K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's Lisa, known for her exceptional rap skills, is making the most of her time in Singapore by attending two concerts in a row. She was spotted at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Day 2 show in Singapore on March 3, 2024. Just a day earlier, she attended the K-pop boy group SHINee's concert. She arrived at Singapore Changi Airport on February 29.

Videos of Lisa grooving to Swift's songs at the concert venue are going viral on social media. Dressed in an all-black outfit, Lisa is seen enjoying the event with her tour manager, Alice.

This isn't the first time a member of BLACKPINK has made waves online for attending a Taylor Swift concert. A month ago, Lisa's bandmate, Rosé, was seen at an Eras Tour concert in Tokyo. Rosé later shared a TikTok video of her and a friend enjoying themselves at the Tokyo Dome.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LISA SPOTTED AT THE ERAS TOUR IN SINGAPORE OMG <a href="https://t.co/8KDr6a1Pxc">pic.twitter.com/8KDr6a1Pxc</a>
— ♱ (@lalicebratz) <a href="https://twitter.com/lalicebratz/status/1764231224992903590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-taylor-swift-shares-a-personal-connect-she-and-her-mom-had-with-singapore-it-means-the-world-696063">'It means the world': Taylor Swift shares personal connect with Singapore during her Eras tour</a>

Taylor Swift has also shown her support for BLACKPINK in the past. During a previous BLACKPINK performance at the 2022 VMAs, Swift danced to their popular song "Pink Venom" and even filmed a TikTok video with Dylan O'Brien and Rina Yang with the same song playing in the background. Later that night, Swift posed for a picture with Rosé at the VMAs after-party.

On the work front, Lisa announced the launch of her exclusive label, LLOUD, on February 8. Additionally, she is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming third season of HBO's The White Lotus, expected to premiere in 2025.

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's Lisa, known for her exceptional rap skills, is making the most of her time in Singapore by attending two concerts in a row. She was spotted at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Day 2 show in Singapore on March 3, 2024.

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's Lisa, known for her exceptional rap skills, is making the most of her time in Singapore by attending two concerts in a row. She was spotted at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Day 2 show in Singapore on March 3, 2024. Just a day earlier, she attended the K-pop boy group SHINee's concert. She arrived at Singapore Changi Airport on February 29. Videos of Lisa grooving to Swift's songs at the concert venue are going viral on social media. Dressed in an all-black outfit, Lisa is seen enjoying the event with her tour manager, Alice. This isn't the first time a member of BLACKPINK has made waves online for attending a Taylor Swift concert. A month ago, Lisa's bandmate, Rosé, was seen at an Eras Tour concert in Tokyo. Rosé later shared a TikTok video of her and a friend enjoying themselves at the Tokyo Dome. LISA SPOTTED AT THE ERAS TOUR IN SINGAPORE OMG pic.twitter.com/8KDr6a1Pxc — ♱ (@lalicebratz) March 3, 2024 Also read: 'It means the world': Taylor Swift shares personal connect with Singapore during her Eras tour Taylor Swift has also shown her support for BLACKPINK in the past. During a previous BLACKPINK performance at the 2022 VMAs, Swift danced to their popular song "Pink Venom" and even filmed a TikTok video with Dylan O'Brien and Rina Yang with the same song playing in the background. Later that night, Swift posed for a picture with Rosé at the VMAs after-party. On the work front, Lisa announced the launch of her exclusive label, LLOUD, on February 8. Additionally, she is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming third season of HBO's The White Lotus, expected to premiere in 2025.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa attends Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Singapore

S Iswaran, an Indian-origin member of parliament and part of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in Singapore, has been asked by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to go on leave as the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) conducts an investigation into a case uncovered by the agency.

S Iswaran, an Indian-origin member of parliament and part of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in Singapore, has been asked by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to go on leave as the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) conducts an investigation into a case uncovered by the agency. Lee said the investigation will involve interviewing Iswaran among others, without specifying the reasoning for the probe. "On 5 July 2023, Director CPIB briefed me on a case CPIB had uncovered and sought my concurrence to open a formal investigation. This would involve interviewing Minister S Iswaran, among others," said the prime minister. "I gave Director CPIB my concurrence on 6 July 2023, following which the formal investigation began on 11 July 2023. Minister Iswaran is currently assisting CPIB with the investigations, which are ongoing," he added. In Iswaran's absence, senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will be the Acting Minister for Transport, the prime minister's office announced. Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency also released a statement but refrained from giving away the details of the case. "CPIB acknowledges the interest of members of the public in this case because a minister is being interviewed by CPIB. As investigations are ongoing, CPIB is unable to provide further details," said the agency. “CPIB will investigate this case thoroughly with strong resolve to establish the facts and the truth, and to uphold the rule of law," it added. Also read | Doctors discover ‘half-eaten’ octopus stuck inside throat of man in Singapore The agency, however, issued a warning that Singapore has a "strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption". Singapore's no-corruption image Notably, the island country pays its top officials among the world's highest public salaries and prides itself on low corruption. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, the Southeast Asian country is ranked as the fifth-least corrupt country in the world. Hence, allegations of corruption are taken extremely seriously. WATCH | Why is Singapore declining as business hub? × Iswaran was selected as an MP way back in 1997 and appointed to the cabinet in 2006. As the transport minister, his key focus area was to rebuild Singapore as an air hub in the aftermath of the pandemic and present the country as a maritime centre. Prior to being asked to sit out, Iswaran also served as Singapore’s minister-in-charge of trade relations. "The optics certainly don’t look good for the PAP government, which has always prided itself on incorruptibility,” Eugene Tan, a law professor at Singapore Management University, said. The announcement by the Singapore government comes weeks after the opposition levelled allegations against Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan regarding their rental of government-owned colonial bungalows. However, a review of the case, led by one of the senior members of Lee's cabinet, found no basis in the corruption allegations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian-origin Singapore minister told to sit out over corruption probe

Senior officials from about two dozen of the world's major intelligence agencies held a secret meeting on the fringes of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore this weekend, five people told Reuters.

Such meetings are organised by the Singapore government and have been discreetly held at a separate venue alongside the security summit for several years, they said. The meetings have not been previously reported.

The US&nbsp;was represented by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, the head of her country's intelligence community, while China was among the other countries present, despite the tensions between the two superpowers.

Samant Goel, the head of India's overseas intelligence gathering agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, also attended, an Indian source said.

"The meeting is an important fixture on the international shadow agenda," said one person with knowledge of the discussions. "Given the range of countries involved, it is not a festival of tradecraft, but rather a way of promoting a deeper understanding of intentions and bottom lines.

"There is an unspoken code among intelligence services that they can talk when more formal and open diplomacy is harder - it is a very important factor during times of tension, and the Singapore event helps promote that."

All five sources who discussed the meetings declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

A spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Defence said that while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, "participants including senior officials from intelligence agencies also take the opportunity to meet their counterparts."

"The Singapore Ministry of Defence may facilitate some of these bilateral or multilateral meetings," the spokesperson said. "Participants have found such meetings held on the sidelines of the (dialogue) beneficial."

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Singapore said it had no information on the meeting. The Chinese and Indian governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand operate what is called the Five Eyes network to gather and share a broad range of intelligence, and their intelligence officials meet frequently.

Larger meetings of the intelligence community are rarer, and almost never publicised.

Although few details were available on the specific discussions in Singapore, Russia's war in Ukraine and transnational crime figured in the talks on Friday, the person with knowledge of the discussions added. On Thursday evening, the intelligence chiefs held an informal gathering.

No Russian representative was present, one of the sources said. Ukraine's deputy defence minister, Volodymr V. Havrylov, was at the Shangri-La Dialogue but said he did not attend the intelligence meeting.

Another of the sources said the tone at the meeting was collaborative and cooperative, and not confrontational.

At the main security dialogue, more than 600 delegates from 49 countries held three days of plenary sessions, as well as closed-door bilateral and multilateral meetings at the sprawling Shangri-La Hotel.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave the keynote address while US&nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu and counterparts from Britain,

Japan, Canada, Indonesia and South Korea also spoke.

Haines was among the official US&nbsp;delegates to the Shangri-La Dialogue. At a discussion on cybersecurity in the main meeting, she said in response to a question from a Chinese military officer that cooperation between countries was essential.

"It is absolutely critical, even when there is distrust, and even when you are facing in effect adversaries, that you still try to work through and cooperate on issues of mutual interest and also try to manage the potential for escalation," she said.

US&nbsp;officials said on Friday that CIA Director William Burns visited China last month for talks with Chinese counterparts as the Biden administration seeks to boost communications with Beijing. 
 
&nbsp;

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Senior officials from about two dozen of the world's major intelligence agencies held a secret meeting on the fringes of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore this weekend, five people told Reuters.

Senior officials from about two dozen of the world's major intelligence agencies held a secret meeting on the fringes of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore this weekend, five people told Reuters. Such meetings are organised by the Singapore government and have been discreetly held at a separate venue alongside the security summit for several years, they said. The meetings have not been previously reported. The US was represented by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, the head of her country's intelligence community, while China was among the other countries present, despite the tensions between the two superpowers. Samant Goel, the head of India's overseas intelligence gathering agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, also attended, an Indian source said. "The meeting is an important fixture on the international shadow agenda," said one person with knowledge of the discussions. "Given the range of countries involved, it is not a festival of tradecraft, but rather a way of promoting a deeper understanding of intentions and bottom lines. "There is an unspoken code among intelligence services that they can talk when more formal and open diplomacy is harder - it is a very important factor during times of tension, and the Singapore event helps promote that." All five sources who discussed the meetings declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. A spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Defence said that while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, "participants including senior officials from intelligence agencies also take the opportunity to meet their counterparts." "The Singapore Ministry of Defence may facilitate some of these bilateral or multilateral meetings," the spokesperson said. "Participants have found such meetings held on the sidelines of the (dialogue) beneficial." The US Embassy in Singapore said it had no information on the meeting. The Chinese and Indian governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand operate what is called the Five Eyes network to gather and share a broad range of intelligence, and their intelligence officials meet frequently. Larger meetings of the intelligence community are rarer, and almost never publicised. Although few details were available on the specific discussions in Singapore, Russia's war in Ukraine and transnational crime figured in the talks on Friday, the person with knowledge of the discussions added. On Thursday evening, the intelligence chiefs held an informal gathering. No Russian representative was present, one of the sources said. Ukraine's deputy defence minister, Volodymr V. Havrylov, was at the Shangri-La Dialogue but said he did not attend the intelligence meeting. Another of the sources said the tone at the meeting was collaborative and cooperative, and not confrontational. At the main security dialogue, more than 600 delegates from 49 countries held three days of plenary sessions, as well as closed-door bilateral and multilateral meetings at the sprawling Shangri-La Hotel. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave the keynote address while US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu and counterparts from Britain, Japan, Canada, Indonesia and South Korea also spoke. Haines was among the official US delegates to the Shangri-La Dialogue. At a discussion on cybersecurity in the main meeting, she said in response to a question from a Chinese military officer that cooperation between countries was essential. "It is absolutely critical, even when there is distrust, and even when you are facing in effect adversaries, that you still try to work through and cooperate on issues of mutual interest and also try to manage the potential for escalation," she said. US officials said on Friday that CIA Director William Burns visited China last month for talks with Chinese counterparts as the Biden administration seeks to boost communications with Beijing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India joins world's spy chiefs meet in secret conclave in Singapore

A famous retail supermarket&nbsp;in Singapore has apologised after telling a Muslim couple of Indian descent that they couldn't sample the free sweets it was offering during Ramadan because they were Malays-only, according to Live Mint.&nbsp;

Jahabar Shalih, 36, and his wife Farah Nadya, 35, claimed a male employee at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)-run supermarket "shooed" them away from the snack stand on April 9 while they were doing their regular grocery shopping with their two young children, according to a report from Channel News Asia.

Jahabar is Indian, but Farah, his wife, is Indian-Malay.

In a Facebook post posted on Sunday, Farah described the "distasteful" encounter. The post has received more than 500 replies.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-boy-cycles-for-24-hours-to-reach-grandmothers-home-to-complain-about-mother-581351">&nbsp;130 kilometres on a bicycle! This 11-year-old Chinese boy sure knows how to throw a tantrum</a>

Jahabar told Channel News Asia&nbsp;on Monday that he had chosen to investigate the supermarket's "Iftar Bites station" after learning about it from his wife.

On March 23, FairPrice Group launched its Iftar Bites station, which will provide Muslims who visit 60 of its stores during the month-long Ramzan period with free beverages and snacks or dates.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;ChatGPT creator OpenAI CEO mulling to open office in Japan

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Iftar, the meal eaten after evening prayers during Ramadan, is provided to Muslim customers as part of the programme 30 minutes before and after those times. Refreshments, such as canned drinks, are also provided.

In supermarkets, they are set out on tables with a banner encouraging Muslim customers to assist themselves when they break their fast.

"I walked over just to read what was on the board because I thought it was generally a nice gesture by NTUC and it is. As I started reading it this staff from NTUC approached me and he told me 'no India' ... and I was like 'what'?," Jahabar said.

"He said 'No India, only Malay' and I was like 'that's strange'," he was further quoted as saying in the report.

When Jahabar asked the male employee what he meant, the man, who was not identified, only repeated that "Indians cannot take".

The staff member said that he had gotten orders from "people at the top" when Jahabar then attempted to clarify that Muslims could originate from the Indian population.

"I just walked off, pretty frustrated, I continued shopping," he said, adding that his wife really felt that the incident should be disseminated.&nbsp;

The FairPrice store acknowledged seeing the social media post and claimed the pair had been contacted "to address their concerns". The retailer said that the problem had been resolved amicably.

"We take this matter seriously and would like to apologise for the incident. We have since also counselled our employee accordingly.

"We would like to clarify that Iftar Packs are offered free of charge to all Muslim customers during the month-long Ramzan period," the supermarket was quoted as saying.

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A famous retail supermarket in Singapore has apologised after telling a Muslim couple of Indian descent that they couldn't sample the free sweets it was offering during Ramadan because they were Malays-only, according to Live Mint.

A famous retail supermarket in Singapore has apologised after telling a Muslim couple of Indian descent that they couldn't sample the free sweets it was offering during Ramadan because they were Malays-only, according to Live Mint. Jahabar Shalih, 36, and his wife Farah Nadya, 35, claimed a male employee at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)-run supermarket "shooed" them away from the snack stand on April 9 while they were doing their regular grocery shopping with their two young children, according to a report from Channel News Asia. Jahabar is Indian, but Farah, his wife, is Indian-Malay. In a Facebook post posted on Sunday, Farah described the "distasteful" encounter. The post has received more than 500 replies. ALSO READ | 130 kilometres on a bicycle! This 11-year-old Chinese boy sure knows how to throw a tantrum Jahabar told Channel News Asia on Monday that he had chosen to investigate the supermarket's "Iftar Bites station" after learning about it from his wife. On March 23, FairPrice Group launched its Iftar Bites station, which will provide Muslims who visit 60 of its stores during the month-long Ramzan period with free beverages and snacks or dates. ALSO WATCH | ChatGPT creator OpenAI CEO mulling to open office in Japan Iftar, the meal eaten after evening prayers during Ramadan, is provided to Muslim customers as part of the programme 30 minutes before and after those times. Refreshments, such as canned drinks, are also provided. In supermarkets, they are set out on tables with a banner encouraging Muslim customers to assist themselves when they break their fast. "I walked over just to read what was on the board because I thought it was generally a nice gesture by NTUC and it is. As I started reading it this staff from NTUC approached me and he told me 'no India' ... and I was like 'what'?," Jahabar said. "He said 'No India, only Malay' and I was like 'that's strange'," he was further quoted as saying in the report. When Jahabar asked the male employee what he meant, the man, who was not identified, only repeated that "Indians cannot take". The staff member said that he had gotten orders from "people at the top" when Jahabar then attempted to clarify that Muslims could originate from the Indian population. "I just walked off, pretty frustrated, I continued shopping," he said, adding that his wife really felt that the incident should be disseminated. The FairPrice store acknowledged seeing the social media post and claimed the pair had been contacted "to address their concerns". The retailer said that the problem had been resolved amicably. "We take this matter seriously and would like to apologise for the incident. We have since also counselled our employee accordingly. "We would like to clarify that Iftar Packs are offered free of charge to all Muslim customers during the month-long Ramzan period," the supermarket was quoted as saying. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No India, only Malay': Indian-origin couple in Singapore denied free Ramadan snacks at FairPrice

The restriction and classification of media content with LGBTQ themes will be continued by the Singapore government even after its planned decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday announced the move to repeal a colonial-era law that criminalised sex between men. Introduced in 1938, the law, Section 377A of the Penal Code, established a two-year jail term for "any act of gross indecency" between two men, either in public or private.

Yet, LGBTQ media content will continue to warrant higher age ratings, even after the repeal of 377A, the Ministry of Communications and Information stated on Monday. 
 
"We will continue to take reference from prevailing norms. LGBTQ media content will continue to warrant higher age ratings," the MCI said in a statement of clarification. 
 
Following the announcement that this law had been repealed, London-based Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen commended the move by tweeting, "Long overdue but well done Singapore." 
 
"The law was used as justification for police raids of gay-owned businesses and street arrests until about a decade ago.

Though it has been rarely enforced since 2010, it continues to inform tough anti-LGBTQ policy in media and entertainment.

Singapore's Films Act does not permit content that is deemed "promotion of homosexuality" or content with "excessive depiction of sexual activity between individuals of the same gender". 
 
The country`s InfoComm Media Development Authority, which oversees the sector, operates a content code that targets films that depict "alternative sexualities," such as homosexuality, as to "be sensitive to community values." 
 
"Films that center on alternative sexualities may be classified at (the) highest rating of R21. Non-explicit depictions of sexual activity between persons of the same gender may be featured at R21 rating," the code says.

That would restrict viewing to adults older than 21. A lower rating of M18 (allowing viewing by people older than 18) may be applied where the homosexual themes or content are a subplot, "if discreet in treatment and not gratuitous," the IMDA code states, as per a report in Variety. 
 
Lee's plans also include amending Singapore's constitution to protect the current heterosexual definition of marriage from being challenged in court. It means that the country's dominant public broadcaster is prohibited from carrying positive portrayals of queer characters. 
 
"Many national policies rely upon this definition of marriage -- including public housing, education, adoption rules, advertising standards, film classification. The government has no intention of changing the definition of marriage, nor these policies," said Lee. 
 
Law minister K&nbsp;Shanmugam stated on Monday that Lee`s approach is not intended to enshrine heterosexual marriage in the country's constitution, but rather to protect that working definition from legal challenge. 
 
The continuing media restrictions and the proposed new obstacle in the path of legitimizing legal same-sex marriages mean that many people in Singapore regard the new repeal of 377A as only a small step for LGBTQ rights.&nbsp; 
 
Non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch called the move a "mixed message," reported Variety. 
 
Singapore's rating board had limited Disney's 'Lightyear' to those aged 16 and above in June, citing its depiction of a kiss between two female characters.&nbsp; 
 
Previously, the National Library Board had withdrawn a children`s book that included a same-sex penguin couple. However, the ban was later reversed and the title instead placed on the adult list, as per Variety.&nbsp;

The restriction and classification of media content with LGBTQ themes will be continued by the Singapore government even after its planned decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.

The restriction and classification of media content with LGBTQ themes will be continued by the Singapore government even after its planned decriminalisation of same-sex relationships. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday announced the move to repeal a colonial-era law that criminalised sex between men. Introduced in 1938, the law, Section 377A of the Penal Code, established a two-year jail term for "any act of gross indecency" between two men, either in public or private. Yet, LGBTQ media content will continue to warrant higher age ratings, even after the repeal of 377A, the Ministry of Communications and Information stated on Monday. "We will continue to take reference from prevailing norms. LGBTQ media content will continue to warrant higher age ratings," the MCI said in a statement of clarification. Following the announcement that this law had been repealed, London-based Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen commended the move by tweeting, "Long overdue but well done Singapore." "The law was used as justification for police raids of gay-owned businesses and street arrests until about a decade ago. Though it has been rarely enforced since 2010, it continues to inform tough anti-LGBTQ policy in media and entertainment. Singapore's Films Act does not permit content that is deemed "promotion of homosexuality" or content with "excessive depiction of sexual activity between individuals of the same gender". The country`s InfoComm Media Development Authority, which oversees the sector, operates a content code that targets films that depict "alternative sexualities," such as homosexuality, as to "be sensitive to community values." "Films that center on alternative sexualities may be classified at (the) highest rating of R21. Non-explicit depictions of sexual activity between persons of the same gender may be featured at R21 rating," the code says. That would restrict viewing to adults older than 21. A lower rating of M18 (allowing viewing by people older than 18) may be applied where the homosexual themes or content are a subplot, "if discreet in treatment and not gratuitous," the IMDA code states, as per a report in Variety. Lee's plans also include amending Singapore's constitution to protect the current heterosexual definition of marriage from being challenged in court. It means that the country's dominant public broadcaster is prohibited from carrying positive portrayals of queer characters. "Many national policies rely upon this definition of marriage -- including public housing, education, adoption rules, advertising standards, film classification. The government has no intention of changing the definition of marriage, nor these policies," said Lee. Law minister K Shanmugam stated on Monday that Lee`s approach is not intended to enshrine heterosexual marriage in the country's constitution, but rather to protect that working definition from legal challenge. The continuing media restrictions and the proposed new obstacle in the path of legitimizing legal same-sex marriages mean that many people in Singapore regard the new repeal of 377A as only a small step for LGBTQ rights. Non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch called the move a "mixed message," reported Variety. Singapore's rating board had limited Disney's 'Lightyear' to those aged 16 and above in June, citing its depiction of a kiss between two female characters. Previously, the National Library Board had withdrawn a children`s book that included a same-sex penguin couple. However, the ban was later reversed and the title instead placed on the adult list, as per Variety.

Singapore to continue restricting LGBTQ content even after decriminalising gay sex

There is a wind of change blowing across Asia. After Singapore, Vietnam has taken a progressive step towards recognising the rights of the LBTQ+ community. Reportedly, in a paradigm shift, Vietnam's health ministry&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;that being gay, bisexual or transgender is not an illness.

Citing the World Health Organization’s removal from its list of mental illnesses in 1990, the new directive by Hanoi stated:

“The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed that homosexuality is entirely not an illness, therefore homosexuality cannot be ‘cured’ nor needs to be ‘cured’ and cannot be converted in any way.”&nbsp;

“Do not coerce members of these groups into medical treatment. If any, only provide psychiatric help, which must be conducted by experts with knowledge of gender identities.” it further added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-marriage-to-the-death-penalty-lgbtq-rights-across-the-globe-509186#a-crime-in-africa-509179">IN PICS |&nbsp;From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe</a>

The directive was sent across the country to provincial and municipal health departments. According to local reports, the ministry released the statement to remove stigma after it was revealed that there were&nbsp;a growing number of medical institutes claiming to cure 'homosexuality'.&nbsp;

Simultaneously, the ministry advised&nbsp;medical professionals that they should treat the people from the rainbow community without any discrimination and with the utmost respect.&nbsp;

It was in 2014 that Vietnam&nbsp;decriminalised same-sex relationships. However, a certain stigma still prevailed. Experts believe that this gesture of educating the masses that same-sex relationship is not an illness might go a long way in improving the landscape for queer groups.&nbsp;

The next milestone for the LGBTQ+ activists is getting the authorities to repeal the same-sex marriage ban.&nbsp;

As reported by WION, the announcement by Vietnam comes days after another south east asian country in Singapore repealed the archaic colonial-era law to lift ban on gay sex.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/singapore-lifts-ban-on-gay-sex-repeals-section-377a-but-upholds-marriage-ban-508900">Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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&nbsp;

There is a wind of change blowing across Asia. After Singapore, Vietnam has taken a progressive step towards recognising the rights of the LBTQ+ community. Reportedly, in a paradigm shift, Vietnam's health ministry confirmed that being gay, bisexual or transgender is not an illness.

There is a wind of change blowing across Asia. After Singapore, Vietnam has taken a progressive step towards recognising the rights of the LBTQ+ community. Reportedly, in a paradigm shift, Vietnam's health ministry confirmed that being gay, bisexual or transgender is not an illness. Citing the World Health Organization’s removal from its list of mental illnesses in 1990, the new directive by Hanoi stated: “The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed that homosexuality is entirely not an illness, therefore homosexuality cannot be ‘cured’ nor needs to be ‘cured’ and cannot be converted in any way.” “Do not coerce members of these groups into medical treatment. If any, only provide psychiatric help, which must be conducted by experts with knowledge of gender identities.” it further added. IN PICS | From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe The directive was sent across the country to provincial and municipal health departments. According to local reports, the ministry released the statement to remove stigma after it was revealed that there were a growing number of medical institutes claiming to cure 'homosexuality'. Simultaneously, the ministry advised medical professionals that they should treat the people from the rainbow community without any discrimination and with the utmost respect. It was in 2014 that Vietnam decriminalised same-sex relationships. However, a certain stigma still prevailed. Experts believe that this gesture of educating the masses that same-sex relationship is not an illness might go a long way in improving the landscape for queer groups. The next milestone for the LGBTQ+ activists is getting the authorities to repeal the same-sex marriage ban. As reported by WION, the announcement by Vietnam comes days after another south east asian country in Singapore repealed the archaic colonial-era law to lift ban on gay sex. Read More: Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vietnam takes a progressive step: Declares being LGBTQ+ is not an illness

Pakistan's former captain Salman Butt has landed himself in a new role after being roped in by the&nbsp;Singapore Cricket Association as&nbsp;a consulting head coach for the national side for the 2022 season.&nbsp;

Singapore, an affiliated country at ICC since 1974, will take part in the three major tournaments in a bid to finalise a berth among the ICC marquee tournaments in the next&nbsp;five months. Thus, the Singapore Cricket Association has appointed the ex-international cricketer Butt in the new role to hone the players' skills and help them in delivering at the big stage in what is going to be a very crucial few five months for them.

In this regard, the Singapore Cricket Association chief executive officer Saad Janjua also confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the 37-year-old Butt&nbsp;will be staying in Singapore and will travel with the team as head coach under a consultant contract.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-must-ensure-harmony-between-india-pakistan-akhtar-on-sehwags-chucking-allegations-480737">'Cricketers must ensure harmony between India-Pakistan' - Akhtar on Sehwag's 'chucking' allegation</a>

For the unversed, it is an action-packed season for the Singapore team as&nbsp;it comprises&nbsp;three qualifiers during Butt's&nbsp;tenure - ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in July, followed by the&nbsp;Asia Cup qualifier in August in Sri Lanka and the ICC Men's Challenge League A in Canada - i.e. a tournament&nbsp;to claim the ICC's ODI World Cup qualification.

Butt is a former Pakistan skipper, who represented the Men in Green in 33 Tests, 78 ODIs and 24 T20Is, ending with 11 tons. His career was cut short following his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, which led to him being suspended for five years. Despite him being&nbsp;reintegrated into the system in Pakistan in January 2016, he never managed to play at the highest level any further, leading to him concluding his playing career in 2020.

Pakistan's former captain Salman Butt has landed himself in a new role after being roped in by the Singapore Cricket Association as a consulting head coach for the national side for the 2022 season.

Pakistan's former captain Salman Butt has landed himself in a new role after being roped in by the Singapore Cricket Association as a consulting head coach for the national side for the 2022 season. Singapore, an affiliated country at ICC since 1974, will take part in the three major tournaments in a bid to finalise a berth among the ICC marquee tournaments in the next five months. Thus, the Singapore Cricket Association has appointed the ex-international cricketer Butt in the new role to hone the players' skills and help them in delivering at the big stage in what is going to be a very crucial few five months for them. In this regard, the Singapore Cricket Association chief executive officer Saad Janjua also confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the 37-year-old Butt will be staying in Singapore and will travel with the team as head coach under a consultant contract. ALSO READ | 'Cricketers must ensure harmony between India-Pakistan' - Akhtar on Sehwag's 'chucking' allegation For the unversed, it is an action-packed season for the Singapore team as it comprises three qualifiers during Butt's tenure - ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in July, followed by the Asia Cup qualifier in August in Sri Lanka and the ICC Men's Challenge League A in Canada - i.e. a tournament to claim the ICC's ODI World Cup qualification. Butt is a former Pakistan skipper, who represented the Men in Green in 33 Tests, 78 ODIs and 24 T20Is, ending with 11 tons. His career was cut short following his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, which led to him being suspended for five years. Despite him being reintegrated into the system in Pakistan in January 2016, he never managed to play at the highest level any further, leading to him concluding his playing career in 2020.

Disgraced ex-Pakistan skipper Salman Butt lands new job, appointed Singapore consulting head coach

Singapore police are investigating a company linked to two entrepreneurs trying to buy Newcastle United after an accounting firm lodged a police report over unauthorised signatures on the group's financial statements.

The two Singaporean entrepreneurs, cousins Terence and Nelson Loh, head the Bellagraph Nova Group along with a Chinese business partner.

The group's bid to buy the English Premier League football club hit a snag after reports emerged last month of manipulated photos purporting to show former US president Barack Obama in a meeting with its founders in Paris, among other inconsistent claims.

Ernst and Young said Saturday it did not sign off on the documents of Novena Global Healthcare Group, but served as the auditor of a Singapore subsidiary in 2017.&nbsp;

"Ernst &amp; Young LLP were never the auditors of Novena Global Healthcare Group (incorporated in Cayman Islands)," a spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP.

The police confirmed that a report was lodged and said they were looking into the matter.&nbsp;

The Novena Global Healthcare Group is owned by the Lohs, according to the Straits Times newspaper.&nbsp;

Terence Loh denied any wrongdoing through his lawyer, the newspaper reported.&nbsp;

AFP has reached out to Terence and Nelson Loh for comment.&nbsp;

BN Group's bid came after a Saudi-backed consortium withdrew its offer to buy Newcastle in late July, following a months-long wait for Premier League approval

The company has blamed "errant individuals" for the doctored Obama photographs.

It has made other questionable claims, including that it is headquartered at a prestigious Paris address.&nbsp;

A visit by an AFP reporter found that the Paris office address belongs to workspace provider Regus. AFP also found that no company named Bellagraph Nova Group or BN Group is registered in France.

The Lohs are also controlling shareholders in professional advisory services firm Axington, which saw a string of resignations from its board after the revelations about Bellagraph Nova surfaced, including of Kirk Wagar, the former US ambassador to Singapore.&nbsp;

Singapore police are investigating a company linked to two entrepreneurs trying to buy Newcastle United after an accounting firm lodged a police report over unauthorised signatures on the group's financial statements.

Singapore police are investigating a company linked to two entrepreneurs trying to buy Newcastle United after an accounting firm lodged a police report over unauthorised signatures on the group's financial statements. The two Singaporean entrepreneurs, cousins Terence and Nelson Loh, head the Bellagraph Nova Group along with a Chinese business partner. The group's bid to buy the English Premier League football club hit a snag after reports emerged last month of manipulated photos purporting to show former US president Barack Obama in a meeting with its founders in Paris, among other inconsistent claims. Ernst and Young said Saturday it did not sign off on the documents of Novena Global Healthcare Group, but served as the auditor of a Singapore subsidiary in 2017. "Ernst & Young LLP were never the auditors of Novena Global Healthcare Group (incorporated in Cayman Islands)," a spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP. The police confirmed that a report was lodged and said they were looking into the matter. The Novena Global Healthcare Group is owned by the Lohs, according to the Straits Times newspaper. Terence Loh denied any wrongdoing through his lawyer, the newspaper reported. AFP has reached out to Terence and Nelson Loh for comment. BN Group's bid came after a Saudi-backed consortium withdrew its offer to buy Newcastle in late July, following a months-long wait for Premier League approval The company has blamed "errant individuals" for the doctored Obama photographs. It has made other questionable claims, including that it is headquartered at a prestigious Paris address. A visit by an AFP reporter found that the Paris office address belongs to workspace provider Regus. AFP also found that no company named Bellagraph Nova Group or BN Group is registered in France. The Lohs are also controlling shareholders in professional advisory services firm Axington, which saw a string of resignations from its board after the revelations about Bellagraph Nova surfaced, including of Kirk Wagar, the former US ambassador to Singapore.

Singapore police investigate firm linked to Newcastle bidders

Former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh passed away in a hospital in Singapore on Saturday. He was 64. Singh had gone to Singapore in March for surgery in a kidney-related illness.

Former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh passed away in a hospital in Singapore on Saturday. He was 64. Singh had gone to Singapore in March for surgery in a kidney-related illness. Singh, 64, had undergone kidney transplant in 2011 and was not keeping well for a long time. "Saddened to know about the death of senior leader and parliamentarian Amar Singh," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted. Earlier in the day, the former Samajwadi leader had posted messages on Twitter, paying tributes to Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his 100th death anniversary and also wishing people on Eid. Singh, a former general secretary of the Samajwadi Party (SP), was once very close to party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. However, in 2010 there was a fallout and Singh resigned from all party posts and was soon expelled.

Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh passes away in Singapore

As the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark, India has reached out to foreign countries for medical assistance.&nbsp;

Three Asian countries -- South Korea, Singapore and China -- will be supplying India with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry, Lav Aggarwal said, "We got a shipment which has masks, Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators"

India has identified a Singapore based online platform that can supply 10 lakh PPE kits and an order has been placed to procure them.

Another supplier based in South Korea, which has tie-up&nbsp;with production companies in Vietnam and Turkey has been identified. India has ordered 20 lakh PPE from the South Korean firm which has the capacity to produce 1 lakh equipment.&nbsp;

Last week, China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation had supplied Indian Red cross society 10,000 PPEs.

&nbsp;Currently, Indian hospitals have 3.34 lakh PPEs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has approached suppliers in China for sourcing 10,000 ventilators.

As the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark, India has reached out to foreign countries for medical assistance. Three Asian countries -- South Korea, Singapore and China -- will be supplying India with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators.

As the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark, India has reached out to foreign countries for medical assistance. Three Asian countries -- South Korea, Singapore and China -- will be supplying India with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators. On Sunday, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry, Lav Aggarwal said, "We got a shipment which has masks, Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators" India has identified a Singapore based online platform that can supply 10 lakh PPE kits and an order has been placed to procure them. Another supplier based in South Korea, which has tie-up with production companies in Vietnam and Turkey has been identified. India has ordered 20 lakh PPE from the South Korean firm which has the capacity to produce 1 lakh equipment. Last week, China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation had supplied Indian Red cross society 10,000 PPEs. Currently, Indian hospitals have 3.34 lakh PPEs. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has approached suppliers in China for sourcing 10,000 ventilators.

India reaches out to China, Singapore, South Korea for PPE as COVID-19 cases surge 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sundar-pichai-named-alphabet-ceo-google-co-founders-step-down-266045">Google</a> has stopped accepting political advertisements in Singapore months before a widely expected election, according to documents shared by a small political party which said it was angered by the decision that denies it, voter, reach.

In email correspondence between the Singapore Democratic Party and a senior Google public policy official, the tech firm said it "will not accept advertising regulated by the Code of Practice for Transparency of Online Political Advertisements".

A spokeswoman for Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google told Reuters the email exchange was authentic but declined to comment further.

The new code of practice, part of a controversial '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-bans-fake-news-created-with-ai-bots-265404">fake news</a>' law introduced in October, requires advertising intermediaries to maintain detailed records of political adverts and their sponsors and make those records available to authorities.

The code applies to "all advertisement or paid content that can reasonably be regarded as being directed towards a political end".

In the correspondence shared with media in a statement by SDP, Google's Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy, APAC, Ted Osius, said: "This was not an easy decision to make as Google is committed to delivering useful and relevant election-related information to users around the world."

Singapore, which has been ruled by the People's Action Party since independence in 1965, has repeatedly said it is vulnerable to foreign interference in its domestic affairs.

The city-state is gearing up for an election expected to take place within months.

SDP said the "shocking policy" would deprive voters of information ahead of that ballot.

"In an election with the media totally dominated by the state, alternative parties would have no ability to educate and inform the voters of Singapore in the run-up to the elections if we are not able to use&nbsp;Google's advertising platforms in the first place," Paul Tambyah, chairman of SDP, said in the correspondence.

The office administrating Singapore's new fake news law called the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Unlike Google, social media giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-to-welcome-its-first-ever-facebook-tv-18323">Facebook</a> is still accepting political advertisements in Singapore after implementing new rules under the 'fake news' laws in September.

Facebook on Saturday attached a correction notice to a user's post in the first such instance under the new law.

Rights groups have raised concerns the fake news law could be used to stifle free speech and chill dissent in Singapore, charges government officials have denied.

Google banned political advertising on its platform before Canada's federal election earlier this year, after the country introduced stringent transparency rules.

Google also said last month it would stop giving advertisers data such as public voter records and general political affiliations to target their ads. The move coincides with pressure on social media platforms over their handling of political ads ahead of the US&nbsp;presidential election in 2020.

Google has stopped accepting political advertisements in Singapore months before a widely expected election, according to documents shared by a small political party which said it was angered by the decision that denies it, voter, reach.

Google has stopped accepting political advertisements in Singapore months before a widely expected election, according to documents shared by a small political party which said it was angered by the decision that denies it, voter, reach. In email correspondence between the Singapore Democratic Party and a senior Google public policy official, the tech firm said it "will not accept advertising regulated by the Code of Practice for Transparency of Online Political Advertisements". A spokeswoman for Alphabet Inc's Google told Reuters the email exchange was authentic but declined to comment further. The new code of practice, part of a controversial 'fake news' law introduced in October, requires advertising intermediaries to maintain detailed records of political adverts and their sponsors and make those records available to authorities. The code applies to "all advertisement or paid content that can reasonably be regarded as being directed towards a political end". In the correspondence shared with media in a statement by SDP, Google's Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy, APAC, Ted Osius, said: "This was not an easy decision to make as Google is committed to delivering useful and relevant election-related information to users around the world." Singapore, which has been ruled by the People's Action Party since independence in 1965, has repeatedly said it is vulnerable to foreign interference in its domestic affairs. The city-state is gearing up for an election expected to take place within months. SDP said the "shocking policy" would deprive voters of information ahead of that ballot. "In an election with the media totally dominated by the state, alternative parties would have no ability to educate and inform the voters of Singapore in the run-up to the elections if we are not able to use Google's advertising platforms in the first place," Paul Tambyah, chairman of SDP, said in the correspondence. The office administrating Singapore's new fake news law called the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Unlike Google, social media giant Facebook is still accepting political advertisements in Singapore after implementing new rules under the 'fake news' laws in September. Facebook on Saturday attached a correction notice to a user's post in the first such instance under the new law. Rights groups have raised concerns the fake news law could be used to stifle free speech and chill dissent in Singapore, charges government officials have denied. Google banned political advertising on its platform before Canada's federal election earlier this year, after the country introduced stringent transparency rules. Google also said last month it would stop giving advertisers data such as public voter records and general political affiliations to target their ads. The move coincides with pressure on social media platforms over their handling of political ads ahead of the US presidential election in 2020.

Google stops accepting political advertisements in Singapore month before the elections

An advertisement featuring an actor of Chinese origin with his skin darkened to portray different races has sparked anger in multi-ethnic Singapore, prompting an apology from the country's state-owned broadcaster.

Race is a sensitive issue in Singapore, which is home to ethnic Chinese, ethnic Indians and Muslim Malays, as well as a large number of expatriates from all over the world.

The ad, part of a government-initiated campaign for cashless transactions in the tech-savvy city-state, featured actor Dennis Chew from broadcaster Mediacorp as four characters.

His skin was darkened to depict an Indian man and a Malay woman wearing a headscarf, and he also portrayed a Chinese man and a Chinese woman. Each character was shown holding a plate of food paid for electronically.

"Brownface in a Singaporean ad in 2019. I thought we already went over this," magazine editor Ruby Thiagarajan said on Twitter, in a post that had been retweeted nearly 3,000 times by Monday.

"Brownface" or "blackface" are terms referring to the practice of darkening an actor's skin to portray a person of a different race.

Mediacorp, through its celebrity management arm The Celebrity Agency, apologised "for any hurt that was unintentionally caused".

"The message behind this advertising campaign is that e-payment is for everyone," it added.

The broadcaster would not confirm whether the ad had been pulled but it had disappeared from a website as well as some public places where it was displayed last week.

Most of the criticism centred on how the ad had used just one actor from the country's main ethnic group, rather than getting other performers to play different roles.

"They could have hired an artist for every single race?? Is it really hard?" one Twitter user said.

A Singaporean office worker told AFP she found the ad "very, very insensitive", but other social media users said they thought there was nothing wrong with it.

"I don't see the issue, don't be too sensitive over ads like this," one comment said.

&nbsp;

An advertisement featuring an actor of Chinese origin with his skin darkened to portray different races has sparked anger in multi-ethnic Singapore, prompting an apology from the country's state-owned broadcaster.

An advertisement featuring an actor of Chinese origin with his skin darkened to portray different races has sparked anger in multi-ethnic Singapore, prompting an apology from the country's state-owned broadcaster. Race is a sensitive issue in Singapore, which is home to ethnic Chinese, ethnic Indians and Muslim Malays, as well as a large number of expatriates from all over the world. The ad, part of a government-initiated campaign for cashless transactions in the tech-savvy city-state, featured actor Dennis Chew from broadcaster Mediacorp as four characters. His skin was darkened to depict an Indian man and a Malay woman wearing a headscarf, and he also portrayed a Chinese man and a Chinese woman. Each character was shown holding a plate of food paid for electronically. "Brownface in a Singaporean ad in 2019. I thought we already went over this," magazine editor Ruby Thiagarajan said on Twitter, in a post that had been retweeted nearly 3,000 times by Monday. "Brownface" or "blackface" are terms referring to the practice of darkening an actor's skin to portray a person of a different race. Mediacorp, through its celebrity management arm The Celebrity Agency, apologised "for any hurt that was unintentionally caused". "The message behind this advertising campaign is that e-payment is for everyone," it added. The broadcaster would not confirm whether the ad had been pulled but it had disappeared from a website as well as some public places where it was displayed last week. Most of the criticism centred on how the ad had used just one actor from the country's main ethnic group, rather than getting other performers to play different roles. "They could have hired an artist for every single race?? Is it really hard?" one Twitter user said. A Singaporean office worker told AFP she found the ad "very, very insensitive", but other social media users said they thought there was nothing wrong with it. "I don't see the issue, don't be too sensitive over ads like this," one comment said.

Racist ad with actor 'brownfaced' to look Indian sparks outrage in Singapore

Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver.

Parliament late Wednesday passed legislation that gives<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-passes-fake-news-law-despite-fierce-criticism-217079"> government ministers powers</a> to order social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false -- and in extreme cases have them taken down.

If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000).

Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.

Officials have said the law does not cover opinion but will focus on fighting outright falsehoods carried on social media that can foment disorder in the ethnically diverse nation.

Ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response by government officials rather than fines or jail terms, they said.

Tech firms, rights activists and journalists, however, said it could be used to curb freedom of speech.

"Misinformation is a challenging issue and we are working hard to address it," a Google spokesman said, a day after the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation bill was passed.

"We remain concerned that this law will hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem.

"How the law is implemented matters, and we are committed to working with policymakers on this process."

Singapore has been expanding its high-tech sector and has convinced many of the world's top companies to establish their regional offices and key facilities on the tiny island.

Google, Twitter and Facebook already have their Asia Pacific headquarters in the city-state.

Last year, Facebook announced it will invest more than $1.0 billion to build a data centre in Singapore, its first in Asia, which is expected to be operational around 2022.

Singapore is also host to several firms engaged in high-tech manufacturing and a nascent tech start-up scene.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said Thursday the passage of the bill is a "hammer blow against the independence of many on-line news portals" and "will have a chilling effect on internet freedom throughout Southeast Asia".

Addressing parliament on Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said the law was necessary as the tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves.

He also denied it was aimed at curtailing free speech.

"Free speech should not be affected by this bill. We are talking here about falsehoods... bots... trolls... fake accounts and so on," he said. 
&nbsp;

Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver.

Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver. Parliament late Wednesday passed legislation that gives government ministers powers to order social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false -- and in extreme cases have them taken down. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000). Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years. Officials have said the law does not cover opinion but will focus on fighting outright falsehoods carried on social media that can foment disorder in the ethnically diverse nation. Ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response by government officials rather than fines or jail terms, they said. Tech firms, rights activists and journalists, however, said it could be used to curb freedom of speech. "Misinformation is a challenging issue and we are working hard to address it," a Google spokesman said, a day after the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation bill was passed. "We remain concerned that this law will hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem. "How the law is implemented matters, and we are committed to working with policymakers on this process." Singapore has been expanding its high-tech sector and has convinced many of the world's top companies to establish their regional offices and key facilities on the tiny island. Google, Twitter and Facebook already have their Asia Pacific headquarters in the city-state. Last year, Facebook announced it will invest more than $1.0 billion to build a data centre in Singapore, its first in Asia, which is expected to be operational around 2022. Singapore is also host to several firms engaged in high-tech manufacturing and a nascent tech start-up scene. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said Thursday the passage of the bill is a "hammer blow against the independence of many on-line news portals" and "will have a chilling effect on internet freedom throughout Southeast Asia". Addressing parliament on Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said the law was necessary as the tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves. He also denied it was aimed at curtailing free speech. "Free speech should not be affected by this bill. We are talking here about falsehoods... bots... trolls... fake accounts and so on," he said.

Singapore 'fake news' law could hurt innovation: Google

Singapore submitted wide-ranging fake news legislation in parliament on Monday, stoking fears from internet firms and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-why-the-term-fake-news-is-doing-more-harm-than-good-155397">human rights groups</a> that it may give the government too much power and hinder freedom of speech.

The law would require social media sites like Facebook to carry warnings on posts the government deems false and remove comments against "public interest".

The move came two days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-facebook-removes-687-pages-accounts-linked-to-congress-it-cell-ahead-of-elections-207189">Facebook</a> founder Mark Zuckerberg said governments should play a more active role in regulating the online platform.

But Simon Milner, who works on Facebook's public policy in Asia, said after the law was tabled, the firm was "concerned with aspects of the law that grant broad powers to the Singapore executive branch to compel us to remove content they deem to be false and proactively push a government notification to users".

"As the most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date, this level of overreach poses significant risks to freedom of expression and speech, and could have severe ramifications both in Singapore and around the world," said Jeff Paine, managing director of the Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association of internet and technology companies in the region.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Singapore's Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the new legislation would not hinder free speech.

"This legislation deals with false statements of facts. It doesn't deal with opinions, it doesn't deal with viewpoints. You can have whatever viewpoints however reasonable or unreasonable," he said.

Tech giants Facebook, Twitter and Google all have their Asia headquarters in the city-state, a low-tax finance hub seen as a island of stability in the middle of the fast-growing but often-turbulent Southeast Asia region.

"Malicious actors"

Singapore, which has been run by the same political party since independence from Britain more than 50 years ago, says it is vulnerable to fake news because of its position as a global financial hub, its mixed ethnic and religious population and widespread internet access.

It is ranked 151 among 180 countries rated in the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders, a non-government group that promotes freedom of information, below the likes of Russia and Myanmar.

The new bill proposes that the government get online platforms to publish warnings or "corrections" alongside posts carrying false information, without removing them.

This would be the "primary response" to counter falsehoods online, the Law Ministry said.

"That way, in a sense, people can read whatever they want and make up their minds. That is our preference," Law Minister K. Shanmugam told reporters on Monday.

Under the proposals, which must be approved by parliament, criminal sanctions including hefty fines and jail terms will be imposed if the falsehoods are spread by "malicious actors" who "undermine society", the ministry said, without elaborating.

It added that it would cut off an online site's "ability to profit", without shutting it down, if the site had published three falsehoods that were "against the public interest" over the previous six months.

It did not say how it would block a site's profit streams.

The bill came amid talk of a possible general election this year. Law Minister Shanmugam declined to comment when asked if the new legislation was related to a vote.

"This draft law will be a disaster for human rights, particularly freedom of expression and media freedom," said Phil Robertson, deputy director, Asia division, at Human Rights Watch.

"The definitions in the law are broad and poorly defined, leaving maximum regulatory discretion to the government officers skewed to view as "misleading" or "false" the sorts of news that challenge Singapore’s preferred political narratives."

Singapore submitted wide-ranging fake news legislation in parliament on Monday, stoking fears from internet firms and human rights groups that it may give the government too much power and hinder freedom of speech.

Singapore submitted wide-ranging fake news legislation in parliament on Monday, stoking fears from internet firms and human rights groups that it may give the government too much power and hinder freedom of speech. The law would require social media sites like Facebook to carry warnings on posts the government deems false and remove comments against "public interest". The move came two days after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said governments should play a more active role in regulating the online platform. But Simon Milner, who works on Facebook's public policy in Asia, said after the law was tabled, the firm was "concerned with aspects of the law that grant broad powers to the Singapore executive branch to compel us to remove content they deem to be false and proactively push a government notification to users". "As the most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date, this level of overreach poses significant risks to freedom of expression and speech, and could have severe ramifications both in Singapore and around the world," said Jeff Paine, managing director of the Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association of internet and technology companies in the region. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Singapore's Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the new legislation would not hinder free speech. "This legislation deals with false statements of facts. It doesn't deal with opinions, it doesn't deal with viewpoints. You can have whatever viewpoints however reasonable or unreasonable," he said. Tech giants Facebook, Twitter and Google all have their Asia headquarters in the city-state, a low-tax finance hub seen as a island of stability in the middle of the fast-growing but often-turbulent Southeast Asia region. "Malicious actors" Singapore, which has been run by the same political party since independence from Britain more than 50 years ago, says it is vulnerable to fake news because of its position as a global financial hub, its mixed ethnic and religious population and widespread internet access. It is ranked 151 among 180 countries rated in the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders, a non-government group that promotes freedom of information, below the likes of Russia and Myanmar. The new bill proposes that the government get online platforms to publish warnings or "corrections" alongside posts carrying false information, without removing them. This would be the "primary response" to counter falsehoods online, the Law Ministry said. "That way, in a sense, people can read whatever they want and make up their minds. That is our preference," Law Minister K. Shanmugam told reporters on Monday. Under the proposals, which must be approved by parliament, criminal sanctions including hefty fines and jail terms will be imposed if the falsehoods are spread by "malicious actors" who "undermine society", the ministry said, without elaborating. It added that it would cut off an online site's "ability to profit", without shutting it down, if the site had published three falsehoods that were "against the public interest" over the previous six months. It did not say how it would block a site's profit streams. The bill came amid talk of a possible general election this year. Law Minister Shanmugam declined to comment when asked if the new legislation was related to a vote. "This draft law will be a disaster for human rights, particularly freedom of expression and media freedom," said Phil Robertson, deputy director, Asia division, at Human Rights Watch. "The definitions in the law are broad and poorly defined, leaving maximum regulatory discretion to the government officers skewed to view as "misleading" or "false" the sorts of news that challenge Singapore’s preferred political narratives."

Facebook, rights groups hit out at Singapore's fake news bill

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Singapore

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