Actor Xu Bin ‘shocked’ he didn’t make Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Artiste nominee list, says he will work harder

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When we asked if he was anticipating his sixth medal this time, he said:” I think the award is something that anyone in the market may hope to receive, myself included. I got my fifth award last year, and it was n’t easy to get to the halfway mark. It’s been a long and slow voyage”.

He laughed before adding:” I do n’t know when I will get to the end. This time, I was soon disqualified”.

He continued:” I absolutely do feel quite frustrated. I feel like there are a lot of folks who had expectations of me, including my friends, fans and customers. I feel like I owe them an explanation and I know these people who support me are disappointed ( too )”.

He said he told his followers that “it’s alright”, and they would simply have to try again next year.

He therefore chuckled before adding:” I have to work harder, and maybe not only appear in one or two plays that area outside the moment frame”.

While he was evidently unhappy about how things turned out, Xu Bin remained joyful during our talk. He said aside from working on Kill Sera Sera last month, he was kept active attending NoonTalk events and activities, for example going live on the company’s TikTok channel every Thursday evening.

He even took a quick break, spending half a month in China visiting his parents with his wife and their kids, five- year- ancient Ethan and three- year- ancient Elyse.

But, he’s now up to the crush.

” I’ve recently started filming again, and I play a big role ( in this upcoming drama ). I’m in 90 per cent of the scenes, together with ( Zong ) Zijie. I’m occupied the whole day&nbsp, – I just got home after 3am past night”.

He revealed that the working title of the 15- event play is&nbsp, Zai Jian Ming Tian&nbsp, ( or Goodbye Tomorrow, in English ), and he’ll get busy working on it until June or July.

When we asked about the movie’s slated launch day, Xu Bin let out a great laugh.

” This is very important then proper”? he said. ” I think it will weather sometime during the end of the year, but if that’s the case, it’ll be like Kill Sera Sera and heat into the next year. But for this year, I might just have Kill Sera Sera”.

As for who he thinks may had made the nomination list, Xu Bin said:” I feel as long as people may label them off the top of their heads, they should be nominated. Everyone knows them, and the audience ( is ) familiar with seeing their faces on screen”.

For today, Xu Bin may work hard to get his 10th Most Popular prize and fly to the ranks of All- Time Preferred Artistes.

With a sigh, he said:” As long I’m still active in the industry, it’s something I want to accomplish. After all, it really was n’t easy getting to the halfway mark”.

In the meantime, you can show Xu Bin some aid by catching in Kill Sera Sera on mewatch.

You can now cast your vote for both effectiveness and popularity awards&nbsp, around.

Catch the Backstage LIVE event of Star Awards 2024 from 3.30pm- 10.30pm on&nbsp, mewatch&nbsp, or&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on Apr 21 ( Sunday ).

The Walk Of Fame will be from 5pm- 6.30pm, on&nbsp, mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on the same day.

It will be followed by the Star Awards 2024 Life Show from 7pm- 10pm on&nbsp, <a href="https://www.mewatch.sg/” target=”_blank”>mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ToggleMediacorp” target=”_blank”>Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.

The repeat broadcast for the Walk of Fame and Award Ceremony will air on Ch 8 from 2pm- 6.30pm on Apr 28 ( Sunday ).

This tale was originally&nbsp, published&nbsp, in 8Days. &nbsp,

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Star Awards 2024: Actress Paige Chua on missing out on Top 10 Most Popular Artiste nomination

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She said,” I believe they are more unhappy than I am because they have stated that they want to end the culture sooner rather than later.”

When questioned about whether any of her fellow coworkers had reached out to her, Paige laughed and said,” Bonnie ( Loo ) and Desmond ( Tan ) sent their” condolences” and wrote,” You are more than this”.”

Regarding attending the biggest nights of local showbiz on April 21, Paige merely stated that she feels” a little strangely feeling more relaxed” than in previous years.

Thus, we are somewhat curious. What has she accomplished lately?

Evidently, after finishing up Healing Soldiers, Paige took her extended- deserved break away from the fame.

She laughed,” I’ve been working nonstop since Singapore exited the circuit break, so if you notice my social media, I travel every month.”

The artist shared that she traveled to Hong Kong, Hokkaido, and Bintan with her kids in Hanoi.

Paige added that she spent more time volunteering with Willing Hearts, a cause she has been a part of since 2008.

She returned to Mayflower Secondary School, her alma mater, and took part in a number of activities, including a Professor’s Day performance, thanks to a comfortable routine.

But of course, her family must have been concerned that she did n’t appear on any shows, right?

In fact, Paige’s supporters are now telling how much they missed seeing her on their screens after a quick search on her social media.

She shared that she did n’t believe my family noticed or cared as much as I did when I spent more time with them during my break.

However, Paige said she is excited to start afresh and ca n’t wait for audiences to see her in the upcoming drama, Moments.

The 14- show exhibit is scheduled to weather in April 2024 and even stars Desmond Tan, Pierre Png, and Evelyn Tan.

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Star Awards 2024: Actresses Jin Yinji and Aileen Tan react to not making Top 10 Most Popular nominee list

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The Star Awards 2024&nbsp, Top 10 Most Popular nominees list&nbsp, was released on Monday ( Mar 18 ), and even though a whopping 94 artistes made the cut, there were some familiar faces who were left out.

Veteran actresses&nbsp, Jin Yinji, 76, and&nbsp, Aileen Tan, 57, in particular, were deemed unsuitable for the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes honor despite both being in the competition for the Best Supporting Actress this season.

According to a Mediacorp director, they did not accomplish specific requirements necessary for election.

According to the eligibility requirements, candidates for the Top 10 types must meet at least one of the following requirements ( full eligibility and judging conditions can be found here ):

  • Have a guide role or become a major host in at least one entitled programme, or&nbsp,
  • Play a supporting role or be an episodic host ( for video ) or co- host ( for audio ) in a ) at least three eligible programmes, or b ) at least 30 episodes in total across all eligible programmes

In an interview with&nbsp, 8world, Yinji admitted to being” somewhat unhappy” about the situation.

” No decision, there are too many individuals vying for an honor”, she said. It’s also not up to us to choose who will get the Star Awards. I have no hope of getting the Best Supporting Actress honor,” she said.

Yinji first thought she would be in argument for the Top 10 group according to the&nbsp, acceptance of last year’s most- watched drama&nbsp, Strike Gold.

” I felt like I would have had a chance… Now when I think about it, I feel more unhappy than frustrated”, she said. &nbsp,” Some of my supporters were waiting to voting for me and grant me their assistance. Today, I feel too ashamed to encounter them”.

Aileen, on the other hand, is more coldness about being left out of the Top 10 culture.

” It’s cool! I’m used to the rules of the game. Every year, Star Honors take place, and last year I was nominated for three honors but left empty handed. I was n’t even nominated for a popularity award last year, but I’m still appreciative of the audience’s support and for watching my performance for so long,” she said.

Aileen is not putting all of her hope on winning the Best Supporting Actress award this time, despite her persistent optimism.

” My own nominees are all buddies and extended- time colleagues. However, it’s worth mentioning that I’ve been nominated for my role as a villain ( in&nbsp, SHERO ), and the entire team also travelled to Australia for filming. It was rough on people. Nevertheless, getting an award is reliant on chance and fate. Will this year’s luck also become abysmal? I hope to be able to receive an award effectively,” she said.

She then stated that she will continue to work hard and perform to the best of her ability, even if she is not fortunate enough to win Best Supporting Actress this time.

You can now cast your vote for both effectiveness and popularity awards&nbsp, below.

Catch the Backstage LIVE event of Star Awards 2024 from 3.30pm- 10.30pm on&nbsp, mewatch&nbsp, or&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on Apr 21 ( Sunday ).

The Walk Of Fame will be from 5pm- 6.30pm, on&nbsp, mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on the same day.

It will be followed by the Star Awards 2024 Life Show from 7pm- 10pm on&nbsp, <a href="https://www.mewatch.sg/” target=”_blank”>mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ToggleMediacorp” target=”_blank”>Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.

The Walk of Fame and Award Ceremony may be broadcast again on Ch 8 from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, Apr 28.

This tale was originally&nbsp, published&nbsp, in 8Days. &nbsp,

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Star Awards 2024: 11 Most Popular Artiste nominees you may not be familiar with

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Eric is a Malaysian professional who has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and variety shows on the Causeway since 2016. Local people may accept him in supporting functions in Mediacorp works like A Quest To Heal, and more recently, in season nine of Mr Zhou’s Ghost Stories@Job Hunting.

To voting for these divisions, click&nbsp, around.

Catch the Backstage LIVE event of Star Awards 2024 from 3.30pm- 10.30pm on&nbsp, mewatch&nbsp, or&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on Apr 21 ( Sunday ).

The Walk Of Fame will be from 5pm- 6.30pm, on&nbsp, mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on the same day.

It will be followed by the Star Awards 2024 Survive Show from 7pm- 10pm on&nbsp, <a href="https://www.mewatch.sg/” target=”_blank”>mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ToggleMediacorp” target=”_blank”>Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.

On Sunday, April 28 ( Sunday ), from 2pm to 6pm, the Walk of Fame and Award Ceremony will be broadcast on Ch 8 from 2pm to 6pm.

This tale was originally&nbsp, published&nbsp, in 8Days. &nbsp,

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Star Awards 2024: Taiwanese host Matilda Tao, Korean actor Kim Jae-hoon among 94 nominees for Most Popular Artistes

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It’s that time of year once to put our ballots for our favorite celebrities. Just as we thought opposition was fierce&nbsp, next year, when a full of 75 male and female artistes were nominated for the Top 10 Most Popular Male and Top 10 Most Popular Female group, &nbsp, this time ‘s&nbsp, popularity contest is even more heated with a hefty 94 contenders.

The Most Popular nominees list, released on Monday ( Mar 18 ), revealed the 46 female and 48 male artistes in the running. In addition to the 30 television DJs, 64 stars, and women were included in the overall list.

This year’s Top 10 Female nominees list includes Taiwanese host Matilda Tao, along with Carrie Wong, Hong Ling, and Yvonne Lim ( who is up for her final Top 10 award ).

If you have n’t heard, &nbsp, Matilda, who then lives in Singapore&nbsp, with her 15- time- old boy, hosts&nbsp, The Matilda Show&nbsp, on LOVE 972 on weekends. She hosted the Star Awards last year, which made her one of the contenders. &nbsp,

Another surprise chomp is Vietnamese professional Kim Jae- ho, whom you may realize from the Rui En love- fantasy drama&nbsp, Oppa Saranghae!. Did Oppa travel to Singapore to attend the Star Awards?

On the other hand, Xu Bin and Paige Chua, who were frequently in the Top 10 last month, are not in argument because they were not involved in any projects that aired last season. Aileen Tan and Jin Yinji, both of whom have won Best Supporting Actress, are also not included in the acceptance lists.

Candidate candidates in the Major 10 classes must satisfy at least one of the following requirements in accordance with the registration requirements:

  • Have a guide role or become a key host in at least one entitled programme, or&nbsp,
  • Play a supporting role or be an episodic host ( for video ) or co- host ( for audio ) in a ) at least three eligible programmes, or b ) &nbsp, at least 30 episodes in total across all eligible programmes

More information on the registration and judging requirements may be found&nbsp, below.

42 artists who have been in the industry for five or fewer times are included in the Most Popular Rising Stars type. The prize may be presented to three people. Last week’s Most Popular Rising Actors were Ayden Sng, Richie Koh and Gao Meigui. &nbsp,

Although Richie and Meigui have both moved up to the Most Popular Artiste group, Ayden is still a contender for a Most Popular Rising Star prize.

Ann Kok and Jesseca Liu will also get their All-Time Favourite Artiste honors this year, following their 10-year reign in popularity.

The MyPICK! prizes for Preferred CP and Most Feared Villain are even up for grabs that day.

Scroll downward to see who made the contenders record for Top 10 Most Popular Female, Top 10 Most Popular Male, Most Popular Rising Stars, and MyPICK! Honors.

You can also check out the contenders for efficiency categories&nbsp, below.

TOP 10 MOST Common FEMALE ARTISTES&nbsp,

1. Belinda Lee

2. Bonnie Loo

3. Boon Hui Lu

4. Bukoh Mary

5. Carrie Wong

6. Chantalle Ng

7. Chien Bi Yu

8. Chen Hui Hui

9. Chen Ning

10. Chen Sen Lian

11. Chua Lee Lian

12. Cynthia Koh

13. Denise Camillia Tan

14. Evelyn Tan

15. Fang Rong

16. Geraldine

17. Gao Mei Gui

18. Goh Wei Ying

19. Hazelle Teo&nbsp,

20. He Ying Ying

21. Hong Hui Fang

22. Hong Ping

23. Irene Ang

24. Joy Yak

25. Ko Ee Sim

26. Liang Peng

27. Lim Leng Kee

28. Lim Yi Chyi

29. Lin Pei Fen

30. Lin Ru Ping

31. Lina Ng

32. Lina Tan

33. Matilda Tao

34. Mei Xin

35. Ng Seok Khoong

36. Pan Ling Ping

37. Patricia Mok

38. Regina Lim

39. Siau Jiahui

40. Tasha Low

41. Tay Ying

42. Violet Fenying

43. Peter Zeng

44. Xixi Lim

45. Ya Hui

46. Yvonne Lim

TOP 10 MOST Common MALE ARTISTES&nbsp,

1. Alfred Sun

2. Andie Chen

3. Ben Yeo

4. Benjamin Tan

5. Brandon Wong

6. Brian Ng

7. Cavin Soh

8. Charlie Goh

9. Chen Shu Cheng

10. Chua En Lai

11. Darren Lim

12. -Desmond Ng

13. Desmond Tan

14. Eric Lay

15. Guo Liang

16. Ian Fang

17. James Seah

18. Jeff Goh

19. Jeffrey Xu&nbsp,

20. Jeremy Chan

21. Joe Tsoi

22. Kenneth Kong

23. Kim Jae- roo

24. Lee Teng

25. Lyu Linxuan

26. Marcus Chin

27. Nick Teo

28. Phua Kia Peow

29. Pornsak

30. Kim Ben and Raymond Foong

31. Rayson Tan&nbsp,

32. Richard Low

33. Richie Koh

34. Romeo Tan

35. Shane Pow

36. Shaun Chen

37. Soo Wee Seng

38. Vincent Lim

39. Wallace Ang

40. Wang Yuqing

41. Yan Wei Xiao Er

42. Yao Wen Much

43. Yeow Seng Yong

44. Zhai Si Ming

45. Zhang Yao Dong

46. Zhong Kun Hua

47. Zhu Hou Ren

48. Zong Zi Jie

MOST POPULAR Increasing Actors

1. Abigail Chue

2. Ayden Sng

3. Billy Seow

4. Chen Qi Jia

5. Cheryl Chou

6. Damien Teo

7. Daryl- Ann

8. Das DD

9. David Loo

10. Gini Chang

11. Hank Wang

12. Herman Keh

13. Isabelle Quek

14. Jennifer Oh

15. Jian Ruyi

16. JJ Neo

17. Juin Teh

18. Karyn Wong&nbsp,

19. Ke Le

20. Kevin Chua

21. Kharissa Pundarika

22. Kiki Lim

23. Kyle Chan

24. Lim Pin Juen

25. Oh Ling En

26. Regene Lim

27. Samantha Tan

28. Seow Sin Nee

29. Shanice Koh

30. Shawn Thia

31. Sheryl Ang

32. Tan Ting Fong

33. Ter Wee Cher Richard

34. Tyler Ten

35. Wang Jia Rui Jensen

36. Wang Wenhui

37. Xuan Ong

38. Yang Hua

39. Yunis To

40. Zhang Ze Tong

41. Zheng Yu Rong

42. Zhu Ze Liang

MYPICK! Accolades

FAVOURITE CP

Desmond Tan and Chantalle Ng&nbsp, –&nbsp, All That Glitters

Jeremy Chan and Pan Ling Ling&nbsp, –&nbsp, All That Glitters

Richie Koh and He Ying Ying&nbsp, –&nbsp, Cash On Delivery

Rui En And Kim Jae- hoon&nbsp, –&nbsp, Oppa Saranghae! &nbsp,

Richie Koh and Boon Hui Lu&nbsp, –&nbsp, Till The End&nbsp,

THE SHOW STEALER

Ayden Sng –&nbsp, All That Glitters&nbsp,

Desmond Tan –&nbsp, All That Glitters

Jeremy Chan –&nbsp, All That Glitters

Jernelle Oh&nbsp, – Cash On Delivery&nbsp,

Richie Koh –&nbsp, Cash On Delivery&nbsp,

MOST HATED VILLAIN

Zhang Ze Tong –&nbsp, All That Glitters&nbsp,

Chen Hui Hui –&nbsp, My One and Only

Shaun Chen –&nbsp, My One and Only&nbsp,

Brandon Wong&nbsp, –&nbsp, SHERO

Jeffrey Xu –&nbsp, Strike Gold&nbsp,

To voting for these divisions, click&nbsp, around.

Catch the Backstage LIVE event of Star Awards 2024 from 3.30pm – 10.30pm on&nbsp, mewatch&nbsp, or&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on Apr 21 ( Sunday ).

The Walk Of Fame will be from 5pm – 6.30pm, on&nbsp, mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel&nbsp, on the same day.

It will be followed by the Star Awards 2024 Life Show from 7pm – 10pm on&nbsp, <a href="https://www.mewatch.sg/” target=”_blank”>mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and&nbsp, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ToggleMediacorp” target=”_blank”>Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.

On Sunday, April 28 ( Sunday ), the Walk of Fame and Award Ceremony will be broadcast on Ch 8 from 2pm to 6pm.

This tale was originally&nbsp, published&nbsp, in 8Days. &nbsp,

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Chumbawamba tell New Zealand First’s Peters to stop using hit

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ChumbawambaGetty Images
By Rob Corp in London and Simon Atkinson in Sydney
BBC News

A nationalistic New Zealand legislator has been asked by British channel Chumbawamba to quit playing their hit song Tubthumping at his rallies.

New Zealand First chief Winston Peters, who is deputy prime minister, has used the track at many occasions.

Chumbawamba claim they do not agree with his thoughts and have not given them permission to use them.

A “cease and withdraw text” should be issued by the band’s report brand. On the commenting request, Mr. Peters has been contacted.

Mr Peters, who is part of New Zealand’s partnership state with the larger center- proper National Party, has walked on and off to Tubthumping at many occasions.

Most just, the song was played before a conversation where Mr. Peters discussed plans to outlaw gender and sexuality from the education and claimed that NZ First and their backers have a “real chance to take back our land.”

At a protest last month ahead of the vote, he also referenced the music and its famous songs:” I get knocked over. But I get off again. You’re not gonna keep me down”.

Winston Peters

Reuters

In a statement sent to BBC News, the band’s previous lead guitarist Boff Whalley said:” Chumbawamba wrote the song Tubthumping as a song of hope and positivity, so it seems wholly unexpected that the’ I get knocked over… ‘ refrain is being used by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters as he barks his controversial, small- minded, bigoted policies during his recent speeches.

Chumbawamba would like to make it clear that we did not permit Peters to use the music in an effort to support his misguided political opinions.

Chimbumba is not in agreement with any of Peters ‘ theories regarding race relations, but we would like to remind him that the song was written to be about regular people and their resilience.

A cease-and-desist see has been requested by our report label Sony.

Mr. Peters has defended the song’s use, telling Newstalk ZB in New Zealand that the group was not using it to its financial advantage. He added that neither he nor his group had received a cease and desist letter in a separate speech to the community.

Tubthumping ( I Get Knocked Down ), which was released in 1997, peaked at number six in the US and reached number two on the UK singles chart. It was also a top 10 hit in New Zealand, Australia, Italy and Canada.

In the past, the channel has had a run-in with politicians and political parties. They urged the head of BritishIP to quit using tubthumping in 2011 and in 1998 poured a bottle of ice waters over then-UKDeputy Prime Minister John Prescott in support of the brand on Merseyside at the Brit Awards.

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CyberSecurity Malaysia, LGMS collaborate to address SME cybersecurity weakness

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  • Lack of awareness of security poses a threat to their business operations
  •   Difficulty and cost frequently prevent people from implementing effective measures.

CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) CEO Ts. Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab (2nd from right) with LGMS Executive Director Fong Choong Fook (2nd left) at the LGMS headquarters in Subang Jaya. Also present were CSM Head of Cyber Solution Mohammad Fahdzli (right) and Cyber Security Industry Engagement & Collaboration Senior Executive, Mohd Rahmad (left).

With a focus on raising cybersecurity standards throughout the nation, CyberSecurity Malaysia ( CSM) is spearheading efforts to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

Led by CEO Ts. The action, led by Dr. Amirudin Abdul Wahab, aims to promote closer cooperation between the public sector, private companies, and academic institutions, collectively referred to as “PPA” to combat the rise of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

” The collaborative work is important in our government’s ongoing war against the changing landscape of virtual threats”, said Amirudin, underlining the significance of a consolidated approach in further enhancing Malaysia’s cyber defences.

Amirudin, who also participates positively in the Malaysian Technical University Network ( MTUN), aims to bridge the gap between academic studies and the real-world requirements of the security industry.

By incorporating real-world industry issues into the scientific education, he continued,” the initiative aims to equip students with both the conceptual knowledge and practical skills needed for the security workforce.”

Amirudin’s involvement extends to his position in the Polytechnic and Community Colleges Department ( JPPKK), which is run by the Ministry of Higher Education ( MoHE), to raise cybersecurity standards among graduates. This role is a part of a larger plan to better align academic outcomes with business standards, thereby enhancing graduate employment in the security sector.

Amirudin cited the lack of security awareness in this sector, highlighting a specific issue that SMEs face. ” Small businesses frequently overlook the value of security until they are impacted by an event, not realizing the potential havoc that it might have on their company.”

CSM intends to establish awareness training programs especially designed for SMEs in order to handle this and encourage them to take fundamental cybersecurity precautions, such as avoiding pirated software.

Amirudin was speaking after an economy conversation at LGMS Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading security parties.

Working with CyberSecurity Malaysia and LGMS to ensure the achievement of the StarSentry security platform’s future release. Mitte 2024, the company plans to release the “plug and play” StarSentry system.

StarSentry’s value proposition, which was named the “Cybersecurity Product Innovation of the Year” at the Malaysia Cybersecurity Awards 2023, is its ability to make security for SMEs simpler by offering complete property identification and risk monitoring functions.

Fong Choong Fook, the executive chairman of LGMS, and Amirudin expressed similar concern about the SME industry’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

” In an age where modern threats are becoming more common, it is crucial for SMEs to prioritise security. However, difficulty and cost often hinder them from implementing effective methods”, said Fong.

Due to its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly functions, the introduction of StarSentry serves as a game-changer for SMEs in this regard.

” StarSentry embodies the best option for SMEs, offering a simple,’ plug and play ‘ approach to security. This development enables SMEs to easily monitor their online environments, enabling them to concentrate on their core business without being constantly concerned about cyber threats, Fong said.

Amirudin praised this initiative as a result of a deliberate effort by CyberSecurity Malaysia and local businesses to lessen virtual threats and improve the national and business climate. CyberSecurity Malaysia aims to maintain cultivating a resilient and safe cyber for all Malaysians through proper partnerships, innovative solutions, and precise training and awareness programs.

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PSA wins workplace mental health award after polling 3,000 migrant workers, contractors on what they needed to feel safe, connected

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Singapore-based port operator PSA Corporation commissioned a multicultural well-being study to gather input from more than 3, 000 of its people who were migrant workers, including its suppliers and contractors, to find out what it could do to give a cognitively safe working atmosphere. &nbsp, All of its people ‘Continue Reading

MH370: How Malaysia Airlines came back from twin tragedies

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Malaysian Airlines aircraft are seen through a window as they stand on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017.Getty Images
By Frances Mao
in Singapore

Ten years ago this month, the mini tragedies of MH370 and MH17 destroyed Malaysia Airlines.

Trip MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared over the Indian Ocean on 8 March 2014 with 239 people on board. Despite millions of dollars being spent on the largest research ever conducted in aviation history, the aircraft has not yet been discovered.

When Russian forces shot downward MH17 in July of the same year, the flight was still reeling from the horror above conflict-ridden Ukraine. All 283 people and 15 aircraft crew were killed.

160 aircraft were flying over the war zone that morning, but MH17 was the one that was hit.

An aircraft lost two passenger jet in five times, a feat that is still unheard today.

Many saw it like a plague, on an airline which had operated for 70 years essentially unscathed.

Malaysia Airlines had long had a strong health history and also won company awards. From its foundation in Kuala Lumpur, it flew a sizable ships all over the world.

But after the tragedies in 2014, people got the hiccups. Consumers switched to another airlines, and earlier media reports from the moment reported nearly empty flights on more routes.

Although its CEO predicted the company would make its first quarterly net gain in a decade last year, the corporation was on track to achieve that goal.

The aircraft did not respond to the BBC’s inquiries, but analysts claim that a number of path cuts have helped to shore up its finances, and that a new logo with a focus on safety has resurrected its brand has earned again customers.

” It is now a leaner, more focused organization- albeit one with significantly reduced ambitions”, says aerospace business observer Greg Waldron.

Malaysia Airlines continues to fly over the clouds now, taking millions of passengers all over the world each year. So how did it keep going?

Malaysia to the rescue

Soon after the second crisis, the Indonesian government sprang into action. With more than 20 000 people, the flight was the country’s national symbol, and its property market value had fallen.

The region’s sovereign wealth fund- Khazanah Nasional- stepped in. At that point, it previously owned 69 % of the business.

A fortnight after the MH17 catastrophe, it bought out the firm’s different owners, delisted the company from the property exchange, created a new business and declared the old company bankrupt.

The second significant step in Malaysia Airlines ‘ survival was the company’s complete nationalization.

Under the president’s treatment plan- named” Rebuilding a National Icon”- the cost of tickets was even slashed while accountants took a good- toothed comb to the company’s operations.

Prior to 2014, the flight had now begun to reduce lengthy, costly routes to destinations like South Africa and North and South America.

After 2014 it shed these roads in sincere, axing some established long- pull airlines, including those to New York and Stockholm. It ultimately ended all of its travel to Europe, with the exception of London.

Heathrow is still Malaysia Airlines ‘ even European cease today, especially in the wake of Covid, and that has turned into a major money-making route.

After British Airways discontinued the way during the pandemic, it has been the sole airline to offer a non-stop trip to London from Kuala Lumpur for the past few years.

” With a monopoly like that, on a launch way, an flight can cost a lot of money, especially to people who are no price- vulnerable and must go quickly”, says aviation analyst Brian Sumers.

The business also used the international aviation wait during Covid to pay off its debts, but it still managed to keep its aircraft in the air by being one of the major carriers delivering relocation planes from Europe to Asia.

Different carriers in Asia and Europe retired their aircraft during the pandemic, indicating that they were not prepared for the quick rebound in need.

Malaysia Airlines, on the other hand, had a mind began when borders re- opened- and it made the most of that benefit, experts say.

The Asia-Pacific region claims seven of the top 10 international routes, including the most traveled one, from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, as well as the busiest routes in the world.

According to air traffic data firm OAG, 4.9 million seats were sold on that route alone last year.

Today, Malaysia Airlines is viewed as a “middle- of- the- pack” carrier focused on Oceania, Asia and the UK.

According to Ellis Taylor, an analyst for aviation data firm Cirium,” They’ve been able to keep things afloat thanks to the backing of the Malaysian government,”” They’ve been able to get things to a steady state, a modern fleet, and modern aircraft,” according to Taylor.

Dealing with perceptions

The airline’s approach seems to have paid off- and it appears for many international fliers, pragmatic considerations outweigh the company’s past.

” If air traffic is anything to go by, MH370 and other disasters are undoubtedly not front of mind when passengers look to buy tickets,” says Mr. Waldron.

” Generally they are looking at price, but convenience also plays a role”.

Hannah Blackiston, an Australian, flew back and forth between London and Adelaide in late 2022 on an MH flight. Malaysia was the only airline to fly direct.

She said,” I booked it with them without really thinking about it just because I was going to see my dad because he was sick,” adding,” just because it was cheap.”

When booking the flight, she says the tragedies did cross her mind but did n’t faze her. However, her mother was much more upset.

” My mum, when she found out, was up in arms about it- she was like’ You ca n’t fly with them!’ And I was, like,’ Mum, if anybody’s going to be on top of their safety regulations, it’s going to be these guys ‘”.

A man writing messages at the Day of Remembrance for MH370 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, on 3 March, 2024.

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She claims that her journey was smooth and that she received quality service.

” The flying experience was great, they were a really good provider. After having a positive experience, there was nothing that would turn me off about flying with them. So if anything, yeh, it improved my general perception of the brand and safety, and I would fly with them again.

Australian doctor Abdullah Naji, 25, who is currently based in the Malaysian city of Penang, says he flies with them frequently, but mainly domestic routes.

” Of course, there’s a natural initial hesitancy that stems from such a historic event, but it’s the actions taken post- MH370 that have reinstated my confidence in the airline”, he said.

” The airline’s efforts in rebranding and focusing on safety are evident, not just in words but in actionable measures”, he said.

He pointed out the airline’s safety video, a jazzy song and dance number which highlights Malaysian hospitality and features lyrics like:” We’re all in this together” and” We’ll take care of each other in any weather”.

” There’s a sense of national solidarity”, Mr Naji suggests.

Locals generally view the airline as a symbol of national pride, appreciating the steps it has taken to improve and recover since MH370.

Analysts claim that a loyal Malaysian client base has helped to keep the airline running.

Mr. Sumers also mentions that the brand’s resilience is comparable to that of other national flag carriers. ” It’s surprisingly uncommon for big national airlines to go bust, even amid calamity”.

But for those without that relationship, the tragedies associated with the brand seem to linger.

One Singapore-based traveler claims she experienced a brief moment of panic when she realized she was taking the MH-coded short-haul route from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur. She had used Singapore Airlines to make the reservation, but she missed out on the code-sharing offer.

It was an uneventful flight, she says. However, I do recall having a conversation about” Oh wow, we were actually on a MH-numbered flight when we were boarding.”

At the end of the day, Mr. Naji claims it simply comes down to experience.

” I used to be very conscious of it when I was boarding, but I’m okay now having flown with them a few times already.”

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US, China wrestling for Thailand’s cyber soul – Asia Times

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BANGKOK – Washington has expanded into Bangkok’s satellite and cybersecurity, with the US training Thailand’s military in “Space Situational Awareness” for the first time during the recently completed Cobra Gold wargames.

China’s Huawei, meanwhile, has partnered with Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), which is responsible for combatting “cyber threats” to this Southeast Asian nation’s critical infrastructure and other vulnerable targets.

Cobra Gold is Asia’s biggest annual US multinational military exercise and includes training in warfighting skills, weaponry, survival and other exercises on Thai territory, in the air and in the Gulf of Thailand.

Almost 10,000 troops, mostly from the US and Thailand, joined forces from about 30 countries on February 27-March 10 to participate. This year’s core war teams included the US, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia.

Thailand’s recently retired Chief of Defense Forces, General Chalermpol Srisawat, enabled “the integration of Cyber Security and Space Situational Awareness into the [Cobra Gold] exercise,” an Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM) statement said.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) includes monitoring objects in space and predicting their movements so collisions, attacks and other dangers are prevented.

The US Defense Department uses that power to potentially defend and attack in space, and position, repair, and retrieve satellites and other objects.

The US Commerce Department, meanwhile, shares SSA data with commercial firms that need to protect their telecommunications and other satellites.

US Space Command said it was developing and countering satellites that can extend robotic arms to capture rival satellites, zap space objects with lasers, and disperse attacks by unleashing an overwhelming number of decoy drones and mock satellites to baffle opponents.

“The Chinese have tested the robotic arm and demonstrated it can move a defunct satellite in and out of geosynchronous or GEO orbit,” according to Army General James Dickinson, head of US Space Command,” NBC reported.

NBC said defense officials in December were aware that “in recent weeks, China successfully tested the equivalent of a refueling tanker for satellites, a game-changing innovation that would enable Beijing to extend the life of satellites that would otherwise expire after running out of fuel.”

“If a war broke out between the US and China, it would likely start in space,” experts say, NBC reported.

PACOM Commander Admiral John Aquilino awarded the US Legion of Merit Medal, Commander Degree, to General Chalermpol in Bangkok on January 18 for his collaboration with the Pentagon in expanding Cobra Gold.

U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force service members discuss defensive cyber operations during the cyber range as part of exercise Cobra Gold at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 20, 2019. Photo: US Marine Corps / Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Bragg

Cobra Gold 2024 also updated its previous cyber security and warfare lessons to reflect new developments in malware, viruses, hacking and other international online threats.

Last year’s Cobra Gold in Thailand, a US non-NATO ally, included an introductory “cyber exercise for a combined space forces coordination center,” the US Army’s website reported.

“Participants broke into teams by country, and prepared to defend cyber assets through the assessment of threats, the development and implementation of incident response plans, and the sharing of knowledge between teams,” it said.

Those preliminary exercises began in 2023, “the inaugural year integrating the space domain into Cobra Gold,” the Army’s site said.

“The activities increased our shared understanding of what constitutes safe and responsible space activities, and how to contribute to a more stable space environment by reducing the risk of miscalculation,” said US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Chad Briggs, space exercise coordinator and commander of Hawaii Air National Guard Detachment 1.

Cobra Gold 2023 teams suggested increasing cooperation among the Space Operations Centers in the US, Japan and Thailand.

In December, China’s Huawei Technology, Washington’s rival in a cold cyber war of suspicion and sanctions, partnered with Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and won the Prime Minister Awards: Thailand Cybersecurity Excellence Award 2023.

“As partners, the NCSA and Huawei Thailand agree that we need to…achieve those goals which will result in an even stronger cybersecurity standard for the country, and more digital talents to serve the demands from the industrial side,” NCSA Secretary-General Air Vice Marshall Amorn Chomchoey said at the event.

“That is why the NCSA is partnering with Huawei to elevate the cybersecurity standards across every sector of Thailand,” Amorn said.

The NCSA was set up five years ago to focus on “cybersecurity attacks such a denial of service and ransomware, online fraud, and cyber wellness, meaning how to identify misinformation,” Amorn said.

The Bangkok Post reported: “This recognition truly reflects Huawei’s efforts to drive the nation’s digital ecosystem to fully connect everyone, every household, and every organization with intelligent technology to support Thailand’s digital sustainable future.”

In 2022, NCSA’s then-Secretary-General General Prachya Chalmwa said, “Our collaboration with Huawei Thailand, a public-private partnership, is critical in order to establish a globally trusted cyberspace in the country.”

Huawei’s telecommunications in Thailand includes 5G-capable technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing.

Huawei, the NCSA and Thailand’s Digital Skill Development Academy recently launched a Cloud Security Training Course 2024 to train Thais, said Huawei Thailand’s director Edison Xu.

A Huawei 5G vehicle at Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital. Image: X Screengrab

China, meanwhile, is teaching Thailand about space technology and satellites.

Thailand is a member of the Beijing-based Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), founded in 2008, along with Bangladesh, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru, and Turkey.

The group says it shares space science, technology and applications including projects on lunar research, satellite construction, launching, remote-sensing and telecommunications.

APSCO held an “expert group meeting” for members in Bangkok December 11-15 to discuss various research including Thailand’s focus on the Mekong River and an “estimation of sediment transportation in the major river using remote sensing techniques,” APSCO said.

China also wants Thailand and other APSCO members to develop satellites.

“The APSCO joint Small Multi-Mission Satellites (SMMS) Constellation consists of three in-orbit remote sensing satellites provided by China and eight new satellites which are planned to be jointly developed by all member states,” it said.

“By connecting all ground stations in participating countries, the system’s efficiency and benefits will be extremely multiplied,” APSCO said.

Richard S. Ehrlich is a Bangkok-based American foreign correspondent reporting from Asia since 1978. Excerpts from his two new nonfiction books, “Rituals. Killers. Wars. & Sex. — Tibet, India, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka & New York” and “Apocalyptic Tribes, Smugglers & Freaks” are available here

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