Merry Gel Sigui

Former FELDA Chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad and former Trade Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan were arrested by MACC for allegedly illegally obtaining RM1 million. They are among 80 individuals linked to suspicious 1MDB money transactions and will face anti-money laundering charges in court.

The UN's International Labor Organization reports a critical global employment challenge, with unemployed individuals expected to reach 190.5 million this year. ILO chief Guy Ryder describes the situation as "extremely worrying," highlighting significant challenges in job markets worldwide and potential economic instability.

Tesla is set to build its first European Gigafactory near Berlin, creating over 6,000 job opportunities. The 300-hectare property in Brandenburg will allow Tesla to use the prestigious "Made in Germany" label on its electric vehicles.

A week after Taal Volcano's eruption, Tagaytay businesses are reopening. 59 tourism and non-tourism establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and malls, have resumed operations after securing safety permits from local agencies.

Philippines-based Jollibee Foods Corporation successfully raised $600 million through its first perpetual securities issuance. The oversubscribed bond will support the company's international expansion strategy, including recent acquisition of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, as management aims to become a top 5 global restaurant company.

Toyota has invested $394 million in Joby Aviation, a Californian aerospace company developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The six-rotor, five-seat flying taxi represents Toyota's strategic move into air transportation, aiming to revolutionize mobility and provide customers with innovative transportation solutions.

Hong Kong's flagship airline Cathay Pacific is offering up to one month of unpaid leave to its 27,000 employees, particularly affecting pilots and cabin crew. The move comes in response to low flight demands and passenger boycotts resulting from seven months of pro-democracy protests.

The World Health Organization is urging Asian countries to strengthen infection prevention measures after a new coronavirus outbreak in China. Two deaths have been reported, and cases have been identified in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, prompting concerns about potential health security threats.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is working to address the controversy surrounding Huawei's potential involvement in the country's 5G network. Her party is internally divided, with some members advocating for a complete ban while others oppose exclusion. The dispute centers on technical requirements and national security considerations for telecommunications infrastructure suppliers.

According to eMarketer, Pinterest surpassed Snapchat in US users by reaching 82.4 million in 2019, representing a 9% growth. The platform's universal appeal across different age groups distinguishes it from Snapchat's younger demographic, making it a more versatile social media platform for sharing visual content.