Singapore sees rise in sham marriages

Singapore saw a sharp increase in sham marriages or marriages of convenience in 2024, according to the Southeast Asian country's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Singapore (VNA) - Singapore saw a sharp increase in sham marriages or marriages of convenience in 2024, according to the Southeast Asian country's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

The Straits Times cited data from the ICA showing that there were 32 cases of sham marriages between January and September 2024, a stark rise compared to just four during the same period in 2023.

Inspector Mark Chai, deputy officer-in-charge of ICA's intelligence division, warned that such marriages pose social risks in Singapore's multi-ethnic society.

These arrangements typically involve foreign women paying Singaporean men to marry them, enabling the women to secure permits to stay or work in the country, he said.

Convictions for participating in sham marriages can result in up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to 10,000 SGD, or both.

Superintendent Goh Wee Kiat, senior assistant director at ICA's intelligence division, highlighted that public tip-offs often help uncover such cases.

ICA is intensifying enforcement efforts to dismantle networks involved in arranging such fraudulent marriages./.

VNA

See more

Thailand aims to reduce workplace accidents

Thailand aims to reduce workplace accidents

The "Safety Thailand" vision is to cut severe work-related injuries from 2.13 persons at present to no more than one per 1,000 workers, and fatalities from 5.3 to a maximum of three per 100,000 workers by 2030.

Thailand marks progress in cross-border cyber fraud crackdown

Thailand marks progress in cross-border cyber fraud crackdown

The "3 Cuts" strategy, including cutting electricity, fuel, and internet access to five locations along the Thailand - Myanmar borders where many scam centres are located, led to a significant reduction in call centre activities along key border areas.

Malaysian Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong (Photo: BERNAMA)

Malaysia develops data centres to become technology nation

Addressing an event to launch Data Centre Nexus 2025 on May 8, Liew said that data centres could become the largest off-takers to boost local technologies, helping the country achieve its industrial and energy transition aspirations by adopting a “whole-of-value-chain” investment approach.

At a policy meeting with senior officials on May 7, the Thai Prime Minister called for collaboration among related bodies to enhance the value of agricultural products (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thailand calls for farm price stability

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra encouraged the acceleration of the "Thai Select" initiative, which certifies high-quality Thai products to promote exports, particularly to assist Thai restaurants abroad in using quality Thai ingredients, which benefits farmers' incomes.

Philippines aims to become 2-trillion-USD economy by 2050

Philippines aims to become 2-trillion-USD economy by 2050

The Philippines’ economic transformation will be driven by initiatives that promote new growth drivers while strengthening existing sectors, with private sector involvement playing a key role, particularly in infrastructure and investments that will deliver lasting impact and shared prosperity.

Malaysia takes actions to retain talents

Malaysia takes actions to retain talents

Economist Prof Geoffrey Williams from the Malaysia University of Science and Technology held that the main reasons are the lack of job opportunities in Malaysia for high-skilled graduates, poor career development and limited promotion prospects.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaks to the press. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia tightens security ahead of ASEAN Summit

Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos on January 1. This year event is held under the theme of “Inclusion and Sustainability”, reflecting the country’s aspiration to build a united and prosperous ASEAN.