Latest news with #Then
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
King ‘told Conclave author he watched papal selection film'
King 'told Conclave author he watched papal selection film' Robert Harris, 68, was formally made a CBE by Charles for services to literature in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday Robert Harris was made a CBE by the King at Buckingham Palace (Image: PA Wire/PA Images ) The author of the hit novel turned Oscar-nominated picture Conclave said the King revealed to him that he has watched the film. Robert Harris, 68, was formally made a CBE by Charles for services to literature in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Harris said it was "eerie" and "like an out of body experience" to see his 2016 book turned into a film, and then to see the papal selection process which he had researched in so much detail play out in May after the death of Pope Francis. "(It was) very odd, I suppose because I researched it very thoroughly, and really it's the sort of thing that can practically only be done in fiction because you have to have a lot of conjecture," Harris told the PA news agency. "And so it acted as a kind of primer for journalists and for people, so that was very strange. "And then, of course, the extraordinary fact that the new pope watched it on the eve of the conclave." Article continues below Pope Leo's brother John Prevost told NBC News his younger sibling had watched the film before the secret vote. Harris said the King also asked about his new book. "We talked a bit about Conclave, which he has seen," Harris said. "He's been reading my books for years, so it was nice to see him again." The journalist-turned-novelist also joked about how seeing the inside of Buckingham Palace could provide him inspiration for his future books. "There'd have to be some mystery in the throne room, yes, murder in the throne room! It's got possibilities." Harris said it was a "very generous gesture" to receive the honour and he had "never thought about it" before being asked. Author Dame Jacqueline Wilson was made a Dame Grand Cross for her services to the same industry at the ceremony. The 79-year-old former children's laureate is widely known as the creator of Tracy Beaker and has written more than 100 novels. "It feels like a dream," Dame Jacqueline said on receiving the honour. "I'm so pleased, so proud. "I was just totally taken by surprise. To be utterly truthful, I didn't even know this particular honour existed. I'm so proud and so overwhelmed. "If little girl Jacqueline could be told that I'd be standing outside Buckingham Palace with medals and a sash, she would have been astonished." Dame Jacqueline said the King was "jovial" and they laughed about getting her sash on over her "silly hat". "And I did thank him, and particularly also thanked Her Majesty the Queen, because she takes such an interest in children's literature, and that makes all of us writers feel very pleased," she said. Last year, Dame Jacqueline released her first adult novel since the 1970s as she returned to her beloved Girls series. Article continues below The novel, Think Again, was nominated at this year's British Book Awards.
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Tzyy Yang Miri Institute urged to broaden reach of Chinese calligraphy, culture
Ling (seated, centre) and Then on his left join fellow members in a group photo, taken during the luncheon. MIRI (May 15): The Tzyy Yang Miri Institute of Philosophical Studies aims to uphold Chinese calligraphy and introduce Tiong Hua culture to the community. In stating this, its legal advisor Alan Ling urged the institute's members to stay on track in providing exposure to Chinese culture. He said this in his address as the guest of honour at a luncheon, organised by the institute at the Gloria Hotel last Saturday to announce the appointment of its new committee members for the 2025/2026 term. 'The main objective of this institute is to uphold Chinese calligraphy and introduce Tiong Hua culture to the community. 'This year, the institute celebrates its 29th anniversary since its founding in April 1996,' he added. Ling also emphasised the importance of maintaining harmony in a family and community, adding that a harmonious attitude is a solid foundation to strengthen the relationship between the institute's members. 'To ensure that this relationship can continue to be strengthened, it is important that we understand each other, especially among members of different cultural backgrounds,' he pointed out. In this regard, Ling suggested that the Tzyy Yang Institute expand its efforts to provide exposure to Chinese culture to the larger community, especially to non-Chinese individuals, to increase interracial understanding. This, he said, would help foster unity and strengthen the spirit of belonging in the country's pluralistic society. 'This effort is important in forming a more united, understanding society and fending off those who try to damage the relationship of unity for the sake of bad personal interests. We must not allow such situation to happen.' In addition, he also suggested that Tzyy Yang Institute expand its activities to involve the various races here to further promote Chinese calligraphy and the culture's uniqueness to the wider community. During the luncheon, Tzyy Yang Miri Institute of Philosophical Studies chairman Then Chan Fah was re-elected to lead the institute. Then said since its establishment in the 1990s, the institute has received strong support from the public, with efforts focused on raising awareness about the importance of cultural preservation, particularly in Chinese calligraphy and painting. 'We have utilised the expertise of our members, who are also artists, to showcase our publications and assist in fundraising efforts for schools and those in need.' He added that showcasing artworks to the public can help create awareness among other ethnic groups to appreciate the uniqueness of heritage and the rich history of Chinese calligraphy. The luncheon also saw Ling presenting a donation of RM2,000 to the Tzyy Yang Institute of Philosophical Studies to support its activities and programmes organised this year.
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Digitalising initiative empowers Bau schools with AI, future-ready skills
Then (standing) in a group photo with the participants. KUCHING (May 3): The Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) recently launched the inaugural 'Digitalising Bau' programme in a landmark initiative to elevate digital education across the Bau district. According to a press release, this pioneering effort carried out in collaboration with SMK Lake and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is aligned with the Education Ministry's seven core thrusts aimed at driving systemic transformation in education. Initiated by SMK Lake and fully funded by the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), the programme gathered over 30 teachers, 40 students, and 40 Parent-Teacher Association members from SMK Bau, SMK Paku, and SMK Singai. It featured a range of interactive and hands-on activities, including a drone exploration led by local educator Liew Tho Lip. Additionally, SAIC also participated in the event, providing strategic direction on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education. SAIC chief executive officer Prof Dr Patrick Then delivered an inspiring keynote on the Sarawak Sovereign AI vision, and emphasised the role of educators in cultivating AI literacy from the classroom up. 'We need school teachers to impart knowledge to the young generation about the foundation of the Sarawak AI model, which is built on Sarawak's assets and people,' he said. This initiative also featured sessions on gamification in education by Kuching Education District School Improvement Specialised Coach (TVET) Dr Kho Siaw Hui, as well as digital certification via the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa) platform, which was facilitated by Dr Ng Siaw Hai from the Teachers Activity Centre, Bau. Meanwhile, Swinburne Sarawak's research and innovation team, led by Assoc Prof Dr Miko Chang, delivered workshops to equip teachers with future-ready skills in AI, strengthening digital teaching practices at the grassroots. The Digitalising Bau programme, chaired by Swim Mining from SMK Lake, sets a strong precedent for community-driven and future-focused education. It reflects SMK Lake's commitment to educational innovation and SAIC's leadership in building Sarawak's digital and AI capabilities.
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Charli XCX brings home BRIT Awards
Singer Charli XCX, whose album Brat inspired a cultural phenomenon last summer, was the big winner at the BRIT Awards, Britain's pop music honours, in London on Saturday, picking up five prizes. Brat, which inspired fans to film themselves dancing to its tracks and whose lime green cover look was adopted by US presidential hopeful Kamala Harris' campaign on social media after the singer referenced her in a post, won the coveted album of the year category. Charli XCX, who had led nominations, was also named artist of the year and best dance act. Her single Guess, featuring Billie Eilish, won song of the year beating tracks including the Beatles' Now and Then. The 32-year-old pop star had won her first BRIT, songwriter of the year, earlier this week. "I've always felt like an outsider in the industry but particularly in the British music industry and so it feels really nice to be recognised on this album," she said as she received the album of the year award. "I would just like to share this with all artists who have ever felt that they need to compromise to be recognised and to have their moment in the sun because I think I'm living proof that maybe it takes a long time, but... you don't need to compromise your vision." The singer released her debut studio album in 2013. Brat was her sixth and she said she would "probably never make a record like this again". "It's so in my instinct to just like not do the same thing twice... I will probably reject it completely and do something completely different," she said. US singer Chappell Roan won international artist of the year, while her track Good Luck, Babe! won international song of the year. Espresso singer Sabrina Carpenter was named as the first international recipient of the global success award, which recognises artists with "phenomenal global sales". Reuters
Voice of America
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Voice of America
Singer Charli XCX wins top prizes at BRIT Awards
Singer Charli XCX, whose album Brat inspired a cultural phenomenon last summer, was the big winner at the BRIT Awards, Britain's pop music honors, in London on Saturday, picking up five prizes. Brat, which inspired fans to film themselves dancing to its tracks and whose lime green cover look was adopted by U.S. presidential hopeful Kamala Harris' campaign on social media after the singer referenced her in a post, won the coveted album of the year category. Charli XCX, who had led nominations, was also named artist of the year and best dance act. Her single Guess, featuring Billie Eilish, won song of the year, beating tracks including the Beatles' Now and Then. The 32-year-old pop star won her first BRIT, songwriter of the year, earlier this week. "I've always felt like an outsider in the industry but particularly in the British music industry and so it feels really nice to be recognized on this album," she said as she received the album of the year award. "I would just like to share this with all artists who have ever felt that they need to compromise to be recognized and to have their moment in the sun because I think I'm living proof that maybe it takes a long time, but ... you don't need to compromise your vision." Jazz quintet Ezra Collective was named group of the year. "This moment right here is because of the great youth clubs and great teachers and the great schools that support young people playing music," drummer Femi Koleoso said in one of several of the night's acceptance speeches that called for more support for young musicians and grassroots venues. U.S. singer Chappell Roan won international artist of the year while her track Good Luck, Babe! won international song of the year. Espresso singer Sabrina Carpenter was named as the first international recipient of the global success award, which recognizes artists with "phenomenal global sales," following in the footsteps of One Direction, Adele, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith. The ceremony also featured a tribute dedicated to late One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died in October after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band, one of the most popular of all time.
