Singapore

by Steve Suwannarat | SINGAPORE

In a country where the fertility rate now stands at 1.05, surveys ask whether children are really necessary. Over the coming decade, a quarter of the population will be over 65 years old. Meanwhile, the authorities bluntly note: “We will never go back to replacement rate.”


On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.

| 27/10/2020
| VATICAN

The meeting with the president of the German Bishops Conference, in all likelihood touched upon the assembly with "deliberative power" convoked by the Germans to address issues such as the separation of power in the Church, priestly life, women's access to ministry and to offices in the Church and sexual morality.

| 19/09/2019
| VATICAN
by Steve Suwannarat

Google and Spotify plan to cut jobs in Singapore, while Meta and Twitter have already done so. There are fears that middle and top-level jobs might be axed next in the city-state, home to several major companies. Still, “Technology will continue to undergird the growth of our economies,” says minister.

| 26/01/2023
| SINGAPORE

Today's headlines: Chinese tourists return to Thailand's beaches after three years of Covid closures; the Taliban have arrested five people, including two Chinese, for trafficking in rocks containing lithium; Dubai is ready to build the first mosque with a 3D printer; a meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on the Lačin corridor is under consideration.

 

| 23/01/2023
| ASIA TODAY
by Steve Suwannarat

The sentence for assault - not murder - against Prema Naraynasamy came six years after the death of 24-year-old maid Piang Ngaih Don. Due to the physical and psychological abuse, the girl, originally from Myanamar, weighed 24 kilos. But in the city-state it is widely believed that some nationalities are more prone to submission.

| 12/01/2023
| SINGAPORE
by Steve Suwannarat

A growing number of people in the city-state is volunteering, especially young people. Government and NGOs work together in providing assistance, making an essential contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Red Cross, 80 per cent of the  staff are volunteers. Volunteers provide better knowledge and contact with the community.

| 06/12/2022
| SINGAPORE
Editor's choices
 
by Sumon Corraya
Today is World Day for the fight against a disease that still causes 100 deaths a day in Bangladesh. The testimony of a Missionary of the Immaculate, a doctor, active for 12 years in Khulna on this frontier: "Many still do not know TB and arrive when ...
| 24/03/2023
| BANGLADESH
 
Back in 2015, more than 75 per cent of Asia lacked was water insecure. Water insecurity affects mainly China, South Asia and the urban areas of Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Asia represents about half of the global bottled water market, a factor that discourages ...
| 22/03/2023
| ASIA-PACIFIC
 
by mons. Michel Sabbah *
In Nazareth, the Latin Patriarchate celebrated the pastor emeritus, whom John Paul II chose as the first Arab leader of this community. His message: 'I ask God for new eyes that see God and man, see lost peace and know that security exists only ...
| 20/03/2023
| HOLY LAND
 
This is the government's likely response to the effects of the rapidly aging population on the welfare system. Survey: 74% of respondents want retirement under 55; only 6% accept it over 61. Reform to raise the retirement age to 65 under consideration: ...
| 18/03/2023
| CHINA
 
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to send all asylum seekers crossing the English Channel to Rwanda. At least 250 girls from a Kabul school have moved to Kigali via Doha after the Taliban came back to power in August 2021. Rwanda’s government ...
| 15/03/2023
| AFGHANISTAN - RWANDA
 
by Giorgio Bernardelli
The text was officially made public today. It contains the reflections of Asian Bishops' Conferences brought to the assembly held last October in the Thai capital. Nine emerging challenges have been identified in Asian societies, from the role of ...
| 15/03/2023
| ASIA
 
by Dario Salvi
The Vicar of Anatolia recounts a situation "still in full emergency" and with a strong psychological impact. The earth continues to tremble and the toll - between Syria and Turkey - has exceeded 55,000 dead. The work of Caritas in cooperation with the ...
| 15/03/2023
| TURKEY
 
From Korea to Kazakhstan, from the victims of Typhoon Yolanda to the Rohingya, from Mother Teresa to Matteo Ricci, Pope Francis has paid constant attention to Asia over the past ten years. On the tenth anniversary of his election we present ten excerpts ...
| 12/03/2023
| ECCLESIA IN ASIA
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”