Malaysian Prime Minister hopes that Singapore and Malaysia would finalize arrangements regarding daily commuting

Singapore-Malaysia border

In a Facebook post on Thursday (Sep 3), Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said together with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, the two discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) at the Singapore-Malaysia border, which began from Aug 17.

Both have agreed that the execution of the two schemes have been generally smooth and effective. “We also reaffirmed the commitment to ensure movement of many people across our borders will continue to be done smoothly without ignoring the safety of both countries,” wrote the Malaysian leader.

Hopes for daily commuting of workers
cross border travel

Image Credits: The Straits Times

He added, “I hope Malaysia and Singapore would quickly finalize the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow for daily commuting of workers between both countries, to boost the national economy and help impacted workers.”

“We are determined this will help both Malaysia and Singapore recover our respective economies and… gradually help citizens impacted by the pandemic.”

FAQs on the RGL and PCA
Immigrations

Image Credits: AsiaOne

With so much about COVID-19 reported in the news these days, it’s hard to keep up with the changes in travel advisories. At the time of writing, Singapore and Malaysia currently have two cross-border travel schemes in place – RGL and PCA.

The RGL is for Malaysia and Singapore residents keen to travel for up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes only. As for the PCA, Singapore and Malaysia citizens or permanent residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country can enter for work.

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions for individuals who are keen to travel between the countries:

#1: Is emergency travel for compassionate reasons, to attend a funeral or visit a sick loved one, allowed?

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Jul 26 that both countries were working on terms to allow people to travel between Singapore and Malaysia on compassionate reasons. Authorities are working out arrangements to make it possible.

#2: Is travel for study or leisure purposes permitted via RGL or PCA?

No, the RGL and PCA are not to facilitate movement for students or tourists across the border. Those seeking to enter Singapore for study can visit the ICA website. As for those looking to enter Malaysia for purposes other than essential business and official travel should contact the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore for more deets.

#3: How can Malaysian citizens/Permanent Residents (PRs) holding a Singapore work permit apply for PCA and when can they return home?

Under the PCA, Malaysia Citizens and PRs with valid Singapore work passes should remain in Singapore for at least 90 days before returning to Malaysia for home leave. Those eligible to apply will need to have the following passes – Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit. The pass should be valid for at least 15 days from the date of entry into Singapore.

The entry and exit point between Singapore and Malaysia must be via the land crossings – Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.

When they enter Singapore, travellers under this scheme need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) of at least 7 days and undertake a COVID-19 swab test. The employee must remain in the declared SHN accommodation for at least 7 days from the date of entry into Singapore and test negative for COVID-19, whichever is later. Once the employee has served the SHN and tests negative for COVID-19, the employee can commence work.

Singapore-based companies that wish to apply for the PCA for their employees may submit their applications through CorpPassEmployers may choose a date of entry within a 60-day window of their application. They must submit their applications at least 7 days before their employees enter Singapore.

#4: For Malaysia citizens/PRs who have entered Singapore via PCA, what are some of the health protocols involved?

After clearing immigration, the employees will have to take their personal transport. These include motorbikes, private buses that only ferry Malaysian passengers who are serving SHN, or taxis and private hire cars directly from the immigration checkpoint to the declared SHN accommodation. They should not stop at any other destination along the journey.

Employees should indicate clearly to the driver that they are serving an SHN. The employee should not take public transport or flag down a taxi while serving the SHN.

Those under SHN can only leave their accommodation to head to the designated testing facility for the COVID-19 swab test on the assigned date and appointment time of swabbing, with similar transportation restrictions. 

The employee or the employer will bear the costs of the employee’s accommodation for the SHN and post-arrival COVID-19 swab test in Singapore, subject to prevailing Ministry of Manpower requirements.

#5: For Singapore citizens/PRs holding a Malaysia work permit, how different is the procedure to obtain PCA?

The minimum duration of stay, as well as the entry and exit points, are the same. Those eligible to apply for a PCA must hold a long term visa for business or work purposes in Malaysia.

Employers can apply for PCA for their employees to enter Malaysia via the MyTravelPass online application at least 10 working days before the date of travel. Employers also need to provide a letter of appointment and a copy of the passport during the application.

Meanwhile, as part of the health protocols outlined by Malaysia’s Immigration Department, employees will be subject to a modified Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for 7 days. 

They must also undertake a COVID-19 test via antibody test kits at the end of HSO and will be released from HSO if tested negative. Travellers must also subscribe to the MySejahtera application, developed by the Malaysia government to manage the COVID-19 outbreak and conduct contact tracing across the country.

These travellers may also apply for a waiver for their SHN during the duration of their short-term home leave in Singapore, after spending at least 90 days working in Malaysia.

According to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the intent of the Malaysia-issued PCA passes is to allow Singapore Citizens and PRs to re-enter Malaysia after their home leave, to continue with their business or work. In lieu of SHN, the returnee will undergo a COVID-19 swab test upon arrival at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint in Singapore, at their own cost.

#6: How can a Singapore resident apply for RGL to visit Malaysia?

All nationalities who are legal residents in Singapore and need to enter Malaysia for essential business travel and official purposes can apply for RGL. Approval is on a single-entry basis.

Unlike the PCA where employees may only travel via the land crossings, individuals entering the other country via RGL may also travel via air. Hence, Singapore residents may also fly to Malaysia via direct flights and enter through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, and Penang International Airport.

The maximum period of stay is 14 days and travellers need to submit and adhere to a controlled itinerary throughout the duration of their visit.

Before departing Singapore for Malaysia, the traveller’s sponsoring enterprise or government agency in Malaysia must apply on behalf of the applicant at least 10 days before the date of travel. The sponsor would also need to provide a traveller certificate to certify that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19 via a swab test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Documents needed for online application are a copy of the traveller’s passport, letter of invitation, an itinerary for the duration of stay, proof of hotel accommodation as well as health and travel history declaration.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, the traveller will transfer to the accommodation via transport by the sponsor or government agency. The traveller is also required to subscribe to the MySejahtera mobile app and undertake a COVID-19 swab test at the point of entry or 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.

If tested positive, the traveller will be accorded the necessary medical treatment by the Malaysia government. If tested negative, the traveller may proceed with the controlled itinerary.

#7: Is the process any different for Malaysia residents applying for RGL to enter Singapore?

All legal residents in Malaysia, who need to make single-entry, short-term essential travel to Singapore for business and official purposes, are eligible to apply for the RGL. Similarly, travellers have to take a swab test within 72 hours of departure.

Residents in Malaysia seeking to travel to Singapore for short-term essential business or official travel via the RGL must be hosted by a company or a government agency in Singapore.

The host company can self-sponsor and file the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller either directly or through a sponsoring government agency. Upon approval, the sponsoring company or government agency will receive a letter by email within three working days.

With this letter, an approved applicant who is a visa-required passport holder may then apply for a visa for travel to Singapore through the usual channels at least four working days before departure. 

If the applicant already has an existing valid visa, the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass is approved, and the traveller need not apply for a new visa.

For travellers entering Singapore by air, it’s advisable to pre-register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 swab test prior to entry into Singapore. Preregistration and pre-payment can be made at the online portal and travellers should expect to pay around S$300 for the test upon arrival at the airport.

For travellers entering Singapore by land, travellers will make payment via card or PayPal at the testing stations located at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint. Travellers should expect to pay around S$200 for the test upon arrival at the land checkpoints.

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Internships: Capella Hotel Group, Platinum Yoga, and the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre are hiring

Internships available in Singapore

Are you sometimes bothered by job-searching advice and wondering if they are true? James Goh, founder and CEO of ACCESS HR & Talents, weighs in on this issue so you can put a stop to thinking and start acting right. Click through this link to read the article.

Meanwhile, here are some internship opportunities with Capella Hotel Group, Platinum Yoga, and the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre you might be interested in.

#1: Capella Hotel Group – Business Development Intern
Capella Hotel Group

Image Credits: hospitalitynet.org

Allowance / Remuneration: S$1,000 monthly

Capella Hotels and Resorts – A personalized, unique, and memorable experience crafted to cater to the most discerning of luxury travellers. Curated service and cultural hospitality combined with extraordinary design make Capella Hotels and Resorts the benchmark in their respective destinations.

Patina Hotels and Resorts – An aspirational lifestyle brand that proffers a privileged and authentic experience in a vibrant setting that is distinctive, stylish, and energetic at every touchpoint.

Each hotel under the management of Capella Hotel Group upholds a legacy of crafted luxury design combined with the highest level of heartfelt service culture. The brand claims to invest more than any other hotel management company to conceive exceptional hotels with a creative response to its local culture and environment. Their hotels are imbued with a sense of place that truly inspires and captivates – each is a unique addition to a string of exquisite Capella-managed hotels worldwide.

Job Qualifications

It’s not listed in the job post.

Key Responsibilities
  • Learn to manage the underwriting of each project, including gathering and synthesizing critical market and competitive data.
  • Perform financial analysis (together with key assumptions supported by underlying market research) and learn to prepare presentations to present results.
  • Prepare a deal evaluation report for each lead. Conduct research, and evaluate market data and project brief, to analyze the feasibility of the project.
  • Evaluate related industries and markets, including current conditions, trends, threats, and new opportunities.
How to apply?

Send your application to Richmond Kok via this link.

View the job post in full here.

#2: Platinum Yoga Pte Ltd – Marketing Executive Intern
Platinum Yoga

Image Credits: Platinum Yoga

Allowance / Remuneration: S$800 – 1,200 monthly

Platinum Yoga is a privately held company that operates six yoga studios. The yoga centre offers all levels and styles of yoga in Singapore, with hundreds of classes available 7 days a week. Their yoga instructors and guest instructors are one of the best in the industry and represent the full spectrum of yoga disciplines.

Be it classical Iyengar yoga, ashtanga yoga, flow yoga, or specialized classes in prenatal, aerial yoga, yoga for kids, and more – you will definitely find a suitable class that will rejuvenate you after the session.

Job Qualifications

It’s not listed in the job post.

Key Responsibilities
  • Assisting the Marketing Manager in the implementation of the marketing strategies as well as post follow up on activities executed.
  • Integrate online (digital marketing – social media) and offline marketing activities (paid, earned, and owned media and other related channels).
  • Ensuring all studios are updated with the latest POS material.
  • Continuously drive awareness and leads for all studios through different marketing strategies within a given budget.
  • Track, analyze, and report on campaign effectiveness.
  • Initiate collaboration with partners.
How to apply?

Send your application to Serene Goh via this link.

View the job post in full here.

#3: National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre – Research Intern
National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre

Image Credits: CNA

Allowance / Remuneration: S$400 – 1,000 monthly

The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) is the steward of the City of Good vision for Singapore, where individuals, organisations, and leaders come together to give their best for others.

Through their programmes and initiatives, NPVC facilitates partnerships with non-profits, organizations, public sector bodies, and individuals to enliven the giving ecosystem within Singapore.

Job Qualifications
  • Penultimate or Final Year students in Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Business, or other related fields.
  • Have extensive primary and secondary research experience (prefers those with an academic publication).
  • Proficient in SPSS or other research software.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Curiosity and interest in looking for data and statistics that creates value.
  • Ability to sense-making and draw lateral connections across a large volume of data.
  • A keen interest in social issues and/or non-profit space.
  • Meticulous and detail-oriented.
  • A self-starter, independent individual that possesses a high degree of discipline and commitment.
Key Responsibilities

You will be supporting the Knowledge and Insights team with national-level research on volunteerism, philanthropy, and other forms of giving. You will be analysing data and trends to inform and influence key stakeholders. In particular, you will be supporting the assigned Project Leads on various ongoing research:  

  • Primary (Quantitative) research projects, such as large-scale landscape studies on giving behaviour and attitudes among individuals and corporates
  • Futures and Translational Research projects, such as understanding how COVID-19 is shaping future giving landscape and scenario planning exercises
  • Foundational pieces such as documenting existing research, data gathering, and data entry, and assisting with Knowledge & Insights database management

Other responsibilities include:

  • Update and maintain intel database on various COVID-19 related groups and topics (such as Migrant Workers, Low Income, Mental Health) through data entry and data verification
  • Conduct secondary research, literature reviews, and/or policy reviews
  • Conducting fieldwork (either in-house or through a market research agency)
  • Data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation of data
  • Developing reports to make recommendations for internal and external audiences to inform strategy and enhance practices
How to apply?

Send your application (indicating your available days in the week for the internship) to Jiahui via this link.

View the job post in full here.

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Tennis superstar Serena Williams’ outlook on money: Be responsible and manage your spending

Serena Williams

Serena Williams, a notable tennis player, has earned millions during her dazzling career. The former world number one in women’s single tennis says her outlook on money has not changed: Be responsible and manage your spending.

Know the difference between needs and wants
needs vs wants

Image Credits: Medium

“My family wasn’t wealthy, but we were always taught that when you work hard, you reap the benefits as a result,” Williams told NBC News via email.

“I think it’s important for young people to really understand how to spend money — including how to better self-evaluate needs and wants — to make truly informed decisions versus spending from pure emotion.

This is still something that’s true for me, and an approach I believe is incredibly important for parents to teach and model, as well.”

The importance of savings
importance of savings

Image Credits: Value Research

“At a young age, it was instilled in me that I shouldn’t splurge,” Williams said. “I remember going to parks and playing tennis with my dad and he’d say, ‘Athletes always lose their money.’ He made it clear that as an athlete, there was a risk of losing what you earned.”

She added, “I think this idea rings true no matter what you do. As a result, the concept of saving money stuck with me throughout my career. Even early on, I remained focused on the fact that when I earned money, I needed to be mindful of how those dollars were either spent, invested, or saved.”

“When I received my first bit of prize money, I knew right away I needed to put it in the bank,” Williams, who has earned another $90 million in endorsements over her career, said.

Learn to manage money for the future
managing money for the future

Image Credits: Freepik

“Though I had the money, what I didn’t have was the understanding of how it works. For example, what happens if you put money into a savings account, invest it, or just deposit it in a checking account? I didn’t learn those things until later in my career.

However, as I matured, I realized that earning money is a reward, and those rewards have to be treated with the utmost care and consideration, and it is important to keep more of what you earn and make it grow for the future.”

“Learn! Think about new skills. Innovate. Get creative with your time. And in all of that, think about how to make the most of any money coming in,” she said, adding, “the earlier we learn how to manage what we earn and save, the more ready we are to face life’s ups and downs.”

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An HR expert weighs in on job-searching advice such as the need to stay in a company for at least 2 years and more

Job search advice

Currently on the hunt for a new job or internship? If you’re relatively new to job searching, you may be confused with the many pieces of advice out there. Here are some job-related articles we’ve written recently that you will find helpful:

For today’s article, we will be focusing on the wise words of James Goh, founder and CEO of ACCESS HR & Talents, regarding the common job-searching advice out there. ACCESS HR & Talents is a by-invitation-only job portal that promises a minimum pay of S$2,800 across the board.

Let’s dive right in.

#1: Stay at least two years in a company before you move on to a new opportunity.

“No. Ignore. This is an old belief system. The current climate has evolved. Staying two years at a company does not boost your chances in any way.”

#2: Talk about your strengths only during interviews, avoid bringing up your weaknesses.
office-worker-job-interview

Image Credits: PNGitem

“I agree with this. It might not decrease your chances to bring it up, but it will not increase it. Unless the interviewer brings the topic up, it would be safer to state your strengths primarily.”

#3: Accept all job interviews offered to you even if you don’t think you’re suitable for it.

“Yes. Most job descriptions are brief and not in actual fact of how the job would be. An interview offered would be an opportunity for both parties to tango and find out more. One might find herself being wooed by the actual job.”

#4: Stick to your chosen field only and accept relevant jobs.
job_offer

Image Credits: Abacus Group

“No. Ignore. Many of my mentors who are industry giants, have worked in different fields and have “irrelevant” jobs in their resume before ending up in their current position. Senior partners, CEOs, founders, all had non-linear career paths.

There are many paths to success, and knowing what you are innately good at and having the intangible skills are the ingredients that will bring one to succeed.”

#5: Never try to explain the gaps in your work history.

“No. Ignore. HR departments and recruitment consultants are human too. If you have gaps for any reason, it is okay to be sincere and honest. It pays. Gap years are now less uncommon in today’s climate.

Many graduates and mid-career switches often have gap years to find out and deliberate over their next step. Your potential employer might even feel more confident about you after you have deliberated and are certain of the job you are interviewing for.”

#6: You should follow your passion.
passion or money

Image Credits: jbklutse.com

“Yes but only to a certain degree. Passion is a first-world privilege. You cannot pursue passion if you are worried about where your next meal is going to come from. We are in a privileged position where most Millenials and Gen Zers are degree holders, not having to worry about rent or their next meal.

In the countries that I have worked in, such freedom of choice comes as a luxury. Your passion usually is a good indicator of what you will do well in. Passion breeds excellence. Excellence breeds success. And people pay for excellence. As much if possible, chase passion. And let success keep up with you.”

#7: It’s alright to apply for jobs you are under-qualified for.

Crossing industries does sometimes work even if you do not seemingly have the relevant experience. But the basic paper qualifications that the employer will seek are usually set in stone, especially for MNCs. If you think you qualify for the job even if you are in the opposite spectrum of a potential employee, then go for it! But in terms of required paper qualifications, one should manage their expectations a little.

I know of a candidate looking for a role in a FinTech firm, however, he graduated with a history degree from London School of Economics and Political Science. He aced the interview and is now rising through the ranks in that particular FinTech firm in London.”

#8: Personalize your cover letter and resume to each company you apply to.
personalized resume and cover letter

Image Credits: Human Resources Online

“This I personally believe to be true, albeit tedious. At ACCESS, our core belief is that there is more than one way to succeed. Many skillsets are transferable across industries. If someone is charming and does well as a salesperson, she would do equally well as an HR consultant. If someone is caring and articulate as a manager, she would do as well being a teacher. Similarly, if companies are from different industries or you are applying for a different type of placement, your resume should boast the qualities of your skill sets that the new placement and company would appreciate.

Some HR departments shortlist candidates only by looking at the candidate’s prior company and work experience, thus I believe it to be important to highlight certain skills which your new potential employer could be on the hunt for. A sales manager looking to go into teaching, for example, could highlight her subordinates’ achievements and how under her guidance led to those.”

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Here’s what to take note if you frequently consume over-the-counter painkillers

Panadol Extra

It’s easy to pop a pill when you encounter a headache, fever, or pain. Do you know that other than paracetamol (commonly known as Panadol), there are also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)? They include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. According to general practitioner Dr Jonathan Ti from DTAP Clinic Robertson, some NSAIDs come in creams or patches as well.

Yong Pei Chean, the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS) also draws our attention to topical painkillers. These pain killers such as counter irritants and local anaesthetics are available for purchase without the need for a prescription.

She explains that counter irritants generally contain ingredients such as capsaicin, menthol, and camphor. When applied on the skin, you will feel a warm or cool sensation which distracts you from the actual pain.

As for local anaesthetics like lignocaine, you can usually find them in antiseptic creams and gels. “When these are applied, it temporarily numbs the area and reduces the ability of nerves to transmit pain sensation,” said Yong.

If you frequently consume over-the-counter painkillers, here’s what to take note of.

NSAIDs may not be suitable for everyone
pregnant woman taking a pill

Image Credits: SBS

While NSAIDs can be an alternative if you are allergic to paracetamol, it may not be suitable for everyone.

“NSAIDs are known to have some blood-thinning effects and may increase one’s risk of bleeding, especially when it is taken together with medicines or herbal supplements that have similar properties,” cautioned Yong, referring to the blood thinner warfarin, and herbs such as ginkgo and ginseng.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK advised the public to check with their doctors before consuming NSAIDs. This is especially so for people under 16 or over 65 years old, pregnant or trying for a baby, breastfeeding, asthmatic, had previous stomach ulcers or allergies to NSAIDs, have problems with the heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, circulation or bowels, and/or taking other medicines.

In addition to that, SingHealth has noted that NSAIDs should be taken once or twice a day, swallowed whole (unless otherwise informed), and taken after food to prevent stomach upset.

Avoid taking painkillers with other medicines
Different pills

Image Credits: Mylan

“For instance, a patient may be taking Anarex, which contains paracetamol and orphenadrine, for chronic pain. If he purchases Panadol Cold Relief (it also contains paracetamol as well as phenylephrine) to self-medicate and relieve symptoms of the flu, he could unknowingly be overdosing on paracetamol,” said Yong.

“This frequently occurs when medications are obtained from different sources, such as when they are prescribed by two different doctors or pharmacists.”

Yong also mentioned the risk of overdosing. This happens very commonly in patients who are underweight or have existing kidney or liver problems, the elderly, and children.

“A child may be previously prescribed with 5ml of a 120mg/5ml preparation by a doctor. Should the parent subsequently purchase a 250mg/5ml preparation and give the child 5ml as per the previous doctor’s prescription, the child will be given double the dose.”

Stick to the given dosage
Medicine dosage

Image Credits: Burt’s Pharmacy

“Different medications will have different onset and duration of action timings. Oral paracetamol and ibuprofen generally start working within 30 minutes, and effects last about six to eight hours,” said Dr Ti.

The same medicine created differently can influence the duration of action. For example, diclofenac’s sustained release may last for up to 24 hours and is taken once a day. While diclofenac’s immediate release can last only eight to 12 hours and may be taken two or three times a day, added Yong.

She also noted that a person should not exceed eight 500mg tablets of paracetamol in a day. This is because taking more painkillers than you should can ruin your liver in the long run.

“For paracetamol overdose, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and changes in mentation (mental activity),” stated Dr Ti.

In the case of overdosing on NSAIDs, the signs are more severe. Individuals might encounter acute kidney injury and/or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. “This bleeding may present as nausea and vomiting, blood in the vomit, or as black, sticky stools with or without sharp gastric pain,” said Yong.

If you suspect an overdose, head straight for the hospital emergency centre, advised Dr Ti. “They will require specific treatment protocols and close monitoring, which would not be available at a regular GP.”

“It can be helpful to bring along the box or leaflet of the medication the patient has been taking to help the medical team accurately identify the cause of the overdose,” suggested Yong.

Side effects of painkillers
Drug allergy

Image Credits: Healthline

If you spot rashes, swelling of the eyes and lips, and/or difficulty breathing after taking paracetamol, visit a doctor immediately. This could be due to an allergic reaction to paracetamol.

As per the NHS, those who regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, have kidney or liver problems, and/or are on epilepsy medicine might want to avoid taking paracetamol.

According to SingHealth, NSAIDs may also cause common side effects like dizziness, nausea, gastric irritation, and increased blood pressure. Individuals may also face fluid retention and/or worsening asthma.

“When in doubt, it is advisable to consult the doctor or pharmacist for advice,” said Yong. “This is especially important if one has any medical conditions, is on long-term medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding.”

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