Latest news with #President'sScholarship
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
China rolls out new visa type for young science talent
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox K visa holders are permitted to engage in activities in fields such as education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges. China announced on Aug 14 that it will introduce a new type of visa — a K visa — for young foreign talent in science and technology. The new visa type was unveiled after Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate a decision amending the country's regulations on the administration of foreigners' entries and exits. The decision came as China puts a greater emphasis on building a more proactive, open and effective talent policy. The K visa is a new addition to the ordinary visa categories and the new rules will take effect on Oct 1, according to the decision, which was drafted by the Ministry of Justice, along with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Immigration Administration. Applicants for the K visa should be young international professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from prestigious universities or research institutions. In addition, it will be available to individuals involved in educational or research activities at prestigious universities or research institutions, according to a joint statement released by the four departments on the night of Aug 14. K visa holders are permitted to engage in activities in fields such as education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges, according to the joint statement. Before this addition, there were 12 visa types classified based on the purposes of visiting China, including the L visa for sightseeing and tourism, the D visa for permanent residence and the G visa for transit through the country. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No service on Sengkang-Punggol LRT due to power fault: SBS Transit Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Singapore Three top students with passion to serve awarded President's Scholarship Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Compared with other visa types, the K visa will offer holders more convenience in terms of the number of entries, validity period and duration of stay. The eligibility criteria for the K visa are set based on applicants' age, educational background and work experience, without requiring them to have an employer or inviting organisation within China, according to the statement. The application process for this visa is designed to be more convenient, streamlining the steps for eligible applicants, it added. The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Public Security, along with embassies and consulates abroad, will step up collaboration in management of the issuance, extension, renewal and replacement of K visas, as well as the residence and stay of K visa holders. They will provide appropriate assistance to applicants and holders of K visas in accordance with the law, the statement said. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Root Awakening: Guava can be grown in a large pot
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Guava needs well-draining soil What plant is this and how do I care for it? Lilian Quek The plant is likely the Guava (Psidium guajava), a common fruit tree that can be grown in a large pot. It needs a sunny spot and a well-draining growing medium to thrive. Limau Purut plant infested with mites Affected leaves will not recover and are usually not used for cooking, as they are not aesthetically pleasing. PHOTO: GAN BOEY KEOW In the past few months, my Limau Purut plant developed light patches on the leaves. What are the spots and are they contagious? Are the leaves still edible? Gan Boey Keow Your plant seems to have been infested by a type of microscopic mite that is invisible to the naked eye. This pest appears to affect plants from the orange family (Rutaceae), such as the Curry Tree and other citrus plants. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No service on Sengkang-Punggol LRT due to power fault: SBS Transit Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Singapore Three top students with passion to serve awarded President's Scholarship Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Affected leaves will not recover and are usually not used for cooking, as they are not aesthetically pleasing. Thorough and repeated applications of summer oil may help to manage the mite infestation and prevent further damage. The oil will suffocate the pests, and complete coverage is necessary for effective management. Check plant for cricket damage Ant powder can be used to deter crickets. PHOTO: SEE SOO ENG This appears to be a pot-bound plant that needs more room to grow. PHOTO: SEE SOO ENG There are flying insects around some of my plants, one of which has wilted leaves. Did the insects cause this? Also, roots seem to be emerging from nearby pots. What is wrong? Finally, can the soil of dead plants be reused? See Soo Eng The insect appears to be a cricket. In nature, crickets tunnel through soil, which can help to aerate the root zone of plants. However, in small pots with limited soil volume, excessive tunnelling can cause delicate roots to dry out. Crickets sometimes feed on the plants as well. Check your plant for signs of damage to be sure. Ant powder, which contains permethrin, may be sprinkled atop the soil to deter the pests. Keep treated pots out of the reach of children and pets. The visible roots in the pot may be due to a pot-bound plant. Move it to a larger container to give it more room to grow. The soil from dead plants can be reused, as soil is a finite resource. However, it has to be treated to get rid of pathogens and pests. If there is not much soil, you can disinfect it by heating it in a convection oven. Heat it to a temperature above 80 deg C for at least 30 minutes, preparing small quantities each time so that the core temperature can rise throughout. Allow the soil to cool before using it. Another way to salvage used soil is to leave the soil to dry out for several months after removing the infected plant parts. When reusing the soil, consider growing a plant of a different species to mitigate possible issues. Mint can be grown hydroponically Ensure the plants' containers are opaque, as light exposure can lead to algae growth. PHOTO: SINDY ANG I have grown these mint cuttings in water for two weeks. Can I grow mint in water permanently? What nutrients can I add to the water? Sindy Ang Although plain water will not have enough nutrients for plant growth, mint can be grown in water if fertilised properly. You can buy liquid fertilisers for use in hydroponic systems, commonly called 'A-B fertiliser solutions'. When using such fertiliser solutions, ensure the containers are opaque, as light exposure can trigger algae growth. Passive hydroponic set-ups are best for small plants. Larger plants need more dissolved oxygen, which can be difficult to provide without the use of an aquarium air pump. A lack of oxygen in the root zone can lead to root rot and plant decline. Plant is variegated Indian Borage This is a common herb in Singapore and can be used as a substitute for oregano. PHOTO: YET TENG What is the name of this plant? Is it edible? Yet Teng This plant is a variegated version of the Indian Borage (Coleus amboinicus). It is a common culinary and medicinal herb in Singapore, and is sometimes used as a substitute for oregano. The leaves can be boiled to yield a decoction that is said to relieve coughs.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
YouTube turns to AI to spot children posing as adults
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox YouTube has started using artificial intelligence (AI) to figure out when users are children pretending to be adults. SAN FRANCISCO - YouTube has started using artificial intelligence (AI) to figure out when users are children pretending to be adults on the popular video-sharing platform amid pressure to protect minors from sensitive content. The new safeguard is being rolled out in the United States as Google-owned YouTube and social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are under scrutiny to shield children from content geared for grown-ups. A version of AI referred to as machine learning will be used to estimate the age of users based on a variety of factors, including the kinds of videos watched and account longevity, according to YouTube Youth director of product management James Beser. 'This technology will allow us to infer a user's age and then use that signal, regardless of the birthday in the account, to deliver our age-appropriate product experiences and protections,' Mr Beser said. 'We've used this approach in other markets for some time, where it is working well.' The age-estimation model enhances technology already in place to deduce user age, according to YouTube. Users will be notified if YouTube believes them to be minors, giving them the option to verify their age with a credit card, selfie, or government ID, according to the tech firm. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Singapore Three top students with passion to serve awarded President's Scholarship Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Singapore Over 100 people being investigated for vape offences, say MOH and HSA Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Social media platforms are regularly accused of failing to protect the well-being of children. Australia will soon use its landmark social media laws to ban children under 16 from YouTube , a top minister said late last month, stressing a need to shield them from 'predatory algorithms.' Communications Minister Anika Wells said four-in-ten Australian children had reported viewing harmful content on YouTube, one of the most visited websites in the world. Australia announced in 2024 it was drafting laws that will ban children from social media sites such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram until they turn 16. 'Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens,' the company said in a statement at the time. 'It's not social media.' On paper, the ban is one of the strictest in the world. It is due to come into effect on Dec 10. The legislation has been closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans. AFP
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Hegseth supports women's right to vote, Pentagon says, despite his having reposted video
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Since becoming defense secretary in January, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been holding Christian prayer services at the Pentagon. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports a woman's right to vote, the Pentagon said on Aug 14, days after he reposted a video on X of a pastor advocating repealing the right guaranteed by the US Constitution. 'All of Christ for All of Life,' Mr Hegseth wrote on his personal X account last week alongside the nearly 7-minute video. In the reposted video, Pastor Jared Longshore, with the Christ Church, says he would support repealing the Constitution's 19th amendment which in 1920 granted women the right to vote. 'Of course the secretary thinks that women should have the right to vote,' Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson told reporters on Aug 14. She did not explain why he had reposted the video in the first place. The video is a CNN segment focusing largely on another pastor, Mr Doug Wilson, a Christian nationalist who founded the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. The spokesperson said Mr Hegseth is part of a congregation Pastor Wilson founded. 'He (Mr Hegseth) appreciates many of his (Pastor Wilson's) writings and teachings. I'm not going to litigate every single aspect of what he may or may not believe in a certain video,' the spokesperson said. In April, Mr Hegseth cancelled a programme that sought to increase the role of women in national security sectors that was first signed into law in 2017 by then-President Donald Trump. While a student at Princeton, Mr Hegseth's views on feminism drove tension. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Singapore Three top students with passion to serve awarded President's Scholarship Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Singapore Over 100 people being investigated for vape offences, say MOH and HSA World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Since becoming defense secretary in January, Mr Hegseth has been holding Christian prayer services at the Pentagon. Mr Hegseth has brought up his Christian faith in testimony to Congress, at public events and in TV interviews. Although the US military is predominantly Christian, its ranks include service members of many faiths as well as those who are nonreligious. Non-denominational prayer services are a common feature at military events. REUTERS
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Barrett returns to lead All Blacks against Argentina
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Quarter Final - Ireland v New Zealand - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 14, 2023 New Zealand's Scott Barrett during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo Scott Barrett has returned from injury to lead the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina as Scott Robertson reverted to his strongest match-day squad for Saturday's test in Cordoba. Barrett missed the last two tests against France with a calf injury but slots back into the second row alongside Netherlands-born lock Fabian Holland. Robertson picked a number of fringe players in the third test against France in Hamilton but has shelved experimentation for the Pumas, omitting all the uncapped players in his squad. That sees Finlay Christie named as back-up scrumhalf on the bench instead of Kyle Preston, while Samipeni Finau will offer loose forward cover rather than untried flanker Simon Parker. "We've had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform. Scott and our leaders have led from the front and there's a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign," said Robertson. "We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game and we've selected a team that will embrace the occasion. "It's been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Singapore Three top students with passion to serve awarded President's Scholarship Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Singapore Over 100 people being investigated for vape offences, say MOH and HSA Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Robertson has stuck with using mobile lock Tupou Vaa'i at blindside flanker, leaving Ardie Savea at number eight and Du'Plessis Kirifi at openside flanker. Billy Proctor remains at centre behind Jordie Barrett, keeping Rieko Ioane on the wing in Robertson's other tactical tweak from the France series. With injuries to Cameron Roigard and Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima was named starting scrumhalf, partnering with playmaker Beauden Barrett in the halfbacks. Anton Lienert-Brown offers midfield cover in a strong bench also featuring playmaker Damian McKenzie. The All Blacks will look to continue their domination of the Pumas on their home soil, having never lost a test against them in Argentina. Team: 15-Will Jordan, 14-Sevu Reece, 13-Billy Proctor, 12-Jordie Barrett, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Beauden Barrett, 9-Cortez Ratima, 8-Ardie Savea, 7-Du'Plessis Kirifi, 6-Tupou Vaa'i, 5-Fabian Holland, 4-Scott Barrett (capt), 3-Fletcher Newell, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Ethan de Groot Replacements - 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Ollie Norris, 18-Pasilio Tosi, 19-Patrick Tuipulotu, 20-Samipeni Finau, 21-Finlay Christie, 22-Anton Lienert-Brown, 23-Damian McKenzie REUTERS
