FREE ASEAN | ASEANEWS HEADLINES–RELIGION: SINGAPORE- More devotees expected for Thaipusam this year as they worship in groups of five

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat carrying the paalkudam (milk pot) and making an offering at the sanctum of Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Jan 18, 2022. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID..

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SINGAPORE – More devotees are expected to attend Thaipusam festivities on Tuesday (Jan 18) compared with last year, after restrictions were eased to allow worshippers to take part in groups of five, although entry is limited to those who are fully vaccinated.

The festivities began at Monday midnight and are expected to end at 10pm on Tuesday.

Those carrying milk pots entered the temple in a separate queue in groups of two. More than 4,000 devotees of different races carrying milk pots and clad in ceremonial yellow clothes had completed their offerings by 11am on Tuesday.

While no food was served to visitors at the temple for the second year in a row, devotees exiting after their prayers were greeted by volunteers giving out bento boxes to take home.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was guest of honour at the festival, arrived at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road at 8am on Tuesday.

In a first this year, he completed a milk pot offering at the sanctum before speaking to temple staff and front-line workers and volunteers overseeing safe management measures.

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2. CAMBODIA

Japan to assist Cambodia to become a landmine-free nation

Anthony McGonigle / Khmer Times

Risky business: Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) has estimated around 4 to 6 million landmines in Cambodia, whereas some estimate the number might scale up to 10 million. Supplied

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Japan’s assistance to Cambodia in the decade’s long battle to clear vast areas of landmines in the country would perhaps be close to taking yet another step forward, going by the words of Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hayashi Yoshimasa.

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According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, a conversation to that effect took place last week between Hayashi and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn. The Japanese minister expressed his country’s interest in providing further assistance to Cambodia for the clearance of landmines.

Bill Morse who founded Landmine Relief Fund (LMRF) which raises funds for the landmine clearing team Cambodia Self Help Demining (CSHD) acknowledged the past contributions of the Japanese government: “Japan has been funding demining work in Cambodia for quite some time.”

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Decades of civil war between the various government forces and the Khmer Rouge left vast areas of the country scattered with landmines which have caused the deaths of 19,806 people, and some 40,000 injured, between 1979 and 2021 and continue to blight predominantly areas in the northwest stretching along the Thai border better known as the K5, prompting the various demining organisations to set the goal of demining the whole country by 2025.

CMAC has estimated around 4 to 6 million landmines in Cambodia, whereas some estimate the number might scale up to 10 million.

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3. INDONESIA

1.18.22

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4. LAOS

1.18.22.

Ministry inks agreement on third phase of water project

The Department of Water Supply of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the East Meets West Foundation in Laos on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the third phase of the Engaging Public, Private and Women in Water Sanitation and Hygiene Project.

The third phase of the project, which is being funded with US$1.4 million by Charity: Water, will see the installation of water supply systems through contributions from the state, private players and local communities.

The third phase of the project will run from the date of the signing of the MOU until December 31, 2023.

READ MORE:   https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_Ministry_07_22.php

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8. SINGAPORE

1.18.22

SAF to install electric vehicle charging stations at Kranji Camp III and Gombak Base

The new tender stipulates that the charging stations must be standing pedestal chargers that provide 22kw alternating current (AC). PHOTO: ST FILE

Kok Yufeng

SINGAPORE – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is planning to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at two of its camps for permanent staff and visitors to use, as part of its efforts to go green.

In what appears to be a trial, four charging stations will be installed at Kranji Camp III and two at Gombak Base, according to a tender put up by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Jan 10.

READ MORE:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/saf-to-install-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-at-kranji-camp-iii-and-gombak-base

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9. THAILAND

1.18.22

BUSINESS

Cabinet approves visa changes to woo wealthy foreigners

PUBLISHED : 18 JAN 2022

Travellers arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan. (File photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The cabinet on Tuesday approved visa changes intended to attract affluent foreigners for lengthy stays, targeting the rich, retirees, remote workers and skilled professionals.

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Ms Rachada said the new visa regulations need to be formally announced by the two cabinet ministers. The prime minister wanted that to be soon.

READ MORE:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2249483/cabinet-approves-visa-changes-to-woo-wealthy-foreigners

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