The Fiji Times: Young girls sold for sex by pimps
Fijian girls as young as 16 years old are being sold for sex by pimps to earn quick cash of up to F$500 (US$278) a day.
The Straits Times: Tharman: Singapore in critical period of transition
Economic restructuring will be painful but it cannot be put off any longer, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Thursday, as he presented the choice confronting Singapore.
The Straits Times: Budget for 'a better Singapore"
The government rolled out one of the most generous budgets in recent years yesterday, balanced finely between helping firms raise their game and ensuring that individuals get the help they need.
Jakarta Post: Amran's verdict gives hope to graft fight
In a surprise verdict, the Jakarta corruption court has sentenced Amran Batalipu, the former regent of Buol in Central Sulawesi, to seven years and six months in jail for bribery, the heaviest punishment given to an official for committing the crime in the last four years. Amran accepted Rp 3 billion from a bussinessman regarding a mining business license and land use certificate in Buol.
Vietnam News: Overseas remittances hit highest level in past four years
According to the Vietnam State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, overseas remittances to Vietnam were estimated to total 10 billion U.S. dollars in 2012 (up 10 percent over 2011), the highest figure in the last four years. Most of the remittances were sent through banks compared to previous years when a lot was exchanged on the black market.
