Author: Verified News Online

DMW Digital Reforms: Faster Services for OFWs in UAE and Globally The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has unveiled a sweeping set of digital reforms aimed at speeding up services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including those in key destinations like the United Arab Emirates, as part of a broader effort to modernise support, reduce bureaucratic delays and protect migrant rights. The move, announced during the DMW’s Central Office–Regional Office Consultation 2026, reflects the government’s commitment to efficient, responsive services for millions of overseas workers who are vital to the nation’s economy and families.What the DMW changes entail
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the reforms will cut queues, streamline procedures and align overseas services with domestic operations through a Regional Operations Manual that standardises practices across offices. The department also plans to adopt a Quality Management System (QMS), upgrade facilities to global sta..

Vikash Ramkissoon (Image credit: Parliament of Guyana) A debate in Guyana’s Parliament took an unexpected turn when Member of Parliament Vikash Ramkissoon responded in fluent Hindi after an opposition lawmaker questioned his knowledge of the language.The exchange began when an opposition member claimed that Ramkissoon did not understand Hindi. Seeking permission from the Speaker, he said he would respond in Hindi to address the remark directly.Opposition Doubts Hindi Ability, Indian-Origin MP Ramkissoon’s Reply Leaves Guyana House SilentAddressing the House, Ramkissoon named the opposition member and issued an open challenge. He said he was ready to debate on any subject, at any venue chosen by his opponent, including on television, and that the discussion could be conducted entirely in Hindi without referring to notes or papers.“Vishey woh tay karein, main jawab dunga bina kagaz dekhey” (They decide the topic, I will respond without using a paper), he said.He delivered his remarks cal..

AdvertisementArtificial intelligenceThis Week in AsiaLifestyle & CultureAs Asia faces falling birth rates, AI’s rise distracts couples from building familiesAI is putting pressure on Asian workers to upgrade their skills, while the technology also provides ‘cheap fun’ diversions
Reading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPBiman MukherjiPublished: 4:42pm, 11 Feb 2026As Asia grapples with falling birth rates, analysts warn that the rise of artificial intelligence is worsening the problem, with the technology putting pressure on workers to upgrade their skills and posing a distraction to families after office hours.Fertility rates have fallen across the region to some of the lowest levels in the world, well below the generally accepted replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman needed to keep a population stable over time.
The drop in fertility rates was due to financial pressures and career demands faced by people in their thirties and forties when they should be starting families, James..

AdvertisementHong Kong's national security lawHong KongLaw and CrimeHong Kong fugitive Anna Kwok’s dad guilty of trying to cash out HK$88,000 policyKwok Yin-sang attempted to deal with financial assets of US-based Anna Kwok, despite knowing daughter is wanted activist with HK$1 million bounty on her head
Reading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPBrian WongPublished: 4:42pm, 11 Feb 2026Updated: 4:45pm, 11 Feb 2026The father of a wanted Hong Kong activist has been convicted under the city’s domestic national security law for trying to cash out an insurance policy worth more than HK$88,000 in his daughter’s name.West Kowloon Court on Wednesday convicted Kwok Yin-sang of attempting to deal with the financial assets of US-based activist Anna Kwok Fung-yee, despite knowing authorities had classified her as an absconder under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
The 69-year-old defendant is the first person to be found guilty of a non-sedition-related offence under the ordinan..