A look at Taiwan President William Lai's first year in office
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CNA
6 minutes ago
- CNA
Singapore sees highest migrant worker satisfaction; 9 in 10 satisfied with working conditions: MOM survey
SINGAPORE: More than 95 per cent of migrant workers surveyed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) last year were satisfied with their working and living conditions in Singapore. According to findings from MOM's Migrant Worker Experience Survey released on Thursday (Aug 21), 95.3 per cent of migrant workers in 2024 reported being satisfied with working and living in Singapore, up from 86.3 per cent in 2018. This marks the highest satisfaction level recorded since the survey was first conducted in 2011. Of those surveyed, 96.7 per cent indicated they intend to continue working with their current employer or return to Singapore in the future, up from 91.9 per cent in 2018. MOM said this reflects continued confidence in Singapore as a preferred destination for work. 'We are encouraged by the high and rising levels of satisfaction among workers, as well as their continued trust in MOM's regulatory role,' said the ministry. 'The strong adoption of fair employment practices and high employer retention rates point to a well-functioning system.' In line with the trend of improved sentiments, 92.3 per cent of migrant workers surveyed last year said they would recommend Singapore as a place to work, compared with 84 per cent in 2018. The top five reasons cited were Singapore's safe working environment, which was highlighted by 84.4 per cent of respondents, followed by high salary (71.2 per cent), adequate worker protection (65.2 per cent), good living conditions (46 per cent), and stable jobs (44.1 per cent). Of those surveyed, 97 per cent agreed that MOM had been effective in protecting them, with the same proportion reporting that their working conditions felt safe. Both indicators were up from around 87 per cent in 2018. About 89.3 per cent of the migrant workers also found it easy to approach the ministry on employment-related matters, compared with 82.8 per cent in 2018. Trust within the workplace appeared strong as well, with 99.5 per cent of respondents saying they would turn to their supervisor or employer in the event of a work injury. 'Through close collaboration among the government, employers, workers and stakeholders such as dormitory operators and non-governmental organisations, we have made significant improvements in migrant workers' well-being and continued to maintain a positive work environment for them,' said MOM. 'Our migrant workers play a vital role in building our nation, and their well-being remains a key priority for MOM,' added Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash. The ministry also pointed out that strong regulatory framework and "progressive measures" have fostered trust and confidence in Singapore as a place of work. Other findings from the survey also indicated nearly universal adoption of electronic salary payment, with 92 per cent of migrant workers receiving their pay directly into their bank accounts. In addition, 88.5 per cent said they were provided with their preferred food arrangements - typically cooking their own meals or purchasing food from stalls - suggesting employers' responsiveness to workers' preferences. With regards to the retention of personal documents, the proportion of migrant workers who kept their own passports increased from 38.8 per cent in 2018 to 68.4 per cent in 2024. Among migrant workers who did not keep their own passports, 83.3 per cent reported in 2024 that their passports were returned to them upon request, up from 70.4 per cent in 2018. FIRST MIGRANT WORKER EMPLOYER SURVEY On Thursday, MOM also released findings from its inaugural Migrant Worker Employer Survey, which showed that employers generally reported positive sentiments towards their workers. The ministry said that it conducted the survey to understand employers' perspectives on hiring and managing their migrant workforce. Among the employers surveyed in 2024, 70.8 per cent expressed satisfaction with the quality of their migrant workers, while only 1.4 per cent reported dissatisfaction. The remaining 27.8 per cent were neutral. In terms of retention, 75.2 per cent of employers said they had renewed the work permits of more than 80 per cent of their migrant workforce, indicating a stable employment relationship. Employers were also proactive in retaining workers, with 88.8 per cent of those surveyed offering benefits to encourage workers to stay. Salary increments were the most frequently used method at 81.7 per cent. Beyond mandatory requirements, 80.6 per cent of employers provided additional training to upskill their migrant workers. This demonstrates "commitment to maintaining a skilled migrant workforce", MOM noted. Many employers (81.7 per cent) also considered the mandatory medical insurance coverage stipulated by MOM to be sufficient. Said Mr Dash: 'Our survey findings affirm the positive impact of ongoing efforts to uplift standards, enhance liveability and care for our migrant workers. 'We will continue to work closely with employers, dormitory operators and community partners to ensure that our workers can work in safe conditions and help create a home away from home.' Survey methodology The Migrant Worker Experience and Employer Survey 2024 was conducted by the Manpower Research and Statistics Department of the Ministry of Manpower A total of 2,825 migrant workers and 2,212 employers were surveyed between October 2023 and February 2024 for the survey The survey samples were selected randomly from sampling frames designed to reflect the population profiles of migrant workers and employers of migrant workers in Singapore The survey on migrant workers was a self-administered survey in English or the native language of the respondent. In cases where the respondent requested for assistance to understand the question, the interviewers explained the questions to the respondent For the survey on employers, respondents submitted their returns online, by post or via email, with clarifications made either over the phone or through email AREAS OF CONCERN Although sentiments among migrant workers and employers were generally positive, the survey findings indicated that access to skilled labour is an area that warrants closer attention. MOM cited the 'growing difficulty' reported by employers in finding workers with the right skills. While 47.5 per cent of employers surveyed felt they had good access to migrant workers overall, only 27.3 per cent said it was easy to find migrant workers with the relevant skills. This suggests there is room for improvement to enable employers to hire higher-skilled workers, particularly in more specialised roles, MOM said. Mr Dinesh added that the ministry is reviewing its Work Permit framework to give employers better access to higher-skilled migrant workers, which in turn would support the transformation towards a 'higher-quality' workforce. The Manpower Ministry also said it will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to to 'improve workers' living conditions and support their well-being'. 'MOM's first built-and-owned Purpose-Built Dormitory, scheduled for completion in early 2026, reflects the higher standards MOM is working towards – with spaces designed for liveability and improved public health resilience.' The Migrant Worker Experience and Employer Survey is part of MOM's ongoing efforts to better understand the experiences of migrant workers working and living in Singapore, as well as the employers' perspectives on hiring and managing their migrant workforce.
CNA
6 minutes ago
- CNA
After Shaolin Temple scandal, China's Buddhists urged to obey the law and pay taxes
The Communist Party's policy of 'Sinicising religion' aims to bring all doctrines and practices into line with its ideology and ensure loyalty to the party and state. In a 2021 national conference on religious affairs, President Xi Jinping said religious groups should strengthen their self-management. He also stressed the need to improve the rule of law in governance of religious affairs. Shi, known as the 'CEO monk', is facing a criminal investigation over accusations that he embezzled project funds and temple assets. He is also accused of maintaining improper relationships with multiple women and fathering children with them, according to a statement released by the temple last month. The association has cancelled Shi's ordination certificate. Shi is known for transforming the 1,500-year-old temple in central China's Henan province into a multibillion-dollar global brand. Under his leadership, the temple appeared in films and launched an online shop, and Shaolin kung fu was the subject of multiple books. His critics had accused him of over-commercialising the Shaolin brand, including his plans to build a complex in Australia encompassing a temple, a four-star hotel, kung fu academy and educational facilities. Shi Yinle, who was leader of the White Horse Temple, also in Henan, for 20 years, has been appointed the new abbot of Shaolin Temple. In media reports, he has been portrayed as a sharp contrast to his predecessor. During his time at White Horse Temple, he kept a low profile and was photographed operating a bulldozer during wheat planting season. When asked to comment on the commercialisation of Shaolin, he said that White Horse Temple had 'insisted on following Buddhist traditions to preserve Buddhist culture'. In a visit to Shaolin last week, Guangzhou-based Time Weekly magazine reported that the temple had stopped taking donations from tourists, and QR codes posted in the temple had been disabled. Incense has also become free of charge to temple visitors, according to the report.
CNA
6 minutes ago
- CNA
CPA Australia proposes policy ideas to support Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025 - As Hong Kong continues to navigate global economic shifts and rapid technological transformation, CPA Australia has today submitted a series of recommendations to the Hong Kong Government for the Policy Address 2025 consultation. As one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia has outlined proposed measures across five key areas: Reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre Developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub Promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) and the green economy Diversifying the economy Developing, attracting and retaining talent. Ms Karina Wong, Divisional President of CPA Australia in Greater China 2025, said: "Amid the uncertainties created by trade frictions with major economies, Hong Kong has demonstrated its unique advantages as a strategic gateway connecting mainland China and the world. We need to amplify our competitiveness to secure the city's long-term economic vitality, for example, the free port status and unrivalled business environment." CPA Australia recommends the HKSAR Government considers introducing a Qualified Refundable Tax Credit (QRTC) scheme for multi-national enterprises in the maritime services and commodity trading sectors. A QRTC provides a more flexible and effective incentive structure that can help to boost these sectors. "A QRTC would allow Hong Kong to better compete for multinational investment and reinforce its position as a premier international trade centre and shipping centre," Ms Wong said. "We also propose expanding the scope of the half-rate tax concessionary regime for commodity trading to include the captive commodities traders serving group companies outside Hong Kong and include the financial commodity transactions, such as derivatives trading." Low-altitude economy is another area that CPA Australia supports to diversify the economy, for its potential to transform logistics, mobility, and urban planning. Ms Wong added: "Hong Kong can lead in low-altitude innovation by establishing demonstration zones, collaborating with the Greater Bay Area on cross-border channels, and attracting global talent to this emerging sector. With strong research capabilities and a growing commitment to innovation and technology implementation – evidenced by the establishment of government-led Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, Hong Kong is well-positioned to translate innovation into practical applications." An efficient and effective government process to deliver public services, and a green environment for sustainable development are crucial factors to do business, as well as to attract enterprises and investments to Hong Kong. Therefore, CPA Australia proposes a suite of initiatives including the promotion of a robust e-government framework. Mr Cyrus Cheung, Deputy Divisional President of CPA Australia in Greater China 2025 said: "We suggest the Government considers modernising operations and implements a 'tell us once' compliance model for individual and business data access in a secure and convenient manner. For example, we propose introducing legislation to allow data sharing across relevant and approved government agencies, and to establish an integrated platform that enhances data management across governmental departments. To simplify the processes of public services, we also suggest the Government reduces its reliance on in-person authentication where appropriate, and consolidates government services onto a single platform, such as iAM Smart, which allows online authentication across different services." Mr Cheung also emphasised the importance of sustainable development in shaping Hong Kong's future. He called for better alignment of the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance with the international standards to attract investment in green projects. "Energy policy is core in our sustainability goals. The taxonomy should reflect the role of various forms of low-carbon energy in supporting Hong Kong's transition to a net-zero economy," he said. "We also encourage the government to develop a standardised carbon trading framework and explore the Carbon Connect initiative to strengthen Hong Kong's leadership position in green finance." Hong Kong's sound financial system and free flow of capital continue to underpin strong investment inflows, and the city is poised to return to its position as the world's top IPO market in 2025, Mr Kelvin Leung, Deputy Divisional President of CPA Australia in Greater China 2025, said. "Despite global uncertainties and trade tensions, Hong Kong's capital market remained resilient, drawing more family offices to setup in the city and reinforcing its role as a preferred venue for fund raisings. "Investors choose Hong Kong for investment and wealth management because we are globally connected, rule-of-law based and responsive to market needs. We should be more proactive in promoting Hong Kong as a dual listing destination for overseas companies, and we encourage the Government and relevant regulators to explore the feasibility of an "IPO Connect" mechanism, to meet growing mainland investor demand for access to global assets." To increase private market liquidity, CPA Australia suggests piloting an intermittent trading facility for private companies in a controlled environment. "This would offer growth-stage companies a stepping stone toward future public listings, supported by clear eligibility, proportionate disclosure and robust settlement safeguards,," Leung said. Mr Leung also highlighted opportunities in digital assets, "It is a notable step for Hong Kong to launch the 'LEAP' framework to develop a trusted and innovative digital-assets ecosystem. We welcome the Government's move to promote the responsible expansion of stablecoins under a fit-for-purpose regulatory regime. The Government should also consider a clear roadmap for real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation that balances innovation with strong investor protection." CPA Australia has also proposed recommendations on strengthening SME cybersecurity such as to launch a CyberSafe SME Subsidy Programme and introduce a CyberSafe HK certification. We also suggest initiatives such as increasing maternity and paternity leave similar to other developed economies, to attract and retain talent. Hashtag: #CPAAustralia The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CPA Australia
