US embassy returns Ban Chiang artefacts

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Returning to the National Museum as part of a larger campaign to track historical heritage materials

PUBLISHED: 14 Nov 2024 at 19: 04

Four Ban Chiang artefacts are put on display in the Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall at the National Museum in Bangkok after they were returned on Thursday from the United States. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
Four Ban Chiang documents were returned from the United States on Thursday, and they are now on exhibit in the National Museum of Bangkok’s Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

Four 3, 000-year-old Ban Chiang objects were returned on Thursday from the United States to Thailand.

A relocation ceremony was held in Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall at the National Museum in Bangkok to mark International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property.

The artefacts have been kept at the embassy ever since, according to US Ambassador Robert Godec, who claimed the items were given to an American man in the 1960s as a product from the Thai state. According to him, the items were kept in the ministry’s safe and were kept there for a while, with the consulate just asking for their return.

He said,” This is the right time to return these priceless items to their proper homes.” Especially as the United States government has taken major steps to proactive return social objects from various places to their legitimate owners in recent years.

US Ambassador Robert F Godec, speaks at a ceremony to patriate the artefacts at the National Museum Bangkok’s Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

The Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall, home to US Ambassador Robert Godec, is the site of a festival where the National Museum in Bangkok holds a repatriation service. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

The” Golden Boy,” or standing Shiva, and a standing person from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York were returned to Thailand in May after the relocation. The National Museum currently houses both monuments.

” We hope]these artefacts ] will contribute to the further study and understanding of one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric societies”, Mr Godec said.

The objects, according to Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, represent evidence of human settlement in Southeast Asia during the late ancient time, which lasted for about 3, 000 decades. She claimed that the materials ‘ return would strengthen cultural ties and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

According to Ms. Sudawan,” The United States has been a major supporter of different projects involving the Ban Chiang archaeological site, especially through the 1974 combined excavation and research conducted by the Fine Arts Department and the University of Pennsylvania.”

The research led to the determination of the age of the historic site’s documents, which was later acknowledged internationally.

Phnombootra Chandrajoti, the director-general of the Fine Arts Department, said several objects have been looted and smuggled out of Thailand. To follow their return, a council consisting of members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Police, and the Fine Arts Department has been established.

The commission is checking whether two ancient Hindu treasures are from Thailand and has just discovered two that are kept in the US. ” Documents are crucial to society and best kept in their motherland”, he added.

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Hemisphere Ventures opens in Singapore amid SEA expansion | FinanceAsia

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In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

Hemisphere Ventures, a US venture capital and consulting firm known for early-stage investments in space, cybersecurity, biotech, nanotech, drones, robotics, and other frontier technologies, has opened a new office in Singapore, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia ( SEA ).

Established in 2014, Hemisphere has a collection of US border tech investments, with home offices as investors. Illustrations of markets include area, security, bioscience, nanotech, drones, robotics, and another frontier technologies

Leading the agency’s rise in SEA is Chip Whittemore, who has just been promoted to managing companion. In his new role, Whittmore may direct Hemisphere’s Singapore activity, building relationships with local shareholders, founders, and important stakeholders. According to a media transfer, Hemisphere has also been given the task of utilizing its US network to connect SEA startups with existing collection companies. &nbsp,

Lisa Rich, founder of Hemisphere Ventures, said in the relieve:” Hemisphere’s devotion to the development ecosystem has gone world. Our new company in Singapore makes it easier for startups to interact with global markets and encourages engagement there.

As both skill and cash flow to the area, Processor’s leadership and vision will be crucial to unlocking growth opportunities in the area’s SEA, which is ripe for growth.

According to the transfer, the number of home offices in Singapore has more than tripled since 2020, with 250 more ones established in the first eight month of 2024. &nbsp,

Singapore offers a secure and attractive location for investments in innovative technology, with access to SEA’s high-growth options, according to Chip. I’m excited to direct Hemisphere’s development, and connect owners and traders to the global business marketplace”.

¬ Capitol Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Hemisphere Ventures opens in Singapore in SEA expansion | FinanceAsia

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In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

Hemisphere Ventures, a US venture capital and consulting firm known for early-stage investments in space, cybersecurity, biotech, nanotech, drones, robotics, and other frontier technologies, has opened a new office in Singapore, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia ( SEA ).

Established in 2014, Hemisphere has a collection of US border tech investments, with home offices as investors. Illustrations of markets include&nbsp, speed, security, biotechnology, nanotech, drones, robotics, and another frontier technologies

Leading the agency’s rise in SEA is Chip Whittemore, who has just been promoted to managing companion. In his new role, Whittmore may direct Hemisphere’s Singapore activity, building relationships with local shareholders, founders, and important stakeholders. According to a media launch, Hemisphere has also been given the task of utilizing its U&nbsp network, which includes facilitating connections between clients and existing collection companies in SEA. &nbsp,

Lisa Rich, founder of Hemisphere Ventures, said in the media relieve:” Hemisphere’s devotion to the development ecosystem has gone world. Our new business in Singapore makes it easier for startups to interact with global markets and encourages engagement there.

As both skill and cash flow to the area, Processor’s leadership and vision will be crucial to unlocking growth opportunities in the area’s SEA, which is ripe for growth.

Since 2020, the number of home offices in Singapore has more than tripled, with 250 more opening in the first eight month of 2024.

Singapore offers a secure and attractive location for investments in sophisticated technology, with access to SEA’s high-growth options, according to Chip. I’m excited to direct Hemisphere’s development, and connect owners and traders to the global business marketplace”.

¬ Plaza Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Hasan.VC kicks off Cohort 002 of Accelerator Programme

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  • The first group included 42 companies, 12 of which secured financing
  • 7-week program designed to support early-stage Halal &amp, social companies

Hasan.VC kicks off Cohort 002 of Accelerator Programme

Hasan. Software for Cohort 002 of the Accelerator Programme are now available, according to VC, an essential component of the Ethis Group. Starting on 6th January 2025, this seven-week online initiative aims to support early-stage Halal and honest business owners. Following the successful release of its annual group, which saw 42 startups participating, with 12 securing financing, this circular invites online applications from founders with ambitions to range within Southeast Asia’s high-growth region.

The Hasan. VC Accelerator is a seven-week online programme offering early-stage startups a support package that includes pre-seed funding of up to US$ 60, 000 ( RM268, 000 ), mentorship from top-tier trainers and successful Muslim founders, and access to a network of over 500 angel investors. Individuals will also benefit from a group of like-minded founders, exposure to a lover collection of over 60 million Muslims, and state funding matching possibilities.

The Accelerator empowers companies to level their businesses with advice and resources that are specifically tailored to their needs in order to address the unique issues faced by business owners in Southeast Asia’s high-growth area. To day, the program has helped launch modern businesses, such as Synbiozymes, Reyhut Automation, and GoBarakah.

The Accelerator program aims to maintain fostering a founder-centered ecology where business thrives, according to our mission statement. We are committed to supporting various founders, mainly Muslim and feminine entrepreneurs, who have previously been overlooked in conventional venture capital spaces”, said Umar Munshi, managing partner of Hasan. VC and Group MD of Ethis. This Accelerator is more than just money; it’s about building a network of entrepreneurs who collaborate to create innovative, morally sound companies.

” This program was built for members by members. We want to support businesses who want to succeed in their organizations in a supportive environment with people who are aware of their particular difficulties. South Asian startups are particularly important to us, according to Hasan’s main Mohd Akhtaar. VC.

He continued, citing Southeast Asia’s shift toward more honest and purpose-driven company culture as an outstanding opportunity for startups to succeed in the Halal economy.

The second wave of creative founders who want to create businesses that are socially responsible, ethical, and in line with Halal values are needed, according to Mohd Akhtaar, who is leading the action to change the face of entrepreneurship.

The Hasan. Ten startups may be chosen by VC Accelerator to get equity funding from each cohort. Each company will also benefit from ongoing assistance, yearly evaluations, and publicity to potential administrative and angel investors. A Demo Day, where members present their development to a network of traders and funding partners, is the program’s climax.

Owners and companies are invited to apply to the programme to acquire opportunities for growth, engagement, and expense. With limited games obtainable, this project presents a chance for early-stage, purpose-driven endeavors to scale impactfully in Southeast Asia’s vivid and expanding Halal business.

Click here for more information.

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COP29: Singapore pledges US0m to accelerate capital flows into green projects

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In: South-East Asia

According to EDB, Southeast Asia is home to a number of potentially profitable projects ranging from forest restoration to blue-carbon treatment.

Developers may benefit from the further assistance in their feasibility studies, which include gathering data and engaging with stakeholders. The goal is to increase the supply of high-quality coal funds globally in change.

The president’s most recent effort to turn Singapore into a graphite trading center is the government’s.

The EDB said it would further enhance the program based on preliminary interest and developments.

Executive vice president of the legal board, Lim Wey-Len, stated that the offer will encourage the creation of more high-quality carbon credits to help achieve Singapore’s environment goals.

Carbon funds are one of the processes to meet net-zero ambitions, specifically for hard-to-abate industries such as manufacturing.

” We see a lot of interest from companies starting to set up shop in Singapore to get the funds around this place,” said Mr. Lim,” who are ] starting to see a lot of interest from coal project development corporations ( who are ) starting to do this.”

Now, there are around 120 carbon service organizations in Singapore. EDB hopes that the offer will entice more carbon job developers.

Mr. Lim added that the offer might encourage more local jobs in the growing green business.

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TM Global expands data centres in Cyberjaya and Johor to strengthen nation’s digital transformation 

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  • Scheduled for 2025, the 2nd stage will put a combined IT weight of&nbsp, 20MW
  • The expansion may be compliant with LEED Silver and Tier III criteria set forth by Uptime Institute.

TM Global expands data centres in Cyberjaya and Johor to strengthen nation’s digital transformation 

To meet the growing demand for domestic and international data hosting services, TM Global, the company’s wholesale business arm, will expand its KVDCs in Cyberjaya and Iskandar Puteri Data Center ( IPDC ) in Johor.

The company stated in a speech that this is the start of TM’s strategic plan to develop its system ecosystem and make Malaysia a desired online gateway in Southeast Asia, keeping with its 2030 goal to become a Digital Powerhouse. These developments, along with TM’s collaboration with Nxera to develop a novel, hyperconnected, AI-ready information center, lay the foundation for online services such as fog, advanced analytics, unnatural intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

The second phase of both KVDC and IPDC will have a combined IT weight of about 20MW when business activities are scheduled for 2025. The expansion will meet Uptime Institute’s Tier-II I standards and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED ) Silver rating for long-term sustainability, a globally recognised green building certification.

Khairul Liza Ibrahim ( pic ), TM Global’s executive vice president, said,” KVDC and IPDC are integral infrastructures in Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, serving as international gateways and interconnected points to support 5G networks. This next phase of our data centre development will have lasting designs, boosting our capacity to support hyperscalers, OTT players, fog and next-generation AI providers, as well as enterprises”.

TM Global claims that its information centers are complemented by seven provincial Edge Facilities spread out across the nation. These help high-performance processing and co-location services, bringing material closer to end-users with little latency.

With the recent merger of the Facilities-Based Operator license in Singapore, which enables us to offer smooth, secure data center-to-data center connectivity through our extensive local fiber optic network and global submarine cable systems,” we have more enhanced our data hosting services.” This enables us to meet the growing communication needs across the area, linking info areas from Thailand to Malaysia, Singapore, and Batam in Indonesia”, Khairul Liza emphasised.

TM Global offers a complete set of platform-based companies, including Multi-Edge Computing and Content Delivery, to enhance data hosting options. These companies are tailored to optimise performance and efficiency, ensuring a solid and dependable data-driven system for consumers. &nbsp,

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