Taiwan cleans up after Typhoon Krathon

World

October 5, 2024

A man inspects the damage at a restaurant after Typhoon Krathon landed in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. PHOTO: AFP

TAIPEI (AFP) – Workers removed felled trees and swept up shattered glass in southern Taiwan yesterday as Typhoon Krathon was downgraded to a tropical depression after killing two people and injuring hundreds more.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) lifted its typhoon warning early yesterday as the storm slowly dissipated after slamming the day before, bringing mudslides, flooding and destructive winds.

Two people were killed, one was missing and nearly 700 were reported injured, with more than 70,000 homes still without power as of yesterday afternoon.

In the coastal city of Kaohsiung, where schools and offices remained closed, workers raced to clear away trees and fallen advertising signs that still blocked many streets and a light rail track.

“I think that there will need to be a lot of tough clean-up work to be done,” a Kaohsiung resident surnamed Chan told AFP on Thursday night. “This disaster in Kaohsiung is quite severe.”

More than 1,000 soldiers have been deployed to assist in clean-up efforts in the seaport city.

Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai said they were “making every effort” to repair the typhoon damage.

Wind speeds of 56.3 metres per second, or 203 kilometres per hour, were measured in Kaohsiung on Thursday, according to the CWA.

Krathon uprooted trees, blew cargo containers off a pier and shattered the glass doors of businesses across the city.

Local TV footage showed convenience store workers trying to brace a glass door before it was shattered by strong gusts, sending goods flying inside the shop.

The typhoon also disrupted water supplies in nearly 130,000 homes across Kaohsiung.

In southern Pingtung, which also remained shuttered, the typhoon hampered rescue efforts when a fire tore through a hospital, killing nine people on Thursday. Torrential rain also lashed northern Taiwan during the typhoon, triggering landslides in New Taipei City and Keelung, where about a dozen garbage trucks and other vehicles were buried in mud yesterday after a slope collapsed near an incinerator facility where they were parked, local media reported.

Taiwan is accustomed to frequent tropical storms from July to October but scientists have warned climate change is increasing their intensity, leading to heavy rains.

Japan to sweep airports after WWII bomb blast

World

October 5, 2024

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan will sweep regional airports for more unexploded ordnance after a bomb dropped by the United States (US) in World War II blew up on a taxiway in the south, the country’s transport minister said yesterday.

The 250-kilogramme device blew up on Wednesday at Miyazaki airport – a former base for kamikaze suicide pilots during the war – shortly after a passenger jet taxied past.

Footage obtained by AFP showed a plume of soil blasting at least 10 metres into the air, with the explosion leaving behind a crater several metres across.

No one was injured but flights were suspended until the evening.

Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito told a briefing yesterday that he had “ordered the magnetic search at Miyazaki airport” and other airports. The search will initially focus on airports in the regional commercial hubs of Sendai, Fukuoka and Naha, according to national broadcaster NHK.

Dark romanticism

Lifestyle

October 5, 2024

AFP – Fashion designer Michael Kors brought an Italian air to the fashion week, presenting his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

Michael Kors sought to celebrate 35 years collaborating with Italian artisans through a setting of volcanic rocks reminiscent of the country’s southern islands.

Flowers dominated the catwalk, whether printed or more often hand embroidered, adorning a denim blue skirt, a short-sleeve sweater, or a crinkled dress with a belt hanging to one side.

A trench coat was also worn crumpled, paired with white shorts and a wide-brimmed hat.

The designer boasted a “rustic” collection with “glamour”, using “artisanal textures” such as raffia or lace on leather.

Michael Kors said he drew inspiration from the “dark romanticism” of the Netflix series Ripley, which is based on the celebrated novel by Patricia Highsmith – The Talented Mr Ripley – to design low-cut shirts worn in a feminine way.

He also said he was inspired by the “warmth and sensuality” of fashion and celebrity photographer Herb Ritts, who was known for his shots of Madonna including the cover of her True Blue album.

Baiduri Prestige: Redefining financial and lifestyle excellence

Advertorial

October 5, 2024

In today’s increasingly complex financial landscape, clients expect more than traditional banking services. They seek a seamless integration of wealth management and lifestyle benefits that can cater to their evolving needs. Baiduri Bank’s Prestige programme, designed for affluent individuals seeking premium financial solutions, delivers a tailored suite of offerings that meets these expectations with precision and expertise.

Comprehensive wealth solutions

At the heart of Baiduri Prestige is its wealth management and financial services. Members benefit from personalised guidance provided by dedicated relationship managers, who help navigate a wide range of investment options, including unit trusts, equities, and bonds. These options are aligned with individual risk appetites and long-term financial goals. With preferential rates on a broad range of financial products, Baiduri Prestige ensures that members not only grow their wealth but also enjoy the cost-efficiencies of banking services.

“Our vision with Baiduri Prestige is to create an ecosystem that goes beyond mere transactions,” says Lim Kian Chiong, Head of Retail Banking at Baiduri Bank.

“In today’s fast-moving world, it’s crucial that we offer more than traditional wealth management. We combine tailored financial solutions with exclusive lifestyle privileges, so our clients not only plan and grow their wealth but do so in a way that aligns with their personal and family goals. We are committed to providing a service that evolves with the needs of our clients, ensuring they remain at the forefront of opportunity, no matter where life takes them.”

The programme offers access to a dedicated team of relationship managers who provide advice on investment strategies. Clients are personally guided through portfolio reviews to ensure their financial roadmap remains on course, supported by market insights from Baiduri Bank’s team of experts.

Exclusive lifestyle privileges

Complementing the financial advantages are a host of exclusive lifestyle benefits that set Baiduri Prestige apart. Members enjoy privileged access to Baiduri Prestige Centres, where dedicated spaces are designed to offer both privacy and personalised service. Whether for a financial consultation or simply a moment of relaxation, the centres exemplify the hospitality and attention to detail that Prestige members have come to expect.

Additionally, Prestige members enjoy global benefits such as Visa Concierge, offering 24/7 assistance for travel bookings, dining reservations, and exclusive access to events. Other highlights include preferential rates on foreign exchange and remittance services, along with a higher daily cash withdrawal limit of BND5,000 at Baiduri ATMs. These privileges enhance the everyday experience of Prestige membership, making it both rewarding and convenient.

Recent enhancements to the programme also include a comprehensive card package, where Prestige members receive the Baiduri Prestige Mastercard World Debit Card and a choice between the Baiduri Prestige Visa Infinite Credit Card, the and the Royal Brunei (RB) Visa Infinite Credit Card, or both—all with a perpetual annual fee waiver. These cards serve as recognisable identifiers of Prestige membership, unlocking exclusive privileges such as complimentary travel insurance and access to airport lounges worldwide. The RB Visa Infinite Credit Card offers members 15 Royal Skies miles for every BND10 spent at Royal Brunei Airlines, 8 miles for every BND10 spent on other purchases, and an additional 7kg baggage allowance when flying with Royal Brunei Airlines.

The family legacy

Baiduri Prestige extends its privileges to family members through the Prestige Family feature. Up to four nominated family members can enjoy a range of financial and lifestyle benefits, including access to dedicated relationship managers and exclusive services. This extension reflects Baiduri Bank’s commitment to fostering financial security and enjoyment across generations, ensuring that family members are well-supported in their own wealth journeys.

“What truly sets Baiduri Prestige apart is our relationship with our clients,” says Dolienna Brahim, Prestige Team Manager. “Through the Prestige Family feature, up to four nominated family members can also access the same dedicated relationship managers and enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits, including supplementary cards with perpetual fee waivers, preferential loan rates, and personalised banking services, ensuring financial security and privilege across generations.”

A lasting commitment to excellence

Baiduri Prestige has recently undergone a brand refresh, unveiling a sleek and contemporary new look. This bold update reflects Baiduri Bank’s continuous drive for innovation and excellence, aligning the brand’s identity with the premium services it offers. The enhanced visual identity serves as a reminder that Baiduri Prestige is at the forefront of premium banking, offering clients a service that is as sophisticated as it is practical. “The new branding is more than just a visual transformation—it marks our renewed focus on delivering a refined banking experience that combines premium features with functionality,” shares Lim Kian Chiong.

As Baiduri Bank continues to uplift its Prestige programme, the focus remains on delivering comprehensive services that support both the financial and personal aspirations of its members, with an emphasis on innovation and client-focused solutions.

Samsung begins mass production of SSDs for AI computers

Business

October 5, 2024

A woman checks her phone while passing by a billboard advertising a Samsung smartphone in Berlin. PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL (BERNAMA) – Samsung Electronics Co said yesterday it has begun mass production of its latest industry-leading solid-state drive (SSD) product optimal for usage in powerful artificial intelligence (AI) personal computers.

Samsung said the PM9E1 SSD, which boasts the industry’s highest performance and largest capacity, is built on its in-house 5-nanometre-based controller and eighth-generation V-NAND technology. Yonhap news agency reported the company said the PM9E1 will provide powerful performance and enhanced power efficiency, making it an optimal solution for on-device AI PCs.

Key attributes have all been improved compared with its predecessor.

Starting with the PM9E1, Samsung plans to expand its advanced SSD offerings to global PC makers and expects to launch consumer products based on the product in the future to solidify its market leadership.

“Our PM9E1 integrated with a 5nm controller delivers industry-leading power efficiency and utmost performance validated by our key partners,” said Samsung’s Executive Vice President of Memory Product Planning Bae Yong-cheol.

Singapore’s retail sales increase in August

Business

October 5, 2024

SINGAPORE (XINHUA) – Retail sales in Singapore rose 0.6 per cent year-on-year in August, following the one-per-cent growth in July, the Department of Statistics said yesterday.

Motor vehicle sales grew 17 per cent in August from a year earlier. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales fell 1.5 per cent.

Vietnam earns USD7.16B from fishery exports in nine months

Business

October 5, 2024

HANOI (XINHUA) – Vietnam exported USD7.16 billion worth of fishery products from January to September, up 8.5 per cent year-on-year, local media cited the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

Shrimp reported the highest export value with USD2.8 billion, up 10.5 per cent year-on-year while tra fish exports rose eight per cent to USD1.46 billion during the cited period.

Tuna export, which was strong earlier in the year, has slowed since August.

Indonesia’s Kendal solar panel plant to begin operations by 2024 end

Business

October 5, 2024

JAKARTA (XINHUA) – The construction of a solar panel plant in Kendal, Central Java, has reached 90 per cent completion, and operations are expected to begin by the end of 2024, with a first-phase production capacity of one-gigawatt peak.

The solar panel plant is being developed by PT Daya Sukses Makmur Selaras, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Group, with an investment of over USD100 million.

“This factory development aims to support the government’s target of 178 gigawatts of installed solar panels by 2060,” said Secretary of the national energy council Djoko Siswanto on Thursday.

Managing Director of Sinar Mas Ferry Salman added that the factory’s capacity will be increased further over the next two years, with a peak of three gigawatts.

The Indonesian government recently established the Indonesia Solar Energy Research Centre to promote the development of solar technology and human resources, while simultaneously expediting plans to export power to Singapore.

The research institute is a collaboration between the Indonesian Engineers Association, the National Research and Innovation Agency, the Bandung Institute of Technology, the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, the Institute of Technology Indonesia and the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore.

In September, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that Indonesia will export electricity to Singapore from a solar power plant with a capacity of 3.4 gigawatts. This agreement has an investment value of USD20 billion.

Philippine inflation rate falls to 1.9pc in September

Business

October 5, 2024

MANILA (XINHUA) – The Philippines’ annual inflation rate eased to a four-year low of 1.9 per cent in September from 3.3 per cent in August, marking the lowest level since May 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said yesterday.

“This is the lowest inflation rate since the 1.6 per cent rate recorded in May 2020,” PSA Chief Dennis Mapa told a news conference.

Mapa said the main drivers of the downward trend of headline inflation in September were food and non-alcoholic beverages, which fell to 1.4 per cent from 3.9 per cent in August.

Mapa added that transport also contributed to the downtrend, with a faster year-on-year decrease of 2.4 per cent during the month compared to a 0.2 per cent annual drop in August. The PSA chief said the core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, slowed to 2.4 per cent in September from 2.6 per cent in August. In September 2023, core inflation was higher at 5.9 per cent.

The decline in the September inflation rate brings the national average inflation from January to September to 3.4 per cent, within the government’s target range of two per cent to four per cent. In September 2023, the inflation rate was higher at 6.1 per cent.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the continued slowdown in inflation “is expected to boost consumer confidence, drive higher spending and consumption, and fuel business expansion”.

Vietnam’s coffee exports in nine months exceed last year’s

Business

October 5, 2024

HANOI (XINHUA) – Vietnam’s coffee exports brought home nearly USD4.4 billion in the first nine months of this year, exceeding the turnover of the whole 2023, VnExpress reported yesterday, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The nine-month figure went up 40 per cent compared to the same period last year thanks to high prices of exported coffee.

Vietnam’s exported coffee was sold averagely at the all-time high of USD5,469 per tonne in September.

From January to September, the price was reported at USD3,897 per tonne, an increase of 56 per cent year-on-year.

Among Vietnam’s main export items, coffee has emerged as the agricultural product with the biggest increase in export prices, said the report.

According to the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association, the Southeast Asian country is predicted to face numerous challenges in the 2024-2025 crop due to unfavourable weather conditions. Coffee output is expected to decrease by five-15 per cent.

The ministry still forecasts that coffee export turnover this year will exceed USD5 billion, even USD6 billion thanks to high prices.

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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