Latest news with #ESL
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
From Tobaccogate To Gendergate: Casey Costello's Pattern Of Ideology Over Evidence Continues
Wellington, New Zealand Rights Aotearoa (formerly Countering Hate Speech Aotearoa) today strongly condemned Associate Health Minister Casey Costello for issuing a discriminatory directive targeting trans and non-binary pregnant people without any evidence, consultation, or regard for human rights – the latest in a disturbing pattern of ideological decision-making. Official Information Act documents prove Minister Costello: Took ZERO advice before directing Health NZ to exclude trans and non-binary people from health communications. Conducted NO analysis of human rights implications under the Human Rights Act 1993 or the Bill of Rights Act 1990. Had NO evidence to support her claim about inclusive language confusing ESL speakers. She just lied about this point. Ignored established medical best practice to pursue an ideological agenda. "Casey Costello presented her personal prejudice as fact," said Paul Thistoll, CEO of Rights Aotearoa. "She claimed inclusive language confused people with English as a second language, yet sought no advice, consulted no one, and had zero evidence. This is governance by discrimination." The minister's directive forces Health NZ to erase pregnant trans men and non-binary people from existence in health communications – a clear breach of the Human Rights Act 1993. "First, there was tobaccogate; now it's gendergate. This isn't just about words; it's about trust and a pattern of behaviour," Thistoll continued. During the tobacco scandal, Costello: Ignored Treasury officials who told her "Philip Morris would be the biggest winner" from her $216 million tax cut. First denied that a tobacco policy document existed, then claimed not to know who wrote it or how it ended up in her office. Was reprimanded TWICE by the Chief Ombudsman for acting "contrary to law" in withholding information. Claimed to have "independent advice" supporting tobacco tax cuts, but refused to reveal its source. "When a Minister bypasses evidence, ignores expert advice, and has a history of transparency issues, it undermines public confidence," said Thistoll. "Whether it's handing $216 million to Big Tobacco or erasing trans people from healthcare, Casey Costello operates the same way: no evidence, no consultation, no transparency, no accountability." This directive will erase trans and non-binary pregnant people from health communications, potentially denying them vital care, despite research from Dr George Parker showing inclusive language benefits them without harming others. Rights Aotearoa demands Minister Costello: Immediately reverse this discriminatory and evidence-free directive Issue a public apology to the trans and non-binary community for the distress caused and for pursuing policy without due diligence Commit unequivocally to transparent, evidence-based policymaking, particularly in health If Minister Costello refuses to uphold her responsibilities and correct this harmful directive by July 1st, Rights Aotearoa will: Support pregnant trans and non-binary people to file formal complaints with the Human Rights Commission and pursue proceedings before the Human Rights Review Tribunal to seek a ruling that the directive unlawfully discriminates based on gender identity "Kiwis deserve healthcare based on facts and fairness, not a Minister's personal crusade," Thistoll declared. "Casey Costello has shown she will sacrifice public health and human rights for her personal ideology. From tobacco to trans rights, she operates without evidence, hides the truth, and puts vulnerable people at risk. This must stop." OIA response CCHOIA-447 from Hon Casey Costello's office (29 May 2025) confirms no consultation or advice was sought. The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, which includes gender identity, according to the Human Rights Commission, based on the Crown Law 2006 Opinion. Health NZ confirmed they had no policy requiring gender-inclusive language before the minister's intervention. Minister previously found to have acted unlawfully by Chief Ombudsman in tobacco policy matters.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's top Overwatch 2 team, Twisted Minds, have once again stamped their authority on the national stage, successfully defending their title at the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, held at Riyadh's VOV Gaming Arena. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The high-octane finale saw Twisted Minds overcome a fierce challenge from Al-Qadsiah, who went into the match with a lot of momentum after a decisive win against Team Vision in the semifinals. The final matchup was a showcase of strategy and execution, with Twisted Minds ultimately pulling ahead through superior coordination and championship composure. With the win, they not only retained the title but also secured a berth in the Overwatch Champions Series, the official qualifier for the Esports World Cup. They also claimed the top prize from a $20,000 pool. The ESL Saudi Challenge, launched by ESL FACEIT Group, is part of a broader push to elevate the competitive gaming scene in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Designed as both a platform for talent and a pipeline to international competitions, the tournament reflects the Kingdom's growing role in the global esports ecosystem. 'The ESL Saudi Challenge is a cornerstone in our long-term commitment to building a thriving and sustainable esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region,' said Franck Guignery, the group's senior vice president for MENA. 'Through this tournament, we're not only creating high-level competitive opportunities for local talent but also reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a key player on the global esports map. 'This is just the beginning, we see Saudi and MENA as essential to the future of competitive gaming and we're here to help shape that future.' As Twisted Minds prepare to represent Saudi Arabia in the OWCS, the Kingdom's position as a force in international esports continues to grow. With strategic investments, a strong talent pool and quality infrastructure, the country is no longer just part of the global esports movement it is helping to lead it.
Arab News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final
RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia's top Overwatch 2 teams are set to battle for regional supremacy and a place on the global stage. The high-stakes tournament will see Team Vision take on Al-Qadsiah in a best-of-five showdown, with the winner advancing to face reigning champions Twisted Minds in a best-of-seven grand final. With qualification for the Overwatch Champions Series and the Esports World Cup at stake, the event is being hailed as a defining moment for the Kingdom's esports scene. This year's ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's evolving esports ecosystem. More than just a tournament, it serves as a direct pathway to international competition while highlighting the rising caliber of local talent. Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the world's leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom's broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub. EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, in a $1.5 billion deal aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in the region. The ESL Saudi Challenge is a key pillar in that strategy, with EFG also serving as the main operating partner for the Esports World Cup over the next five years. The group's involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike. Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia's official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday's final, the event promises not only elite-level Overwatch 2 gameplay, but a powerful statement of intent from a nation rapidly becoming a leader in global esports.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SOLUM Expands Production Capacity and Accelerates Retail Digitalization Across North America
SOLUM Expands Production Capacity and Accelerates Retail Digitalization Across North America SEOUL, South Korea, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOLUM, a global leader in electronic shelf labels (ESL) and digital retail solutions, is strengthening its global leadership by scaling production and securing key wins across major retail markets. As demand for smart retail technology continues to rise, SOLUM is emerging as a core enabler of retail digital transformation worldwide. In April 2025, SOLUM's Vietnam manufacturing facility shipped a record 6.26 million ESL units, the highest monthly volume since the site's inception. Production value reached KRW 59.6 billion, marking a 33% increase year-over-year. In May, the company expects shipments to exceed 7 million units, with production value approaching KRW 100 billion—a milestone that could mark the plant's highest monthly performance to date. This output growth is the result of long-term investment in production automation. Since 2020, SOLUM has introduced multi-phase automation lines for ESL performance testing. Its flagship Newton 2.9-inch model is now fully automated, and semi-automated lines have been optimized to further increase output. Despite a 27% reduction in workforce compared to the 2022 average, per-person productivity has improved, supported by tighter quality control. As of 2024, defect rates dropped to 18 ppm, well below industry norms. _____________________ North America: Demonstrating ESL Value in High-Volume Grocery Chains SOLUM has firmly established its North American presence by supplying ESLs to more than 1,000 stores operated by Canada's largest retail group. The implementation has been particularly impactful in grocery environments where product turnover and price variability demand real-time responsiveness. SOLUM's ESL system supports dynamic pricing, automated markdowns, and simultaneous display of member and promotional pricing across thousands of SKUs. 'ESLs deliver their highest value in complex environments like grocery stores, where frequent price changes and high operational demands are the norm. Our partnership with Canada's largest retailer represents a turning point in the region's digital transformation. We're aiming for a 70% market share in Canada's ESL segment,' noted CW Ahn, CEO of SOLUM America. To support this growth, SOLUM has established a local sales entity in Canada and is expanding its technical and sales teams. The company recently signed a new contract with one of Canada's Top 3 grocery groups, further enhancing its leadership in the region. The company's North America lead stated, 'We're evolving from a hardware vendor into a solution partner. Beyond large enterprise clients, our long-term vision includes empowering small and mid-sized retailers to adopt ESL through a SaaS-based platform. Our organizational growth reflects this shift toward platform-driven retail technology.' _____________________ Platform-Led Leadership in Smart Retail As global demand for digital retail solutions accelerates, SOLUM continues to lead through a powerful combination of manufacturing scale, premium quality, and technology integration. Its Newton ESL lineup supports full product customization, while upcoming solutions—including BLE-based trace tags and handheld terminals—will offer retailers greater operational control and visibility. These initiatives mark SOLUM's evolution from a hardware supplier to a platform-based smart retail partner. 'SOLUM isn't just following global retail trends—we're helping shape them,' said Steve Jun, Head of ESL Division, at SOLUM. 'With proven success across North America and Europe, we're committed to delivering intelligent, future-ready solutions that drive the next phase of retail innovation.' A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: For media inquiries: solum@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNBC
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNBC
She dropped out of culinary school at 21. Today, she teaches dumpling-making for a living
Samantha Mui has always been a bit of a rebel. Growing up, she knew she hated school but loved being creative and cooking. As a kid, she said, she played hooky by pretending to be sick so she could stay home and watch Julia Child or Martha Stewart on TV and "tinker" in the kitchen all day. Then, she'd clean it all up before her parents came home. "I really struggled in school, because I had a hard time paying attention in class ... I was really rowdy and I was kind of a troublemaker," Mui told CNBC Make It. "I was struggling to follow directions. If I didn't understand it, I would just try to do it in a way that made sense for me, but I felt like I was always getting reprimanded [for that]." She recalled being placed in an ESL (English as a second language) class in the fifth grade, despite the fact that she was born in the U.S. and spoke proper English. "Ever since that [happened], I just thought I was not smart," she said. "At a young age, I knew that I needed to do it my own way ... I realized [that] I can't force myself to like something, but, if I'm interested in something, I'm going to be obsessed with it," Mui said. It wasn't until she was in her late 20s that she finally decided to embrace her natural talents instead of fighting them. Today, the 34-year-old San Francisco Bay Area native is the author of the cookbook "Melting Pot" and the founder of Thirsty Dumpling, a do-it-yourself dumpling-making startup. Her business brings in about $20,000 a month, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. For most of her life, Mui struggled to fit into society's mold. After high school, she went on to study for a couple months at a community college, before deciding to go to culinary school instead. "I went to community college for one semester and absolutely hated it. I just felt really lost, like: 'What am I doing here?' So I didn't feel like [I had another] option," said Mui. It was in culinary school that she gained much more confidence. "I remember being on the Dean's honor list that year ... That's the moment I was like: 'Aha, you're not stupid ... you're just a hands on person,'" Mui said. Through culinary school, she came to accept her own learning style and decided that she should give college another chance. So in 2012, at the age of 21, she dropped out of culinary school and went to college to complete her undergraduate degree. "After that, I was always on the honor roll. [I became an] overachiever at that point, because I finally cracked the code of school. Like, just understanding what is asked of me and ... I had a lot of tricks in my head of how to do school," she said. By 2016, Mui had earned both a bachelor's degree in communications and media studies as well as a master's degree in international business studies. For the next several years, she worked a few corporate and service jobs. But she realized that she was very unhappy. "I definitely didn't feel like it was my end goal at that point ... like, [there was] something inside of me that wanted to do something else, you know, but I didn't know what that was yet," said Mui. In December 2022, Mui's father died suddenly — just months after her grandmother's death. She realized that only two things really matter in life: how you treat others and whether you're happy. Shortly after, Mui left her corporate role and decided to take a break. She gave herself time to rest, reflect and think about what she wanted to do next. Within three weeks of being unemployed in April 2023, Mui had a phone call with her mother, who said, "If you could only make dumpling-making easy ... That's a billion dollar idea." "And a light bulb moment went off ... I remember, within the next day, I started buying all these products to start tinkering in my kitchen," Mui said. The idea was to create a DIY kit for people to make dumplings from scratch. "In that moment, all the things I've been through ... started coming back," she said. "When I was younger, where I truly struggled with learning — it's like I knew that I could create a product that could be very easy and simplified for [anyone to use]." She thought the kits would not only give people confidence in the kitchen, but also become a way for others to learn about her culture. Mui said she invested about $27,000 to get the company started and launched Thirsty Dumpling by November 2023. She now lives in Chicago, where she runs the business, selling dumpling-making kits as well as teaching in-person and online classes on how to make dumplings. "I'm so much happier. So much lighter ... if money was not an option, I would probably be doing [this]," she said. "I just feel like I'm doing what my inner child always wanted to do." When asked what would tell her younger self if she could go back in time, Mui said, "I would tell myself to value my gifts and talents more ... Don't focus so much on my weaknesses, focus more on my strengths."
