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China bans ex-Philippine senator over South China Sea stance, Tolentino calls it a ‘badge of honour'

China bans ex-Philippine senator over South China Sea stance, Tolentino calls it a ‘badge of honour'

Malay Mail01-07-2025
BEIJING, July 1 — China sanctioned former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday and barred him entry, citing 'egregious conduct' on matters such as the disputed South China Sea a day after the end of his six-year term.
Tolentino, who lost his bid for a second term in midterm elections, had canvassed on his efforts to bring in laws last year defining the country's sea lanes and maritime zones, which China opposed.
A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry accused some Filipino politicians of making 'malicious remarks and moves' that hurt ties between the two nations.
'The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests,' the spokesperson added in a statement.
The sanctions prohibit Tolentino from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, the ministry said.
'No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty,' Tolentino said in a statement, calling the sanctions a 'badge of honour' and vowing to pursue his fight for 'what rightfully belongs' to the Philippines.
China's claims in the South China Sea, a conduit for US$3 trillion (RM12.6 trillion) in annual ship-borne commerce, overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal voided Beijing's sweeping claims as having no basis in international law, a decision China rejects. — Reuters
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Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the national exhibition and convention center
Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the national exhibition and convention center

Malay Mail

time7 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the national exhibition and convention center

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Safeguard constitution to ensure nation's wellbeing, says Tengku Maimun
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Free Malaysia Today

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Safeguard constitution to ensure nation's wellbeing, says Tengku Maimun

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ISCA Launches $2 Million Career Support Programme to Help Jobseekers Pivot into Accountancy Profession
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Malay Mail

time9 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

ISCA Launches $2 Million Career Support Programme to Help Jobseekers Pivot into Accountancy Profession

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According to the World Economic Forum's, global macro trends will create about 170 million new jobs this decade while displacing 92 million roles. Technological skills, especially AI and big data, are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. In anticipation of these shifts, ISCA had committed $2 million to spearhead its AI for Accountancy Industry (AI for AI) initiative through a multi-pronged approach. Through research, education, and adoption, the initiative will support firms and accountants in effectively harnessing AI across audit, non-audit, and commercial President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: "AI will fundamentally reshape the accountancy sector and fuel demand for accountants with new skills to thrive in the digital economy. The ISCA Career Support Programme reflects our strong commitment to the profession and its people. By providing resources, financial relief, and practical tools such as the AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace, we aim to support individuals — whether they are new entrants to the profession or experienced accountants displaced by change — through skill-gap training and career opportunities. Our goal is to help them find their footing, stay relevant, and move forward with clarity and purpose."Hashtag: #CareerSupportProgramme #CSP #Jobs #AI #Accountancy The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 40,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries. Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 more information, visit

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