Latest news with #TEC
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
TEC begins work to develop major Jahra entertainment project
KUWAIT: Officials from the Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) has signed a contract with the Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) pose for a photo. KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) has signed a contract with the Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) to develop a major new entertainment and tourism project in Jahra, signaling a key step in enhancing the area's infrastructure and visitor experience. According to a press release issued Thursday, the project aims to become a vibrant destination that contributes to Kuwait's broader tourism development goals. Markaz will bring its investment and development expertise to ensure the project's financial and operational sustainability. The statement didn't provide further details about the nature of the project. Jahra has emerged as a key area of interest for entertainment investments in recent years. This includes the Jahra Waterfront Project, also known as 'Al-Corniche,' which was approved by the Municipal Council in October 2024. The waterfront development spans approximately 5,794 square meters and is expected to generate around 25,000 job opportunities, making it one of the most ambitious tourism infrastructure initiatives in the country. Acting CEO of TEC, Abdullah Al-Jaafar, stated that this collaboration is a strategic move within the company's ongoing efforts to establish impactful partnerships with leading institutions. '(The project) strengthens TEC's position as a leader in the tourism and entertainment sector in Kuwait,' he said. Al-Jaafar expressed hope that the agreement would deliver added value that positively reflects on the company's services, entertainment facilities, and visitor experience. Abdullatif Al-Nusif, Managing Director of Wealth Management and Business Development at Markaz, said that this cooperation aims to provide innovative investment solutions that contribute to the development of Kuwait's entertainment infrastructure in line with the state's vision to support the national economy. Al-Nusif added that this step is part of TEC's broader approach to leverage private sector expertise in developing and managing its projects according to the highest global standards. It also aligns with TEC's goals of diversifying revenue sources and offering high-quality experiences to visitors. — Agencies
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
‘Domestic tourism on rise as more people stay in Kuwait'
KUWAIT CITY - Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor Sheikh Sabah Bader Al-Salem on Wednesday inspected the Messilah Beach Project (Plage 2) -- one of the most important projects of the Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC). Members of the company's board of directors and executive management, along with representatives of the United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), were present during the inspection tour. The tour was aimed at reviewing the progress of the project, the implementation stages and finishing touches. This is part of TEC's efforts to support and develop the tourism sector, to shed light on this vital project, which is considered one of the most important family entertainment destinations developed by the company, covering an area measuring 70,000 square meters. The project was built according to the highest international standards in design and implementation, keeping pace with the latest concepts in family entertainment and providing an exceptional experience for visitors of all ages. It is scheduled to officially open in the coming months, adding to the list of leading entertainment destinations in the country. During the tour, the company reviewed the project's main components, which include swimming pools, water play areas, a multipurpose event hall, spaces designated for restaurants and cafés, commercial and service facilities, and parking for 350 vehicles. Governor Sheikh Sabah Badr Al-Sabah said 'The field visit to the project aims to assess the latest developments in the project, inspect the facilities, amenities and buildings, and view a visual presentation that includes all the project details. Domestic tourism has been witnessing an increasing demand from citizens and expatriates, as more and more people want to spend holidays and vacations in Kuwait.' He pointed out that there are a large number of tourism projects keeping pace with the growing demand for tourism facilities, such as the Winter Land, Key Land and Sabahiya projects. He stated that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate will witness development in a number of tourism and entertainment projects, citing the recent formation of a governorate council to discuss and study all development proposals for tourism facilities within the governorate, which will support domestic tourism. Abdullah Al-Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TEC, asserted that 'the governor's visit to the Messilah Project aims to review the facilities and amenities. The project will be ready for opening in the coming period.' He clarified that the project's goal is to develop domestic tourism for the benefit of citizens and expatriates throughout the year -- whether in winter or summer. Eng. Ahmed Sadiq, General Manager of the project, disclosed that developments added to the Messilah Beach Project include cafés and restaurants with distinctive designs on par with international architecture. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
Last Updated: Cosmetic surgery in India is no longer about vanity it's about agency, healing, and the right to feel whole. For decades, cosmetic surgery in India has existed in a strange paradox widely sought after in whispers, yet shrouded in societal judgment. Despite the millions who undergo aesthetic procedures globally, the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery in India remains deeply entrenched in cultural, historical, and spiritual narratives. But change is in the air. Dr. Debraj Shome, Director of The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) and Co-Founder, Esthetic Centers International Pvt. Ltd., is at the forefront of this transformation. A Diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shome is a globally renowned facial plastic surgeon whose work is as much about restoring confidence as it is about reshaping features. In a candid conversation, he deconstructs the persistent stigma, uncovers the deeper motivations behind cosmetic procedures, and offers a humane, ethical lens on the future of aesthetic medicine in India. 'India's hesitation around cosmetic surgery," Dr. Shome explains, 'is rooted in a complex interplay of cultural conditioning and historical scarcity." In a society shaped by colonial trauma, post-independence austerity, and conservative spending patterns, investing in one's appearance has often been seen as indulgent or worse, vain. Spiritual philosophies, too, have played a role. Many Indian traditions emphasize antarmukhi (looking inward) over bahirmukhi (external focus), associating concern for appearance with ego (ahankar). As a result, aesthetic enhancements have long been viewed as superficial or even morally suspect. But things are changing. 'Today's India is younger, wealthier, and more globally connected," says Dr. Shome. 'People are realizing that taking care of how they look is not vanity it's agency. It's self-respect." At The Esthetic Clinics, the focus is on emotional well-being just as much as physical transformation. 'A tired-looking face might not match the energy of a dynamic professional. Or someone who has been teased for a facial feature might carry that burden into adulthood. In such cases, surgery becomes a way to reclaim one's sense of self." Far from being frivolous, cosmetic surgery can have profound ripple effects boosting self-confidence, restoring dignity, and opening doors to professional and personal growth. Some of the most powerful outcomes, Dr. Shome shares, are not about glamour—they're about healing. He recounts the journey of a 26-year-old woman with PCOS-related hair loss, whose social life had collapsed under the weight of her self-esteem issues. With targeted treatments, her confidence was restored and so was her presence in the world. Then there's the 52-year-old breast cancer survivor. 'After her mastectomy and chemotherapy, she didn't recognize herself. Reconstructive procedures gave her a renewed sense of femininity and wholeness." But perhaps the most soul-stirring transformations are those of acid attack survivors. 'These are not just medical cases," says Dr. Shome, 'they're emotional and social recoveries. Surgery allows these individuals to reclaim public space, move without fear, and live with dignity." Celebrity Silence: A Barrier to Awareness In an age where celebrities shape beauty standards, their refusal to acknowledge cosmetic procedures has serious repercussions. 'When a 60-year-old celebrity credits flawless skin to yoga and green juice without mentioning aesthetic work it perpetuates myths and fuels insecurity," notes Dr. Shome. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, 'Honest conversations by public figures could normalize cosmetic surgery, eliminate shame, and help people make informed choices. In a media-driven world, honesty is no longer optional, it's critical." The Ethics of Saying No: Where Responsibility Meets Empathy At TEC, ethical boundaries are sacred. 'Roughly 10% of our consultations are redirected to psychological counseling," reveals Dr. Shome. From body dysmorphia to emotionally charged requests, the team prioritizes patient mental health over profit. 'When someone walks in asking to look like a celebrity, or wants multiple procedures that distort their natural aesthetic, we engage in gentle but firm conversations. Surgery should never be a Band-Aid for deeper emotional wounds." This compassionate approach reinforces one of Dr. Shome's core beliefs, 'Cosmetic surgery should heal, not harm. Enhance, not erase. The goal is to help people feel like the best version of themselves—not someone else entirely." The Road Ahead: From Stigma to Self-Respect India is at the cusp of a new era, one where self-care includes the right to feel good in one's own skin, without judgment. 'As India evolves, so must its understanding of cosmetic surgery," Dr. Shome reflects. 'This is not about chasing perfection. It's about choosing agency, dignity, and alignment. When done with empathy and ethics, aesthetic medicine becomes a tool for healing." top videos View all At The Esthetic Clinics, the mission is clear: to empower individuals to make informed, guilt-free choices supported by science, compassion, and the belief that beauty is deeply personal. Because at the heart of every successful procedure lies something profoundly human: the desire to feel whole. First Published: May 29, 2025, 07:44 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
NIE, Amazon Web Services set up AI-focused innovation hub for edtech research
[SINGAPORE] The National Institute of Education (NIE) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) on Thursday (May 29) announced the launch of the Technology for Education Centre (TEC) – a new initiative aimed at driving applied innovation and research in the space of education technology. A three-year memorandum of understanding was signed between the two organisations for this venture. The partnership is expected to facilitate research and experimentation with emerging technologies in education, including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. NIE is an autonomous institute within Nanyang Technological University (NTU). TEC will be located on NIE's campus, and is designed as a collaborative hub where student teachers, academics and education researchers can prototype and test new learning tools. It will be housed in a new annex building at NIE, as part of an initiative to refresh the campus, and will be ready around the same time as the opening of Nanyang Crescent MRT station, which will serve the NTU Smart Campus. The centre is fundamentally intended to provide an environment for both the development of edtech and its application in real-world settings. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up The initiative supports Singapore's broader ambitions under the National AI Strategy 2.0 to develop an AI-ready workforce. It also aligns with the community pillar of AWS' ongoing AI Spring Singapore programme, which is designed to equip 5,000 individuals with AI skills from 2024 to 2026. In May 2024, AWS announced that it would be investing S$12 billion in Singapore's cloud infrastructure by 2028, with its expected contribution to Singapore's gross domestic product at S$23.7 billion, while supporting more than 12,000 jobs annually. One of TEC's early goals will be to advance cloud-based learning and upskilling for educators. Resources such as AWS Skill Builder and cloud simulations will be made available to help participants strengthen their digital competencies. Additionally, the centre will support applied research projects that seek to integrate AI and analytics into teaching practices and policy development in Singapore. NIE director Professor Liu Woon Chia said the partnership will help to 'shape the future through ethical and inclusive use of technology' at a media briefing. 'We must teach our teachers differently so they can ensure students learn differently, paving the way for an education that is future-ready.' The venture also includes student-driven service-learning initiatives that leverage generative AI tools such as Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q Developer to address community challenges. TEC will serve as a training ground through workshops, hackathons and forums that explore ethical issues related to AI in education, such as data privacy and bias, in addition to prototyping and research. When asked about the number of students that will benefit from this initiative, Prof Liu said every student teacher at NIE will have the opportunity to experience the process of learning and solutionising with AI at TEC. 'Not all students may be involved in the creation of prototypes, but we are confident that many will want to be involved.' Elsie Tan, AWS' country manager, public sector (Singapore), said the partnership highlights the role of educators in preparing future-ready workers. 'We are helping to equip the education sector for the digital age by combining NIE's pedagogical leadership with AWS' cloud capabilities,' she said. Position on industry partners While AWS is the first industry partner, Prof Liu noted that it would not be the only one. 'Right now, AWS is a front runner in terms of technology expertise. At NIE, we know the pedagogy and our students, so this collaboration will allow us to accelerate a tech-enabled education we envision,' she said. Prof Liu said 'an experimental space' setting is envisaged for the TEC, where students, faculty and AWS specialists can collaborate in an environment where solutions can be developed to meet the needs of students and society at large. 'We want some student teachers working on certain projects to be able to work with the people at TEC to build their prototypes and create solutions with the technology available,' she said.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
‘Domestic tourism on rise as more people stay in Kuwait'
KUWAIT CITY, May 28: Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor Sheikh Sabah Bader Al-Salem on Wednesday inspected the Messilah Beach Project (Plage 2) -- one of the most important projects of the Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC). Members of the company's board of directors and executive management, along with representatives of the United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), were present during the inspection tour. The tour was aimed at reviewing the progress of the project, the implementation stages and finishing touches. This is part of TEC's efforts to support and develop the tourism sector, to shed light on this vital project, which is considered one of the most important family entertainment destinations developed by the company, covering an area measuring 70,000 square meters. The project was built according to the highest international standards in design and implementation, keeping pace with the latest concepts in family entertainment and providing an exceptional experience for visitors of all ages. It is scheduled to officially open in the coming months, adding to the list of leading entertainment destinations in the country. During the tour, the company reviewed the project's main components, which include swimming pools, water play areas, a multipurpose event hall, spaces designated for restaurants and cafés, commercial and service facilities, and parking for 350 vehicles. Governor Sheikh Sabah Badr Al-Sabah said 'The field visit to the project aims to assess the latest developments in the project, inspect the facilities, amenities and buildings, and view a visual presentation that includes all the project details. Domestic tourism has been witnessing an increasing demand from citizens and expatriates, as more and more people want to spend holidays and vacations in Kuwait.' He pointed out that there are a large number of tourism projects keeping pace with the growing demand for tourism facilities, such as the Winter Land, Key Land and Sabahiya projects. He stated that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate will witness development in a number of tourism and entertainment projects, citing the recent formation of a governorate council to discuss and study all development proposals for tourism facilities within the governorate, which will support domestic tourism. Abdullah Al-Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TEC, asserted that 'the governor's visit to the Messilah Project aims to review the facilities and amenities. The project will be ready for opening in the coming period.' He clarified that the project's goal is to develop domestic tourism for the benefit of citizens and expatriates throughout the year -- whether in winter or summer. Eng. Ahmed Sadiq, General Manager of the project, disclosed that developments added to the Messilah Beach Project include cafés and restaurants with distinctive designs on par with international architecture. Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
