Notti Pet Food secures US0K seed funding to elevate pet health & nutrition standards in Southeast Asia

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  • aspires to have 200 marketers both online and offline by the year 2024.
  • Funding will help new product launches, rise into the Philippines &amp, Singapore

From left: Ke Yee Yap, founder of Notti Pet Food, Amanda Cham, associate director, 500 Global, Joel Neoh, partner, First Move and Audra Pakalnyte, partner, First Move

Notti Pet Food, the modern pioneer behind Southeast Asia’s first sluggish- baked super premium mealworms, has secured a seed funding of US$ 500, 000 ( RM2.4 million ) from 500 Global and First Move, marking a major step in the dataset company’s trip.

This innovative funding will help the business, which is focused on promoting South Asian animal health and nutrition standards, including launching new product lines and entering the Philippines and Singapore areas.

Over half of Malaysians ( 51.1 % ) currently own pets, according to Standard Insights ‘ most recent Consumer Report Malaysia 2023, which is expected to rise. As dog ownership grows, so does the need for animal food, with minimal higher- quality options available. Notti is a better option than traditional animal meals because of this trend. Their distinctive product line features 100 % individual- quality meat, enriched with fruit, vegetables, bacteria, and supplements. &nbsp,

This distinguishes Notti from other corporate brands that rely on confusing labeling and meat meal. Notti preserves nutritional integrity by using genuine ingredients and a soft 90°C slow-baking technique, in contrast to the high-temperature extrusion techniques used by main brands.

Notti’s materials have received clinical testimonials, exceed global Association of American Feed Control Officials Nutrient Standards, and are suitable for all ages, species, and styles.

Keyee Yap, chairman of Notti Pet Food, emphasized,” Notti is more than just a product, it embodies our opinion that pets are cherished community members. My staff and I are dedicated to making sure your pets receive nutritious foods and an experience that recognizes the special relationship we share with them as a devoted animal lover, as well as myself.Notti Pet Food secures US$500K seed funding to elevate pet health & nutrition standards in Southeast Asia

Khailee Ng ( pic ), managing partner at 500 Global, highlighted Notti’s team strengths:” Beyond being a pet food company, Notti is a pet- focused entity with a roadmap for multiple revenue streams and products. We’re eager to help their progress in the expanding pet industry because we’ve built related businesses for people.

Audra Pakalnyte, companion at First Move, noted Notti’s ability as she stated,” At First Move, we seek out founders with toughness, strong know- how, and enthusiasm, and Yap embodies all of these qualities. From our first meeting, it was clear that her commitment to solving real problems, innovating, and maintaining high standards in the pet industry was a driving force behind Notti. We’re excited to work with Notti as they continue to expand and have a significant impact.

Notti actively participates in Trap- Neuter- Return initiatives and charitable campaigns, including giving pet kibbles to animal shelters, in addition to advancing animal health and nutrition. Their focus on innovation, nutrition, and animal welfare reflects their mission to foster a healthier and more compassionate world.

Currently available in over 100 pet shops across Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, Notti aims to expand to 200 online and offline distributors by the end of 2024, signaling confidence in driving substantial business growth and benefiting pets worldwide.

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China eyes plan to connect Southeast Asian rail links

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KUALA LUMPUR: &nbsp, China said it was willing to study a program to join Malaysia’s US$ 10- billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL ) to another China- backed rail projects in Laos and Thailand, probably expanding Beijing’s Belt and Road initiative across Southeast Asia. Foreign Premier Li Qiang, who isContinue Reading

Putin’s visit to Vietnam casts spotlight on Russia’s influence in Southeast Asia

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US ISSUES REBUKE

Despite having only improved relations with Washington last month, Vietnam is rolling out the red carpet for Putin amid criticism from the US government.

No country may provide Putin a platform to promote his battle of aggression, according to a statement sent to CNA from a representative for the US Embassy in Hanoi.

If he can travel freely, it might normalize Russia’s flagrant violations of international law and unintentionally send the message that atrocities is been committed in Ukraine and elsewhere without trial, worsening human suffering, and advancing lasting peace and justice, the spokesperson said.

We are unable to go back to normalcy or ignore the flagrant violations of international law that Russia has committed in Ukraine. For those concerned for battle crimes, there must be responsibilities.

HISTORICALLY STRONG LINKS TO RUSSIA

Vietnam has maintained its previously friendly ties with the former Soviet Union, even as it aligns with the US in opposition to China.

When Vietnam’s conflict and nation-building came to an end, Russia’s support was crucial in that country’s history.

In the late 1950s, the US entered Vietnam to stop a socialist rule over the area. The war became incredibly unpopular in the US as Asian civilians became more and more frequently caught in the crossfire and British tactics became more brutal.

It is clear that Vietnam views Russia as an ally in the displays at the Vietnam Military History Museum, which is situated in the heart of Hanoi.

Vietnam’s shipwreck of British plane is next to Soviet-made missile systems and other military equipment used by Vietnam.

Nguyen Dat Phat, vice-chairman of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association, stated to CNA that the Soviet Union’s support was “great and significant because we wanted to conquer the South and bring the nation together through force and resistance.”

” We needed weaponry, weapons, fuel, and so on.”

Vietnam wants to show its support for Russia since well at this point.

It opted not to vote on UN proposals regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and avoided the Ukraine peace conference last weekend.

The West has sponsored the draft proposals to denounce Russia. Abstaining, in my opinion, would mean avoiding joining Russia’s fight. That’s aid for Russia,” said Nguyen.

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Iskandar Investment Berhad, TM-Nxera partner to drive digital transformation in Iskandar Puteri

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  • Collaboration supports M’sia’s goal of attracting US$14.8 billion in investments by 2025
  • Project involves a US$212 mil investment to develop Iskandar Puteri’s digital infrastructure

Iskandar Investment Berhad, TM-Nxera partner to drive digital transformation in Iskandar Puteri

Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), the master developer of Iskandar Puteri, through River Retreat Sdn Bhd, has entered into a strategic partnership with TM-Nxera, a joint venture of TM and Singtel, to empower the digital economy and build a sustainable future for the region.

In a statement, the firm said that the strategic partnership with TM-Nxera to establish state-of-the-art sustainable, hyper-connected, and AI-ready digital infrastructure in Iskandar Puteri marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming the Digital and Innovation Hub for Johor.

It said the proposed project will entail an approximate US$212 million (RM9 billion) investment by the parties to develop the digital infrastructure for Iskandar Puteri.

Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/CEO of IIB, said, “The decision by TM-Nxera to establish their state-of-the-art sustainable and AI-ready digital infrastructure in Iskandar Puteri is a major achievement for our community. It goes beyond mere infrastructure development; it’s about nurturing innovation and fostering growth within our region.”

Meanwhile, Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, stated, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to empower digital economies and communities across the region, and we are confident that it will unlock immense potential for businesses in Johor and Singapore.”

Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, group CEO,  TM said: “This strategic move underscores our commitment to advancing technology and fostering innovation in Malaysia. Johor is a key destination for TM’s digital infrastructure expansion supported by our robust domestic and international connectivity. The partnership is a pivotal step in our mission to position Malaysia as a regional digital hub and towards our vision of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.”

The collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s national agendas, including the MyDigital Blueprint, which emphasizes the importance of digital infrastructure in driving a digitally enabled government and economy. It also supports the nation’s goal of attracting US$14.8 billion (RM70 billion) in investments by 2025, as outlined in the MyDigital Blueprint and National Industrial Master Plan 2030.

The new digital infrastructure will create numerous benefits for Iskandar Puteri, unlocking opportunities and creating value in several ways. It will increase investment opportunities by attracting new technology companies and stimulating tech-based investments. Additionally, it will upskill the workforce by providing opportunities for local talent to develop digital skills.

The infrastructure will be built with a focus on sustainability, aligning with IIB’s vision for a net-zero-carbon CBD in Medini. This development will enhance the business ecosystem by facilitating the growth of various technology-driven industries within Iskandar Puteri. Furthermore, it will increase subsea connectivity between Johor and Singapore, supporting the development of the digital economies in both regions.

With a shared commitment to progress and prosperity in the region, the strategic partnership strengthens the dynamic relationship between Johor and Singapore, underscoring initiatives that pave the way for a brighter future driven by innovation and economic growth.

Both parties are confident in the partnership’s ability to not only bolster Iskandar Puteri’s digital infrastructure but also unlock exciting potential for innovations and opportunities. Together, they aim to transform Iskandar Puteri into the preferred gateway to Southeast Asia and a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and economic prosperity.

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Reducing carbon footprint in Malaysia: The potential of green-tech startups

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  • Essential for M’sia to identify efficient- technology startups dedicated to sustainability&nbsp,
  • Collaboration between multiple stakeholders is essential in addressing weather issues.

Reducing carbon footprint in Malaysia: The potential of green-tech startups

Malaysia, with its huge forested area of 18.27 million acres, or 55.3 % of the total land area, is navigating the subtleties of carbon pollution. In 2021, the government’s CO2 emissions were nearly 298.5 million metric tons, mainly attributed to power production and consumption. The country has seen a constant increase in coal power over the past ten years, increasing by approximately 1.3 % annually.

Major environmental effects have been caused by Malaysia’s rising carbon emissions. The nation is becoming more prone to climate change, with more frequent wildfires and rising sea levels, which pose significant risks to its southern provinces.

Another pressing problem is forest. About 133, 000 hectares of healthy forest were lost in Malaysia in 2023, leading to the loss of biodiversity and causing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon to be released, intensifying climate change.

These environmental changes have serious economic implications, with climate change potentially shrinking Malaysia’s GDP by 20 % by 2050. This puts vital industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and fisheries at hazard, along with possible impacts on public health and work production.

But, Southeast Asia also has major opportunities to address climate change. According to a study conducted by BCG and Fairatmos,” Climate Technology in Southeast Asia: Key to Unlocking the World’s Carbon Sink” ( Climate Technology in Southeast Asia: Key to Unlocking the World’s Carbon Sink ), nature-based solutions ( NbS ) could account for roughly 30 % of the global carbon offset by 2030, despite Southeast Asia containing less than 1 % of the world’s total landmass. Important sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and fish can grow by focusing on sustainable practices while enhancing human health and work production.

To effectively harness nature- based solutions, collaboration between various stakeholders is needed, particularly in technological advancement, personal- public partnerships, and green investment. Although advances like the Internet of Things ( IoT), artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and quantum computing play a significant role in NbS implementation, more green investment and political will are required to overcome obstacles to NbS adoption.

The development of NbS is already being impacted in Indonesia with assistance for Fairatmos, a nonprofit that works on high-quality coal offset projects across Southeast Asia. &nbsp,

Fairatmos founder and CEO Natalia Rialucky said,” Indonesia hosts 15 % of the world’s ability character- based carbon falls. Fairatmos aims to make the process simpler, allowing everyone, regardless of size, to start nature-based tasks that reduce greenhouse gas emissions without paying a premium. Everyone should be able to participate in the restoration of the atmosphere by overriding obstacles like restricted technical expertise, extended certification procedures, and high costs.

Fairatmos has received assistance for its solution, Atmoswatch, from ANGIN, an first- level investment platform and development consulting consulting company in Indonesia, through its Product Market Fit Programme powered by Official Development Assistance. This program aims to develop businesses ‘ products to better match business needs by providing money, tailored coaching, and networking opportunities.

Ursula Toding, ANGIN business development senior associate, said,” We were impressed by Fairatmos ‘ alignment with government priorities, especially in carbon offset initiatives amid Indonesia’s focus on carbon regulation. Startups like Fairatmos must make the most of their business to address environmental issues, balancing impact with business viability. Through the organisation, we can become more strategic in our approach, achieving both meaningful impact and sustainable growth”.

Additionally, Fairatmos received funding from regional venture capital firm Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India ( VVSEAI ). VVSEAI’s partner, Puiyan Leung, said,” Innovators like Fairatmos play a vital role in supporting these efforts. In order to reduce the impact of the climate crisis in a creative and creative way, we sincerely hope there will be similar projects throughout Southeast Asia. In the same way that Fairatmos does, it also helps to reduce emissions as well as offer economic and social benefits to local communities and help them in their efforts to adapt to climate change.

To replicate this model in Malaysia, identifying green- tech startups dedicated to sustainability is essential. Venture capital firms, such as VVSEAI, can provide support through funding, mentorship, and networking, while the Malaysian government and stakeholders foster conducive environments for sustainable investments.

The partnership between Fairatmos and key ecosystem players serves as a successful model for green-tech startups, investment platforms, and venture capital firms. This partnership demonstrates how these organizations can work together to reduce carbon footprints and speed up Southeast Asia’s transition to a low-carbon economy, significantly advancing sustainability initiatives. This collaborative model provides a framework for Malaysia that can be applied to other countries, demonstrating the viability of combating climate change through strategic alliances with businesses.

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Heatwave crisis bearing down on developing Asia – Asia Times

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In April 2024, intense temperature hit South and Southeast Asia, affecting nations like India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. These temperature waves greatly impacted some of the world’s most densely populated areas, taking a big toll on health, the economy, and knowledge.

Tens of millions of people faced risky warmth in May and June. India experienced its longest heat storm possibly, which started in the middle of May. In northern India, temperatures rose above 45 degrees Celsius ( 113 degrees Fahrenheit ), with some areas exceeding 50 degrees Celsius ( 122 Fahrenheit ). The official figures for May, which were reported in March and May, are 56 heat-related deaths, but the actual figure is likely higher because remote murders are frequently not reported.

Myanmar has faced extraordinary high heat in some districts, including Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Bago groups. Cambodia has recently experienced its highest temperatures in 170 years, reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius ( 109 Fahrenheit ).

In northern Thailand, temperatures soared above 44 degrees Celsius ( 111 Fahrenheit ), while Bangkok saw temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius ( 104 Fahrenheit ). In 2024, Thailand‘s summers, which usually runs from late February to later May, was 1–2 degrees Fahrenheit greater than the previous year, with precipitation below normal.

Through May 10, 2024, at least 61 citizens in Thailand died from sunstroke, compared to 37 incidents throughout the whole past time.

The prolonged heat has caused problems in work performance and education. Specialists in the Philippines imposed a two-day suspension of in-person classes in order to instruct thousands of individuals to stay at home. More than 47 000 people schools were directed by the Department of Education to switch to internet instruction.

Local and global aspects play a significant role in intense heat. Geographically, reduced vegetation and ground water contribute to higher temperature. Urban regions, with their cement and asphalt areas, keep temperature, creating what is known as the urban heat island effect. Also, weather patterns and fog cover play jobs in regional temperature versions.

Globally, El Niño activities and climate change amplify intense heat episodes. Since May 2023, El Nio situations have increased the amount of heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming even more. Therefore, parts like South and Southeast Asia knowledge more regular, extended, and intense heat waves.

The central and eastern exotic Pacific Ocean experience unusually hot ocean surface temperatures, which are a conditions occurrence known as El Nio. Every several times, it occurs sporadically and has an impact on global weather patterns.

Increased ocean temperatures during El Nio cause changes in the meteorological circulation, which can result in heavy rain in some places and severe drought in another. It even influences the flight stream, altering wind patterns worldwide.

In South and Southeast Asia, El Niño generally correlates with hotter and drier conditions, worsening heat waves and extending dry times. These issues pose serious obstacles to crops, which result in lower crop yields and increased risk of wildfires.

El Niño and La Niña are essential to the El Niño- Southwestern Oscillation ( ENSO ) pattern, a natural occurrence causing substantial year- to- year climate variations on Earth.

But, human- induced culture change is today affecting this cycle. Reports indicate that that issue is increasing the incident and power of extreme El Niño activities, multiplying their effects such as droughts, floods, heat waves, and altered storms patterns.

According to climate models, extreme El Nio events could occur every 10 years rather than every 20 because of global warming. This increased frequency might lead to more severe weather-related disasters occurring globally.

Due to their limited resources and ability to deal with climate change, Global South countries face a significant challenge. These countries are especially vulnerable to the unpredictable weather patterns brought on by climate change because of how heavily rely on agriculture as a major economic pillar. Consequently, they often experience crop failures, food insecurity, and heightened poverty levels.

Economically, the impact is substantial. According to projections from the World Bank, over 140 million people will be internally displaced by climate change-related causes, including water scarcity and agricultural productivity, by 2050, in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

Socially, climate change worsens existing inequalities within these countries. The poorest populations, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, bear the brunt of climate- related disasters such as floods and droughts. This exacerbates health issues, displaces communities, and sparks competition over essential resources like water and land. In addition, these nations struggle to manage the rise in the number of illnesses related to climate change, which adds to the complexity of the situation.

Heat waves pose a serious threat to low- income communities, worsening existing health and economic disparities. These areas frequently have inadequate infrastructure to deal with high temperatures, such as poorly insulated homes and limited cooling options.

Due to human activities, the urban heat island effect, which makes urban areas hotter than rural areas in the area, further exacerbates the issue. As a result, cooling costs rise, putting financial strain on many low- income families during heat waves.

The health impacts on these communities are significant, with more hospitalizations due to heat- related illnesses like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heatstroke. Rapid treatment is a challenge when faced with limited access to medical care during heat emergencies. Moreover, existing health conditions prevalent in these areas, such as respiratory and heart diseases, worsen under extreme heat.

Economically, heat waves disrupt the livelihoods of low- income workers who rely on outdoor jobs or work in non- climate- controlled environments. Financial instability is caused by shortened work hours due to illness or caregiving obligations.

Heat waves present significant risks to vulnerable populations in third- world countries, particularly women, the elderly, and children, exacerbating their health and socioeconomic challenges. Women who work in agriculture are frequently exposed to heat-related illnesses because of limited access to medical care and outdoor work.

The elderly, with age- related health issues and reduced mobility, are at increased risk of heat stress complications, compounded by insufficient cooling infrastructure. Further affecting children’s development and future prospects in these areas is the prolonged heat waves, which can cause school closures and obstruct educational opportunities.

Third-world countries are faced with the harsh realities of escalating climate change and severe heat waves, while developed countries enjoy the comforts of modern life. These communities grapple with extreme temperatures that disrupt daily routines, endanger health, and undermine economic stability.

The disparate distribution of resources clearly shows how much more people with limited resources and the ability to adapt to change the world are affected by global temperatures.

Pranjal Pandey, a journalist and editor based in Delhi, edited seven books that cover a variety of topics for LeftWord. On NewsClick, you can read more about his journalistic contributions. in.

Published with the permission of Globetrotter.

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Matrade and Amazon sign Memorandum of Understanding to empower Malaysia SMEs to go global

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  • MoU will increase, increase both parties ‘ cooperation which began in 2021
  • SME will get the help required to become Google retailers across the globe.

From left to right: Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO, MATRADE; Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, minister of Investment, Trade and Industry; Reezal Merican Naina Merican, chairman, Matrade; Anand Palit, head of Amazon Global Selling, Southeast Asia

To strengthen the export capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in Malaysia, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( Matrade ) and Amazon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU).

Under the contract, both parties will start the” Move International with Amazon and Matrade” effort, helping Indonesian brand owners and sellers seize mix- border business opportunities with Amazon Global Selling. This program helps businesses build worldwide, build global companies, and achieve Amazon’s hundreds of millions of active user accounts worldwide.

Businesses from all over the world can establish a global business, establish global brands, and gain access to Amazon’s hundreds of millions of active customer accounts.

Matrade and Amazon will work together to increase awareness and provide necessary information to Malaysian company owners and sellers regarding cross-border e-commerce. Amazon Global Selling will share insights and experience, help training workshops, and link businesses through the Amazon owner trip, including account register, product preparation, list, shipping, advertising, and more.

Additionally, they will share the success stories of Malaysian retailers in U.S. and EU stores to inspire other regional businesses. Additionally, Matrade will promote Amazon Global Selling’s training activities to relevant local entities, including businesses, authorities, and business associations, to foster greater participation.

The MoU, according to the parties, will strengthen and open up new opportunities for Matrade and Amazon’s collaboration, which first began in 2021. An in-person seller workshop, which attracted a lot of Malaysia sellers, was the most recent joint initiative, which took place in Kuala Lumpur in April 2024.

Reezal Merican Naina Merican, chairman of Matrade, expressed his delight in working with Amazon to advance Malaysian SMEs on international markets. He added that this MoU highlights the agency’s commitment to supporting businesses that use e-commerce to expand their global footprint. &nbsp,

” Together with Amazon, we aim to provide Malaysian SMEs with the essential tools, knowledge, and support to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace”, Reezal said.

Meanwhile, Anand Palit, head of Amazon Global Selling in Southeast Asia, said,” We are strengthening our collaboration with Matrade to empower Malaysian SMEs to leverage Amazon’s global reach. Malaysian sellers are showing a growing desire to sell on Amazon to other countries. In fact, the number of new Malaysian sellers selling their goods abroad through Amazon Global Selling nearly doubled in the January to April 2024 period compared to the same period the year before.

He added that the MoU with Matrade will give Malaysian brand owners the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed as Amazon sellers across international borders.

Amazon continues to invest in logistics, tools, services, programmes, and people to foster the growth of sellers ‘ businesses worldwide. The company claims that more than 60 % of sales in its store are made by independent sellers, the majority of which are small and medium-sized businesses. &nbsp,

To date, the company has 23 stores globally and can ship products to customers in over 200 countries and territories.

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House passes same-sex marriage law

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PUBLISHED: 19 Jun 2024 at 04: 31

House passes same-sex marriage law
The Pride Caravan, celebrating the Senate’s crossing of the marriage equality rules on Tuesday, arrives at Government House after departing from outside congress. The growth was hailed by LGBT advocates as a deserved success in their protracted struggle for equal rights. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

With its union fairness laws passed in the Upper House on Tuesday and now on the verge of promulgation, it will become the first nation in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex relationship.

LGBTQ activists applauded as the Senate voted 130- 4 to complete the laws in its last studying with 18 nays. They characterized the growth as a success in their protracted fight for equal rights.

The supporters who had assembled in legislature on Tuesday to watch the Senate’s final reading of the costs and voting erupted in ovation after the outcome was announced.

Afterwards, they made their way to Government House, where the government held a joyous party for them in the evening. The Bangkok Art and Culture Center hosted them until the evening, where holidays continued.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has Covid-19 and is on ill left, congratulated them at Government House via a Zoom contact.

Any two people who are 18 years of age or older can record their relationship and enjoy the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples. The act uses gender- natural terms for a married couple as” two people” rather of” a man and a woman”, and their legal status is changed from “husband and wife” to” families”.

LGBTQ individuals from any country can record their union in Thailand. When the bill becomes law, same-sex people who are married abroad will have the correct to a marriage card.

The costs may be forwarded to the case before being submitted for royal approval.

It will become effective within 120 time of being published in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the second nation in Asia to recognize same-sex unions after Nepal and Taiwan.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, in his power as spokeswoman for the Senate’s specific commission vetting the draft laws, described it as a victory for equal rights activists.

” There is no explanation for the Upper House to agree with the assessment made by the House of Representatives”, he said. He was referring to the Lower House passing the policy before it was sent for consideration to the Senate for evaluation.

23 years ago, the same-sex marriage laws movement began. Section of the rules on Tuesday &nbsp, marked a new book in Thailand’s story, said Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party listing- MP.

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Time for an AI arms control agreement? – Asia Times

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Strategic security is seriously impacted by AI’s growing reputation on the field. The reported use of AI for targeting in the continuing conflict in Gaza does raise alarms and spur even greater efforts to be made to regulate and control weapons.

It is only a matter of moment before similar issues become apparent in the Indo- Pacific, where some states are violently raising their military spending&nbsp, despite financial difficulties. The case of Gaza illustrates how in an environment where there are no restrictions on the development and use of military AI, Indo-Pacific says may be bystanders.

Using AI to target individuals

In a recent&nbsp, report, &nbsp, 972 Magazine – an online publication run by Israeli and Palestinian journalists – drew on anonymous insider interviews to claim that the Israel Defense Forces ( IDF) have been using an AI- based system called” Lavender” to identify human targets for its operations in Gaza. Worryingly, the identical report claimed that “human workers often served simply as a” rubber mark” for the computer’s choices”.

The IDF clarified in a statement that it does not “use an artificial intelligence system to identify criminal operatives or attempts to predict whether a person is a terrorist” in response to these assertions.

But, a&nbsp, report&nbsp, by&nbsp, The Guardian&nbsp, has cast doubt on the IDF’s response by referring to film footage from a meeting in 2023 where a reporter from the Army described the use of a resource for destination recognition that bears similarity to Lavender.

Given how forces continue to look at how to incorporate AI to enhance existing skills and create new ones, it is a major problem that we lack the ability to independently verify the accuracy of claims made by any area.

Unfortunately, current efforts to regulate military AI and limit its proliferation appear unlikely to catch up, as well, at least in the short term. Even though&nbsp, 972’s exposé has garnered global attention, it will not have a tangible impact in terms of encouraging arms control for AI. Major powers that lack incentives to impose limits on the proliferation of military AI still have the power to make progress on that front.

This will become even more complicated by the difficulty in separating the governance of military AI from other issues, such as conflicting claims over the South China Sea and tensions relating to Taiwan and North Korea, in the context of the Indo-Pacific.

According to complex political and security calculations, the chances of the Indo-Pacific powers making significant progress on these issues will wane and the chances of dialogue will wane.

AI on the battlefield and human control

It should come as no surprise that militaries are pursuing AI despite well-known concerns about its potential for errors and biased output. States are effectively unrestrained when deploying these technologies, even if they have committed to their responsible use, because there is no international law or arms control regime that regulates or prohibits military AI.

Another crucial factor in determining responsible military use of AI is whether its application merely automates a task according to well-defined rules or allows for decisions to be made autonomously. It is crucial to assess the degree of autonomy when AI-based systems can make autonomous decisions by determining the level of human involvement in the decision-making process.

For responsible military AI, it is crucial to have human control over the decision-making process of autonomous AI-based systems. However, as the Lavender example demonstrates, without a legally binding arms control regime it is quite meaningless to develop verification and enforcement mechanisms.

Additionally, these are still voluntary frameworks aimed at developing norms despite a recent increase in dialogue between states on responsible military AI, such as through platforms like the Responsible AI in the Military Domain ( REAIM ) Summit and US-led, Political Declaration, on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

Indo- Pacific participation in these platforms is still quite uneven – for example, India has not signed the REAIM&nbsp, Call to Action&nbsp, or the US Political Declaration. Participation by ASEAN member states has also been limited, with the exception of Singapore.

Arms control for AI

Armes control is a difficult task, as history has already demonstrated with nuclear weapons. Beyond major powers wanting to avoid restrictions on the military use of AI, there are many  barriers  in place of major barriers when it comes to developing an arms control regime for it.

These include a number of procedural difficulties that would make reaching consensus a very difficult task and a time-consuming process. Regrettably, trust between major powers – between the US and China in particular – is also in short supply at present.

The ongoing effort to stop the proliferation of lethal autonomous weapon systems ( LAWS ) at the UN demonstrates many of these obstacles. More than 120 states have been a part of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons since 2014, which has since been the subject of discussions on LAWS. An open-ended group of governmental experts ( GGE ) was established in 2017 and has since met regularly.

Although the GGE agreed to a set of&nbsp, 11 guiding principles&nbsp, on regulating LAWS in 2019, it has struggled to overcome divergence among major powers over the need for a new, legally binding instrument. At its most recent meeting in March 2024, the GGE on LAWS already encountered&nbsp, disagreement&nbsp, over how to interpret its recently revised mandate to conclude a legally binding instrument by 2026.

Lavender’s impact

The report on Lavender by 972 Magazine has probably been the most important outcome, highlighting the dangers from military use of AI and the potential difficulties that an arms control regime for AI will have to deal with.

Given the chaotic urgency of war, the implications are particularly concerning because AI-based systems can quickly increase a military’s ability to identify and kill targets beyond what human personnel tasked with oversight can realistically assess.

Any arms control system focused on LAWS would only cover some, if not all, of the use of AI because it blends into the background of military hardware and software. Instead of a lethal autonomous weapon system, lavender would be categorized as an AI-based decision-support system.

When existing efforts focused solely on LAWS have already struggled to reach a meaningful conclusion even after a decade of discussion, this poses an additional obstacle to the development of an arms control regime for AI aimed at covering a wider range of applications.

There is a significant risk that advances in regulation and governance of civilian AI will leave behind efforts to build up military AI, despite the historic and resolution on AI that was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly in March 2024.

Even the European Union’s landmark AI Act passed earlier this year has a&nbsp, national security exemption, which highlights the difficulty posed by AI’s inherently dual- use nature for governance.

A question mark also remains regarding the participation of the private sector in a upcoming arms control regime for AI. In contrast to nuclear weapons, which were primarily developed through state-led initiatives, AI’s development and applications were fueled by the private sector.

Even though states have been eager to establish their legal authority over tech companies through legislation in recent years, it is unclear how they would impose restrictions on civilian technology and applications used in the military. If anything, the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have demonstrated that private tech companies have played a key role in contemporary warfare, whether willingly or not.

Indo-Pacific nations who are determined to stop the spread of military AI should concentrate on strengthening the broad base of state and governance capacity in addition to US efforts already underway.

This is a particularly lucrative market for the EU, which has consciously chosen the Indo-Pacific as its area of focus. The EU would have little chance of gaining from capacity building, especially among states in South and Southeast Asia, which are still in their early stages of thinking about military AI.

Manoj Harjani&nbsp, ( [email protected]. Sg ) &nbsp is the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore’s Military Transformations Program’s coordinator.

This article was first published by Pacific Forum. It is republished with permission.

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Senate passes landmark bill recognising marriage equality

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PUBLISHED: 18 Jun 2024 at 16: 53

Senate passes landmark bill recognising marriage equality
People of the LGBTQ group react as they arrive ahead of the marriage equality bill’s second and third observations by the Senate on Tuesday. ( Photo: Reuters )

On Tuesday, the Senate approved the marriage equality law’s ultimate reading, making it the second country in Asia to recognize same-sex couples after Nepal and Taiwan.

The Senate voted 130- 4 to complete the rules with 18 nays. The house will give it imperial approval. The legislation does become effective 120 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette.

The move, which would produce Thailand the first nation in Southeast Asia to pass marriage equality legislation, was referred to as a “monumental step ahead” by LGBTQ advocates.

Thailand is already known for its lively LGBTQ culture and compassion, making it a favorite destination for tourists.

” This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality”, the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists and LGBTI couples said.

After earlier drafts of the bill failed to pass the legislature, the costs is the culmination of more than a decade of work by activists and politicians.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow clothing to honor Pride Month, led a parade through Bangkok’s roads at the beginning of June, along with hundreds of LGBTQ revelers and protesters.

The perfect chancellor may inaugurate Government House to observe the bill’s passage. A Pride Parade may be held by its adherents from Parliament to the prime minister’s office.

Mr. Srettha will work for them electronically as he is taking a few days off after being diagnosed with Covid- 19. &nbsp,

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