Latest news with #Cen
The Star
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Powering trade and economic prosperity through data free flow
When considering the free flow of data, a common misconception is that it comes at the expense of data sovereignty and security. — 123rf MALAYSIA is helming the Asean chairmanship this year, marking a significant milestone for the nation, with a clear opportunity to chart shared prosperity for the bloc. In light of geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainties globally, fostering stronger partnerships in this environment would pay dividends in continuing to lift regional economies. One way to tackle both objectives is by facilitating trade – perhaps not in the traditional sense of import and export of goods as most would think, but instead through cross border data flows, which is increasingly the invisible lifeblood of economies in the region and beyond. The upside of open data flows is compelling – the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) indicates global GDP can expand by 1.77% and exports by 3.6% if open data flow is adopted around the world. The catch? To get there requires clarity and collaboration across borders. When considering the free flow of data, a common misconception is that it comes at the expense of data sovereignty and security. In practice, this is not the case. The Covid-19 pandemic disruption to global supply chains offers a pertinent case-in-point: interconnectivity, be it of goods or data, drives growth. It is possible to advocate for data free flow while also having regard to data privacy, security, and intellectual property concerns. At its core, data security is dependent on how data is maintained and not the location where it is stored. This highlights the importance of governments in establishing robust privacy and data security regulations as well as appropriate infrastructure to ensure responsible use of data. It is possible to advocate for data free flow while also having regard for data privacy, security, and intellectual property concerns, says Cen. Another arena is around trade agreements – which have historically helped facilitate collaboration and boost economies of nations involved. Digital trade has overtaken traditional trade in economic value for more than a decade now, highlighting the growing need for trade policy to include guidance on robust treatment, security, and sharing of cross-border data. Regulatory progress notwithstanding, advocating for data free flow should continue to be a priority for markets throughout the region, including Malaysia, who stands to benefit. This opportunity comes down to trust and collaboration between states – including their respective governments, regulators, and businesses. The good news is that we're seeing the region chart progress in this respect, particularly with Asean's new Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa) currently under negotiation. The Defa's mandate is to create an open, secure, and inclusive digital economy of tomorrow for the nearly 680 million people in South-East Asia, and cross border data flow is a critical element in achieving this ambitious goal. With the right checks and balances, it is possible to establish data free flow with trust that can establish greater openness that powers markets and, ultimately, creates greater prosperity for the greater good. The digital economy is projected to reach US$16.5 trillion (RM70.6 trillion) and capture 17% of global GDP by 2028. South-East Asia is best positioned to capitalise on this growth with one of the world's highest mobile penetration rates at 136%, and with its digital economy projected to double to US$2 trillion (RM8.6 trillion) by 2030. Markets and venture capital already see the unique opportunity here: digital economy-related investments make up 71% of deals in Asean – 10% higher than the global average. The situation on the ground in Malaysia is equally promising, with investor confidence, innovation and a strong ecosystem pushing digital investments by 125% to RM29.47bil in the second quarter of 2025. All the signs are that the digital economy will facilitate the next wave of prosperity for the region – and the ways in which data is shared and managed have an outsized impact in shaping that wave. Malaysia has a unique opportunity to drive the data agenda that simultaneously benefits the country and the wider region. It can make its mark as Asean Chair by advocating for cross-border data flows on behalf of the bloc. — Bloomberg Kelvin Cen is the Head of South-East Asia at Bloomberg. He oversees 11 markets across the region, driving strategy and business development and strengthening the firm's key client relationships in the region. In his 14-year career with Bloomberg, Cen has held several leadership roles, including co-leading the APAC Corporations and Commodities business and, most recently, serving as the COO for Asia Pacific. The views expressed here are solely the writer's own.
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Barnama
- Exploring Wulanhada Volcano, A Journey Into Inner Mongolia's Hidden Craters
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Beneath my feet, the earth was black and rough, as though scorched by fire in a forgotten age. By the time I reached the blackened outskirts of Wulanhada, I couldn't quite tell if I was in Inner Mongolia or on another planet. It began like a scene from a Western – a long empty road, the wind rushing though my hair, horses and cows grazing in the distance, and a landscape that felt both ancient and untouched. But that's exactly what happened during my visit to the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark in Inner Mongolia, China. If someone had told me I would feel like a cowgirl, sip salty milk tea, don an astronaut-like suit and stand on the rim of an ancient volcano – all in one day – I probably would have laughed in disbelief. As we got closer, the lush green plains gave way to stark, rugged terrain – a sure sign that we were entering a landscape forged by fire and lava millions of years ago. The scenery was so tranquil, it felt as though time itself had slowed down. The journey took about two hours by road from Ulanqab city centre, winding through vast open grasslands, sleepy villages, and long, meandering roads. File photo The place looked like the moon! Wulanhada is home to more than 30 volcanoes, but only eight of them are the main stars of the geopark. The place looked like the moon! The volcano I visited is known as the Grand Am Volcano – or simply, Geopark No. 6. The local tourism team has added a fun and unexpected twist to the experience – visitors can rent white or pink astronaut suits and pose against the black lava landscape. It really feels like stepping onto another planet! I met Cen Haixin, Director of Culture and Tourism for Chahar Right Wing Rear Banner, who told me that as of May 7 this year, 49,000 tourists had already visited the site. Last year, tourism brought in around US$3.7 billion and during the recent May 1 Labour Day holiday, the area made US$135 million in just a few days. 'We prepare carefully during the peak seasons to make sure everyone is safe and able to enjoy the scenery,' he said. Most of the tourists are from China – over 98 per cent, in fact. Cen noted that international visitors are slowly increasing, thanks in part to China's visa-free policy for selected countries. As we walked around the crater rim, Cen pointed to Volcano No. 5 in the distance – the best preserved of them all. 'It's beautiful and quiet. That's why we have stopped all development and private car access here for the past 10 years. We want to protect the environment and the green vegetation,' he said. File photo A full countryside experience To visit the site, travellers must arrange for designated transport, as private driving is not permitted within the protected area. But Wulanhada is more than just volcanoes; it is a full countryside experience. On the way to the volcano, we stopped at a small stall where I tried freshly roasted potatoes – soft, smoky and comforting. I also had my first taste of Inner Mongolian milk tea – a salty, buttery drink served warm, with a rich taste that stays on your tongue. Totally different from Malaysia's sweet 'Teh Tarik', which is still my all-time favourite. File photo A magical moment For the first time in my life, I saw wild horses galloping freely across the grasslands. Their energy was wild and powerful, like they belonged to the wind. Not far from them were a group of camels, calmly chewing grass and watching us curiously. It was such a magical moment — the kind that does not need filters or edits. No camera could capture this. No words could do it justice. At one point, I looked around at the open plains, the dusty road, the distant mountains and the endless sky. For a moment, I really felt like a cowgirl riding through some movie scene in the wild countryside. When I asked Cen how they promote Wulanhada to the world, he said none other than media and also the warm welcome of the people from this place. 'Our volcanoes are peaceful, beautiful and unique. Each one is different. Here, you can experience nature, adventure and calmness all in one place,' he said. Certainly, Wulanhada surprised me in every way. It is where ancient volcanoes meet modern tourism, where nature is powerful but also deeply peaceful. Whether you are drawn by science, the scenery or the sense of escape, this hidden part of Inner Mongolia will leave a lasting impression. The geopark covers an area of over 65 square kilometres, showcasing diverse and magnificent landscapes, from grassland volcanoes to dramatic lava formations. And the best part. Entry is completely free. Wulanhada is not just a destination. It is a discovery. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
New York Post
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
What really happens when you have stage 0 or 1 breast cancer — as Jessie J reveals ‘early' diagnosis
Jessie J shared the bombshell news that she has breast cancer on Instagram on Tuesday, telling fans that it was caught 'early' but she planned to 'disappear for a bit' while she recovers from surgery. 'I'm highlighting the word 'early.' Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding onto the word early. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period,' she said. What exactly is the 'Price Tag' singer in for? A specialist spoke to The Post about what patient can expect when they're diagnosed with stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer. Advertisement What are stage 0 and stage 1 breast cancer? Stage 0 cancer means there are abnormal cells that look like cancer cells — but they haven't spread beyond where they originated. In breast cancer, that means they're just inside the milk duct. 'A stage 0 diagnosis only means that the cancer is contained inside the milk duct, but sometimes it can extend over a large portion of the breast,' Dr. Cindy Cen, a breast surgical oncologist at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, told The Post. Advertisement Stage 1, meanwhile, is the earliest stage of 'invasive' breast cancer, meaning it has spread. It's still early stage, though, because the spreading is limited to the surrounding area or lymph nodes in a small area. 3 Jessie J at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards. WireImage How breast cancer is confirmed After some sort of screening — whether that be a mammogram, sonogram or MRI — breast cancer is confirmed with a needle biopsy. Advertisement 'That needle biopsy provides us information on where the cancer originates from — either the breast duct or the lobule — and testing on the tissue can tell us what the tumor marker profile is,' Cen explained. This will then help determine the treatment plan. How is early breast cancer treated? 'Surgery is usually the first step, particularly for early-stage cancers,' Cen went on. 'The results from surgery will confirm size, lymph node involvement and ultimately staging.' The operation will decide which stage of cancer it is. Advertisement 3 'Surgery is usually the first step, particularly for early-stage cancers,' she said. 'The results from surgery will confirm size, lymph node involvement and ultimately staging.' lordn – There are two main surgical options: Lumpectomy : Also called a partial mastectomy, this involves removing just the cancerous portion of the breast. : Also called a partial mastectomy, this involves removing just the cancerous portion of the breast. Mastectomy: This removes the entire breast and may be done on one or both sides. 'Mastectomies can be done for stage 0 or 1 depending on the extent of disease and/or patient preference,' Cen said. 'A nipple-sparing approach can be done depending on the patient's anatomy and where the cancer is located in the breast.' 'A mastectomy would be the best option to remove a large portion of the breast rather than a lumpectomy.' Do people with early stage breast cancer need chemo or radiation? 'Chemotherapy would never be offered for stage 0, but potentially for a stage 1 depending on the cancer tumor markers or other risk factors,' Cen said, noting that would be determined after surgery. Advertisement 'If chemotherapy is offered, this usually follows surgery, and then radiation is after. 'Radiation is offered depending on the kind of surgery that was performed. If the patient had a lumpectomy, radiation is required to protect the remaining breast. If the patient undergoes a mastectomy, radiation is only required in certain situations, usually when cancers are more advanced.' On Instagram, Jessie J shared that she would be able to keep her 'nipples,' so it sounds like her experience is in keeping with the typical course of action in early-stage cancer. 'Also not getting massive tits. Or am I? No no… I must stop joking,' she wrote.
Business News Wales
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Award-Winning Chef Larkin Cen Returns to Celtic Manor
Acclaimed chef Larkin Cen is returning to the Celtic Manor Resort, bringing his signature style of modern Asian cuisine back to where his culinary journey first took flight. Cardiff-born Larkin originally trained as a lawyer but swapped the courtroom for the kitchen after making his mark in the finals of MasterChef in 2013. He went on to open Cen at Celtic Manor Resort in 2016 – a bold Asian dining concept that quickly earned recognition for its fusion of traditional Chinese flavours and contemporary flair. Following a successful three years at the five-star resort, Larkin expanded his culinary vision by creating his own fast casual noodle and bao bar brand chain, now called XO. He later appeared on The Great British Menu before returning to the Celtic Manor Resort in 2023 with The Monkey King, a pop-up dining experience inspired by the legendary Chinese novel Journey to the West. Now, nearly a decade since his first venture at the Welsh resort, Larkin returns with a fresh new vision for his residency at Celtic Manor's renamed Asian restaurant – PAD by Larkin Cen. Chef Larkin Cen said: 'Returning to Celtic Manor Resort feels like coming full circle. My vision has always been to take the traditional dishes I grew up with and elevate them into something beautiful, combining authenticity with creativity. 'This new menu is a celebration of classic Asian flavours, presented in a fresh and exciting way and served in the wonderful surroundings of the resort. I'm looking forward to returning to my roots and picking up where we left off.' Celtic Manor Resort Operations Director David Griffin added: 'We're delighted to welcome back such a talented and inspiring chef and look forward to this exciting new chapter in our shared culinary journey with the launch of PAD by Larkin Cen. We know Larkin will create a truly special dining experience for our guests to enjoy.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
SARI Global Depicts Alarming Israeli Retaliatory Attack on Houthis
Israeli retaliatory strikes on a missile fired by Yemen's Houthis on Sunday near the country's main international airport, are likely to target military and political headquarters and dual-use assets such as airports, ports, and power stations, the SARI Global center said on Monday. The center, which provides a comprehensive suite of crisis management, security analysis, and risk mitigation solutions for non-governmental organizations, companies and embassies, warned the Israeli retaliatory strikes could block or slowdown humanitarian aid flows through Hodeidah port, affecting distribution of fuel and food. The report came shortly before the Israeli army carried out retaliatory airstrikes against Yemen's Hodeidah Port on Monday. According to SARI Global, the Houthi strikes matter because the Ben Gurion airport has faced attempted drone and missile raids since late 2023. Yet, it said, every previous projectile was intercepted before crossing the fence. 'Sunday's blast is therefore the first confirmed Houthi weapon to detonate on airport grounds,' it warned. Also, the Center said Sunday's attack on Ben Gurion shows that the Houthis now possess missiles accurate enough to strike a pinpoint civil target and that Israel's layered defense remains vulnerable to saturation or high-speed profiles. It said the attacks reveal that a comparatively low-cost missile forced the shutdown of a strategic Israeli asset and created broad commercial disruption. The Center added that the pattern of similar missile attacks shows a steady progression from harassment of Eilat in 2023 to sustained maritime pressure through 2024, followed by longer-range and higher-speed strikes against critical Israeli infrastructure in 2025. It then predicted that Israeli and potentially US-led retaliatory strikes are likely to reprise the same operational logic seen in 2024, targeting not only missile infrastructure but also dual-use assets such as airports, ports, and power stations suspected of facilitating Houthi logistics or receiving Iranian material support. Based on both historical precedent and current Houthi command and logistics structures, the Center listed areas considered high-risk for near-term airstrikes, including the Sanaa Capital District, which hosts political and military headquarters, and the airport previously targeted in December 2024. Also, it said retaliatory strikes could hit the Harf Sufyan area in the Amran Governorate, known to host long-range missile launch infrastructure, in addition to the Hodeidah and Salif/Ras Kanatib ports, both critical entry points for fuel and goods and were struck in 2024 under claims of missile logistics use. Israel could also target Hezyaz and surrounding power infrastructure, which are vulnerable to repeated targeting to disrupt command, control, and emergency response capabilities. 'If any of these high-value locations are hit in the coming escalation, humanitarian operations could be immediately and severely impacted,' the Center warned. It said likely consequences include the suspension of international and humanitarian flights into and out of Sanaa International Airport, the disrupting staff rotations, supply inflow, and medical evacuations, and the blockage or slowdown of humanitarian aid flows through Hodeidah Port, affecting distribution of fuel, food, WASH supplies, and medicines for millions in northern governorates. In addition, attacks would lead to civilian casualties and mass displacement due to urban strikes in Sanaa and Hodeidah, straining shelter capacities and compounding protection risks and to disruption of electricity and communications infrastructure, especially if power stations or fuel depots are retargeted. The Center said humanitarian agencies must prepare for both direct operational disruption and indirect effects through broader conflict spillover by planning alternative logistics routes through Aden or Mukalla and prepositioning essential staff and supplies in more stable locations to ensure program continuity. Humanitarian agencies should also ensure staff safety and evacuation readiness, update relocation and evacuation plans for personnel in Sanaa and Hodeidah and ensure all teams have access to backup communications, satellite phones, and alternate power source. According to SARI Global's analysis, the potential scale of Israeli retaliatory operations carries regional implications. As in previous cycles, it said deep strikes in Yemen may provoke further Houthi retaliation via missiles and drones targeting Red Sea shipping lanes, Israel, or US naval assets. It noted that while access and safety planning remain critical, so too does coordinated risk communication with donors, local authorities, and community actors to maintain humanitarian space and mitigate reputational or operational backlash amidst intensifying hostilities.
