Latest news with #UNSDGs
The Star
3 days ago
- Science
- The Star
EDUCATING YOUTH, ENERGISING THE FUTURE
ARE lights left gleaming in empty rooms? Do devices remain plugged in long after they are charged? These are just a couple of the wasteful and habitual behaviours that many still practise today, despite the widespread shift to sustainable narratives that have become prevalent in recent years. This pervasive misuse of energy has long-term implications on the environment and society, which is why Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), in collaboration with Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), is taking proactive steps to educate the next generation to cultivate energy-efficient habits. In response, the national utility provider is reigniting the 'Powering The Future' school activation programme for its third year. It was originally launched in the Klang Valley in 2023, covering 10 schools and benefiting 890 students. The second edition saw the programme expand to the West Coast, reaching 4,545 students across 60 schools. This year, it will head to the East Coast – covering Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu – and further north to Kedah and Perlis, reaching a total of 40 schools across five states. (Seated in the fourth row) Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Star Media Group representatives with SMK Indera Shahbandar principal Jama Mat Yunus (fifth from the left) at the 'Powering The Future 3.0' school activation programme launch in Pekan, Pahang on May 7. — Photos by FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Powering The Future 3.0 Kicking off in Pahang, this year's programme will highlight and promote energy efficiency through hands-on learning modules, utilising techniques like gamification to cultivate an interactive experience for all students who take part. The official launch was held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Indera Shahbandar in Pekan on May 7, with 93 Form Three students participating in the opening programme. Powering The Future 3.0 (PTF 3.0) will feature different activities tailored to primary and secondary school students. PTF 3.0 continues to promote energy efficiency through hands-on learning modules including gamification to cultivate an interactive experience for students. Primary students will take part in new activities, including a recently introduced renewable energy (RE) model kit-building exercise aimed at cultivating energy-efficient habits from a young age. They will be tasked with assembling hydro, solar, wind and hand generator model kits in groups. In secondary schools, the programme will engage students with critical thinking exercises, promoting energy-efficient practices and smart power management through real-world home scenario simulations. Students will also be introduced to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), equipping them with the knowledge and context needed to support a sustainable future. Additionally, all participating students will receive a free one-year subscription to The Star's e-Paper. This initiative aims to encourage active reading and improve English literacy while reinforcing energy conservation awareness. The other nine participating schools in Pahang are Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Teruntum, SK Seri Biram, SK Langgar, SK Batu Tiga, SK Tanjung Batu, SMK Nenasi, SMK Seri Pekan, SMK Paloh Hinai and SMK Tok Sera. Nurturing sustainability warriors TNB, in partnership with SMG and M.A.D Movement, collaborated to develop engaging activities for the PTF 3.0 programme. The aim is to expose students to a deeper understanding of the energy sector, the current energy generation process and the need to transition to renewable energy through carefully curated and customised workshops. (Above and below) A total of 93 Form Three students from SMK Indera Shahbandar participated in the opening programme. This programme seeks to bridge the gap between the younger generation and the world of energy and sustainability, educating them on the importance of using energy efficiently and practising sustainability through an interactive, engaging, and youth-friendly approach. As the Malay proverb goes, 'melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya' (it is easier to shape youth while they are young), and TNB hopes the students will better understand how each of our actions – big or small – can bring about major changes to the environment. Through the PTF 3.0 programme, participants can aspire to be youth ambassadors in bringing about positive change for a more sustainable future by inspiring change among their families and local communities. Meanwhile, SMK Indera Shahbandar principal Jama Mat Yunus expressed his gratitude to TNB and SMG for forming this synergetic partnership to promote energy literacy. 'This programme is an excellent platform to educate and nurture a society that is more environmentally conscious. 'We hope it will be a catalyst for the development of our youth, not only as students but ultimately as members of a society we aim to shape for the future,' he said. 'Hopefully, the students sitting before me today will be able to bring about change in our school community and go on to become energy champions of the future who will contribute to the nation's well-being.' After Pahang, PTF 3.0 will move on to Kelantan and Terengganu in June, covering 10 schools in each state. The programme will then expand to Kedah and Perlis in July, covering 10 schools in total.
Malay Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Magniflex Celebrates 63rd Anniversary with New Flagship Store in HomeSquare, Shatin
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 May 2025 - On May 22, 2025, to celebrate the 63anniversary of the legendary Italian mattress brand Magniflex, the group is opening its 2store in HomeSquare, the largest one-stop home living mall in Hong Kong! This addition to Magniflex's global network of over 4,000 sales points will allow the brand to effectively provide the best sleep experience to customers throughout Hong flagship store in Hong Kong relocated to Windsor House in Causeway Bay last year and has served over 6,800 customers in Hong Kong in the past three years. The group looks forward to further enhancing its sales network after entering the New Territories, providing more convenient services and experiences for customers in different over 60 years of artisanal Italian craftsmanship in manufacturing bedding products, Magniflex Hong Kong has introduced the group's proud Stretch Mattress this year, bringing the first American Chiropractors Association (ACA) certified spinal mattress to Hong Kong, offering residents the ultimate Italian sleep is a participating company in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, committed to establishing transparent and measurable environmental improvement policies. For instance, we use solar panels to reduce carbon emissions and actively promote environmental protection. Our commitment to sustainability has earned us two important certifications: OEKO-TEX® CLASS I, guaranteeing that our products are free from harmful substances for humans and the environment; and GOTS, confirming that our Tuscany series fabrics are made from 100% organic the highest production standards, all products are 100% made in Italy and comply with regulations and requirements in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Products sold globally meet international standards, including the U.S. flammability safety standard CFR 1633, globally recognized non-toxic textile certification, and AJA EUROPE certification, ensuring the highest manufacturing group continually strives for innovation by introducing the highest technological production equipment and instruments. Magniflex® mattresses are disinfected with a special UV-C sterilization machine before leaving the factory and are then vacuum-packed using patented technology, ensuring complete prevention of bacterial and viral contact (including COVID-19) after packaging, thus maintaining the highest sanitary standards. The management system in our Italian factories complies with UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring the highest manufacturing mark the milestone of entering the 63rd year, the Italian headquarters has prepared various offers and celebratory rewards for the opening of the Hong Kong HomeSquare store, including free delivery and old mattress recycling services for orders made within the first month of opening, free mattress storage service, and various exclusive gift offers, aiming to resolve all customers' sleep-related the past few years, global turmoil and fluctuations in the Hong Kong economy have posed various challenges for our group. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to a customer-first philosophy. During wartime, we donated mattresses to conflict areas; during the pandemic, we developed antiviral mattresses to provide additional protection for customers. Through continuous technological research and innovation, we strive to bring the highest quality bedding products from Italy to the world, fulfilling our promise to offer the ultimate sleep experience for customers #Magniflex The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Magniflex Founded in 1962, Magniflex is an Italian mattress manufacturer known for its high quality and comfort, making it the largest mattress manufacturer in Italy. The Italian factory produces 10,000 mattresses daily and sells them to 99 countries and regions around the world, with all products being 100% made in Italy. The brand focuses on innovation and provides ergonomically designed mattresses, collaborating with various professional organizations and academic institutions, becoming the first mattress brand globally to be certified by the American Chiropractors Association (ACA). Magniflex Website:
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Roadmap to address vitamin D deficiency in India
India, the world's most populous country, suffers from widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with Vitamin D deficiency emerging as a silent epidemic. It affects individuals across all age groups, income groups and professions, from children, sportspersons, and outdoor workers to health care workers, leading to severe health conditions such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Beyond its health impacts, it threatens national productivity, diminishes workforce efficiency, and contributes to rising health care costs. Given this, the objective of the study is to create a roadmap to eradicate Vitamin D deficiency and help India achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, particularly SDG 3 of good health and well-being and SDG 2.2, of eradicating all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The study is based on secondary data and information analysis, systematic and meta-analysis of literature, key informant interviews (KIIs) and a stakeholder consultation. After examining the initiatives taken by international organisations, the best practises of other countries and a comprehensive review of literature on Vitamin D deficiency with a focus on its economic and health impact and the impact of policy interventions, this report presents an overview of the status of the deficiency in India, identifies the reasons behind the deficiency, examines existing policies, and makes recommendations for the Centre and states. The report presents a structured framework to address the Vitamin D deficiency, through strengthening inter-ministerial and Centre-state coordination. It presents innovative ways for affordable testing and treatment, options to scale up food fortification and Vitamin D supplementation programmes, enhance public awareness, and multi-stakeholder's engagement and collaborative partnerships to create a 'Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat'. This paper can be accessed here. This paper is authored by Arpita Mukherjee, Aashish Chaudhry, Latika Khatwani, Trishali Khanna, Pallavi Verma – ICRIER, New Delhi.
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DIFC Launches ‘1 Million Learners' Initiative to Drive Sustainability Education
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has unveiled the '1 Million Learners' initiative, aiming to educate one million individuals in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. The programme was launched during the Dubai FinTech Summit at Madinat Jumeirah as part of the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst. The initiative underscores DIFC's commitment to building a finance ecosystem rooted in environmental and social responsibility. As global economies pivot toward sustainability, the programme seeks to equip a new generation with the skills to support inclusive and future-ready growth. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the initiative highlights DIFC's belief that meaningful change begins with education. 'By working closely with our valued partners, we are making sustainability knowledge more accessible and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global sustainable transformation,' he said. The programme is backed by 28 founding partners, including global financial institutions, academic organisations, and sustainability leaders such as the CFA Institute, Mastercard, Emirates NBD, the UNDP, and Visa. Together, they aim to redefine large-scale sustainability education and ensure broad access to critical knowledge. To track and enhance the impact of the initiative, DIFC has partnered with GIST Impact, a global leader in measuring environmental and social outcomes. Using science-based frameworks aligned with the UN SDGs and other international standards, GIST Impact will assess the programme's effectiveness and guide its progress. By focusing on scalable, measurable outcomes, the '1 Million Learners' initiative is positioned to play a key role in advancing sustainability education across the region and beyond, especially in underserved communities. News Source: Emirates News Agency
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
CIMB reiterates 'Buy' on IJM Corp, citing smart IBS plant's role in sustainability push
KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Securities has reaffirmed its 'Buy' rating on IJM Corp Bhd, with an unchanged target price of RM3.26, citing the group's smart industrialised building systems (IBS) plant in Bestari Jaya as a significant contributor to its commercial and sustainability goals. CIMB Securities noted that IJM's sustainability strategy is built on four core pillars, each aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), underscoring the group's dedication to responsible and future-focused development. "In the financial year 2024 (FY24), IJM's greenhouse gas emissions data underwent independent verification in accordance with SIRIM Bhd's ISO 14064-1:2018 standards. In FY23, IJM introduced R20, the group's own climate strategy that encompasses mitigation and adaptation strategies. "Some early progress was made in FY24, with IJM's industries unit successfully replacing 13 per cent of cement content contentith non-cementitious materials," it said in a note. The smart IBS showcases a robotic-assisted precast manufacturing system and commenced production in early 2022. It is housed under IJM's 100 per cent-owned IJM IBS, part of the group's industries unit that also produces key building material products such as pretension spun high-strength concrete piles, quarry inputs, ready-mixed concrete, and scaffolding systems. The smart IBS ecosystem can produce a wide array of precast concrete products, including patterned wall panels, columns and beams, among others. "By offering the mass customisation of pre-cast concrete products that accelerate project timelines in a sustainable manner, IJM IBS's smart IBS solutions have played a pivotal role in supporting IJM's growing portfolio of advanced technology facility mandates, which includes data centres," it added.
