DOE Rolls Out Mindanao Energy Projects

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The Department of Energy (DOE) is setting its sights on present energy investment opportunities in Mindanao that will spark new developments and growth in the region.

In this regard, the DOE, through its Investment Promotion Office, is launching the Mindanao Energy Investment Forum (MEIF) to be held on 11 October 2018 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao.

The forum aims to present opportunities and updates on energy developments, which include the one-grid interconnection project and the establishment of additional power capacities in the area.

With the theme “Transcending Investments: Role in Encouraging Investors in the Energy Sector,” this year’s energy investment forum series seeks to match investors with possible energy projects in Mindanao.

The DOE will bridge investors with financing facilities available for energy projects, concerned government institutions and the business sector for knowledge sharing on the industry’s best practices in the region.

The 2018 MEIF will also have a panel discussion that will cover topics on the government agencies’ roles, and the current policies and programs in facilitating and ensuring the smooth implementation of energy projects in Mindanao.

For a better business sector engagement, the invited 2018 MEIF participants include the existing and potential energy investors in Mindanao, Energy Associations, Government Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Financing Facilities, Electric Cooperatives and Local Government Units.

“The DOE is holding all these in order to empower you, the energy stakeholders, for better coordination and collaboration. Together, we can make a bigger impact in creating wealth for our nation,” Sec. Cusi stated.

Kampong Glam Ignites With Passion

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Passion@KampongGlam is a lively series of fun weekend activities from 5 October 2018 – 17 March 2019

The historical precinct of Kampong Glam will soon be pulsating with an exciting series of fun and entertaining activities for both tourists and local residents from 5 October 2018 to 17 March 2019.

Deeply rooted in the colonial history of Singapore, Kampong Glam serves not only as a flourishing centre of Malay and Islamic culture but a thriving tourist hub filled with an incredible mix of inspiring personalities, interesting shops, vibrant cafes/restaurants and a buzzing ambience.

Passion@KampongGlam is a weekend series of experiences dedicated to bringing out the best of this enclave through a carefully curated programme of food, music and cultural activities designed to appeal to both international tourists and local residents in a six-month period.

Developed with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board’s Experience Step-Up Fund, the series reflects the historical and cultural aspects of Kampong Glam in an engaging manner. Riding on the STB’s new ‘Passion Made Possible’ brand, the series encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the experiences and integrate with the community.

“Passion@KampongGlam is more than an expression of the affection and respect for this heritage enclave. The series pays tribute to this heritage enclave with an enjoyable mix of activities to appeal to all ages,” explains Benedict Choa, Founder of Passion@KampongGlam. As the co-founder of Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel, Mr Choa heads the collaborative group of partners tasked with this mission.

He adds, “We are passionate about supporting the culture, businesses and attractions in this precinct. Working with the community leaders and stake holders ensures that the cultural legacy is carried on in a meaningful way.”

The activities will take place from a Friday to Sunday from 4-6pm in a six-month period in the following format with a total of 72 days of experiences on a specially erected stage in front of the Singapore Visitor Centre on

Bussorah Street:

• Friday – Cooking demonstrations with top chefs

• Saturday – live music performances

• Sunday – games and cultural activities

The cooking demonstrations will be hosted by prominent celebrity Chef Mel Dean and a halal food ambassador of Singapore. A recipient of the Honoree Entrepreneur Award from the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce (SMCCI) and the winner of the Halal Jampacked Food Bank with Jamiyah Singapore, he has cooked for VIPs and been featured on food programmes on television and radio. The founder of Kapowww specializing in halal food products, Chef Mel will share his culinary specialities through his innovative, interactive cooking workshops and live cooking demonstrations. Chef Mel will host the demonstration with Resident Chef Oktay Sahin of REIS Steak House and a different guest chef every Friday.

On Saturdays, various musical artistes will take to the stage including local indie musicians from the Sultangate Musicman featuring a repertoire of popular local folk songs, multi-cultural music reflecting the diverse heritage of Singapore and contemporary pop hits; angklung(bamboo tube instruments) performances by Ethnique Musique Connections and Dikir Barat.

Traditional games and cultural activities will be conducted for families to enjoy on Sundays.

Visitors will also be able to browse the kiosks stationed near the stage.

For more details on the activities, visit: www.passionATkampongglam.com.sg

For more information:

URL: www.passionATkampongglam.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Passionkampongglam/

Instagram: #passionkampongglam

Enquiries: info@passionATkampongglam.com.sg

ITUC Secretary-General: Qatar Among Leading Gulf Countries in Advancing Workers' Interests

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Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Sharan Burrow praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar in the field of labor care and the continuous progress in the development of legislation, aimed at achieving the objectives of this important group of society.

At a press conference held on Monday at the International Labor Organization (ILO) office in Doha, Sharan said that the ILO office, since its establishment in Qatar, has been monitoring the developments and reforms that have been implemented by the State of Qatar and the significant positive development witnessed in the areas related to workers. She stressed that the State of Qatar has become one of the leading countries in the Gulf to promote workers' interests and provide their needs, calling on other Gulf states to follow suit.

She added that the new laws enacted by the State of Qatar define the relationship between workers and employers, pointing out that it is positive move to provide a copy to the government bodies, a copy to the employer and a copy to the worker, to ensure that there are no differences on workers' rights and duties, and to resort to the law to resolve any differences.

Sharan Burrow praised the important step taken by the State of Qatar to open offices in the labor-exporting countries, describing it as an important initiative that would limit the illegal practices of some employment offices. She also noted the cancelation of exit permits, which will be implemented in the coming period.

She stressed the importance of the step taken by the Qatari government to set a minimum wage of QR 750 for any worker in Qatar, not including the housing and traveling allowances, noting that there is also an obligation to improve the conditions of domestic workers.

Sharan Burrow added that ITUC is very satisfied with the reforms that have been made and knows that their implementation will take time. She expressed support to the Ministry Of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs' decisions to respect labor contracts and impose fines in case of violation of laws and non-compliance. She pointed out that the Government is working to monitor the implementation of the procedures and mechanisms that it had developed and is cooperating in this regard with ILO.

She thanked the Government of the State of Qatar for its support to the workers and the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement of their lives, pointing out that there are many positive steps, including the law of permanent residence, which she described as a good decision and development. She called on other states to issue laws granting permanent residence to residents on their territory who met the conditions imposed. (QNA)