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Want to Inspire Your Students to Make the Grade? Surprise Them with a Yowie!

NEW YORK, NY, Jan 19, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Teachers, are you looking for a way to welcome your class to an excellent new school year? Let Yowie help! The delicious, surprise-inside chocolate is the perfect way to start the new school year off right! Yowie World is looking to reward six lucky classes with 3 free boxes of Yowie! To enter the contest, just fill out your contact information at https://yowieworld.com/teacher-competition/. The winner will be drawn on February 16, 2023.Yowie Surprise-Inside Chocolate is made with 100% milk chocolate, sustainably sourced and Rainforest Alliance Certified and contains no GMOs or nuts - making it the perfect treat for the whole class! Yowie can be found at Coles supermarkets nationally, as well as IGA, Woolworths, Big W, The Reject Shop, and Kmart. Find Yowie near you at https://yowieworld.com/collect/#wheretobuy.The best part? When you use Yowie in the classroom, a teacher's science lesson for the day has a hands-on component. Each Yowie chocolate treat contains a life-like endangered animal collectible and comes with an informational leaflet inside, full of interesting facts about the hand-painted collectible. A treat and a science lesson in one! Plus, if you visit YowieWorld.com/Activities you'll find an impressive hub of teacher-approved activities that are perfect for new semester fun!Who are the Yowie? They include six characters: Rumble, Boof, Squish, Nap, Ditty and Crag. Each Yowie is responsible for protecting a different animal habitat and are friends with all the animals who live there. The Yowie are ALWAYS ready to jump into action to come to the defense of wild animals and the habitats they protect. Learn all about the Yowie at YowieWorld.com.Explore more of the wonderful world of Yowie on Facebook, or look for @YowieWorld on Instagram. You can also find easy, interactive, and educational craft projects and games on Yowie's YouTube channel and on Pinterest.About YowieYowie is best known for its flagship product, the Yowie surprise-inside chocolate. Each Yowie product is created in the shape of the Yowie characters and contains limited-edition collectible animal toys and a full-color leaflet featuring a picture of the real-life animal, its profile and level of endangerment. Yowie's social media channels and website allow collectors to learn more about the animals and their world while having loads of fun through games and competitions. The combination of tasty, clean-label treats, fun animal toys and a digital platform encourages kids to learn about the natural world and understand its need for protection. For more information visit www.yowieworld.com.Contact:Devin Mainvilledevin@kmkmedia.com(779) 221-3764SOURCE: Yowie Group Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Pertamina striving to decarbonize business to tackle climate change

JAKARTA, Nov 13, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Pertamina is making efforts to decarbonize its business and develop green businesses to support global climate change mitigation and the achievement of Indonesia's 2060 net-zero emissions target.(ANTARA News Sumsel/Nova Wahyudi/dol)"We have two main ways for dealing with climate change; first, we have to decarbonize our carbon assets and business," Senior Vice President of Strategy and Investment at Pertamina Daniel S. Purba said.He made the statement during a discussion at the Indonesian Pavilion on the sidelines of COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Friday (November 11, 2022).To decarbonize its business, Pertamina has started to change its business portfolio by promoting low-carbon energy as well as new and renewable energy at its existing businesses and operations, Purba informed."Since it is still economically expensive to introduce the use of renewable energy, the market is not really ready for it. However, for Pertamina, we have started with our own businesses. We can't wait for the market to be ready immediately, but we have started with our own operations," he said.The company's second climate change mitigation effort involves developing new businesses related to green energy with a number of targets set for biofuels; hydrogen; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; renewable energy; batteries and electric vehicles; and also the carbon business.Thus, the company's revenue will continue to flow even though the carbon business will be reduced and the company has started to decarbonize its business, Daniel explained.To fulfill its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060, Pertamina will slash its carbon emissions by almost 30 million tons by 2030 and reduce around 30-40 million tons of carbon per year by 2060. For that, the company needs to start taking carbon reduction measures from now onward.In fact, in the period from 2010 to 2021, Pertamina has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29.09 percent."Those two main ways that we have in our road map for climate change mitigation for years to come are by implementing some well-prepared, detailed, and clear programs and strong initiatives in our business groups. So, we are not only dealing with our current carbon business, but also starting to deal with new and renewable energy businesses," Purba said.He further said that the asset decarbonization road map is being implemented by Pertamina in each of its business lines, starting from upstream, refineries and petrochemicals, oil, commercial and trade, gas production, integrated marine logistics, and new renewable energy-based power plants."There are hundreds of programs behind this road map scheme, and each of our business group entities has committed to applying it," he added.To ensure that the decarbonization commitment runs in every line of its business, Pertamina has included the commitment target in the key performance indicators of each business entity."So, if you don't reach the target, it will have an impact on your income. This is to ensure that all parties work very hard and are committed to achieving the target," Purba said.Apart from the oil and gas business, Pertamina is also developing the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia by not only producing batteries, but also dealing with all supply chain businesses in the electric vehicle ecosystem.Contact: Brahmantya Satyamurti Poerwadi, Corporate Secretary, PT Pertamina (Persero)Email: pcc135@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.comWritten by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Rahmad Nasution (c) ANTARA 2022 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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The Iron Women of Western China

Beijing, China, July 19, 2022 - (SEAPRWire) - "I think I'm thoroughly a feminist," said Aya, who happened to see the news of the abolition of the Abortion Law in the United States while traveling through the bustling crowds in the ancient city of Kashgar "Women, wherever they are, should have equal rights with men." Although she comes from a traditional Muslim family in Africa, Aya seems to be gradually "awakening", finding ways to nurture the impulse to struggle against a male dominated world. Her first "struggle" was in 2018, when she attended Zhejiang Normal University, thousands of miles away from home, to study Chinese, despite her father's strong opposition. The second "struggle" was to participate in the school-organized field trip to learn about life in China's less developed areas. Her mother was frightened when she learned that her daughter was going to Xinjiang, because she had heard a lot of negative information about the region, "You will be arrested", her mother cried and begged Aya to cancel the trip. She understood her mother's concerns, but she still chose to attend the field trip if only to discover those ordinary women in rural Chin who were also "fighting" against a male dominated society. In the Performance Hall of the Xinjiang Art Theater in Urumqi, Aya met Guli, who, wearing traditional Uyghur dance clothes, performed the Dance of the Twelve Muqams. Guli loves to dance and practices in the palace-like building everyday. Guli says that dancing in the elegant theatre makers her feel like a princess and she longs to be on stage forever. At 28 years old, Guli is in the prime of her career. However, her parents and husband constantly urge her to have children as soon as possible. Stressed deeply by these expectations, she is constantly balancing her beloved career and family. In the end, she reached a compromise with her husband. "I will continue dancing for three years, devote these precious years to my career. After that, I will look to start a family with my husband," Guli told her classmates. "I am working hard to practice Chinese. In the future, I plan to move to Shanghai to open a workshop and teach children to dance. I can make money and continue my love of dancing!" Wearing a white headscarf and a traditional skirt, Aparhan sat at the door of her old house in the ancient city of Kashgar. Against the backdrop of the sunset, she herself seemed to become interwoven with the well-preserved traditional style buildings, some more than a thousand years old. Looking at the tourists passing by from time to time, Aparhan's mind is conflicted. She doesn't like seeing young girls wearing modern skirts, nor their makeup and strange hairstyles. She pleads with her granddaughters, "This is not our tradition", but in vain. Her granddaughters like to show off their beauty. Economic development has not only greatly improved her material life, but also brought its share of troubles. Secularism made a huge impact on the traditional moral order. Aparhan sometimes feels powerless to struggle against it. Meeting Pattiman was a story filled with romance, remembers Aya. At night, Kashgar sees a barrage of vendors flooding the streets, loudly soliciting their business. Except that people were wearing masks, no other effects of the pandemic could be felt, let alone the so-called security problems. Aya felt her mother's worries were overblown. Nazar, a male classmate of hers from Turkmenistan, tall and handsome, attracted significant attention from the passersby. Locals were asking for group photos, and Pattiman was by far the boldest one. She was pretty, with long flowing hair. She stopped Nazar and invited him to drink juice in a nearby bar. The hearts of the handsome boy and the beautiful girl from two different countries collided. They communicated freely and warmly in both Chinese and English, discussing everything, from their majors to their favorite movies. Nazar boldly invited Pattiman to go to Turkmenistan for a visit. Pattiman said, "I used to study at Tianjin University. Because of my father's request, I had to return to my hometown to work after graduation. But now I regret my decision, as the outside world is so exciting. I'd love to go and find you in your country." Around the world, modern women are facing constraints and pressures from society, family and tradition. Some are compromising, some are struggling, and some are practicing the long art of reform. In Aya's view, the women she met while traveling were lucky. They had a fierce independent streak to their personalities and were self-confident despite the rapid development of society around them. They freely displayed their feminine side and expressed their likes and dislikes, freely choosing to accept or reject what they please. Despite each of their individual hardships, they held and status and respect in each of their respective "struggles". The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( https://www.seaprwire.com/ ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Hong Kong: AsiaExcite, EastMud; AsiaEase; Singapore: SEAChronicle, VOASG; NetDace; Thailand: SEAsiabiz, AccessTH; Indonesia: SEATribune, DailyBerita; Philippines: SEATickers, PHNotes; Malaysia: SEANewswire, KULPR; Vietnam: SEANewsDesk, PostVN)

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Denxpro Announces the Algorithm for GLDX TOKEN

Newark, NJ / November 5, 2021 / SEAPRWire / – GLDX TOKEN, develped by Denxpro software LLC, recently announced its unique and promising algorithm. Is 116 USDT possible with GLDX TOKEN? In simple terms, GLDX TOKEN can reach 116 USDT by completing 88 splits from 1.1 USDT in a very short time with a reciprocal trading volume of around 9 million. At the time this article is written, GLDX Token is purchased and sold on Probit Global exchange from 0.20 USDT. The platform aims to accelerate global promotion efforts starting from November and help users to generate income by completing the targeted halving until the end of the year. Denxpro, a US-based investment company that supports different currencies and stake transactions is accelerating GLDX sales which is its first token. 33 million GLDX tokens are created but the number of tokens in circulation is limited with 4 million. 4 million circulations in the global crypto market with such high volumes will easily help achieve the target fund average with fast reactions and the values of the funds that GLDX average price is linked to have reached 116 USDT value in the time this article was written. GLDX is a rapidly growing 3-billion-dollar asset saving company with a global customer network that offers digital asset saving services to more than 15 million users who can do transactions in stock, commodity and cryptocurrency markets. The target is 300 million dollars with the GLDX tokens on sale: The token sales will accelerate in November 2021. It is stated that each token will be priced with 1 USD initial price. Various discount opportunities during sales are also expressed. GLDX sets its eyes on otc (over-the-counter) and mining markets: The cryptocurrency exchange aims to offer services in stake, OTC (over-the-counter) and mining to both expand the platform and liquidity range. Thus, the exchange wants to increase the number of users and increase its total income. The exchange highlights that the collected funds will be used for this purpose. The current income model of the GLDX Token focuses on transactions on the platform and the stake income. According to the White Paper, 30% of revenue from OTC, stake and mining transactions since the start of the quarter is expressed. Instead of an algorithm that increases with increasing demand and decreases with an increasing supply like the other tokens, GLDX Token is based on an algorithm that increased with both sales and purchase volume based on the traditional assets in line with the sales and purchases of GLDX token to ensure circulation. The platform allocates 30% of the revenue stream to the liquidity pool every month. Thus, the platform can offer the buyback of the GLDX tokens from market price when there is supply halving. The sales platform will ensure mobility with accounts that offer stake income during limited tokens (bear season) zero commission and token incentives with additional discounts other than the buyback system. GLDX TOKEN is created based on the algorithms of various asset funds to prevent manipulative movements when the base price is created. The mechanism that these funds created with certain ratios to instantly work with transaction prices on the global markets is considered as the key element in pricing and this system acts as a jetty against huge price fluctuations. GLDX TOKEN The base price for each Gldx Token starts by dividing it to a 1.1 USDT ratio, which is the initial price over the commodity averages in which the existing investment funds are invested. EXAMPLE: Fund1 + Fund2 + Fund3 = 96.8 USDT / 88 = 1.1 USDT The algorithm starts to work with a 1.1 USDT price. It is divided from the initial divide to 1 (88 ~ 1) with each 200K (purchase+sales) volume and the value increase continues until the funds reach to 1:1 equation. About Denxpro software LLC Denxpro software LLC, which started working in the software field for various blockchain projects since 2013, was incorporated in 2019 and started to provide secure storage of crypto assets in the state of Delaware, and as of 2020, it started working on its own crypto assets. Gldx token with its own developed algorithm was offered to crypto users in 2021. With its algorithm, it aims to successfully complete the divisions in the first quarter of 2022. Social Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldexcoin Twitter: https://twitter.com/goldexofficial Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/goldexcointr Telegram: https://t.me/goldexenglish Media Contacts: Company: Denxpro software LLC Contact: Ahmet Osta E-mail: info@gldxtoken.com Website: gldxtoken.com SOURCE: Denxpro The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( www.seaprwire.com ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines & Hong Kong )

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Covid-19 self-test kits: How do they differ?

SINGAPORE - Antigen rapid test (ART) kits for use at home have been flying off the shelves as self-testing ourselves for Covid-19 becomes a regular part of people's lives at work, school and home. The Straits Times checks out the various kits out there to find out how easy each of them are to use. The kits cost between $8 and $13 apiece, with a lower per-kit price for larger packs. Abbott PanBio Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test ST PHOTO: HILLARY TAN Wait time for results: 15 minutes Number of rotations in each nostril: Five Available at: Most major pharmacies The biggest difference with this kit is that the buffer solution comes in a separate container, and must be transferred into a dropper tube before use. The instructions also specify that the swab stick must be broken at the break line and left inside the tube before sealing and dripping the solution onto the test device. Our review: The Abbott PanBio test is great for home use. The separate packaging for the buffer liquid keeps things very hygienic, and the steps are clear and easy to follow. However, the packaging is stiff and not the easiest to use. I find the process more finicky and messier, which could make them more challenging for younger children and those with limited mobility to use. Quidel QuickVue At-Home OTC Covid-19 Test ST PHOTO: HILLARY TAN Wait time for results: 10 minutes Number of rotations in each nostril: At least four Available at: Most major pharmacies After swabbing, the user is required to leave the swab stick in the solution for a minute. Unlike other kits on the market, this one does not require the user to drip the solution onto a test device; instead the device is put into the solution. The results are also read differently. While most kits reflect a positive result by having two visible pink lines, this one displays a pink line close to the blue control line to indicate a positive result. This kit is also the fastest in producing the result, at just 10 minutes. Our Review: This was my favourite kit. I preferred inserting the test device into a bottle to having to drip the sample onto a test device, as it reduces margin of error, and I am less likely to create a mess. Plus, a result displayed with two differently coloured lines is less ambiguous, and easier to explain to children and the elderly. One gripe? I do wish the test strip was less flimsy. SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal ST PHOTO: HILLARY TAN Wait time for results: 15 minutes Number of rotations in each nostril: Four Available at: Selected pharmacies The kits by SD Biosensor are the most compact. They include a desiccant package within the same pouch. If its beads are yellow, the kit is usable, but green beads indicate that the test is no longer valid. Our Review: Having the desiccant package gave me peace of mind, knowing for sure that the test kit was valid. The kit was simple to use and instructions were clear. Most importantly, this kit only required four rotations in each nostril, keeping the process quick and reducing the discomfort. SD Biosensor Standard Q Covid-19 Ag Home Test ST PHOTO: HILLARY TAN Wait time for results: 15 minutes Number of rotations in each nostril: 10 Available at: Most major pharmacies This kit also includes the desiccant package within the same pouch as the test device to reflect if the kit is valid for use. Out of all the kits we tested, this one required the most number of rotations in each nostril. Our Review: This kit was the easiest to acquire, and was easy to use. However, given that most of the other kits only required four or five rotations per nostril, I found this one, which requires 10, to be slightly more uncomfortable. BD Kit for Rapid Detection of Sars-CoV-2 ST PHOTO: HILLARY TAN Wait time for results: 15 minutes Number of rotations in each nostril: Five Availability: Given out in schools; currently not available over the counter The packaging is the most integrated and easiest to keep organised, with the dropper nozzle already attached on the side of the sample collection tube. Instructions are in the four major languages: English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese. The main difference in the testing process for this kit is that the swab must be left in each nostril for an extra five seconds, on top of the five rotations. BD has an identical test kit, packaged differently for retail, on The Health Sciences Authority's (HSA) list. The BD Veritor At-Home Covid-19 Test, however, is currently not circulated in Singapore. Our Review: I thought this kit was the most portable and easy to keep organised . The attached dropper cap prevented me from losing parts of the kit and the larger test device felt sturdier than the others. That said, I did not enjoy having to keep the swab in my nostril for an additional five seconds after rotating it - it made my eyes water a bit more than with the other kits. More on this topic   Related Story What you need to do if you test positive for Covid-19 using ART kit and have no symptoms   Related Story What should I do if I get Covid-19 but MOH has not called me? After trying all the kits approved for use in Singapore, I would definitely use any of them again, and will do so regularly to ensure my health and safety. Overall, they were generally very similar, and all were fairly easy to use. Should you test positive or invalid on an ART test twice, take a photograph of your test results with your identification document in the same photo. You can then dispose of the test kit. Call your nearest Swab and Send Home (Sash) clinic to make an appointment for a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and bring this photo along. Do not take public transport there or back. For more information, visit the Ministry of Health's FAQ page.   Related Stories:  Related Story Testing positive for Covid-19: Where do you seek help and what kind of treatment do you need? Related Story Chinese city Harbin orders spas, mahjong salons to shut after Covid-19 case confirmed Related Story Thailand okays injecting Covid-19 vaccine under skin instead of in muscle to stretch supplies Related Story Bats in Laos caves found to carry coronaviruses that share key feature with Sars-CoV-2 Related Story Thousands of Covid-like infections show risk of next pandemic: Study Related Story Governments face tough call on risky reopenings as Covid-19 persists Related Story Let us buy Covid-19 vaccines, pleads Africa Related Story When Covid-19 stole their sense of smell, these experts lost their careers Related Story Britain and neighbours set out paths for coping with Covid-19 Related Story 'My saviour': Hanoi's tiny balconies a refuge in Covid-19 lockdown

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Former LTA deputy group director jailed 5½ years for $1.24 million graft case

SINGAPORE - A former Land Transport Authority (LTA) deputy group director was on Thursday (Sept 2) sentenced to 5½ years' jail for taking about $1.24 million in bribes in the form of loans from contractors and sub-contractors. Henry Foo Yung Thye, 47, who chalked up debts from his gambling addiction, was also ordered to pay a penalty of $1,156,260. He had earlier pleaded guilty to seven counts of corruption. Another 29 charges, including cheating offences, were taken into consideration for sentencing. District judge Jennifer Marie said during sentencing that Foo had persistently asked contractors and sub-contractors for loans, and the bribes involved in the proceeded charges are more than $100,000 for each offence. The judge added that his gambling disorder has limited mitigating weight as he had others ways of settling his debt. Foo's offences came to light in October 2018, when the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau received an anonymous complaint that Foo had been soliciting loans from LTA subcontractors. For corruption, Foo could have been fined up to $100,000 and jailed for up to five years for each offence. If the offence is related to a matter or contract with the Government or a public body, the maximum jail term for each offence can be increased to seven years. More on this topic   Related Story 8 months' jail for 2 men who bribed LTA director   Related Story Ex-PUB officer charged with accepting around $45,000 in bribes and falsifying invoices

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Paralympics: Tee ready to make Games debut after ‘roller-coaster ride’ to Tokyo

SINGAPORE – There was no warning before the crash that sent Steve Tee and his tandem para-cycling partner Ang Kee Meng skidding across the pine floor at the Jincheon National Training Centre Velodrome, leaving them with skid burns and bruises.  Racing in the 2019 Para Asian Track Championships’ qualifying round in South Korea, the Singaporean duo were suddenly hit by a mechanical failure in their first lap which sent them tumbling.  While Ang had a split second to process that something had gone wrong, Tee, who is visually impaired, only realised what had happened when they hit the ground. It was their third crash in less than two months in a journey to the Tokyo Paralympics that Tee, 40, has called a “roller-coaster ride”.  While the scars from that accident have healed, the lessons learnt from the many setbacks he and his able-bodied partner have suffered in their four-year road to their Tokyo debut will endure.  Speaking to The Straits Times in a phone interview from Wales, where the pair were training, Tee said: “Our journey has been a roller-coaster ride and there have been two things that have made it unforgettable.  “The first was the crash in 2019. We were all bruised, injured, lying on the ground, but just when we thought everything was over, the organisers came over to ask if we could continue. We endured the pain and came back from behind to win the bronze. We bounced back from a setback.” The second memorable event came in August last year, when his dream of taking part in the Paralympics hung in the balance after he suffered a slipped disc. Ahead of his microdiscectomy surgery, his doctor and physiotherapist told him that he might not return to his previous form. But three months later, Tee was back training and working towards the goals he had set for the Paralympics: to break his 4min 47.414sec personal best in the 4,000m event and place top three in Asia. Just five years ago, Tee would not have imagined that he would be cycling outdoors again. Once an avid footballer and cyclist, he was crushed when he was in 2004 diagnosed with retinitis pigmentos, a genetic disorder that causes vision loss over time. But he went on to captain Singapore’s five-a-side visually impaired football team at the 2015 Asean Para Games and continued cycling on stationary bikes. In 2016, he got back into the saddle when a friend asked if he wanted to try tandem cycling as Para Cycling Federation of Singapore president Christian Stauffer was looking to form a team. Stauffer eventually roped in his friend Ang, a former national cyclist, to pair up with Tee for his first outdoor ride at Seletar in 2017.  What was a casual ride to get Tee and Ang familiar with tandem cycling turned into a ride of freedom, and nostalgia, for the former.  He said: “Other than the sense of freedom and thrill of speed on the bike, tandem cycling is unique because disability and ability come together and cycle together to compete as a team – it brings out the inclusiveness.” The two strangers have now forged a bond akin to that of brothers, said Ang.  Along the way, they have travelled to many places to train and compete, including Malaysia where they won a bronze medal in the 24.6km individual time trial at the 2017 Asean Para Games and Newport, Wales, where they had their final training camp before they travelled to Tokyo on Tuesday (Aug 17). Both have made sacrifices to chase this Paralympics dream, leaving their respective full-time jobs in June 2019 so that they could focus on training for the competition. They had qualified in 2018 after placing among the top six Asian pairs in the international cycling federation’s para-cycling male and female nations ranking list. Tee said: “As time went by, we went for more competitions, races, interacted with each other more, so we understand each other more. He understands the lifestyle of a visually impaired person, how to guide a visually impaired person and along the way, he’s given me lots of valuable advice.” Ang added: “We need to understand each other at a deeper level like how each other is feeling and coping with the training and life because it affects the training. “It’s been a meaningful journey to know someone at such a deep level after four years. We’re not just buddies on the bike, we do care about each other and what’s going on in each other’s lives.”

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Olympics: Team Singapore ready for battle in Tokyo

TOKYO - Quah siblings Ting Wen and Zheng Wen may be veterans of two Olympics each but the Tokyo Games are nothing like what they have experienced. At every corner of the Olympic Village, home for the next 10 days, lies a reminder that they are competing in a time of Covid-19. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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8 Britons who breached Covid-19 measures on yacht off Lazarus Island fined $3,000 each

SINGAPORE - Eight Britons who flouted Covid-19 rules when they took part in an unlawful gathering on a pleasure craft on Dec 26 last year were each fined $3,000 on Thursday (May 20). Annabelle Morgan Duke, 26, Philip Edward Knatchbull Holmes, 27, Mark Alexander Bellamy, 27, Amy Georgina Hunt, 30, Thomas Cuthbert Williams-Jones, 30, Oliver Francis William Campbell, 31, Benjamin David Waters, 32, and Amy Alexandra Stewart, 32, were part of a group of 10 people who had boarded the craft on Boxing Day. The group had intermingled without masks at a time when social gatherings were limited to five people. The eight Britons pleaded guilty to an offence under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures Act) on Thursday. Earlier in March, Briton Amy Grace Ropner, 28, and Singapore permanent resident Mark Lau San Mao, 30, were also each fined $3,000 for the same offence. Ropner has since been banned from working in Singapore and the validity of Lau's re-entry permit will be shortened upon his next renewal. The court heard that the pleasure craft named Advant was owned and operated by a company called Beyond Luxury. It could be chartered for excursions through a booking agent. Hunt had contacted one such agent, Marine Bookings, last October to charter a yacht for 10 people on Boxing Day. Around 11am on Dec 26 last year, the 10 offenders met the yacht's two crew members at the Cove Avenue marina on Sentosa. Before departing, the master of the yacht gave them a pre-departure briefing. They were told to keep to two groups of five, one at the front and one at the back of the yacht. They were also reminded not to mix between groups, to wear a mask when not in the water or eating or drinking, and to comply with safe management measures on board the yacht. The yacht was in waters off Lazarus Island when onlookers spotted the group. Pictures and videos of the gathering were later posted on social media. They showed a group of merrymakers dancing and intermingling without masks. Those found guilty of breaching a Covid-19 regulation can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic   Related Story Yacht's licence suspended after group filmed partying near Lazarus Island on Boxing Day   Related Story Briton in unlawful gathering on yacht near Lazarus Island banned from working in S'pore

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Golf: Stricker grabs share of PGA lead in Phoenix

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - US Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker fired a five-under par 66 at TPC Scottsdale on Friday (Feb 5) to put himself in position to chase Sam Snead's record for oldest US PGA Tour winner at the Phoenix Open this weekend. Stricker, who turns 54 on Feb 23, shared the clubhouse lead midway through the second round with Keegan Bradley, who carded a 65 to join Stricker on 11-under 131. Stricker is chasing his 12th tour title, but his first since Kapalua in 2012. If he can end the drought, he would supplant Snead, who was 52 years and 10 months old when he won his tour-record 82nd title at the 1965 Greater Greensboro Open. "I mean, I know it's a long shot," Stricker said. "I've got to play my very best, just like anybody else does out here. "But you know, I've been there. I've won a few times out on this tour and I know what it takes, although it has been a while. "It would be fun to see how I handle it, if I do get that opportunity." Stricker was six-under for the day before a mistake at his final hole, the ninth. "Tried to hit just a little eight-iron on the last hole," said Stricker, who was in the fairway some 160 yards out. "I was in between clubs and hit it awful." The bogey was the only blemish on a card that included a 13-foot birdie at the 11th, a five-footer at 13 and seven-foot birdie putts at 15 and 17 - where he picked up a stroke despite finding the rough off the tee. He added two more birdies at the third and seventh. Stricker, who has won five time on the PGA Tour Champions circuit for players 50 and older, said his experiences on each tour benefitted him on the other. "I've played both tours the last three years, and each tour helps the other tour," Stricker said. "When I play out here and I go to the Champions Tour event, the courses are a little bit shorter, the pins are a little bit more generous, so playing out here helps me when I go there. "And then when I go there and get in contention or win an event, I feel that that gives me confidence and motivation to come back out here and play." South Korean Lee Kyoung-hoon and American Scottie Scheffler were in the clubhouse on 10-under. Lee had seven birdies in a five-under 66 and Scheffler had an eagle and six birdies to counter a double-bogey in his 65. Matthew NeSmith, who shared the overnight lead with Mark Hubbard, was 10-under through eight holes. World number two Jon Rahm of Spain made little headway, his two-under 69 giving him a 36-hole total of five-under.

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Fujitsu Develops Technology to Discover Characteristic Causal Relationships of Individual Data in Medicine, Marketing, and More

KAWASAKI, Japan, Dec 17, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Laboratories, Ltd. has successfully developed a technology that uses AI to discover the characteristic cause-and-effect relationships in various pieces of data relating to people and things in a variety of fields, with possible applications in medicine, marketing, manufacturing, and more. Image of the developed technologyThe technology specifically addresses the need to isolate and identify characteristics from data in different real-world scenarios. In the medical field, for example, it is necessary to identify the characteristic genes that affect the development of cancer in individual patients. In the field of marketing, sales representatives need to find the characteristic factors that lead individual customers to make a purchase. Fujitsu has developed a technology to discover the characteristic causality of individual pieces of data by quickly extracting all the groups of data that have a common correlation from an entire dataset, and evaluating the causality of each group of data to find the characteristic causality. In a recent trial demonstration, Fujitsu applied the technology to the gene expression data of colorectal cancer patients, estimating the characteristic causal relationship that appears in the data of each patient. Fujitsu's researchers succeeded in rediscovering the gene of interest in the colorectal cancer classification, offering a key to the development of a treatment plan individualized for each patient. In addition to medical care and marketing, this technology enables use cases including customer credit scoring in finance and identification of the cause of product defects in manufacturing.BackgroundWhile the use of AI to tackle real-world problems continues to accelerate, certain challenges remain in applying AI and machine learning technologies to resolve challenges in a variety of fields, including medicine and marketing. To identify the key drivers of the problem to be solved and develop a strategy, for instance, it's necessary to not only look at the correlation between attributes A and B, but also at the causal relationship between A and B, such as "A is the cause of B." To date, data analysis research has led to the development of techniques for estimating the common cause-and-effect relationship of data. In addition, estimating the characteristic cause-and-effect relationship of each piece of data is needed to solve many real problems. For example, in the case of cancer treatment in the medical field, many cancer patients have been identified by the expression of unique genes that affect the disease state of cancer. In order to devise an appropriate treatment plan for individual patients, therefore, doctors must identify genes that are unique to each cancer patient, not genes that are common to all cancer patients. In the case of promotions in marketing, each customer within a larger group has a distinctive characteristic that leads to their purchase, and in order to plan appropriate outreach for individual customers, it becomes necessary to identify a characteristic, motivational cause for each customer, not a cause common to all customers. In this way, there has been a need for new techniques for estimating the characteristic cause-and-effect relationship of each piece of data to solve many real problems.IssuesIn order to accurately estimate the characteristic cause-and-effect relationship for each data item, researchers must compare the results of different operations and actions applied to the corresponding person or object under the same conditions. However, it is difficult to obtain, for example, the results of differing gene expression in a single cancer patient or implementing different promotion measures for one customer. Therefore, the challenge was how to discover the characteristic causality of each piece of data from the entire data of various patients and customers.Newly Developed TechnologyFujitsu has succeeded in developing a new cause-and-effect search technology that can discover the characteristic cause-and-effect relationships of individual data items. The features of the developed technology are as follows.1. Technique for extracting all groups of data with similar correlationFocusing on correlations, which are less severe than causality, all groups of data with a common correlation from the entire data are extracted. When the number of data attributes exceeds 50, the maximum number of possible correlations exceeds 1,000 trillion(1). However, by using Fujitsu's "Wide Learning"(2) technology, which finds all important combinations without omission, it is possible to discover any correlation in the data and to extract all such groups of data in seconds. For example, to determine the causes that contribute to the development of cancer, a group of patients with a common correlation is extracted by searching for combinations of expressed genes, with the presence or absence of gene expression as an attribute.2. Technique for extracting all groups of data with characteristic causalityNext, causality for the population of data is estimated and the attributes in each causality compared, as well as the strength of the causality, and the direction of the causality. This makes it possible to quantitatively evaluate the rarity of causality and to comprehensively discover those with high rarity scores as characteristic causality. Because these two techniques can extract all populations of data with characteristic causality, it is possible to determine the characteristic causality of each data by identifying the population that corresponds to the new data for which causality is desired.OutcomePrevious genetic analysis studies have shown that there are several types of colorectal cancer, including those with a strong immune response and those with metabolic abnormalities, in addition to the conventionally-known common types, and that each type expresses a different gene. With the cooperation of Professor Kenzo Takahashi, Assistant Professor Takuya Miyagi, and Assistant Professor Daisuke Utsumi, of Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus(3), researchers from Fujitsu Laboratories extracted gene expression data(4) from approximately 1,000 colorectal cancer tissues and normal colorectal tissues from data published by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, 5) and GTEx(6), and applied this technology to the extracted data to confirm that the genes important in distinguishing the types of colorectal cancer(7) can be identified automatically. Professor Kenzo Takahashi commented, "This technology provides medical researchers with feedback, including the causal relationship that provides a concrete basis for the discovery, and enables the identification of carcinogenic factors in each patient. We hope that this technology will lead to the provision of optimal medical care for each, individual patient."Future PlansFujitsu will continue to conduct research in the field of genomic medicine with the aim of contributing to medical research, including in the field of personalized medicine, as well as to shed light on the causes of cancer. In FY 2020 ending in March 2021, Fujitsu will also apply the new machine learning technology to demonstrate its utility in various fields, including marketing, manufacturing, and finance, in addition to the medical field. Fujitsu aims to put the technology into practical use in FY 2021.(1) When the number of data attributes exceeds 50, the maximum number of possible correlations exceeds 1,000 trillion There are at least two classifications per attribute (such as "Yes" "No" for gene expression), and when 2 is raised to the power of 50, there are more than 1,000 trillion correlations.(2) Wide Learning Technology AI technology that can explain reasoning and discover knowledge by exhaustive listing of hypotheses: Fujitsu's New AI Technology "Wide Learning" Enables Highly Precise Learning Even from Imbalanced Data Sets (September 19, 2018 Press Releases, https://bit.ly/37raqTu) (3) University of the Ryukyus Location: Nishihara-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture; President: Mutsumi Nishida.(4) Gene expression data For the purpose of this verification trial, the Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus independently created data based on the criteria for high and low expression levels of each gene.(5) TCGA The Cancer Genome Atlas. A joint project between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) (https://bit.ly/3mkZ1ss). In the experiment, TCGA will use data on gene expression levels in samples from 33 different types of cancer.(6) GTEx An international consortium (https://www.gtexportal.org/home/) consisting of several research institutions, including the US Broad Institute. In this experiment, data on gene expression levels in human body tissues released by GTEx was utilized.(7) Colorectal cancer type The classification of colorectal cancer at an international conference in the United States and Europe in 2015. (https://bit.ly/2KrXFPj)About FujitsuFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 130,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.9 trillion yen (US$35 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.About Fujitsu LaboratoriesFounded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Next-generation Services, Computer Servers, Networks, Electronic Devices and Advanced Materials. For more information, please see: http://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/labs/en/. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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Coronavirus: Two more individuals plead guilty to being part of illegal gathering of 13

SINGAPORE - Two more individuals admitted on Tuesday (Oct 27) to being part of a gathering in June that flouted safe distancing measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Mohamad Iman Abdul Rahim, 19, and Norsyahmi Norhesham, 21, each pleaded guilty to one count of breaching rules under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act by meeting more than four people not living in the same place of residence as themselves. When sentencing each of them at a later date, Deputy Principal District Judge Seah Chi-Ling will take into consideration one similar charge for flouting safe distancing rules and another charge for drinking in public between 10.30pm and 7am. On Tuesday, he called for reports to assess if the duo are suitable for probation. They are expected to be back in court on Dec 8. Iman and Norsyahmi were among a group of 13 who gathered illegally until the wee hours of June 28 at the fitness corner near Block 42 Beo Crescent, off Havelock Road. There were two minors in the group. As part of phase two of Singapore's economic reopening, which took effect on June 19, groups of up to five people can meet outside of homes, such as at restaurants for meals. They should practise safe distancing and avoid mixing between different groups. The court heard that two members of the illegal gathering - Muhammad Zaki Johari, 33, and Mohammad Zack Danial Ahamad Zaki, 20 - planned to have alcoholic drinks on June 27. Zaki bought two bottles of liquor while three others helped Zack set up portable tables at the fitness corner. The gathering started at around 9pm. The court heard that all of them, except for the two minors, consumed alcohol there. The gathering was so noisy that it kept a resident in a nearby flat awake. He alerted the police shortly before 1am. The gathering ended soon after an officer arrived. Eight people were dealt with earlier for their participation in the gathering. Zaki and three others - Nur Saliza Mohamed Sani, 23, Nurul Sheilla Natasya Suhaimi, 25, and Nuraznie Ithnin, 31 - were each fined $4,000. Zack and Aqlima Abdul Azmi, 19, were each fined $3,000. More on this topic   Related Story Teen fined over unlawful gathering at fitness corner   Related Story Coronavirus: 10 people charged over unlawful public gathering to consume alcohol Sai Raghu Vaishnavee Ragu, 19, was sentenced to a year's probation, while the youngest member of the group, a 14-year-old boy, was given a conditional warning. The cases for three people are pending. They are 20-year-old Remy Shah Hail Mee, a 26-year-old Malaysian man and a 15-year-old boy. For each charge under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, a first-time offender can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. A repeat offender can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000.   Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories

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Records will be broken as the best will only keep getting better

Does the fact that Lewis Hamilton has now scored a record 92 grand prix victories, where a legend such as Sir Stirling Moss won only 16, really mean that he is the best F1 driver in history? That is a rhetorical question that each of us can only rationalise in our own way, dependent on myriad personal judgments that can never be wholly objective. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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