Australia - Cryptocurrency under the microscope this tax time

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is concerned that many taxpayers believe their cryptocurrency gains are tax free or only taxable when the holdings are cashed back into Australian dollars.

ATO data analysis shows a dramatic increase in trading since the beginning of 2020. It is estimated that there are over 600,000 taxpayers that have invested in crypto-assets in recent years.

READ MORE HERE

Australia - New changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria from 11:59pm Thursday 27 May

From 11:59pm Thursday 27 May restrictions across Victoria have changed

New changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.

This means that you cannot leave your home unless you are doing so for one of the five following reasons: 

• shopping for necessary goods and services
• care and caregiving, or to get a COVID-19 test
• exercise 
• authorised work and permitted study
• to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Victorians may also leave home to visit their intimate partner, their single social bubble buddy, or in an emergency – including those at risk of family violence. 

READ MORE HERE

China to relax foreign investment rules amid further opening-up

China will relax rules for foreign investment, increasing its market appeal to global investors and signaling its determination to deepen opening-up.

The country's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has made public its plan for formulating regulations and laws in 2021, putting on agenda the revision of the guideline on foreign strategic investment in Chinese listed firms.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Al Travellers To Singapore, Including Citizens and PRs, Will Have To Test Negative for COVID-19 within 72 Hours Before Departure Effective 29 May 2021, 2359 Hours

From 29 May 2021, 2359 hours, Singapore will extend the pre-departure testing requirement to all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. All travellers entering or transiting through Singapore (including SCs and PRs), except for those who have stayed in lower-risk countries/regions [1] throughout the last 21 days before departure for Singapore, will need to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure for Singapore. 

READ MORE HERE

Taiwan - Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) moves Hong Kong to the list of low-risk countries

On May 26, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that local infections in Hong Kong continued a downward trend since March, and the region has met the criteria for the list of low-risk countries/regions for four weeks. 

READ MORE HERE

涂善存 Charles Tu - 這首歌屬於你 Be with you (深情版 CT's Version)《HIStory4-近距離愛上你》L...

給你 這首歌屬於你 與你 相遇的所有幸運 我所有任性叛逆 藏在你微笑嘴角裡 對你 我願意 傻的可以 曾經 差一點就錯過你 是你 為我們鼓起勇氣 沒有人能夠代替 我的甜蜜只留給你 從今天起 有你 每個四季 你有著冬天的側臉 而我是炙熱的夏天 劃過天空的弧線 到彩虹的另一邊 在七彩的面前 一切變得更耀眼 Yes I do I love you Be with you Yes I do I love you Be with you 有你 每個有你日子裡 可以 可以做回我自己 有時你歇斯底里 我偶爾惹你生氣 這些簡單的小調皮 是幸福的痕跡 從今 我的心屬於你 為你 我要無所畏懼 讓你依靠在我懷裡 把你捧在手心 就算與世界為敵 輕鬆愜意 你有著冬天的側臉 而我是炙熱的夏天 劃過天空的弧線 到彩虹的另一邊 在七彩的面前 一切變得更耀眼 Yes I do I love you Be with you 你有著冬天的側臉 而我是炙熱的夏天 劃過天空的弧線 到彩虹的另一邊 在七彩的面前 一切變得更耀眼 Yes I do I love you Be with you 和你在一起 是我的幸運

New Zealand - Quarantine Free Travel with Victoria to pause

New Zealand’s Quarantine Free Travel with Victoria will be paused while the source of infection of the five cases announced in Melbourne in the last two days is investigated, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says.

READ MORE HERE

Thailand - Travelers depart from Singapore to Thailand MUST serve 14 days quarantine regardless of being fully vaccinated

Travelers depart from Singapore to Thailand MUST serve 14 days quarantine regardless of being fully vaccinated.

READ MORE HERE

Taiwan - Experts suggest extending Level 3 COVID-19 alert:

Local experts have suggested that Taiwan's Level 3 COVID-19 alert be extended rather than allowed to expire Friday given that domestic transmission of the disease remains severe, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) said Monday.

READ MORE HERE

BTS (방탄소년단) 'Butter' Official MV

BTS (방탄소년단) 'Butter' Official MV debuts today!

Smooth like butter

Like a criminal undercover

Gon' pop like trouble

Breakin' into your heart like that

Cool shade stunner

Yeah I owe it all to my mother

Hot like summer

Yeah I'm makin' you sweat like that

Break it down

Oh when I look in the mirror

I'll melt your heart into two

I got that superstar glow so

Do the boogie like

Side step right left to my beat (heartbeat)

High like the moon rock with me baby

Know that I got that heat

Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap

Side step right left to my beat (heartbeat)

Get it, let it roll

Smooth like butter

Pull you in like no other

Don't need no Usher

To remind me you got it bad

Ain't no other

That can sweep you up like a robber

Straight up, I got ya

Makin' you fall like that

Break it down

Oh when I look in the mirror

I'll melt your heart into two

I got that superstar glow so

Do the boogie like

Side step right left to my beat (heartbeat)

High like the moon rock with me baby

Know that I got that heat

Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap

Side step right left to my beat (heartbeat)

Get it, let it roll

Get it, let it roll

Get it, let it roll

No ice on my wrist

I'm that n-ice guy

Got that right body and that right mind

Rollin' up to party got the right vibe

Smooth like butter

Hate us love us

Fresh boy pull up and we lay low

All the playas get movin' when the bass low

Got ARMY right behind us when we say so

Let's go

Side step right left to my beat (heartbeat)

High like the moon rock with me baby

Know that I got that heat

Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap

Side step right left to my beat (heartbeat)

Get it, let it roll

Smooth like (butter)

Cool shade (stunner)

And you know we don't stop

Hot like (summer)

Ain't no (bummer)

You be like oh my god

We gon' make you rock and you say (yeah)

We gon' make you bounce and you say (yeah)

Hotter?

Sweeter

Cooler?

Butter

Get it, let it roll

Singapore joins Eureka network as an Associate Country

Singapore officially joined the Eureka network as an Associate Country today. Under the agreement, Enterprise Singapore will support the facilitation and funding of joint innovation projects between companies from Singapore and Eureka member countries, and explore further partnerships within the network. 

With a network spanning over 45 countries across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, the Eureka network provides a platform for Singapore companies to participate in more cross-border co-innovation collaborations.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE HERE

Taiwan - Filing Period of 2020 Alien Individual Income Tax Return will be Extended to June 30th, 2021 and Tax filing service counter will be closed till May 28th, 2021

Response to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) raised the COVID-19 alert,  the filing period of 2020 alien individual income tax return will be extended to June 30th, 2021 and tax filing service counter (including walking-in filing, e-filing help and supporting documents submission)  will be closed till May 28th, 2021.

READ MORE HERE

Taiwan - Level 3 COVID-19 alert introduced across Taiwan

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on 19 May raised the COVID-19 alert to Level 3 nationwide after the country recorded over 100 locally-transmitted cases for the fifth consecutive day.

READ MORE HERE

UK - UK companies partner with Thailand MDES to unlock Smart City opportunities

The UK’s Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart MP co-launched the “UK-Thailand Tech Export Academy”, a virtual trade mission, alongside Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), H.E. Mr Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, that has led to over 200 business matching sessions between British and Thai businesses.

The programme was facilitated by industry leaders including Deloitte, EY and KPMG, who provided advice and guidance to firms about doing business in the APAC region.

READ MORE HERE

US - USCIS Announces Open Application Period for Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. The grant opportunities will provide up to $10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.

These competitive grant opportunities are open to organizations that prepare lawful permanent residents for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. USCIS received support from Congress through appropriations to make these funding opportunities available to communities.

READ MORE HERE

TAEMIN 태민 'Advice' MV

TAEMIN's advice to us - STAY HOME (ok, he didn't really said that....) Here's the lyrics in hallyu:

Yeah 누가 뭐라든 My way

틈이 없는 My face

필터 없이 뱉은 말엔

No oh oh oh

유리 가면 속의 미소

가려 두려 씌운 베일마저

Lost oh oh oh

Ay You!

네 멋대로 분해해대 날

Ay You!

입맛대로 풀어대는 말

혀끝을 이리저리 You don’t get it get it

Do you never get the keys to my lock

더 참신하게 상상력 좀 발휘해 봐

네가 쫓던 토르소를 부숴대 난

이미 너도 아는 One advice

I’ll shoot the one advice

날 가둘수록 보란 듯 엇나가 잘 봐

끝을 보길 원한다면 자극해 봐

이건 너를 위한 One advice

Best take my own advice

쉼 없이 찍어대 넌 낙인 Like it

파도 파도 계속 이어지는 과오 Oh oh

이유도 모른 채로 다시 또

낮아져 내 맘의 채도 Oh oh

Ay You!

가십거릴 찾아 둘러싸

Ay You!

완성해 한 편의 잔혹사

귓가에 이리저리 You don’t get it get it get it get it

Do you never get the keys to my lock

더 참신하게 상상력 좀 발휘해 봐

네가 쫓던 토르소를 부숴대 난

이미 너도 아는 One advice

I’ll shoot the one advice

날 가둘수록 보란 듯 엇나가 잘 봐

끝을 보길 원한다면 자극해 봐

이건 너를 위한 One advice

Best take my own advice

Creepy해 네가 원한 Drama

시작되는 순간

또 비틀릴 뿐야

No no you’re confused

왜 또 선을 넘어

너만 옳은 Voi-voice

나를 가둘 Corner

Floppy해

슬쩍 눈을 감아

굳이 귀를 막아

대지 않아 Oh 난

No no you’re confused

너만 아는 Love ya

나를 위한 Voi-voice

쏟아내는 Loser oh

더 날카롭게 상상력 좀 발휘해 봐

네가 쫓던 토르소를 부숴대 난

이미 너도 아는 One advice

I’ll shoot the one advice

날 가둘수록 보란 듯 엇나가 잘 봐

끝을 보길 원한다면 자극해 봐

이건 너를 위한 One advice

Best take my own advice

Best take my own advice

HKSAR - Submission of Employer's Return in Computerized Format

Starting from 14 May 2021, employers can apply for preparation of IR56 Form(s) in accordance with the Department’s requirements specifications by using self-developed software through an online e-service.

e-Acknowledgement and e-Approval will be sent to the applicants via email. Applicants can check the status and result of their applications through this online e-service.

READ MORE HERE

周慧敏 Vivian Chow - 咖啡在等一個人(官方版MV) - 電影「等一個人咖啡」主題曲

周慧敏应该是很多7年级生心目中很爱的玉女。退隐多年后复出的《等一个人，咖啡》虽然岁月不留人可却不失为一个很不错的故事，也算是让大家有了集体的回忆。就让玉女的“咖啡在等一个人”解解馋吧。

Singapore: Launch of Singapore – Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble Flights on 26 May To Be Deferred

Singapore Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, had a meeting this morning with Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Edward Yau, on the Singapore – Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble (ATB). 

Given the evolving COVID-19 situation in Singapore, Mr Iswaran and Mr Yau agreed that the ATB flights originally planned for 26 May will be deferred. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

REFER TO THE SOURCE HERE

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures For Travellers From Vietnam

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation, and will be tightening border measures given the increase in cases in Vietnam.

Travellers from Vietnam to serve 21-Day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities

As there has been a recent increase in cases reported by Vietnam, with immediate effect, all travellers entering Singapore who have a travel history in the past 21 days to Vietnam will be required to serve a 21-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities.Travellers were previously required to serve a 21-day SHN consisting of 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities and an additional 7 days at a place of residence or self-sourced accommodation.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Further easing of COVID restrictions confirmed for 17 May

Planned Step 3 easements will go ahead on 17 May.

• Planned easements at Step 3 of the Roadmap to go ahead from 17 May
• Infection rates and hospital admissions continue to decrease in line with scientific modelling
• Prime Minister praises efforts of the public but continues to urge caution

The Roadmap is on track and planned Step 3 easements will go ahead on 17 May, the Prime Minister has confirmed.

READ MORE HERE

Vietnam - There will be a National Insurance Database from June 1

The Government has recently issued Decree No.43/2021 regulating the national insurance database which will be launched on June 1.

The database covers social, health, unemployment insurance as well as medical and social security information to ensure citizens’ rights and interests.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Work Pass Holders Who Have Already Obtained Approval To Enter To Be Rescheduled

In view of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several countries and emergence of new virus variants, the Government is reducing entry approvals for work pass holders entering Singapore in the coming weeks.  

In this period of heightened alert, we are making changes to the entry of work pass holders who have earlier obtained approvals to arrive from higher risk countries/regions from Tuesday 11 May onwards:

• Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) work pass holders who have earlier obtained approval will be allowed entry as approved, except for a small group with planned arrivals in June who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.
• Migrant domestic workers who have obtained earlier approval will be allowed entry as approved except for some with planned arrivals prior to 7 June who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.
• Other work pass holders who obtained approval to enter prior to 5 July will not be allowed to enter. We will inform employers on when to re-apply for entry when the situation has stabilised and will prioritise them for entry approval then.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - EDB New Ventures launches programme to support companies to create ventures from Singapore within six months

EDB New Ventures, the corporate venture building arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), today announced the launch of the Corporate Venture Launchpad (CV Launchpad). 

The $10 million pilot programme supports large and established Singapore-based companies in building ventures in new growth areas beyond their existing core businesses.

READ MORE HERE

China - The first China International Consumer Products Expo is scheduled to be held in the southern province of Hainan from May 7 to 10

Despite the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, China has always delivered on its commitments to open up further and share opportunities with the world.

The first China International Consumer Products Expo is scheduled to be held in the southern province of Hainan from May 7 to 10. 

It is China's latest major sincere move to promote trade liberalization and facilitation, and it is a key measure toward the construction of the Hainan free trade port as well as the largest free trade zone (FTZ) nationwide.

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand - What Kiwi employers and employees need to know about their employment rights and responsibilities when travelling in the bubble

The Trans-Tasman and NZ-Cook Islands bubbles allow people to travel quarantine-free between New Zealand and Australia, or New Zealand and the Cook Islands. 

This could change with short notice, depending on how Covid-19 spread in the communities is managed. So before you send your staff overseas to do business or head off on your long-awaited overseas holiday, you need to be aware of some employment implications.

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand - Covid-19 immigration powers to be extended

The passing of a bill to extend temporary COVID-19 immigration powers means continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said.

“Over the past year, we’ve made rapid decisions to extend visas, vary visa conditions and waive some application requirements across entire visa categories. These decisions have provided more flexibility and certainty to visa holders and employers in New Zealand, and made more migrants available for industries facing labour shortages,” said Kris Faafoi.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - From 7 May 2021, 2359 hours, all new travellers arriving from higher risk countries/regions will be subject to 21-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has been closely monitoring the local and global COVID-19 situation. 

Several countries continue to experience a resurgence of cases and the emergence of new virus variants which have also been found in Singapore. 

The number of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and unlinked community cases has also continued to increase, signalling undetected community transmissions that could rapidly escalate into another major outbreak if not adequately contained in a timely manner. 

We will be taking decisive action to curb the COVID-19 infections in Singapore. 

We will further tighten border measures to manage the risk of importation from travellers and onward local transmission. 

From 7 May 2021, 2359 hours, all new travellers arriving from higher risk countries/regions will be subject to 21-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities.

We will also be tightening safe management measures to reduce the risk of community spread in this period of heightened alert. 

In the upcoming weeks, it is of utmost importance that everyone be extra vigilant and take all necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19 infections in Singapore.

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand Cook Islands travel bubble significant step in COVID-19 recovery

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown have announced that, pending final confirmation by New Zealand’s Director-General of Health and the Cook Islands Secretary of Health, two-way quarantine-free travel will commence between the two countries on 17 May (NZT).

READ MORE HERE

Singapore and Thailand Launch World's First Linkage of Real-time Payment Systems

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) launched  the linkage of Singapore’s PayNow and Thailand’s PromptPay real-time retail payment systems. 

The first of its kind globally, the linkage is the culmination of several years of extensive collaboration between MAS and BOT, both countries’ payment system operators, bankers’ associations, and participating banks.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE HERE

REFER TO THE INFOGRAPHIC ON PAYNOW - PROMPT PAY LAUNCH

Singapore - Updates On Border Measures For Travellers With Recent Travel History (Including Transit) To Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan And Sri Lanka

Travellers with travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within 14 days of their departure to Singapore are currently required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. 

As there have been recent sharp increases in cases reported by Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we will further tighten our border measures with these countries.

From 1 May 2021, 2359 hours, until further notice, all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history (including transit) to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore. 

This will also apply to all those who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore.

READ MORE HERE FROM MINISTRY OF HEALTH SINGAPORE