Writers in Singapore issue collective statement denouncing NLB’s ‘uncritical endorsement of generative AI’

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The members requested that NLB adjust its policies and programs in light of concerns raised by intellectual house, the psychological impact of relational AI, the quality of AI-generated plays, and the environmental impact.

Additionally, they requested that NLB hold an open dialogue with Singapore’s artistic elite to discuss AI issues.

” We trust that you will remember this important part you play in our culture, and spend wisely in policies that may enrich, not oppress, our literary tradition”.

CNA Lifestyle has reached out to NLB for feedback.

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Red-level air pollution blankets most of Thailand

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Vehicles queue near a school amid thick smog in Muang district of Samut Prakan on Wednesday morning.
In the Muang city of Samut Prakan on Wednesday morning, vehicles line up close to a school in the middle of the dense smog.

Only seven of Thailand’s 77 regions had safe air to breathe, and on Wednesday morning, most regions, including the money, were covered in red, dangerous fine sand.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency ( Gistda ) reported at 8am on Wednesday that 39 provinces were shrouded with “red” hazardous-to-health levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter ( PM2.5 ).

The PM2.5 rates ranged from 76.5 to 143.1 microgrammes per square inch of weather over the past 24 hrs. The highest level was in Samut Sakhon province, followed by 133.2µg/m ³ in Pathum Thani, 129.4µg/m ³ in Bangkok, 128.6µg/m ³ in Nonthaburi and 125µg/m ³ in Ayutthaya.

Other regions facing the purple levels of dust, in a descending purchase, were Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Suphan Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi, Chaiyaphum, Prachin Buri, Phetchabun, Phichit, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Maha Sarakham, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, Kamphaeng Phet, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Loey and Buri Ram.

The government-set secure level is 3.7.5µg/m³.

Orange levels of PM2.5, which are the leves of fine particles that began to affect health, were present in 31 provinces. The rates ranged from 41.7 to 73.4µg/m³.

In a descending attempt, the provinces were Tak, Kalasin, Chanthaburi, Surin, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Sukhothai, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Phanom, Phatthalung, Yala, Trang, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun, Phuket, Songkhla, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Uttaradit, Trat, Bueng Kan, Krabi, Nan, Lamphun, Phrae, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga and Lampang.

Safe PM2.5 levels ranging 21.2 to 36.4µg/m ³ were in Phayao, Ranong, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son which recorded the lowest level.

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Red-level air pollution blankets most of the country

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Vehicles queue near a school amid thick smog in Muang district of Samut Prakan on Wednesday morning.
In the Muang region of Samut Prakan on Wednesday morning, vehicles line up close to a school in the middle of the dense haze.

Only seven out of Thailand’s 77 provinces had safe air to breathe, and most provinces, including the money, were blanketed with crimson levels of toxic fine sand on Wednesday night.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency ( Gistda ) reported at 8am on Wednesday that 39 provinces were shrouded with “red” hazardous-to-health levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter ( PM2.5 ).

The PM2.5 rates ranged from 76.5 to 143.1 microgrammes per square inch of weather over the past 24 hrs. The highest level was in Samut Sakhon province, followed by 133.2µg/m ³ in Pathum Thani, 129.4µg/m ³ in Bangkok, 128.6µg/m ³ in Nonthaburi and 125µg/m ³ in Ayutthaya.

Other regions facing the purple levels of dust, in a descending purchase, were Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Suphan Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi, Chaiyaphum, Prachin Buri, Phetchabun, Phichit, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Maha Sarakham, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, Kamphaeng Phet, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Loey and Buri Ram.

The government-set secure level is 3.7.5µg/m³.

Orange levels of PM2.5, which are the leves of fine dust that began to affect health, were present in 31 provinces. The rates ranged from 41.7 to 73.4µg/m³.

In a descending attempt, the counties were Tak, Kalasin, Chanthaburi, Surin, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Sukhothai, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Phanom, Phatthalung, Yala, Trang, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun, Phuket, Songkhla, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Uttaradit, Trat, Bueng Kan, Krabi, Nan, Lamphun, Phrae, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga and Lampang.

Safe PM2.5 levels ranging 21.2 to 36.4µg/m ³ were in Phayao, Ranong, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son which recorded the lowest level.

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Maid to claim trial to rash act in death of 4-year-old girl hit by car in River Valley

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An Indonesian girl will go on trial for the fatal crash that left a four-year-old girl in River Valley after she was allegedly causing severe harm by a rash act.

Lilyana Eva, 32 ,’s attorney informed a district court on Wednesday ( Jan 8 ) that she would not be entering a guilty plea.

Lilyana was accused of the impulsive act on November 6, 2024, just before 5 p.m. on January 23, 2024.

She is accused of taking her along Institution Hill at an unsigned bridge without holding onto her, failing to ensure the protection of Zara Mei Orlic.

The child reportedly ran across the road and was struck by a car as a result, causing severe injuries.

The 40-year-old American woman’s vehicle collided with Zara in the next lane and ran over her knee and mind.

Zara was taken to the hospital but died later that evening of brain injury, a sheriff’s investigation found in July 2024.

The visitors police conducted an investigation to discover that the vehicle was not moving at a rapid speed and that Zara had just appeared in in-vehicle images for one second prior to the incident.

As Zara was merely 100cm high, she was very little to be seen by the driver.

The accident” a timely reminder to caretakers of younger kids of the importance of road security,” the prosecutor said.

He claimed that young children are prone to make fast activities and do not understand the road accidents.

The coroner added that the young children’s natural build, according to the case, allowed them to be obscured by other vehicles or near objects.

On Wednesday, Lilyana’s attorney Ms Lolita Andrew requested a pre-trial event date and was given one on Jan 31.

Lilyana remains out on bail of S$ 15, 000 ( US$ 11, 000 ).

A impulsive act that causes severe harm can result in a prison term of up to four years, a fine of up to S$ 10,000, or both.

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PM dismisses reshuffle talk

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PUBLISHED: 8 Jan 2025 at 08: 07

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the Cabinet take a group photo at the lawn area in front of the Thai Khu Fa building at Government House in September last year. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
In September of last year, the Cabinet and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took a group photo in front of the Thai Khu Fa tower. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister, refuted rumors that she has considered a government change.

The prime minister responded to rumors that some ministers would be ousted from the state as part of a planned cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday by responding to press inquiries.

Ms. Paetongtarn claimed she had not considered reshuffle the case at this time. She said she intends to schedule a meeting with her officials to learn about their problems and receive changes on the government’s progress.

She stated that she would immediately send offers for discussions to these ministers. She stated that she wanted to meet with two officials this month, but she did not specify which officials those officials would be.

In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul responded to questions from the internet regarding a New Year’s Eve meeting with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra about social issues.

Mr. Anutin, the interior minister, claimed that they did not discuss politicians and that their purpose was to only pay respects and change New Year’s desires with a senior official.

When questioned about whether Thaksin had given any advice on the operation of the state, he said that no work-related issues were raised. When questioned about whether or not the current political situation was being discussed, he claimed Thaksin had not raised like issues.

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Chinese Communist Party’s grip on power is increasingly insecure – Asia Times

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On December 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his annual televised fresh time target, and critics have been quick to offer their interpretations. Some have questioned Xi’s passing mention of Taiwan’s hazard of the Chinese reunification. People have focused on Xi’s remarks about China’s business, framing them as a fearful effect to Donald Trump’s election as US leader.

However, these addresses miss the bigger picture. The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP)’s ) grip on power is becoming more and more insecure, according to Xi’s new year address. This uncertainty is obvious in how Xi’s feedback, supported by the group’s control of Taiwanese media, attempted to tease the Chinese people.

The main focus of Xi’s speech was on China’s economic victory. He stressed that the Chinese economy is thriving, and explained that China’s total GDP is soon expected to surpass 130 trillion yuan ($ 17.7 trillion ). Over the past twelve months, GDP has increased by 4.9 %, or equivalent.

This has been taken a step further by studies on Xi’s speech in the Chinese internet. China Daily, the official CCP-owned paper that is often used to connect the group’s location to the Chinese people, praised Xi’s “heartening conversation” and stressed the hugeness of China’s “remarkable” growth rate. Other developed economy struggled to regular levels of 1.5 %, according to an article published on January 1.

The reality that China’s economic growth has slowed, falling from 5.2 % in 2023, is not included in the good economic criticism of Xi’s target. Although the growth rate of 4.9 % is amazing in comparison to other developed nations, it is unsatisfactory given the pace of Chinese economic progress. In the 2000s, China’s GDP increased by about 13 %, surpassing its annual growth rates of over 10 %.

One time ago, in his 2024 handle, Xi acknowledged the problems facing the Chinese market. He promised financial reforms that would reduce youth unemployment, promote job creation, and boost growth. However, despite these initiatives, China’s economic growth continues to decrease and youth unemployment remains high.

Gaslighting the Taiwanese citizens

It may be difficult to comprehend why Xi and the CCP acknowledged financial problems when China’s expansion rate was higher and celebrated financial success when progress had slowed. But it makes sense when considered through the glass of “goal-shifting” – an action that goes beyond the good flip governments put on their country’s economic efficiency.

Goal-shifting is a form of social gaslighting, in which an established purpose is” shifted” to one that is easier to achieve. This results in a presentation of an undesirable outcome as an accomplishment by the new goal’s normal by the original goal’s standard.

If we take China’s 2024 GDP growth of 4.9 % as the results, it can be viewed negatively in comparison with China’s 5.2 % rise in 2023. China’s 2024 expansion rate can be described as “remarkable” in the context of China shifting the purpose to China having higher GDP growth than other developed markets, a miracle that was never really in doubt.

The CCP appears to be using its influence and control to highlight the financial information of Xi’s speech in Chinese internet. By undermining China’s financial objectives and downplaying the struggling economy, it is gaslighting the Taiwanese people. The CCP is framing the comparative strength of Taiwanese development as a result of the party’s financial management at the same time.

The CCP has relied on the twin pillars of populism and finance to defend the validity of its state since the 1980s. Financially, its validity was upheld by decades of high rise, which has lifted more than 800 million people in China out of poverty. But, with rise slowing over the past century, the CCP has pivoted towards a reliance on populism.

The CCP and China’s patriotic activity have a symbiotic relationship. Republican tasks like those involving historical societies, patriotic statues, and museums are supported by the CCP. Nationalist organizations have a vested interest in backing the CCP as a result.

But, this connection is harmful to the CCP in the long term. The CCP may impose restrictions on republican organizations without jeopardizing its own nationalist standing. Republican groups have acted in ways that go against the CCP’s desires, including starting cyberattacks both domestically and internationally.

The twin-pillar type the CCP has relied on for centuries is faltering. In his earlier new year target, Xi took the extraordinary step of acknowledging China’s financial challenges. The CCP attempted to use the financial foundation by betting on a reverse of economic wealth in 2024, afraid to mix nationalist sentiment. This turnaround failed to materialize.

The CCP has become extremely insecure, but Xi’s 2025 new year target adjusted the objectives for judging China’s financial performance. Meanwhile, the party encouraged reporting that supported Xi’s address, spinning China’s slowing growth and worsening economic woes as a “remarkable” economic achievement.

At the University of Essex, Lewis Eves lectures on government and international relations.

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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This Singapore femtech start-up created a home saliva test for women to track hormone changes in perimenopause

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The 42-year-old said,” We’re very blessed in Singapore because we have several options for doctors, but I saw all sorts – conventional doctors as well as herbal and TCM practitioners.”

” I found a veterinarian in Singapore who took my specimens to a US labs.” I spent thousands of dollars on this approach, and at the conclusion, I only received a piece of paper with a number that read “perimenopause.”

” Evidently, I freaked out as I had never heard of this term, I thought it was the end of the line,” she added.

Hurtado’s veterinarian built a strategy for her, involving” diet, intake and exercise”. She lost 8kg in eight months and found the entire procedure an” eye-opener”. She also looked online for changes regarding the term “perimenopause” and discovered that it wasn’t frequently discussed.

She had previously worked for Adidas APAC for ten years, where her main responsibilities were process optimization and trend analysis, but she instantly wondered what could be done to make this scenario better for women. Making a change through innovation was one option.

Giving A MUCH CRITICAL SHIFTS PICTURE

At the time, Hurtado was employed by a nearby women’s health company, and she became connected to her co-founder, Dr. Sarita Kumble, a chemist in her early fifties who had had her fair share of perimenopause issues. Dr. Kumble was born and raised in the United States.

She told me that she would be in the middle of her innings and that she would suddenly start to get hot flushes, which no one would know because she was the only woman in the room, according to Hurtado.

She argued that as older people, we should be able to assist the next generation of people.” She wanted to make it better for people.

The two girls created a list of skilled professionals with whom they wanted to collaborate. One of them was past world champion athlete Joe Dunbar, a professor in London and expert in saliva testing, who primarily works with high-performance sportsmen.

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