Latest news with #LAWA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LAWA 2025 Marks 10th Anniversary with New Awards for Schools, Universities, and Changemakers
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), today announced the launch of the LIFE AT WORK Awards 2025 (LAWA 2025), commemorating its 10th anniversary with a renewed commitment to recognise outstanding employers and institutions that champion progressive workplace practices, sustainability, inclusivity, and talent development in Malaysia. Under this year's theme, "Driving Inclusivity, Powering Sustainability," LAWA 2025 introduces three new award categories recognising the important role of schools, universities, and changemakers in shaping a future-ready and inclusive workforce. During her opening remarks, Chairperson of TalentCorp's Board of Directors, YB Ms Wong Shu Qi, announced the new award categories, "LAWA 2025 aims to drive change by not only recognising sustainability and inclusivity efforts within the industry, but also by extending recognition to schools and universities. To this end, LAWA 2025 introduces two new awards for academic institutions, highlighting their role in shaping students into future talents," she said. TalentCorp Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thomas Mather, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted that, when LAWA was introduced in 2013, their focus was clear – to support employers in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as part of how they evolved. "At TalentCorp, we encourage firms and organisations to embrace work-life practices in the workplace. By adopting these principles, we believe they can enhance employee well-being, improve work quality, boost productivity, and foster a positive workplace culture that supports diversity and inclusion," he said. The LAWA 2025 will recognise employers in the following 13 categories with 33 awards to be given for: Best Organisation Award CEO Champion CHRO Champion Women At Work & Leadership Young Graduates Employee Care & Well-being Talent Sustainability Workplace Innovation Corporate Social Responsibility Digital & Tech Excellence Future-Ready University & College (NEW) Future-Ready School (NEW) Changemakers: NGO, NPO, MSME & Others (NEW) LAWA has grown significantly since its inception. In 2024, the awards saw record-breaking participation with over 713 submissions from more than 200 organisations. These submissions represented a diverse range of entities, including public-listed companies (PLCs), multinational corporations (MNCs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and public sector organisations. Following a rigorous evaluation process, a total of 38 awards were presented across 14 categories, celebrating excellence and commitment in key areas such as sustainability, inclusivity, and talent development. Submissions for the LIFE AT WORK Awards 2025 (LAWA 2025) are open to all employers in Malaysia from 20 June to 3 August 2025. Judging will take place throughout August and September 2025, and the winners will be revealed and celebrated at the LAWA 2025 Awards Ceremony in October. For more information and to participate in LAWA 2025, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad Sign in to access your portfolio
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
New Zealand's Air Quality Improving, But Winter Smoke Still An Issue
Press Release – LAWA When smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions, it can affect the health of whole communities. The good news is that monitored sites in most towns are now meeting national air quality standards for particulate matter New data released today by LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) shows that while air quality continues to improve in many parts of New Zealand, winter remains a period of elevated health risk. There is particular concern for towns where smoke from home heating becomes trapped near the ground during cold, still weather. 'Air quality in New Zealand has improved over time thanks to a combination of local and national action, but winter remains a challenge in many towns,' said Dr Chris Daughney, Chief Science Advisor for the collective of regional and unitary councils – Te Uru Kahika. 'When smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions, it can affect the health of whole communities. 'The good news is that monitored sites in most towns are now meeting national air quality standards for particulate matter (PM10) and continue to show improvements since monitoring began. 'However, most monitored places exceed international guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which comes from combustion sources and poses significant health risks,' said Dr Daughney. The LAWA Air Quality National Picture 2025 provides analyses of monitoring site data from regional and unitary councils across the country. Although PM2.5is not yet regulated under New Zealand's National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ), the National Picture outlines that 13 regions are now actively monitoring this harmful pollutant, and the number of monitored sites has increased in recent years. In 2024, only three monitoring sites in New Zealand met both the daily and annual WHO guidelines for PM2.5. These were at Whareroa Marae in Mount Maunganui, Whangārei, and central Wellington. The 2021 WHO guidelines are stricter than previous guidelines and reflect growing understanding of the health impacts from long-term exposure to fine particles. Dr Daughney said the results presented on the LAWA website reinforce the value of council monitoring networks. 'Although it is not yet regulated under a national standard, many regional and unitary councils are already monitoring the smaller PM2.5 particles to better understand local air quality and to prepare for future regulation. However, without a New Zealand-specific standard in place, it's a challenge for councils to justify further investment in monitoring equipment and analysis. 'The science is clear that reducing fine particulate matter pollution improves public health, especially for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions,' said Dr Daughney. While winter conditions continue to present challenges, the LAWA Air Quality National Picture also highlights definite progress. There are improving air quality trends for 30 of the 44 long-term PM10 monitoring sites over the last 10 years and only 4 sites have seen a decline. LAWA Air Quality Science Lead Teresa Aberkane explains that air quality is fascinating because it responds to human behaviour. 'Many places like Timaru, Tokoroa, and Kaiapoi have taken active steps to reduce winter emissions, and we're seeing those actions reflected in the data. 'That's the value of ongoing monitoring, when we measure and report, we can take steps to make a difference to the air we breathe,' said Ms Aberkane. Many of these improvements are the result of sustained investment by councils in cleaner heating technology, community education, and local bylaws aimed at phasing out high emission burning. Transport choices also have a big impact on air quality and walking, cycling, and public transport are cleaner options than private vehicle use. LAWA Chair Dr Tim Davie said everyone can play a role in cleaner winter air. 'The data shows we've made good progress. Now it's about staying on track and continuing to act where it matters most. 'With winter here, we're encouraging people to check their local air quality and take steps to minimise smoke. Avoiding lighting fires on still weather nights is best, but if people are going to use their log burner, then using dry, untreated wood with a clean burning technique can help reduce the amount of pollution into the local neighbourhood. 'We're pleased to make real-time air quality information available to New Zealanders for free on the LAWA website, alongside useful evidence-backed factsheets,' said Dr Davie. Air quality information for 150 monitoring sites is available at along with practical tips on what households can do to help. Further information PM2.5 and PM10 are forms of air pollution measured in micrometres. PM2.5 poses greater health risks due to its ability to enter the lungs and bloodstream. The World Health Organization's 2021 air quality guidelines are based on updated scientific evidence of health impacts from fine particulate matter. The Ministry for the Environment has announced that the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ) will be reviewed and updated by 2026 to include PM2.5.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
New Zealand's Air Quality Improving, But Winter Smoke Still An Issue
New data released today by LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) shows that while air quality continues to improve in many parts of New Zealand, winter remains a period of elevated health risk. There is particular concern for towns where smoke from home heating becomes trapped near the ground during cold, still weather. 'Air quality in New Zealand has improved over time thanks to a combination of local and national action, but winter remains a challenge in many towns,' said Dr Chris Daughney, Chief Science Advisor for the collective of regional and unitary councils - Te Uru Kahika. 'When smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions, it can affect the health of whole communities. 'The good news is that monitored sites in most towns are now meeting national air quality standards for particulate matter (PM10) and continue to show improvements since monitoring began. 'However, most monitored places exceed international guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which comes from combustion sources and poses significant health risks,' said Dr Daughney. The LAWA Air Quality National Picture 2025 provides analyses of monitoring site data from regional and unitary councils across the country. Although PM2.5is not yet regulated under New Zealand's National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ), the National Picture outlines that 13 regions are now actively monitoring this harmful pollutant, and the number of monitored sites has increased in recent years. In 2024, only three monitoring sites in New Zealand met both the daily and annual WHO guidelines for PM2.5. These were at Whareroa Marae in Mount Maunganui, Whangārei, and central Wellington. The 2021 WHO guidelines are stricter than previous guidelines and reflect growing understanding of the health impacts from long-term exposure to fine particles. Dr Daughney said the results presented on the LAWA website reinforce the value of council monitoring networks. 'Although it is not yet regulated under a national standard, many regional and unitary councils are already monitoring the smaller PM2.5 particles to better understand local air quality and to prepare for future regulation. However, without a New Zealand-specific standard in place, it's a challenge for councils to justify further investment in monitoring equipment and analysis. 'The science is clear that reducing fine particulate matter pollution improves public health, especially for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions,' said Dr Daughney. While winter conditions continue to present challenges, the LAWA Air Quality National Picture also highlights definite progress. There are improving air quality trends for 30 of the 44 long-term PM10 monitoring sites over the last 10 years and only 4 sites have seen a decline. LAWA Air Quality Science Lead Teresa Aberkane explains that air quality is fascinating because it responds to human behaviour. 'Many places like Timaru, Tokoroa, and Kaiapoi have taken active steps to reduce winter emissions, and we're seeing those actions reflected in the data. 'That's the value of ongoing monitoring, when we measure and report, we can take steps to make a difference to the air we breathe,' said Ms Aberkane. Many of these improvements are the result of sustained investment by councils in cleaner heating technology, community education, and local bylaws aimed at phasing out high emission burning. Transport choices also have a big impact on air quality and walking, cycling, and public transport are cleaner options than private vehicle use. LAWA Chair Dr Tim Davie said everyone can play a role in cleaner winter air. 'The data shows we've made good progress. Now it's about staying on track and continuing to act where it matters most. 'With winter here, we're encouraging people to check their local air quality and take steps to minimise smoke. Avoiding lighting fires on still weather nights is best, but if people are going to use their log burner, then using dry, untreated wood with a clean burning technique can help reduce the amount of pollution into the local neighbourhood. 'We're pleased to make real-time air quality information available to New Zealanders for free on the LAWA website, alongside useful evidence-backed factsheets,' said Dr Davie. Air quality information for 150 monitoring sites is available at along with practical tips on what households can do to help. Further information PM2.5 and PM10 are forms of air pollution measured in micrometres. PM2.5 poses greater health risks due to its ability to enter the lungs and bloodstream. The World Health Organization's 2021 air quality guidelines are based on updated scientific evidence of health impacts from fine particulate matter. The Ministry for the Environment has announced that the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ) will be reviewed and updated by 2026 to include PM2.5
RNZ News
4 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
New Zealand's air quality improving, but winter smoke still an issue
Smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions. Photo: Dave Allen / NIWA CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Air quality is improving across many parts of the country, but the use of fires as heating creates a spike in pollutants during winter. Air pollution has detrimental health impacts, with older adults, children, and other vulnerable groups most at risk. Dr Chris Daughney, chief science advisor for the collective of regional and unitary councils, Te Uru Kahika, said there was generally a spike in pollutants during winter, as smoke from wood burners and coal fires built up in calm, cold conditions, and affected the health of whole communities. However, the LAWA data showed improvements overall, with air quality trends improving for 30 of the 44 long-term PM10 monitoring sites over the past 10, and only 4 sites seeing a decline. But when it came to guidelines for smaller particles, most places exceeded international guidelines. Particulate matter is tiny airborne particles - naturally occurring like dust, pollen or sea salt, or human-made through the burning of fuels - and their health impact depends on particle size. PM10 refers to particles less than 10 micrometres in size which can enter human airways. PM2.5 refers to finer particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in size, which can penetrate deep into human lungs, even the bloodstream. LAWA chairperson Dr Tim Davie explained it was not yet mandatory to monitor PM2.5 under the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ), and the science on its effects was relatively recent. But 13 regions were already actively monitoring it anyway, and the number of monitored sites had increased in recent years. Davie said the overall improvement in air quality was thanks to individuals making good decisions about how they heated their homes or travelled around their cities. "It's not councils investing, it's people investing - buying low emissions wood burners and changing their heating to electric and buying electric cars. "Councils set policies around that that encourages it, but it's actual people out there who are making those investments and making the changes, and that's really great to see." Thirty of 44 monitored towns and cities show improving air quality over the past ten years - between 2015 and 2024. Ten sites had an indeterminate trend, which meant there was not enough statistical certainty to determine if air quality had been improving or degrading. Howeever, in 2024, only three monitoring sites met both the daily and annual World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 - Whareroa Marae in Mount Maunganui, Whangārei, and central Wellington. The highest PM2.5 annual average concentrations were seen in Tokoroa, Pūtāruru, Kaiapoi, and Timaru, where winter woodsmoke from home heating was trapped by local topography and weather conditions. LAWA air quality science lead Teresa Aberkane explained air quality responded to human behaviour. "Many places like Timaru, Tokoroa, and Kaiapoi have taken active steps to reduce winter emissions, and we're seeing those actions reflected in the data." * It's important to note not everywhere is monitored, and these levels include industrial and rural activities as well as natural sources (such as salt spray) in addition to particles caused by home heating. The 10 most polluted, in order (Most polluted) Washdyke, Canterbury Mount Maunganui (Totara St Rail Crossing), Bay of Plenty Awatoto, Hawke's Bay Gore (Main Street), Southland Penrose, Auckland Gisborne central Tokoroa, Waikato Putaruru, Waikato Mount Maunganui (Ranch Rd), Bay of Plenty Timaru (Anzac Square), Canterbury The 10 least polluted Rotorua (Edmund), Bay of Plenty Lower Hutt (Birch Lane), Wellington Wainuiomata (Bowling Club), Wellington Thames, Waikato Patumahoe, Auckland Morrinsville, Waikato Tauranga (Otumoetai), Bay of Plenty Upper Hutt (Savage Park), Wellington Taumarunui, King Country (Least polluted) Reefton (school), West Coast
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LAX drops down the list of the world's busiest airports by passenger count
Los Angeles International Airport fell from a global ranking of the world's busiest airports following a drop in domestic travel and ongoing struggles to rebound from the pandemic. The Airports Council International — an organization of airport authorities whose rankings are widely accepted — released its preliminary numbers on Monday ahead of its annual July report. Notably absent from its Top 10 list of busiest airports by passenger count was LAX. The airport was the third-busiest in the world in 2019 by that ranking, but it fell off ACI's list and landed at No. 15 a year later as the COVID-19 pandemic halted air travel. The congested hub bounced back to No. 5 in 2021 and was No. 8 on the 2023 ranking before its recent drop, according to last year's numbers. Los Angeles World Airports confirmed it was aware of the drop. LAX is still considered one of the busiest airports in the world when ranked by takeoffs and landings, but it fell from No. 6 to No. 7, according to ACI. The airport also fell from the top rankings of airports that handle cargo. 'We're among the worst recovered airports in the country for passenger traffic, and now we're seeing that performance actually worsen. We have been slowly recovering, and we've seen that trend reverse,' LAWA Chief Executive Officer John Ackerman said Thursday during a Board of Commissioners meeting. 'We've actually seen some slippage and shrinkage in the last couple of months.' Ackerman cited 'consumer confidence, immigration and trade policy, monetary policy' as some of the reasons for the drop in traffic. Read more: In a city known for traffic, LAX is a standout for its gridlock. Can it be fixed? The airport had seen some growth in passengers since 2020's significant decline, but officials have sounded the alarm as traveler counts have continued to dip below forecasts. Last year, the airport saw more than 76.5 million passengers — a little more than a 2% increase from 2023. But its domestic count dropped from roughly 52.8 million passengers flying within the United States in 2023 to about 52.6 million last year, according to LAWA data. In February, the total passenger count at LAX of those flying in the U.S. and internationally was roughly 4.9 million travelers — a 7% decrease from last February. Not every airport has faced the same obstacles in recovering from pandemic losses. By comparison, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's passenger count grew by more than 3% to more than 108 million passengers in 2024, according to ACI, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport's count increased by more than 7% to more than 87 million passengers. Both airports have held steady at the No. 1 and No. 3 spots on ACI's ranking. Some regional airports have also seen an uptick in passenger counts. Long Beach Airport, for instance, hit record passenger numbers last year, and in 2023, Hollywood Burbank Airport surpassed its record-setting numbers from 2019. Ackerman acknowledged that if passengers aren't going to LAX, they must be going elsewhere, but he told The Times that the increase in passengers at other nearby airports doesn't fully account for LAX's losses. And he reiterated that a variety of factors has played into the struggle. In 2019, LAX saw more than 88 million passengers. Airport officials had previously planned for 110 million passengers in 2028, but they have dropped their estimate to roughly 90 million, leaders have said in past board meetings. That change prompted airport officials last year to shift some projects away from terminal expansion to infrastructure updates, such as plumbing fixes. LAWA is revising its current and future fiscal budgets, which Chief Financial Officer Tatiana Starostina said will be affected by the recent drop in domestic travelers. Read more: L.A. waited so long it seemed like a fantasy. But it's actually coming: A rail connection to LAX 'We know that the situation is very fluid,' Starostina said at the board meeting Thursday. 'As we're revising the numbers down, it is not a surprise that we obviously continue to expect that we will not be fully recovered. You see that compared to 2019, the overall number for 2026 will be about 15% below the pre-pandemic level.' The airport is undergoing a $30-billion overhaul, with multiple projects slated for completion ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Among the most anticipated is the automated people mover train, which officials and transit experts believe will significantly improve traffic by offering an alternative route in and out of the 1 World Way horseshoe loop and a direct connection to Metro. Airport officials expect the elevated train to open in early 2026. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
