GEP ‘not only about academics’: Current, former students highlight small class sizes, special resources

Inquiries ON SELECTION CRITERIA, AFTER-SCHOOL Units
Kids were also concerned about the eligibility requirements. Now, Primary 3 students can choose to stay for a set of two standardized GEP testing. Under the new program, students only need to take the initial exam, which examines their English and mathematics abilities.  ,
Institutions can also identify suitable individuals – at many times between Major 4 and 6 – based on day-to-day observations, professor recommendations and their work. These testing strategies have” no fixed weighting”, MOE said.
Mrs. Tan, whose child has recently graduated from the GEP, said that the teachers ‘ knowledge of their kids plays a significant role in the changes.
What happens if a school has multiple teachers due to reasons like maternity leave?” With the assessments, it’s pretty clear cut. How does a new teacher treat the child unfairly? Does it provide space for some parents to claim against a teacher’s selection”?
Some “identifiable elements” may be important for faculty to create their observations and tips, Mrs Tan added.
Issues were also asked about the after-school units.
Kids and former GEP pupils said a swarm strategy makes sense in rationalizing training solutions, but these modules may conflict with co-curricular actions or other after-school programs that students have.
Having to travel to another class might also be a problem for some less well-to-do people, they said.
GEP WAS MORE THAN JUST Reports: EX-STUDENT
Dr Johannis Auri Abdul Aziz, a former GEP pupil, said the brilliant program was” not only about researchers”.  ,
Citing a MOE book that said the GEP even catered to” the social and emotional wants” of its individuals, he said:” In a sense, it’s not just a brilliant program. It’s even a special requires programme”.
Some previous GEP students, according to a 2005 study, struggle with coping and are viewed negatively by their non-GEP colleagues.
Recalling his time in GEP as being “both good and bad, politically speaking”, Dr Johannis said:” Children can be violent. There was a good share of admiration, as well as hatred and some amount of refusal.
The 44-year-old said,” This is why having associates with a common practice can be useful and people who are more accepting of you,” adding that he made some longstanding friends from his time in GEP.
Dr. Johannis expressed his interest in learning more about MOE’s plans to make sure the program meets the psychological and social needs of high-abilities students.
Bhumjaithai leaders accused of forest park land grab

Lawyer Pattharpong Supassorn submitted a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on Wednesday againstBhumjaithai president Anutin Charnvirakuland the party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob over their alleged involvement in land encroachment in Khao Kradong Forest Park of Buri Ram.
Mr Pattharapong, or alias An Buriram, called for a probe into the building project located on the 5, 083-rai land plot, which belongs to the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ).
Mr. Anutin is accused of being a part of a land grab in the forest park while the Chidchob family reportedly seized a parcel of land to build a football stadium and race track.
After the Department of Lands ( DoL ) surveyed all land deeds in the park, Mr. Pattharapong claimed he petitioned the NACC.
The study, which was wrapped up next week, revealed the reported invasion.
Any invasion involving a social post-holder would form an social violation punishable by a life restrictions from politics because the land is state-owned.
Mr. Pattharapong claimed that if Mr. Anutin and Mr. Chaichanok were to be re-appointed to the government positions, they do pose a threat, particularly to Mr. Anutin, who is a custodian deputy prime minister and caregiver interior minister.
Legality of People”s Party donations queried after windfall

A judge of the Constitutional Court questioned the legitimacy of the People’s Party ( PP ) launch fundraising.
After the function, in which the group managed to bring in at least 17 million ringgit in supporters ‘ gifts, Judge Udom Sittiwirattham said legitimate concerns have arisen.
The judge said at a seminar on the role of the Constitutional Court in protecting people’s rights and freedoms that it was unclear whether the PP, which was resurrected from the dissolved Move Forward Party ( MFP), was legally permitted to receive donations before it had been officially registered.
The court’s note was featured in a Twitter post by customer Tanyatorn Rojmahamongkol.
The Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party was previously known as PP. Although the PP has been requesting gifts, the rebranding has not yet been officially announced. But, it is unclear what group the contribution records were issued under.
Mr. Udom reported learning that the PP was receiving funds from an ancient bank accounts that allegedly held by the Thin Kakao Chaovaliai Party.
The prosecutor said this state needs to be verified.
The PP reported that it had submitted documents requesting the PP’s official change to the Election Commission (EC ), but the request has not yet been approved. If so, the PP’s creation will need to be made public in the Royal Gazette for the enrollment process to remain lawful.
Since its launch on August 9th, the PP has registered more than 33, 000 people and raised at least 17 million ringgit in less than a time.
The dissolved MFP’s Members took over Thin Kakao Chaovilai and changed its name to the PP.
Mr Udom said the MFP breakdown was not all bad information, given the latest funding. ” They’ve obtained thousands of ringgit in a couple of days”, the prosecutor said half-jokingly. ” Before that, the]MFP] did n’t have ]that much ] money. That’s why they might like to bless me for it”, he added.
He advised MFP followers to take a moment to indicate on the group’s future. The MFP was ordered to be disbanded on August 7 because it had allegedly attempted to overthrow the democratic king.
The judge cited the group’s proposal to amend Part 112 of the Criminal Code, or the der majeste law, during its campaign for the May 14, 2023 election, and expression of intent to alter the law through some social activities and channels.
Mr. Udom noted that the PP’s supporters had been vocal about the breakdown, but 24 hours later, when the news broke about its birth and subsequent donation channel, they were unfazed.
EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee promised last week to investigate the allegations that the PP perhaps have broken the law by operating as a party quickly pending proper identification.
He claimed that the Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party’s bank accounts might be used, but it could not collect donations in its own name without first obtaining official recognition.
10K wallet still “to proceed”
Money to be given to ‘ resilient’ first

According to a source, the Pheu Thai Party’s iconic digital wallet flyer policy will start, with funds going to be distributed in money to those who are most vulnerable second via the welfare card.
Following Srettha Thavisin’s termination as prime minister by the Constitutional Court’s order, the system, which aims to deliver 10,000 baht via a digital bag to around 50 million available Thais, hangs in the balance.
However, the source indicated the handout scheme will not be abandoned.
Instead, the scheme’s conditions will be revised to target the registered vulnerable under a budget of 122 billion baht.
The source claims that the welfare card, which was introduced during the Prayut government, can be used to distribute the handout in cash.
Caretaker Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat earlier stated that there is still a workable solution for the government’s digital wallet project, but that all steps must be completed before an official announcement can be made.
Phumtham Wechayachai, the party’s caretaker deputy prime minister, promised the organization would fulfill its election campaign promise, though the plan might be modified to fit the occasion.
Once the new cabinet is sworn in and the government releases its policy priorities to parliament, he added the details of the scheme, which is intended to stimulate the economy, would be made clear.
Additionally, newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra added that the government would” study and consider additional options” to ensure the scheme is fiscally responsible.
When speaking to parliament on Wednesday, People’s Party Deputy Leader Sirikanya Tansakul requested clarification regarding the digital wallet scheme.
It would not surprise if the government chooses to target vulnerable people and distribute cash handouts, as she noted, was suggested.
Ms. Sirikanya claimed that the government’s digital wallet handout scheme could be funded by the 2024 fiscal year budget, as the supplementary bill to increase the government’s budget by 122 billion baht had already passed parliament.
Meanwhile, all coalition partners, including the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ), have submitted their lists of ministerial candidates, and the next step is to conduct thorough background checks, according to the PM’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej.
He stated that public organizations would be urged to assist the cabinet secretariat in confirming the credentials of candidates for cabinet positions.
The lists will also be forwarded to the Royal Thai Police and the Securities and Exchange Commission, while the Council of State, the government’s legal adviser, will be consulted if any questions arise, he said.
After Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal, thorough background checks are anticipated to be conducted to ensure candidates meet the requirements and avoid any legal issues that might affect the new government.
Nobody wants another instance of what happened to Mr. Srettha, who was fired after the cabinet appointed a person with a criminal record.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Election Commission, and the State Audit Office are among the likely institutions that will be involved in evaluating the qualifications of ministerial candidates.
The candidates will be screened to make sure they do not have criminal histories, hold shares in companies or other assets that would conflict with legal or ethical standards for holding a government position, or have any prior criminal records, according to Dr. Prommin.
MoU aims to inspire youth in science and sustainability

The UN Global Compact Network Thailand ( UNGCNT ) has partnered with the National Science Museum ( NSM) to promote science, technology, and sustainable development among Thai children.
NSM director Rawin Rawiwong said both parties signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) yesterday to promote public awareness and understanding of science, technology, and sustainable development.
The MoU’s include organizing employee exchange programs, fostering knowledge exchange between scientists and technologists, and holding several different activities over the course of three years.
Through interesting activities and exhibitions, particularly in terms of presenting the concept of sustainability, Mr. Rawin said,” This collaboration aims to inspire and strengthen experiences for Thai youth.”
Youth are strong proponents for change, according to Suphachai Chearavanont, president of UNGCNT and CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, who is responsible for raising awareness of sustainability issues in society.
He said the MoU is an important strategy to help expand awareness, understanding, and preparation in science and technology. It may help ensure that no one is left behind and maintain the country is prepared for financial transitions.
UNGCNT may continue to support knowledge reform so Thai children may help push conservation, said Mr Supachai.
The Globe Vengers show will be held on Sunday at the Nonthaburi Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in collaboration with 27 part organizations and eight UN organizations.
The event showcases improvements in green systems for crops, care, food, automobiles, and travel as part of efforts to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.
Scrotum takes snake”s fancy
PUBLISHED: 22 Aug 2024 at 04: 00
NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

After sat down, a Samut Prakan person making his morning toilet visit was startled by a rapid, sharp pain in his ovaries on Wednesday.
He had been bit by a php lying in the bathroom bowl, and after that the turtle stayed securely attached to his abdomen before being able to remove it. Tanat Tangtewanon, a customer on Facebook, posted his experience as a caution to others during the pouring rain. He claimed to have awoken and used the restroom as normal, flushing it initially as he always does.
After sitting on the plate, he felt a strong, chronic pain. A reptile with its tongue firmly pressed onto his testicles appeared in the bowl as he looked into it. Alarmed, he stood away and the serpent letting go. It returned to the pitcher.
He tried to drag the serpent out of the plate, but did not have the power. Therefore, he grabbed a cleansing paint and used it to kill the creature. He called a security guard, who helped reduce the serpent.
However, he went to a doctor for a examination. Because the snake was not venomous, he received treatment for a morbidities wound, which was not serious.
Walz, Pelosi, Bill Clinton headline day three of Democratic convention
With 11 weeks left before he and his running mate Kamala Harris face Republican former president Donald Trump in the US election of 2024, Minnesota governor Tim Walz accepts the Democratic nomination for vice president on Wednesday ( Aug 21 ). Walz, 60, a military veteran, former high school teacherContinue Reading
Bangladesh to raise rates and seek assistance, says bank chief

The new central bank chief has told the BBC in an exclusive interview that Bangladesh will make a decision to increase interest rates from 8.5 % to 9 % in a day or two.
Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur promised to increase prices even further to 10 % or more in the upcoming times to tame inflation.
Bangladesh’s currency is under pressure due to remittances drying up, and social unrest has had a big impact on its exports. Soaring prices have also been a major concern.
Bangladesh was instructed by the International Monetary Fund ( IMF) to tighten its monetary policy and maintain a flexible exchange rate during the course of a$ 4.7 billion ( £3.6 billion ) bailout for the South Asian nation.
Dr. Mansur claimed to be talking about “augmenting” and “front loading” this sum by an additional$ 3 billion.
He stated that Bangladesh was also looking for an additional$ 1.5 billion from the World Bank and$ 1.3 billion from the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Charges have also been impacted by the internet blackouts and restrictions that came before the expelling of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s plan earlier this month.
Dr. Mansur, a former economist who worked for the IMF for three decades, was appointed chancellor of Bangladesh Bank by the time administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, last week.
As part of a series of governmental departures following the recent downfall of the previous state, former government Abdur Rouf Talukder and two other assistant rulers resigned.
When Dr. Mansur addressed the BBC at the main company’s office in Dhaka’s business soul, he made the point that cleaning up the nation’s banking industry was his best concern.
According to him, there has been a “designed assault of the economic technique,” which has seriously impacted businesses and the property market and the economy as a whole.
Following failures by groups allegedly linked to the ousted Awami League state, Bangladesh’s lenders have seen a drop in payments and an alarming increase in non-performing property.
The non-performing property were” only robbery of the lenders. They took the money and put it in Singapore, Dubai, London and abroad. Therefore, Dr. Mansur said the first step would be to attempt to punish those who violate the law and recover the money.
” While doing this in parallel, we will have to recreate the finance program. So we are trying to establish a Banking Commission”.
The work of this percentage will be to do a thorough assessment of the banks and suggest remedies such as change of plank, modify of management, injection of capital, or in the case of some smaller banks, mergers.
Dr. Mansur anticipates that some of Bangladesh’s Islamic banks will need between$ 30 and$ 30 billion to recapitalize them, which could in turn result in their nationalization.
” We do not want it.. but]a ] lot of loans have been incurred by these people, and they are not going to pay it back… We have to at least cover the depositors ‘ money”, he added.
The governor anticipates a sharp reduction in spending despite the ongoing economic unrest along with reforms in monetary policy from Bangladesh’s new government.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government had cut spending and lowered the country’s fiscal deficit target to 4.6 %- the lowest since 2015, according to Bloomberg.
However, there will need to be a further 9 to 10 % reduction in budgetary spending, according to Dr. Mansur,” so that more credit is made available for the private sector.”
Late last week, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, is reported to have told a gathering of diplomats that his government will undertake” comprehensive reforms” before holding the next general election.
When questioned how long until the election could be called, Dr. Mansur said it might take another three years or more.
SleekFlow secures US$7 mil with Atinum Investment to propel global expansion & AI tech innovation
- aims to complete Series B funding in the upcoming year.
- New resources may accelerate global development to SEA, Middle East &, Europe
SleekFlow, a leading Singapore-based provider of an Omnichannel Conversational AI Suite for customer engagement, has announced that it has secured US$ 7 million ( RM30 million ) in a Series A funding round led by Atinum Investment, a South Korean venture capital firm. This round brings its total funding to US$ 15 million ( RM65.5 million ).
]RM1 = US$ 0.21]
The company disclosed in a statement that this funding round also includes contributions from Moses Tsang, a former Goldman Sachs Group general partner and chairman of Goldman Sachs ( Asia ) LLC, as well as contributions from existing investors AEF Greater Bay Area Fund ( managed by Gobi Partners GBA and Transcend Capital Partners ).
It added that the fresh funds will promote the firm’s global growth strategies, including in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Additionally, the investment will be used to improve the AI technology’s ability to serve its expanding customer base around the world ( including analytics and building marketing workflows ).
” We are excited to include Atinum Investment as a corporate partner in the next stage of our development, along with shareholders with whom we have established links”, said Henson Tsai, leader &, CEO of SleekFlow. We have substantially increased our engineering work to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and advanced AI since the visit of our Chief Technology Officer, Gao Lei, a Silicon Valley senior. Gao Lei has been leading the charge in planning, implementing, and transforming SleekFlow’s systems layers, system support, and equipment to align with our company’s objectives and business needs”, he added.
” We are more ambitious than ever, with products underway for fully automated sales and support journeys in words, calls, and emails, to provide unparalleled value to our customers across industries like insurance, medical, telecoms, support, and retail”, Tsai said.
As the Conversational AI Market is projected to grow from US$ 13.2 billion in 2024 to US$ 49.9 billion by 2030 ( Yahoo Finance, 2024 ), SleekFlow aims to become the top customer engagement solution. By seamlessly merging conversations, merchandise catalogues, repayment solutions, and get administration, the agency’s innovative solutions provide a comprehensive approach to help businesses join with customers—all from a single, intuitive interface.
SleekFlow is a partner for WhatsApp’s BSP Select Tier and Meta Verified. The versatility of SleekFlow’s solutions extends across multiple industries and clientele, including Delonghi, Hilton Dubai, L’Occitane, Shangri-La, Hong Kong Broadband Network, Cellini, Khind, TOTO, 7-11, Kimberly Clark, Awfully Chocolate, and Audi. These businesses, among others, have already benefited from SleekFlow’s robust solutions, streamlining their operations with omnichannel conversational AI capabilities.
Atinum Investment’s regional head of the Singapore office and director, Peter Na, added,” Being at the forefront of the rapidly expanding global customer engagement market, SleekFlow meets the evolving needs of enterprise customers. The company’s regional strategies have allowed it to expand beyond Asia, opening new markets in the Middle East and South America. We are fully committed to supporting its ongoing global expansion and look forward to new opportunities.
The business has raised a total of US$ 15 million to date following a funding round of US$ 8 million in 2022. In order to strengthen its position as a leading global tech company, SleekFlow plans to secure its Series B funding in the upcoming 12 months.
NUS to introduce tour bus registration, visitor access system in ramped up measures to manage tourist crowds

Community HALL ATTENDED BY 200 Learners
After a two-hour town hall organized by the NUS Students ‘ Union ( NUSSU), Assistant Professor Goh spoke to reporters about the new measures. Students had questions about overcrowding and tourists entering private spaces, which university representatives handled.
NUSSU said around 200 kids attended the town house, with most in the , NUS University Hall Auditorium, while around 50 watched a video from a presentation theatre.
The pupil union demanded a town hall to tackle the scholar population’s dissatisfaction with the influx of tourists, which caused restaurants, shuttle buses, and libraries to become “flooded,” according to NUSSU in a statement last week.
Some Reddit users suggested NUS limit exposure to the school because of destructive tourists, with some complaints about poorly behaved tourists appearing earlier this month online.
Assoc. Prof. Goh thanked the coalition for giving the college a platform to discuss its actions and described the city hall as “very creative”
Another change that was made was that students who conduct school tours will need to be trained and certified as “registered scholar docents.”  ,
These scholar docents must reserve spaces for any tours they wish to do, and they will be accompanied by a” special Card” to make them appear simple.
Unregulated tour guides who conduct NUS tour will be reported to the authorities.
” In our relationship with NUSSU and after hearing student opinions, we acknowledge that more needs to be done and will be introducing a number of new, longer-term steps to , address the challenges around the high tourist traffic on school during top travel , months”, the circular said.
Huang Ziwei, the president of NUSSU, stated that the students who attended the city hall worked together but there were some anxious moments. He graduated this year and will begin his duties in a month.
” I think ( the ) students have very strong opinions”, he said, noting that some of the issues with tourist crowds have been persistent.
” Of training, they want to learn a very practical solution on the spot- give me a day, when can it be done”.
But at the same day, if the administration were to offer any promises, they may end up being “empty promises”.  ,
Trespass Issues
Some kids even inquired about visitors entering student residence halls. This is a problem, according to Mr. Huang, particularly if a home is never gated and is close to UTown, a tourist-friendly destination.
One scholar who declined to be identified claimed that her friends had seen tourists entering their homes and photographed them.  ,
Some travelers tailgated students to enter restricted areas, she said, even for homes that require entry passes.
The incoming president of Raffles Hall, Mr. Afiq Ihsan, claimed a native discovered a group of 10 visitors staying on one of the stones ‘ second floors, where women students individuals stay.
During the town hall, he asked the university management about the plans for more “open-concept” residences such as Raffles Hall,  , Ridge View Residential College and , King Edward VII Hall.
He claimed that the management had discussed the possibility of limiting access for some hours, but it was not clear whether this would be done by stationing staff at the hall or by building barriers.
The issue of visiting students on campus first surfaced in late January, and it has since resurfaced. Common issues raised in the town hall included competing with tourists for space in canteens and buses.
Not only is NUS the only university in Singapore dealing with tourist crowds.
Nanyang Technological University took several steps earlier this year, including requiring online registration for tour groups and imposing a fee on visitors.