Latest news with #Tham
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
‘We had to maintain our lead without compromising editorial integrity'
Mr Tham Khai Wor, who was inducted into the Singapore Media Industry Hall of Fame in 2022, says advertising can be as relevant as news, depending on the readers' needs. Tham Khai Wor, 81 Portrait Mr Tham Khai Wor was best known as the chief salesman to his marketing colleagues at Singapore Press Holdings (SPH). His career with the group started in 1972 at Times Printers Sdn Bhd where he was regional marketing manager. One of his memorable achievements was the contract to produce the Asian editions of Time magazine and later Fortune in Singapore, ahead of the US editions being printed in New York. The facsimile was relayed to Times Printers from the US via satellite transmission. It was the first major contract of its kind for the company. Of his many memories at SPH until he left in 2005, Mr Tham cites the record $800 million in advertising revenue generated – largely from print – in financial year 2000. According to the company's annual report, it pushed the group's turnover to more than $1 billion for the first time in its history. For his influence in shaping the media advertising landscape, Mr Tham, now 81, won many Asian industry awards and was inducted into the Singapore Media Industry Hall of Fame in 2022. Recollections 'The Straits Times in the last 180 years has been and continues to be resilient and relevant to Singapore. This was true right from the beginning. In 1845, its Page 1 was filled with advertisements about goods that arrived in Singapore and had to be sold after months at sea. It shows that even then, we realised how important advertisements were. Advertising can be as relevant as news, depending on the readers' needs. The highest cost for any media will be production, and advertising incomes will make the difference. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Public healthcare institutions to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes: MOH, HSA Singapore Man allegedly attacks woman with knife at Kallang Wave Mall, to be charged with attempted murder Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat In 1984, I was transferred from Times Printers to head marketing at The Straits Times Press (1975) Ltd in view of the changing media scene. The other media company, Singapore News and Publications , had launched the English newspaper, Singapore Monitor, in 1982. We had to maintain our lead, be advertiser-friendly and innovative without compromising our integrity. The Straits Times remained effective – editorial got the eyeballs and advertising served consumer needs. During my time, television broadcast competition was also relentless. One of the things we did was to launch the fictitious X.O. Beer campaign to prove that advertisements do not need sound or movement to be effective, especially for fast-moving consumer products. For this, we strategised and challenged advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather to produce a powerful campaign. A series of colour advertisements were run from March 22 to 31, 1993, in three of SPH's papers – The Straits Times, Business Times and Lianhe Zaobao. That got beer marketeers scurrying around Singapore looking for the potential newcomer. However, the final advertisement on April 1 dropped the bombshell: that X.O. Beer did not exist. April Fool! By then, however, the advertisements had attracted considerable interest in the beer, demonstrating that creative newspaper advertisements had as much impact as TV commercials. It won a major advertising award around the world and was recorded in marketing case studies. We were creative with ads, bringing in more colour and odd-shaped advertisements, while editors ensured that the paper stayed editorially relevant. Scented inks were introduced for different occasions. For example, our newspaper advertisements promoting mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year had orange-scented ink, while hand soap advertisements had their own scent imprinted. Next came the advent of digital media. But for The Straits Times to join the bandwagon and go digital was accelerating its own downfall. You don't sleep with the enemy, and secondly, we have our strengths. Singapore is unique in the world, with high population density, 95 per cent living in high-rise and 95 per cent literacy. That makes delivering The Straits Times print copy easy.'
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Phoong sees chance for Sabah to get ahead through new microalgae tech
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Phoong (centre) with both Dr Yaakub (right) and Tham (left) showing their signed documents as other guests look on. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah can leap ahead by embracing technology and innovation to produce microalgae, said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. 'Microalgae can be used to develop the biomass industry and produce sustainable energy, which aligns with Sabah's green agenda,' said Phoong. 'We've been informed that under this initiative, we can develop biofuel, bioplastic, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 'All these have strong creative economic potential for Sabah,' said Phoong after witnessing a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP) Sdn Bhd and CCE Power Holdings Sdn Bhd at a hotel. SAIP was represented by Chairman of University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and Board of Director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, while Chief Executive Officer and Founder Tham Weng Kong signed for CCE Power, which is based in Negeri Sembilan with partnering companies from Japan. Phoong said SAIP, which was established 17 years ago, must focus on applying innovation and technology to further propel Sabah's industrialisation. Although Sarawak is developing its algae cultivation industry, they are using a photosynthesis-type system compared to the system to be used by Sabah, which will use the heterotrophic system, he said. 'Sabah will be using the heterotrophic technology which doesn't need sunlight to grow these microalgae,' he said. 'I see this as a very good opportunity for Sabah to get involved in developing new high-value manufacturing activities in Sabah. 'So that our young people can get high-skilled jobs and benefit from technology transfer. 'Imagine if we succeed in building a microalgae manufacturing hub in Sabah, many job opportunities will be created,' he said. Tham said the heterotrophic technology is a closed system with a shorter cycle, as only five to seven days are needed to harvest, with a yield volume of 60 per cent. 'We will start with 100 hectares first, just like Sarawak did, before expanding to 1,000 hectares. They did it with their Japanese partners. 'Although our development mechanism differs, the goal is the same. If successful, we can scale up to commercial levels.' The algae cultivation initiative to be carried out by CCE Power is the first private project in SAIP, Kimanis. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah to host Malaysia's first micro algae biomass power plant in Kimanis
Tham showcasing crude algae oil produced during their pilot project. KOTA KINABALU (July 10): A 30-megawatt biomass power plant utilising micro algae as feedstock to produce biofuel and generate green energy is set for development at the Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (Saip) in Kimanis. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Saip Sdn Bhd and West Malaysia-based company CCE Power Holdings Sdn Bhd, held at a hotel here today. The three-year project marks a significant step in advancing renewable energy in Sabah. CCE Power Holdings director Tham Weng Kong said the plant would be the first in Malaysia to use a closed-tank system to cultivate micro algae via heterotrophic technology — a method that does not require sunlight, unlike the photosynthesis-based cultivation systems currently used in Sarawak. Tham explained that micro algae can be harvested within five to seven days, then dried to produce a range of high-value products. The algae's calorific value — or energy content per unit mass — is comparable to that of coal, making it a potent renewable energy source. The plant will feature two main production streams: one for crude algae oil to produce biofuel, bioplastics and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and another for algae biomass to generate power. Following a successful pilot project, the company has filed three patents on their proprietary technology and is moving ahead with construction of the commercial facility. Phase one is expected to be completed by year-end. The project will progress in three stages. Stage one will use 100% palm oil-based biomass, stage two will blend palm biomass with micro algae and stage three will utilise 70% micro algae and 30% palm biomass. 'This is not just a power plant — it's a clean and green energy solution that can help address Sabah's electricity challenges,' Tham said. 'Together with our scientific partners from Japan, we are working to catalyse downstream industries at Saip. This project will create new industries, jobs, and a stronger green economy for the country.' State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurshi Minister and Saip chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who witnessed the MoU signing, praised the project for its potential to reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional power generation methods. Phoong stressed, however, that the project team must first present feasibility study reports to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) to prove the concept's viability. The project will initially operate on a 100-acre site, with potential for expansion based on its success. Phoong also clarified that the state government will not commit any land or funding to the initiative. 'This initiative aligns with Malaysia's and Sabah's sustainable development goals,' Phoong said. 'It offers a valuable opportunity for Sabah to embrace innovation, attract high-tech manufacturing, promote technology transfer, and generate skilled job opportunities.'
Asia News Network
27-06-2025
- Health
- Asia News Network
New study to look at impact of food allergies in Singapore children, as cases rise
June 27, 2025 SINGAPORE – A new four-year study will examine how common food allergies are in children here, as well as the impact of these allergies on children's nutrition, growth, metabolic and mental health. Led by the National University Hospital (NUH) and the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), the study was launched in response to a rising number of such cases locally. KKH has seen a steady rise in the number of patients visiting the hospital's allergy clinics in recent years, said Dr Chong Kok Wee, the study's co-investigator and head of the allergy service at KKH's paediatric medicine department. 'Between 2012 and 2022, the number of children who have tested positive for common food allergies such as milk, eggs, peanuts and shellfish has risen threefold,' added Dr Chong. Allergies to eggs, milk and peanuts are more common in younger children, while teens and young adults tend to report shellfish allergies. Emergency visits for food-related anaphylaxis in children have shot up 2½ times between 2015 and 2022, Dr Chong noted. Anaphylaxis can result in difficulty breathing and a severe drop in blood pressure, and can be fatal. Other common symptoms range from itchy skin or eczema to swelling of the lips or tongue, as well as difficulty breathing. Such allergies have typically been thought to be uncommon among Asian populations, said Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, the study's lead principal investigator. 'However, in our clinical setting, we have been seeing rising numbers of food allergy patients,' said Prof Tham, who heads the paediatric allergy, immunology and rheumatology division at the Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute at NUH. NUH and KKH said they were unable to provide exact figures on the number of food allergy cases. Both hospitals said they performed 60 per cent more allergy tests between 2022 and 2024. In these tests, known as food challenges, patients are exposed to allergens under clinical supervision to assess whether they are allergic to a specific food. Prof Tham said the increase in allergies could be due to changes in diet and lifestyle, while Dr Chong pointed to an increased use of antibiotics by children, as well as the hygiene hypothesis – the theory that cleaner environments reduce early exposure to infectious agents, leading to increased susceptibility to allergic diseases – as possible reasons. A local study conducted between 2011 and 2013 on more than 4,000 children aged between 11 and 30 months found allergy rates of 0.51 per cent for cow's milk and 1.43 per cent for chicken eggs. However, over the past decade, the prevalence has not been well-documented, Prof Tham said. The study will provide an update to existing data on food allergy prevalence and, for the first time, evaluate the impact, as well as the social and economic burden, of food allergies in Singapore, the researchers say. For instance, Prof Tham noted, a 2013 study in the United States found the economic impact of food allergies in children amounted to US$24.8 billion (S$31.6 billion), of which US$20.5 billion was borne by individual families. The researchers hope these new insights will bring greater social and infrastructural support for affected children and families. The study will also involve clinicians and researchers from the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Polyclinics (NUP) and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. It will entail two years of recruitment and two years of data analysis. The first phase of the study began in February, with a target of surveying at least 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged between one and two who attend routine developmental and immunisation visits at NUP. They will be asked to complete questionnaires, with those reporting possible allergic reactions to food referred to NUH or KKH for further evaluation. Of the 549 participants recruited by mid-June, 79 had reported a food allergy. The second phase will begin in July and will involve about 400 children aged 18 and below, who have been diagnosed with allergies to milk, egg, peanut and shellfish for at least six months. Participants from the first phase of the study, as well as existing NUH and KKH patients, will be invited to take part in this phase, which will include questionnaires, growth and nutritional assessments, as well as the collection of blood and stool samples. Findings from the study will help identify nutrient deficiencies, growth and metabolic abnormalities, in addition to feeding behavioural issues. These findings will inform future guidelines and educational materials on nutrition, dietary management, as well as mental health support for affected families. The team is also working with groups like Singapore Parents of Eczema and Allergy Kids (Speak). Speak director and creative head Izlin Ismail, 50, and her 13-year-old son Hayden Anash, are participating in the study. Hayden was three months old when he had to be rushed to the KKH emergency department after experiencing swelling in his face and body after drinking a bottle of formula milk. He was later diagnosed with allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts. Ms Izlin – who is also a studio manager at a creative agency – said that besides Hayden's medical expenses, the family has to spend more on groceries, as allergen-free milk and butter are often more difficult to find and pricier. Awareness of food allergies has grown over the years, but more can still be done to make matters easier for parents of children with such allergies, she said. For example, eateries can sometimes see questions about allergens in dishes as patrons being 'fussy'. 'I think restaurants and other places should be able to accommodate us and understand when we tell them we have a child with food allergies,' Ms Izlin said.
Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
New study to look at impact of food allergies in Singapore children, as cases rise
Ms Izlin Ismail with her husband Mohamed Huzaini and their 13-year-old son Hayden Anash. Ms Izlin and Hayden are participating in the story. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY New study to look at impact of food allergies in Singapore children, as cases rise SINGAPORE – A new four-year study will examine how common food allergies are in children here, as well as the impact of these allergies on children's nutrition, growth, metabolic and mental health. Led by the National University Hospital (NUH) and the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), the study was launched in response to a rising number of such cases locally. KKH has seen a steady rise in the number of patients visiting the hospital's allergy clinics in recent years, said Dr Chong Kok Wee, the study's co-investigator and head of the allergy service at KKH's paediatric medicine department. 'Between 2012 and 2022, the number of children who have tested positive for common food allergies such as milk, eggs, peanuts and shellfish has risen threefold,' added Dr Chong. Allergies to eggs, milk, and peanuts are more common in younger children, while teens and young adults tend to report shellfish allergies. Emergency visits for food-related anaphylaxis in children have shot up 2½ times between 2015 and 2022, Dr Chong noted. Anaphylaxis can result in difficulty breathing and a severe drop in blood pressure, and can be fatal. Other common symptoms range from itchy skin or eczema to swelling of the lips or tongue, as well as difficulty breathing. Such allergies have typically been thought to be uncommon among Asian populations, said Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, the study's lead principal investigator. 'However, in our clinical setting, we have been seeing rising numbers of food allergy patients,' said Prof Tham, who heads the paediatric allergy, immunology and rheumatology division at the Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute at NUH. NUH said it was unable to provide exact figures on the number of food allergy cases. The Straits Times has asked KKH for its data on such cases. Both hospitals said they performed 60 per cent more allergy tests between 2022 and 2024. In these tests, known as food challenges, patients are exposed to allergens under clinical supervision to assess whether they are allergic to a specific food. Prof Tham said the increase in allergies could be due to changes in diet and lifestyle, while Dr Chong pointed to an increased use of antibiotics by children, as well as the hygiene hypothesis – the theory that cleaner environments reduce early exposure to infectious agents, leading to increased susceptibility to allergic diseases – as possible reasons. A local study conducted between 2011 and 2013 on more than 4,000 children aged between 11 and 30 months found allergy rates of 0.51 per cent for cow's milk and 1.43 per cent for chicken eggs. However over the past decade the prevalence has not been well-documented, Prof Tham said. The study will provide an update to existing data on food allergy prevalence, and for the first time, evaluate the impact, as well as the social and economic burden, of food allergies in Singapore, the researchers say. For instance, Prof Tham noted, a 2013 study in the United States found that the economic impact of food allergies in children amounted to US$24.8 billion ($31.6 billion), of which US$20.5 billion ($21.6 billion) was borne by individual families. The researchers hope these new insights will bring greater social and infrastructural support for affected children and families. The study will also involve clinicians and researchers from the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Polyclinics and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. It will entail two years of recruitment and two years of data analysis. The first phase of the study began in February, with a target of surveying at least 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged between one and two who attend routine developmental and immunisation visits at NUP polyclinics. They will be asked to complete questionnaires, with those reporting possible allergic reactions to food referred to NUH or KKH for further evaluation. Of the 549 participants recruited by mid-June, 79 reported a food allergy. The second phase will begin in July, and will involve about 400 children aged 18 and below, who have been diagnosed with allergies to milk, egg, peanut and shellfish for at least six months. Participants from the first phase of the study, as well as existing NUH and KKH patients, will be invited to take part in this phase, which will include questionnaires, growth and nutritional assessments, as well as the collection of blood and stool. Findings from the study will help identify nutrient deficiencies, growth and metabolic abnormalities, in addition to feeding behavioural issues. These findings will inform future guidelines and educational materials on nutrition, dietary management, as well as mental health support for affected families. The team is also working with groups such as Singapore Parents of Eczema and Allergy Kids (Speak). Speak director and creative head Izlin Ismail, 50, and her 13-year-old son Hayden Anash, are participating in the study. Hayden was three months old when he had to be rushed to the KKH emergency department after experienced swelling of the face and body after drinking a bottle of formula milk. He was later diagnosed with allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts. Ms Izlin – who is also studio manager at a creative agency – shared that besides Hayden's medical expenses, the family has to spend more on groceries, as allergen-free milk and butter are often more difficult to find and pricier. Awareness of food allergies has grown over the years, but more can still be done to make matters easier for parents of children with such allergies, she said. For example, eateries can sometimes see questions about allergens in dishes as patrons being 'fussy'. 'I think restaurants and other places should be able to help us accommodate, and understand when we tell them we have a child with food allergies,' Ms Izlin said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
