Latest news with #NTC
GMA Network
20-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DICT to probe alleged ‘overstaying' 400 Chinese working for DITO
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is launching an investigation into the alleged 400 Chinese working for DITO Telecommunity Corp. without the necessary working visas. DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato 'Aboy' Paraiso admitted that the agency has 'no visibility on that particular issue' until columnist Ramon Tulfo posted on Facebook his claim that DITO Tel was allegedly employing Chinese nationals who 'have over-extended their tourist visas.' 'Now that we have [knowledge] we will investigate… The DICT-CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) will formally do an investigation,' Paraiso said. The post said the 400 allegedly 'overstaying' Chinese might be endangering our national security as they work for a telecom company.' Paraiso said the DICT would reach out to the Bureau of Immigration 'because the first allegation is the over[staying] visas.' '[But] since this is a telco that we are talking about, our attached agency which is the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) would also be an active partner in this investigation,' he said. The DICT official said the investigation, to be led by CICC and NTC, 'would investigate as far as our ICT infrastructure and systems are being used illegally by overstaying foreigners.' GMA News Online reached out to DITO Tel through its Viber media group. In response, the telco's media communications team said, 'discussing internally and we will get back to you.' DITO Tel is 60% owned by DITO CME Holdings Corp., a unit of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy's conglomerate Udenna Group, while the remaining 40% is owned by state-owned China Telecommunications Corp. DITO Tel, dubbed as the 'third telco' or new major player in the country's telecommunications space to disrupt the so-called duopoly of Globe and PLDT-Smart, has grown its subscriber base to 14 million as of end 2024 since its commercial launch in March 2021. –NB, GMA Integrated News
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Trade unions demand reopening of NTC mills in Tamil Nadu without preconditions
Trade unions in Tamil Nadu have demanded reopening of the seven textile mills operated by the National Textile Corporation (NTC) in the State without preconditions. M. Arumugam, AITUC leader, told The Hindu on Tuesday that the NTC management recently sent out letters to individual workers of the NTC asking their suggestions on reopening of the mills that remain closed since March 2020. 'In the history of NTC mills, it is the trade unions that speak on behalf of the workers. Hence, the NTC management should seek the views of the unions and not that of individual workers. So, the trade unions met and decided to reject the letter of the NTC management and wrote to it demanding immediate reopening of the mills without preconditions,' he said. Of the 23 NTC mills in the country that remain shut for the last five years, seven are in Tamil Nadu and these used to employ about 5,000 permanent workers. The NTC paid full wages to the workers till June 2023. The unions also demanded payment of wage arrears along with statutory benefits to the workers. HMS leader TS Rajamani said the union leaders in Coimbatore are trying to meet the Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh to discuss about the NTC mills. 'The NTC has sources for funds. It should reopen the mills and operate them. There is no clarity still on what the Central government plans to do about these mills that remain closed since the COVID pandemic. We have not yet met the new Union Minister. We are trying to meet him with the support of Coimbatore MP,' he said.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Meet the autistic tennis star blazing a trail on the world stage... who claims meeting Andy Murray has been the highlight of his journey so far!
The thwock thwock of tennis ball on racket echoes around Rouken Glen. They come from a practice session under a watery sun in the south of Glasgow. They are the shots, though, that have been heard around the world. Aidan Moody, at 21, has played in two Australian Opens, has served and volleyed at Wimbledon, represented Team GB and is heading to a world finals in Kazakhstan next week. His coach, Gary Smith, once helped Andy Murray on his rise to the very top and also played at elite level, representing his country. They are bound together by a tennis story that is profoundly inspiring. Both have faced challenges, indeed still do. Both have found tennis to be a healing balm. Moody was diagnosed with autism at four. He found tennis at his primary school. It has led him towards a new, fulfilling life. He competes in the learning disability category. This is part of the Australian Open schedule. 'We play on the courts of the Open during the tournament. In front of the crowds, in front of the cameras,' he says after practice ends for the day. Now in the top ten in the world, he has qualified for the Australian Open twice. He was put out in the quarter-finals last year and in the semis this year. He finished runner-up in the doubles on both occasions. 'The Australian Open is the only major that has a learning disability category at the moment,' says Smith. 'But I believe the other majors will follow.' Moody has, though, played twice in competitions at Wimbledon but not under the banner or at the same time as the prestigious tournament. He is now preparing for the LD Virtus world tennis championships in Kazakhstan from May 3-11. He will travel with other members of Team GB. It has already been a spectacular journey. 'This is my third time representing Team GB,' says Moody. 'It is an honour to represent your country and I am very proud to pull on the jersey with the flag.' He enjoys travelling to and playing in tournaments in Britain and abroad. 'It's always a good atmosphere with different players from around the world.' It has led to a meeting with Andy Murray, his hero. 'He was coming off court after a session at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton and he looked tired. But he gave me a chance to take a photograph and wished me good luck. He's my idol and I look up to him. To be in the NTC is great, but to meet Andy...' Moody and his father, Stephen, a mortgage adviser, have already banked special memories. This year at the Australian Open they met and chatted to Jim Courier, who is now a commentator but is also a grand slam winner. Ben Shelton, the American player, also stopped for a chat in the tunnels that link courts in Melbourne. Young Moody has been enthused by all this but he has a focus. 'My ambition is probably building up my world ranking,' he says. 'I am in the top 10 and I want to go further — top five, top three. See where it goes.' He has been coached by Smith for six years. Moody was introduced to tennis when Giffnock tennis club did an outreach programme at Our Lady of the Missions primary school in Thornliebank. 'I was just nine then but I enjoyed it so much,' says Aidan. 'I fell in love with the sport and joined Giffnock.' He benefited from coaching there and also attended a dedicated session every week with Glasgow Disability Tennis. His link with Smith began after his previous coach moved away from Giffnock. The Smith brothers have serious form in coaching. Leon captained Team GB to a Davis Cup victory and also coached Murray as a teenager with Gary helping out. Leon is head of men's tennis at the LTA. Toby is now national manager for players aged 16 and under at Tennis Scotland. Gary has been with the best. He regularly hit with Murray and has coached 11 players who have played in majors at junior and elite level. However, he has also had to deal with a brain injury inflicted in a mugging 20 years ago. Now 44, he has to manage his time and efforts. 'The mugging changed how much I could play,' he says. 'I initially came back from that but for periods I could not go on. I didn't have PTSD because I had no memory of my incident. I know it could have cost me my life but I moved on mentally very quickly. 'Physically it took me a good while to get up and about. But then I won a few tournaments here and there.' However, he adds: 'The damage to the brain grew into something over the years and it became problematic. Doing continuous session after session without a break was taking its toll. I was getting more tired. I had to take periods of time off coaching. That was difficult.' The collaboration with Moody, though, has been invigorating. 'It is a new challenge,' says Smith. 'He was entrusted to me when his previous coach moved from Giffnock. I was more than happy to take him on. We got on well very straight away. It's all about creating relationships with players. 'We were just working away before any notion of grand slams came on the horizon. I didn't want to know the details of his disability. For me, he was just another player and every player has things he or she must work on. I have coached a lot of players and I find it easier with him, to be honest. 'He is constantly improving. There is a boom in LD sport and he is ready to profit for that. He has achieved success early on. In my experience, he is also a better person as well as a better tennis player.' Smith points out that the other grand slam tournaments at Wimbledon, Flushing Meadows and Roland Garros are like to follow Australia's lead in including LD tennis. 'This is going to grow and Aidan at 21 is living it now. He will be one of the pioneers of this sport,' he says. Stephen Moody watches the practice from the sidelines. He has travelled the world with his son. 'When we go to Australia, I take it as part of my annual leave and obviously we have to fund it,' he says. He has been repaid in experience. 'It is wonderful to walk about the Australian Open with the credentials lanyard on and bumping into the greats. Andy Murray was wonderful with Aidan too at the NTC.' The greatest reward, of course, is to witness his son finding satisfaction and even joy. 'Tennis has been simply brilliant for him,' he says. 'He had great pals at primary school but at high school he was pretty much isolated and not through anybody's fault. Tennis has helped him cope with all of that and he now has a good group of friends locally as well as the many friends he has met through tennis. He loves travelling with Team GB. He is the youngest but it's a welcoming environment.' Aidan's mother, Amanda, a teacher, says: 'Tennis has had a huge impact on him. He was extremely quiet at school. He didn't have a lot of confidence. Tennis has been a bit of a lifeline for him. It has given him a platform to succeed. He has found something he is good at, he has found something he has a passion for. That really helped his confidence and self-esteem.' This all unfolds in front of one's eyes at Rouken Glen. Moody plays with focus, determination and undiluted passion. His demeanour when he leaves court is quiet but there is that hint of satisfaction that glows after a productive session. Most wonderfully, though, there is the sense of a young man taking on the world despite his problems. It is humbling to realise that having learning difficulties does not mean one can't teach the rest of us a lesson.
