Latest news with #Responsibility
Borneo Post
26-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SMK Sebuyau gets RM800,000 boost from Petronas under MLNG Bestari programme
Julaihi (third right), Abang Yusuf (fourth right), state Education Department officers and others visit the new male dormitory at SMK Sebuyau. – Photo by Chimon Upon SEBUYAU (July 26): SMK Sebuyau received a significant boost of RM800,000 from Petronas, through its subsidiary Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd, to upgrade its facilities. The contribution was made under the Petronas Powering Knowledge: MLNG Bestari Outreach programme and facilitated the refurbishment of the school's computer lab, Form 5 classroom block and the construction of a new male dormitory. According to Petronas LNG Assets senior vice president Abang Yusuf Abang Puteh, the initiative was not just a Corporate Social Responsibility effort, but a show of their unwavering commitment to rural community development and empowerment. 'We see this effort as a holistic approach that underscores the importance of access to quality education. Education is not only a fundamental right, it is a catalyst for societal progress and transformation,' he said during a handing over ceremony today. The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. Abang Yusuf said with such support, schools that faced any sort of constraints could now enjoy better facilities and learning resources. 'This initiative acts as a bridge connecting educational institutions, government agencies, the private sector and local communities to build a more sustainable and inclusive learning ecosystem. 'The impact goes beyond academic achievement and contributes to the overall well-being of the community,' he said. The MLNG Bestari Outreach programme has also been extended to other areas including Ulu Roban, Tatau, Sebauh, Betong and Dalat mainly through the provision of learning equipment. Abang Yusuf said that additionally, under the MLNG Borneo Bestari Programme, MLNG was collaborating with Yayasan Sarawak to sponsor 80 Sarawakian students from Form 1 to Form 5 annually to attend residential schools in Peninsula and Sarawak from 2024-2029. 'Our hope is that these sponsored students will excel in their SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) exams and become eligible for the Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme, which allows them to further their studies locally and abroad, and ultimately prepare them for employment at Petronas. 'This is our long-term goal — we want to not only support sustainable education but also meet future workforce needs in the oil and gas industry. 'In this regard, I hope that students from Sebuyau will also be among those selected to join the MLNG Borneo Bestari programme as we are confident that children from Sarawak, especially those from rural areas, can keep pace with their peers from major urban centres,' he said. MLNG Bestari Outreach programme Petronas SMK Sebuyau
Japan Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Ishiba clings to leadership after election setback
'Responsibility' has been the theme of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's 17 days on the campaign trail. Now, after an election where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the Upper House by a thin margin, it has become an ostensible reason for him to cling to his leadership — at least, for the moment. 'As the first party in parliament, we have to fulfill our responsibility with the public so as to prevent politics from stagnating or drifting away,' Ishiba told a news conference he held as LDP leader Monday afternoon. Citing ongoing negotiations with the United States over the 25% 'reciprocal' tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump and the complex economic and security outlook, Ishiba told reporters he has no intention of stepping down. However, in the wake of another setback after last October's debacle in the Lower House election, his political capital has plunged. In the Upper House election, the LDP failed to reverse the momentum of mounting headwinds anticipated by the poor showing in June's Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly poll. Throughout the campaign, the LDP tried to play the part of the 'responsible party,' portraying itself as the only force able to steer the country out of the troubled waters it finds itself in. Depicting the opposition as a cluster of irresponsible forces who can't be trusted with the helm of the country, the LDP attempted to appeal to the electorate with its alleged experience and sound judgment. The party's recipe for the future, though, failed to resonate with a public vexed by the soaring cost of living and tired of over a decade of LDP leadership. The insistence shown in protecting the country's coffers and defending the consumption tax 'to the end' — in the words of LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama — backfired at the polls, as did the promise of ¥20,000 cash handouts. As shown in the resounding victories achieved by the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito , especially in urban districts, the LDP faded in comparison to the expansionist menus presented by the opposition. The election debate largely stayed inward-oriented, with voters showing little interest in topics such as security and the ongoing tariff negotiations. Ishiba's attacks on the alleged 'irresponsibility' of a fragmented opposition largely fell on deaf ears. On the defining issue of the campaign — policies related to the foreign community — the LDP was forced to adapt to an agenda defined by opposition parties. All in all, the party couldn't escape the fate that often awaits incumbents in times of burgeoning dissatisfaction with the status quo. Ishiba's own track record ended up exacerbating that dissatisfaction. In his nine months in office, Ishiba — who seemed to have plenty of plans for the country when he reached the party leadership — proved unable to leave his own distinctive mark on the role. Perhaps surprisingly, the party showed its trademark pragmatism to successfully navigate an insidious session of parliament — clinching ad-hoc deals with the opposition in exchange for policy concessions. However, that laborious process left the party anemic, unable to reboot and rehabilitate its standing after last year's Lower House defeat. Handicapped from the start of his mandate and lacking a strong power base within the party, Ishiba could do little to change the course of the election. For a moment, the popular Shinjiro Koizumi's appointment as agricultural minister in late May seemed to have turned the tables and given Ishiba some breathing room. That too, however, proved short-lived. After voters signaled their frustration toward the current administration at the polls, the ball is now in the LDP's court. The next few weeks will be crucial to determine the future of the administration — and potentially of the composition of the coalition. The thin margin of the coalition's defeat — the coalition is only three seats short of the 125 needed for a majority — leaves potential room for maneuvering in the Upper Chamber. On top of that, the Aug. 1 deadline on tariff negotiations might grant the prime minister some breathing room, allowing him to stay on in the name of continuity and the need to avoid a political vacuum at a sensitive time for the nation. The weakened state of party factions means that, even if internal maneuvers to oust Ishiba were to occur, the old playbook may no longer apply. That being said, in one way or the other, Ishiba will be forced to take 'responsibility' for the party's underperformance in the poll. Although last year's Lower House defeat took place only weeks into his mandate, this time the prime minister has fewer excuses, particularly given the impasse on tariffs. Reports say the party will soon call a plenary meeting with members of both the Lower and Upper House. Lawmakers long critical of Ishiba will have a chance to vent their frustrations and potentially coalesce. While he denied any enlargement of the coalition at this stage, he voiced his intention to create a framework for policy cooperation with the opposition. 'We will hold sincere discussions with opposition parties on policy issues of particular urgency,' Ishiba said. He also added he hasn't made up his mind on a potential reshuffle of his government or the party leadership. So far, all the potential interlocutors — namely the DPP and Nippon Ishin no Kai — have ruled out the possibility. DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki said his party will watch the coming developments within the LDP before making the next move. Should Ishiba step down, the party will enter a new phase of instability, and it's unclear whether a new leader could gain the trust of fellow lawmakers. Last September's presidential election showed there's no shortage of aspiring leaders, starting with Koizumi. It took Ishiba — famously the lone wolf, popular with the public but with few friends in the party — five attempts to attain the long-yearned party leadership. He won't go down that easily. 'The road ahead will be thorny,' Ishiba admitted. 'But we will deepen discussions with other parties and run the country with a sincere heart.'
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
From Cyclone Response To Policy Change: How Indigenous Research Transforms Systems
Government has ended climate buyouts and expects communities to manage their own risks. Our research into 'Hauraki Māori Weathering Cyclone Gabrielle' shows what happens when they already have to. The Policy Shift Climate adaptation experts have told government to stop buying out flood-damaged properties. Communities are now expected to assess their own risks and make their own decisions. Government will focus on protecting infrastructure rather than individual homes. Across the media, ministers are saying they cannot keep rescuing people from climate disasters while maintaining their own luxury lifestyles. Political leaders return from golden getaways and turn their backs on flood-affected communities. While the privileged retreat to higher ground, the rest are left navigating rising waters without support. This is exactly what happened to Hauraki Māori during Cyclone Gabrielle. Their communities were cut off for 15 days. Helicopters flew over them carrying generators and supplies to wealthier places. The abandonment they experienced then is now becoming government policy. Responsibility is being shifted to communities while wealth and comfort are protected from above. At the same time, councils are being handed more responsibility for climate adaptation without funding to deliver it. Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn wrote in E-Tangata that this is not real decentralisation. It is a transfer of risk. The pattern is familiar. Those with power pass the burden onto others while guarding their own interests. What Our Research Found When emergency services could not reach them for over two weeks, Hauraki Māori communities mobilised their own systems of care. They moved through manaakitanga. They looked after each other because that is what Hauraki whānau do. One participant said it clearly: "It began because they did nothing. I mean, seriously, absolutely nothing. We did our own emergency management planning." Whānau set up evacuation centres at a kura. They turned marae into coordination hubs. They kept each other warm, fed and safe. No one was turned away. Everyone was looked after. Meanwhile, Thames Coromandel District Council said it experienced communication gaps and resource allocation challenges. A different participant told us: "We've been reading these weather patterns for generations, but no one listens." The truth is that communities already have ecological wisdom and effective response systems. They just do not exist inside official frameworks. Government systems did not even know they existed. This is the reality behind the policy shift. Communities are already managing climate risks on their own. The danger is that these same communities are being left with fewer options as property values drop and flood risks grow. Lower-income families are being concentrated in the most vulnerable areas. In Hauraki, half of the housing stock is owned by wealthy Aucklanders who visit two to four weeks a year. The Māori median income is twenty-three thousand dollars. For non-Māori, it is twenty-six thousand. With the few available rentals around five hundred dollars a week, many whānau can only afford housing in high-risk zones. Research That Changes Systems When we presented our 'Hauraki Māori Weathering Cyclone Gabrielle' research to all three Hauraki district councils, they did not push back. They did not defend their systems or question our methods. They said they would act on our recommendations. They said they wanted to work alongside us. This is unprecedented. This matters because it shows the strength of Indigenous-led, community-based research. This research does not clock out. It stays in the community and works with whānau to build solutions while foregrounding their voices and documenting what is already happening. When councils said they could use our recommendations straight away, they were recognising that communities had already created effective approaches. They saw that this research captured real-life responses that could be integrated into official planning. That change is crucial. Government policy now expects communities to carry the responsibility for climate response. Our research shows they already do. Communities know how to move through crisis using their own systems of care and connection. The real question is not whether they can. It is how we support and resource this work when it happens. Scaling What Works Our next research project will take what worked in Hauraki and turn it into practical tools. These tools will show other communities and services how to prepare when formal systems fail. We will create resources that explain how to activate marae as emergency health hubs. We will document communication methods that worked when the power was out and mobile service was patchy. We will provide templates for coordination based on existing whanaungatanga. We will offer guidelines to help official agencies support community responses rather than take them over. This work is needed. Because in Hauraki, we are still mobilising. Whether it is a natural crisis or colonially constructed, we keep caring for our people. That is who we are. The new study will record how this care is sustained over time. It will offer frameworks that other communities can adapt. Because we know this. When the storms come and systems collapse, our people are the first responders. Government can choose to support this. It can invest in what already works. Or it can keep funding systems that fail at the worst possible moment while blaming the gap on communication issues. The councils' response shows that system change is possible. When research is led by whānau and grounded in lived experience, it creates real solutions. When agencies listen, they can build systems that hold during crisis. Our research proves that integration is possible. Not just possible, but essential. Communities move through manaakitanga and relationship networks when formal responses fail. They need systems that move with them. Not around them. The knowledge already exists. The relationships already exist. The only question is whether this Indigenous-led approach will reach communities in time to meet the risks now being passed down to them. Author Bio Paora Moyle (KSO) is Director of Research at Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki. They lead kaupapa Māori research that centres Indigenous wisdom, data sovereignty and system change. Their latest report is 'Hauraki Māori Weathering Cyclone Gabrielle,' co-authored with Lesley Kelly and Denise Messiter (ONZM).
India.com
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Kapil Sharma's rich life and luxurious lifestyle, from a café in Canada to farmhouse worth Rs 25 crore in...
Kapil Sharma's journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of India's most celebrated comedians is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Born in Amritsar, Punjab, Kapil faced financial hardships early in life, working various jobs to support his family. His breakthrough came with his success in stand-up comedy, leading to the creation of 'The Kapil Sharma Show,' which catapulted him to nationwide fame. How Much Worth Of Properties Does Kapil Sharma Has? Kapil's lifestyle reflects his hard-earned success; he resides in a luxurious apartment in Mumbai's Andheri West, valued at over Rs 15 crore. The residence boasts modern interiors with an all-white theme, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. Complementing his urban abode is a sprawling farmhouse in Punjab, estimated at Rs 25 crore. This estate, surrounded by lush greenery, features a swimming pool, manicured lawns, and interiors that blend traditional Punjabi aesthetics with contemporary design. The farmhouse serves as a serene retreat, allowing Kapil to reconnect with his roots. What Happened At Kapil Sharma's Kap's Cafe? Expanding his ventures beyond entertainment, Kapil, along with his wife Ginni Chatrath, launched 'Kap's Café' in Surrey, Canada. The café, known for its pink-hued interiors and a menu blending Indian favorites like 'gur wali chai' with contemporary delights such as matcha iced coffee, quickly became a social media sensation. However, shortly after its soft launch in July 2025, the establishment faced a setback when it was targeted in a shooting incident. While no injuries were reported, the event prompted increased security measures at Kapil's Mumbai residence and raised concerns about the safety of Punjabi artists abroad. Who Claimed The Responsibility Of Ambush At Kapil Sharma's Cafe? Meanwhile, In a post on social media, Laddi, who is associated with terror group, Babbar Khalsa International, stated that he and Toofan Singh, who is also associated with BKI, were responsible for the shooting at Kap's Cafe in Surrey, British Columbia, on Wednesday night. The Canadian government has designated BKI as a terrorist organization. Laddi is listed among the most-wanted individuals by the National Investigation Agency. 'A person was spotted donning the Nihang Sikh attire, and some light-hearted comments were made regarding their behavior. These remarks were deemed offensive and disrespectful to the religious feelings of the community. No faith or spiritual identity should be ridiculed under the pretense of humor,' declared Khalistani terrorist. How Many Cars Does Kapil Sharma Has In His Lavish Garage? Kapil's success is also evident in his impressive collection of luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz S350, Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC90 SUV, and a custom-designed vanity van worth Rs 5.5 crore. With a reported net worth of approximately Rs 280 crore and earnings of around Rs 5 crore per episode of his show, Kapil Sharma's rise from humble beginnings to a life of opulence underscores his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.
Filipino Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
PICPA Dubai holds 9th annual general assembly, celebrates leadership and global impact
The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Dubai marked a milestone with its 9th Annual General Assembly (AGA), held on July 5, under the theme 'Transforming Action into Global I.M.P.A.C.T.' Bringing together a community of Filipino finance professionals in the UAE, this year's event blended governance updates, professional development, and community celebration, underscoring PICPA Dubai's commitment to ethical leadership and excellence in the accounting profession. The program officially began with a warm welcome from incoming president Ms. Maria Jaqueline Gonzales, CPA, followed by a virtual message from PICPA National President Mr. Gerry Sanvictores. The conference featured a powerhouse lineup of speakers, including Mr. Rishi Sapra, Founder & CEO of Young Global, who discussed UAE Corporate Tax updates; Mr. Akshay Dalal, Head of Risk & Compliance at Google (Middle East, Turkey & Africa), who spoke on Next Gen Finance Professionals Leveraging AI; Ms. Monica Merhebi, Partner & Director at MOMA International Design, who tackled Personal Branding for Global Finance Professionals; and a Think Tank session on financial data and strategic leadership, moderated by Ms. Katherine de Dios with insights from Mr. Lyndon Magsino, Chief Audit Officer of the PH Sovereign Wealth Fund. Among the key highlight of the event was the official handover of the presidency and the oath-taking of the new officers for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, led by His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Ambassador Ver also delivered a congratulatory message to the assembly, followed by Consul General Marford Angeles of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai, who extended his own message of support and commendation. Outgoing president Mr. Ammel Izon also presented the FY 2024–2025 Year-End Report, reflecting on the chapter's achievements and milestones over the past year. This was followed by an update on the organization's ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including the PICPA Dubai Scholars Program, shared by Ms. Loise Ann Cruz, Head of CSR. After the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a delightful dinner buffet, capping the night with a festive Masquerade Ball. The social event featured games, raffle prizes, and awards that celebrated community spirit. The second day of the 9th annual general assembly followed the pre-AGA Tax Conference held on June 28, one of the most anticipated learning events for Filipino CPAs and finance professionals in Dubai. As PICPA Dubai enters a new fiscal year, the assembly reflected the chapter's continued efforts to empower Filipino accounting professionals and expand their global impact through integrity, mentorship, professionalism, accountability, commitment, and teamwork.
