Los Angeles MK News
Regarding the end to Shanghai MK’s cooperative partnership
We regret to inform you that due to problems including with license renewals, Shanghai MK’s partnership with Hertz China will be terminated at the end of this year.
Hertz-MK will continue operations as one section within Hertz.
Therefore, any reservations beginning January of next year will be handled by Hertz China.
Thank you very much for your patronage to MK hire service over the years.
We kindly ask that you utilize Hertz China for your reservations in the future.
WHEREVER YOU GO, TRUST THE HEART LOGO!
One of Japan’s most appointed taxi groups is now raising the standards of car service in Southern California! MK Group has been providing Japan’s major cities with esteemed driving for over 50 years, earning high acclaim and demand as one of the most courteous companies in the country today. Now as the first car service to branch abroad, Los Angeles MK invites you to experience the convenience and economics of taxies with the high quality of limousines―an affordable yet uncompromised transportation experience unlike any other!
A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE
Los Angeles is an incredible site not only for vacation and tourism, but also for business and venture. We ensure that every visitor experiences Los Angeles and the rest of Southern California in the most suitable way. We accommodate all types of travel near and far, whether you are going from the airport to your home or hotel, exploring local hot spots and tourist sites, shopping and dining, or attending events, conventions, and meetings on business.
We travel beyond our Los Angeles headquarters, through local districts such as Orange County, San Bernadino, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara, all the way to more remote destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Phoenix, Arizona. We service you with a broad range of clean vehicles as to better adjust to your needs. For those that are visiting California for the first time or are traveling from outside the United States, our highly skilled staff will assist you thoroughly and safely.
Coalition Against Insurance Fraud: Insurers from Mars, fraud bureaus Venus?
More common ground needed on reporting, acting on suspected scams
I just returned from the NAIC’s summer meeting. It included the antifraud task force meeting, attended mostly by directors of state insurance fraud bureaus. I also met with insurer SIU directors before the NAIC event.
I felt as if I’d entered a time warp. Discussions at both meetings reminded me of a breakout session I chaired at a Coalition summit more than a decade ago on the status of insurance fraud fighting. SIU directors and fraud bureau directors both attended.
The main discussion by insurers then was about the “black hole” of information sharing. Insurers said they send cases to fraud bureaus for investigation, and never hear a word back. The fraud bureaus contend insurers send them weak cases, or ones not well-vetted.
That’s what I heard last week as well. Insurers seemed at a loss about what happens to their cases they refer to fraud bureaus. And, several fraud bureaus grumbled about the lack of good referrals from insurers.
Insurers and fraud bureaus clearly need better dialogue so everyone fully understands each other’s needs.
One fraud bureau chief talked about how a few insurers in his state haven’t reported a suspected scam in years, even though reporting is mandatory. Are those insurers doing such a good job that nobody’s trying to scam them anymore? Doubt that.
Insurance-fraud laws broadly define the crime, though there’s no definition of suspected insurance fraud. Each insurer could have its own definition, which determines which and how many cases it sends to the fraud bureau.
Most insurers don’t report all suspected frauds. We understand that. Besides, fraud bureaus don’t have the staff to handle every case. But for an insurer to say it has no suspected frauds to report does a disservice to the larger fraud-fighting community and our common cause.
Fraud bureau directors and SIU leaders need to come together, develop a greater understanding and find more common ground so they can work jointly to combat fraud in the most efficient and effective ways possible.
We urge both sides to reach out to the other to make that happen.
Bacall Associates Travel - Best Things to Do in Singapore
Singapore is without any doubts the most developed, urbanized country in Asia, if not in the world. I have stayed there for 4 days, which appeared to be not enough to fully discover this unique country-city.
I had a lovely Russian couple showing me around. They live there, so they showed me the best spots to visit while in Singapore as well as how to save significant sums of money on sightseeing and restaurants in Singapore. Continue reading to know more.
Here you go, my TOP 9 things to do in Singapore:
- SUPER TREE SHOW
Super Tree Grove is just WOW, seriously! I cannot even describe it properly, but I felt like I stepped in a fairy tale, “Yulia in Wonderland” maybe.
The Garden Rhapsody is a show (more like something from outer space) that is held in Gardens by the Bay every evening. The futuristic looking trees/mushrooms are lighted up in different ways together with the music. Every detail is perfectly tuned to create an atmosphere that will give you a fantastic feeling of wonder and stimulate your mind.
I think EVERYBODY should see it; it really went beyond my expectation and imagination. It is my dream to take my parents there now!
I tried to capture the beauty and the atmosphere with my camera – did not work. You will have to come see it by yourself, sorry.
TIP: The show is twice a day, at 7 45 p.m. and 8 45 p.m. and takes around 10 minutes. Make sure to come a bit in advance, so that you take the coolest spot!
By the way, the outdoors shows are all free in Singapore, for example like the next one:
- WATER SHOW
Water show Singapore
We always missed this one for various reasons, but when we finally reached it, it was definitely worth it!
Singing fountains with projections on it, bubbles everywhere and this amazing atmosphere of a holiday everyday – don’t miss it while in Singapore!
The earliest one starts at 8 p.m. at Marina Bay Sands, the best view point is just near the Louis Vuitton boutique.
- THE CLOUD FOREST
Cloud forest Singapore
Ever wondered how concrete jungles might look like?
Singaporeans have created a whole new concept out there with planted walls, artificial waterfalls – something’s absolutely surreal! You can learn a lot about rare plants, take some great pictures, enjoy a magnificent view from to the Marina Bay Sands and just walk around this mysterious world built by man.
The entrance prices are here:
Is it worth it to go to the Flower Dome? My friends told me “Not really”, so I skipped it.
TIP1: Make sure to have at least 1, 5 hours of your spare time, and bring a jacket, as it is quite chilly and moist inside the conservation area.
The prices are below. Note, that if you are a student, do not forget to take your student ID with you – the entrance fee will be just 1$ instead of 5 $ for you.
TIP2: Try to visit in the morning when it is not too hot.
Gardens by the bay price
TIP3: If you want to visit the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome with a private transfer, get this tour, it is a very good deal!
- BOTANIC GARDENS
Orchid Park Singapore
I love parks and I that includes botanical gardens. I think I went to one almost in each country I visited! The one in Singapore is such a beautiful park. You can wonder it’s alleys and get lost. It feels modern, fresh and ordered. Then, out of nowhere you can just wake up with a huge water monitor lizard in front of you.
The entrance to the Botanic garden is free of charge, but I also do recommend visiting National Orchid Garden. Unless you are some kind of Orchid expert you will discover a zillion new types of orchids which offer a sweet synthesis of visual beauty and matching fragrance.
Various types of orchids are presented, many colors around, great photo opportunities, we took hundreds of beautiful pictures! Go there!
It is inside the Botanic garden, but has a separate entrance.
- SINGAPORE ZOO
Singapore zoo entrance
The zoo in Singapore is one of the top attractions. There are 4 options to choose from.
I went to a classic one, but I’ve heard the night safari is also pretty cool! Different shows at each time are held, you will not get bored during the whole day. I recommend visiting the zoo if you are traveling with kids, or if you have more than 3 days to see the city.
TIP: Unless you are with kids, I don’t think there is any point of taking a train inside the Zoo. The queue is always long, and the distances are not that huge.
If you would like to save some money on tickets, try to buy them in advance (at least a week). Plenty of Group on promotions are available and will save you at least 25%, which is quite significant if you go with the whole family.
The benefits of investing in commercial property by Bacall Development
Safety is the main reason why some people invest in commercial property since it's the main interest of many. Based on recent reviews, commercial property will still perform for you even if the economy slows down, unlike in residential property. And when the economy is strong, commercial property increases its value and gives you a stable income.
But if you're still in doubt or just planning to start out in this venture, Bacall Development explains the benefits you can gain from investing in commercial property through the following paragraphs to help you make up your mind. The firm is a full-service commercial real estate company that has been involved in this field for decades.
Strong returns are not a surprise to some when it comes to commercial property. You can gain both income and capital growth in a commercial property since it provides strong and reliable returns. However, making a quick gain shouldn't be your only objective because this endeavor requires great effort and patience. You should take advantage of a growing investment over time where you can get a return consistently above inflation.
Aside from higher returns, commercial property is oftentimes more secure - a crucial point to others that can result in a steady income. Leasing commercial real estate usually ranges from three to ten years as opposed to short-term leases of residential properties.
Because of the mentioned benefits above, reviews state that the risk is lesser if you invest in commercial property than in residential property or the stock market. This data is based on overall analysis of both properties.
According to Bacall Development and its associates, commercial property can catch the attention of different sectors in the economy. Because of the dependence of retail property on consumer spending trends, it has the highest direct relationship to the economy, along with industrial properties. Office buildings are most likely to perform depending on long-term supply and demand. Exposure to various sectors can deliver great benefits to you and to avoid fraud as well.
Acquiring tax benefits is imaginable with a commercial property. Most commercial properties attract handy building allowances as well as depreciation allowances on plant equipment within the building.
Protection against inflation is also one of the benefits of investing in commercial property. Reviews reveal that commercial property has been considered as a good protection against inflation over the years. It has a good record of outpacing inflation over a long period of time.
Investment control? Yes, it's possible. You have a significant level of control over your investment in case you're an owner of a direct property. You have control on various areas such as change of use for the property, disposal, redevelopment, renovations, the terms of the lease, the type of tenant, and upgrading.
Furthermore, you have the ability to add value in a commercial property investment through improvement of the appearance, renovation, lease restructure, subdivision or enlargement, and upgrade. You can further leverage your commercial investments as you improve the property and it grows in value. By borrowing more against your improved equity, you can quickly be in a position to control a sizeable portfolio of properties.
However, Bacall Development needs you to know that there are still disadvantages in owning commercial properties. What are mentioned above could be the total opposite to others based on their individual experience. The firm suggests that you must choose the right commercial property to have a strong capital growth and gain a great rental return. You must know what makes a good commercial property.
What We Do at Hill & Associates Ltd Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia
Hill & Associates has been operating for more than 20 years, with offices in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
We help our clients operate without disruption in some of the world’s most challenging markets.
Operating in a volatile business environment means challenges can spring up without warning. Deep local knowledge allows us to react swiftly and effectively, no matter where, how or why the crisis has arisen.
We have helped our clients:
- Carry out a series of threat, vulnerability and risk assessments across a portfolio of hotels
- Design and train crisis management plans for relevant business risks covering information or cyber security, fires, floods, medical emergencies, earthquakes, civil unrest and bomb/terror threats
- Manage security and logistics for a corporate event with thousands of attendees
- Protect personnel during periods of transition, downsizing and restructuring
- Assess locations and evaluate facilities’ access points, perimeter and environment
- Provide comprehensive crisis planning, training and including risk assessments for many international schools across Asia
Fraud Prevention & Integrity Risk Management
Corporations are facing increasing pressure from consumers to operate responsibly. Competitive advantage goes to those companies that adopt controls to remove and prevent fraud and corruption, meet compliance standards and enforce accountability and transparency.
We have helped our clients:
- Discover fraud and theft in a complex supply chain and distribution network
- Conduct a multi-tier counterfeit investigation, employing undercover monitoring and engaging local authorities to obtain search warrants and assist in enforcement
- Apply legal, human resources and operational expertise to resolve a conflict of interest at a multinational manufacturing company, securing all parties and company property during the transition
- Investigate and identify an employee kickback scheme, collusion case and shadow retail network
- Protect their intellectual property, brand and reputation
Corporate Intelligence
Information is the ultimate lever in deal-making. Our team serves as a trusted adviser, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to come out on top and minimize adverse surprises.
We have helped our clients:
- Carry out background and integrity checks for KYC and client onboarding purposes
- Provide bespoke pre-employment screening for C-suite level hires
- Perform due diligence to assess the validity of an investment thesis for private equity and hedge fund organizations
- Evaluate the risk associated with recovering outstanding loans at a bank
- Provide litigation support for those clients seeking to recover value
- Develop intelligence for the purposes of market entry
READ: Our Capabilities
Hill & Associates, Security Risk Management: Who We Are?
Our Story
Hill & Associates has been operating for more than 20 years, with offices in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
We are owned by G4S plc, the world’s largest private security company, but operate completely independently. Our management, legal and information technology structures are protected by inter-company agreements to protect confidential client information.
Our strength is the breadth of our Asia-based team and depth of local knowledge. Our staff of more than 150 includes experts from around the world in fields ranging from law, accounting and banking to military, intelligence and computer forensics. All adhere to strict ethical and internal codes of conduct. Discretion, effectiveness and professionalism make our team – individually and as a unit – your trusted adviser.
Meet some of our team members.
Neil Marshall
Managing Director
Neil has more than 30 years of experience in security and business risk consulting across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He helps corporate clients manage internal fraud matters, labor and commercial relationships, and crisis and contingency management issues, working with stakeholders and senior management to create solutions that are logical, ethical and economically sound. Clients include top-tier Fortune 500 organizations during times of exponential growth into new markets and operations.
Mike Groves
Security Risk Management
Prior to joining Hill & Associates, Mike completed a 28-year career in the Hong Kong Police Force, rising to directorate rank. During his service, Mike commanded the VIP Protection and Tactical Units, and oversaw operations at events including the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997 and meetings of the World Bank, IMF and WTO. Mike works with clients to pre-empt and address issues that impinge on business operations and reputation risk.
John Bruce
Corporate Intelligence
John Bruce runs our Corporate Intelligence service line, which encompasses business intelligence and integrity and background checks. In addition to this, he has specific responsibility for gaming related due diligence, having become involved in the gaming industry due to the burgeoning expansion in worldwide gaming that took place alongside the expansion of the worldwide web. He has considerable experience in providing independent consulting services to companies in the gaming industry on the nature of the industry in Asia.
Adelene Wee
Fraud Prevention & Integrity Risk
Adelene has worked throughout Asia and has extensive experience in the practicalities of doing business – both local and cross-border. She is responsible for managing and conducting client engagements focused on the areas of fraud, bribery and corruption, ethics, corporate governance and integrity and compliance matters. Prior to joining Hill & Associates, Adelene worked in tax and legal services in a Big Four firm and in corporate and commercial law at several international firms.
How to Avoid Holiday Booking Online scams by Bacall Associates
As the UK hits the busiest time of the year for holiday bookings, experts are warning consumers about the dangers of fraudulent travel company websites and other holiday scams. Abta, the Travel Association, has produced a list of warning signs for consumers to look out for, to help reduce the risk of falling foul of bogus sites.
If a website you are looking at has a combination of the following signs, it may be an indication that it’s not to be trusted …
- Flight or holiday prices that are considerably cheaper than competitors. Flight prices are largely set by airlines, so although agents have some leeway in price, if the agent you’re contacting is charging significantly less than everyone else, this could be a sign that something is not quite right.
- The average loss to the individual was £889, while one person lost £62,000 in a timeshare fraud
- Low resolution, “fuzzy” logos for trade associations and credit card companies.
- The only payment option is a bank transfer. Not only is this an indication that no bank is prepared to provide credit card facilities, but if you are dealing with a scammer it will be virtually impossible to get your money back.
- Non-receipt of tickets – constantly being “fobbed off”.
Abta also advise consumers to do an online search before booking to check the profile of the company. If the company has been defrauding people, or has a bad reputation, there is a good chance consumers will have posted details or warnings about the company. Other advice offered to stay safe when booking online is to:
Check the web address is legitimate and has not been altered by slight changes to a domain name, such as going from .co.uk to .org. You can also check the details of the domain name of the website at who.is – when was it registered? Recently could indicate an issue, while if the address is anonymous and information about the person or organisation that registered it cannot be viewed that could also be a warning sign.
- Check whether the company is a member of a recognised trade body such as Abta or Atol. You can verify membership of Abta online at abta.com.
- Check the paperwork – you should study receipts, invoices and terms and conditions, and be wary of companies that don’t provide any.
- Use your instincts; if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Holiday fraud led to an estimated £7m being stolen from consumers in 2014, according to a report released by the City of London Police National Fraud Intelligence Bureau in April, with £2.2m lost to online scams. The average loss to the individual was £889, while one individual lost £62,000 in a fraud relating to timeshare.
The report also detailed the emotional toll for victims: one third said the fraud had a substantial impact on their health as well as their financial well-being, while 167 were affected so badly they had to receive medical treatment.
According to the report, the most common types of fraud related to holiday accommodation, in which fraudsters set up fake websites and posted fake ads online, as well as fake airline bookings and bookings related to high-profile sport and religious trips, such as the World Cup or Hajj.
Stuart Fuller, director of commercial operations at online brand protection company NetNames, said professional-looking websites can be set up easily, using rudimentary coding skills. Fraudsters can also leave fake online reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor to help exploit the trust of consumers.
“Unfortunately, often victims do not discover they have been duped until arriving at the airport or hotel only to find there is no booking,” he said.
John de Vial, head of financial protection at ABTA said: “Our consumer helpline has seen an increase in calls from members of the public who are either checking the validity of a suspicious website or, worse, have already paid by bank transfer and then been fobbed off when trying to get hold of their tickets. We want to make consumers aware of this problem and stop them from being ripped off in this way.”
