Singapore postpones National Day Parade over COVID-19 concerns

Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP) this year will be postponed to August 21 after the end of the latest COVID-19 restrictions, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on July 22.
Singapore postpones National Day Parade over COVID-19 concerns ảnh 1Singapore's National Day Parade celebrations at the Marina Bay floating platform in 2018.
Singapore (VNA) –Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP) this year will be postponed to August 21after the end of the latest COVID-19 restrictions, the Ministry of Defence(Mindef) said on July 22.

The announcement came asSingapore reverted to stricter preventive measures against the pandemic, whichare scheduled to last until August 18, after the National Day (August 9).

The heartland fireworksand Red Lions displays previously announced to be held on August 7 and 8 willbe cancelled. The NDP rehearsal previously planned for July 24 and the previewon July 31 have also been postponed, said Mindef.

The postponement of theevent comes after several petitions emerged online calling for the parade’scancellation out of concern that proceeding with the parade could lead to afurther spread of COVID-19. One petition on Change.org calling for thecancellation of NDP had gathered more than 36,000 signatures.

Last month, Mindefannounced that the parade will return to The Float@Marina Bay on August 9 on asmaller scale compared with pre-pandemic years. There would be fewer spectatorsand participants than usual and all of them must also be fully vaccinated.

A total of 162 new locallytransmitted COVID-19 infections were reported in Singapore on July 22,including 52 new infections not linked to previous cases. The Southeast Asiancountry has so far confirmed 63,791 cases./.
VNA

See more

Deputy for tourism and infrastructure development at the Ministry of Tourism Hariyanto. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia boosts culinary tourism

To promote Indonesian culinary tourism, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is currently focusing on culinary products to ensure that tourism products can move up a class. It is also paying attention to wellness tourism, gastronomy, marine, and fashion.

A truck arrives as another departs from Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri province. Thai exports to the US could face higher trade barriers. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thai exporters risk higher US tariffs: expert

Thai exports to the US that are at risk of US trade barriers include Bluetooth modules, broadband products, solar modules, power adapters, machinery and parts, auto parts, mobile camera modules, and air conditioners.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Lao, Cambodian Parties vow to tighten ties

The 15th high-level meeting between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) took place in Vientiane, Laos on February 7.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

Thailand, China strengthen bilateral ties

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn affirmed Thailand's commitment to deepening law enforcement cooperation with China and its neighbouring countries, pledging strong and decisive actions to combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen begins visit to Laos. (Photo: cpp.org.kh)

Lao, Cambodian legislative bodies enhance collaboration

The two sides appreciated the strong and close collaboration between Laos and Cambodia as well as their legislative bodies, reflected through the implementation of the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two legislatures, such as all-level delegation exchanges, and experience sharing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah at their meeting in Beijing, China, on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Brunei, China step up cooperation across multiple fields

Xi Jinping said China is ready to strengthen strategic connectivity with Brunei, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in the country, and support Brunei in diversifying its economy and developing its digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries.