Apec 2016: PM Lee focuses on SMEs and workers to push for inclusive growth
The fruits of globalisation can be spread more evenly if economies focus on supporting small businesses, digital trade and services, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders' retreat on Sunday (Nov 20).
"Given the current backdrop, it is important that Apec addresses issues arising from globalisation and emphasises inclusive growth," he said.
This year's Apec Summit takes place amid rising anti-globalisation sentiments as global events such as Brexit and the recent US presidential elections reflect the backlash against the rise in world trade, integration of economies and freer movement of people.
Mr Lee suggested three areas of focus to achieve inclusive growth.
Billions of contact numbers, including that of govt officials, 'leaked' by phone apps
Contact numbers of Hong Kong government officials, including Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam, have been leaked by three smartphone apps.
These big names are among billions of victims from the business, politics, media and entertainment sectors, including members of the public.
Hong Kong-based news agency Factwire reported on Sunday (Nov 20) that the smartphone apps were CM Security, Truecaller and Sync.ME, which are available for free download in the app stores of the Android and iOS systems.
Angela Merkel says she will seek 4th term as German chancellor
Angela Merkel announced on Sunday (Nov 20) she wants to run for a fourth term as German chancellor in next year's election, a sign of stability after Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as the next US president.
The 62-year old conservative, facing a voter backlash over her open-door migrant policy, said she had thought long and hard before eventually deciding to stand again in the September election, ending months of speculation over her decision.
"The decision for a fourth term is - after 11 years in office - anything but trivial - for the country, the party and, I say it consciously in this order, for me personally," she told reporters, striking a serious, almost sombre, tone.
Barack Obama presses Vladimir Putin on Syria as Aleppo pummelled
US President Barack Obama on Sunday (Nov 20) urged greater efforts to end violence in war-torn Syria in brief talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as concern mounts over a ferocious regime bombing campaign in rebel-held parts of Aleppo.
Obama made the comments to his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Peru, in what could be their last meeting before the US president leaves office in January.
"On Syria, the president noted the need for Secretary (John) Kerry and Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov to continue pursuing initiatives, together with the broader international community, to diminish the violence and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people," said a White House official.
Tennis: Andy Murray captures ATP World Tour Finals to secure year-end number one ranking
After a season in which he had already reached dizzy heights, Andy Murray saved the best to last by outclassing Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4 to claim his first ATP World Tour Finals title and secure the year-end top ranking on Sunday (Nov 20).
Against a player who has so often been his nemesis, Murray produced a relentless display to overpower the Serb he dislodged from the number one spot earlier this month.
Murray added the title to the Wimbledon crown and Rio Olympics gold he won during a stunning summer and, despite Djokovic's Australian Open and French Open titles, there can be little argument the Scot is currently the world's best player.
