Second friendliest country in Asia

Malaysia: Malaysia ranks second in the list of Asia’s top five friendliest countries, according to a survey rating by finance website, Insider Monkey. Scoring at 2.20 in the list, Malaysia has been voted as the 15th friendliest country in the world. The rating also ranks Malaysia as the 16th most immigrant-friendly country, with a migrant stock in population of 10.7 per cent referring to the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live, including refugees. The United Arab Emirates took the top spot in Asia with a score of 2.52. Other countries listed in the top five friendly countries in Asia in the descending order were: Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore. The Star

Singaporeans moving Down Under

Singapore: More migrants from Asia are once again looking to move to Australia, after the country completely lifted border controls in 2022. More people from countries, including Singapore, India and the Philippines, are heading there to fill its labour shortages. According to statistics from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, in the year ending 2023, 1,718 Singaporeans were granted permanent visas, an increase from 1,135 for the year ending 2019. Singaporeans are moving there for a number of reasons, including a desire for better work-life balance and a lower cost of living. Singapore migrants who have moved to Australia said they enjoy the slower pace of life and a less stressful working environment. The Star

Equipping Thais to be AI proficient

Thailand: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society wants to upskill and reskill Thai citizens in Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy as the country aims to establish itself as the AI technology hub of the Southeast Asian region, according to its minister Prasert Chantararuangthong. To comply with the country’s national AI strategy and action plan for 2022-2027, the ministry is focusing on equipping the Thai workforce with high levels of proficiency in AI technology, calling them “AI Talent”. It is encouraging local communities to utilise technology. Hackathon events will be organised to impart knowledge about AI to SMEs and the general public. The Nation

Plans to make SL a tourist hotspot

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is gearing up for a major transformation, as the authorities unveiled an ambitious plan to make the country one of the world’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) chairman Chalaka Gajabahu has announced that the SLTPB is set to enter into agreements with a consortium of global brands, both foreign and domestic, to sponsor and promote a series of exciting events. This move comes as part of a larger strategy to make 2024 the best year yet for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The initiatives aim to increase the average daily spend of tourists to $500 from the current $160, putting Sri Lanka in league with luxury destinations like the Maldives. Daily Mirror

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.