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South China Morning Post
30-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Teochew diaspora has a role to play amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Gaginang – Teochew for 'our own people' – is how we Teochew or Chiu Chow people refer to ourselves. Originally from the Chaoshan region of China, we are now a global diaspora, with many living in Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Our presence in the region is not new; much of the migration stretches back over generations. Teochew contributions have shaped the histories of our adopted homes. One of Thailand's most beloved kings, Taksin , had a Teochew father. Hong Kong's Li Ka-shing, once the richest man in Asia, is Teochew. Across many countries, Teochew have shown deep national loyalty. I was born in the United States to Teochew-Cambodian refugees. Like many minority groups, we hold complex views of our home country. The US has its flaws – particularly now, with its more aggressive foreign policy under the Trump administration. Still, I am proud of the country's historical strides in civil rights and social progress. As a former US federal employee, I took seriously the responsibility of public service. Yet my Teochew identity remains central. When gaginang meet, especially by chance, there is a special excitement. Our dialect is rare and, some would say, fading. The older generation keeps tradition alive through formal Teochew associations. The younger generation stays connected online, often informally but with no less enthusiasm. Many of us also share memories of hardship. In Cambodia, Teochew were targeted during the genocide. In Indonesia, many suffered during anti-Chinese riots . These experiences connect us deeply through stories of survival and resilience.
Euronews
25-06-2025
- Euronews
Fact-checking claims about the 'panther' on the loose in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has been on high alert in recent days following the alleged sighting of a large black cat or "panther" in the eastern city of Shumen. Authorities began searching for the animal after a video appeared on social media showing a black silhouette with a tail roaming a park near the Monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State. Paw prints and the remains of prey were also reportedly spotted near the monument. Such big cats generally feed off animals like rodents and deer and while there have been reported wild black cat attacks on humans in Europe before, they are unverified. Regardless, the situation in Bulgaria has prompted a stream of images, memes and dubious claims online worthy of debunking. To begin with, yes, Bulgarian authorities really do suspect that a large, black cat is on the loose. According to Euronews' Bulgarian service, regional police in Shumen have warned against visiting the park where the animal was reportedly seen. The head of Bulgaria's Central Balkan National Park also said it has enlisted the help of the hunting sector and experts from South Africa as authorities continue their search. The investigation has sparked a number of uncaptioned photos of the alleged panther to be posted online in relation to the story, but most of these are just generic stock images of a large black cat used for illustrative purposes in news reports. Another video has since emerged, allegedly showing either the much younger animal wandering around the Bulgarian countryside two years ago, or another large black cat entirely. However, EuroVerify spoke to big cat experts who said that it's more likely a domestic cat in this video, because big cats typically have larger heads and longer tails. "There are large cat breeds such as a Maine Coons which can reach 6-10kg and stand 40cm tall and reach almost a metre in length," said Dr Tara Pirie, lecturer in ecology and conversation at the University of Surrey. "If it were a big cat, I would be looking for a long, sleek tail and relatively large head." "I would recommend to people, if they do find a big cat, to give it space, and do not approach it," she added. "If they are able to go to where the animal was a while after it leaves and take a number of pictures of the tracks with something for a measurement reference in the picture, that could help with the ID." The animal has also sparked numerous AI-generated images to go viral on social media, depicting a black cat exploring Shumen, taking selfies and trying local food, but these are typically easy to identify. When considering the search for the animal in general, experts said that it's possible that it escaped from captivity, backing police suspicions that it ran away from an illegal, private zoo owned by organised crime figures. The hypothesis lines up with similar cases in other European countries in recent years. Some wild big cat sightings in the likes of the UK and Spain ended up being likely exotic pet escapes, while occurrences in the Netherlands and Germany turned out to be other misidentified animals. Four lynx were spotted in the Scottish Highlands in January, with authorities stating at the time that they believed they had been illegally released into the wild due to their tameness and straw bedding that had been left nearby. Experts in Spain, meanwhile, said that a big cat supposedly spotted in Guadalajara in 2018 was likely from an illegal private collection. In 2023, German officials called off their search for a suspected lioness on the loose in Berlin after concluding that the animal that had been seen was most likely a wild boar.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The full list of Welsh people recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025
The full list of Welsh people recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 More than 70 people from Wales have been recognised for their contributions to their community and country in the King's Birthday Honours list Oliver Sykes, children's author and lead artist and producer for Stories of Care, who has been made an MBE for services to Access to the Arts for Underprivileged Young People (Image: PA ) More than 70 people from Wales who have made significant contributions to their community and country are being recognised in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2025. A total of 1,215 recipients have been honoured for their extraordinary accomplishments, with a special emphasis this year on those dedicated to public service. This year's honourees include committed community leaders, sporting role models, innovators in the arts, devoted health workers, and advocates for youth. Welsh recipients constitute 6% of the total number of people receiving honours this year. Notable Welsh recipients include Cardiff-born rugby league legend Billy Boston, who becomes a Sir, and Llanelli-born billionaire Doug Perkins, who along with his wife founded Specsavers in 1984. After the honours were confirmed, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country. "From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.' The secretary of state for Wales, Jo Stevens, added: "Huge congratulations to the incredible individuals from Wales who have been recognised in The King's Birthday Honours List. Article continues below 'Each award recipient has demonstrated dedication, passion, and commitment to their communities, making significant contributions that resonate far and wide. 'Your work in supporting vulnerable people, championing the arts, increasing access to sport and improving lives in countless ways, serves as an inspiration to all. Thank you for your exceptional service.' One person to have been recognised is 42-year-old old Sabrina Cresswell. She has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the community in Cwmbran. Sabrina Cresswell (Image: TastyNot WastyCIC ) She is the founder and driving force behind the success of Tasty Not Wasty, an organisation that collects surplus food from different supermarket outlets and prepares nutritious meals for take away at low cost, using a network of committed volunteers. Sabrina coordinates crisis food provision across Torfaen during the Christmas season and ensures that individuals and families facing hardship can access essential support during this critical time. She also organises a Christmas lunch for isolated and food-insecure residents, offering them not only a warm meal but also companionship and festive cheer on Christmas Day. In addition to Tasty Not Wasty, she has set up arts and crafts sessions working with volunteers and linking with community services. Some of the volunteers at Tasty Not Wasty, an organisation set up by Sabrina Cresswell (Image: TastyNot WastyCIC ) 'I was very excited to have been nominated and very happy when I received the call to say I was going to be recognised,' said Sabrina. 'Our volunteers have put a lot of effort into Tasty Not Wasty and it has grown into something really amazing for the community. 'I was doing things to help out during the first Covid lockdown and realised that it was becoming a bit of a thing, so in August 2020 I asked the community to come up with a name and then I registered it and it became a Community Interest Company. 'I had a five-year plan but at no point did I ever think it was going to go anywhere other than helping out people in Cwmbran and wider afield in Torfaen.' Another person to have been awarded a BEM is Karen Irene Morgan, the National Lymphoedema Education and Research Lead at Lymphoedema Wales, based in Cimla Hospital in Neath. Lymphoedema nurse Karen Irene Morgan (Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board ) "I was and still am very shocked and emotional about receiving the notification about this prestigious award," she said. 'I have worked within SBUHB since I first qualified as a nurse in 1989 and as you know the National Lymphoedema Team are hosted by the health board. 'I am very proud of the health board so to raise its profile and that of Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network (LWCN) is amazing.' Other notable recipients from across Wales include: Oliver Sykes , who receives an MBE for services to Access to the Arts for Underprivileged Young People. His work leading the Stories for Care programme has empowered over 5000 young people from low income backgrounds, and given them access to literary works not normally available to them. , who receives an MBE for services to Access to the Arts for Underprivileged Young People. His work leading the Stories for Care programme has empowered over 5000 young people from low income backgrounds, and given them access to literary works not normally available to them. Muriel Morgan , who receives an MBE for services to the community in Wrexham. At the age of 88 years old she has only recently retired from her 50 year career in the Royal Voluntary Service. During her time in RVS she coordinated volunteer drivers to take elderly and vulnerable people to medical appointments they might not otherwise be able to make. She worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure the service was maintained and that even in one of the most challenging times for the service, their service users were still able to attend critical medical appointments. , who receives an MBE for services to the community in Wrexham. At the age of 88 years old she has only recently retired from her 50 year career in the Royal Voluntary Service. During her time in RVS she coordinated volunteer drivers to take elderly and vulnerable people to medical appointments they might not otherwise be able to make. She worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure the service was maintained and that even in one of the most challenging times for the service, their service users were still able to attend critical medical appointments. Modupeola Obilanade is awarded an MBE for services to the community in Newport. Her work leading the St Pauls Clinic has transformed the clinic into a beacon of hope in the community, during her time running the clinic, she has launched multiple community health initiatives focusing on preventative care and chronic pain management. In her spare time she continues to work for charities, providing free medical consultations and health advice to those most in need. Below is a full list of Welsh people who have been recognised in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours 2025: Knights Bachelor: William John Boston MBE, for services to Rugby League Football The Rt. Hon. Mark Richard Tami MP, Member of Parliament for Alyn and Deeside, for Political and Public Service CBE: Professor Meriel Evelyn Mary Jenney, Paediatric Oncologist, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, for services to Cancer Treatment and to Research in Children and Young People (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Douglas John David Perkins, co-founder and chair of Specsavers, for services to Business and Trade (originally from Llanelli) OBE: Professor David Vincent Ford, Professor of Informatics, Swansea University, for services to Social Science (Swansea, West Glamorgan) Susan Ann Horne MBE, Lately Head of Space Exploration, UK Space Agency, for services to Space Exploration (Swansea, West Glamorgan) Mohammed Umar Hussain MBE, Police Staff, Chief Finance Officer, South Wales Police, for services to Policing (Newport, Gwent) David Wyndham Lewis, Founder, Young Voices, for services to Music (Haverfordwest, Dyfed) Lynne Mills Cluster Manager, Criminal Courts, HM Courts and Tribunals Service Wales, for Public Service (Newport, Gwent) Professor Brian Morgan, Director of the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University, for services to the Welsh Economy (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Ian Price Director, Confederation of British Industry, Wales, for services to Business and to Charity (Swansea, West Glamorgan) Ruth Elizabeth Taylor, for services to Victims and Survivors of Domestic Abuse (Cowbridge South Glamorgan) Professor Iain Stuart Whitaker, Professor of Plastic Surgery, Swansea University Medical School and the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, for services to Plastic Surgery (Swansea, West Glamorgan) MBE: Steven John Amor, Lately Watch Manager, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, for services to the community in Mid Wales (Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys) Iain Keith Ashcroft, Operations Officer, North Wales Mountain Rescue Association, for services to Mountain Rescue (Mold, Clwyd) Rebecca Denise Ashcroft, Chair, North East Wales Search and Rescue, for services to Mountain Rescue (Mold, Clwyd) Ann Elizabeth Atkinson Sharp, Opera Singer and Artistic Director, North Wales International Festival, for services to Music (Corwen, Clwyd) Dr Ian Bowler, Chair and Clinical Lead, Medserve Wales, for services to National Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Paul Bromwell, Founder, Valley Veterans, for services to Veterans and to Vulnerable People (Pentre, Mid Glamorgan) Anwen Butten, for services to Lawn Bowls, to Cancer Care and to the community in Wales (Lampeter, Dyfed) Christopher Norman Davies, for services to Running and to Health and Wellbeing (Newport, Gwent) Louise Margaret Harries, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tramshed Tech, for services to Digital Entrepreneurship (Cowbridge, South Glamorgan) Riazul Hassan, Head of Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, Welsh Government, for services to Community Relations and the Vision of a Racism-free Wales (Swansea, West Glamorgan) Dr Roger Lloyd Morris, Lately General Practitioner, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, for services to Healthcare, to Charity and to the community in Cardiff (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Dr Modupeola Obilanade, Principal General Practitioner, St Paul's Clinic, Newport, for services to the community in Newport, Wales (Newport, Gwent) Michael Charles Parry Head of Analysis, TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit, South Wales Police, for services to Policing (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan) Dr Glen Peters Eco Entrepreneur, for services to Green Energy and Eco Housing (Cardigan, Dyfed) Victoria Poole, Lately Deputy Chief Inspector, Care Inspectorate Wales, Welsh Government, for Public Service to Social Care (Prestatyn, Clwyd) Dr Alastair John Roeves, Lately National Clinical Lead for Primary Care and Community Services for Wales, NHS Wales Executive, for services to Healthcare (Dinas Powys, South Glamorgan) Dr Tracey Fiona Sandom, Lately Chair, British Association of Dental Therapists, for services to Dental Therapy and to the NHS in Wales (Amlwch, Gwynedd) John Trevor Scott, Lately Chair, South East Wales Branch, Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, for services to Veterans (Abergavenny, Gwent) Kelvin Eusabio Shorte, Deputy Director, Individual and Small Business Compliance, HM Revenue and Customs, for Public Service (Cardiff, South Glamorgan) Peter Clive Stanley, Senior Specialist Advisor on Abandoned Mines, Natural Resources Wales, for services to Geoscience and Metal Mines (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan) Oliver James Sykes, Children's Author and Lead Artist and Producer, Stories of Care, for services to Access to the Arts for Underprivileged Young People (Denbigh, Clwyd) Clive Edward Thomas, Assistant Head of Estates Wales and the West Midlands, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, for services to Defence and to Reservist Troops (Brecon, Powys) Shaun Edward Tobin, Race Director, Richard Burton 10K, for services to the community in Afan Valley, West Glamorgan (Port Talbot, West Glamorgan) Annette Ware, Volunteer and Trustee, The Samaritans, for services to the Samaritans (Newport, Gwent) Article continues below BEM:
Fashion Value Chain
10-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
RenaissThera Achieves Discovery Milestone in Its Oral Obesity Drug Program
RenaissThera Private Limited ('RenaissThera'), a Bengaluru-based biotechnology company, announced a major milestone in its obesity drug discovery program targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). GIPR, an incretin receptor, is a validated target for peptide-based parenteral therapies where both stimulation and inhibition has shown efficacy in treating obesity and its co-morbidities. RenaissThera is developing novel, oral small molecules, both agonists and antagonists, as a more affordable and convenient alternative aiming to expand access for underserved populations in the global obesity market projected to reach USD 38 billion by 2032. Oral small molecules are more economical to manufacture and distribute than peptide-based obesity drugs. These molecules were designed and screened using proprietary AI and ML based platforms, followed by demonstrating in-vitro activity in cell lines and in-vivo activity to impact GIPR in mice to yield 'Hits'. RenaissThera now is advancing these Hits to the Lead optimization program to select candidates for pre-IND studies. RenaissThera is filing 'Composition of Matter' and utility patents for these oral novel small molecule GIPR modulators and continues to expand its innovation portfolio targeting GIP, GLP-1, and apelin receptors in obesity and diabetes. Its AI-powered Innovation Platform, integrating GenAI and machine learning tools, is accelerating the design and optimization of novel small molecules. 'We are grateful to our investors and collaborators for supporting us in reaching this milestone. Our team is focused on pushing candidates toward IND-readiness next year and we are in active discussions with potential pharma partners and investors interested in our obesity program,' said Dr. Ramkesh Meena, MD, CEO of RenaissThera. RenaissThera's progress was enabled through its collaboration with VedTechBio Research Private Limited which enabled access to its Agentic AI platform RxAgentAI and discovery expertise. 'We are very pleased with the outcomes of our collaboration with RenaissThera. This milestone further validates our platform and capabilities across key therapeutic areas including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, oncology, and inflammation,' said VedTechBio's Managing Director Sudhir Nagarajan. About RenaissThera RenaissThera is a Bengaluru-based biotech company developing affordable, AI-powered novel small-molecule therapies for high-unmet-need diseases like obesity and diabetes. Its goal is to innovate for underserved populations and expand global access to novel therapies. It leverages Indias CRO ecosystem for early-stage R&D to deliver globally relevant innovation. For more information
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RenaissThera Achieves Discovery Milestone in Its Oral Obesity Drug Program
BENGALURU, India, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RenaissThera Private Limited ('RenaissThera'), a Bengaluru-based biotechnology company, announced a major milestone in its obesity drug discovery program targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). GIPR, an incretin receptor, is a validated target for peptide-based parenteral therapies where both stimulation and inhibition has shown efficacy in treating obesity and its co-morbidities. RenaissThera is developing novel, oral small molecules, both agonists and antagonists, as a more affordable and convenient alternative aiming to expand access for underserved populations in the global obesity market projected to reach USD 38 billion by 2032. Oral small molecules are more economical to manufacture and distribute than peptide-based obesity drugs. These molecules were designed and screened using proprietary AI and ML based platforms, followed by demonstrating in-vitro activity in cell lines and in-vivo activity to impact GIPR in mice to yield 'Hits'. RenaissThera now is advancing these Hits to the Lead optimization program to select candidates for pre-IND studies. RenaissThera is filing 'Composition of Matter' and utility patents for these oral novel small molecule GIPR modulators and continues to expand its innovation portfolio targeting GIP, GLP-1, and apelin receptors in obesity and diabetes. Its AI-powered Innovation Platform, integrating GenAI and machine learning tools, is accelerating the design and optimization of novel small molecules. 'We are grateful to our investors and collaborators for supporting us in reaching this milestone. Our team is focused on pushing candidates toward IND-readiness next year and we are in active discussions with potential pharma partners and investors interested in our obesity program,' said Meena, MD, CEO of RenaissThera. RenaissThera's progress was enabled through its collaboration with VedTechBio Research Private Limited which enabled access to its Agentic AI platform RxAgentAI and discovery expertise. 'We are very pleased with the outcomes of our collaboration with RenaissThera. This milestone further validates our platform and capabilities across key therapeutic areas including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, oncology, and inflammation,' said VedTechBio's Managing Director Sudhir Nagarajan. About RenaissThera RenaissThera is a Bengaluru-based biotech company developing affordable, AI-powered novel small-molecule therapies for high-unmet-need diseases like obesity and diabetes. Its goal is to innovate for underserved populations and expand global access to novel therapies. It leverages India's CRO ecosystem for early-stage R&D to deliver globally relevant innovation. For more information Please contact: Media: Lakshmi Ramakrishna lramakrishna@ Investor & Partnership: Ramkesh Meena bd@
