Since joining ASEAN in 1984 and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995, Brunei Darussalam has been a steadfast advocate of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with free and open trade being central to the country’s economic diversification strategy.
This commitment aligns with Aspiration 3 of Brunei’s Economic Blueprint, emphasising support, and dedication towards an “Open and Globally Connected Economy.”
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, highlighted Brunei’s dedication to the rules-based multilateral trading system during his remarks at the CPTPP Stakeholder Engagement held at the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s Theater Hall on Wednesday.
He stated, “It is in this spirit that Brunei Darussalam ratified the CPTPP Agreement, which came into force on July 12, 2023. Our objective is simple – to deliver economic benefits and opportunities for our businesses.”
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah during his remarks. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Minister further explained, “As we approach Brunei Vision 2035, Brunei Darussalam will continue to enhance its economic diversification efforts through modernising strategies and policies aimed at providing a conducive business environment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in strategic sectors.”
Attendees at the event.
For a small economy with a population of just under half a million people, he shared, “Brunei Darussalam’s participation in Free Trade Agreements offers critical opportunities for market access and supply chain integration, especially with like-minded advanced economies such as those in the CPTPP.”
Since its signing in 2018, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew reiterated, “The CPTPP remains a Free Trade Agreement of the highest standards, and Parties have continued to work diligently to maintain its gold standard reputation, providing tangible benefits to all stakeholders.” – JAMES KON
SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Fans of BTS’s Jungkook are in for a treat as an exhibition celebrating his career is set to open in Seoul at the end of August.
Hybe Insight, the exhibition brand of Hybe, announced it will host “Golden: The Moments” from August 30 to September 22 at Le Meridien & Moxy in Myeongdong, Seoul.
Inspired by Jungkook’s first solo album “Golden,” released in November 2023, the exhibition promises a rich experience for fans. On display will be music videos for “Seven” and “3D,” as well as the stage costumes and in-ear monitors Jungkook wore.
Visitors can also marvel at the trophies and awards he has received, along with previously unreleased photos. Additionally, a special space will showcase Jungkook’s personal interests, including his drawings, offering a glimpse into his daily life.
To enhance the visitor experience, a resting lounge will be available on the first and second floors of Myeongdong Art Breeze, located near the exhibition hall.
Meanwhile, Jungkook is currently serving his mandatory military service and is scheduled to be discharged on June 11, 2025.
Jungkook of BTS. PHOTO: ANN/THE KOREA HERALD SOURCE
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam will let electricity-guzzling factories buy electricity from wind and solar power producers, helping big companies like Samsung Electronics meet their climate targets and relieving pressure on the country’s overstrained grid.
The government decree allowing Direct Power Purchase Agreements, or DPPAs, was approved earlier this month. It lifts a regulation requiring all consumers of power to rely only on the state-run utility Vietnam Electricity, or EVN, and its subsidiaries, which distribute electricity at rates fixed by the government.
Foreign investors that are vital to Vietnam’s ascent as a major exporter had been clamouring for such a change.
“The DPPA will dramatically alter this status quo,” said Giles Cooper, a partner at the international law firm Allens based in Hanoi who specialises in energy policy.
Without such a change, it was “difficult, if not impossible” for companies to meet their commitments to phase out reliance on fossil fuels.
With more and more countries taxing carbon pollution, companies that can show that their factories use clean energy can enjoy a “considerable competitive advantage” in some markets, said Cooper, who contributed to the drafting of the law.
This loosening of the Communist Party-ruled state’s grip on the sale of electricity has been in the making since 2019. In most of Southeast Asia, electricity markets tend to be centralised. But DPPAs to allow companies to buy energy from power producers directly are increasing, said Kyeongho Lee, head of Asia Pacific Power Research at Wood Mackenzie.
Lee said the amount of power generation under such agreements increased from 15 gigawatts in 2021 to 26 gigawatts in 2023, growth concentrated in India, Australia and Taiwan, which account for more than 80 per cent of the total capacity that is under contract.
Vietnam’s move addresses investors’ concerns about access to stable and clean energy. That’s a priority for a country seen as a promising alternative for businesses looking to diversify supply chains outside China.
Liberalising the market also is expected to spur more construction of new solar and wind farms by guaranteeing a market for clean electricity, analysts say.
About 20 large companies are interested in buying clean energy directly from producers, according to a survey conducted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, with total demand estimated at nearly 1 gigawatt of energy.
Vietnam’s largest foreign investor, Samsung, was among the earliest to start working with the government on introducing this mechanism. The company aims to transition all its business sites to renewable energy by 2027, and Vietnam is its largest mobile phone manufacturing base, accounting for more than half of all production.
The South Korean multinational told The Associated Press in an email that it welcomed the approval of the “landmark decree.”
Its factories transitioned to renewable energy in 2022 by buying renewable energy credits. “Now, with the DPPA mechanism, we have more options to procure renewable energy and look forward to working with the Vietnam government to further develop and implement PPAs,” it said.
This photo shows power lines in Hanoi, Vietnam, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. PHOTO: AP
Apple Inc, which has moved some manufacturing to Vietnam from China after enduring disruptions in its production during the COVID-19 pandemic, also welcomed the reform as an “important step towards a cleaner grid.”
Bessma Aljarbou, head of Apple’s Supplier Carbon Solutions said in a statement that the plan provides suppliers with a “meaningful opportunity” to support Vietnam’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 while meeting its own goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The success of DPPAs will depend on how quickly Vietnam can upgrade its rickety electrical grid, which as is in the case in many places in the world, has failed to keep up with rapid growth of clean power generation. Vietnam says it needs USD15 billion to strengthen it.
This could be an obstacle for factories where it is impossible to build a solar or wind farm close by, meaning that companies can only buy clean power “virtually,” buying the energy from the state utility, EVN, which would purchase the power from the solar or wind farm, with the buyer making up any difference in costs between the government rate and the one agreed on in the purchasing agreement.
“In this model, there is no direct link between the consumer and generator. In fact, they can be hundreds of kilometres apart,” explained Cooper, adding that even though the company still buys electricity from the state-run utility it now has contractual evidence of its use of renewable energy.
The new directive has two mechanisms for factories to directly buy renewable energy. The first is the so-called direct wire model where some large consumers of electricity can be connected to a nearby renewable power plant through a direct transmission line.
They can then buy the electricity at an agreed-upon rate. This ensures the power will be entirely clean energy with no involvement of EVN.
Vietnam increased its use of solar and wind power by tenfold between 2015-23 and power from such clean sources now accounts for about 13 per cent of total electricity generation.
But the clean energy boom has faltered in recent months due to policy hurdles like the removal of attractive long-term contracts for clean energy producers or lack of protections for losses incurred when energy from the sun or the wind aren’t utilised to balance the grid.
These were further aggravated by political uncertainty due to an anti-corruption campaign.
Meanwhile use of polluting fossil fuels, which had been on the decline, increased to 53.6 per cent of total power generation in 2023 from 49.7 per cent the year before, according to data from UK based energy thinktank Ember.
The new directive could help reverse this trend by making it easier for energy producers since it guarantees that there will be purchasers for specific wind and solar projects, said Dinita Setyawati Senior Electricity Policy Analyst for Southeast Asia at Ember.
“So there are more certainties from a business point of view,” she said.
She added that in Vietnam the law could “unlock” a lot of interest to build solar or wind farms.
“We can expect more renewable energy capacities installed if this scheme is successful,” she said.
SAN FRANCISCO (Bernama-Xinhua) – Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, reported its second-quarter revenue of USD84.74 billion, a 14 per cent increase from last year, reported Xinhua.
For the quarter ending June 30, 2024, net income was USD23.62 billion, or USD1.89 per diluted share, up from USD18.37 billion, or USD1.44 per share, in the same period of 2023.
Of the total revenue, USD73.93 billion came from Google Services, including YouTube advertising.
The company’s quarterly financial report also showed that Google Cloud sales grew to USD10.35 billion from USD8.03 billion in the same period of 2023.
“Our strong performance this quarter highlights ongoing strength in Search and momentum in Cloud. We are innovating at every layer of the AI stack. Our longstanding infrastructure leadership and in-house research teams position us well as technology evolves and as we pursue the many opportunities ahead,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said.
“We delivered revenues of USD85 billion, up 14 per cent year on year driven by Search as well as Cloud, which for the first time exceeded USD10 billion in quarterly revenues and USD1 billion in operating profit. As we invest to support our highest growth opportunities, we remain committed to creating investment capacity with our ongoing work to durably re-engineer our cost base,” Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said.
South Korean officials clean up the contents of a trash-carrying balloon sent by North Korea after it landed on a street in Seoul on July 24, 2024. PHOTO: YONHAP VIA AFP
SEOUL (AFP) – Trash-carrying balloons sent by North Korea hit the South Korean presidential compound Wednesday, security officials told AFP, prompting Seoul to mobilise chemical response teams in the escalating tit-for-tat propaganda war.
It is the first time the South Korean leader’s office in downtown Seoul, which is protected by scores of soldiers and a no-fly zone, has been directly hit by any of the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May.
“The chemical, biological and radiological (warfare) response team has safely collected the trash balloons,” the presidential security service told AFP.
“After investigation, results have confirmed that there was no danger or contamination of the object,” it said.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff had earlier confirmed the North was once again sending the trash-carrying balloons, while Seoul city authorities also issued an alert Wednesday morning.
“If you find any fallen balloons do not touch them, and report them to the nearest military unit or police station,” it said.
According to the Yonhap news agency, the presidential office had been monitoring the balloon in real time, and was aware of exactly where it would land.
“It is difficult to handle midair because we do not know what the balloons may contain,” a presidential official said, Yonhap reported.
“There will be no change in our policy of collecting them after they have fallen.”
The military has refrained from shooting down the balloons out of concern their contents could spread further and cause more damage, Yonhap said.
The balloons are a security issue for Seoul, but in this instance the North just got lucky, an analyst told AFP.
“It is a security problem since there are different defence facilities for the presidential complex,” said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Women’s University.
“Since the balloons fly with the wind, they fall very randomly. It’s difficult to say North Korea intended to do this,” he added.
This is the 10th time the North has sent the balloons across the border this year in what it claims is retaliation for anti-regime propaganda balloons launched by South Korean activists.
In response to the waves of balloons, South Korea on Sunday resumed “full scale” propaganda broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border, directed at North.
Seoul has also fully suspended a tension-reducing military deal and restarted live-fire drills on border islands and near the demilitarised zone that divides the Korean peninsula.
The two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The propaganda broadcasts – a tactic which dates back to that conflict – infuriate Pyongyang, which previously threatened artillery strikes against Seoul’s loudspeaker units.
(ANN/THE DAILY STAR) – Nestled in the heart of Dhaka, where bustling streets form a vibrant symphony of daily life, lie the once-glorious arcade lanes—a hidden treasure trove of memories.
These havens of pixelated magic served as the furnaces for forging childhood fantasies, especially for Ollyo’s creative founder and CEO, Kawshar Ahmed. For him, these places preserve his inner child.
In the simpler days of the 1990s, the faces of Dhaka’s youth frequently crowded around arcade machines, their screens flickering with excitement. Video games such as “Super Mario,” “Cadillacs and Dinosaurs,” and “Road Rash” were more than mere entertainment; they were portals to otherworldly realms.
Kawshar Ahmed, having spent his early life in Cumilla, recalls the first time he played video games at his cousin’s house. His eyes brighten at the memories, reflecting a time when these games sparked imagination and joy.
“I fell in love with them immediately. The characters’ movements, the engaging gameplay, and the vibrant graphics were mesmerising and addictive,” he said.
Kawshar’s love of gaming was more than simply a hobby; it was a path marked by tenacity and fortitude. Buying a used game console for TK 700 — a significant amount for him at the time —was one noteworthy event.
“Unfortunately, the shop owner lied and sold me a broken machine,” Kawshar recounts. His relentless visits to the shop until he reclaimed his money exemplify his undying love for gaming, a love that would fuel his future endeavours and inspire others to never give up on their passions.
PHOTO: ANN/THE DAILY STAR SOURCE
Fast-forward to 2016, when Kawshar founded JoomShaper and saw an opportunity to weave his childhood passion into his professional life. The idea of building an arcade machine was born.
“The project faced challenges,” he admits candidly. The structure, sourced from a local vendor, needed to be revised. But determined to make it work, I imported high-quality arcade joysticks from Amazon,” Kawshar said.
The resulting machine, powered by a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie, became a source of immense joy and camaraderie among his team, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
As Kawshar began constructing Ollyo’s HQ, he envisioned an even grander gaming setup. “We built two new arcades, enhancing the experience further,” he shares with a smile. The original JoomShaper machine found a new home at his residence, ensuring the magic of arcade gaming was always within reach. Now, I enjoy playing these games, not just at work but also at home.”
He adds, “It’s a wonderful way to keep my inner child alive.”
Arcade games appeal to many people because they take us back to our early years. The legendary tunes, the competitive attitude, and the straightforward yet challenging gameplay evoke an exciting and comfortable nostalgia.
“Together, we relish the adventures of Mario, the battles of Street Fighter, and many other classic games,” Kawshar says about his girls and his childhood. “These moments are more than just play—they are a bridge between the past and present, a way to share the joy of my childhood with my family.”
PHOTO: ANN/THE DAILY STAR SOURCE
At Ollyo and JoomShaper, the presence of arcade games has shaped a unique office culture.
“While we have modern sports equipment like the PS5, foosball, air hockey, ping pong, and basketball, the arcade games truly stand out,” Kawshar explains. These vintage machines provide fun and relaxation and evoke a shared nostalgia that strengthens team bonds.
For those looking to recreate this magic, Kawshar offers practical advice —
“You can use a Raspberry Pi or purchase ready-made gaming consoles with pre-installed games. However, building your arcade is a must if you want to relive your childhood. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube that guide you through the process. Pay attention to the quality of the components and customise the setup to reflect your style and preferences.”
In a city like Dhaka, where the future is ever-looming, the past remains a cherished sanctuary. The yesteryears of arcade games remind us of simpler times and the timeless joy of pixelated adventures.
Through the eyes of individuals like Kawshar Ahmed, we see how these digital relics continue to nurture the inner child within us, bridging the gap between generations and keeping the spirit of the ’90s alive and kicking.
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Toxic “forever chemicals” are increasingly being used in US pesticides, threatening human health as they contaminate waterways and are sprayed on staple foods, a study said Wednesday.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, but environmental regulations against them have mainly paid attention to sources such as industrial facilities, landfills and consumer products like certain cookware and paints.
New research published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives says that pesticides used on crops including corn, wheat, spinach, apples and strawberries — and other sources such as insect sprays and pet flea treatment — can now be added to the list.
For illustration purposes only. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
“The more we look, the more we find it,” co-author Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told AFP.
“And it just emphasizes the importance of cutting down on sources and really regulating these chemicals.”
Research suggests that high levels of exposure to forever chemicals weakens human immune systems, making them less responsive to vaccines and more susceptible to infections.
There is also emerging evidence they may reduce fertility, lead to growth delays in children, and interfere in the body’s natural hormones.
For the new paper, the authors trawled public databases and carried out freedom of information requests to obtain information on both “active” and “inert” ingredients in pesticides.
Active ingredients are those that target pests, while those that are called inert are everything else. The latter are not required to be disclosed on the label even though they can increase the efficacy and persistence of the toxic active ingredient, and can be toxic themselves.
The researchers uncovered a concerning trend: 14 percent of all US pesticide active ingredients are PFAS, including nearly one-third of active ingredients approved in the past decade.
Eight approved inert ingredients in pesticides were PFAS, including the non-stick chemical known by the brand name Teflon.
The Teflon company that made nonstick pans with this chemical ended its use in 2013, and its elimination was tied in research to fewer low birth weight babies. In February, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to ban its use in pesticides.
Study co-author David Andrews, a scientist at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told AFP that part of the problem stemmed from a narrower definition of PFAS molecules by the EPA compared to that adopted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Adding PFAS to pesticides makes them more powerful and longer lasting, Andrews told AFP, which could be another driving factor.
Forever chemicals were first developed in the 1940s and have now accumulated in the environment globally, entering the air, soil, groundwater, lakes and rivers.
More than 15,000 synthetic chemicals qualify as PFAS, and their indestructibility arises from their carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest types of bonds in organic chemistry.
‘Ineffective regulation’
Another critical issue identified by the study was the plastic containers used to store pesticides and fertilisers, 20-30 per cent of which are “fluorinated” to improve their strength, but can leach PFAS back into the container’s contents.
Such unintentional addition of extra PFAS back into the pesticide has been found during testing, and although the EPA moved to ban fluoridation of these containers, its decision was overturned by a US court.
“This is truly frightening news, because pesticides are some of the most widely dispersed pollutants in the world,” co-author Nathan Donley, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said about the findings.
“Lacing pesticides with forever chemicals is likely burdening the next generation with more chronic diseases and impossible cleanup responsibilities.”
The authors recommended measures including a ban on fluorinated plastic containers, mandating disclosure of all “inert” ingredients on product labels, comprehensive study of what happens to pesticide compounds in the environment, and more research on their effects on humans.
“The regulations surrounding pesticides are currently outdated and ineffective,” scientists at Emory University wrote in a related commentary, calling on the EPA to get a better grasp on the rising threat.
CNA – At 31, Chen Liling’s life was upended by persistent fatigue, breathlessness, and heart palpitations. Initially, she attributed these symptoms to a need for more rest.
However, a comprehensive check-up in 2015 revealed a different reality: severe anaemia, likely due to her heavy menstrual bleeding, and the presence of significant uterine fibroids.
Fibroids, in Chen’s case, were the culprits.
A gynaecologist identified a large fibroid causing excessive bleeding and several smaller ones. Chen underwent a myomectomy, a procedure to remove the fibroids. However, her battle with fibroids wasn’t over.
By the time she turned 40, the fibroids had returned, significantly multiplying in number and size.
This time, the symptoms were different. Although her periods were normal, Chen noticed an enlarging, hardening abdomen and experienced gastric pain and frequent urination. The fibroids were pressing against her bladder and stomach, causing discomfort.
PHOTO: ENVATO
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign growths of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue that originate in the uterus, according to Dr Harvard Lin, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Asia Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre.
The fibroids may appear in various parts of the uterus, including the wall, outside the uterus, or in rare cases, the cervix. They can range from the size of a grain of rice to that of a melon.
Dr Jessie Phoon of Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre notes that fibroids affect about one in three women.
Often, they go unnoticed because they do not always present symptoms. Many women discover fibroids during routine pelvic exams or ultrasounds.
Symptoms and Impact
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Common signs include:
Heavy or frequent menstruation
Anaemia from excessive bleeding
Pelvic pain and pressure leading to frequent urination or constipation
Abdominal swelling from enlarged fibroids
Pain during sex
Lower back discomfort
PHOTO: ENVATO
Hormones and Risk Factors
Fibroids are most common in women aged 30 to 50, and their development is influenced by hormonal factors. Dr Phoon explains that fibroids grow in response to hormonal environments, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. Fluctuations in these hormones can affect fibroid size.
Dr Lin adds that fibroids typically shrink after menopause due to decreased hormone levels, though they can still cause issues. Risk factors include:
Age: Women over 35 and those who have never given birth are at higher risk.
Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases susceptibility.
Ethnicity: Studies suggest that African-American and East Asian women have a higher risk.
Obesity: Higher oestrogen levels associated with obesity may promote fibroid growth.
Impact on Fertility
Uterine fibroids can affect fertility. Large fibroids near the fallopian tubes or cervix may obstruct sperm passage, impair uterine contractions, or hinder embryo implantation.
They can also reduce blood flow to the uterine lining, affecting its ability to support pregnancy.
While some women with fibroids may experience infertility, many do not.
Fibroids located on the uterus’s outer surface often do not significantly impact pregnancy chances.
However, large fibroids can lead to complications such as increased risk of caesarean sections, labour complications, placental abruption, and pre-term delivery.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies based on fibroid size, location, symptoms, and the patient’s age and fertility goals. Options include:
Monitoring: Small, asymptomatic fibroids may just be observed.
Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can relieve pain. Hormonal treatments, including progestin-releasing IUDs, can regulate bleeding and reduce fibroid size.
Non-Invasive Procedures: MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound and uterine artery embolisation (UAE) can treat fibroids without surgery.
Surgery: Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, suitable for women wanting to maintain fertility. Hysterectomy, the complete removal of the uterus, is considered for severe cases or when other treatments fail.
Recurrence and Prevention
Uterine fibroids cannot be entirely prevented or guaranteed to not recur. Regular pelvic exams are crucial for monitoring. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre, along with managing body weight, can help.
Ultimately, managing fibroids requires a tailored approach with a healthcare provider to assess the need for treatment and adjust the plan as necessary.
For those struggling with symptoms or complications, seeking timely medical advice is essential to manage and alleviate the impact of fibroids on quality of life. – Vanessa Chia
BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand’s top court will rule next month on a case seeking to oust Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over appointing a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction.
In May the court accepted a petition submitted by 40 former senators, to remove Srettha from office under ethics rules.
The case centres on Pichit Chuenban, appointed minister in a recent reshuffle, who served six months in jail for contempt of court in 2008.
Pichit, a former lawyer with close links to billionaire ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, later resigned from the cabinet in a bid to protect Srettha.
The constitutional court will give a verdict on Srettha’s case on August 14, it said in a statement.
Srettha, who has denied any wrongdoing, is also from Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai party, and became PM after forming a coalition with army-linked parties following elections in 2023.
(ANN/THE STAR) – Malaysian entrepreneur Datuk Seri Adnan Abu has announced he will remarry his ex-wife, singer Adira Suhaimi, next year.
Speaking to mStar, The Star’s Malay-language news portal, Adnan, known as Datuk Red, confirmed he has already discussed their marriage plans with Adira’s family and set a wedding date.
“Yes! Adira and I are getting back together. After Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year, Insya-Allah we will move forward to the next step,” said the 46-year-old.
Adnan shared that Adira decided to give him a second chance after witnessing his efforts to change during the iddah period.
He added that his relationship with Adira became “apparent” when the singer cried while performing Yuna Yunita’s Tutur Batin, which talks about self-acceptance.
“She says she is giving me another chance after seeing how much I’ve changed, but we won’t rush things.
“She loves me. My business is also improving now,” said the entrepreneur, who previously declared bankruptcy in 2019.
The wedding date for Datuk Red and Adira Suhaimi has already been decided. PHOTO: ANN/THE STAR SOURCE
In a separate interview with mStar, Adira confirmed her plans to remarry Adnan.
The Milik Kita singer said apart from seeing her ex-husband’s efforts, their kids also influenced their decision to remarry.
“I want to let him chase his dreams and fix what should’ve been fixed before.
“Getting back together is in the plans and we don’t want to hide this happy news. I won’t ask for more, just follow the flow,” the 32-year-old added.
Adnan and Adira, who have four children together, divorced with a single talak on April 24. The pair tied the knot in Thailand on Dec 3, 2015.
