in Vietnam, including Foxconn, Luxshare and Goertek, and mainly make AirPods earbuds and HomePod speakers. Earlier in June, Nikkei Asia reported that China's BYD, one of the leading iPad assemblers, had helped Apple build production lines in Vietnam and could soon start to produce the tablet there. It attributed the move to China’s lockdown in and around Shanghai, which disrupted the supply chain for months. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Passengers flood the domestic terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCMC, January 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Vietnam's domestic aviation market is recovering at the fastest rate in the world with growth of 123 percent against pre-pandemic times, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said. VN Express reported that among twenty-five analyzed markets, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Australia followed it, CAAV said on its website citing an analysis by Airbus and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) based on statistics about flight numbers from Flightdatar24 and Airbus. Dinh Viet Thang, head of CAAV, said Vietnam's domestic aviation market has witnessed a boom in terms of both passenger and cargo traffic in the first half of 2022 after the government lifted all Covid restrictions on domestic flights. Airports across Vietnam have served 40.7 million passengers, up 56.8 percent year-on-year. The CAAV forecast airports nationwide would serve about 87.8 million passengers this year, jumping 190 percent from last year. The figure includes five million foreign passengers, up 844 percent. Vietnam removed all restrictions on international flights on Feb. 15. On March 15, the government allowed quarantine-free entry and resumed its visa waiver for citizens of 24 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and some European economies. It has also removed most other entry restrictions like medical declaration and Covid tests. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php