Latest news with #MSC
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Melqt still confident Homebois can secure MSC slot
KUALA LUMPUR: Gold laner Adam "Melqt" Hamidun remains optimistic about Homebois' chances of qualifying for the Mid Season Cup x Esports World Cup (MSC x EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next month. Their qualification hopes suffered a blow after falling 3-2 to Selangor Red Giants ( in a dramatic upper bracket final at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) Season 15 playoffs at Juara Stadium on Sunday (June 1). The win booked a spot in the Grand Finals as well as their place at MSC x EWC as Malaysia's first representative. Homebois had earlier edged DX Soul 3-2 in a tense upper bracket semi-final — a match that contributed to their heavy 10-game workload on Sunday. Melqt, however, dismissed the idea that fatigue played a role in their upper bracket final defeat. "When I was on stage, I didn't feel the burden of playing 10 games in one day. We are used to doing three practice series daily — that's around 12 games," said the 24-year-old Sabahan. "The pressure of being in a tournament setting could have affected our focus. "We pushed to the limit. So despite this defeat, our confidence in making the Grand Final and taking the last MSC x EWC ticket remains strong." Homebois now have a two-week break to regroup with the second phase of the playoffs scheduled for June 14–15. They will next face the winner of the lower bracket semi-final between Aero and DX Soul. The winner will earn the second MSC x EWC slot for Malaysia and the right to challenge for the Season 15 crown in the Grand Finals.
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Entrepreneur assists SA's young business owners in accessing international markets
The countries that Motau and her team help entrepreneurs to access markets include Argentina and Australia. Itumeleng Motau is an entrepreneur, business mentor and a founder of G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance. She is also the president of the G20 Young Entrepreneur South Africa. Picture: Supplied Entrepreneur Itumeleng Motau is on a mission to assist South Africa's young business owners in accessing international markets. Motau, fondly known as Itu, is the founder of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance and the president of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs South Africa (Yesa), a foundation specialising in assisting young entrepreneurs to meet and share ideas with other business people based in the G20 countries. The countries that Motau and her team help entrepreneurs to access markets include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the UK, and the US. ALSO READ: Tips for entrepreneurs looking for government tenders: R1 trillion infrastructure investment loading A few months ago, Motau led a group of young entrepreneurs to a business summit in Goiania, Brazil, where they connected with like-minded entrepreneurs from around the world. During the event, they met hundreds of young entrepreneurs to share ideas and catalyse economic renewal, job creation, innovation and social change. 'Our objective is to promote entrepreneurship ecosystem conversations and celebrate impact projects carried out by young industrialists across G20 states,' she says. 'Our conference, set for 18-20 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, will host over 600 young entrepreneurs from G20 states and other countries.' 'Game-changer' Apart from being a prominent figure in Yesa, Motau is also a passionate businesswoman who serves as a partner at Potlako Global Logistics, a subsidiary of MSC, the world's largest container shipping line. As an enterprise development beneficiary, she operates on all customs and clearing services required internally, as well as freight forwarding services for some of MSC's clients. 'Holding a master's degree in maritime economics, I have found this opportunity to be a game-changer for my career. I'm also a director on the MSC South Africa board on the cargo side and help commercially with the MSC cruise business,' she says. ALSO READ: SMEs' growth absent in Budget 3.0. Here's what entrepreneurs expected Her second business venture is ITU golf wear, a golf apparel brand that embodies the spirit of 'Be Happy' – a direct translation of her Setswana name, Itumeleng. ITU Golf Wear is 100% black woman-owned. She says the ITU golf wear offers high-quality, stylish golf clothing and accessories for men, women and kids. 'Our mission is to innovate and lead in providing the best value products and services globally, while making a positive impact on our customers, business partners, employees, and communities.' ITU Foundation Under the ITU brand, Motau has established the ITU Foundation, which utilises clothing to advance golf development, diversity, and inclusivity. She said the foundation has already supported 150 young golfers by providing them with clinics, allowing them game time, and supplying them with relevant apparel to help them excel in the sport. Last month, she had the opportunity to run a pop-up shop in New York. ALSO READ: Is your child interested in starting a business? Here is an entrepreneurship challenge for kids 'The Flying Solo brand works closely with New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week and gets our brands to be featured in high-end magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour and Cosmopolitan,' she says. She urges young people who wish to emulate her to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on their dreams. 'Surround yourself with positive people and always be willing to learn and take calculated risks,' she says. Motau says she is proud to be a part of various initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, golf development, and community upliftment. Entrepreneur's early life The business mogul was born in Mamelodi, Pretoria, and grew up in an entrepreneurial and spiritually grounded family. Her grandfather ran a successful retail business, and her mother became a renowned entrepreneur and a game-changer in the hospitality industry. Her family raised her with a strong emphasis on education, family values, and social consciousness. She attended primary school in Mamelodi and secondary school in Limpopo. After matric, she obtained a BSc in biochemistry and microbiology from the University of Limpopo; a chemical engineering national diploma from the University of Johannesburg; a postgraduate certificate in water engineering from University of Hanover, Germany; management advancement programme from Wits Business School; and a BCom masters in maritime economics from University of KwaZulu-Natal. ALSO READ: How mental health affects entrepreneurs Not yet married, she has a life partner she adores. 'While I don't have kids of my own, I'm a great mother and aunt to many. I'm very family-oriented and love cooking,' she says. She also mentors young and old professionals and businesspeople. 'I'm passionate about taking care of future leaders,' she says. – masoka@
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Stormie stars as Selangor Red Giants storm into MPL MY Grand Final
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Red Giants ( are on track for a third straight Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) title after sealing their spot in the Season 15 Grand Final at Juara Stadium on Sunday. The two-time defending champions brushed aside Aero eSports 3-1 in the upper bracket semi-finals to set up a blockbuster clash with Homebois, who edged DX Soul 3-2 surged to a 2-0 lead in the upper bracket final before Homebois clawed their way back to force a decider. But Hazziq Danish "Stormie" Rizwan stepped up in Game Five, delivering a masterclass on the mage hero Odette. His inspired showing proved the difference, dealing devastating area damage that left Homebois reeling. At the 16-minute mark, with leading 19-12 in kills, Stormie unleashed a triple kill that wiped out all five Homebois players, clearing the path to a swift final push and victory. The result not only booked place in the Grand Final but also made them the first Malaysian team this season to qualify for the prestigious Mid Season Cup x eSports World Cup (MSC x EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next month. coach Michael Angelo "Arcadia" Bocado admitted his team lost their way mid-match. "We got greedy in Games Three and Four. We strayed from our comfort zone and tried high-risk compositions, and Homebois punished us," said the Filipino coach. "I'm proud the team stayed composed and closed it out. The Odette pick was key in Game Five. Their draft suggested they wanted to brawl, but Odette gave us the control we needed to counter that." will now have to wait two weeks to learn their Grand Final opponents. The second phase of the playoffs resumes on July 14-15, with Aero Esports facing DX Soul. The winner will meet Homebois in the lower bracket final, and the victor there will challenge for the title, and Malaysia's second and final MSC x EWC slot. Arcadia, however, is wary of the break. "For us, the gap is a double-edged sword," he said.
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Record-breaking megaships arrive West Africa as global shipping firm expands trade routes
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has made maritime history by becoming the first shipping line to deploy 24,000 TEU megaships on routes serving West Africa, marking a significant milestone in the region's integration into global trade networks. MSC has set a milestone by deploying 24,000 TEU megaships on West African routes. The vessels Diletta and Türkiye connect Asia with major West African ports like Lomé and Abidjan. Industry analysts expect increased trade volumes and infrastructure enhancements in the region. According to Container News, MSC has introduced the vessels Diletta and Türkiye on its Africa Express service, connecting major Asian export hubs, including China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, to key West African ports such as Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Douala (Cameroon). The MSC Diletta is a maritime giant, measuring 400 meters long and 61 meters wide, with a capacity of 23,964 TEUs. The MSC Turkiye is similarly massive at nearly 400 meters long and 61.3 meters wide, able to carry 24,346 TEUs, making it one of the largest container ships ever built. MSC Diletta made history with its April 23 maiden call at Lomé's port, setting a new benchmark as one of the largest container ships to ever dock in West Africa. The vessel has since visited Abidjan, further showcasing the region's growing ability to accommodate mega-vessels. The shipping company described the move as a strategic investment in Africa's trade future, going beyond a mere operational upgrade. " This deployment reflects our long-term commitment to the continent," the company stated, highlighting its goals to enhance trade capacity, strengthen regional connectivity, and drive economic growth and community development. Two factors shape MSC's strategy Growing Asia-West Africa Trade: Surging bilateral trade volumes prompted MSC to introduce ultra-large vessels, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in meeting rising demand. Supporting Africa's Growth: By upgrading infrastructure and logistics, MSC aims to play a pivotal role in the region's economic development, underscoring its strategic commitment. As 24,000 TEU vessels become a regular feature along the West African coast, industry analysts forecast far-reaching impacts on regional economies, including increased trade volumes, job creation, and port upgrades.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Liberian ship wreckage: Kerala government to discuss financial package with shipping company
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after declaring the wreckage of MSC ELSA 3 off the Kerala coast a state disaster, the state government has taken steps to negotiate a financial package with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the owner of the sunken vessel. The government is seeking financial support for risk and damage assessments, management strategies, and remedial actions, including compensation. A seven-member committee has been formed, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Finance Department, to negotiate with MSC. Other members include the ACS of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Principal Secretaries from the Revenue and Disaster Management, Industries, and Agriculture Departments, as well as the Secretary of the Environment Department. The Member Secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will act as the convenor and main point of contact with the shipping company. The committee will also oversee a two-tier mechanism at the state and district levels to address and suggest measures for mitigating the impact of potential coastal pollution. The state-level committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, consists of eight members. It will guide pollution control activities at the district level through policy directives, advisories, resource mobilisation, and support the Environment Department in conducting assessment studies for restoration and remediation.
