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International e-Gov Update
Dubai offers Business Licensing Online
The strong demand for the use of eServices and promoting eGovernment initiatives, driving the evolution of a knowledge-based economy, Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) introduced an online business licensing service for new and existing business. The initiative attracts even the potential investors.
The service is a key initiative, expected to be a great value addition to businesses as it facilitates more convenient business registration enhancing ease of transactions. The range of eServices offered by DED include reserving and renewal of trade name, renewal of licenses, initial approval of licenses permits for most activities, and updating trade license data.
The eServices also include Transaction Status whereby customers can check the status of the transaction by using a transaction number, license number or initial approval number; Search Trade Names enables users to reserve trade names or find out if the desired name is already taken; and Company Lookup helps to search for existing companies operating in Dubai and gain information on their contact details and business activities.
Business owners must present a sealed lease contract authenticated by Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority to issue, renew or transfer the location of business licences, according to DED. It will ensure the validity of commercial contracts, as well as strengthen the relationship between investors and tenants.
For information:http://www.dubaided.gov.aeSingapore alerts Citizens on Dengue Clusters on Mobile
With the increase of dengue cases in Singapore in recent years, National Environment Agency (NEA) is addressing these concerns by collaborating with Smart Communities in a public service project to raise awareness of dengue clusters, health risks and prevention through SMS and email alerts. It is part of a new initiative by NEA to equip the public with timely information so that they can take immediate steps to keep themselves dengue free. The x- Dengue initiative is part of NEA’s efforts to enhance public outreach efforts on dengue by providing useful, timely and relevant alerts and customized information on dengue clusters.
People can now get free SMS alerts on new dengue clusters in areas they frequent, such as neighborhoods and workplaces. They will also receive alerts on the severity of a dengue cluster and its closure. Previously, the public had to check the official NEA website regularly to receive these updates. The information, which is refreshed daily, reflects a dengue cluster that is within 150 metres of a specific location.
Under one user's account, up to eight places and five other users' telephone numbers can be registered. Alerts are also sent if the dengue cluster grows beyond 10 cases - for every five new cases. In addition, text messages provide a link to website for more tips on dengue prevention.
Users can view information about a specific location by keying in the postal code and even request for SMS alerts for that particular location. Subscription to this service is free as the SMS costs are borne by private telecommunication companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
For information:http://www.x-dengue.comMalaysia launches Mobile Clearance System for Foreigners
The State Immigration Department has recently launched mobile counters for foreigners to register for the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS), which will result in swifter processing at checkpoints into the country. In order to support the economic development of Iskandar Region, MACS is developed to cater fast-track immigration clearance for non Malaysia investors, business persons and professionals.
The scope of MACS facility is expanded to frequent travelers e.g. Citizens and Permanent Residents of Singapore and also for those who have been issued with the relevant long term immigration pass and frequently travel within Malaysia and Singapore for the purpose of working, studying and staying in Malaysia.
Hence, MACS holders can benefit faster immigration processing via access to dedicated entry and exit MACS lanes at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Johor Bahru and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Tanjung Kupang, Johor.
MACS holders will also be excluded from the requirement of completing the immigration arrival card. Consequently, entry and exit to/from Malaysia records shall be made online and the usage of passport pages for stamping will be minimized.
Spouses and dependents (children) of MACS holders are also entitled to apply this facility with the condition that they have been issued with the relevant immigration pass.
For information:https://eservices.imi.gov.my/myimms/mac?type=16 &lang=enKorea provides Video Chat Service for Multicultural Families
The Ministry of Public Administration & Security of Korea has opened a new website to provide online video chat to multicultural families to aid communication with family members living in overseas. The ministry is also providing monitors and web cameras to 365 multicultural centers to allow people without home computers a place to access the service. They have also published a guide book on how to use the chat program.
This web-based video chatting systems is dedicated to video reunions is built in Information Network Villages in the country, equipped with LCD TVs, speakers, and webcams, in order to allow immigrants to video chat at all times from the nearest locations.
The Information Network Village project is designed to reduce the digital divide between rural and urban areas of Korea by enabling villagers to access rich content in areas such as education, medicine, commerce, and government and to buy and sell local products over the Internet.
The method to use the services is explained in multiple languages and thus visitors can use the services without any misunderstanding. The service is available in Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Cambodian (Khmer), Mongolian and English language.
For information:http://en.invil.org/Compiled by: INFORMATICS TEAM