Latest news with #Education
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘More than a harvest festival': In Gawai message, Wan Junaidi calls on Sarawakians to honour heritage and prioritise education
KUCHING, May 31 — Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the Dayak community to preserve their rich cultural traditions while continuing to prioritise education as a key driver of development, as they return to their villages to celebrate Gawai Dayak. He said Gawai is not merely a harvest festival, but a powerful symbol of unity, gratitude and cultural pride. 'Each year on June 1, the Dayak community gathers to honour the fruits of their labour, strengthen family ties, and pass down traditions that reflect the values of togetherness, mutual respect and harmony,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message today. Recalling the historical significance of Gawai, which was officially recognised as a state celebration in 1965, Wan Junaidi paid tribute to the visionary leaders who championed the recognition of Dayak heritage. 'It is through traditions like 'ngajat', 'ai pengayu', and the communal spirit of 'gotong-royong' that we see the timeless values that continue to define us,' he said. Underscoring the importance of education in navigating the globalised and technologically advanced world, he lauded the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to improve educational access and infrastructure, especially in rural areas. 'Various initiatives have been implemented to boost literacy rates and academic performance, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of learning guidance centres. 'It is my hope that parents continue to emphasise the importance of education to empower their children to succeed and build a brighter future,' he said. He revealed that over 200 projects to rebuild and upgrade dilapidated schools have been approved under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, reinforcing the state's commitment to equitable access to quality education. Wan Junaidi also acknowledged the vital role of infrastructure in bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas. 'The construction of 16 bridges, alongside the ongoing Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road network, stands as clear proof of the government's commitment to bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas,' he said. He further commended non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their active role in supporting communities through educational aid, free health campaigns, and initiatives to preserve Dayak arts and customs. 'These partnerships are integral to building a more inclusive and resilient society,' he added. As Sarawakians return to their villages for the festive season, he reminded road users to travel responsibly and to prioritise safety. 'With better and more comfortable road networks such as the Pan Borneo Highway, let us not misuse these facilities as race tracks. 'Safety must come first, better to arrive late than never. 'I also urge all drivers to be courteous and always abide by traffic rules and regulations. Ensure that your vehicles are in good and safe condition, including tyre checks, brake systems, alignment, and steering. 'Before leaving, make sure your homes are securely locked and all electrical supplies are turned off to prevent unwanted incidents,' he said. He also expressed condolences and called for reflection following the recent tragic road accident involving the Federal Reserve Unit (PSP) in Teluk Intan, Perak. 'We must take this as a solemn reminder of the need to uphold safety and responsibility at all times,' he said. Wan Junaidi urged all Sarawakians to protect harmony, strengthen unity, and work together towards a prosperous future. 'Let us celebrate Gawai with joy, moderation and a strong sense of community spirit. ''Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menua!' he added. — The Borneo Post
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Teaching Trump's 2020 election lies turns civics into propaganda
This fall, if you're a high school student in Oklahoma, you will be taught in history class that the Democrats stole the 2020 presidential election from Donald Trump. Though disproven by numerous recounts and over 60 court cases in multiple states, the Republican-led Oklahoma Department of Education is requiring that this debunked conspiracy theory be taught as fact. Yes, boys and girls, we have now reached that point in fascist dogma where we start rewriting history to serve the agenda of Dear Leader. Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride. For four-and-a-half years now, Trump and his disciples have been claiming the 2020 election was rigged and that he won. And yet, in all that time, no one − not Trump, not Tucker Carlson, not Sean Hannity, not Steve Bannon, not even the MyPillow Guy (Mike Lindell) − has ever been able to explain, step-by-step, how it was done. As former New York City Mayor and disbarred lawyer Rudy Giuliani admitted to the judge in one of the 60-odd court filings lost by the Trump campaign: "We have no evidence, but we have lots of theories... ." Very well. Let's examine some of those theories. On the face of it, this seems very believable. Every day, we read about cyber-crooks hacking into and commandeering computers. But voting machines are not the same as personal computers. They are simple tabulating machines. They have no modems and are not connected to the internet, so it's impossible to hack them. It would be like trying to call someone who doesn't have a phone. (This includes people voting multiple times, dead people or illegal immigrants voting, or suitcases full of fraudulent ballots being slipped into the counting centers.) Fifty years ago, before government records were computerized, it might have been possible to slip a few dead or fake names onto voting lists. But now, cross-referencing of death certificates, property transfers and other government documents allows for voter rolls to be cleaned up daily. And it should be obvious to anyone who has ever voted just how ridiculous Trump's claims are when he says, "People are changing their hats and coats and voting over and over again." Elections aren't raffles. You can't just walk into any precinct on Election Day and fill out a ballot. You have to register first, and give your name and address and birth certificate or other identification information (all of which is cross-referenced with tax records, death records, etc.), after which you are assigned a specific precinct where you have to vote. (Your mail-in ballot also goes to that specific precinct.) So if a precinct with 2,000 registered voters has 3,000 votes cast (or even 2001), it would be immediately obvious that something was amiss, and an investigation would be launched. In 2020, not a single precinct in the entire country reported more votes tallied than there were registered voters in that precinct. This is one of the sillier theories, for it's the software (the program with the ballot on it), not the machine itself, that would have to be rigged, and the ballots are created by the various states. The very notion that any multi-billion-dollar company would risk utter ruin by taking part in a conspiracy that could be discovered by any computer expert, is so ridiculous that FOX News hosts mocked the allegations in their private texts as "insane lies" and "mind blowingly nuts," yet nonetheless promoted the lie on air (as did Newsmax and OAN). All three networks have subsequently paid out massive defamation settlements to both Dominion and Smartmatic Corporations, manufacturers of the voting machines. In short, none of the 2020 election fraud conspiracies stand up to even the most cursory examination. They are just lies spewed out for Trump's loyal supporters who want to believe them. George Orwell warned of the consequences when a society values ideology over truth, and no matter how much Oklahoma Republicans want to believe Trump's "Big Lie," altering history is never a good idea. Just ask Winston Smith. Keith Thompson lives in Fort Thomas, Ky., and is a historian and author of '2024,' a political thriller set against the background of the 2024 election. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Trump's Big Lie is now part of Oklahoma schools curriculum | Opinion
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
IIT Mandi launches AI & Data Science program for all - Know fees, how to register & more
IIT Mandi has launched a new AI and Data Science program for all, even beginners. This specially designed 9-month course provides both foundational and advanced knowledge in AI and Data Science, offering learners a great opportunity to build a career in one of today's most in-demand fields. Interested students can apply at the official website - Let's take a closer look at the IIT Mandi AI and Data Science program, including the registration process, fee structure, syllabus, and more. A Beginner-Friendly Course Designed by Experts at IIT Mandi This AI and Data Science program by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), IIT Mandi, is a 15-credit course that is ideal for beginners who have basic knowledge of maths and programming. You don't need to be an expert to apply. What makes this course unique: Created by top IIT Mandi professors Hands-on training in real-world AI and Data Science tools Covers both basic and advanced topics Open to students and professionals from any background Course Duration and Structure Total Duration: 9 Months Trimester Format: 3 trimesters Study Time: Around 10 hours per week Trimester Breaks: Two breaks of 2 weeks each Course Credits: 15 credits (equivalent to a minor degree) Limited Seats Available – Apply Now! Batch Start Date: 3rd June 2025 Seats Remaining: 164 only Make sure to apply early to grab your seat! Simple Admission Process in 3 Easy Steps To join this AI and Data Science program at IIT Mandi, just follow these steps: Clear the Qualifier Test Take the online entrance test at your allotted time. Duration: 60 minutes Topics: Mathematics, Statistics, and Problem-Solving Ability Test is available only once and must be taken on a desktop/laptop using Google Chrome. Complete the Onboarding Shortlisted candidates go through a brief onboarding process. Start Learning Begin your classes and learn from India's top educators at IIT Mandi. How to Register? Visit - Pay Rs 99 to book your test slot. Access a free mock test to practise before the real one. 100% refundable if you don't qualify or decide not to join after counselling. What You'll Learn in This AI and Data Science Program This course covers a wide range of topics from basic concepts to advanced applications: Trimester 1: Mathematics for Data Science Linear Algebra Calculus Probability & Statistics Optimisation Techniques Eigenvectors & Orthogonality Bayes' Theorem and more Trimester 2: Data Science and Machine Learning Supervised & Unsupervised Learning Ensemble Methods Model Evaluation Bias-Variance Trade-off Hyperparameter Tuning Trimester 3: Deep Learning & AI Applications Neural Networks (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) Generative Models (GANs, VAEs) NLP and Reinforcement Learning Computer Vision Ethics in AI Skills You Will Gain By the end of this AI and Data Science course by IIT Mandi, you will gain: Programming skills Data analysis & visualisation techniques Big data handling Machine Learning & Deep Learning knowledge Real-world problem-solving using AI Who Should Join? This IIT Mandi AI and Data Science program is suitable for: Students looking to enhance their profile while studying Working professionals planning a career switch to AI or Data Science Tech enthusiasts who want to stay ahead in the industry Entrepreneurs and innovators seeking AI-powered solutions Career Opportunities After This Course After completing the program, you can pursue exciting roles like: Data Scientist AI Engineer ML Engineer Software Developer Quantitative Analyst Tech Entrepreneur Why Choose the AI and Data Science Program at IIT Mandi? Top-Notch Faculty from IIT Mandi Comprehensive Curriculum from basics to advanced AI topics Capstone Projects to solve real-life problems Official IIT Mandi Certificate to boost your resume Job-ready skills for high-demand AI and DS careers Fee Structure You can choose between upfront payment or easy EMIs through NBFC partners. The AI and Data Science program by IIT Mandi is your gateway to the booming tech world. With expert guidance, hands-on learning, and a flexible structure, this course can give your career the right boost. If you have a passion for technology and are eager to grow in the field of AI and Data Science, don't miss this opportunity.
Bloomberg
17 hours ago
- General
- Bloomberg
Trump Says Chinese Students at US Colleges Will Be ‘Fine'
President Donald Trump sought to downplay worries among Chinese student visa holders over his administration's scrutiny, saying he would tell them that everything would be 'fine' as they pursue their studies in the US. 'Well, they're going to be O.K. It's going to work out fine,' Trump said Friday night when asked what his message would be for students who want to remain in the country.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
3 Berks schools honored for voter registration efforts
Three Berks County high schools have been recognized for engaging and informing their fellow students about how to get involved in the voting process. Officials from the Pennsylvania State and Education departments recognized Conrad Weiser, Antietam and Muhlenberg high school students during a virtual ceremony for their efforts. For a seventh year in a row, Conrad Weiser High School received a gold level Governor's Civic Engagement Award for registering at least 85% of its eligible students to vote. Conrad Weiser was one of 19 schools that received a gold designation for having high voter registration. Antietam and Muhlenberg high schools each received a silver level award for registering 65% to 84% of their eligible students. In total, state officials said about 555 students in schools across 16 counties helped register more than 5,000 of their peers to win gold- or silver-level awards. 'Students at these winning schools worked hard to register their eligible classmates to vote and hopefully launch them on a lifelong habit of voting,' Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said at a press conference Thursday in the Capitol. 'The future health of our representative democracy depends on engaging the next generation of voters, and students who participate in the program help make that happen.'
