Latest news with #NationalPolicy
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
PIONEERING MECHATRONICS DEGREE WITH SPECIALISED TRACKS
Robotics Club members (from left) Xu Weiting, Ng Ee Zhen, Kendrew Kyne and Law Shing Yi showcase hands-on Mechatronics application during the media experiential session. AS automation reshapes factories, hospitals and homes, Taylor's University has launched Malaysia's first Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours to offer specialised tracks in Robotics Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The four-year programme blends mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics and AI to equip students with skills to design, build and control intelligent systems—preparing them to lead in the fast-growing Industry 4.0 sector. It also supports the goals of Malaysia's National Policy on Industry 4.0, which targets technological advances in twelve key industries. 'With the global Mechatronics market projected to reach US$2.25bil by 2031, this programme equips our students to meet the demand for job-ready engineers and strategically positions them to shape the future of technological innovations driving Industry 4.0 globally,' said Taylor's University Faculty of Innovation and Technology acting executive dean Prof Dr Sim Yee Wai. 'The programme places Taylor's students in the heart of innovation.' Engineering a new era Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council, the comprehensive curriculum meets international standards. Graduates may register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia under the Washington Accord and pursue careers as professional engineers. Dr Phang Swee King, programme director of the Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours at Taylor's University's School of Engineering, described mechatronics as a 'body' where different components like gears, motors and sensors work with microcontrollers and algorithms to create intelligent machines. 'By blending critical thinking, innovation and hands-on experience, we are empowering students to lead advances in robotics, automation and Al. 'Our graduates would not just adapt to change, they will drive it, accelerating Malaysia's transformation into a digital-first nation,' he added. Plugging into the industry From Year 2, students participate in the Engineering Undergraduates for Industrial Adoption (EUFORIA) and EUFORIA Type-Research (R) programmes, unique to the institution. In collaboration with industry partners like DJI Academy Malaysia and Unitree Robotics, students tackle real-world challenges, acquiring practical skills and research experience to excel in today's competitive job market. 'At DJI Academy Malaysia, we recognise the importance of real-world collaboration with academia in fostering the next generation of engineers. 'We are proud to play a pivotal role in developing engineers who will push the boundaries of robotics and automation technologies, creating global solutions that will transform industries,' noted DJI Academy Malaysia general manager Darren Teh. School of Engineering senior lecturer Dr Ng Oon-Ee led a live demo of a smart flexible manufacturing system to show how students master factory-scale workflows. Later, Robotics Club members demonstrated LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)-guided humanoid navigation and AI-driven drone inspections of rooftop solar panels, highlighting the hands-on projects students can expect. Students will also participate in multidisciplinary projects and the Robotics Club to apply their skills to real-world challenges. Pathways to global careers A fast-track 2+2 pathway with the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, allows completion of a Master's in Mechatronics and Robotic Engineering, broadening global educational experience. Taylor's University is ranked among the world's top 450 for Engineering and Technology in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting its commitment to relevant, practice-driven education. Backed by its Premier Digital Tech IHL status from MDEC and accreditations from the CDIO Initiative (Conceiving, Designing, Implementing, Operating), National Academy of Engineering in the USA and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), this standing reflects the Faculty of Innovation and Technology's emphasis on industry-aligned, hands-on learning. Click here for more information.
Irish Examiner
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Government 'should consider' €2 levy on online purchases of small parcels to counter fast fashion
The Government "should consider" a €2 EU levy on small packages of online purchases, a junior minister has said. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has proposed a €2 handling fee on packages sent directly to peoples' homes, with a 50 cent tax on items sent to warehouses. Junior enterprise minister Alan Dillon said such a move should be considered for its potential economic impacts. Mr Dillon on Wednesday launched a public consultation on a National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles, with the minister saying the Government wants people to consider more carefully the amount of textiles they consume yearly. Most recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that per capita consumption of new textiles in Ireland is 53kg per year, more than twice the European average of 26kg reported by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The policy statement includes measures to promote circular design to make textiles last longer, to make them easier to reuse, repair and recycle, alongside better labelling through mandatory EU laws on eco-design. A government statement said it "will ensure that textile products entering the EU market are designed, from the outset, to minimise waste and maximise sustainability". 'It also contains measures to apply the 'polluter pays principle' which will make the fashion industry responsible for its textile waste. Plans to create an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for textiles will support efficient textile collection, sorting, reuse and recycling, while driving the use of sustainable fibres and sustainable business models. "I believe that these ambitious proposals, among others, will help to curb fast fashion trends, boost the reuse and recycling of textiles and reduce the environmental footprint of the sector.' On RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Dillon said some of the textiles being purchased in Ireland could be ending up in Africa and that consumer behaviour should change. We need to buy less, wear our clothes for longer, and look at second-hand options. "It's entirely possible that many of these textiles find their way into Africa or other countries, and at present the waste management industry in Ireland does rely on the export market to meet the processing needs and the volumes of textile waste that's being produced." However, the Labour Party said the consultation is disingenuous from Fine Gael, given that former enterprise minister Simon Coveney had opened fast-fashion retailer Shein's HQ in 2023. Dublin South West TD Ciaran Ahern said it "lacks credibility for Fine Gael to belatedly wake up to this crisis". "Just two years ago, then minister Simon Coveney proudly opened Shein's Dublin HQ. This was at a time when we already knew the shocking environmental impact that such producers have."
Edmonton Journal
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Everything you need to know about the threat of Alberta separatism
Article content After the Conservatives' federal election loss, some Albertans frustrated with Liberal government policies are rallying for separation from Canada. Recently, hundreds of separatists held a rally at the Alberta legislature, angered at the province's place within confederation. Article content Article content It's not the first time Albertans have pushed for sovereignty. There were upswings in separatist sentiment during the National Energy Program in the 1980s. More recently, separatist agitators gained steam in the dying years of the 2010s, angered over Liberal legislation that targeted the energy sector and a general downturn in the petro-province's economic fortunes. This culminated with the now-defunct Wexit movement. Article content Now, separatist sentiment is back. And Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government has made it easier for separatists to get a referendum on the ballot by reducing the threshold necessary to do so. She said if Albertans want it, her government will hold a referendum on separation. Here's what you need to know about the likelihood of that and the strength of the Alberta separatist movement. Have separatists ever had any success in Alberta? Not much. At least not electorally. Just once was a separatist elected to the Alberta legislature. Gordon Kesler, an oil scout and rodeo rider, won a byelection in 1982. He was elected by voters in Olds, Alta., who didn't like bilingualism, the metric system, gun control and then prime minister Pierre Trudeau's National Energy Program. Kesler won, but he sat only for two-and-a-half months, before running in the general election and losing solidly. Article content But it turns out Kesler wasn't a true believer: By 1983, he was vowing to leave the Western Canada Concept party unless it dropped separatism from its platform. When did the Alberta separatism movement begin? Despite the deep admiration that conservative Albertans tend to express for Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister can also be identified as the first prime minister to put the needs of central Canada over the needs of the west. His 1878 National Policy was crafted specifically to force east-west rather than north-south trade, to the outrage of those in what was then the North-West Territories. 'The people of the North-West are allowed but a degree more control of their affairs than the serfs of Siberia,' wrote Frank Oliver, the publisher of Edmonton's first newspaper, in August 1885. Ottawa's rule, he wrote, is 'despotism as absolute, or more so, than that which curses Russia.' Article content Article content This sentiment has ebbed and flowed over the years (and also existed beyond Alberta's borders, in other parts of the Prairies). There was anger in some parts of the west over the 1885 execution of Louis Riel, a Métis leader who is now recognized by many as the founder of Manitoba. Preston Manning, the founder of the federal Reform Party, traces the origins of alienation back to that event, as well as land surveys of the west done in 1869 with insufficient regard for the local populations. Freight rates on the national railways were also a source of grievance. In Alberta, specifically, William Aberhart's Social Credit Party, which was founded in 1935, briefly flirted with separatism. But it wasn't until the energy crises of the 1970s, the election of Trudeau Sr. and the National Energy Program that Alberta separation emerged in its more modern form. Article content Throughout all of this, only the fringes of Alberta's political spectrum have actually wanted the province to leave Canada. But far more Albertans have shared some sense of alienation or anger with Ottawa. What's the history of the Alberta separatism movement? In 1975, the Calgary Herald surveyed 221 Calgarians for their views on Alberta separation and alienation. Only eight people expressed support for separation. That's 3.6 per cent of respondents. However, by other metrics, Albertans were alienated, with more than 70 per cent saying Alberta politicians weren't taken seriously in Ottawa. By 1980, things had shifted: Mel Hurtig, the late pro-Canada publisher, commissioned a poll that found 14 per cent of Albertans supported separation. 'God forbid if the separatist movement would be able to find a charismatic leader,' Hurtig told the audience at an Edmonton hotel. Article content It wasn't considered front-page news. It appeared on page D22 of the Herald, above a story about a robot running amok in Florida and the TV listings. Still, the chatter remained, and by 1980, Reform party MPs were telling the media that they were hearing about the issue from constituents. Later that year, Doug Christie, the head of Western Canada Concept, held a fundraiser in Edmonton. It was a flop: He raised so little money that it 'wouldn't keep anyone in cheap cigars,' the Herald reported. Still, separation kept coming up again, though it wasn't always taken seriously. 'Alberta, alas, is over-generously supplied with chronic complainers whose lung capacity dangerously exceeds their IQs,' wrote Herald columnist William Gold in 1995. Separatists, Gold wrote, were a 'miniscule dishwasher copycat' of Jacques Parizeau's Quebec aspirations 'with no such claim on the respect of decent people.' Article content In 1997, two years after Quebec's last, failed attempt to separate, Social Credit leader Randy Thorsteinson said he thought it was inevitable that Alberta would separate. By 2002, when Jean Chrétien's government was signing the Kyoto Accords on climate change, then Alberta premier Ralph Klein warned that it could lead to separation. Naomi Lakritz, a Calgary Herald columnist, shellacked Klein. 'If the rest of Canada sees Alberta as greedy, uncaring, money-grubbing and self-centred in its negative reaction to the Kyoto accord, then Ralph Klein's use of the word 'separatism' and his petulant warning not to 'push us too hard,' has just reinforced that view,' Lakritz wrote. Even in 2018-20, when the Wexit movement — which advocated for the separation of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — was ascendant and aggrieved westerners formed the Maverick Party, the movement never got that far. The Maverick Party never managed to win any seats and none of the provincial separatist parties had a meaningful showing in the 2019 or 2023 elections. Article content How much support is there for Alberta separatism? In 2019, the Angus Reid Institute found that 60 per cent of Albertans were open to the idea of the province joining a western separatist movement. This, however, is a bit of a vague question. ThinkHQ did polling that year, and found that when presented with a clear question — would you vote to stay or go? — only 23 per cent of Albertans said they'd opt to go it alone. More recent polling, conducted by the Angus Reid Institute prior to the 2025 federal election, pegged separatist support at 25 per cent, and that jumped to 30 per cent when Albertans were asked if they would vote to leave if the Liberals formed government again. The Association for Canadian Studies found in recent polling that 52 per cent of Canadians believe the threat of Alberta separating should be taken seriously. In Alberta itself, that's a view held by 63 per cent of those polled. Article content A Postmedia-Leger poll, found that 35 per cent of Albertans would support an independent western bloc, comprised of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Support for Alberta and Saskatchewan forming an independent state lies at 30 per cent, while 29 per cent of Albertans think the province should go it alone. But, put another way, the most attractive option to Albertans, at least according to Leger's polling, is still rejected by 65 per cent of Albertans. This is, however, uncharted territory. It could be a different situation altogether if a question actually makes it to the referendum stage. Who are the separatists and alienated Albertans? There have been a handful of separatist parties in Alberta, such as the Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta and the Independence Party of Alberta. Ideologically speaking, separatists are largely conservatives and the parties are, too. For example, while separatism flowered in the 1970s and '80s, the defeat of the Trudeau Liberals by Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservatives stanched the enthusiasm at the time. Article content And in 2001, when the Alberta Independence Party was founded in Red Deer, the inspiration for it, National Post reported, was the rejection of Stockwell Day's Canadian Alliance party by voters in central and eastern Canada. The latest iteration of a separatist party in Alberta is the Republican Party of Alberta, and it's another conservative party. The current leader is Cameron Davies, a long-time Alberta conservative. The vice-president of policy is former conservative parliamentarian Art Hanger. Other conservatives are involved, too. The polling also bears this out. In 2023, Environics research found that 83 per cent of United Conservative Party voters felt like Alberta didn't get the respect it deserves. In contrast, just 37 per cent of New Democrats felt that way. That same survey found that 67 per cent of UCP supporters agreed that Alberta got so few benefits from being a part of Canada, it may as well go it alone, compared to 24 per cent of NDP supporters. Article content Could Alberta really separate? The first step would be to get to a referendum. This could happen if the provincial government chooses to hold one, or under the Alberta's Citizen Initiative Act, which allows any Albertan to put their concerns to a provincial referendum if they garner enough support. Smith has said that the government would hold such a referendum, if it had enough support. In order for citizens to force a referendum on the issue, they must gather the signatures of 10 per cent of all Albertans who voted in the last provincial election. Just shy of 1.8 million Albertans voted in the 2023 general election, so those wanting a separation referendum must gather around 180,000 signatures. Then, everything would follow per the federal Clarity Act. This legislation sets out that a province — whether Quebec, Alberta or anywhere else — may not unilaterally secede from Canada. They must negotiate secession with the federal government and the rest of the provinces, settling on some sort of constitutional amendment and agreement. Article content The preamble also sets out a few guideposts on what happens. First, the outcome of a referendum would need to demonstrate a 'clear majority in favour of secession,' which would then 'create an obligation to negotiate secession.' The Clarity Act does not set a specific percentage that counts as a 'clear majority,' although 51 per cent is often cited as a clear majority. (The House of Commons could determine that that wasn't clear enough, and that means that secession could not go ahead.) Second, the question asked on the referendum itself must be 'free of ambiguity.' Third, for any province to legally leave would require negotiations between all the provinces and opening up and amending the Constitution. If all that was satisfied — plus any other aspects of the Clarity Act — and if an agreement was reached, then Alberta could separate. Eric Adams, a University of Alberta law professor, has said it 'seems next to impossible.' Article content 'If you look to the Supreme Court of Canada's statement on separation, it looks exceptionally difficult but may be feasible, if … those negotiations produce some workable separation arrangement,' Adams said in 2019. What role could Indigenous people play? All of Alberta is covered by treaties, the majority of it by Treaties 6, 7 and 8. And there are 813,000 hectares of specific reserve land. After Smith said she would be willing to hold a referendum, a coalition of First Nation chiefs met for an emergency meeting and denounced the talk of separation. 'We're not going anywhere and if you feel that you have problems with First Nations you could leave,' said Chief Troy Knowlton of Piikani Nation. While the Alberta government is making it easier for citizens to push for a referendum, in the face of concern from Indigenous people in Alberta, the government introduced 11th-hour amendments to the legislation changing up the referendum process. The amendments were in the legislation passed as the spring session of the Alberta legislature drew to a close. Article content 'In response to feedback from First Nations and Indigenous partners and to reassert our commitment to protecting Treaty rights, the bill now includes a clause stating that nothing in a referendum under the Act is to deviate from existing Treaty rights,' said Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery in a statement. 'Alberta's government will always recognize, protect, and honour Treaty rights as recognized by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.' It remains to be seen whether this would affect the ability of Albertans to even get a separation referendum on the ballot in the first place. An analysis of First Nations rights vis-à-vis separation, written by University of Calgary law professors Robert Hamilton and David Wright, says that Indigenous people in the province would likely have a significant role to play in any future negotiations over separation. Article content 'It is reasonable to think that Indigenous peoples would expect to be full negotiating partners in any movement toward Albertan or Western secession,' wrote Hamilton and Wright. They also said that it would be more complicated for both Ottawa and Edmonton than to simply hand over treaty obligations to a hypothetical future independent state government. 'The only way Canada would be able to legally agree to secession, then, would be if there were guarantees in place ensuring that Alberta would respect the rights of Indigenous peoples to the same extent as they are at Canadian law (we set aside for the moment critiques on the adequacy of such) and if Indigenous peoples agreed to this modification in the relationship,' they wrote. 'The Crown cannot unilaterally decide to divest itself of its obligations or transfer them to another government.' Article content Latest National Stories
Al Etihad
11-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Ministry of Culture launches National Policy for Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage
7 Mar 2025 20:10 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Ministry of Culture has launched the "National Policy for the Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage of the UAE" during a ceremony held at the National Theater in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of a number of officials, experts, and those interested in cultural and heritage affairs in the UAE. This policy aims to establish a comprehensive national vision and directives focused on modern architectural heritage in the country, which is considered a key element of Emirati cultural landmarks are of significant cultural importance as they form part of the national identity and the tangible cultural heritage of the UAE. They embody diverse cultural values, including historical, architectural, social, economic, and environmental values, which, in turn, contribute to strengthening and reinforcing national cohesion and societal launch event included the first exceptional meeting with federal and local stakeholders to review their efforts in modern architectural heritage, discuss ways to collaborate on implementing the policy, and set priorities for initiatives planned over the coming Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that this policy aligns with the Ministry's ongoing efforts to preserve cultural and historical landmarks that reflect the deep-rooted national identity of the UAE. He emphasised that modern architecture is not merely buildings but an integral part of a place's narrative and an individual's identity, reflecting the story of the UAE's development and stressed that protecting modern architectural heritage is a collective responsibility that requires coordinated efforts among various stakeholders to safeguard this vital legacy and ensure its continuity for future Al Mulla, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Heritage and Art Sector, Ministry of Culture, gave a detailed presentation on the objectives of the policy, emphasising that it aims to Protect and Preserve the modern architectural heritage; raising awareness and fostering national pride and identity; enhance alignment and collaboration among stakeholders; promoting education and research; enhance cultural tourism and supporting economic growth; strengthening the UAE's global reputation and competitiveness as a leader in protecting modern architectural heritage; and promote and support ceremony witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, including the signing of the Charter for the Preservation of Modern Heritage between the relevant authorities in the country, which confirms their commitment to preserving architectural landmarks of cultural launch of this policy comes at a time when the UAE is witnessing rapid developments in various fields, as it reflects the efforts made in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah to protect modern architectural heritage, which is a model to be emulated at the national level. Through this policy, the UAE is strengthening its commitment to protecting its cultural identity and civilisational heritage, in line with its ambitious national vision and the 'UAE Centennial 2071', which aims to consolidate the UAE's position as a global leader in preserving and enriching heritage for future generations.
CairoScene
05-02-2025
- Politics
- CairoScene
National Policy to Combat Forced Labour Launched in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the policy aimed to tackle forced labour and workers' rights. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced a national policy to tackle forced labour, improve workplace safety, and create fairer working conditions in the Kingdom. The National Policy focuses on three key areas: preventing forced labour, protecting victims, and providing support. Among the policy's initiatives is the provision of legal, social, and economic assistance for victims, aimed at aiding their recovery and preventing re-victimisation. Saudi Arabia also plans to commit to greater coordination at the national, regional, and international levels to strengthen efforts against forced labour, working closely with organisations like the International Labour Organization (ILO).
