It’s been two weeks since the new education system has been implemented. While I applaud the authorities for answering the call by parents struggling to balance their children’s regular and religious schooling, I am concerned about the well-being of the teachers, especially those at private schools.
Previously, teachers would take a breather during their lunch break. But now, they find themselves supervising children during the noon prayer; worse for smaller schools as they have to split the children into two sessions due to limited space.
While 3pm should be the end of regular school, teachers now have to watch children who only get picked up by their parents at 4.30pm as they have siblings attending religious schools, which finish at 5pm.
These teachers have other responsibilities such as lesson planning and marking papers. But due to the new system, they are now juggling between the welfare of their students and their role as educators.
Perhaps it is high time for the authorities to revise the system to protect the teachers against burnout and stress, such as holding talks with private schools to ensure that teachers have ample rest between classes.
Observer
PHOTO: ENVATO
I would like to call on teachers, especially non-Muslim ones, to be mindful of Qiblat, which is the direction of worship, when watching over students during noon prayer.
Now that religious classes have been integrated into regular school, teachers are scrambling to adapt to the new system. This is especially true for private schools, where teachers may have been tasked to oversee the prayer based on availability, not based on their knowledge of Islam.
I hope the authority could aid these teachers to ensure that these children are performing their prayers correctly.
Momma Bear
Since the announcement of a new system that integrates regular and religious education, I have been concerned about how my daughter’s school would be able to accommodate the change.
As a non-Muslim, I’m not opposed to my children learning more about our country’s official religion. At the moment, knowing that my child won’t be graded for the new religious subject is a relief. But if it ever became a must-pass subject, I hope the authorities would give us parents a heads-up, so we could arrange for extra classes on the side.
My girl will be undertaking Year 4 education in a private school next year. While some schools have already tested out the new system, the one she is attending is still figuring out a way to organise its students.
There are whispers of possibly extending the hours for both morning and afternoon sessions as students would have to share the same facilities.
However, would it mean students in the afternoon session finish past 7pm? Would it not affect their mental health? How would the teachers cope with more hours in school?
I want to see my child excel in school. But this new system has thrown a number of private schools, especially smaller ones, into a tailspin due to the need for facilities that they simply cannot provide.
The AI-powered generation platform Wenxin Yige at Baidu World 2023 in Beijing, China. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY
ANN/CHINA DAILY – The artificial intelligence (AI) industry holds great significance for the development and unlocking of potential in the Chinese economy, said Baidu’s chief technology officer (CTO).
From the evolution of PCs and mobile internet to the integration of digital technology, particularly AI, with the physical economy, industries are undergoing a transformative shift toward intelligence, Wang Haifeng said in a written interview with the China Daily website during the 2023 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit.
He shared that China’s diverse and extensive industrial system, coupled with rich AI applications, is facilitating the transformation and upgrade of various sectors.
Large language models like Ernie serve as universal empowerment platforms, enabling intelligent transformations across industries, Wang said.
This accelerates China’s AI industry development, driving technological progress, industrial upgrades and overall productivity gains, thereby injecting momentum into the nation’s economic development.
The AI-powered generation platform Wenxin Yige at Baidu World 2023 in Beijing, China. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY
Baidu, as a leading AI company with extensive expertise and a comprehensive strategy in core technologies, is committed to breaking through key technologies.
It has accumulated experience in speech and computer vision for perception, natural language processing and knowledge graph for cognition, as well as foundational technologies such as deep learning frameworks and platforms, large language models and AI chips, said Wang.
The Chinese tech giant also continues to reduce the application barriers of artificial intelligence technologies, aiming to drive industrial upgrades and promote greater AI in different sectors, said the officer.
Accelerating the integration of AI into sectors such as manufacturing, city governance, energy, transportation, finance and media, will make industries and people’s lives become more “intelligent”.
In response to the question regarding how Baidu achieves high-quality development through technological innovation, the chief technology officer said that Baidu boasts a strong team with advanced technical skills.
Their expertise in large language models and patents is crucial for improving Baidu’s products.
Its innovation is based on real needs in products and industries, allowing them to quickly turn new technologies into useful applications. Over the years, Baidu’s continuous innovation has led to many important developments, shaping the path of both technology and industries, Wang said.
Baidu’s AI technologies, such as deep learning and large language models, are used in search, maps, translation and its smart hardware.
The company unveiled the latest version of its large language model, Ernie 4.0, at Baidu World 2023, the company’s annual flagship event held in Beijing.
It has introduced a model for large-scale production and application, streamlining the complex process of model production for companies with capabilities in algorithms, computing power and data.
This approach is similar to chip factories, Wang added, and the practical application of Ernie has been validated through collaborations with leading companies and institutions in diverse sectors.
The recent launch of Ernie 4.0 has further accelerated the model’s practical use, with many business partners integrating it to enhance their operations.
South Korean honour guards in a welcome ceremony before the Defence Minister meeting of the South Korea-United Nations Command (UNC) member nations at the Defence Ministry in Seoul, South Korea. PHOTO: AP
SEOUL (AP) – Senior defence officials from South Korea, the United States (US) and other nations on Tuesday warned North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and threats, vowing an unspecified collective response to any war-like aggression by the North toward its rival.
Their joint statement came after a meeting in Seoul involving US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik and officials from 16 other countries under the US-led United Nations (UN) Command, which provided combat or medical forces in support of the South during the 1950-53 Korean War.
South Korean honour guards in a welcome ceremony before the Defence Minister meeting of the South Korea-United Nations Command (UNC) member nations at the Defence Ministry in Seoul, South Korea. PHOTO: AP
The meeting came a day after Austin and Shin held annual defence talks where the allies updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.
In the statement, the defence ministers and other representatives of the UN Command’s member states strongly condemned North Korea’s “unlawful” nuclear and ballistic missile programmes which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and called for Pyongyang to recommit to diplomacy aimed at defusing the nuclear standoff.
The UN Command’s member states also declared “they will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean Peninsula challenging the principles of the UN and the security of (South Korea).”
Shin during a speech at the meeting said the North would face a “strong response from the international community centred on the UN Command” if it ever attempts to invade the South again.
“If the countries that supported North Korea during the Korean War offer to do so again, they too will face the same punishment as North Korea,” Shin said.
Before yesterday’s meeting, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry condemned the event as reflecting a “dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression”. The North’s state media also criticised the visits by Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who travelled to Seoul last week, calling them “warmongers” bringing a “new war cloud” to Asia.
Animosity between the Koreas has spiked in recent months after Kim ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South.
Mikasa Ackerman of ‘Attack on Titan’. PHOTO: MAPPA
The anime that shattered expectations like ‘Wall Maria’
I finally caved and gave in to the relentless nagging from friends and family to watch Attack on Titan (AoT), it took one person to really convince me to start watching. So I dedicate this review to him.
I’ll admit, I was a bit of a tough sell. I mean, I’m a die-hard Bleach fan, and nothing could quite compare in my book. But man, was I wrong. That first episode of AoT hit me like a freight train, and from then on, I was reeled in hook, line, and sinker.
The hesitation? Totally regret it. Once I dove into the world of Titans and wall-scaling adventures, there was no turning back.
Attack on Titan isn’t just some run-of-the-mill anime; it’s a wild ride of jaw-dropping moments and “wait, what?!” plot twists. It took me about two weeks to finish the whole series.
I might have been sceptical at first, but now I’m waving the AoT flag like there’s no tomorrow. So, if you’re on the fence like I was, do yourself a favour and take the plunge.
Attack on Titan Created by Hajime Isayama, this Japanese anime series isn’t your average giant-monster tale.
Mikasa Ackerman of ‘Attack on Titan’. PHOTO: MAPPA
It’s a visceral experience that leaves you on the edge of your seat from the first episode until the final, heart-wrenching conclusion. AoT has this immaculate way of throwing you into a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from titans – gigantic humanoid creatures with a taste for human flesh.
The story revolves around Eldians, Eren Yeager (or Jaeger, different sources spell his last name differently) and his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, as they witness the breach of Wall Maria by the Titans, shattering their once peaceful existence.
Character Armin Arlert. PHOTO: NETFLIX / MAPPA
Spoiler alert, Eren’s mother gets eaten by a titan in front of his very eyes. This catastrophic event propels the three friends into the heart of the Survey Corps, the military force tasked with combating the Titans and uncovering the mysteries that shroud their world. What sets AoT apart is its rich and evolving cast of characters. Eren’s journey from a determined, yet impulsive youth to a complex and conflicted leader is a central focus as the series moves forward.
Mikasa’s unwavering loyalty and Armin’s intellectual growth add depth to the trio, and as the story progresses, secondary characters take the spotlight, each with their unique stories and motivations.
I grew to like the dynamics of a set of secondary trio that emerged after the protagonists joined the Survey Corps – Jean Kirstein, Sasha Braus and Connie Springer – the trio that brings some serious flavour into the series.
Jean Kirstein, Sasha Braus and Connie Springer of the Survey Corps. PHOTO: NETFLIX / MAPPA
Jean’s like the guy you love to hate but can’t help but root for – he’s got this snarky attitude, but when push comes to shove, he’s got a heart of gold buried under that tough exterior.
Then there’s Sasha, the food-loving sharpshooter. She’s basically the group’s human vacuum cleaner, and her love for potatoes is legendary.
But don’t be fooled by the snacks; she’s a beast on the battlefield. And let’s not forget about Connie, the dude with the perpetual bedhead. He’s the comic relief, always cracking jokes to lighten the mood.
Together, this trio is like a dysfunctional family that somehow makes it work. They bicker, they banter, but when Titans come knocking, you better believe they’ve got each other’s backs.
It’s a mix of sass, snacks, and solidarity that makes these characters an unforgettable part of the AoT saga.
The anime doesn’t shy away from exploring the psychological toll of living in constant fear of Titans, making the characters relatable and human.
Sasha, the food-loving sharpshooter. PHOTO: NETFLIX / MAPPA
POLITICAL INTRIGUE
Beyond the battles with Titans, AoT delves into a complex political landscape that adds layers of intrigue.
The power struggles within the walls, the mysteries surrounding the origin of the Titans, and the hidden agendas of key figures keep viewers guessing.
The narrative masterfully weaves these elements together, creating a plot that is as much a political thriller as it is an action-packed adventure.
It’s hard not to notice certain parallels with what’s currently unfolding in the real world right now either.
In a poignant moment, Hange Zoe, the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps, let out a despairing cry that echoed the moral core of humanity.
With conviction and anguish, they declared, “Genocide is wrong. There is no right reason to commend such an act!”
This powerful statement not only encapsulates Hange’s unwavering commitment to humanity’s ethical principles but also serves as a stark reminder within the intense and complex world of AoT.
A demonstration to the series’ exploration of profound moral dilemmas and the high cost of the choices made in the face of existential threats.
A titan. PHOTO: NETFLIX/MAPPA
TWISTS AND TURNS
If you think you’ve got AoT figured out, think again. This anime is a rollercoaster of plot twists and jaw-dropping revelations. The mysteries that surround the Titans and the truth behind the walls are slowly unravelled, challenging the viewer’s perceptions and assumptions.
The series is witness to Isayama’s ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next shocking revelation.
The animation quality is nothing short of spectacular. Wit Studio and later MAPPA bring the Titans to life with fluid and intense action sequences.
The omni-directional mobility gear used by the Survey Corps adds a dynamic element to the battles, making each confrontation a visual spectacle. The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, complements the intensity of the series, heightening the emotional impact of key moments.
Attack on Titan isn’t just an anime; it’s an experience.
It challenges the boundaries of the genre, combining intense action, deep character development, and a gripping plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Strap in for a journey filled with Titans, laughter, tears, tragedy and a tale that will leave a permanent mark on the anime landscape. – Izah Azahari
‘Udang Galah’ thrives in freshwater habitats rich in vegetation and aquatic life. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Brunei’s ‘udang galah’, a colossal freshwater prawn resembling lobster, captivates fishermen and food enthusiasts alike
With Brunei’s lush ecosystem and unique biodiversity, there is also a wide variety of aquatic sea and river creatures that can be found along its coastlines and rivers.
One of them sought by fishermen and locals alike is the giant freshwater prawn, locally known as udang galah.
With its vibrant colours and remarkable size, this elusive delicacy, reminiscent of lobster has captivated the taste buds of many and is a crucial element in sustaining the fishing communities coexisting in its habitat.
Normally found thriving in the lush mangroves, pristine rivers and serene ponds across Southeast Asia, the udang galah thrives in freshwater habitats rich in vegetation and aquatic life. These prawns, scientifically known as macrobrachium rosenbergii, boast an impressive size, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 12 inches, making them the largest freshwater prawns in the world.
The lifecycle of udang galah is a fascinating tale of transformation. From tiny larvae, they grow into juveniles, undergoing a series of moults before reaching adulthood.
A shoal of ‘Udang Galah’. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
As they mature, they form a hierarchy and venture into brackish and marine waters, further adding to the mystique surrounding their habits and behaviours. This elusiveness however does not deter fisherman, as many have taken up the challenge of catching these sought-after prawns, not only as a source of income but also as a hobby.
Avid fisherman Sufian bin Haji Amit started catching udang galah since his teenage years but now, he catches and grows them as a hobby and as a supplementary business.
The art of catching udang galah has been honed over generations by local fishermen, who, in collaboration with like-minded peers, have cultivated their skills through years of experience and possess a profound understanding of the prawn’s behaviour.
Sufian bin Haji Amit. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Beyond mastering the techniques and equipment essential for catching these elusive freshwater prawns, fishermen must also be keen observers of current and upcoming weather patterns.
Sufian emphasised, based on his experience, that udang galah exhibits a strong dependence on seasons and cycles, thereby introducing an additional layer of challenge to their capture.
“It also depends on the tide and saturation of the river water, as there needs to be a right mixture of salt and fresh water for them (the udang galah) to appear,” he continued adding that the optimal time to capture them is after rainfall.
The rainwater, he explained, serves to dilute the water’s salinity, creating an ideal condition for udang galah to freely roam and be caught.
“There are many people who are keen on catching udang galah, not only for the challenge but also to sell them as another flow of income as well as to sample them as delicacies.”
This phenomenon is not confined solely to the Belait District, as Sufian highlighted that, particularly during weekends when conditions are favourable, numerous fishermen from across various districts embark on excursions to catch udang galah in substantial numbers.
“There are also some who love to eat udang galah, though it also depends on the season as udang galah is not a cheap delicacy to enjoy so normally people would splurge for it when they get their salary.”
‘Udang Galah’ thrives in freshwater habitats rich in vegetation and aquatic life. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
To meet this demand, Sufian fashioned a small tank from repurposed containers, to keep the udang galah alive, preserving their freshness for those interested in purchasing them.
“While I don’t have a lot of experience in breeding udang galah, I do also keep them when there are not enough to sell which I consolidate with my other catches to ensure that there are enough to be sold, usually around one or two kilogrammes.”
“I usually change the water once every two weeks if there is a lot of udang galah, or once every month if it is not a lot. It all depends on the water quality.”
He went on to note that there are individuals who have attempted to breed udang galah in a controlled environment.
‘Udang galah’ has vibrant colours and remarkable size. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
While earlier endeavours proved unsuccessful, recent successes have been reported, with people managing to breed udang galah in homemade ponds.
“I think some of the major factors to breeding udang galah include the large space needed to breed and care for the udang galah to ensure that a mixture of fresh water, rainwater, oxygen, and nutrients are continuously maintained.”
More than just a culinary delicacy, udang galah remains an enigmatic pursuit for fishermen. The challenge lies in locating these prized prawns, which, once found, become a sought-after local delicacy enjoyed by many. – Daniel Lim
Brunei Darussalam BARA (Brunei Adventure Recreation Association) national obstacle racing team recently participated in the South East Asia (SEA) 100M OCR Championships in Subang Jaya, Malaysia.
The national team, comprising seven athletes including five male and two female, competed in both elite and open categories.
BARA President Yasmin Patera and national team coach Pengiran Muhamad Rafie bin Pengiran Saiful Redzalli accompanied the athletes.
The Sultanate produced a decent showing in the regional stage with the national athletes finishing among the top 10 out of 27 participants. Besides Brunei, participating countries also included host nation Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong.
National athlete Azizil Anwar Mosli was the highest-placed entrant in sixth place with a time of 1:19.70s and completing all 12 obstacles in the male elite category.
His teammate Awang Mohd Hasnal Husna Ahmad finished eighth overall with a time of 1:27.02 having also completed all the obstacles.
Meanwhile, Haji Muhd Hafizh Abd Khalid finished 14th out of 77 entrants in the Male Open category and completed 10 obstacles.
In the same category, Muhd Azim Mohd Alidin placed 21st and completed nine obstacles while Muhd Izzat Dato Paduka Haji Murad ended in 38th place and completed six obstacles.
In the female open category, Low Leng May finished fifth out of 14 participants with a time of 1.03.07 and completed six obstacles while her teammate Sofiyah Syairah Saifulizan finished sixth with a time of 1.30.16 and completed six obstacles.
The competition featured a 100-metre obstacle course, testing athletes’ strength, agility and mental fortitude.
The Brunei Darussalam BARA national obstacle racing team. PHOTO: BARA
During the event, the male athletes showcased their athleticism in navigating intricate obstacles and overcoming physical challenges, while the female athletes similarly exhibited exceptional strength and resilience, breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated OCR arena.
The national OCR team’s participation in the SEA 100M OCR Championships aligns with the country’s commitment to promoting sports excellence and fostering a culture of health and fitness.
Their participation in the competition and recent Spartan races marks a significant milestone for Brunei in the world of obstacle racing and reinforces the nation’s standing as a rising force in regional sports.
The team also expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the local community. – Fadhil Yunus
LONDON (AP) — A British convert to Islam who was convicted in Turkey of being part of the Islamic State group was sentenced to eight years in prison in Britain on Monday after he pleaded guilty to terrorism charges.
Aine Leslie Davis, 39, was deported from Turkey in August 2022 and detained on arrival at London’s Luton Airport after serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for membership in IS.
He pleaded guilty last month to having a firearm for terrorism purposes and two charges of funding terrorism.
Prosecutors said Davis, who left his home in London and travelled to Syria in 2013 to join the armed conflict there, enlisted his wife to persuade a friend to bring him EUR20,000 euros to support his cause. The friend was stopped at Heathrow Airport in 2014, and Davis’s wife, Amal El-Wahabi, was convicted of funding terrorism.
Davis’ defence lawyer, Mark Summers, issued an apology to the Syrian people on his behalf, saying he and others like him “caused more harm than good.”
British authorities had long suspected that Davis was part of an IS cell known as “The Beatles” — so called because of the men’s British accents — that tortured and killed Western hostages in Syria a decade ago, when IS controlled a large swath of Syria and Iraq.
Davis has denied being connected to the cell.
Two members of the “Beatles” cell, Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, were captured by US-backed Kurdish forces in 2018 and are serving life sentences in the US A third, Mohammed Emwazi, was killed in a drone strike in 2015.
Summers asserted during the trial that prosecutors in the US decided last year they would not seek to put Davis on trial as a member of the cell due to insufficient evidence.
The judge said he was sentencing Davis for the offenses on the indictment and not for the reported allegations.
In this photograph taken on November 12, 2023, rescue workers gather at the site after a tunnel collapsed in the Uttarkashi district of India's Uttarakhand state. Rescue workers in northern India said on November 13 they had made contact with 40 workers trapped for over 24 hours after the road tunnel they were building collapsed. (Photo by AFP)
DEHRADUN, India (AFP) – More than a hundred rescuers in northern India struggled for a third day on Tuesday to save workers trapped underground after the road tunnel they were building collapsed.
Excavators have been removing debris since Sunday morning from the site in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand to create an escape tunnel for the 40 workers, who are all alive.
“Our biggest breakthrough is that we have established contact and there is a supply of oxygen and food,” Uttarkashi district’s top civil servant Abhishek Ruhela told AFP on Tuesday.
“Whatever is necessary for their survival is being done.”
In this photograph taken on November 12, 2023, rescue workers gather at the site after a tunnel collapsed in the Uttarkashi district of India’s Uttarakhand state. PHOTO: AFP
Oxygen was being pumped into the tunnel and small food items such as dry fruit were being provided to the workers, he added.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) said Tuesday rescuers had spoken to the trapped workers via radio.
Ranjit Kumar Sinha, a senior disaster management official, told reporters at the site he was hopeful workers could be freed by Wednesday, adding that there was enough oxygen where they were trapped “for about five to six days”.
‘Huge amount of debris’
Construction worker Hemant Nayak told AFP that he had been in the tunnel early on Sunday when the roof caved in, but he had been on the right side of the collapse and escaped.
Small amounts of dirt had been falling into the tunnel, but “everyone took it lightly”, he said.
“Then suddenly a huge amount of debris came and the tunnel was closed,” he added.
Photos released by government rescue teams soon after the collapse showed huge piles of rubble blocking the wide tunnel, with twisted metal bars from its roof poking down in front of slabs of concrete.
Rescue workers gather at the site after a tunnel collapsed in the Uttarkashi district of India’s Uttarakhand state on November 13, 2023. PHOTO: AFP
Teams are using heavy machinery to drive a steel pipe with a width of 90 centimetres (nearly three feet), wide enough for the trapped men to squeeze through the rubble, the government’s highway and infrastructure company said.
The 4.5-kilometre tunnel is being constructed between the towns of Silkyara and Dandalgaon to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, two of the holiest Hindu shrines.
The tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s road project aimed at improving travel conditions between some of the most popular Hindu shrines in the country as well as areas bordering China.
Accidents on large infrastructure projects are common in India.
In January, at least 200 people were killed in flash floods in ecologically fragile Uttarakhand in a disaster that experts partly blamed on excessive development.
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Malaysia’s highest court reduced the sentences of seven death row inmates to life in prison on Tuesday, four months after the country abolished mandatory capital punishment.
Under a new law, which took effect in July, judges have the option to impose lengthy prison sentences of up to 30 years.
Previously, convictions for several offences, including murder and drug trafficking, came with automatic death penalties.
Since then, the Federal Court has been reviewing previous death penalty decisions.
Lawyers for more than 860 death row inmates have applied to have their clients’ sentences downgraded.
The first batch of rulings was handed down on Tuesday.
Seven inmates, including five Malaysians and two Thai nationals, had their death sentences for drug trafficking commuted to life in prison.
Life imprisonment in Malaysia is defined as 30 years in jail and prisoners can be freed for good behaviour after serving one-third of their sentence.
The seven inmates had been in prison for more than 20 years each. It is not clear if any of them will be immediately freed.
Malaysia has had a moratorium on executions since 2018, but courts have continued to send inmates to death row.
Azalina Othman Said, a minister in the prime minister’s office, described the sentence reductions by the Federal Court as a “historic day” for the country.
“This proves that the principle of restorative justice in the criminal justice system in Malaysia is always maintained,” she said in a statement.
“This success also reflects the government’s commitment in promoting and defending universal human rights.”
In reaching its decision, the Federal Court took into account “various factors” including the inmate’s age, health and number of years already served, Azalina said.
