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Singapore · Policy & daily life
Singapore groups its 2026 National Day Rally plans into four themes
Singapore's government updated its National Day Rally hub on September 12, organising announcements around family support, technology with safeguards, a measured open population policy and long-term planning for the outer islands.
Why it matters
Childcare leave, housing support and dialect-media rules do not all start at once. Residents should use the linked agency releases for eligibility and timing rather than treating a speech summary as an immediate entitlement notice.
Hong Kong's dog-friendly dining list nears 1,000 venues
Hong Kong relaxed a decades-old restaurant rule in July, allowing customers to bring dogs into an initial group of more than 900 licensed premises. The current FEHD list is near 1,000, but only specifically permitted venues are covered.
Owners should check the FEHD list and the venue's own arrangements, keep dogs on short leashes and off tables, and avoid reusable human utensils. Ordinary restaurants do not automatically become dog-friendly.
Bank of Japan raises policy rate to 1.25%, a 31-year high
The Bank of Japan voted 7–2 on September 18 to raise its policy rate from 1% to 1.25%, the highest level since 1995. Two board members dissented, arguing for a pause in further tightening.
The decision is another step away from Japan's long era of ultra-low rates and may affect the yen, global funding costs and Asian markets. The increase was widely expected, but the yen weakened after the announcement.
Xi pushes ‘Greater BRICS’ cooperation on trade, finance and AI
China proposed closer BRICS cooperation in trade, finance, artificial intelligence and special economic zones. Much of the plan remains a set of initiatives rather than implemented common policy.
The expanded group spans Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, potentially changing the competitive landscape for Canadian minerals, energy, agriculture and technology.
Singapore · Policy & daily life
Hong Kong · Dining & pet policy