Latest news with #PWP
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Positive transformation for Penan women
PETALING JAYA: In the heart of rural Malaysia, a quiet revolution is taking root, led not by politicians or corporations, but by Penan women armed with tradition, resilience and rattan. The Penan Women Project (PWP), co-founded by former graphic designer Ann Wong, began as a grassroots effort to support marginalised women through traditional weaving. Today, it has blossomed into a powerful movement for cultural preservation, gender equality and community-driven development. 'When we started, the aim was to improve their livelihoods, and access to education and healthcare. But just as importantly, we wanted to protect their cultural identity while helping them take on more active roles in their communities,' Wong told theSun. Life in Penan villages remains tough. Infrastructure is limited, environmental changes are biting, and the cost of living continues to rise. 'Basic necessities are becoming harder to afford. Yet, the women remain the backbone of their communities – raising families, collecting food and now, driving change.' Penan women, once confined to household roles, are stepping into new territory. They are artisans, entrepreneurs, mentors and even local leaders. 'One of our artisans who joined us a decade ago opened a sundry shop during the pandemic. 'She's still running it five years on. Her story is one of many that reflect the strength and determination of these women.' Education and tradition are no longer in conflict. In many households, children return from school and sit beside their mothers, learning the ancient craft of weaving by hand. 'This is what community resilience looks like. Everyone plays a part. By uplifting the voices of indigenous women, we create a more inclusive and sustainable future.' Among those leading the charge is Wendy Lolle, 38, from Telang Usan. Raised on traditional knowledge, she began weaving as a child, learning from her mother how to gather and process rattan into mats, bags and household items. 'Through weaving, I've supported my children's schooling and helped cover our daily needs,' Lolle said, adding that before PWP, Penan women were often disregarded. 'Now, people see us differently. We're artisans. Some of us even run businesses.' Lolle now leads efforts across multiple villages, guiding other women and linking remote communities to new opportunities. 'I used to be just a housewife while my husband farmed. But PWP changed that, not just for me, but for many others in our area.' She hopes the public would realise there are still many Penan families deep in the interior who need support. Another voice in this quiet uprising is Dora Paren, 44, from Long Kevok. Like Lolle, her introduction to weaving came early, learning from her mother, who supported the family using forest materials. 'I watched her every day and slowly, she taught me. Now, I'm still weaving, and my work sells far beyond the village,' Paren said, adding that every sale is a source of pride. 'When someone buys my work, it means they see and value my culture.' Once confined to nearby towns, Paren now travels to cities to sell her crafts. The income may be modest, but the sense of achievement is priceless. 'I'm grateful. My efforts aren't wasted.' She has also noticed a shift in perception. 'People used to think we just stayed home and helped our husbands. Now, they see that we can earn, create and contribute. 'Don't judge us on the outside. We have knowledge, skills and a way of life worth preserving. Let's protect that heritage together.'
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
PWP Calls On Malaysia To Leverage ASEAN Chairmanship To Champion Regional Press Freedom
By Nurul Syahirah Zulkifli KANGAR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Perlis Journalists Association (PWP) president Syed Azlan Syed Hizar has called on Malaysia to leverage its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 to champion stronger regional press freedom in the face of digital-era challenges and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed that balanced and responsible freedom of the press is fundamental to ensuring information stability, policy transparency and the maturity of democracy across ASEAN member states. 'Malaysia is in a strategic position to steer comprehensive discussions on ethics, press freedom and the future of journalism in ASEAN, especially in light of AI, which risks undermining the credibility of traditional media, accelerating the spread of misinformation, and eroding public trust,' he told Bernama recently. The 46th ASEAN Summit, themed Inclusion and Sustainability, is taking place in Kuala Lumpur from today until tomorrow. Citing the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Syed Azlan noted the wide disparity in press freedom across ASEAN nations, with Thailand ranked 85th, followed by Malaysia (88), Brunei (97), the Philippines (116) and Singapore (123). Ranking significantly lower were Indonesia (127), Laos (150) and Cambodia (161), while Myanmar and Vietnam lagged at 169 and 173, respectively, out of 180 countries. Syed Azlan stressed the need for firm action to ensure Malaysia continues to advance in press freedom rankings. He noted that countries with ethical and professional press freedom often attract higher levels of foreign investment due to greater transparency in policies and perceived stability.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman to advance key power, water schemes in 2025
MUSCAT: Beyond its commitment to procuring new renewables-based capacity in line with nationally-mandated targets, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — is embarking on a number of initiatives during 2025, aimed as reinforcing the security, efficiency and reliability of electricity and potable water supply over the long term. PWP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed bin Salim al Abri said the initiatives seek to build on a 'year of successful achievements' in 2024, designed to support sustainable energy development, centring primarily on renewable energy resources. 'Following Oman Vision 2040 and the Renewable energy target set for 2030 and 2040, PWP is continuing to accelerate diversifying its energy generation portfolio and develop renewable energy projects,' Al Abri said. 'PWP focuses on diversifying renewable energy resources by optimising the availability of natural resources and a commitment towards sustainability. The favourable economic costs of wind and solar PV technologies drive renewable project development. The year 2024 has been marked by a significant number of renewable energy projects being tendered, completed, or commencing acceptance testing,' he added in a foreword to PWP's 2024 Annual Report. Key among the portfolio of initiatives lined up for advancement in 2025 is the Optimum Energy Mix and Energy Storage Options Study. The strategic study, undertaken in coordination with a number of stakeholders, has modelled and analysed scenarios relating to the transition path for Oman's generation mix till 2040, with a particular focus on the transition from today's predominantly gas-based system to a mixed system. 'The study confirmed that the targets set in Oman Vision 2040, by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, are achievable while meeting the economic purchase obligation. The energy storage technologies will play an important role to provide ancillary services to the grid with higher penetration of renewable,' the CEO noted. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri - Nama PWP CEO Also on PWP's list of priorities for 2025 is the completion of a key Demand Response Study. Stage 1 of this strategic study explored the potential of the demand response role as part of the system dynamics, with a particular focus on large customers and their contribution to system demand. The study explored different models that potentially applicable to Oman's system. Following the completion of the first stage, Stage 2 is proposed to be initiated in 2025 with a focus more on the trial and modelling of some customers' behaviour (proof of concept) and setting up the structure to implement the demand response widely in the system. Likewise, Oman's groundbreaking Electricity Spot Market, which went live in January 2022, will be the subject of another annual review in 2025 per Market Rules. Audits for 2023 and 2024 were successfully conducted, with the Market Management System achieving 100 per cent availability throughout 2024. 'Moreover, the market has effectively integrated the registration of the new Pool Based Power Contract plants contracted in 2024, including Al Rusail Power Company SAOC (Al Rusail IPP), Manah Power Company SAOC (Manah IPP) and Sembcorp Jinko Shine Company SAOC (Manah 2 solar IPP),' said the CEO in his foreword. However, PWP's primary focus during 2025 will continue to remain on the procurement of renewable energy and water projects. Topping the list is the 500 MW solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) planned in Ibri — also known as Ibri-III Solar — with an investment of RO 155 million. An award is anticipated this year. Other power and water schemes that will make headway in their delivery are: the 280MW solar PV project at Al Kamil in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate; the award of new contracts for existing generators with Water Purchase Agreements (WPAs) expiring in 2027 (also known as Water 2027); the release of RfPs for Power and Water 2028-2029 project, with a plan to award a contract this year; and the release of the RfQ and RfP for the Water 2030 project. Furthermore, awards for all five wind projects currently under procurement with a combined investment of around RO 500 million are anticipated in 2025. The five Wind IPPs are planned at: Jaalan Bani bu Ali (91-105 MW), Duqm (234-270 MW), Mahout Wind I (342-400 MW), Dhofar Wind II IPP (114-132 MW) and Sadah (81- 99 MW). They are slated for commercial operation by 2027. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
7 bidders qualified for RO 880m Misfah and Duqm IPPs
Muscat: Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP), the exclusive procurer of power and water in the Sultanate of Oman, has named seven qualified applicants to participate in a tender for the development of two major Independent Power Projects (IPPs) – Misfah IPP and Duqm IPP – which represent a significant step in securing the Sultanate of Oman's future energy needs. Total investment in the IPPs, with a combined generation capacity of 2400 MW, is estimated at RO 880 million. A total of 12 Statements of Qualification were received from international companies. Following a thorough evaluation process, 7 applicants have been successfully qualified to participate in the upcoming tender. They are: ACWA Power Company, Korea Western Power Co Ltd, Marubeni Corporation, Nebras Power, Sembcorp, Utilities Pte, Shenzhen Energy Group, and Sumitomo Corporation. These qualified bidders come from a variety of countries, notablyKSA, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, India, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Singapore and China. Ahmed bin Salim bin Mohammed al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, stated:'The announcement of Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Projects marks a key milestone in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's energy infrastructure. These strategic projects will significantly enhance the reliability and security of electricity supply in Muscat and Al Wusta Governorates, supporting the growing demand for power and contributing to economic development in Sultanate of Oman. The strong interest from globally recognized developers reflects international confidence in Sultanate of Oman's energy sector and Nama PWP's transparent and competitive procurement framework. These projects also reaffirm our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient power solutions,' Al Abri added.
Observer
16-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman to advance key power, water schemes in 2025
MUSCAT: Beyond its commitment to procuring new renewables-based capacity in line with nationally-mandated targets, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — is embarking on a number of initiatives during 2025, aimed as reinforcing the security, efficiency and reliability of electricity and potable water supply over the long term. PWP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed bin Salim al Abri said the initiatives seek to build on a 'year of successful achievements' in 2024, designed to support sustainable energy development, centring primarily on renewable energy resources. 'Following Oman Vision 2040 and the Renewable energy target set for 2030 and 2040, PWP is continuing to accelerate diversifying its energy generation portfolio and develop renewable energy projects,' Al Abri said. 'PWP focuses on diversifying renewable energy resources by optimising the availability of natural resources and a commitment towards sustainability. The favourable economic costs of wind and solar PV technologies drive renewable project development. The year 2024 has been marked by a significant number of renewable energy projects being tendered, completed, or commencing acceptance testing,' he added in a foreword to PWP's 2024 Annual Report. Key among the portfolio of initiatives lined up for advancement in 2025 is the Optimum Energy Mix and Energy Storage Options Study. The strategic study, undertaken in coordination with a number of stakeholders, has modelled and analysed scenarios relating to the transition path for Oman's generation mix till 2040, with a particular focus on the transition from today's predominantly gas-based system to a mixed system. 'The study confirmed that the targets set in Oman Vision 2040, by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, are achievable while meeting the economic purchase obligation. The energy storage technologies will play an important role to provide ancillary services to the grid with higher penetration of renewable,' the CEO noted. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri - Nama PWP CEO Also on PWP's list of priorities for 2025 is the completion of a key Demand Response Study. Stage 1 of this strategic study explored the potential of the demand response role as part of the system dynamics, with a particular focus on large customers and their contribution to system demand. The study explored different models that potentially applicable to Oman's system. Following the completion of the first stage, Stage 2 is proposed to be initiated in 2025 with a focus more on the trial and modelling of some customers' behaviour (proof of concept) and setting up the structure to implement the demand response widely in the system. Likewise, Oman's groundbreaking Electricity Spot Market, which went live in January 2022, will be the subject of another annual review in 2025 per Market Rules. Audits for 2023 and 2024 were successfully conducted, with the Market Management System achieving 100 per cent availability throughout 2024. 'Moreover, the market has effectively integrated the registration of the new Pool Based Power Contract plants contracted in 2024, including Al Rusail Power Company SAOC (Al Rusail IPP), Manah Power Company SAOC (Manah IPP) and Sembcorp Jinko Shine Company SAOC (Manah 2 solar IPP),' said the CEO in his foreword. However, PWP's primary focus during 2025 will continue to remain on the procurement of renewable energy and water projects. Topping the list is the 500 MW solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) planned in Ibri — also known as Ibri-III Solar — with an investment of RO 155 million. An award is anticipated this year. Other power and water schemes that will make headway in their delivery are: the 280MW solar PV project at Al Kamil in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate; the award of new contracts for existing generators with Water Purchase Agreements (WPAs) expiring in 2027 (also known as Water 2027); the release of RfPs for Power and Water 2028-2029 project, with a plan to award a contract this year; and the release of the RfQ and RfP for the Water 2030 project. Furthermore, awards for all five wind projects currently under procurement with a combined investment of around RO 500 million are anticipated in 2025. The five Wind IPPs are planned at: Jaalan Bani bu Ali (91-105 MW), Duqm (234-270 MW), Mahout Wind I (342-400 MW), Dhofar Wind II IPP (114-132 MW) and Sadah (81- 99 MW). They are slated for commercial operation by 2027.
