Gemma Iso

Philippines

Writer at The Independent

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Articles

Demands, deals, and legal chaos unleashed in Trump’s high-stakes trade war

2 days ago | theindependent.sg | Gemma Iso

INTERNATIONAL: The Trump administration is assertive in its endeavors to secure a series of global trade contracts, giving negotiating allies just days to submit their best pitches. According to an exclusive story from Reuters, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has scheduled Wednesday as the target date for trade partners to submit excellent proposals, indicating the government’s resolve to complete discussions within five weeks, just ahead of a chosen July 8 deadline.
Luxury handbags spark political meltdown in Mongolia

2 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

INTERNATIONAL: Mongolia has plunged into a new political crisis as Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai formally stepped down after a no-confidence vote and weeks of dissent led by fuming Mongolians, particularly the young generation.
Asia must stay flexible and avoid revenge moves, warns top economist

2 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

SINGAPORE: Edward S. Robinson, Deputy Managing Director (Economic Policy) and Chief Economist at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), warned Asia’s economies against getting involved in or initiating punitive trade measures as trade barriers surge all over the world.
Retire wisely: Outsmart the money traps that could ruin your future

3 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

Unpredictably, when it comes to uncertainties and being apprehensive about the future, money frequently eclipses people’s concerns. According to the 2025 Annual Retirement Study by Allianz Life Insurance Company featured in a Kiplinger story, 64% of Americans are more anxious about running out of cash in retirement than about dying. This apprehension isn’t baseless.
Karoshi: The deadly work culture that's killing careers and people

3 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

Thousands of people are aware that job stress can lead to mental and physical ailments, but only a few realize that there’s a fatal stage beyond exhaustion and burnout, one that can put an end to careers and even lives.
Trump’s brain drain is America’s loss, but could be the world’s biggest win

4 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

INTERNATIONAL: There was a time when Danielle Beckman viewed the United States as the apex of opportunity for researchers and experts. A neuroscientist from Brazil, Beckman accomplished her ultimate desire in 2017 when she joined the California National Primate Research Centre at UC Davis. “Coming to the US was always the dream,” Beckman said.
Fear and fury: Global students recoil as U.S. slams the door on visas

4 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

INTERNATIONAL: When Nigerian correspondent Adefemola Akintade got her admission into Columbia Journalism School, it meant the realisation of an ultimate aspiration. But just as she was readying to start her visa application procedure, the Trump administration declared an unexpected deferral of new foreign student visa interviews, disrupting her ambitions, and disturbing the plans of thousands all over the world.
U.S. urges Asian allies to prepare for China’s ‘imminent’ threat head-on

4 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

SINGAPORE: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered an absolute and grim message during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, forewarning that China’s intentions toward Taiwan signify an upfront threat to global peace and security. A stark warning on TaiwanAccording to a recent CNN report, Hegseth made a clear warning saying that “There is no reason to sugarcoat it.
Cracking the code: How the insurance industry can win over Gen Z

6 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

As Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, enter maturity, it’s restructuring industries worldwide. Branded for their tech eloquence, realistic financial behaviours, and social cognisance and responsiveness, this generation has become the most dominant consumer group. However, despite their expanding economic leverage, there is one industry that’s struggling to connect with them—insurance. Many studies expose a conspicuous gap between Gen Z and those within the insurance industry.
Trump’s immigration crackdown could shatter the backbone of American childcare

6 days ago | theindependent.sg | gemma minda iso |Gemma Iso

USA: Catalina, 23 years old, self-assuredly goes to her job as a child caregiver, receiving a reasonable wage for work she loves. On the other hand, her mother, a settler from Peru with no proper papers, has the same job and works the same hours, yet has spent the last three decades lurking in the shadows, receiving a lower salary and taking on more risks. “I’ve done very well because I was born here,” Catalina was quoted as saying in a recent CNN report.