Latest news with #YB
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
SNP's 2026 candidates 'ignore' Scottish independence campaigners
Yes Berwickshire sent a letter to every sitting MSP as well as every prospective candidate for the party on Monday, May 19, titled 'together for independence'. The group believe 'a lot of Yes groups are raring to go but are looking for a lead', writing in the letter that there are 'thousands of us out here who are not SNP members but are passionate about Scotland's independence and are more than willing to lend a hand and work hard' as part of the 2026 campaign. The group were invited to a recent Berwickshire SNP branch meeting and local candidate, John Redpath, is coming to the next Yes Berwickshire meeting. READ MORE: Scottish Government 'will need to find extra £2bn to foot welfare bill', experts say However, to date, just four sitting MSPs have replied to the "call for unity". From the list of 2026 candidates, just one other than Redpath has responded – after The National questioned them on their lack of reply. One member of Yes Berwickshire said there was 'only one conclusion to be drawn". 'There's an arrogance about it to me to not even get a reply from so many folk – as if we don't have a contribution to make,' they added. Yes Berwickshire has recently joined the coalition titled 'Liberate Scotland'. Indy4Indy, ISP, Salvo, Scottish Sovereign Research Group, and Independence Forum Scotland have all signed up to come under the umbrella. The letter sent to SNP MSPs and candidates states: 'As we are now less than 12 months until the 2026 Holyrood elections, we at Yes Berwickshire (YB) are gearing up to a period of much more regular activity in pursuit of Scottish independence. "For the last 16 years YB have been active with street stalls, extensive leafleting, bridge events, letters to the local and national press and more general activity and support for the cause of independence. YB has some members from political parties, but most do not belong to any party but are passionate about fighting for independence. 'YB have approached the local SNP branch and intend also to contact Alba, the Greens, and any other organisation promoting independence in Berwickshire with a view to pooling our resources in the hope of creating a more cohesive and organised campaign in our area. "With such a large and sparsely populated area, cutting down on double or treble campaign coverage by different parties seems a sensible way forward. We have had a very good response from the local SNP and joint meetings are proposed for the near future. READ MORE: Labour minister backs down after comparing Reform and parts of media to Nazis 'While we here hope to make progress for a united, co-ordinated and most importantly of all, effective, campaign here in Berwickshire there seems to be a marked reluctance by the SNP at national and Holyrood level to unite behind an all-encompassing campaign for independence – is this the case? 'It seems to us in Yes Berwickshire absolutely obvious that if we are to deliver an independence-supporting majority in large and un-challengeable numbers the first and most important thing, we need is a united, unified, co-ordinated and effective campaign. The most important of those characteristics is united – we need aw oor mitts tae the pump as they say. 'Is the SNP, nationally, willing to be part of, and indeed lead, that united campaign? There are thousands of us out here who are not SNP members but are passionate about Scotland's Independence and are more than willing to lend a hand and work hard for our independent, free at last, future.' The SNP have been contacted for comment.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Syed Saddiq, Bella friendship shines as MP gets eye surgery
KUALA LUMPUR: Muar Member of Parliament, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, is once again in the spotlight after undergoing LASIK treatment for his vision problems. In an Instagram post shared earlier today by his close friend Bella Astillah, the 32-year-old politician was seen preparing for the procedure, dressed in a surgical gown and hair cap. In the caption, Bella, 31, wrote: "Someone's about to start seeing life in 4K, so goodbye glasses!" The post quickly garnered significant attention from netizens, who flooded the comment section with words of encouragement and prayers. It received nearly 60,000 likes and over 800 comments. Many expressed their anticipation for the former Minister of Youth and Sports' new look without glasses. Among the comments, one user wrote: "The first person YB will see after the LASIK procedure must be Bella, right?" Another added: "How lucky for YB, even when going for LASIK treatment, he's accompanied by 'someone'." The two personalities continue to capture public interest and have been affectionately dubbed "BASS" by netizens. Their friendship developed after they collaborated as ambassadors for a local clothing brand. Despite their frequent public appearances together, neither Syed Saddiq nor Bella has confirmed the nature of their relationship. Bella was previously married to actor Aliff Aziz. They divorced for the second time on June 13 of last year and share two children: Ayden, 8, and Ara Adreanna, 5.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Accountants Play Critical Role In Sustainability, Says YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister Of Finance II At MIA International Accountants Conference 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- As sustainability becomes central to business strategy, accountants are increasingly vital in embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate decision-making and reporting, said YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, at the MIA International Accountants Conference 2025 (MIA Conference 2025). Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said in his keynote address, the accounting profession's advocacy for sustainability aligns closely with national priorities, such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which aim to accelerate green growth and industrial transformation.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Why some K-Pop acts, from Psy to aespa, take pay cuts for campus festivals
These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM 42PSY42/INSTAGRAM Why some K-Pop acts, from Psy to aespa, take pay cuts for campus festivals SEOUL - May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival which took place from May 14 to 16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seungyoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup from May 20 to 22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival from May 21 to 23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won (S$94,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million to 80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said on May 25. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador chief executive Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its fifth EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally. ' THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why do K-pop acts take pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'
