Latest news with #CommunityLearning
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Federal govt includes Sarawak, Sabah in Sulawesi Sea border talks with Indonesia
Mohamad says the participation of state governments and relevant agencies in the negotiation process reflects the Federal government's 'whole of government' approach. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 30): The involvement of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation demonstrates the Federal government's commitment to involving state governments, particularly on border issues such as those related to the Sulawesi Sea. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the participation of state governments and relevant agencies in the negotiation process reflects the Federal government's 'whole of government' approach. He further emphasised that the ministry continuously collaborates with stakeholders on matters concerning Malaysia's maritime boundaries. 'Discussions on maritime borders are based on legal and technical principles, carried out thoroughly and responsibly. The government always conducts detailed assessments of any proposed solutions,' he said during the parliamentary question and answer session today. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) about whether the Sabah government would be included in discussions on the Sulawesi Sea to safeguard the state's interests and ensure economic opportunities for the people of Sabah. In reply to a supplementary question from Bung Moktar regarding the outcomes and impacts of these discussions, Mohamad explained that the talks cover not only maritime economic matters but also issues important to both Indonesia and Sabah. 'These include access to education, such as the Community Learning Centres (CLC) in Sabah, as well as cross-border trade, especially water trade between Sabah and Indonesia,' he said. In response to a question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) about Indonesian businessman Mohd Riza Chalid, who is under investigation for corruption related to PT Pertamina's crude oil management between 2018 and 2023, Mohamad reiterated Malaysia's stance that no individual would be protected in the legal process. 'The key point is maintaining Malaysia's integrity and strengthening our cooperation with Indonesia. The issue involving him (Mohd Riza) is strictly a legal matter,' he said. Earlier reports indicated that Mohd Riza, named as a suspect by Indonesian authorities, is believed to be in Malaysia. – Bernama
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Battelle Donates $3.25 Million to Establish Community STEM Learning Center at Columbia Basin College
RICHLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battelle President and CEO Lou Von Thaer today announced a $3.25 million philanthropic gift to Columbia Basin College (CBC) to establish the Community STEM Learning Center on the college's campus in Pasco, Washington. This marks the largest donation Battelle has made in the Tri-Cities area throughout its 60-year history managing Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the U.S. Department of Energy. 'This gift aligns closely with Battelle's mission to leverage science and technology for the betterment of society,' said Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle. 'The partnerships established through this Community STEM Learning Center will build on CBC's whole-family engagement model to meet the community's needs and encourage students to pursue the essential STEM careers of tomorrow.' Since 1965, Battelle has operated PNNL with a focus on delivering impactful scientific and technological outcomes coupled with its foundational commitment to advance STEM education and support local arts, health and human services, and civic programs through philanthropic giving and volunteerism. The new center will be designed to engage students, families, educators, and the broader community in hands-on STEM experiences. Funds will be used in part to refurbish an existing, underutilized building on CBC's campus to house the center and create new programs and immersive experiences. 'At CBC, we believe in educational access to everyone,' said Rebekah Woods, president of Columbia Basin College. 'We know that hands-on STEM experiences are vital to students, our community, and educators to build the skills and experiences to prepare them to take on future scientific challenges. We are honored to partner alongside Battelle to create the STEM Community Learning Center at CBC.' During its tenure managing PNNL, Battelle has donated $33.7 million in philanthropic investments to support community organizations in addition to 267,000 hours of volunteer hours from staff at PNNL over the last decade. 'It's terrific to see Battelle invest in the Tri-Cities—the community where so many of our staff members live and work,' said Steven Ashby, Battelle senior vice president and director of PNNL. 'This gift shows a commitment to the community and to inspiring the innovators of the future.' About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle makes the world better by commercializing technology, giving back to our communities, and supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For more information, visit
