Impounded vehicles meant for Uber service, (center), are parked behind a police cordon line at a police station in Hong Kong on May 23, 2017. (AP)

HONG KONG, July 16, (AP): The Hong Kong government on Tuesday unveiled proposals to regulate online ride-hailing services provided by tech companies like Uber, requiring platforms, cars and drivers to be licensed before hitting the road. In a document sent to the legislature, transport officials said those companies applying for a license would need to have business registration and an office in the city.

They also said the platforms would have to fulfill certain conditions on operating experience, proof of financial capability and capital investment, in addition to ensuring the cars and drivers working for them already purchased the required insurance. Under the licensing plans, eligible drivers must have held a private car driving license for at least one year and have no serious traffic convictions within five years.

The drivers also need to pass a test and complete training. Officials plan to set a quota on the number of vehicles allowed to be run under the policy, adding that the cars cannot be over seven years old and have to pass an annual inspection. Currently, it is illegal for drivers of private vehicles to provide paid services to customers without a permit.

Police have arrested some Uber drivers suspected of driving without a permit in the past and in 2018, more than two dozen drivers were fined. Uber, which started operating in Hong Kong in 2014, has faced multiple legal and regulatory challenges in its overseas expansion but remains popular in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, where many residents are frustrated with poor taxi services.

Some taxi companies have long resisted online platforms like Uber, seeing them as a threat to their business. Hong Kong leader John Lee said the legislative framework would need to ensure the co-existence of online ride-hailing services and traditional taxi services. Transport officials could first handle issues with consensus and set up the framework before focusing on other controversial technical problems, Lee said.

“I agree the problem is complicated but it should not be further delayed,” he said. In the document, the government said it would consider charging the platforms fees to provide resources for supporting the taxi industry in improving its service quality. It also suggested the companies allow taxi drivers to offer services through their platforms. Officials aimed to propose the changes in the third quarter of the year to set out matters in principle first. They planned to suggest further legal amendments for other issues in the first half of 2026.   

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media after arriving at Joint Base Andrews on July 15, in Joint Base Andrews, Md, as Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, (left), Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, (right), look on. (AP)

WASHINGTON, July 16, (AP): US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that he plans to place tariffs of over 10% on smaller countries, including nations in Africa and the Caribbean. “We’ll probably set one tariff for all of them,” Trump said, adding that it could be “a little over 10% tariff” on goods from at least 100 nations.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick interjected that the nations with goods being taxed at these rates would be in Africa and the Caribbean, places that generally do relatively modest levels of trade with the U.S. and would be relatively insignificant for addressing Trump’s goals of reducing trade imbalances with the rest of the world.

The president had this month been posting letters to roughly two dozen countries and the European Union that simply levied a tariff rate to be charged starting Aug. 1. Those countries generally faced tax rates on the goods close to the April 2 rates announced by the U.S. president, whose rollout of historically high import taxes for the US.caused financial markets to panic and led to Trump setting a 90-day negotiating period that expired July 9.

Trump also said he would “probably” announce tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs at the “end of the month.” The president said he would start out at a lower tariff rate and give companies a year to build domestic factories before they faced higher import tax rates. Trump said computer chips would face a similar style of tariffs.  

Photo by Stanley Morales on Pexels

KUWAIT CITY, July 15: One of the most critical decisions one can make while selecting a school is selecting a reputable college. With the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, Kuwaiti students have greater choices than ever for potential institutions, from local state schools to foreign branch campuses and private colleges. As the educational industry expands, ensuring that your college selection aligns with your professional and academic aspirations is essential. Before making the decision, consider these major factors.

Accreditation and Academic Level

Accreditation guarantees that your degree will be recognized in Kuwait and globally and that the organization is running in line with the national education policy. Companies or graduate schools would not be able to accept non-accredited programs as valid, minimizing your future opportunities.

Apart from accreditation, consider the general academic reputation of the institution. Verify graduate rates, teaching qualifications, and partnership with other institutions. Good institutions have very close relationships with overseas institutions for learning and research, thereby opening doors to internships and exchange programs.

Curriculum and Program Availability

Colleges vary in their strengths in different areas. If you have already considered what your area of study would be, search for universities in Kuwait offering specialized or advanced programs in your field of interest. Asking if the curriculum meets international standards is also a good idea.

The American college in Kuwait, for example, offers programs similar to those available in the United States. This would be most helpful if you intend to keep studying or employed overseas. When enrolling, understand more about the programs, focusing on quality, learning resource disposal, and instructors’ expertise. You also want to access the flexibility in learning schedules, which impacts your learning experience.

Instructional Language

Depending on the university and program, Kuwait has Arabic and English instruction. Choosing where you want to go depends on whether you want to study in one particular language. Although most of the private institutions provide courses taught in English, the majority of public universities, including Kuwait University, have most instruction in Arabic.

An English-language education can enable scholars seeking to work in international settings or multinational firms. On the other hand, employment in governmental or local media would call for an Arabic-language study. Check the language prerequisites for every course, as some call for admission-only expertise exams.

Cost and Financial Aid

College tuition can vary considerably in Kuwait, especially between the public and private sectors. Public universities offer free or lower tuition fees to Kuwait citizens. Private colleges charge more irrespective of nationality. One has to take into consideration the total amount of tuition fees, books, transport, and accommodation when budgeting.

Finally, investigate types of financing aids, grants, or payment installment plans available. Some schools have merit-based scholarships or need-based scholarships that will reduce your financial burden significantly. Being aware of your financial alternatives and budgeting tuition fees will prevent you from encountering any unexpected financial problems during your studies.

Campus Life and Student Support Services

College life also includes socialization and personal growth in addition to studies. Visit the student facilities, cultural activities, sports clubs, and societies provided for the students.  Your college life can be supplemented by a vibrant campus life, which will also enable you to form a strong base of friends and future colleagues at work.

The students’ services are also essential. Quality universities provide health clinics, career guidance, academic advising, and counseling. These will be particularly useful to the first-year students embarking on college life or those students who require additional academic or emotional support.

Selecting a Kuwait university is a thoroughly researched choice that requires careful attention and dedication. Every detail in your selection is instrumental for your college experience. An informed decision will ensure a successful college life, whether you choose a public university or a private one.