Forum focuses on role of youth in leadership

National

November 13, 2024

ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari in a group photo with the ASEAN delegates; and Hajah Nor Ashikin delivers a speech. PHOTO: MCYS

The critical role of youth as change-makers must be acknowledged, as they are not merely leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today, Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari said.

Across ASEAN, young people are already at the forefront of rural development and poverty alleviation, contributing as entrepreneurs, volunteers, advocates and innovators, she said in her welcoming remarks as the Co-Chair of the 13th ASEAN Public Private People (PPP) Partnership Forum on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) yesterday.

ASEAN is home to a rich diversity of over 650 million people, nearly half of whom live in rural areas where access to vital resources such as healthcare, education, markets, and social services remains a pressing challenge. These rural communities, heavily reliant on agriculture, are among the most vulnerable to economic fluctuations, climate change, and social instability. Therefore, the discussions and initiatives that emerge from this forum are crucial in shaping a future where these rural communities are empowered, resilient, and thriving, she said.

“Our youth represent ASEAN’s greatest hope for a sustainable future. They bring innovation, adaptability and a passion for driving positive change – qualities essential for addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental concerns,” Hajah Nor Ashikin said.

Today’s youth, she added, have the potential to lead transformative changes in rural communities, making them more resilient to climate change and fostering sustainable livelihoods for generations.

“It is their energy, creativity, and determination that drive new solutions to long-standing challenges, making their engagement not only beneficial but essential. “We are also pleased to celebrate ASEAN’s progress in integrating youth into its development frameworks. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development and the ASEAN Village Network have made strides in empowering youth and strengthening rural communities.”

However, much more remains to be done, said Hajah Nor Ashikin, adding that the forum presents a critical opportunity for everyone to come together, share insights, and identify practical, impactful solutions that will empower youth and advance rural development.

The sessions were ‘The Role of Young Entrepreneurs in Social and Economic Change’; ‘Youth Engagement and Volunteerism in Addressing Poverty’; ‘Tackling Poverty Through Digitalisation’; ‘Youth and Equitable Access to Education and Life-Skills Programmes’; and ‘Rural Revitalisation for Poverty Reduction’. Hajah Nor Ashikin also welcomed past awardees of the ASEAN RDPE Leadership Awards. ”Their exceptional contributions to their communities serve as an inspiration to all, and the forum looks forward to learning from their experiences and continuing the dialogue on creating sustainable, inclusive communities across ASEAN.“

Moving forward, she encouraged everyone to engage actively in the discussions, share their expertise, and foster collaborations.

“I also call on participants to use this opportunity to build stronger networks, inspire tangible action, and develop strategies that we can bring back to our respective communities,” she said, expressing confidence that the forum will be filled with fruitful exchanges and collaborative efforts that will help shape a resilient, inclusive ASEAN for generations to come.

The forum yesterday kicked off the 21st ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE) and Related Meetings, hosted by Brunei Darussalam through the MCYS. Co-chaired by Hajah Nor Ashikin and Permanent Secretary (Municipality and Districts) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Abdul Walid bin Haji Matassan, the forum is held under the theme ‘Youths as Agents of Change Towards a Resilient ASEAN: Strengthening the Role of Youths in Poverty Eradication and Rural Development’.

A total of 100 delegates are attending the 21st ASEAN SOMRDPE meeting and related meetings from ASEAN member countries and the Plus Three countries. Yesterday’s forum ended with closing remarks by the Co-Chair, Abdul Walid, who highlighted that one of the ministry’s most important tasks moving forward is to ensure the provision of necessary support to help young change-makers. He emphasised the importance of encouraging the active participation of youth in rural development, poverty eradication, and decision-making processes across all sectors. – Lyna Mohamad

Call for improved stocking, inspections of vending machines

Opinion

November 13, 2024

As a student at a higher learning institution, I find it extremely frustrating to discover that the soft drinks in the vending machines at the facility include expired products.

Our building is situated quite a distance from the main cafeteria, which exacerbates the inconvenience by limiting access to fresh and reliable refreshment options on campus.

Ensuring that the vending machines are stocked with safe and unexpired beverages is essential for our well-being and convenience.

I urge the supplier to implement regular inspections and maintenance of vending machines to ensure that only safe beverages are available for consumption.

Additionally, establishing a more frequent restocking schedule could help prevent expired products from being dispensed.

Addressing this issue promptly will not only enhance the student experience but also maintain trust in the campus facilities provided to us.

Collaborative efforts between the institution, suppliers and maintenance teams are crucial to ensure that all students have access to safe and convenient refreshment options throughout their time on campus.

Thirsty

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

BB Daily Digital

November 13, 2024

Amorim jets in to launch new era at Man Utd

Sports

November 12, 2024

TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-SPORTING-MANCHESTER CITY — Sporting Lisbon's Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim wave to supporters at the end of the UEFA Champions League football match against Manchester City. PHOTO: AFP

Manchester (AFP) – Manchester United’s new era started when Ruben Amorim jetted into town to start the daunting task of restoring the club to former glories.

The Portuguese coach bid farewell to Sporting Lisbon in style on Sunday, securing a thrilling 4-2 comeback win at his former club Braga – an 11th victory in 11 league games.

The mood in Manchester has been lifted by three wins in four matches in all competitions since interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy took over from the sacked Erik ten Hag.

But Amorim will be under no illusions as to the scale of his task at United, who are languishing 13th in the Premier League table after just four wins in 11 matches.

United announced his arrival at their training base on Monday afternoon, confirming shortly afterwards that Van Nistelrooy had left the club.

Sporting Lisbon’s Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim waves to supporters at the end of the UEFA Champions League football match against Manchester City. PHOTO: AFP

AFP Sport looks at the challenges that Amorim faces.

Manchester United have been crowned English champions a record 20 times but they have failed even to compete for the Premier League or Champions League titles since Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013.

Amorim, a 39-year-old former Portugal international, is United’s sixth permanent appointment since the end of Ferguson’s trophy-filled 27-year-reign.

David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ten Hag have all come and gone, unable to take United back to the top despite lavish spending. More than GBP600 million was spent over Ten Hag’s five transfer windows on new signings but few have proved value for money.

Despite United’s flaws, Amorim will have a greater pool of talent than he did at Sporting, but he will have to work hard to get the most out of an under-performing squad.

He is the first manager appointed since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner of the club earlier this year, taking control of football operations.

Being Ratcliffe’s man should buy him wriggle room and time, but he will know that at a club of the size of United, patience only stretches so far.

“I feel ready for the new challenge,” an upbeat Amorim said after his farewell match with Sporting. “I’m not naive, I know that it’s going to be very, very different, very tough but I feel that I’m ready.”

Ruben Amorim is celebrated by his Sporting Lisbon players. PHOTO: AFP

Two trophies in his only two full seasons were not enough to save Erik ten Hag, whose side never got going in the current campaign.

The Dutchman secured some impressive wins during his tenure against Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City but he relied on moments of individual brilliance from an expensively assembled squad rather than imposing a clear style of play.

United frequently appeared chaotic on his watch, combining an alarming fragility with an inability to score goals, and proved infuriatingly inconsistent.

Amorim has earned his ticket to the Premier League after restoring Sporting to the pinnacle of Portuguese football over the past four and a half years.

His preferred 3-4-3 formation could suit the players he will have available at Old Trafford.

But he will have precious little time on the training ground to impose his philosophy as United face a gruelling run of 12 games between November 24 and January 5 following the current international break.

“I know how I’m going to play at the beginning because you have to start with a structure that you know and then you will adapt with the players that you have,” Amorim said.

United fans so long used to success have suffered as their team slipped down the pecking order, usurped by Manchester City and Liverpool.

Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was. Liverpool and Tottenham cruised to 3-0 victories in September, while Brighton, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Fulham won there last season.

Amorim has to energise the Old Trafford crowd and infuse them with the belief that this time things really will get better.

Although United are in the bottom half of the Premier League, they are just four points off the top four, a finishing position that would bring back Champions League football.

Midfielder Casemiro said the players are hungry to learn from their incoming boss.

“We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting (Lisbon),” he said. “We know that Sporting won many titles, changed the club with titles, with trophies.

“He has already proved that he is a coach that has won a lot.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy has left his post as Manchester United’s interim head coach, following the arrival of Ruben Amorim. PHOTO: AFP

Japan mulls USD65B in public support for AI, chips

Technology

November 12, 2024

Microchip on green board — PHOTO: ENVATO

TOKYO (XINHUA) – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled a plan to introduce a new framework for providing over JPY10 trillion (USD65 billion) in public support over the coming years to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries through 2030, local media reported.

The initiative seeks to stimulate private sector investment, aiming to spur over JPY50 trillion in public and private investment combined over the next decade, the public broadcaster NHK reported, citing Ishiba at a press conference.

To support the initiative, the government was considering issuing bonds backed by shares in NTT and other government-owned assets. In recent years, Japan’s semiconductor industry has received close to JPY4 trillion in government
funding. However, further support has been deemed necessary, with companies like Rapidus, which focused on domestic production of advanced semiconductors, projected to need an additional JPY4 trillion.

The new strategy highlighted the government’s long-term commitment to strengthen AI and semiconductor sectors, but the substantial and sustained support for specific industries has raised questions about its viability and effectiveness.

23 in semi-finals of National Al-Quran Reading Competition

National

November 12, 2024

A total of 23 participants made up of 19 Qari and 4 Qariah recited their respective Al-Quran recital at the second day of the Adult Al-Quran Reading Competition Semi Final National level for year 2025 on Tuesday at the Muzakarah Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Present as the guest of honour at the competition, which was also live-streamed from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) social media platforms, was Acting Secretary Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), Awang Haji Hamizah bin Haji Sabtu for the morning session while Acting Director of Islamic Studies, Dayang Hajah Mariana biti Haji Jamil attended as the guest of honour for the afternoon session.

One of the Qaris during the semi-finals. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMMAD

The Adult Al-Quran Reading Competition Semi-Final National level is hoped to able to strengthen and further develop the field of reading and understanding the Qur’an. – LYNA MOHAMMAD

The Ivy League university to offer a course on Beyoncé and her legacy

Entertainment

November 12, 2024

(AP) – With a record 99 Grammy nominations and acclaim as one of the most influential artists in music history, pop superstar Beyoncé and her expansive cultural legacy will be the subject of a new course at Yale University next year.

Titled “Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition, Culture, Theory & Politics Through Music,” the one-credit class will focus on the period from her 2013 self-titled album through this year’s genre-defying “Cowboy Carter” and how the world-famous singer, songwriter and entrepreneur has generated awareness and engagement in social and political ideologies.

Yale University’s African American Studies Professor Daphne Brooks intends to use the performer’s wide-ranging repertoire, including footage of her live performances, as a “portal” for students to learn about Black intellectuals, from Frederick Douglass to Toni Morrison.

FILE – Beyonce, left, accepts the Innovator Award during the iHeartRadio Music Awards, April 1, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. PHOTO: AP

“We’re going to be taking seriously the ways in which the critical work, the intellectual work of some of our greatest thinkers in American culture resonates with Beyoncé’s music and thinking about the ways in which we can apply their philosophies to her work” and how it has sometimes been at odds with the “Black radical intellectual tradition,” Brooks said.

Beyoncé, whose full name is Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, is not the first performer to be the subject of a college-level course. There have been courses on singer and songwriter Bob Dylan over the years and several colleges and universities have recently offered classes on singer Taylor Swift and her lyrics and pop culture legacy. That includes law professors who hope to engage a new generation of lawyers by using a famous celebrity like Swift to bring context to complicated, real-world concepts.

Professors at other colleges and universities have also incorporated Beyoncé into their courses or offered classes on the superstar.

Brooks sees Beyoncé in a league of her own, crediting the singer with using her platform to “spectacularly elevate awareness of and engagement with grassroots, social, political ideologies and movements” in her music, including the Black Lives Matter movement and Black feminist commentary.

“Can you think of any other pop musician who’s invited an array of grassroots activists to participate in these longform multimedia album projects that she’s given us since 2013,” asked Brooks. She noted how Beyoncé has also tried to tell a story through her music about “race and gender and sexuality in the context of the 400-year-plus history of African-American subjugation.”

“She’s a fascinating artist because historical memory, as I often refer to it, and also the kind of impulse to be an archive of that historical memory, it’s just all over her work,” Brooks said. “And you just don’t see that with any other artist.”

Brooks previously taught a well-received class on Black women in popular music culture at Princeton University and discovered her students were most excited about the portion dedicated to Beyoncé. She expects her class at Yale will be especially popular, but she’s trying to keep the size of the group relatively small.

For those who manage to snag a seat next semester, they shouldn’t get their hopes up about seeing Queen Bey in person.

“It’s too bad because if she were on tour, I would definitely try to take the class to see her,” Brooks said.

Dutch appeals court overturns landmark climate ruling against Shell

Business

November 12, 2024

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Dutch appeals court on Tuesday overturned a landmark ruling that ordered energy company Shell to cut its carbon emissions by net 45 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, while saying that “protection against dangerous climate change is a human right.”

The decision was a defeat for the Dutch arm of environmental group Friends of the Earth, which hailed the original 2021 ruling as a victory for the climate. Tuesday’s civil ruling can be appealed to the Dutch Supreme Court.

FILE – A Shell logo is displayed at a gas station in London, on March 8, 2022. PHOTO: AP

The ruling upholding Shell’s appeal came as a 12-day UN climate conference was entering its second day in Azerbaijan.

In a written summary of the ruling, the court said that Shell has a duty of care to limit its emissions, but it annulled the lower court’s decision because it was “unable to establish that the social standard of care entails an obligation for Shell to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45 per cent, or some other percentage.

“There is currently insufficient consensus in climate science on a specific reduction percentage to which an individual company like Shell should adhere.”

Presiding Judge Carla Joustra said that Shell already has targets for climate-warming carbon emissions that are in line with demands of Friends of the Earth — both for what it directly produces and for emissions produced by energy the company purchase from others.

The court then ruled that “for Shell to reduce CO2 emissions caused by buyers of Shell products … by a particular percentage would be ineffective in this case. Shell could meet that obligation by ceasing to trade in the fuels it purchases from third parties. Other companies would then take over that trade.”

Joustra said that, “The court’s final judgment is that Friends of the Earth’s claims cannot be granted. The court therefore annuls the district court’s judgment.”

“This hurts,” Friends of the Earth director in the Netherlands Donald Pols said. “At the same time, we see that this case has ensured that major polluters are not immune and has further stimulated the debate about their responsibility in combating dangerous climate change. That is why we continue to tackle major polluters, such as Shell.”

The firm welcomed the ruling.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision, which we believe is the right one for the global energy transition, the Netherlands and our company,” Shell plc Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan said in a written statement. “Our target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 remains at the heart of Shell’s strategy and is transforming our business.”

Biggest name world leaders missing at UN climate talks, but others try to fill the void

November 12, 2024

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — World leaders are converging Tuesday at the United Nations annual climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan although the big names and powerful countries are noticeably absent, unlike past climate talks which had the star power of a soccer World Cup.

But 2024’s climate talks are more like the International Chess Federation world championship, lacking the recognisable names but big on nerd power and strategy. The top leaders of the 13 largest carbon dioxide-polluting countries will not appear with their countries responsible for more than 70 per cent of 2023’s heat-trapping gases.

Biggest polluters and strongest economies China and the United States aren’t sending their No. 1s. The four most populous nations with more than 42 per cent of all the world’s population aren’t having leaders speak.

“It’s symptomatic of the lack of political will to act. There’s no sense of urgency,” said climate scientist Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics. He said this explains “the absolute mess we’re finding ourselves in.”

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Simon Stiell, United Nations climate chief, Antonio Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan president and Turkey President Recep Tayyip front center, pose with others for a group photo at the COP29 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

COP29 lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev stressed at a press conference Tuesday that “success doesn’t depend on one country alone.”

“Unless all countries can slash emissions deeply, every country and household will be hammered harder than they currently are. We will be living in a nightmare,” he said.

Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev, United Kingdom’s prime minister Keir Starmer and Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan are the headliners among the nearly 50 leaders set to speak on Tuesday.

There’ll also be a strong showing is expected from the leaders of some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Several small island nations presidents and over a dozen leaders from countries across Africa are set to speak over the two-day World Leaders’ Summit at COP29.

As a sense of how the bar for celebrity has lowered, on Tuesday morning photographers and video cameras ran alongside one leader walking through the halls of the meeting. It was the emergency management minister for the host country Azerbaijan.

United Nations officials downplayed the lack of head of state star power, saying that every country is represented and active in the climate talks.

One logistical issue is that next week, the leaders of the most powerful countries have to be half a world away in Brazil for the G20 meetings. The United States recent election, Germany’s government collapse, natural disasters and personal illnesses also have kept some leaders away.

The major focus of the negotiations is climate finance, which is rich nations trying to help poor countries pay for transitioning their economies away from fossil fuels, coping with climate change’s upcoming harms, and compensating for damages from weather extremes.
Nations are negotiating over huge amounts of money, anywhere from USD100 billion a year to USD1.3 trillion a year.

Flu medicine blamed in Japan PM’s parliament nap

World

November 12, 2024

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

Social Media

Category

Site Links