Strengthening geographical indications

Japan's government will drop its recommendation to wear masks indoors and downgrade its medical classification for Covid-19, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida removes his face mask before his speech during a plenary session of the upper house of parliament in Tokyo on January 27, 2023. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) The changes, effective from early May, will classify the disease on the same level as the flu, down from its current status on par with tuberculosis and SARS. "As for masking, regardless of indoors and outdoors, the decision will be left up to individuals," Kishida told a televised government meeting. "We will take further steps towards 'life with corona' and make steady progress on returning to normality in homes, schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods and all facets of life." Masks are ubiquitous in public places and are commonly worn outdoors as well, despite the government having already said they … [Read more...] about Japan to drop mask guidance, relax Covid strategy

The top legislator praised the efforts and initiatives by the audit sector to fulfil its tasks last year, saying that it contributed importantly to great achievements of the country in general, as well as the N.A. and the Government in particular. He noted that the SAV has done a good job in assisting the N.A.'s supervision work, especially in inspecting the implementation of policies and laws on thrift practice and anti-wastefulness. The N.A. leader also commended the SAV on its external activities. The agency has maintained cooperation mechanism with the state audit agencies of Laos and Cambodia, and made important contribution to the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) and the ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI). The top legislator said the Party and State expect that the SAV will play a more crucial role in the fight against corruption and negative phenomena, and in thrift practice and wastefulness prevention, contributing to strengthening … [Read more...] about N.A. leader lauds State Audit Office’s crucial contributions

Illustrative image (Photo: Newstraitstimes) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Communications and Digital Ministry of Malaysia plans to announce the introduction and implementation of 5G by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) with added features at the end of March. Minister Fahmi Fadzil said DNB is currently studying and evaluating the available options to ensure the coverage will not just reach 80% but will be expanded nationwide. Fahmi said the implementation of the 5G will enable companies and factories to achieve efficient and fast communication services in order to increase productivity and provide the public with efficient services. Meanwhile, referring to issues of personal security and online scams, the ministry aspires to turn the Personal Data Protection Department into a statutory department to carry out its functions more efficiently, said the minister. The agency under the ministry will become one of the most important departments to be strengthened to deal with … [Read more...] about Malaysia to implement 5G technology by end of March