Apple to Build Research Center in Indonesia and Google to Help Develop Internet in Remote Areas

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Singapore: Singapore among top five cities to attract creativity and enterprise

Japanese Institute for Urban Strategies of The Mori Memorial Foundation conducted a Global Power City Index survey evaluating a city’s ability based on its economy, livability, environment, accessibility, research and development and cultural interaction. Singapore was among the top five cities in the report.

London took the top spot in the overall rankings, followed by New York, Paris and Tokyo. Tokyo, ranking four, performs best among the Asian countries. Singapore ranks fifth for the seventh consecutive year and second among Asian countries.

Although it ranked fifth in the overall list, Singapore’s score was close to that of Tokyo due to its accessibility with increased international flights for passengers and cargo.

In individual lists, Singapore ranked fourth in promoting cultural interaction and accessibility, sixth in terms of economic prowess and environment conservation, and eighth in research and development.

Photo Credit: Reuters

Malaysia: Party-owned newspaper fined for defaming opposite party leader

The High Court awarded Anwar Ibrahim RM$ 200,000 (approximately US$ 48,000) after the publisher, Utusan Melayu, was found liable of defaming the former opposition leader for being a gay rights proponent. The court also ordered Utusan Melayu to pay RM$ 8,000 (approximately US$ 184.63) for legal proceeding costs.

The suit pertained to two newspaper articles on his comments on homosexuality laws in an interview with broadcaster BBC. Anwar then filed a suit against Utusan Melayu and its Editor-in-Chief on January 2012, seeking RM$ 50 million (approximately US$ 12 million) in damages.

In January 2013, then High Court judge Datuk V.T. Singham found Utusan Malaysia liable for defaming Anwar in the two articles and ordered the defendants to pay to Anwar but said a court registrar had to assess the damages.

In the end, the judge awarded Anwar RM$ 100,000 (approximately US$ 24,000) in general damages and another RM$ 100,000 in aggravated damages for psychological trauma.

Photo Credit: Reuters

Indonesia: Apple to build research center in Indonesia

Technology giant Apple Inc. has proposed to invest in a research and development center in Indonesia, said Indonesian Communications and Informatics Minister Rudiantara on October 16.

Rudiantara claims that investment talks between the government and Apple lacks detail. So far, he only knows that the development plan to build a research and development center will be similar to the one Apple has developed in Brazil.

During Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s visit to the US on October 25, he will drop by the Apple Inc. headquarters to meet with its CEO, Tim Cook and discuss their investment plan in Indonesia. Joko Widodo will also meet with representatives from Google Inc, Microsoft Corp and Facebook to discuss investing in the country, such as discussing with Google about developing Internet in remote areas in Indonesia.

Photo Credit: Reuters

Translated and compiled by June and Eric Wong
Edited by Olivia Yang

Sources:

• The Straits Times
• The Malaysian Insider
• Tempo
• DEALSTREETASIA