Daily Briefing: HDB resale volumes spike 127.3% in Q3; SG, Germany to establish 'green lane' for work, official travel

And SG, Germany agree on 'green lane' for essential business and official travel.

SG startups take action to improve access to sexual healthcare

From ChannelNewsAsia:

The number of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats sold in the resale market in the third quarter rose by 127.3% after the lifting of Singapore's circuit breaker in June.

Official figures released on 23 October showed that 7,787 flats were sold from July to September this year, rising from the 3,426 sold in the second quarter.

On a YoY basis, the number of resale transactions in the third quarter was up 24.3%, according to HDB data.

Prices also went up 1.5% from Q2 to Q3, with the resale price index, which provides information on the general price movements in the resale public housing market, increasing to 133.9.

Singapore started a circuit breaker on 7 April to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Read more here.

From ChannelNewsAsia:

Residents in Singapore and Germany may soon be able to travel between the two countries for essential business and official purposes, after both sides agreed to establish a reciprocal green lane.

This was announced by the foreign affairs ministries of both countries in a joint press statement on 23 October.

"The reciprocal green lane will enable essential travel for business or official purposes, via direct flights between both countries," said the statement.

Eligible applicants will have to abide by the COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries, it added.

Both countries also said that the green lane could serve as a model for future similar arrangements between Singapore and other European countries.

Read more here.

From e27:

In many countries in Southeast Asia (SEA), sexual health remains a topic that is discussed in secret–if it were ever being discussed at all.

This becomes a concern as many reports have linked the lack of access to sexual health education and treatment as a cause of many problems in the society, such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies.

In an article published by the Australian Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Maria Tanyag said there is even a link between sexual health and reproductive issues with regional security.

It is mind-boggling to realise the impact of an issue that we do not even talk about.

But the good news is that many organisations and individuals in the region have decided to take action on the matter, with some of them using technology as a platform for their cause.

Read more here.