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The Star
19-05-2025
- The Star
Laos tourism hotspot Luang Prabang steps up preparations for Green Destination certification
Visitors take photos at Kuang Si Waterfall, a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang. -- File photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Luang Prabang, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, is stepping up efforts to secure the prestigious Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destination Organisation by finalising key documentation and ensuring compliance with evaluation criteria. On May 15, a consultation meeting was held at the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, bringing together key stakeholders, including Deputy Director General of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration of Thailand, Dr Chuwit Mitrchob; Head of the Luang Prabang provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, Soudaphone Khomthavong; and representatives from various departments in Luang Prabang city and province. Soudaphone highlighted Luang Prabang's recent recognition as one of the 100 best tourism destinations in the world, announced at ITB Berlin 2025, the world's leading travel trade show. She noted that this accolade reflects the collaborative efforts of local authorities and tourism stakeholders to improve the quality of tourism in line with the province's development vision. 'Our aim is that by 2029, Luang Prabang will become a quality, modern, and regionally and internationally connected tourism destination,' she said. The meeting addressed areas highlighted by evaluators from the Green Destination Organisation, particularly regarding the criteria, conditions and indicators required for certification as a sustainable tourist destination. Soudaphone called on all participants to provide in-depth comments and data to enhance the submission and ensure Luang Prabang's success in achieving full certification. Dr Chuwit also spoke at the meeting, clarifying specific points in the evaluation form and encouraging participants to align their feedback with the requirements outlined by the Green Destination Organisation. He stressed the importance of providing accurate and coordinated input to meet the necessary standards. Luang Prabang continues to attract a high number of visitors. According to the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, more than 2.3 million Lao and foreign tourists visited the province in 2024, generating over US$1.2 billion in revenue. Among the province's renowned attractions are the Kuangsi waterfall, Mount Phousi, Xieng Thong temple, the Royal Palace Museum, and the night market. Visitors also enjoy sampling traditional Lao foods such as sticky rice, laap (minced meat salad), and jaew bong (chilli paste). Favourite souvenirs include handwoven textiles, handmade crafts, and local snacks, widely available in markets such as Talad Phosy. By securing Green Destination certification, Luang Prabang hopes to further elevate its profile as a culturally rich tourist destination, in line with its long-term development goals. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Print
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
CM Abdullah holds interaction with civil society members in Jammu
Stressing the importance of effective communication, he outlined a set of measures aimed at enhancing public awareness and strengthening the emergency response mechanism across the region. The chief minister during the interaction urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, appealing to the citizens not to panic and to rely solely on verified and official sources of information. Jammu, May 10 (PTI) In the wake of the recent drone attacks by Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday held interaction with the civil society members here to discuss steps taken for public safety, state of preparedness and the importance of maintaining communal harmony during these critical times. The chief minister informed the participants that safety guidelines and verified updates would be disseminated through the Department of Information using local television, radio channels and an official WhatsApp channel. He also emphasised the traffic department's role in raising awareness about emergency alert sirens and signals. The deployment of police personnel in sensitive areas was discussed as a means to manage panic and assist with crowd control, while designated relief camps, functional bunkers and healthcare facilities are being kept in a state of readiness, an official spokesman said. He said the meeting was informed that in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, the government is maintaining supply chain and regulating prices. Fire services, ambulances and Civil Defence units have been placed on high alert to ensure a swift and coordinated emergency response. Abdullah reiterated the administration's commitment to maintaining communal harmony and urged community leaders to play a proactive role in fostering peace and unity. Special attention is also being given to the safety and care of livestock in affected areas. The health department has been directed to keep hospitals and primary health centres fully prepared for emergencies and that a dedicated helpline was now active for patients in need of life-saving drugs or dialysis. Blood donation camps are being organized in collaboration with NGOs to meet medical requirements on the ground. The chief minister concluded the session by expressing gratitude to the civil society members for their participation and support. He reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of every citizen during this time of crisis. The interaction saw participation from a broad spectrum of civil society members, including ex-servicemen, former police chiefs of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, heads and presidents of industry and commerce, trade and travel associations, former ministers and representatives of various political parties. Educationists, academicians, stakeholders from the tourism sector, heads of religious organizations representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities, representatives of Gujjar and Bakarwal groups, lawyers' bodies, fruit and mandi associations, transporters and NGOs were also present. The participants appreciated the chief minister for convening such an interaction at a time of heightened tensions. They pledged their full support under Abdullah's leadership and affirmed their commitment to standing united with the government during the ongoing crisis. PTI TAS AS AS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- New Straits Times
TDAC mandatory for foreigners travelling to Thailand from tomorrow
KOTA BARU: Beginning tomorrow, Malaysians planning to travel to Thailand must register three days prior to arrival via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system online. The requirement applies to Malaysian tourists as well as other foreign visitors entering the kingdom by air, land or sea. The TDAC, an electronic arrival card, will replace Thailand's paper-based TM6 card. Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said registration can be made via the website "The TDAC system has been developed to facilitate the entry of foreign travellers by employing modern, smart travel technology that is both fast and secure. "The measure aims to enhance convenience for travellers and ensure that the information provided is used to offer appropriate care and assistance to tourists and international visitors arriving in Thailand. "This will also support other critical purposes, such as public health monitoring. "The TDAC can be completed up to three days before arrival in Thailand," he said at a recent media briefing. He said the system requires details such as passport or travel document information, personal data, travel plans, accommodation in Thailand, and health information. Nikorndej, who is also the Department of Information's director-general, said the Royal Thai Government and the Immigration Bureau of Thailand would launch the TDAC soon. "Once submitted, the TDAC can be downloaded, or a confirmation email obtained, which can then be presented to immigration officials upon arrival in Thailand," he said. Nikorndej said exemptions to the TDAC requirement include individuals covered under Section 15 of the Immigration Act, such as diplomatic, consular and international organisation officials, their spouses, dependants, and domestic staff, as well as foreign officials on assignment in Thailand. "As a practical measure, foreign nationals arriving in Thailand on May 1 can access the TDAC system (website) from April 28 onwards," he added. Previously, Malaysians and other foreign visitors entering and leaving Thailand were required to complete the TM6 card. However, the Thai government suspended the requirement for air travellers in July 2022. Visit to complete the arrival card form or update travel information.
Business Mayor
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
China's Xi Jinping 'sends message' to country's technology companies as DeepSeek called 'profound threat'
China's President Xi Jinping (Farhan Abdullah/Malaysia's Department of Information via AP) Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly declared artificial intelligence (AI) a cornerstone of the next technological revolution, urging China to seize a competitive edge in this transformative field. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Communist Party focused on emerging technologies, Xi emphasized that AI is reshaping human production and lifestyles, positioning it as a strategic priority for China's global ambitions. His remarks, reported by state-run Xinhua, underscore Beijing's determination to lead the AI race while navigating growing international tensions over its technological called for leveraging China's unique system of resource mobilization to drive AI innovation, emphasizing self-reliance and application-driven development. He advocated for a balanced approach, promoting AI's growth in a way that is 'beneficial, safe, and equitable.' Acknowledging gaps in foundational theories and core technologies, Xi urged accelerated efforts in scientific research, industrial applications, and regulatory frameworks to ensure China retains control over both AI development and governance. 'We must comprehensively advance sci-tech innovation and firmly grasp the initiative,' he stated, signaling a long-term vision to close the gap with global leaders like the United AI ambitions are part of a broader push to dominate emerging technologies. In recent years, the country has ramped up investments in AI, quantum computing, and electric vehicles (EVs), emerging as a global leader in EV production. The Chinese military has also begun integrating AI into non-combat applications, such as logistics and surveillance, raising concerns among Western nations about potential dual-use capabilities. According to a 2024 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China's AI investment reached $25 billion in 2023, second only to the U.S., with state-backed firms driving much of the progress.A notable example of China's AI prowess is DeepSeek, a low-cost AI model developed by Chinese tech firm High-Flyer. Launched in early 2025, DeepSeek gained global attention for its affordability and performance, positioning it as a competitor to Western models like those from OpenAI. However, the tool has sparked controversy. On April 17, the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition labeled DeepSeek a 'profound threat' to national security, alleging ties to the Communist Party and accusing it of undermining U.S. technological leadership. The committee's report cited concerns over data privacy and potential military applications, reflecting broader anxieties about China's growing influence in AI. The backlash against DeepSeek has not been limited to the U.S. Countries like India, Japan, and Australia have imposed restrictions on its use by government officials, citing risks of data leaks and espionage. India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for instance, flagged DeepSeek's data collection practices as a potential violation of its 2024 Digital Personal Data Protection Act. These restrictions have fueled accusations from Beijing that the West and its allies are politicizing trade and technology. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian recently condemned the bans, arguing they 'stifle innovation and distort global cooperation.' Trump Tariffs and the new Cold War Xi's push for AI leadership comes amid an intensifying U.S.-China tech rivalry, often described as a new Cold War. The U.S. has tightened export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI technologies, aiming to curb China's access to critical components. In response, China has doubled down on domestic innovation, with firms like Huawei and Baidu making strides in AI chip development despite Western sanctions. A 2025 analysis by the Brookings Institution noted that China's focus on applied AI—such as facial recognition and smart cities—has given it an edge in real-world deployments, even if it lags in foundational research. However, China's AI strategy faces challenges. Experts point to a shortage of top-tier talent and overreliance on state-driven investment as potential bottlenecks. From an international perspective, China's AI rise is both an opportunity and a concern. Developing nations in Africa and Southeast Asia have welcomed affordable Chinese AI tools, which offer cost-effective solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and education. Yet, fears of data sovereignty and dependency on Chinese tech have prompted calls for stricter oversight. The European Union, for instance, is exploring a 'third way' in AI governance, balancing innovation with ethical standards to counter both U.S. and Chinese dominance. Made-in-China strategy Xi's vision for AI reflects China's broader goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency by 2035, a target embedded in its 14th Five-Year Plan. With initiatives like the 'Made in China 2025' strategy, Beijing is positioning AI as a driver of economic growth and geopolitical influence. However, the path forward is fraught with risks, from escalating trade disputes to ethical dilemmas surrounding AI surveillance and autonomous systems. READ SOURCE businessmayor April 28, 2025
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China's Xi Jinping 'sends message' to country's technology companies as DeepSeek called "profound threat" to America's national security
China's President Xi Jinping (Farhan Abdullah/Malaysia's Department of Information via AP) Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly declared artificial intelligence (AI) a cornerstone of the next technological revolution, urging China to seize a competitive edge in this transformative field. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Communist Party focused on emerging technologies, Xi emphasized that AI is reshaping human production and lifestyles, positioning it as a strategic priority for China's global ambitions. His remarks, reported by state-run Xinhua, underscore Beijing's determination to lead the AI race while navigating growing international tensions over its technological advancements. Xi called for leveraging China's unique system of resource mobilization to drive AI innovation, emphasizing self-reliance and application-driven development. He advocated for a balanced approach, promoting AI's growth in a way that is 'beneficial, safe, and equitable.' Acknowledging gaps in foundational theories and core technologies, Xi urged accelerated efforts in scientific research, industrial applications, and regulatory frameworks to ensure China retains control over both AI development and governance. 'We must comprehensively advance sci-tech innovation and firmly grasp the initiative,' he stated, signaling a long-term vision to close the gap with global leaders like the United States. China's AI ambitions are part of a broader push to dominate emerging technologies. In recent years, the country has ramped up investments in AI, quantum computing, and electric vehicles (EVs), emerging as a global leader in EV production. The Chinese military has also begun integrating AI into non-combat applications, such as logistics and surveillance, raising concerns among Western nations about potential dual-use capabilities. According to a 2024 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China's AI investment reached $25 billion in 2023, second only to the U.S., with state-backed firms driving much of the progress. A notable example of China's AI prowess is DeepSeek, a low-cost AI model developed by Chinese tech firm High-Flyer. Launched in early 2025, DeepSeek gained global attention for its affordability and performance, positioning it as a competitor to Western models like those from OpenAI. However, the tool has sparked controversy. On April 17, the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition labeled DeepSeek a 'profound threat' to national security, alleging ties to the Communist Party and accusing it of undermining U.S. technological leadership. The committee's report cited concerns over data privacy and potential military applications, reflecting broader anxieties about China's growing influence in AI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The backlash against DeepSeek has not been limited to the U.S. Countries like India, Japan, and Australia have imposed restrictions on its use by government officials, citing risks of data leaks and espionage. India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for instance, flagged DeepSeek's data collection practices as a potential violation of its 2024 Digital Personal Data Protection Act. These restrictions have fueled accusations from Beijing that the West and its allies are politicizing trade and technology. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian recently condemned the bans, arguing they 'stifle innovation and distort global cooperation.' Trump Tariffs and the new Cold War Xi's push for AI leadership comes amid an intensifying U.S.-China tech rivalry, often described as a new Cold War. The U.S. has tightened export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI technologies, aiming to curb China's access to critical components. In response, China has doubled down on domestic innovation, with firms like Huawei and Baidu making strides in AI chip development despite Western sanctions. A 2025 analysis by the Brookings Institution noted that China's focus on applied AI—such as facial recognition and smart cities—has given it an edge in real-world deployments, even if it lags in foundational research. However, China's AI strategy faces challenges. Experts point to a shortage of top-tier talent and overreliance on state-driven investment as potential bottlenecks. From an international perspective, China's AI rise is both an opportunity and a concern. Developing nations in Africa and Southeast Asia have welcomed affordable Chinese AI tools, which offer cost-effective solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and education. Yet, fears of data sovereignty and dependency on Chinese tech have prompted calls for stricter oversight. The European Union, for instance, is exploring a 'third way' in AI governance, balancing innovation with ethical standards to counter both U.S. and Chinese dominance. Made-in-China strategy Xi's vision for AI reflects China's broader goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency by 2035, a target embedded in its 14th Five-Year Plan. With initiatives like the 'Made in China 2025' strategy, Beijing is positioning AI as a driver of economic growth and geopolitical influence. However, the path forward is fraught with risks, from escalating trade disputes to ethical dilemmas surrounding AI surveillance and autonomous systems.
