'Love The Last March', The World's Largest Public Sculpture Is Marching to Save All Wildlife Singapore, May 26, 2022 - (SEAPRWire) - On National Endangered Species Day 2023 (19th May), Singapore will play host to the largest sculpture in the world - Love The Last March. Snaking through the acclaimed horticultural attraction, Gardens by the Bay; a total of 45 world's most endangered species led by a great mountain gorilla, will be marching together. Depicting the greatest animal march on earth planet, it aims to bring awareness to the massive rate of wildlife extinction and to help save the animal kingdom. Internationally renowned artists, Gillie and Marc are back with their biggest sculpture yet. Well known for their monumental public sculptures of wildlife such as The Last Three for Northern white rhino and King Nyani for gorillas, they have been bringing awareness to wildlife through their art for decades. Why do they march? They march for solidarity. They march for power. And they march to affect change. They have seen how a march can revolutionise our society; Gandhi's salt march in 1930, the march on Washington in 1963, and the march for science in 2017, to name just a few. In 2023 there will be another march, perhaps the most important of them all. But this march is a little different - it is the first of its kind; this is a march of wildlife. They explain their inspiration for this project: "Usually when we create a public sculpture for wildlife, we focus on one animal per project. But the rate of extinction is picking up at a terrifying rate. We wanted to show the scale of this issue, bringing awareness of the overarching problem as well as highlighting individual species." – Gillie and Marc, Artists. Based on photographs and sketches they have collected over their years of studying wildlife and animals such as the mountain gorilla, giraffe, giant panda, and the Northern hairy-nosed wombat, each is brought to life in vivid detail. Today, people are living in the 6th mass extinction of wildlife animals. According to a 2020 report from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the world has lost 68% of its wildlife in just four decades. They are losing between 200 and 2,000 different species every year, believed to be between 1,000 to 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction. 1 million species are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss, about 85% of all wildlife. Another sobering study published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, found that less than 3% of the world's ecosystems are intact, with minimal destruction of habitat and loss of native species. This is clearly a huge problem. "Extinction can often be a silent event, particularly for those of us living in urban environments, far removed from wildlife. We knew that we had to do something really big to show how important this was. This issue deserves the largest sculpture in the world," shares Gillie. At a whopping 192 metres in length, this sculpture exhibition is massive. In comparison, the next largest sculpture, the Statue of Unity in India, is 182 metres. The Statue of Liberty is 46 metres. Love The Last March is not your average sculpture exhibition. It has been designed to be interactive. Walking past each animal, the public will be able to scan QR codes which take them to an informative web page so they can learn about the animal behind the sculpture. Here they can learn about its behaviour, what it likes to eat, and most importantly, why it is threatened. "We believe that nobody will care about something they have never experienced. So our public sculptures are designed to give them an unforgettable experience with wildlife. By creating a hyper-realistic sculpture they can touch and study up close, combined with all the facts about the animal, we create a connection they may never have made. And with that intimate personal connection buds the beginnings of a conservationist," Marc explains. Another highlight of this exhibition is its chosen location. Despite being the third most densely populated place in the world, Singapore is also a metropolis of nature and has found a way to create harmony between the urban and the natural. As such Gille and Marc are very excited for this collaboration with Gardens by the Bay Singapore, a beautiful 101-hectare nature park in the Central Region of the country. "Surrounded by more than 1,500,000 plants, this explosion of nature and diversity in the heart of a thriving urban city shows what can be possible if the planet is a priority and shows that it is possible to live with rather than against nature." - Gillie and Marc "Gardens by the Bay was founded on the principles of sustainability and sustainable practices – for example, the use of renewable energy is embedded in our day to day operations. Throughout the Gardens, there are various exhibits that explain these green practices, not only to bring across the importance of action by individuals and organisations to address climate change, but to educate visitors on key environmental issues facing the world such as the sixth extinction. Collaborating with Gillie and Marc on a meaningful project like Love The Last March aligns with our vision of connecting people with nature – the dramatic sculpture installation set amidst the verdant beauty of the Gardens amplifies the message of how wildlife is threatened by extinction caused by climate change." – CEO Felix Loh, Chief Executive Officer of Gardens by The Bay In partnership with WWF-Singapore, the public is also given the opportunity to directly impact the lives of these animals as they view the sculpture. With links to a donation page, they can make a tangible difference by supporting one of the most respected and impactful wildlife charities in the world. But Love The Last March has one more highlight to make it a truly unforgettable experience. By downloading an app and scanning a QR code, the sculpture comes to life with a 3D animation. Through their screens, visitors will be able to see the animals leap out of their static bronze bodies and begin their march, making it seem as though they are really there, marching together for their lives. "Love The Last March will be the most important sculpture we ever created so we had to make sure it was unforgettable. We hope that with the addition of augmented reality, people will become even more inspired to march alongside the animals, joining the movement to protect the world's precious creatures," Gillie adds. Love The Last March will open on 19th May 2023 as a celebration of National Endangered Species Day. It will be exhibited in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay until 18th May 2024. About Love The Last Love The Last is a social movement driven by public art to raise awareness, funds and support for some of the world's most endangered species. Monumental artists, Gillie and Marc, want to create sculptures all around the world that tell the stories of these endangered species to drive positive change and ensure these animals don't leave us forever. By bringing these animals into urban environments it sends a message that is hard to ignore. The artists are committed to making robust, eye-catching artworks that are designed to be touched, climbed on and photographed with. When people interact with the artwork it is the first step towards loving these animals and if people can love these endangered animals they can begin to care for them and act now to stop their extinction. About Gillie and Marc Gillie and Marc have been called "the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York's History" by the New York Times. Creating some of the world's most innovative public sculptures, Gillie and Marc are re-defining what public art should be, spreading messages of love, equality, and conservation around the world. Gillie and Marc believe art is a powerful platform for change. Their art is multi-disciplinary, paying homage to the importance of togetherness, as well as the magnificence of the natural world, and the necessity of preserving it – for we are it, and it is us. For more information about the press release, please get in touch with: Social Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/gillieandmarcart Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gillieandmarc/_created/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3eRVJeOxo9Z5MsGB4Jc2w Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillieandMarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillieandmarc Media Contact Brand: Gillie and Marc Contact: jessie Schattner, Project Director E-Mail: jessie@gillieandmarc.com Website: https://gillieandmarc.art SOURCE: Gillie and Marc 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 )
HONG KONG, May 17, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Vistar Holdings Limited (the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; Stock code: 8535.HK ), an established electrical and mechanical ("E&M") engineering services provider in Hong Kong, has achieved outstanding results for the year ended 31 March 2022. Its revenue was approximately HK$405.17 million, a year-on-year increase of approximately 32.8% reaching a historic high since the Company's listing on the GEM of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2018. Benefiting from the business growth, installation service projects contributed approximately HK$306.90 million to the Group's annual revenue. The five substantially-completed sizeable installation projects brought in a combined revenue of approximately HK$187.15 million.For the year ended 31 March 2022, profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was approximately HK$20.78 million (for the year ended 31 March 2021: approximately HK$28.51 million). After excluding the listing expenses incurred during the reporting period in relation to the proposed transfer of listing of the Company's shares from GEM to the Main Board, the Group's operations recorded a normalised profit of approximately HK$33.06 million, an improvement of about 16.0% over the previous year.The Board has resolved to declare a final dividend of HK0.50 cents per share for the year ended 31 March 2022. Together with the interim dividend of HK0.35 cents per share already paid, total dividend for the year was HK0.85 cents per share, maintaining a stable dividend payout ratio (for the year ended 31 March 2021: HK0.85 cents per share).Mr Poon Ken Ching Keung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vistar Holdings, said, "Although facing the ongoing pandemic, global supply shortage of resources, inflation and an unstable market environment, the Group has drawn on its leading engineering technology and extensive project management experience to provide E&M engineering services to the Three Runway System (3RS) developments at the Hong Kong International Airport surrounding supportive infrastructure facilities, Wong Chuk Hang MTR station expansions and Hong Kong Island east central business district redevelopment. During the year, we have achieved satisfactory performance. Revenue surged to a new high and normalised profit also recorded growth. Looking ahead, we believe that the policies of the Hong Kong Government will inject remarkable momentum into Hong Kong's economic recovery. In particular, the Lantau Vision and Northern Metropolis land development mega-projects are expected to significantly increase the demand for construction and related engineering services in the city. We will continue to improve the quality and efficiency of our output through standardisation, and actively strive to secure more projects in order to expand our business to the next level".For the year ended 31 March 2022, the Group has commenced three sizeable projects with a combined initial contract amount of approximately HK$113.12 million. The Group has many other secured or identified business projects presenting promising yields.The Group is confident that the proposed transfer of listing would provide greater access to capital, on top of profits reinvested over the years, to fund the entire expansion scheme that will firmly establish it as a leading E&M engineering company in the future.In addition, the Group revised its dividend policy and undertakes to distribute dividend at a rate of no less than 30% of the annual consolidated net profit attributable to shareholders of the Group in any financial year.About Vistar Holdings LimitedVistar Holdings Limited is one of the leading E&M engineering service provider in Hong Kong, specialising in installation, alteration and addition works and maintenance of fire service systems. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Guardian Fire Engineers and Consultants, Limited, has been providing engineering services in Hong Kong since 1972. The Group's customers come from both the private and public sectors. The private sector mainly includes property developers, property owners and main contractors engaged by property developers, while the public sector mainly includes government departments such as Hong Kong Housing Authority and Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.Enquiries:Strategic Financial Relations LimitedHeidi So +852 2864 4826 heidi.so@sprg.com.hkPhoebe Leung +852 2114 4172 phoebe.leung@sprg.com.hkRachel Ko +852 2114 2370 rachel.ko@sprg.com.hkwww.sprg.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
Toyota City, Japan, Apr 27, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces its sales, production, and export results for March 2022 as well as the cumulative total from January to March 2022, and the fiscal year from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors, Ltd.In FY 2021, worldwide sales reached approximately 9.51 million units (104.7% YoY), the second highest level in history, thanks to the support of Toyota customers around the world. Worldwide production was approximately 8.57 million units (104.7% YoY) as a result of efforts by related suppliers, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and parts supply shortages. Worldwide production in March 2022 reached a record high for a single month at approximately 870,000 units (102.8% YoY) resulting from strong overseas production, although production inside of Japan fell below the previous year's level due to the impact of semiconductor shortages, system failures at domestic suppliers, and operation suspensions caused by the Fukushima Prefecture offshore earthquakes and other factors.For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/company/profile/production-sales-figures/202203.html. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
SINGAPORE - Employers can look forward to the next tranche of Wage Credit Scheme (WCS) payouts in March next year. To qualify, they will have to pay the mandatory Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions on this year's wages for their qualifying employees to the CPF Board by Jan 14, said the Ministry of Finance and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore on Friday (Dec 17). The move is part of the Government's efforts to support businesses in transformation and share productivity gains with workers. More than $2 billion in wage credits have been disbursed to employers during the pandemic so far, said the authorities. This includes the $940 million in WCS payouts to more than 98,000 employers in March this year. To qualify for the upcoming tranche, employers must have given Singapore citizen employees, who earned a gross monthly wage of up to $5,000, a wage increase of at least $50 this year, and/or have sustained the salary rise (at least $50) previously given to employees in 2019 and/or last year. The payouts in March will be credited directly to employers' registered bank accounts through PayNow Corporate or Giro. Employers who have not set up a PayNow Corporate account or registered for Giro are advised to do so by the end of February next year to receive their payouts in March. The WCS, which co-funds wage increases, was introduced in 2013 as a three-year scheme and then extended to 2020. In Budget 2021, it was extended by another year at a co-funding level of 15 per cent to further support wage increments and help companies build up their local workforce and emerge stronger from Covid-19. This followed earlier enhancements to the scheme in 2020's first Unity Budget, when government co-funding of qualifying wage increases in 2019 and 2020 were raised by five percentage points to 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. The gross monthly wage ceiling for employees was also raised from $4,000 to $5,000 for both years, enabling more to qualify for the wage credit. More on this topic Related Story Tax collection down by 7.3% last FY; $28.2 billion in grants given out by Iras Related Story In pursuit of resilience: Disasters, disruptions teach us that efficiency alone is not good enough
SINGAPORE - A woman who exposed others to the risk of Covid-19 infection after returning to Singapore from Britain last year was on Monday (Aug 30) sentenced to 12 weeks' jail. Esther Tan Ling Ying, who arrived here in March last year, tested positive for Covid-19 a week later. On Aug 16 this year, District Judge Ng Peng Hong convicted the 24-year-old Singaporean of an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act, after a trial. Tan began her bachelor's degree course in acting in London in 2017, but was back here last year before completing her studies, following an advisory by the Singapore Government to return. Prior to leaving Britain, she had flu-like symptoms and had lost her sense of taste and smell. She did not see a doctor there and instead chose to self-isolate until the day of her departure from London. Tan still had a blocked nose and no sense of taste or smell when she landed at Changi Airport Terminal 1 on March 23 last year. She was issued a stay-home notice (SHN) and an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officer told her to go home immediately. She cleared immigration at about 2.40pm. But before heading home, she and her parents ate at the foodcourt in Terminal 1, spending about 30 minutes there. They also took an MRT train to Clementi, before Tan and her mother went to the Clementi Family and Aesthetic Clinic in Clementi Avenue 3, near their home. Tan, who saw the doctor around 5.30pm that day, then lied about her travel history, to get some medicine. The doctor testified that Tan had told her she was studying at a drama school, but had claimed to have been in Singapore since January last year, having returned for Chinese New Year. She said Tan claimed to not have gone back to Britain because her parents were concerned about the virus, and had said she "dodged a bullet". Tan tested positive for Covid-19 on March 30 last year. During the trial, the court heard that Tan claimed she did not suspect she had the virus, and that the SHN instructions were confusing. More on this topic Related Story Two travellers given jail sentence after spending time together in hotel room while on SHN Related Story Youth pleads guilty to abetting friend to breach Covid-19 rules by visiting her in SHN hotel room In his submissions, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nicholas Lim rubbished this, saying she was fully aware of the crucial points of the SHN and knew that she was a potential Covid-19 case. On Monday, DPP Lim urged the court to sentence Tan to the maximum six months' jail, stressing that her conduct had been "egregious" and she had lied to a doctor about her travel history. Defence lawyer Tan Cheng Kiong pleaded for a lighter sentence and told Judge Ng that his client had committed the offence before she was diagnosed with Covid-19. The lawyer also said there was no evidence to show that Tan was a carrier of the virus when she visited places, including the foodcourt and clinic. For exposing others to the risk of a Covid-19 infection, an offender can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. More on this topic Related Story Man breached SHN and left home because he wanted to travel to China to get married Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories
Shahira Abdullah (Nominated MP) Mentoring for high-risk youth Providing specialised mentoring to high-risk youth who might not have sufficient role models at home would help them do well, said Dr Shahira. She noted that these young people usually have low confidence, owing to their poor performance in school, and can then become involved in activities that may lead them to commit crimes. She added that mentoring can be done with specialised training and close collaboration with social workers as well as probation officers. Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Mariam Jaafar (Sembawang GRC) Make M3 relevant Many in the Malay/Muslim community do not know what M3 stands for, even though the collaboration between three key Malay/Muslim organisations was established two years ago, said Ms Mariam, who called for more to be done to increase its effectiveness. She suggested that M3 use digital data and analytics to increase the impact of its initiatives. Given limited resources, she said, there is scope for M3 to strengthen its partnerships with other agencies like non-profit organisations to reach those who need help the most. MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson) Develop digital capabilities in the arts The arts sector has to continue developing its technological capabilities to remain competitive as consumers increasingly get used to digital content and experience, said Ms Tin, noting that many local arts practitioners were hit badly by the pandemic. While acknowledging that many have been nimble enough to pivot to digital platforms, she also asked what more could be done to allow these practitioners to create products that can be scaled to reach a wider audience. Jurong GRC MP Xie Yao Quan in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC) Prevent abuse in sport The abuse and misconduct in sports reported abroad could happen in Singapore too, said Mr Xie. He cited how swimming coaches in the United States who were banned from working at clubs because of abuse were allowed to evade their accusers and the authorities by moving to new cities for coaching jobs, where they found fresh victims. “We need to put in place comprehensive measures to ensure sports here remains safe for everyone, men and women, boys and girls, professional, school and community athletes,” he said. Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Cheng Li Hui (Tampines GRC) More inter-school mixing for students Ms Cheng said ensuring young people from different ethnicities and cultures have opportunities to interact is important to preserving Singapore's social fabric amid Covid-19. She highlighted schools that do not have a representative number of races, such as missionary schools, madrasahs and other culturally oriented schools. She suggested providing more funding for inter-school activities and a greater role for the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle. Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Darryl David in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC) Build on momentum of Unesco nomination Even as Singapore pats itself on the back for the successful inscription of hawker culture to the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list last year, more must be done to build on the momentum, Mr David said. He suggested that hawker culture, including its origin and evolution from street peddlers, should be incorporated into the school curriculum. Recipes and food preparation methods can also be published online so dishes' ingredients become common knowledge, he added, also mooting a permanent hawker museum. Nominated MP Mark Chay in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Mark Chay (Nominated Member of Parliament) Take leading role in E-sports Mr Chay called on Singapore to take a leading role in shaping the e-sports industry, which has gained popularity and benefits both players and businesses. He noted that top e-sports events in Singapore will bring in millions and boost many local firms, while promising local e-sports start-ups like Yup.gg and Evos have also between them raised more than $31 million in investments. With strong infrastructure like fast and stable internet, the country is well placed to tap into the double digit growth that the industry currently sees, he added. Aljunied GRC MP Muhammad Faisal Abdul Manap in Parliament on March 8, 2021. PHOTO: GOV.SG Muhammad Faisal Abdul Manap (Aljunied GRC) Guard against third-party resellers Mr Faisal called for a "more concerted effort" from the authorities to prevent third parties from reselling public sport facility bookings amid Covid-19 restrictions. He cited media articles which highlighted the unscrupulous practice, such as how some footballers had to pay $240 to $300 to buy a booking for a pitch, which allowed resellers to make about $180 in profit. He called on Sport Singapore to do more than just suspending resellers' ActiveSG account, to eradicate the "exploitation of our public sport facilities". More on this topic Related Story SportSG to limit facility bookings to curb profiteering Related Story NHB to call for public to contribute items for Founders' Memorial
LONDON (AFP) - Formula One team Williams had to abandon the unveiling of their 2021 car via an augmented reality app on Friday (March 5) after they were targeted by hackers. The British team had hoped to allow fans to project the new machine into their homes but instead they had to pull the plug just an hour before the innovative launch. "Williams Racing planned to reveal its 2021 challenger, the FW43B, via an augmented reality app later today," the team said in a statement. "However, sadly, because the app was hacked prior to launch, this will no longer be possible." It added: "We were very much looking forward to sharing this experience with our fans, particularly during this difficult time when being able to bring in-person experiences directly to our fans is sadly not possible." British driver George Russell, who is set for his third season with Williams, tweeted: "Massive shame. I've seen the app and it was going to be an awesome experience for you guys. Whoever did this, seriously not cool." Williams, who have been rooted to the foot of the constructors' championship for the past three seasons, tweeted an image of their new car, in blue and white livery with yellow accents. Founder Frank Williams sold the F1 operation to US investment firm Dorilton Capital last year, with his daughter Claire Williams relinquishing her role as the de facto team principal. Speaking for the first time as chief executive officer of Williams Racing, Jost Capito said the team, who were a powerful force in the 1980s and 1990s, had set their sights on a return to the front of the grid. Massive shame. I’ve seen the app and it was going to be an awesome experience for you guys. Whoever did this, seriously not cool. Still buzzing to show you the car later though. See you at 14:00 💙 https://t.co/ZKfE8WwBJU— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) March 5, 2021 You may not have been able to experience the @WilliamsRacing app but @GeorgeRussell63 didn't want you to miss out! 💙 #GR63 pic.twitter.com/AaWXGkZwzO— GR63 (@OfficialGR63) March 5, 2021 "Williams Racing is a sporting icon, and a team that has forged a reputation of success through sheer determination and grit intertwined with innovation, passionate and skilful race-craft and an absolute desire to win," he said. Introducing the FW43B 💙🤍💛 pic.twitter.com/4AF7Au4B5a— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) March 5, 2021 Capito added: "We have created a fresh new livery for the 2021 car - one that acknowledges our incredible past and retains the spirit, drive and motivation that remains at the core of Williams' DNA yet looks to the future and signposts our long-term ambition to return to the front of the grid." F1 pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from March 12 to 14, with the opening grand prix staged in the kingdom on March 28. More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: Aston Martin bring in James Bond as new F1 mission begins Related Story Formula One: Eighth title bid will not decide my future, says Lewis Hamilton