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The Star
27-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sabahan lecturer leads US-based Southeast Asia Council
Dr Vilashini Somiah, 41, had just wrapped up her classes at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur and was deep in conversation with one of her research assistants. It was all part and parcel of her packed schedule - now even fuller following her appointment as the first South-East Asia-based scholar elected Chair of the Southeast Asia Council (SEAC) under the Association for Asian Studies (AAS). As a senior lecturer in the Gender Studies programme at the varsity's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, she balances her academic responsibilities with a growing role on the international stage. The AAS is a non-profit, non-political professional association dedicated to the study of Asia. Over 60 years old, the scholarly organisation is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States. Vilashini (second from right) proudly showcases her Sabahan heritage in traditional Sinuangga attire while pitching for the 2023 Wellcome Discovery Grant in London. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah-born Vilashini admits that news of her being elected as the chair came as a surprise. "Honestly, I never expected to be selected as SEAC Chair. I have always worked away from the spotlight, so this appointment feels both surreal and affirming. Coming from Borneo - often overlooked even within South-East Asia - I never imagined helping to shape regional discourse. But this shows the power of persistence and community," she says during an interview recently. "Scholars from the periphery can, and must, lead. I am deeply grateful to those who supported me - from the friends who first voted me onto the council to the members who elected me Chair. Being entrusted with a leadership role in AAS is something I carry with a lot of responsibility, and of course, hope," says Vilashini, whose term runs till 2028. The Sabahan anthropologist, who is of Indian and Sino-Kadazan parentage, sees her role as both administrative and advocacy-driven. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, it's rooted in a deeper commitment to representation and equity. Vilashini (second from left) with several Malaysian students at the Harvard University Asia Center in Massachusetts, the United States. "Part of the job involves coordinating the council's work, shaping the AAS annual conference programme, and ensuring South-East Asia stays visible and dynamic in Asian studies. It is mostly behind-the-scenes governance - organising meetings, managing agendas, drafting policies and liaising across time zones. "It's not glamorous, but it puts me in rooms where I can advocate for more equitable representation and help ensure marginalised voices from Malaysia and the region are heard and supported. For me, it is not just administrative - it is about opening doors and lifting others into spaces where representation is still lacking," explains Vilashini, who holds a PhD in South-East Asian Studies from the National University of Singapore. Earlier this year, she was also appointed a Harvard University Asia Center associate in Massachusetts, US. With so many hats to wear – lecturer, researcher and council chair – one can only wonder how the jovial woman manages it all. "I don't sleep lah," she says with a laugh. "When I need a break, I just unwind with some good Indian food. I won't lie, it's been an ambitious few years. Sometimes the weight of it all does scare me. But I've worked hard for these opportunities, and I do love the work. That makes a difference. "I am not a parent, which means I have got more time than many of my peers, and I try to use that privilege wisely. I never want to look back and feel I squandered the chance to learn, to contribute, to grow. That's what keeps me going - the knowing that this all means something," says Vilashini, who grew up in Penampang, KK. Advocating change Over the past 15 years, Vilashini has produced nearly 50 publications, many of which have been research based such as journal articles, books and reports. They include Unmoored Boundaries: Bajau Laut And Mobility Perspectives In Maritime Southeast Asia (2025), The Sea Is Indigenous 'Land' Too (2022), and Discovering From The Margins: Migrant Mothers And Covid-19 Vaccines In Sabah (2023). She is also the author of the book Irregular Migrants And The Sea At The Borders Of Sabah, Malaysia: Pelagic Alliance . Vilashini credits her mixed heritage and upbringing in Sabah for shaping her scholarly lens, particularly her focus on Bornean women, migration and identity. Her eyes beam with enthusiasm as she speaks about issues close to her heart. "I am very proud of my Tamil heritage, but Sabah is in my bones. It is a place of layered identities, fluid borders, and daily negotiations of belonging. Growing up mixed and multilingual, aware of both privilege and precarity, taught me to listen, to honour complexity, and to push against binaries. 'There's a data vacuum in Malaysia. We want to create spaces where underrepresented voices are heard,' says Vilashini. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon "I think when you grow up in a place where so many live in-between - between areas and territories, between identities, between rights - you internalise the struggles of being seen and acknowledged. "But I have watched communities from both sides of my family survive invisibility and thrive in spite of it. That kind of everyday resilience shapes how I approach my writing and research. It is never about extracting stories but it's about bearing witness and returning the gaze with respect," says Vilashini, the older of two siblings. She hopes her new role can open more doors for more Malaysian scholars - especially those who are indigenous, disabled, or from rural and remote communities - take up space in global academia. "Their work is often brilliant and rooted in lived realities, but it is still underrepresented. I also hope SEAC can foster true intergenerational collaboration, where senior scholars offer real support through access, funding and mentorship that lasts," shares Vilashini, who was a former participant of The Star 's BRATS Young Journalist Programme. Last year, Vilashini and her husband, lecturer Benjamin Loh, co-founded The Datum Initiative (TDI) - a grassroots effort to equip marginalised communities with ethical, accessible data skills."TDI was born from years of working with people who had powerful stories but lacked the tools to protect or use their data. We want to change that," she says. "There's a data vacuum in Malaysia. We keep recycling the same policy debates because we have excluded voices from the margins. I want to create spaces where underrepresented scholars and communities can shape the narrative - and be heard." She is especially excited about upcoming TDI projects on data competency for women with disabilities and indigenous communities aimed at building a nationwide network of empowered advocates. "It is still small, but change is happening. Alongside that, I am also working on a feminist autoethnography and a new project on gendered space in rural Borneo. Personally, I am learning to be more present - and to trust that even small efforts can ripple outward," she concludes.
New Paper
26-05-2025
- New Paper
From two hours to minutes: How SPF uses vending machine-like systems to dispense weapons faster
Police officers used to take two hours to draw their arms and equipment, but they can now do it in minutes. The once manual process has since been streamlined due to an automated equipping system (AES) and automated armoury system (AAS). These eliminate the need for queueing, and were showcased to the media on May 21. Similar to a vending machine, they consist of individual lockers that can be unlocked by officers to dispense the necessary gear needed for their shifts after a quick identity-verification process. The AES dispenses various pieces of equipment, such as ballistic vests and helmets, handcuffs and batons, which are the more commonly used gear. These are packed in a single locker for simultaneous withdrawal. The system was implemented on Dec 1, 2021. The AAS dispenses arms, ammunition and tasers, with facial recognition required as part of a two-factor authentication process. Unveiled at the Singapore Police Force's (SPF) 2023 Workplace Seminar, it was implemented at Woodleigh Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) on Aug 19, 2024. Sergeant Farhan Shah, a ground response force officer there, said the AES and AAS have significantly reduced the paperwork and time involved in drawing daily equipment. "Previously, we needed to queue. However, with the new system, there is no need for any queueing." he said. SGT Farhan Shah selecting the equipment he needs for his shift using the automated equipping system. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The police said the original method to dispense gear and arms was run manually by a maintenance officer for equipment and a duty armourer. These processes would take up to two hours as there was only one counter for withdrawal. With the new systems, officers can withdraw and return their gear at any time. For faulty equipment, officers can return it and withdraw replacement gear independently. SGT Farhan Shah demonstrating withdrawing his equipment for patrol using the automated equipping system. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Multiple officers can do so at the same time. There is also increased accountability as all equipment and arms are tagged with radio-frequency identification technology. This allows for quick stock-taking, where an officer can know how many items have been withdrawn and by whom. The police said they ensured that officers who used the AES and AAS in the pilot phases gave feedback, so that the prototypes could be improved to ensure the systems suited officers' operational needs. "While the equipping process is now faster, there is greater responsibility on the officers to make sure the items drawn are correct and in working condition before they go on patrol," added the police. The AES dispenses various pieces of equipment, such as ballistic vests and helmets, handcuffs and batons, which are the more commonly used gear. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH As at May 2025, 30 out of 34 NPCs have been equipped with the AES, and four NPCs have the AAS. All NPCs will be equipped with the AES by June 2026. By December 2027, all NPCs will have the AAS. The systems have other benefits, said the police. Superintendent Sabrina Wong, Woodleigh NPC's commanding officer, said: "Officers can be redeployed to support other front-line duties while the rest can utilise their time more meaningfully."
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Straits Times
From two hours to minutes: How SPF uses vending machine-like systems to dispense weapons faster
SGT Farhan Shah demonstrating the withdrawal of arms through the automated armoury system at Woodleigh Neighbourhood Police Centre on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH From two hours to minutes: How SPF uses vending machine-like systems to dispense weapons faster SINGAPORE - Police officers used to take two hours to draw their arms and equipment, but they can now do it in minutes. The once manual process has since been streamlined due to an automated equipping system (AES) and automated armoury system (AAS). These eliminate the need for queueing, and were showcased to the media on May 21. Similar to a vending machine, they consist of individual lockers that can be unlocked by officers to dispense the necessary gear needed for their shifts after a quick identification verification process. The AES dispenses various pieces of equipment, such as ballistic vests and helmets, handcuffs and batons, which are the more commonly used gear. These are packed in one singular locker for simultaneous withdrawal. It was first implemented on Dec 1, 2021. The AAS dispenses arms, ammunition and tasers, with facial recognition required as part of a two-factor authentication process. First unveiled at the Singapore Police Force's 2023 Workplace Seminar, it was implemented at Woodleigh Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) on Aug 19, 2024. Sergeant Farhan Shah, a ground response force officer there, said the AES and AAS have significantly reduced the paperwork and time involved in drawing daily equipment. 'Previously, we needed to queue. However, with the new system, there is no need for any queuing.' he said. SGT Farhan Shah selecting the equipment he needs for his shift using the automated equipping system. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The police said the original method to dispense gear and arms was run manually by a maintenance officer for equipment and a duty armourer. These processes would take up to two hours as there was only one counter for withdrawal. With the new systems, officers can withdraw and return their gear at any time. For faulty equipment, officers can return them and withdraw replacement gear independently. SGT Farhan Shah demonstrating withdrawing his equipment for patrol using the automated equipping system. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Multiple officers can do so at the same time. There is also increased accountability, as all equipment and arms are tagged with radio-frequency identification technology. This allows for quick stock-taking, where an officer can know how many items have been withdrawn and by whom. The police said they ensured that officers who used the AES and AAS in the pilot phases gave feedback, so that the prototypes could be improved to ensure the systems suited officers' operational needs. 'While the equipping process is now faster, there is greater responsibility on the officers to make sure the items drawn are correct and in working condition before they go on patrol,' added the police. The AES dispenses various pieces of equipment, such as ballistic vests and helmets, handcuffs and batons, which are the more commonly used gear. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH As at May 2025, 30 out of 34 NPCs have been equipped with the AES, and four NPCs have the AAS. All NPCs will be equipped with the AES by June 2026. By December 2027, all NPCs will have the AAS. The systems have other benefits, said the police. Superintendent Sabrina Wong, Woodleigh NPC's commanding officer, said: 'Officers can be redeployed to support other frontline duties while the rest can utilise their time more meaningfully.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA legend Gene Kranz returns to mission control
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Gene Kranz, who served in Apollo mission control as "White Flight," was at the head of the room when Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Apollo 13 "had a problem." He may have never said "Failure is not an option," but his record of success has earned him a prestigious award. On May 15, 2025, Kranz received the 2024 American Astronautical Society (AAS) Lifetime Achievement Award for his "exemplary leadership and a 'must-never-fail' style that ensured historic mission successes, empowered human space exploration, saved lives and inspired individuals around the world." Prior to a public celebration at Space Center Houston, Kranz revisited his former workplace — the now history Apollo mission control room at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In this photo, he poses with his award at the restored console where once led flights to the moon. "Gene didn't just help put humans on the moon, he helped build the mindset that made missions possible. Forging ahead into the Artemis generation, we still see the lasting impact of Gene's leadership today," said Steve Koerner, acting director of the Johnson Space AAS lifetime achievement award is only presented once every ten years. Previous honorees have been Werner von Braun (1964), William Pickering (1974), George Low (1984), Norm Augustine (1994), Pete Aldrige (2004) and Ed Stone (2014). You can read about the role of NASA flight directors and another way that veterans of Houston mission control have been honored.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ECU's industrial technology transfer program nationally recognized
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The East Carolina University Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSTI) program received accolades for their transfer program. The BSTI's transfer program has had success in helping community college transfer students get a bachelor's degree at a rate 10% higher than the national average. The Transfer Playbook, created by the Aspen Institute and Community College Research Center, gives credit to advising staff, online classes, and transfer student experiences as some of the reasons why the program is so successful, calling it a model for other four-year institutions to follow. 'We've set a high bar for ourselves, and it's both humbling and inspiring to be recognized as an institution that's doing it right,' Associate Professor and BSIT Program Coordinator, Dr. David Batts said. 'But if I'm being honest, the greatest pride doesn't come from accolades. It comes from our students. Talking with them at graduation, hearing their stories, that's where the real impact lives — stories like the single mother who returned to school to build a better future for her family or the father who completed his degree to set an example for his children.' The BSIT program offers a four-year degree completion for students who already have a two-year Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree, since they need a bachelor's degree to qualify for leadership roles. The program also offers seven-degree concentrations including, bioprocess manufacturing, distribution and logistics, industrial management, industrial engineering technology, and information and cybersecurity technology. Some of these classes can even be taken online or in-person so students don't have to leave their hometowns, jobs, or families. 'In the end, it's always about the students — who they become, what they overcome and how we've helped them along the way. That's the legacy we're most proud of,'' Dr. David Batts said. Visit the BSIT website for more information on the program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
