Latest news with #AFAM
Time Out
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This popular Upper West Side museum is closing this summer—here's why
One of the Upper West Side's most beloved cultural gems is taking a summer break—but for good reason. The American Folk Art Museum, located at 2 Lincoln Square near Columbus Avenue and West 66th Street, is temporarily closing its doors to undergo its most significant renovation in more than three decades. The museum began phasing out exhibitions this month; the remainder of AFAM's galleries will close beginning May 26, following the end of Madalena Santos Reinbolt: A Head Full of Planets. The space will remain closed to the public until September 26, when it reopens with a temporary entrance and a brand-new fall exhibition. So yes, you'll have to wait a bit to get your folk-art fix—but the updates promise to be worth it. Among the upgrades: new mechanical and operational systems, fresh flooring throughout the museum and shop, a revamped entryway and facade, and reimagined office and restroom spaces. The museum's retail shop will also get a full facelift, complete with sleek new shelving and display cabinets designed by woodworker Chris Parow. In a very Upper West Side twist, the renovation is happening in tandem with the renovation of the building's other occupant: the Manhattan New York Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns the structure. The church has generously funded the museum's renovation project, scheduled for full completion in spring 2026—timed to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Meanwhile, the museum's retail shop will remain open between May 28 and June 1 and then shift to limited service (pick-ups and assisted sales only) from June 2 through August 12. It reopens for regular hours on August 13, while the museum itself remains closed. One particularly exciting addition: the museum's courtyard on 66th Street will be transformed into a public gathering space for outdoor events and programming, signaling a more vibrant, community-focused future for the institution.
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Airfreight carriers urge action over China goods routed through Malaysia to dodge US tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — The Airfreight Forwarders Association of Malaysia (AFAM) is calling for stricter oversight after reports surfaced of Chinese goods being rerouted through Malaysia to evade US tariffs. The group said it had urged the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to step in and ensure rigorous checks on certificates verifying the origin of goods. AFAM highlighted that some brokers in China are marketing these services online, potentially encouraging illegal relabelling of products. 'These actions, if true, are highly unethical and risk seriously undermining Malaysia's international trade reputation. 'They may also jeopardize Malaysia's standing as a trusted and responsible trade partner in the global supply chain,' it said in a statement. The association said it has issued a strong advisory to local importers and exporters against engaging in any form of origin fraud. AFAM also affirmed its support for the Malaysian government's diplomatic efforts to handle US trade tensions and protect the country's standing. Earlier today, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said his ministry will become the sole issuer of Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (NPCO) for all exports to the US from tomorrow over this issue.
Malaysian Reserve
05-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
AFAM warns against attempts to circumvent US tariffs
THE Airfreight Forwarders Association of Malaysia (AFAM) 'strongly condemns' alleged attempts by China-based brokers rerouting shipments through Malaysia and promoting such services aggressively on social media platforms. In a statement released today, AFAM said it noted with concern recent media reports alleging that goods originating from China were being imported into Malaysia, relabeled as Malaysian products, and subsequently exported to the US to circumvent US-imposed tariffs. It noted reports that the practice was being facilitated by China-based brokers, though the statement did not name any parties that may have been involved. 'These actions, if true, are highly unethical and risk seriously undermining Malaysia's international trade reputation. They may also jeopardise Malaysia's standing as a trusted and responsible trade partner in the global supply chain. 'AFAM strongly condemns such practices. We have taken immediate action by writing to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to urge a firm response,' it said. In its communication, AFAM said it has recommended that all chambers of commerce and agencies involved in issuing certificates of origin exercise the highest level of scrutiny and due diligence. AFAM has also issued an advisory to all its members, importers and exporters to warn against participation in any activity that may be construed as misrepresentation of origin or an attempt to evade international trade tariffs, which may be deemed illegal. 'AFAM fully supports the Government of Malaysia in managing the US tariff issue through consultative and diplomatic channels with the US Government. We reiterate our commitment to upholding the integrity of Malaysia's trade practices and maintaining our country's respected position in global commerce,' it said. –TMR
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
AFAM warns against misuse of Malaysia as transshipment hub to evade US tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR: The Airfreight Forwarders Association of Malaysia (AFAM) has issued a stern advisory to its members, importers and exporters, warning against any activity that may involve misrepresentation of origin or attempts to evade trade tariffs. AFAM said such actions may be deemed illegal and could carry serious consequences. "AFAM strongly condemns such practices. We have taken immediate action by writing to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to urge a firm response," the association said in a statement today. "In our communication, we have recommended that all chambers of commerce and agencies involved in issuing Certificates of Origin exercise the highest level of scrutiny and due diligence." The warning follows recent reports alleging that goods from China were being brought into Malaysia, falsely relabeled as Malaysian-made and exported to the United States (US) to bypass US-imposed tariffs. According to AFAM, these activities are allegedly promoted by China-based brokers who reroute shipments through Malaysia and aggressively market the service on social media. The association said such practices, if proven true, are unethical and could seriously damage Malaysia's international trade reputation. "They may also jeopardise Malaysia's standing as a trusted and responsible trade partner in the global supply chain," AFAM added. AFAM expressed full support for the Malaysian government in managing the US tariff issue through diplomatic and consultative channels. "We reiterate our commitment to upholding the integrity of Malaysia's trade practices and maintaining our country's respected position in global commerce," it said. Last week, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that exports genuinely reflect value-added production, following reports of Chinese goods being falsely labelled as Malaysian to evade US tariffs. Miti Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong reiterated Malaysia's firm stance against such practices, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the nation's export system. "We have always maintained a clear position that such practices must not happen," Liew said in response to concerns about Chinese goods being falsely labelled as Malaysian. "If you look at my record, you will see that I have consistently advocated for this. We emphasise value-adding and we want to see value-added production taking place in Malaysia. "Our goal is to export goods that genuinely result from Malaysian value-added processes," he said at the grand launch of Generali Malaysia's new headquarters.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Autism prevalence fuels push for Turning 22 supports
BOSTON (SHNS) – A week before House Democrats unveil their annual budget bill, autism advocates stepped up their plea Tuesday for lawmakers to pump more funding into the human services workforce, with the aim of bolstering care for young adults transitioning out of the special education system. The Turning 22 program, which has its largest class to date and helps young adults move into adult services, features an increasing share of participants on the autism spectrum, said Katie Terino, chair of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). In 2019, 27% of Turning 22 participants were autistic, compared to 51% today, Terino said. 'The reality is that many of these young adults aging out of the school system will find themselves on a waitlist or with a reduction in services because we don't have the capacity to meet their needs,' Terino told hundreds of advocates, individuals with autism and their providers in the Great Hall. 'The increasing prevalence and complexity of autism, and the increasing need for services, brings both challenges and opportunities,' Terino continued. 'It requires us to rethink traditional approaches and find innovative solutions. The old way of doing things simply won't meet the evolving needs of this growing population.' Terino said AFAM, which functions as a division of The Arc of Massachusetts, is strengthening its collaboration with that larger statewide advocacy organization, which represents 200,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, as well as their families. With the aim of supporting the workforce behind the Turning 22 program, The Arc wants the Legislature to funnel an extra $100 million into the Chapter 257 reserve to modestly raise pay for entry-level direct support professionals. Gov. Maura Healey recommended funding the account at $207 million. 'Please bring the rates of pay to a livable wage for these workers,' Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc, said over audience applause. 'We need to do this so thousands can come off the waitlist. Whatever goes on federally, the state must invest in the workforce in Turning 22 and in day programs. We need to fortify our programs and services now because we are the most vulnerable to these federal cuts. Lawmakers, please stand with us on this.' The hourly pay for entry-level workers would increase from $20.79 to $22.35, The Arc said at an event last month. Amit Basak, the father of identical twin sons who have profound autism, explained the so-called Turning 22 'cliff,' or the 'sharp drop-off into uncertainty' when young adults lose access to services and treatment. 'When someone with profound autism turns 22, the services they relied on — school, therapy, specialized programming — come to a screeching halt,' Basak said. 'With all due respect to the leaders here, I think our state government has been caught off guard by the increasing complexity and severity of this population. Agencies like DDS, DMH, and MassHealth have overlapping rules, conflicting rules (and) confusing eligibility criteria. We're also in the staffing crisis.' When young adults are on the waitlist for services, they can start regressing, Terino said. Parents may also need to scale back going to work to care for their adult children, she said. 'Parents get overwhelmed, and they also can be isolated. Stress, depression, anxiety goes up for the whole family,' Terino told the News Service. 'Divorce is not uncommon. Sometimes, you can even see abuse happening in the household because everyone just gets very overwhelmed.' More than 75,000 Massachusetts residents have autism, said Undersecretary for Human Services Mary McGeown, who acknowledged the waitlists and service gaps Bay Staters are facing. She also presented a proclamation from the governor that recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month. 'News coming out of Washington over the past several weeks have left many of us concerned about how changes at the federal level could impact services for people with disabilities here in Massachusetts,' McGeown said as she invoked MassHealth, which serves more than 2 million Bay Staters, half of whom have disabilities. 'We're carefully looking and analyzing the changing landscape of the federal government.' Congressional Republicans are eyeing cuts to Medicaid with the aim of tamping down on fraud, waste and abuse. Healey's budget incorporates $16 billion in federal dollars, with the vast majority tied to Medicaid. The Arc has been asking members to fill out a community survey to find out the impact of President Donald Trump's executive orders, as well as to learn how potential service cuts could affect their quality of life. Sullivan signaled The Arc has an ally in Sarah Peterson, who last week was permanently appointed as commissioner of the Department of Development Services. 'We're super excited,' Sullivan told the News Service. 'We know she's already started to work on some initiatives that really do address profound autism and those with more complex, challenging behavior, along with employment and other initiatives. She's increased the autism kids waiver.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
