#representative office singapore

[incorpglobalsstuff]

Insider Tips: Maximizing The Benefits Of Dependent Passes For Families Living In Singapore

Possessing a Dependent Pass in Singapore grants expatriates' families a plethora of possibilities. It authorises them to live in Singapore alongside the primary work pass holder. It bestows a range of entitlements that contribute to a more comfortable and rewarding life in a new country. 

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[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

OPEDS

Is it time to go?

By Howard Sackstein

Today, the South African Jewish community numbers but one third of what it did at its peak. Though our numbers have shrunk, the vibrancy of our community has remained intact.

In the 1970s and 1980s they used to joke, “When the Jews go; it’s time to leave, when the Portuguese go; it’s too late.”

The clock ticked, and stopped on 7 October 2023.

The behaviour of the South African government was nothing short of betrayal. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to condemn the 7 October massacre; his failure to reach out to the families of the two South Africans massacred in the Hamas genocide; his failure to act on the two South Africans kidnapped by Hamas; and his smirk blame of Israel for deserving the attack two weeks after the massacre, while wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, will forever be a symbol of his Judas moment.

In American politics, they talk of a “tortoise on a lamppost”. Sometimes, the tortoise mistakenly believes that it got onto the lamppost by itself.

Ramaphosa’s spineless leadership has allowed his jihadist foreign minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, and her mujahidin director general, Zane Dangor, to direct foreign policy without intervention. Pandor mislead Parliament by claiming that there were no beheadings of babies and that Israel had attacked the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital. With no South African diplomats in Israel and Al Jazeera as her only source of information, Pandor meanders in the dark. Her ignorance, however, is self-inflicted. Her department was invited to view the 47-minute video of Hamas-captured atrocities, and declined to attend.

Hamas informs us that Pandor telephoned it to congratulate it on the success of its “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack on Israel. Pandor claimed that she was merely offering humanitarian assistance, but refused to release the “call-out” transcript of the conversation. As a convert to Islam, Pandor uses her own zealotry to pursue a pro-Hamas agenda to the detriment of South Africa.

In December, Hamas visited South Africa, was feted in our Parliament, and celebrated in the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) offices in Johannesburg. When Ramaphosa finally met the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, he sprinted to issue a statement and later, while meeting the Muslim community, stated that they had issued a statement as “we’re concerned there are distortions”. Given that the president’s statement was issued first, this both makes no logical sense and effectively paints the official representative body of Jews in South Africa as liars.

It’s a clash of civilizations. Jews have traditionally ascribed to the values of Western liberal democracy. In the ANC’s hard-left, revolutionary world view, Western interests must be opposed everywhere – in Ukraine, in Morocco, and in Israel. South Africa believes that it must be the vanguard liberation movement celebrating the imagined successes of Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and Russia. Pandor is currently attending the 7th Africa-Cuba Solidarity Conference in White River.

But actions have consequences. The West is becoming increasingly disenchanted by South Africa’s antics. Last year, South Africa’s invitation to the G7 Summit didn’t materialise, and the currency has lost 50% of its value under Ramaphosa. The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act looks increasingly precarious together with the approximately 250 000 jobs it created. South Africa is increasingly isolated from those countries which could help it the most.

Ramaphosa had a choice to turn South Africa into a Singapore or a Sudan. He chose Sudan.

[fatehbaz]

British presence in the Straits Settlements […] (Penang, Singapore and Melaka) as a whole opened the way […]. Governor Andrew Clarke [...] clearly intended that economic botany should follow the quest for tin. Hardly three months after the [signing of the treaty legitimising British control in Malaya] [...] the Governor pressed Lord Carnarvon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, himself a keen botanist and collector, for the services of a ‘scientific botanist’. [...] Intimate plant knowledge among local [people] [...] assisted the discovery of many [plants valuable to European empire] [...] and the absorption of a number of vernacular names such as kempas (Koompassia), pandan (Pandanus) and nipah (Nypa) into scientific nomenclature. Equally, indigenous names for timbers, pre-eminently meranti and cengal, attained the status of trade names on the international market. Malay knowledge [...] proved also invaluable for commerce and [...] industries.

The Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, which displayed representative samples of colonial resources, was a microcosm of empire. Empire [...] co-sponsored the surveying, mapping and inventorying of people, lands and products for the ends of imperial power. Tropical nature, once a source [...] of wonderment, was brought to the domestic market place.

High on the imperial economic agenda were the Malayan territories, the source of gutta percha (from Palaquium gutta). Ingeniously adapted by the Malays [...], the plastic qualities of gutta percha were investigated for medical and industrial use by the [English East India] Company surgeons, T. Mongtomerie (1819-43) and T. Oxley (1846-57). [...] At the same time Oxley successfully pioneered the use of gutta percha for plastering fractures and preserving vaccine, the latter hitherto unable to be kept even for a few days. When a Prussian artillery Officer [...] then perfected its use for insulating telegraph cables, the product immediately gained strategic importance for the empire. Similar adaptations of other indigenous uses of plants paid dividends to industry and agriculture. [...]

---

The emergence of Hevea rubber in the Peninsula, superseding gutta percha as an industrial product was, again, the result of scientific exchange within the close-knit colonial botanical network [...] [following] [t]he illegal exportation by Kew [Royal Botanic Gardens in London] of the seedlings from South America to Ceylon and the Singapore Botanic Gardens [...]. Out of the seedlings sent in 1877 to Singapore, seven were planted by Hugh Low in the Perak Residency Garden. These and those raised in the Botanic Gardens furnished the seeds for the first plantations.

Though an introduced species, indigenous knowledge [...] of a wide variety of gums and exudates [...] benefited the plantation industry.

This [...] scored a major triumph for the colonial plantation industry. [...]

Large areas of Melaka had already been laid to waste by [...] a fast-growing variety of Brazilian cassava introduced in 1886 by Cantley.

The same cultivators soon turned the Imperata grasslands to rubber, but its rapid spread meant that a number of native plant species either became very rare or were entirely exterminated. The wild ancestor of the domestic mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a likely example. [...] During his visit to Singapore in 1854 Wallace identified, within just a square mile, some 700 species of beetles [...].

---

All text above by: Jeyamalar Kathirithamby-Wells. "Peninsular Malaysia in the context of natural history and colonial science." New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies Volume 11 Number 1. 2009. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[jordanianroyals]

11 January 2024: Crown Prince Hussein, accompanied by Princess Rajwa, attended the launch of the Jordan-Singapore Tech Alliance Forum.

Speaking at the launch, Crown Prince Hussein highlighted the forum’s importance in unifying the two countries’ efforts towards technological excellence.

He stressed Jordan’s keenness to become a rising force on the international tech scene, highlighting the importance of digital transformation and entrepreneurship in nurturing creativity and turning ideas into reality.

The similarities between tech talents in Jordan and Singapore can be a bridge that connects the two countries and enhances cooperation in service of mutual interests, the Crown Prince said at the forum, held by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Jordan’s embassy in Singapore, in cooperation with the Singapore Business Federation and SG Tech. (Source: Petra)

His Royal Highness invited business people, experts, and CEOs to visit Jordan to learn more about the ICT and entrepreneurship sector, which is full of promising Jordanian talents.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh said that with more than 8,000 students graduating from IT-related programmes each year, Jordan’s digital economy continues to flourish, noting that Jordanians are making an impact that is attracting businesses from around the world.

He expressed the ministry’s keenness to continue helping Singaporean companies find the perfect home for their business in Jordan, highlighting the Jordan Source programme, which is helping businesses capitalise on Jordan’s exceptional potential as a global IT and business process outsourcing hub.

The Jordan-Singapore Tech Alliance Forum saw the participation of nearly 150 representatives of tech start-ups in Singapore, in addition to six Jordanian start-ups that provide technical support to international companies in sectors like gaming, digital education, and creative industries.

During the forum, key Jordanian tech companies gave briefings on their work, and participants engaged in discussions to attract international firms to Jordan by showcasing the competitiveness of the ICT sector in the Kingdom and success stories of Jordanian start-ups.

The forum also featured a presentation on the Jordan Source programme, launched in 2021 during a ceremony attended attendance of the Crown Prince, to promote Jordan as an international hub for innovation and investment in ICT and communications.

The forum is part of a series of Jordan Source promotional tours to attract investments and build partnerships with international companies seeking to expand into the Middle East through Jordan.

On the sidelines of the forum, a memorandum of understanding between Jordan’s Institute of Banking Studies and the Singapore FinTech Association was signed.

Planning Minister Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Ambassador to Singapore Samer Naber, and Director of the Office of the Crown Prince Zaid Baqain attended the forum.

[mariacallous]

The US is widely seen as the global leader in artificial intelligence, thanks to companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta. But the US government says it needs help from other nations to manage the risks posed by AI technology.

At an international summit on AI Safety in Seoul on Tuesday, the US delivered a message from Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announcing that a global network of AI safety institutes spanning the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and other allies will collaborate to contain the technology’s risks. She also urged other countries to join up.

“Recent advances in AI carry exciting, life-changing potential for our society, but only if we do the hard work to mitigate the very real dangers,” Secretary Raimondo said in a statement released ahead of the announcement. “It is paramount that we get this right and that we do so in concert with our partners around the world to ensure the rules of the road on AI are written by societies that uphold human rights, safety, and trust.”

The US government has previously said advances in AI create national security risks, including the potential to automate or accelerate the development of bioweapons or to enable more damaging cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.

One challenge for the US, alluded to in Raimondo’s statement, is that some national governments may not be eager to fall in line with its approach to AI. She said the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, Singapore, and the European AI Office would work together as the founding members of a “global network of AI safety institutes.”

The Commerce Department declined to comment on whether China had been invited to join the new AI safety network. Fears that China will use advanced AI to empower its military or threaten the US led first the Trump administration and now the Biden administration to roll out a series of restrictions on Chinese access to key technology.

The US and China have at least opened a line of communication. A meeting between President Biden and Chinese president Xi Jinping in November saw the two superpowers agree to hold talks on AI risks and safety. Representatives from the nations met in Switzerland last week to hold the first round of discussions.

The Commerce Department said that representatives of the new global AI safety network’s members will meet in San Francisco later this year. A blueprint issued by the agency says that the network will work together to develop and agree upon methodologies and tools for evaluating AI models and ways to mitigate the risks of AI. “We hope to help develop the science and practices that underpin future arrangements for international AI governance,” the document says. A commerce department spokesperson said that the network would help nations tap into talent, experiment more quickly, and agree on AI standards.

The Seoul summit on AI safety this week is cohosted by the UK government, which convened the first major international meeting on the topic last November. That summit culminated in more than 28 countries including the US, members of the EU, and China signing a declaration warning that artificial intelligence is advancing with such speed and uncertainty that it could cause “serious, even catastrophic, harm.”

Amid rapid deployment of generative AI systems like ChatGPT last year, some prominent researchers and tech leaders began to speak more loudly about the potential for AI algorithms to become difficult to control and perhaps even a threat to humanity. Talk of the most far-off threats has since faded, but policymakers around the world are concerned about more immediate problems, such as the potential for generative AI tools like ChatGPT to spread disinformation and interfere with elections. In January, some voters in New Hampshire received robocalls using an AI-generated fake of Joe Biden’s voice.

Last October, President Biden issued a wide-ranging executive order to address the potential and pitfalls of fast-moving leaps in AI most evident with the startling abilities of ChatGPT. The Commerce Department was ordered to work on a number of initiatives to develop AI safety standards and also to develop a plan for global “engagement on promoting and developing AI standards.”

Biden’s executive order also required the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is part of the Commerce Department, to establish a US AI Safety Institute to systematically test AI models to understand how they could be misused and how they might behave.

[scotianostra]

On 20th November 1863 James Bruce, 8th Lord Elgin, the Scottish Liberal statesman and diplomat, died.

James Bruce was born in London, his father, the 7th Earl was a controversial figure due to his involvement in the “procurement/theft” of the Parthenon Marbles, to give them their traditional name, you might know them as The Elgin Marbles, anyway I digress again, back to the 8th Earl.

In 1840, following the death of his elder brother, he became the heir to the earldom and in 1841, on the death of his father, succeeded to the title, becoming the eighth earl of Elgin. That same year he was elected Southampton's representative in the House of Commons, but his new earldom brought an end to his parliamentary career. In 1842, he accepted the nomination for governor of Jamaica. During an administration of four years he succeeded in winning the respect of all[. He improved the condition of the Afro-Caribbean workers, and conciliated the white planters by working through them. He remained in this post until 1847. His successful administration led to him being offered the role of governor general in British North America, which he fulfilled between 1847 and 1854. During his time there, Elgin took the first steps in establishing a “responsible government” in Canada.

This led to him becoming the first Canadian governor to distance himself from legislative affairs, leaving the real power of government to the elected representatives of the people and paving the way for the Canadian general governorship's essentially symbolic role today.

In 1857 as High Commissioner to China. While visiting China and Japan in 1858 and 1859, he oversaw the end of the Second Opium War but in doing so he ordered the destruction of the Old Summer Palace (the ruling Qing dynasty's residence and seat of government), near Peking (today Beijing),destroying thousands of priceless works of art, in order to intimidate the emperor and force him to sign an unratified treaty. Troops hurriedly looted the imperial collections in the palace, before the Old Summer Palace finished burning. The treaty ended up with China being forced to cede what became Hong Kong, to Britain in “perpetuity“

According to historian Olive Checkland, Lord Elgin "was ambivalent about the British imperial policy of forcing trade on the peoples in China and Japan. He deplored what he called the 'commercial ruffianism' which effectively determined British policy responses."

In a letter to his wife, in regard to the bombing of Canton, he wrote, "I never felt so ashamed of myself in my life."

It all leaves a bad taste in my mouth I deplore the British Empire and all it’s sins it inflicted on the world.

He subsequently became postmaster-general in the Palmerston cabinet and in 1862 was made viceroy of India. He died in He subsequently became postmaster-general in the Palmerston cabinet and in 1862 was made viceroy of India.

He died in Dharmsalas, Punjab of a heart attack while crossing a swinging rope on this day 1863, while still in office, he is buried in the churchyard of St. John in the Wilderness in Dharamshala. Bruce's legacy is several areas of Canada and India have the names Elgin or Bruce, he also has a bridge ion Singapore and a street in Victoria, Australia, and Hong Kong named after him.

While China has opened up to French relations, the sale of Chinese art and artifacts in British auctions remains a point of tension between London and Beijing. All zodiac animal heads from the Summer Palace that have been found have returned to Chinese museums, however.

[william-r-melich]

Tik Tok on the Chopping Block - 04/25/2024

Yesterday, Joe Biden signed the Tik Tok Divest-or-Ban bill into law. I covered this bill extensively in my post, "Tik Tok Bill/HR 7521" back on March 16th of this year. This bill forces ByteDance to sell Tik Tok within one year. It's clear to me that this Chinese owned company is controlled by the CCP and is using it to gather information on US citizens and influence children toward committing self-harm and suicide.

Tik Tok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew released the following video statement yesterday. "Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban on you and your voice. We are confident, and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts. The facts and the Constitution are on our side, and we expect to prevail again." He was referring to how they circumvented Trump's executive order to ban the app in the U.S. back in 2020. Tik Tok's position is that through China's Counterespionage Law, its customer data is stored in Virginia and backed up in Singapore. They claim that they have never or ever will share U.S. data with the CCP. Yet the owner of ByteDance previously issued a letter of apology to the CCP about failing to follow the CCP's directives. It's obvious to me that they are more of an arm of the CCP than a private company and we should not trust them. At the same time, I'm also conflicted about trusting our own government. Regardless it's now signed into law, like it or not.

Tik Tok and ByteDance together spent over $7 million since the beginning of this year on TV and digital ads in an effort to stop legislation from passing the bill. A Tik Tok spokesperson said this, "This expenditure reflects work we do to educate policy makers about how legislation could affect our community of 170 million American users." Tik Tok officials lobbied Congress and Biden's executive office last quarter. Biden's executive office contains the National Security Council, the Office Management and Budget, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and other divisions.

As I mentioned in my previous post on this bill last March, Donald Trump and Elon Musk both came out against it. Trump is concerned that it could expand government powers on other platforms, and Musk is concerned about censorship. The bill is intended to remove any foreign influence and investment in social media platforms and websites here in the U.S. The government would have to prove that a foreign entity is directly involved and then initially force divestment, and then later if necessary deplatform the app and shut down their operating websites.

I'm all for private companies operating platforms that allow freedom of expression, but not if they're being operated by a foreign adversary like China's CCP. Yet I'm always very skeptical of our government and their tendencies to over-reach in order to go after their political opposition. Especially with this current bunch in charge. All we can do is to stay informed and hopefully for the sake of our freedom and security vote in Republican majorities in both the house and senate, and get Donald Trump back into office, in my opinion.

[pillarboxed]

Look Back (2024) Review

Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama

Runtime: 58 minutes

Language: Japanese audio; English and Mandarin subtitles

Certification: PG (Singapore), P12 (Malaysia)

Via @lookback_anime on X

Look Back (2024) is an anime film that faithfully adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga of the same name. If the adaptation had been even more faithful by treating the manga as the final storyboards, the barely one-hour runtime would probably have been even shorter. However, writer-director Kiyotaka Oshiyama makes tweaks and additions that increase the runtime and the emotions.

Look Back follows two girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, as they grow up pursuing their artistic ambitions. But when a horrific tragedy strikes them, Fujino is forced to reflect on why she even draws in the first place.

The changes Oshiyama has made really work in his favour. After watching the film, I read the manga, and I’m glad he expanded on its contents—especially the scene in which Fujino skips through paddy fields in the pouring rain. Before this, Fujino had decided to give up on drawing because she felt like no matter how much effort she put in, she couldn’t get better than Kyomoto, her truant schoolmate. Discouragement from her older sister and a friend gets to Fujino too. When she finally meets her “rival”, however, Kyomoto exclaims that she’s a fan, asks for an autograph, and declares Fujino a manga genius. During their interaction, Fujino seems like she doesn’t really want to be doing this, but when she leaves, she can’t help but succumb to her excitement. While the manga uses a two-page spread to emphasise the moment of Fujino skipping through those paddy fields, the film gives us a lot more time.

We start with an aerial shot looking at Fujino as a tiny dot moving along a path that cuts through silvery pools of water. The camera smoothly moves down and pushes close to her from behind, revealing that she isn’t lightly skipping but very forcefully driving her arms and knees up. When we get to see her face, she has such an intense expression: her brow is scrunched up and her lips are pouting. I wouldn’t call this a look of joy. Still, she leans to the side and sweeps her arm through a furrow, sending water splashing out. She keeps skipping towards the camera and us all the while. My guess is that more than joy, she feels vindicated. Asked about scenes he’s “particularly happy with” in an interview with Anime News Network (ANN), Oshiyama points out this one. With its energy—and that wonderful juxtaposition between Fujino’s facial expression and body language—this is my favourite scene of the film. I love it.

I’ve mentioned that I’m not keen on melodrama in previous reviews. However, I’ve come to realise that exaggerating emotions can often work really well in animation, including in Look Back, with the film being more sentimental than the manga. And yes, I do like the anime better.

In that same ANN interview, Oshiyama points to the montages of Fujino hunched over her desk while “the scenery outside the window [changes]” as visuals that “accurately represent the emotional difficulties of being a creator”. Although I prefer the anime overall, I have to say that I relate more to how the manga portrays this struggle.

When we first meet Fujino as a professional manga artist in the film, we get a montage of her working at her desk, with the images changing drastically. The scenery outside changes with the seasons, her hair grows from short to long, and the actual office she’s in changes. On the other hand, the manga gives us five panels which all look almost the same. The seasons outside don’t change. The location doesn’t change. What changes are the position of her body and the angle of her drawing tablet. They’re subtle changes. Unlike the film, this portrayal is not romantic. It’s monotonous. Based on my own experiences of creating, this depiction feels more real.

Via @lookback_anime on X

“I guess you could say, on some level, [Look Back is] meant to be an affirmation for creators like us,” Oshiyama says, in response to a question about the film’s messages. “So, my hope is that by showing characters pouring themselves into working hard to create something, people will appreciate that hard work is still meaningful.”

Now that I’ve graduated university, I’ve spent a lot of time writing. So, it seems like I’m often just sitting and staring at my laptop screen. I frequently think, “What am I doing?” Though I do prefer the film as a whole, it’s those monotonous manga panels of Fujino hunkered down over her desk that have comforted me. But it’s the film that led me to reading the manga.

Rating: 4/5

Look Back is currently showing in Singapore.

Last updated: Oct 14, 2024

[spacenutspod]

Students from Universidad Católica Boliviana prepare to traverse the course at the 2024 Human Exploration Rover Challenge at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.Credits: NASA/Taylor Goodwin NASA announced the winners of the 30th Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) April 22, with Parish Episcopal School, from Dallas, winning first place in the high school division, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, capturing the college/university title. The annual engineering competition – one of NASA’s longest standing challenges – held its concluding event April 19 and April 20, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The complete list of 2024 award winners is provided below: High School Division  First Place: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas Second Place: Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology, Reno, Nevada Third Place: Escambia High School, Pensacola, Florida College/University Division  First Place: University of Alabama in Huntsville Second Place: Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Third Place: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina Ingenuity Award  University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida Phoenix Award  High School Division: East Central High School, Moss Point, Mississippi College/University Division: North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota Task Challenge Award  High School Division: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado College/University Division: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota Project Review Award  High School Division: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas College/University Division: University of Alabama in Huntsville Featherweight Award  Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island Safety Award  High School Division: NPS International School, Singapore College/University Division: Instituto Especializado de Estudios Superiores Loyola, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic Crash and Burn Award  KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, India Jeff Norris and Joe Sexton Memorial Pit Crew Award  High School Division: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado College/University Division: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina Team Spirit Award  Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Most Improved Performance Award High School Division: Jesco von Puttkamer School, Leipzig, Germany College/University Division: Universidad Católica Boliviana – San Pablo, La Paz, Bolivia Social Media Award  High School Division: Bledsoe County High School, Pikeville, Tennessee College/University Division: Universidad de Piura, Peru STEM Engagement Award  High School Division: Princess Margaret Secondary School, Surrey, British Columbia College/University Division: Trine University, Angola, Indiana Artemis Educator Award Sadif Safarov from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey Rookie of the Year Kanakia International School, Mumbai, India More than 600 students with 72 teams from around the world participated as HERC celebrated its 30th anniversary as a NASA competition. Participating teams represented 42 colleges and universities and 30 high schools from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 13 other nations from around the world. Teams were awarded points based on navigating a half-mile obstacle course, conducting mission-specific task challenges, and completing multiple safety and design reviews with NASA engineers.  “This student design challenge encourages the next generation of scientists and engineers to engage in the design process by providing innovative concepts and unique perspectives,” said Vemitra Alexander, HERC activity lead for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. “While celebrating the 30th anniversary of the challenge, HERC also continues NASA’s legacy of providing valuable experiences to students who may be responsible for planning future space missions including crewed missions to other worlds.” HERC is one of NASA’s eight Artemis Student Challenges reflecting the goals of the Artemis program, which seeks to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon while establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration. NASA uses such challenges to encourage students to pursue degrees and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  HERC is managed by NASA’s Southeast Regional Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. Since its inception in 1994, more than 15,000 students have participated in HERC – with many former students now working at NASA, or within the aerospace industry.     To learn more about HERC, please visit:  https://www.nasa.gov/roverchallenge/home/index.html    -end- Gerelle DodsonNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-4637gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov Taylor Goodwin Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256-544-0034taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Apr 22, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsSTEM Engagement at NASAArtemisGet InvolvedMarshall Space Flight CenterOpportunities For Students to Get InvolvedPrizes, Challenges & Crowdsourcing

[libertariantaoist]

Here is your daily roundup of today's news:

News Roundup 6/5/2023

by Kyle Anzalone

US News

The FBI is looking to gather new information about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age reported on Thursday. AWC

Rodolphe Jaar was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the plot to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moise in 2021. AJ

Mexico

Mexican TV has reported that a militant affiliated with Mexico’s Gulf Cartel was spotted carrying an advanced rocket launcher, the same type that the US has shipped thousands of to Ukraine. AWC

Russia

The Russian Defense Ministry said early Monday that Ukraine began a “large-scale offensive” by launching attacks along five sections of the frontlines in the eastern Donbas region. AWC

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Turkey has not changed its position on refusing to allow Sweden in the alliance. Boston Herald 

The US will focus its efforts on arming Ukraine and not attempting to bring the war to a negotiated settlement, America’s top diplomat said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken laid out a plan to massively expand Kiev’s military before talks begin. AWC

The Pentagon Thursday said it’s awarded a contract to Elon Musk’s SpaceX to ship Starlink satellite internet terminals to Ukraine. AWC

 Ukrainian soldiers trained by NATO and armed with Western weapons will serve as the “tip of the spear” during the upcoming counteroffensive against Russian forces, according to the Washington Post. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said this support represents the “next level” of security assistance. The Institute

The Kremlin says it will not reenter the New Start treaty until Washington lifts its hostile policy towards Russia. Fox News

Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to launch its counteroffensive. The Hill

China

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced Thursday that the US and Taiwan signed the first trade agreement under a new economic initiative that was launched last year. AWC

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore and said a conflict between the US and China would be an “unbearable disaster,” a warning that comes amid soaring tensions between the two powers. AWC

US Indo-Pacific Command accused a Chinese warship of acting in an “unsafe manner” when it passed a US Navy guided-missile destroyer that was transiting the Taiwan Strait with a Canadian frigate on Saturday. AWC

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the One China policy is still in effect. Politico

Germany will send two warships to the Indo-Pacific in 2024. Reuters

Iran

Iran’s navy commander said Friday that Tehran was working to form a naval alliance with several Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. AWC

Somalia

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced that it launched an airstrike in Somalia on June 1, marking the second US bombing in the country within a week and the third since May 20. AWC

Read More

[incorpglobalsstuff]

Why Singapore Is The Ideal Location For Your Company's Representative Office

Singapore, also known as the "Lion City," has carved out a reputation as a central hub for global trade, finance, and transportation. Celebrated for its dynamic economy, political stability, and first-rate infrastructure, Singapore provides an optimal setting for companies seeking to broaden their Asian market presence. 

The city-state's standing as a prime business locale is reinforced by its strong legal framework and government policies that favor business. Its strategic geographical location in the core of Southeast Asia makes it a prime choice for multinational corporations to establish representative offices in Singapore.

[offixsg]

Revamp Your Workspace with Stunning Office Renovation Singapore

Are you ready to breathe new life into your office space? Look no further! Experience the exemplification of creativity and functionality with our excellent office renovation Singapore. From concept to completion, we spend significant time in changing dull and obsolete work environments into dynamic and moving conditions.

Our team of skilled professionals comprehends the significance of a well-designed office that mirrors your image character and improves worker efficiency. Consolidating our mastery in commercial interior design with imaginative arrangements, we make redid spaces custom fitted to your remarkable business needs. Whether you're holding back nothing, moderate look or a striking, imaginative feel, we take care of you.

With our extensive office renovation services, you can anticipate that fastidious consideration should detail, consistent task the board, and opportune conveyance. We utilize top-quality materials and state of the art methods to guarantee uncommon outcomes that surpass your assumptions.

Elevate your work area higher than ever and establish a long term connection with clients and representatives the same. Get in touch with us today for a meeting and let us transform your office into a masterpiece of commercial interior design.

[nexphasedesign]

Best Interior Design Firms in Singapore: Next Phase Design and More

Like Leong Ngiap, TOPOS and Ong&Ong, Diana Tan, the co – founder of Next Phase Design also laid the foundation stone for their company in 2004. In various circumstances, Diana, and the other co-founders, Chong Yoon Eric and Neo Chu Kwang, try to explore how design can shape experiences by designing spaces in a way that serves the purpose while also catering to aesthetics with the Singapore Integrated Resorts.

The need for Interior design no longer exists as a luxury in Singapore; rather, it has become a necessity. Homeowners or business owners expect their interior spaces to be as eye-catching as the individual or the enterprise itself represents in public. This in turn means that a top-rated design firm cannot just build beautiful spaces, but a space within a framework of how people in the modern world would engage with it, an approach that Next Phase Design advocates for, empowering the clients’; interests and goals.

Since its inception in 2011, Next Phase Design has established a name for itself thanks to it’s quality and excellent delivery. Over the years, they have completed many projects spanning different industries, with each having its unique concept appealing to the client’s needs. Whether it is about a housing unit created as a place for retreat or an energetic working environment, Next Phase’s collection demonstrates their capability in dealing with different design problems with as much profession as creativity.

Another important aspect of Next Phase Design’s philosophy is the client’s participation in the design process. Unlike most of the companies that have their sets of design patterns to follow, Next Phase respects the opinion of the clients and their dreams. In every stage of the design or the construction process, the firm undertakes to engage the client in the whole creative process. This leads to creation of beautiful designs that are not only gorgeous but great though to be filled by the people who will occupy them.

Besides teamwork, Next Phase Design is great in designing spaces that are not only functional but sustainable and stand the test of time. With Singapore becoming increasingly eco-friendly, there are many private and commercial clients looking for sustainable designs. Next Phase Design implements the use of green materials, energy saving lights, and high-tech building systems in their works so that the spaces they design are not only aesthetically pleasing but also do harm to the environment. The importance of sustainability practices in Singapore is particularly critical, where there is a growing trend towards green building across different sectors.

Next Phase Design, however, does not just design spaces; it also embeds technology into those spaces. As homes and offices become more connected through IoT, Next Phase assists clients in deploying intelligent systems to improve both convenience and security. From light and temperature control systems to high-end security measures, the company is skilled at integrating technology into the overall design of interiors without compromising its visual beauty.

The emphasis for their residential projects has been the gentle living and peace giving features of any built environment. Next Phase also has designers who have a knack for modernizing a client’s lifestyle into space while clients sit back and relax whether it’s a contemporary apartment in a city or conventional family home. The impressive use of materials is to still use natural materials and colors to give the home its’ serenity and calm so that the home is off the frustrations of everyday life.

Next Phase Design also understands a business concept, the brand and its operation very well for any commercial space to enhance the necessary experience. Be it apart hotel, the retail space or even an office, their design has user experience at the core and the imperatives to making an impression of their customers and clients. Factors such as the flow of traffic, the organizational plan , branding as well as industrial considerations, has gladdened and periphery for all finished designs by Next Phase.

Next Phase is also notable for its ability to combine the past and the present, a skill that more and more people look for today. With Singapore being a multi-ethnic country, it makes sense for interior spaces to have an infusion of both the past and the present. Next Phase Design is successful in this regard by seamlessly fitting traditional style components or handcrafted features into minimalist contemporary environments. This gives their work an essential essence of the local culture, yet satisfies international design requirements, so that the works are distinctly Singaporean, but have international appeal.

What makes them unique amongst many other interior design Firms in Singapore is the absolute devotion to the craft of making. Each and every project that they complete is completed in a manner that exhibits incredible nunchaku and determination to quality. Starting from choosing good quality materials through to making and installing bespoke pieces of furniture, Next Phase always aims for the highest standards. Clients delight appears in all the completed works as they find the design both pleasing and practical.

Next Phase Design can be last noticed not for their work deals but for their ability to anticipate design trends. It is known that throughout history the interior space has constantly been modified and complemented by various new trends from time to time due to technological innovations and global design influence. Next Phase maintains an interest in it and benefits the clients through the integration of such trends. For instance, the company has responded to the increasing need for simplicity in styles that emphasize clean shapes, bit materials, and plenty of light. It is not only visually appealing but also enhances these spaces’ feeling of lightness and calmness which is necessary in Singapore’s cosmopolitan city.

Apart from their astounding designs, the client-centric process Next Phase Design undertakes is commendable. The firm assures its clients on the budget and timelines so that the clients do not get any shocks during the execution of the contract. It is this professionalism that allows them to maintain a good relationship with the clients and when the need arises many clients do not hesitate in returning or giving a referral.

Conclusion: With Incorporated designs, the future design landscape of Singapore has been firmly outlined.

As a final remark, it is obvious that Next Phase Design is one of the best interior contractors in Singapore with their deficient ability to combine design and functionality. Their focus towards client needs and work sustainability and, more importantly, inclusion of intelligent features in their designs makes them an industry leader in interior architecture. Be it a haven in a home or a busy office, Next Phase Design has the philosophy of creating spaces that reflect both character and beauty.

For the clients who are interested in a project, it is guaranteed that the designers from Next Phase Design will be able to implement any imaginable project thanks to the great precision and artistic approach of the company. Their every piece of work is an evidence of the opportunities of meaningful work which in its turn makes them one of the key players in the industry, contributing to the evolution of interior design in Singapore.

[mariacallous]

On July 18, the U.S. Commerce Department added two European commercial spyware firms—Cytrox and Intellexa—to its export controls blacklist due to privacy violations and other rights abuses. Both entities are controlled by former Israeli intelligence officer Tal Dilian and registered in multiple European jurisdictions, including Greece, Hungary, Ireland, and North Macedonia. They have been implicated in a variety of wrongdoings, including a major scandal in Greece, where Cytrox’s Predator software was used to hack journalists’ and opposition politicians’ phones.

The blacklisting is not a one-off. In fact, it represents a continuing effort by the U.S. government to curb the commercial spyware industry. The designation of the two companies is the first major initiative on spyware since U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order in March that limits federal agencies’ use of commercial spyware, and it sends a clear message that selling high-grade surveillance products to abusive governments will have consequences. Cytrox and Intellexa’s designation on the entity list imposes severe licensing requirements on the companies, effectively banning them from transactions with U.S. companies and accessing the U.S. market.

Getting to this point has been a struggle. The global spyware industry is a lucrative business; both governments and private actors have shown an insatiable appetite for targeted surveillance products. According to my research, at least 74 governments around the world have contracted with commercial firms to acquire spyware or data extraction technology.

The web of companies supplying these products is diverse. Although Israeli companies dominate the global export of spyware, European and U.S. companies are active market participants as well. Companies at the top end of the spyware market—such as Cytrox, Intellexa, and NSO Group, the Israeli market leader under U.S. sanctions since 2021—offer cutting-edge tools, including so-called zero-click hacks. These are malware programs that infiltrate devices without the user having to take any action to allow it in, such as opening an email or clicking on a bad link.

Although many of the abuses are linked to authoritarian regimes, such as the Saudi and Emirati governments’ reported use of NSO’s Pegasus malware to track the journalist Jamal Khashoggi before his assassination, democracies do not have clean hands, either. European countries such as Cyprus, Greece, and Spain have deployed spyware against civil society, independent journalists, and opposition politicians, as have illiberal democracies such as Hungary.

That is why U.S. leadership in reining in the spyware industry is such welcome news. Quite simply, few other countries have shown much interest in taking on commercial spyware firms, despite a parade of public scandals revealing major rights violations. The Biden administration started pursuing a measured strategy against spyware violators in 2021, when the Commerce Department put four spyware firms in Israel, Russia, and Singapore on its list of sanctioned entities, including NSO. Then, Biden signed the executive order in March of this year. In parallel, the United States also signed a joint declaration with 10 other countries against the misuse of spyware and establishing procedures to counter malicious cyberactivities. With this month’s blacklisting, the White House is sending another signal that it means business when it comes to reining in spyware abuses.

Yet for Washington’s actions to truly make a dent in the commercial spyware market, it needs other countries to join the fight—starting with Europe. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the two penalized spyware firms are based there. While most European countries have tough rules on the books to regulate spyware, enforcement has been lax. My research shows that a number of European spyware firms sell intrusive surveillance technology in their home markets and overseas, including Italy’s Memento Labs and Tykelab/RCS Lab, as well as Austria’s DSIRF. Moreover, European governments continue to deploy spyware to unlawfully surveil their citizens. This includes a major scandal in Spain targeting Catalan independence leaders and politicians, as well as reported abuses by Hungarian and Polish authorities. In a draft report submitted by Sophie in ‘t Veld, rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and other spyware (PEGA), she writes that “the abuse of spyware is a severe violation of all the values of the European Union, and it is testing the resilience of the democratic rule of law in Europe.”

So what can be done? First, the European Commission could do far more to address the spyware problem within the EU. Currently, the European Parliament is the only pan-European institution tackling this problem, but it lacks executive power and faces roadblocks at every turn. Very little will change unless the EU undertakes a more serious institutional push to break through obstructionism by EU member states. The commission has so far refrained from pressuring member governments to tighten their policies, highlighting Brussels’s limited ability or interest in fighting the problem. It would make a big difference if the commission sent a clear signal that cracking down on spyware is a priority. There is little reason the EU could not take steps similar to those implemented by the United States.

Second, democracies can be far more stringent when it comes to curbing their own use of spyware. Despite public scandals, democratic governments continue to show interest in acquiring intrusive surveillance tools. A good example is India: Just three days after Biden signed his March executive order on spyware, the Financial Times reported that Modi’s government had released a $120 million bid for new spyware contracts. Notably, Indian officials were concerned about the “PR problem” from NSO’s Pegasus and were looking for alternative companies from which to purchase surveillance capabilities. While preventing autocratic leaders from obtaining spyware is a formidable challenge, there are far fewer excuses for democratic governments to be using these tools, whether that’s in Greece, India, Mexico, or Spain. Citizens in democracies should demand better behavior out of their governments, especially when it comes to unlawfully deploying surveillance tools against journalists and civil society. Also needed is diplomatic pressure against culpable governments. In the case of Intellexa and Cytrox, the United States and its partners may not have significant leverage to wield against Hungary, where one of the Cytrox companies is based, but pressure could be exerted against other countries hosting these firms and their various entities. Already, there are reports that in response to Intellexa’s listing, the company’s Irish auditor has resigned.

Third, it is important not to overlook the Israel angle. Many notorious spyware firms are connected to Israel’s security establishment. Dilian, for example, cut his teeth working as a commander for the Israeli Defense Forces’ Unit 81, a crucible of advanced military technology responsible for developing intelligence products for special operations units and other defense agencies. Israel is a major hub and protector of the spyware industry. When other countries attempt to probe Israeli firms, they are often stonewalled. In July, a Spanish judge investigating the alleged hacking of ministers’ phones with Pegasus spyware was forced to close the court’s inquiry “due to the complete lack of legal cooperation from Israel.” There is no reason the Israeli government cannot follow the United States’ lead and enforce more stringent standards on non-military applications, rein in exports, and crack down on unaccountable companies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the White House is a good opportunity for U.S. officials to have a candid conversation about regulating abusive surveillance practices and the next steps each country can take.

The White House’s export control designation of Cytrox and Intellexa should be commended. It reinforces the administration’s ongoing commitment to curbing spyware violations. But the United States should not be forced to act alone: Europe, Israel, and other jurisdictions should follow the Biden administration’s lead and take meaningful steps to restrict the behavior of mercenary spyware firms.

[kimsiever]

Prison food workers reject 11% wage increase

Over a year and a half ago, roughly 120 workers employed with Compass Group saw their most recent collective agreement expire. Compass Group, operating under their brand Eurest Dining Services, is a Singapore-based company specializing in end-to-end corporate catering services, including events catering and office cleaning. These workers are represented by Local 401 of the United Food and…

[kamny]

Title: Former President Tsai Calls for Continued Support in Taiwan’s CPTPP Bid During Visit to Canada

Introduction: Tsai Ing-wen's Visit to Canada Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), currently on a visit to Canada, has urged Taiwanese compatriots in the North American country to rally behind Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The former leader made her appeal during a luncheon with Taiwanese expatriates, highlighting the important role of Canadian support in advancing Taiwan's international standing. Expressing Gratitude to the Taiwanese Community At the event, Tsai expressed deep gratitude to the Taiwanese community for their unwavering support during her eight years in office (2016-2024). She emphasized their significant contributions to raising Taiwan’s global visibility and strengthening its international presence. “I am here to personally thank all of you for your tireless support of Taiwan. Your efforts to enhance Taiwan’s presence on the world stage have been invaluable,” Tsai stated. A Call to Action: Supporting Taiwan’s CPTPP Bid Tsai’s main message was a call to action. She encouraged Taiwanese nationals in Canada to keep pushing for Taiwan's participation in the CPTPP. Recognizing Canada's strategic role within the trade bloc, Tsai stressed that the collective efforts of Taiwanese expatriates could influence Canada’s decision to support Taiwan's accession. "Taiwan’s inclusion in the CPTPP will benefit the region and foster economic growth. Your continued advocacy for this cause is crucial," she added. The Importance of the CPTPP The CPTPP, a major trade agreement established from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) after the U.S. withdrew in 2017, includes 11 member countries. These are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The agreement covers a significant portion of the global economy, representing over 13% of global trade. Taiwan, as the 21st largest economy globally, stands to gain significantly from membership. Tsai emphasized that Taiwan is well-prepared for CPTPP membership, having amended its domestic policies to meet the high standards set by the agreement. Taiwan’s Global Role and Readiness for CPTPP Membership Tsai pointed out Taiwan’s critical role in global supply chains, particularly in technology and manufacturing, and its commitment to international trade standards. "Joining the CPTPP would allow Taiwan to collaborate with more partners to enhance regional prosperity," she noted. Historic Visit and Taiwan-Canada Relations Tsai’s visit to Canada marked a historic moment, as she became the first former Taiwanese president to meet directly with the Taiwanese community in the country. In the past, Taiwanese leaders had addressed such events through pre-recorded messages. This visit highlights the growing diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Canada, as Taiwan’s global influence continues to rise. Tsai thanked the Canadian government and Taiwanese expatriates for their continuous support in advocating for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations like the World Health Assembly and the United Nations. Taiwan’s Advocacy for Global Health and Security In addition to the CPTPP, Tsai commended Taiwanese expatriates for their efforts to support Taiwan's representation in international forums. These include pushing for Taiwan’s participation in global health and security discussions, a cause that has gained significant traction in recent years. Tsai’s Visit to Maeli Market and Cultural Diplomacy Before attending the luncheon, Tsai visited Maeli Market, a supermarket in Canada specializing in Taiwanese food products. Tsai had the opportunity to try various Taiwanese specialties and learned about the market’s role in promoting Taiwanese culture and products. Many of the supermarket’s clients, including those who have never visited Taiwan, have expressed interest in traveling to Taiwan after experiencing its unique culinary offerings. Conclusion: Moving Taiwan Forward in Global Diplomacy As Tsai prepares to deliver a keynote speech at the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF), her visit continues to underscore Taiwan’s growing diplomatic presence. Her call for Taiwanese in Canada to continue supporting Taiwan’s CPTPP bid is a reflection of the island's ongoing efforts to strengthen its international partnerships. Table: Key Highlights from Tsai Ing-wen’s Visit TopicDetailsEventLuncheon with Taiwanese expatriates in CanadaMain FocusTaiwan’s bid for CPTPP membershipTsai's MessageUrged Taiwanese community to continue supporting Taiwan’s bidCPTPP MembersAustralia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, VietnamTaiwan's Global Role21st largest global economy and critical player in supply chainsHistoric VisitFirst former Taiwanese president to meet with community in personCultural DiplomacyTsai visited Maeli Market, promoting Taiwanese food and culture Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Why is Taiwan seeking to join the CPTPP? Taiwan aims to join the CPTPP to expand its international trade relations, enhance economic growth, and strengthen regional partnerships. The CPTPP includes some of Taiwan's key trading partners, which will provide more opportunities for Taiwan’s industries. 2. What is the CPTPP? The CPTPP is a trade agreement among 11 countries, originally based on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). It covers a significant portion of the global economy and aims to promote free trade and economic integration. 3. What role does Canada play in Taiwan's CPTPP bid? Canada is one of the key members of the CPTPP and holds significant influence in the decision-making process regarding new members. Taiwanese expatriates in Canada have been advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion. 4. How is Taiwan preparing for CPTPP membership? Taiwan has amended its domestic policies to meet the high standards set by the CPTPP, ensuring that it is ready to integrate into the bloc’s economic framework. Read the full article