Raising workplace health standards
SINGAPORE - With noise-induced deafness making up 81 per cent of reported occupational diseases last year, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) plans to extend Noise Management regulations from covering just factories, to all sectors by September next year.

For more, see http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100430-0000075/Raising-workplace-health-standards

1% more by June, please
SINGAPORE - A one-percentage point increase in employers' Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution rate - that is what most Singaporeans whom MediaCorp spoke to want, as the prospect of a partial CPF restoration looms large.

For more, see http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100430-0000136/1-more-by-June,-please

Women fly up entrepreneurs list
A weaker economy last year was no barrier to more women entering the list of rapidly growing businesses in Australia.

For more, see http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/women-fly-up-entrepreneurs-list-20100428-tryu.html

Manpower Minister urges tripartite partners to play their part for the economy
SINGAPORE: Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said the government will focus on transforming the economy and creating inclusive growth.

For more, see http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1052818/1/.html

More jobs saved as Singapore emerged from recession
Singapore: Redundancies fell from the record high in the first quarter of 2009 to pre-recession quarterly levels in the last quarter of the year.

For more, see http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1052576/1/.html

Ward mayor enjoys paternity leave
The mayor of Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, who earlier this month took nearly two weeks of paternity leave — a rare move by a municipality head — says the time he spent with his family meant a great deal and taught him how special a mother is.

For more, see http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100422b2.html

Boost sought for working mothers
The government is aiming for 55 percent of women to continue working after having their first baby by 2020, up from 38 percent in 2005, officials said.

For more, see http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100421b3.html

Fewer long weekends in 2011
SINGAPOREANS will get fewer long weekends next year.

Five out of the 11 public holidays will fall on a Friday or a Sunday next year, according to the schedule of public holidays in 2011 released by the Ministry of Manpower on Wednesday.

For more, see http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_517282.html