A 2.5-metre python spread fear on Monday afternoon among those living in a house on Jl. Bunga Rampai 9 in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta.
No one was Injured during the incident.
Mardiyanto, an officer of the South Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency, said the home’s residents had no idea where the snake had come from, and only realised it was there after it went into the kitchen.
The residents called the agency for help at 4:44 p.m.
“Based on their information, the snake was first spotted in the kitchen and then crawled into the living room, where our officers managed to capture it alive,” Mardiyanto told kompas.com on Monday evening.
The snake had been taken to the agency, he said.
In April, a 4-meter python was captured in Pejaten, South Jakarta.
‘MOST deadly yet’. ‘Calls for urgent action’. ‘Nation in crisis’.
These are headlines we’ve read repeatedly in 2017, and they all relate to flu outbreaks. During the month of July in Hong Kong, Chief Executive Carrie Lam called for local health authorities to take ‘urgent measures’ to cope with one of the city’s worst flu outbreaks on record. Meanwhile, in Northeast Asia, avian flu has swept across the region, from South Korea to Japan to the Philippines.
Epidemics and outbreaks happen very quickly – anywhere and without warning. While advancements in science have equipped us to better handle the flu, Asia’s continued growth in recent years and lack of sufficient infrastructure have made it difficult to handle large scale outbreaks, cope with hospitalisation numbers and contain transmission between individuals. These factors have made it easier for viruses to spread within local communities and across the region, putting everyone at risk.
Chickens are seen at a livestock market before the market asked to stop trading on March 1 in prevention of bird flu transmission, in Kunming, Yunnan province, China February 22, 2017. Source: Reuters
The facts
Asia specifically has suffered the consequences of headline-grabbing flu outbreaks in its recent history:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) infected more than 8,098 and caused 774 deaths. The Asian Development Bank estimates that the economic impact of SARS was around US$18 billion in East Asia alone. Seven Asian nations were included among the top-ten countries affected.
The Swine Flu (H1N1) outbreak of 2009, which spread from Mexico to over 200 countries, reached Thailand, China and South Korea, caused an estimated 284,500 deaths.
Among the 15 countries that reported human cases of infection of the H5N1 virus, four countries were in Southeast Asia with 228 reported cases and 181 fatalities in 2004.
Despite all these incidents with the influenza virus, Asia still has a long way go to in preparing for the next viral flu outbreak. When it does come, it will have the potential to affect masses of the region’s population.
Risk factors & challenges
Globalisation has led to larger movements of people, improved modes of transportation, and greater interconnectivity between countries, further enabling the spread of viral flu. By 2020, close to 400 million business travellers and tourists are expected to travel through the region annually. Asia is also continuing to experience population growth and rapid, uncontrolled urbanisation.
The United Nations projects that by 2050, half of the world’s urban population of 6.3 billion will be concentrated in Asia, undoubtedly having an impact on the number people who could be infected by future outbreaks.
Additionally, shifting demographics are an important consideration. The elderly population is labelled as a high-risk age group for seasonal-influenza, and this segment of the population is projected to reach nearly 923 million in Asia alone, by the middle of this century. This is bound to add increased pressure on healthcare systems, which, in many cases, are already struggling.
People participate in an emergency exercise on prevention and control of H7N9 bird flu virus organised by the Health and Family Planning Commission of the local government in Hebi, Henan province, China June 17, 2017. Source: Reuters
Prevention
To this day, vaccination remains the most effective measure, second only to water, which in turn, enables proper hygiene and sanitation, as well as being identified as one of the most cost-effective tools of prevention by the World Health Organisation (WHO). For this reason, continued research and development is important in ensuring the necessary preventative action is taken early.
Although the efficacy of vaccines as a mode of prevention cannot be denied, increased challenges come with administering them. The logistics of developing and sourcing the vaccine, as well as delivering the adequate doses of anti-influenza medication make exercising them difficult during epidemic times.
Moreover, an overall sense of nonchalance among the population has been shown to hinder prevention efforts. The lack of awareness of influenza prevention whether coming from masks, hand hygiene or vaccination, all play a contributing role to the failed attempts at adequately preventing outbreaks.
Collaboration
Increased collaboration is therefore essential to alleviate the human, social and economic ramifications of these outbreaks across the region.
Initiatives are in place at a broader global and regional level, with the World Health Organisation acting as a leader for better disease prevention by providing frameworks to its member nations to help pre-empt and better manage health emergencies such as flu outbreaks. Asean too has been a key player in increased regional collaboration, recently reiterating its commitment to making communicable and emerging health threats a priority area of collaboration for 2017 to 2018.
More can be done at the national level, however. Countries should aim to replicate Sri Lanka’s successful eradication of malaria, also an infectious disease with high burden, which was achieved through joint efforts from multiple agencies collaborating with the countries healthcare system.
A municipal worker fumigates a street to prevent the spread of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases in Rawalpindi, Pakistan October 20, 2017. Source: Reuters/Faisal Mahmood
Looking ahead
The lack of preparedness in Asia and the relatively porous borders for infections make the region the prime target for any outbreak. After all, an infection in all but the most remote corner of the region can make its way to a major city, such as Singapore or Hong Kong, in a day or less.
Everyone has a part to play in ensuring a safe, public health environment for all, and in reducing the public health and socio-economic burden of influenza. Although a lot still needs to be done to actively face future outbreaks, continued collaboration, emphasising prevention and education, will help alleviate the burden of flu outbreaks across the region, remembering that vaccination has the power to greatly reduce disease, disability, death and inequity worldwide.
By Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Disease specialist practicing at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.
Google Assistant has been enhanced to support the Singaporean English, commonly known as Singlish.
Dubbed “your helpful kaki”, the Google Assistant can give directions to the closest hawker centre or show the recipe for chilli crab.
It will be made available first on the Google Pixel 2 XL from Nov 15 before rolling out to Android devices running version 6.0 and above, and the iPhones over the coming weeks.
Below are some examples of questions you can ask Google Assistant:
Where is the nearest POSB ATM?
How far is the nearest 7-Eleven?
Set a reminder at 7pm to get groceries from NTUC Fairprice
Remind me to book movie tickets at Shaw Lido in 3 hours
How to cook Nasi Lemak?
How long will it take to get to Little India?
Stephanie Davis, Country Director, Google Singapore said: “Singaporeans are avid smartphone users who are always on the go. With this latest update to the Google Assistant, we hope to help more Singaporeans get things done quickly on their phones – take a selfie, get directions from Google Maps, find your photos, get help with translation and more.”
“With the Google Pixel 2 XL now available in Singapore, we hope to offer the best Google experience bringing our hardware, software and AI capabilities to more people here.”
The Google Assistant is now available in Singapore, the U.S, the U.K, Canada (English and French), Australia, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil, India (English, Hindi), Mexico, Spain, Korea and Indonesia.
This article was first published on Hardware Zone.
BANGKOK – Face-scans or fingerprints will be needed to buy SIM cards in Thailand from next month as the kingdom tries to crack down on electronic fraud and encourage mobile banking.
The new biometric system – which follows similar requirements in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – will begin on December 15, according to the telecoms regulator.
“We’re entering the digital age, our money now is linked to mobile services. By doing this, trust in mobile banking or payment systems will be improved,” said Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
“Some people used fake ID to register their SIM cards, which created a problem,” he added, assuring users their privacy would be protected.
The face and fingerprint scans will be matched to government data linked to Thai national ID cards. Tourists will also be required to have face-scans checked against their passport photos.
Thailand launched a pilot scheme in June in its insurgency-torn ‘Deep South’, where ethnic Malay rebels have used mobile phones to trigger bombs.
“After a trial in the most concerned areas of the country, people liked it, especially the security officials,” Korkij Danchaivichit, the NBTC’s secretary-general, told AFP.
The lack of regulation in Thailand’s SIM card market was highlighted in June when police arrested three Chinese men who had managed to buy nearly 400,000 Thai SIM cards for a “click farm” operation.
The trio told officers they were hired by Chinese companies to boost “likes” for a number of products through the hundreds of smartphones they had hooked up to a computer.
Moviegoers at The Grove in California were in for a treat when the stars of “Thor: Ragnarok” portrayed their roles live in a skit for “The Late Late Show “.
Host James Corden envisioned the latest instalment of the Thor series to be in “4D,” which means “action literally leaping off the screen.” Luckily, the cast of the movie was game enough to bring Corden’s vision to life.
“You are here witnessing the future,” Corden told the audience. He even said that they were possibly mad at him for the disruption of the movie, but added: “Who gives a [bleep]?”
Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, who played brothers and nemeses Thor and Loki, were clad in makeshift costumes to give life to their characters. Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson and Mark Ruffalo were also in for the fun.
Hemsworth could not contain how mindblown he was of Corden’s innovation and would want to do all his films in 4D, even though he does not know what the term means.
Goldblum even ranked their performance 10 out of 10 “Goldblums.” “That’s my highest possible rating,” he said.
“Thor: Ragnarok” has so far raked up a total of $427 million worldwide, according to industry estimates. The movie is still showing in theatres.
K-pop star Rain will break his three-year hiatus from music with the release of a new EP on Dec. 1, his agency said Tuesday.
According to Rain Company, the singer is putting the finishing touches to the record.
“I think it’ll be a little hard for us to release it in November, so it’s probably going to be a Dec.1 release. For Rain, it marks the first time since 2014 that he is releasing a record, so he’s putting all his effort into it (EP),” said an official from the agency.
Rain’s musical career has been in cruise mode since 2014, when he released his last studio album to date, “Rain Effect.”
Since debuting in 2002 with “Bad Guy,” Rain has made an impact both as a singer and actor.
In addition to a number of hit singles, he has also starred in hit TV dramas like “Full House” and Hollywood films like “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin.”
Explore the diverse ways you can play a part in the Singapore Army to keep your country safe.
Imagine a job where every task you do is about serving your country, community and the people you love.
You deal with ground operations and tactics, just not the type that involves office politics. You are tasked to manage and ensure the welfare of up to hundreds of colleagues. And at the end of the day, your biggest task is to safeguard the security of your country and the well-being of your loved ones.
If these are challenges that spur you, a career with the Singapore Army is one that will change your life, regardless of the role you take on.
Being successful in the Singapore Army is more than just having brawn. Going the distance in this career requires inner grit, a passion for your job and a larger vision for country above self.
Through study sponsorships on offer, the Singapore Army supports your educational goals, whether you are eyeing a diploma or gunning for an Institute of Technical Education (ITE) certificate.
After you graduate, you can go on to choose from a wide range of vocations that are suitable for most personality types.
If you live on adrenaline rushes, you are likely to thrive in combat vocations such as infantry, guards, armour or combat engineers. If you are meticulous and have an affinity for problem-solving, fields such as engineering, intelligence, supply, transport or medical services may be your focus area.
Here are some benefits you can look forward to if you join the Singapore Army:
1. Getting your education sponsored
Imagine not needing your parents to pay for your school fees and knowing that you are securing your future all on your own.
One of the benefits of signing on with the Singapore Army as you embark on your diploma or ITE studies is the sponsorship of all tuition and compulsory fees, should you apply within or before the first year of your studies. If you apply after your first year, you are still eligible for 60 per cent sponsorship of all tuition and compulsory fees.
Focus fully on your studies with more financial independence.
2. Receiving monthly allowance while you study
While most people in school may have to work and study at the same time, signing on with the Singapore Army means that you get an allowance without the extra stress of having to juggle work.
Successful applicants who are pursuing a diploma or an education in ITE will receive a monthly allowance of up to $1,300 or an allowance of up to $750 respectively.
3. Having job security and stability
By receiving the SAF Study Sponsorship, you will have a secure job waiting for you after graduation.
A recipient is guaranteed of having a job that is personally and professionally rewarding and offers great job progression.
4. Reaping the rewards of your job
In the Singapore Army, a 3rd Sergeant or a Military Expert 1 can earn up to $2,400 to $2600 monthly.
On top of the monthly salary, you can look forward to mid-year and year-end bonuses, performance bonuses – about 15 months of salary per year – and yearly merit increments.
There are other benefits such as Flexible Benefits System (FLEX) which can be used to pay for life’s needs such as insurance, vacations or education for yourself and your dependents.
In addition, you will also receive Premium Bonuses and contributions into your Career and Endowment Account (CARE) as a WOSPEC. As a Military Expert, you will receive MDES Experts Continuous Engagement and Learning Bonuses (EXCEL).
5. Developing your career
After joining the Singapore Army, you get the opportunity to try various roles and develop your personal, leadership and decision-making skills to further your career.
You will be given responsibilities such as commanding a section of soldiers. Progressively, as you climb the ranks, you will be in charge of more soldiers and be assigned more leadership roles.
Recognising that skills and professional upgrading is crucial, the Singapore Army will support your aspirations to further your education qualifications with the Continuous Learning and Academic sponsorship scheme (CLASS) and SAF MDES study award.
Get to train outfield and lead exciting missions.
6. Immersing yourself in a great culture
As a part of the Singapore Army, you will be supported as you seek to develop academically, professionally and personally in a people-first organisation where HR policies are set in place to take care of your well-being in various pillars such as training and development, health and wellness, financial support and others.
In the Singapore Army, the people you work with are not just your colleagues – some of them may become lifelong buddies. The one-for-all and all-for-one spirit allows you to experience camaraderie like no other because of the bond and relationship that is built throughout your time here, through the ups and downs.
To find out if this is the right path for your future, head down to Our Army Study Roadshow 2017 at all ITE and Polytechnics from now to Nov 14. For more information on locations and dates, visit www.armycareers.gov.sg and follow The Singapore Army on www.facebook.com/oursingaporearmy
Some foreign tourists, influenced by the popular Korean drama series “Descendants of the Sun,” are visiting a former US military base used as a location for the series.
According to the Donga Ilbo, a local newspaper, Camp Greaves, near the demilitarized zone, is attracting foreign tourists with its “Descendants of the Sun Program.”
The US military was stationed at the camp until August 2004. After the relocation, Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation co-operated to remodel the base as a youth hostel in December 2013.
The authorities arranged a “Descendants of the Sun Program” last year, based on the success of the Korean drama series, featuring Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki.
Favourite on-screen moments of Descendants of the Sun stars Song Joong Ki and Song Hye-Kyo
The participants of the programme get to try on the military uniforms and take pictures at the production site. The theme song of the drama, “You Are My Everything,” is played in Korean and Chinese at the set. The tourism programme is to end this year.
Around 1,400 tourists participate in the programme every month. Among them, 95 per cent are from Malaysia, Taiwan and China.
The authorities have plans to change the camp into a historic park and also to install a gondola that connects the camp and the nearby Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park.
Also, a restaurant that looks over the Imjin River, which runs across the border between North and South Korea, is to be situated at the park.
Film locations in Descendants of the Sun fans can go crazy at
During her recent visit to our sunny island, office chef-turned-internet sensation Ms Yeah spent part of her Saturday feeding giraffes at the Singapore Zoo.
“I’m an animal lover and the Singapore Zoo let me feel very close to nature. It’s a lot better than what we have in China.”
“That was my favourite place when I was in Singapore,” she gushes.
“I also visited Marina Bay and ate local food. My favourite is definitely the Singapore Chilli Crab because I enjoy spicy food.”
If I were to make a Singapore edition Ms Yeah video, it would definitely be Chilli Crab.
The fact that she had so many fans in Singapore surprised her, however.
Since her first video 8 months ago, Ms Yeah has garnered over 783,000 followers on YouTube, 3.2 million on Facebook, and 3.5 million on Weibo.
Feel like in a sceret garden~
Feel like in a sceret garden~
A post shared by Xiao Ye (@msyeah) on
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
The 23-year-old, whose real name is Zhou Xiao Hui, is easily one of 2017’s largest online sensations.
But her success isn’t just being in the right vertical or platforms at the right time – it came with hard work and taking on a few risks too.
THE DANGERS OF BEING MS YEAH
I lost my brows and lashes and burnt my hand when a fire got out of control. That was our fault, the stove was too close to the set up. When the fire [burst] up, I quickly covered my face with my hands.
“Luckily there is no scar today,” she adds rolling up her long sleeve to show me, during an exclusive interview with her in our office.
“We have had many copycats since we started and we keep advising people against recreating our videos for safety reasons,” Ms Yeah shares.
Ms Yeah cooking crayfish was actually surrounded by fans Photo: YouTube/Ms Yeah Official Channel
When she cooked crayfish using a popcorn stove, she needed the chef’s help even though she had spent hours learning to how use it. The loud bang as the stove came unhinged was also deafening enough to scare her every single time.
As the online Ms Yeah wiped her sweat away, the offline Ms Yeah mused that it had been so hot and uncomfortable.
“People just don’t see it.”
Being an internet celebrity is certainly not easy.
Previously working close to 2-3am at work, her channel has since become her full-time project, and increased her workload to overnight shifts.
In order to cope, Ms Yeah moved to an apartment just across from her office.
Today, my room is just for sleeping. The rest of the day is for work.
BRAINSTORMING AND HANDLING CLIENTS
Compared to the earlier days when shoots lasted a day, each video also now takes 4-5 days from brainstorming to editing.
There are a few aspects to brainstorming, she says.
The team first considers the dish they are going to make, and which office equipment can potentially replace the usual cooking tools.
If there is a client involved, she also takes this time to weave in their messaging – ensuring that the video does not feel overly sponsored matters.
“Advertisers like Alibaba are spending a lot of money on sponsored content but we still have to manage expectations.”
I don’t want to lose fans over it.
After that comes video distribution. Ms Yeah and her team use 200 distribution platforms.
“It’s important to try different ones and differentiate between them”, she shared.
“We change the title, cover image, as well as managing strategies depending on the platform. Facebook and YouTube still give us the best reach, even though we never spent a single cent on ads.”
“GOOD CONTENT WILL BRING GOOD REVENUE”
“Success-wise, I think it’s because food has no boundaries, it is a universal language. Being mute also prevents language barrier.”
“And of course, creativity. We don’t have a fixed script, sometimes we just roll with the moment and ad-lib as we go depending on the team’s reactions.”
Good content will bring good revenue.
That is also why she is not overly-worried about copycats.
“I’ve seen their videos [and] I think their content is still not as good as ours.”
Ms Yeah’s tofu feast Photo: YouTube/Ms Yeah Official Channel
Her food makeup video was a particularly successful one, with over 400 million videos.
“The revenue helps to support our team, so that we can continue being creators.”
EXPANDING HORIZONS AS MS YEAH
“As Ms Yeah, I no longer have time for family [but] I’m still young. For me, personal growth and expanding my horizons is most important.”
