Thailand - Revenue Department hails 9 Easy Tax systems as ways to help cut business costs, boost economy and create an easier and fairer tax process

The Revenue Department highlighted its advanced taxation technologies and services under nine digital systems to provide business operators and taxpayers with easier and more convenient tax management approach and reduce costs and hassle in keeping documents.

READ MORE HERE

South Korea - Foreign residents of Seoul to get COVID-19 relief funds

Foreign residents in Seoul who meet the requirements can receive emergency disaster relief funds from the city. 

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Aug. 26 said it will provide the aid to expats. 

Back in March, the first payment was made only to Korean nationals and foreign residents with certain visas to stabilize their livelihoods and stimulate regional economies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORE HERE

BLACKPINK - 'Ice Cream (with Selena Gomez)' M/V

Premiered today! With Selena in the mix, will the girls be in another tug of war against the boys again?







BLACKPINK - ‘Ice Cream (with Selena Gomez)’

Come a little closer cause you looking thirsty
Imma make it better sip it like a Slurpee

Snow cone chilly
Get it free like Willy
In the jeans like Billie
You be poppin’ like a wheelie

Even in the sun you know I keep it icy
You could take a lick but it’s too cold to bite me

Brrr brrr frozen
You’re the one been chosen
Play the part like Moses
Keep it fresh like roses

Look so good yeah look so sweet
Looking good enough to eat

Coldest with this kiss so he call me ice cream
Catch me in the fridge right where the ice be

Look so good yeah look so sweet
Baby you deserve a treat

Diamonds on my wrist so he call me ice cream
You can double dip cause I know you like me

Ice cream chillin’ chillin’
Ice cream chillin’
Ice cream chillin’ chillin’
Ice cream chillin’

I know that my heart could be so cold
But I’m sweet for you come put me in a cone

You’re the only touch yeah they get me melting
He’s my favorite flavor always gonna pick him

You’re the cherry piece just stay on top of me so
I can’t see nobody else for me no

Get it flip it scoop it
Do it like that ah yeah ah yeah
Like it love it lick it
Do it like lalala oh yeah

Look so good yeah look so sweet
Looking good enough to eat

Coldest with this kiss so he call me ice cream
Catch me in the fridge right where the ice be

Look so good yeah look so sweet
Baby you deserve a treat

Diamonds on my wrist so he call me ice cream
You can double dip cause I know you like me

Ice cream chillin’ chillin’
Ice cream chillin’
Ice cream chillin’ chillin’
Ice cream chillin’
Ice cream chillin’ chillin’
Ice cream chillin’
Ice cream chillin’ chillin’
Ice cream

Chillin’ like a villain yeah ra ra ra
미친 미친듯한 속도 in my La Fera
너무 빨러 너는 삐끗 원한다면 그냥 지름
Millis Billis 매일 벌음 한여름 손목에 얼음

Keep it movin’ like my lease up
Think you fly boy where ya visa
Mona Lisa kinda Lisa
Needs an ice cream man that treats her

Keep it movin’ like my lease up
Think you fly boy where ya visa
Mona Lisa kinda Lisa
Needs an ice cream man that treats her

Na na na na na
na na na na na na na
Ice on my wrist yeah I like it like this
Get the bag with the cream
If you know what I mean

Ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream chillin’

Na na na na na
na na na na na na na
Ice on my wrist yeah I like it like this
And I’m nice with the cream
If you know what I mean

Ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream

Singapore - Tightening of Work Pass Requirements

The Government’s criteria for approving work passes have been regularly updated to enable businesses to grow as well as to support employment opportunities for locals.

From 1 September 2020, the salary requirement will be raised further to $4,500 for all new applicants. The qualifying salaries for older and more experienced EP candidates in their 40s will be raised correspondingly and will remain around double the minimum qualifying salary for the youngest applicants. 

The new salary criteria for EPs that take effect from 1 September 2020 will equally apply to the Financial Services sector. However, from 1 December 2020, the minimum qualifying salary for EPs in the Financial Services sector will be further raised to $5,000 for new applicants. 

The S Pass minimum qualifying salary will be further raised from $2,400 to $2,500, with qualifying salaries for older and more experienced S Pass candidates revised accordingly. The changes to S Pass qualifying salaries will apply to new applicants from 1 October 2020.

Two further steps:

 

1. Extend the FCF Job Advertising Requirement to S Pass Applications
   
   We will extend the FCF job advertising requirement to S Pass applications submitted from 1 October 2020. This will promote greater awareness of vacancies in mid-skilled jobs among local jobseekers, and also require employers to make greater efforts to consider local candidates.
   
   
2. Minimum FCF Job Advertising Duration for EP and S Pass Applications will be Doubled to 28 Days
   
   To give local jobseekers more time to respond to job openings and for employers to seriously evaluate their applications, the minimum FCF job advertising duration for EP and S Pass applications will be doubled from 14 days to 28 days. This change will be implemented for new EP and S Pass applications from 1 October 2020.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Updated Border Measures For Travellers From The Republic of Korea

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MMT) has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the Republic of Korea. 

Given the resurgence in the number of cases in the Republic of Korea, MMT will adjust our border measures. 

Travellers entering Singapore from 29 August 2020, 0000 hours, who have recent travel history, including transit, to the Republic of Korea, within the last 14 days will be required to serve a 14 day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities instead of their own place of residence. 

They will also need to undergo a COVID-19 test before the end of their SHN, as is the current requirement.

READ MORE HERE

Washington - Unemployment compensation is taxable; have tax withheld now and avoid a tax-time surprise

With millions of Americans now receiving taxable unemployment compensation, many of them for the first time, the Internal Revenue Service reminded people receiving unemployment compensation that they can have tax withheld from their benefits now to help avoid owing taxes on this income when they file their federal income tax return next year.

READ MORE HERE

田馥甄 Hebe Tien《或是一首歌 A Song for You》Official Music Video

我把我的靈魂送給你

 或是一首歌       帶你潛進深海裡



 我把我的秘密借給你

 一些孤獨的        自言自語







或是一首歌
作詞：deca joins
作曲：deca joins

我把我的靈魂送給你
或是一首歌 帶你潛進深海裡

我把我的秘密借給你
一些孤獨的 自言自語

春天的憂愁 是拼命揮灑毫無保留
世界的盡頭 是悲傷和快樂相同
我無處可躲 藏在影子背後
任憑時光溜走 沒有人對我說
除了溫柔的晚風

我把我的靈魂送給你
或是一首歌 帶你潛進深海裡

我把我的秘密借給你
一些孤獨的 自言自語

India - Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for travel on Vande Bharat and Air Transport Bubble flights

In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, Central Government had taken a series of steps to curtail the inward/ outward movement of international passengers (both foreigners and Indians) in a calibrated manner. 

Further international air travel of passengers (except as permitted by MHA) has been prohibited under MHA’s Orders related to Iockdown/ Unlock guidelines. 

For bringing back Indian Nationals stranded abroad, Government of India has launched ’ Vande Bharat mission. In addition, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) has entered into the 'Air Transport Bubbles’ arrangements with few countries to allow limited commercial passenger services on reciprocal basis, when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ THE SOP HERE

Singapore - Updates on Border and Community Measures

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has reviewed Singapore border measures to manage the risks of importation and onward local transmission from travellers. 

The travel advisory will be updated to allow general travel to Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand, as well as travel for overseas studies. 

Travellers from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand will be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival, in lieu of a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). The SHN duration will also be reduced from 14 days to 7 days for travellers from low risk countries/regions.

READ MORE HERE

Billie Eilish - my future (Live)

Thanks goodness we have such an angelic voice to brave through this crazy 2020.

BTS (방탄소년단) 'Dynamite' Official MV

It's here. Premiered today. Verdict is out there whether <Dynamite> live up to all the hype.

Indonesia - Latest Updates from 19 August on Visa and Stay Permits Service in the New Normal

 READ THE DIRECTIVE HERE

India - Punjab govt orders weekend lockdown in all cities, towns amid rising Corona cases from 21 August

In view of rising COVID-19 cases in Punjab, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered a series of emergency measures, including extension of weekend lockdown in all 167 cities and towns in the state and daily night curfew from 7 pm till 5 am. 

The measures will take effect from 21 August.

READ THE NEWS HERE

Hong Kong - More public services to resume from August 24 onwards

The Government announced that its departments will resume basic public services in a safe and orderly manner from August 24 to meet the needs of the public and enterprises.

READ THE NEWS HERE

South Korea - COVID-19 Cost Scheme for Foreign Nationals

In accordance with the revised Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (effective as of 12 August 2020)​, foreign nationals who enter the Republic of Korea and are tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of entry (i.e imported cases), will have to bear relevant costs in whole or in part. 

READ MORE HERE

SuperM 슈퍼엠 ‘100' MV

Super M's new single <100>

South Korea - Level of social distancing raised to Level 2 in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and will be expanded to Incheon

Social Distancing level has been raised to Level 2 for Seoul City and Gyeonggi Province starting 16 August. KCDC asks residents of Seoul and Gyeonggi area to follow the Social Distancing Level 2 Guidelines.

Public Guidance for Level 2 Social Distancing ➀ Do not go to work if feeling sick - Call KCDC call center by dialing 1339 or contact local public health center or screening clinic ➁ Postpone or cancel non-essential outings, social gatherings, events, or travel - Essential travel includes getting medical care, buying necessities, or to going to work - At restaurants or cafes, order takeout rather than dining in - Home training is recommended in place of going to gyms - For social activities, utilize PC or smartphones to have online meetings - Use online shopping over physical stores ➂ If going out, wear mask and follow infection prevention guidelines - Do not visit crowded, confined, and close-contact places with poor ventilation - Wear mask indoors as well as outdoors whenever 2m distancing can’t be maintained - Maintain physical distance from other people (2m recommended, 1m minimum) - No droplet-producing activities such as shouting, singing out loud, or chanting - No physical contact with others such as handshakes or hugs

READ THE UPDATE HERE

READ YONHAP NEWS HERE

READ RELATED YONHAP NEWS HERE

New Zealand - Work visa extension aligned for partners and dependants

The Government will apply the same expiry date extension of employer-assisted work visas made in July 2020 to the partners and dependants of the principal visa holder, where their visa would have expired from 17 August onward.

READ MORE HERE

Dua Lipa - Levitating (feat. Madonna and Missy Elliott) [The Blessed Mad...

When comes to disco pop, Dua Lipa can do no wrong. Love this remix (featuring Maddie and Missy E) with appearance from Missy E!

Washington - Last round of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) will expire in 2020; IRS encourages early renewal to prevent refund delays

More than 1 million Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are set to expire at the end of 2020 as the Internal Revenue Service completes the expiration of ITINs assigned prior to 2013. 

The IRS continues to urge affected taxpayers to submit their renewal applications early to avoid refund delays next year.

READ MORE HERE

China - More tax, fee cuts in second half of the year

China will continue to reduce taxes and fees in the second half of the year as part of its efforts to save costs for enterprises and bolster employment, according to top tax authorities. 

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Ministerial Statement on Continued Support for Workers and Jobs

Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat, delivered a Ministerial Statement earlier today, Mon 17 Aug 2020 at 3.30pm. 

READ THE MINISTERIAL STATEMENT HERE

UK - France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos Islands and Aruba to be removed from travel corridors list

People arriving in England from these destinations from 4am Saturday 15 August will need to self-isolate for 2 weeks.

READ MORE HERE

Miley Cyrus - Midnight Sky (Official Video)

The <Wrecking Ball> lass is back. <Midnight Sky> premiered today!



PS: Am I the only one who feels there is Kylie stamped all over it?

UK - Prime Minister announces stronger enforcement measures as easements resume

The Government has announced a series of tough new enforcement measures targeting the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions.

READ MORE HERE

Joint Press Statement on the Resumption of Essential Business Travel between Singapore and Japan

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Motegi Toshimitsu welcomed the ongoing negotiations on the setting up of a “Residence Track” as early as September 2020. 

READ THE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT HERE

India - Travel and Visa Restrictions Advisory Related to Covid-19 To Be Operational From 8 August 2020

Revised Guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for international arrivals (in supersession of guidelines issued on the subject dated 24th May 2020) to be operational from 00.01 Hrs, 8th August 2020.

READ MORE HERE 

New Zealand - Immigration New Zealand will be charging fees for border exception Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and temporarily suspending overseas visa applications from 10 August 2020

From 10 August 2020, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will be introducing fees for all border exception EOI requests.

The fees are:

• NZD $380 for employers who request exceptions for ‘other critical workers’ (or organisations or agencies that sponsor requests), and
• NZD $45 for individual requests under all critical purpose categories. 

Over the last few months, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received more than 27,000 EOI border exception requests and around 5,400 visa applications from people invited to apply. While these requests have been free of charge it is not feasible to continue to process border exceptions and requests for visa applications free of charge. We must start charging a fee that covers processing costs.

READ MORE HERE

Philippines - No Additional International Travel Restrictions Under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ)

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the government has not imposed additional restrictions or revised its guidelines on international travel despite the re- imposition of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and other areas of the country.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Hong Kong - Immigration Department service arrangement on provision of emergency and essential services to members of the public from August 10 to 16

In light of the extension of the special work arrangement for government departments, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (August 7) the provision of emergency and essential services to members of the public from August 10 to 16.

READ MORE HERE

Japan - Re-entry of Foreign Nationals with Status of Residence and “Residence Track” with Thailand and VietNam

From July 29th 2020, the Japanese overseas establishments accept applications for re-entry into Japan by foreign nationals with status of residence.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Revised Charging Policy for COVID-19 Treatment for Travellers

The Government has been bearing the costs of inpatient medical bills for Singapore Citizens (SCs)/ Permanent Residents (PRs)/ Long-Term Pass Holders (LTPHs) who require treatment for COVID-19 at public healthcare institutions (PHIs). 

This does not apply to individuals who breach travel advisories. SCs/ PRs/ LTPHs who travel overseas from 27 Mar 2020 onwards are required to pay for their own inpatient medical bills in full should they have onset of symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore. 

They will also not be able to claim from MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans in public and private hospitals, should they require COVID-19 inpatient care.

READ MORE HERE

Indonesia - Latest Updates on Visa and Stay Permits Service in the New Normal

READ MORE HERE

READ THE SYNOPSIS FROM INDONESIA EMBASSY HERE

China, South Korea step up economic ties

China and South Korea have agreed to accelerate the formulation of the joint plan for bilateral economic cooperation (2021 to 2025) and push for the timely signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement to jointly promote an open global economy.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Eat Out to Help Out launches August 3 – with government paying half on restaurant bills

Diners across the UK will see their restaurant bills slashed by as much as 50% from Monday 3 August as the government’s landmark Eat Out to Help Out scheme officially opens for business. 

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - With effect from 10 August 2020, 2359hrs, All Incoming Travellers Serving Their Stay-Home Notice Outside of Dedicated Facilities To Don Electronic Monitoring Device

With effect from 10 August 2020, 2359hrs, all incoming travellers, including Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders, Work Pass holders and their dependants, entering Singapore who are serving their SHN outside of SHN dedicated facilities (SDFs) will need to don an electronic monitoring device throughout the 14-day SHN. 

Those aged 12 and below will be exempted from this requirement.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE HERE

READ SYNOPSIS HERE

Australia - Victoria will enter a State of Disaster and Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people from 6pm August 2.

From 6pm August 2nd, Victoria will enter a State of Disaster and Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people – and limit the spread of this virus across the city.

That includes a curfew – from 8pm to 5am – beginning tonight. The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving.

READ MORE HERE

South Korea - Government Releases An English Booklet on the Korean New Deal

Government Releases An English Booklet on the Korean New Deal to support the country's recovery from the pandemic crisis and lead the global action against structural changes with the international community.

READ MORE HERE