Govt to consider adding Vasakhi to calendar of festivals
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will consider including the Sikh new year of Vasakhi, celebrated on April 14, in its calendar of annual festivals, the Dewan Negara was told Wednesday.

For more, see http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/16/nation/20091216150409&sec=nation

Parliament: GST Bill tabled for first reading (Update)
KUALA LUMPUR: The much anticipated Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill is tabled in the Dewan Rakyat for first reading by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

For more, see http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/16/nation/20091216102228&sec=nation

Ranked well by expats
SINGAPORE emerged 4th among 26 nations behind Canada, Australia and Thailand in a new global survey by HSBC on which countries offer the best 'expat experience'.

For more, see http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_466500.html

Harder to find jobs
DESPITE signs of a turnaround in the job market, university graduates are no better off.

For more, see http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_467121.html

BA launches legal action to stop Christmas strike
LONDON: British Airways launched legal action on Tuesday to prevent cabin crew striking for 12 days over Christmas and the New Year, with up to one million travellers facing festive travel chaos.

For more, see http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/1024989/1/.html

4% floor rate for interest earned on all Special & Medisave and Retirement Account monies until 31 Dec 2010
To help members cope with the current economic climate, the Government will maintain the 4% floor rate for interest earned on all Special and Medisave Accounts (SMA) monies and Retirement Account (RA) monies for another year until 31 December 2010. After 31 December 2010, the 2.5% floor rate will apply for all CPF accounts.

For more, see http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/CPF/News/News-Release/N_09Dec2009.htm

NZ imports 'unskilled and here to stay'

New research has proven what many Aussies long suspected - Australia is a magnet for New Zealand's most unskilled workers.

For more, see http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/978821/nz-imports-unskilled-and-here-to-stay