CNA Explains: How often does extreme turbulence occur, and how did it affect flight SQ321?

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What causes turmoil?

When an aeroplane is suddenly sucked into a sudden change in flow due to wind direction and speed changes, turbulence occurs.

They can be created by ambient pressure, storms, mountain peaks, or solid air currents called flight channels.

Planes you shake or shock when encountering volatility, much like vessels in rough waters.

Does it produce helicopters to fall?

Flight tracking data showed SQ321 experienced a 6, 000- foot ( 1.8km ) drop within four minutes.

Experts said the immediate dive for a Boeing 777-300ER was incredibly unusual despite the fact that turbulence can produce planes to lose altitude immediately. Otherwise, it would more probably have been the pilots ‘ response, said analysts.

” That amount of descent ( relative to ) time may not be subjected to a downdraft, it could be more indicative of the pilots reacting to the situation”, Mr Michael Daniel, managing director of consultancy firm Aviation Insight, told CNA’s Singapore Tonight.

You turmoil be avoided?

Some episodes of turmoil may be detected on a aircraft’s weather radar, as long as they contain water molecules.

” Generally, for turbulence caused by activity of sky, aircraft will be alerted so they can avoid it or contact the crew and passengers to use their cars”, Mr Shantanu Gangakhedkar, older aerospace analyst at market research firm Frost and Sullivan, told CNA938.

But, the least formulaic type of disturbance is obvious- air turbulence, which may appear without any noticeable signs.

What is obvious- atmosphere turbulence?

In clear clouds, these visible pockets of air can be found at high altitudes above 30 000 feet.

Due to the possibility of unpredictable injuries occurring in clear-air turmoil, the flight crew may not have the time to direct passengers to tie their seatbelts.

Now, there is no technology to recognize the trend.

Experts warn that developing an early-warning program at NASA may take years.

Many analysts at CNA believe that SQ321 was struck by clear-air turbulence as a result of the incident’s suddenness.

” Looking at the number of injuries, SQ321 ( likely ) encountered extreme clear- air turbulence, where a plane can be tossed about violently ( and without notice )”, said independent aviation analyst Alvin Lie.

” Clean- air turbulence does hit anytime, somewhere, without previous knowledge. I think there were numerous other planes in that area at the time ( but they were not impacted ). It was just hard luck ( for SQ321 )”.

How frequently does severe volatility occur?

The SIA aircraft was hit by” sudden extraordinary turbulence”, an power authorities said flights often encounter.

Additionally, mortality or severe injuries brought on by turbulence are still very uncommon.

Turbulence intensity is classified by light, moderate, severe and extreme, according to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s ( NOAA ) National Weather Service.

During lighting turbulence, passengers may experience minor bumpiness.

An aircraft may be fiercely tossed around during extraordinary turbulence and become temporarily impossible to control. Additionally, it might result in structural deterioration.

According to experts, corporate aircraft are built to withstand challenging climate conditions.

Are some roads bumpier than others?

Some pathways can be more vulnerable to turbulence, particularly areas with more climate activities.

” Southeast Asia is a place known to have more wind actions, and therefore likely to experience more turbulence”, said Mr Leithen Francis, managing chairman of Francis &amp, Low, a marketing firm that specialises in aircraft.

When the SIA flight suddenly encountered the sudden and severe turbulence, it was over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar.

According to scientists, severe turbulence has increased by 55 % in the last 40 years and is expected to increase even more as a result of climate change.

How do people get hurt during turbulence?

Most injuries caused by turbulence are caused by passengers and crew members not being properly secured.

People can be thrown around the cabin from sudden, violent movements of an aircraft during turbulence.

In the SQ321 incident, witnesses claimed that those without seatbelts were launched into the ceiling and hit overhead baggage cabins.

If overhead compartments are flung open, passengers may be hit by flying objects or falling luggage even when buckled in.

Experts point out that crew members are most susceptible to injury because they are typically not strapped, which includes having to check passengers ‘ seatbelts when the signs flash when they are not in use. &nbsp,

What can travelers do to ensure safety?

Be diligent, say experts.

Buckle up when seated, even at cruising altitude when the “fasten seatbelt” sign is not on.

Attendants also advise passengers to pay attention to the crew and pilot announcements during a flight and to pay attention to the safety briefing before takeoff.

” We ca n’t anticipate sudden turbulence, which could result in serious injuries if people are n’t buckled in. So, when you are in the seat, be diligent and buckle up, whether the fasten seatbelt sign is on or not”, said Mr Daniel.

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India is leading the Asian gin movement with over 30 brands and counting

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Besides herbs, Indian create gin makers are tuned into conservation practices and, more importantly, make work in the local communities. ” We introduced our rum to their innovative green ecoTOTES in Singapore and have also partnered with them to introduce this innovative package answer to India,” Mehta continued.

Tamras and Stranger & Sons are also working toward securing a Green Accreditation from the Ministry of Environment by 2025, employ native women to handle grapefruit, and adheres to a zero-waste plan and saves 10,000 litres of water per batch.

Goa, a seaside retreat an afternoon from Mumbai, is the “local” for the majority of craft gin distilleries. With their lower excise taxes, the area attracts a few craft breweries. At the same time, Goa is India’s team area and attracts scores of revellers across the time, for whom, having is a major priority. Every global brand that comes to India is launched in Goa, according to Bachooali, who is based in Goa with his co-founder family Devika Bhagat. It’s the best test business”.

Indian art gins are even bravely entering international markets, including the US and UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and picking leading international awards along the way, while Indian scotch drinkers have increased leaps and bounds.

At the same time, gin is a saturated category with numerous contenders, said Brandon Grust, general manager for Southeast Asia at Proof and Co.” The gin and tonic movement are not going away, nor is it being diminished. Having said that, I do n’t hear from any countries asking for more gins from consumers or businesses. I think new brands that are trying to establish themselves in Singapore will generally struggle to do so unless they are of exceptional quality and with clear objectives in mind.

The well-travelled Virmani believes that India’s unrestricted spice bounty will enable new players to grow even further. Every neighborhood in the UK has its own gin, he said, and you might wonder if they are actually distinct from one another. We do n’t have the problem in India because there’s so much to uncover. There is no limit to the flavors and aromas that you can experiment with in India.

In Singapore, there are six Indian craft gin brands.

STRANGER &amp, SONS

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Ministry welcomes return of two valued artifacts by New York”s Met

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PUBLISHED: 21 May 2024 at 18: 22

Ministry welcomes return of two valued artifacts by New York's Met
One of the two old bronze statues, the” Golden Boy,” which dates from the 11th century, was brought back to Thailand on Monday. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

As a major breakthrough in collaboration between Thailand and the United States, the Ministry of Culture has publicly welcomed the gain of two very valued old objects from an esteemed New York museum.

The 1, 000- season- old artifacts, a bronze monument known as” Golden Boy” and a” Kneeling Woman” artwork arrived on Monday and were formally handed over at a service in Bangkok on Tuesday.

They had previously been on display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art ( MET ) and had been returned as part of the Met’s cultural initiative, which was launched last year. The Met is dedicated to responsible antiquities collection and to the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.

Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon, government lasting secretary, expressed her gratitude for the Met’s effort to restore Thailand’s cultural heritage during a speech at the ceremony. The Met reached the agency’s Department of Fine Arts in December of last year to hand over the two figures.

The government on May 14 ordered the government to take them up after the office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Met had carefully collaborated in making arrangements.

The two objects, according to Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, are thought to be the house of all Thai citizens. They were recognized as a major part of the country’s cultural heritage and deserving of great pleasure because they provided proof of Thailand’s wealth over a thousand years ago.

” We are very appreciative of the Met’s efforts in bringing them back to their home country. They are crucial in presenting the world community with our ethnic identity and our level of skill in casting and crafting. Interestingly, the Met has emphasized ownership of constitutional origin of relics and firmed our common relations”, she said.

The exchange of the monuments and the most new Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Met and Thailand, according to Met member John Guy, a member of the Committee for Repatriation of Thai Antiquities from Foreign Countries.

One of the most significant religious carvings of its kind, he said, was the position statue of the Hindu god Shiva, a standing number known as Golden Boy.

Its value was merely strengthened by the fact that it was almost entirely preserved.

The Met learned that” Golden Boy” and” Kneeling Woman” had been illegally smuggled out of Thailand. Thus, the gallery removed them from its variety of treasures and proposed their returning to Thailand.

The two old monuments, which have been dated to the 11th century, are now on watch at the Lopburi Room, Mahasurasinghanat Building of the National Museum. A big bronze monument that is found at Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai in Si Sa Ket state and has connections to the Golden Boy is being displayed alongside them.

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US-China trade war puts investors in harm’s way – Asia Times

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The recent escalation in US-China trade tensions, which was highlighted by the imposition of significant tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles ( EVs ) and a subsequent Chinese anti-dumping investigation, indicates the potential resumption of trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

The information expands on President Joe Biden’s demand next month to impose tariffs on Foreign aluminum and steel. And it comes as Donald Trump and the president are competing to be seen as hard on China ahead of the US election in November.

This growth has potential for significant effects on global trade, financial security, and investment strategies. Global investors are confronting an increasing number of complexities to guard their investments and profit from new opportunities as the monetary superpowers implement tit-for-tat measures.

The current position recalls trade tensions that plagued US-China relations during the Trump administration, when goods were subject to tariffs for hundreds of billions of dollars. &nbsp,

The Biden administration’s most recent actions, including tariffs on other Chinese imports, increase tariffs from 27.5 % to 100 %, as well as what the White House calls China’s unfair trade practices. &nbsp,

Particularly, the US accuses China of flooding world markets with intentionally low- priced imports, which in turn undermines American companies.

China’s hostile move to start an pro- dumping probe into polyoxymethylene ( POM) copolymers, necessary in numerous industries from mechanical to electronics, underscores the tit- for- scar nature of the trade disputes. &nbsp,

Other locations ‘ participation in this investigation, such as the European Union, Taiwan, and Japan, suggests that China is expanding its protective measures beyond the US, which could lead to a more disjointed international business setting.

As countries adjust their economic policies in response to taxes, increased market volatility and changes in currency values are usually the result of these changes. &nbsp,

Buyers should therefore be prepared for short-term fluctuations as the markets react to changing business policies, as well as take into account hedging strategies to reduce risks.

Companies in the automotive industry can be expected to experience higher prices and disruptions in the supply chain as tariffs on Chinese EVs are set to soar. In consequence, we would urge investors to research mechanical stocks, especially those that heavily rely on imports or exports from China.

Additionally, it manufacturers that rely on these materials may be affected by the anti-dumping investigation into POM copolymers. Therefore, companies in the software industry are more likely to experience higher costs, which will impact their profit margins and investment performance.

Businesses affected will normally try to diversify their supply chains to lessen their reliance on Chinese exports. These businesses are the ones we believe will be better able to withstand industry turbulence.

Additionally, there is likely to be a tendency toward nearshoring or onshoring production to lessen the dangers of global trade wars, with investors looking into opportunities in areas like Southeast Asia or Mexico that could benefit from these shifts.

As global supply chains reconfigure, emerging markets outside of China may see increased investment and growth opportunities. On the whole, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia should become more attractive as investment destinations.

Investor focus, as always, should be on quality and resilience. Invest in well-established businesses with robust business models and strong balance sheets. These businesses are typically better suited to deal with economic downturns.

Also consider sectors that are less exposed to international trade fluctuations, such as healthcare, utilities and consumer staples.

Global investors have both challenges and opportunities because of the possibility of a new trade war between the US and China. While volatile short-term markets are likely, strategic positioning can help protect investments and profit from potential new growth opportunities.

deVere Group was founded and led by Nigel Green as CEO and founder.

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AstraZeneca invests .5bn in Singapore facility for next-generation cancer drugs | FinanceAsia

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AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical company, has stated plans to build a$ 1.5 billion manufacturing facility in Singapore for antibody drug conjugates ( ADCs ), in order to increase the global supply of its ADC portfolio, according to a May 20 media release.

ADCs are the newest treatments that use a targeted antibody to deliver cancer-killing agents instantly to cancer cells. The production of ADCs is a multiple- step process that includes antibodies manufacturing, production of chemotherapy drug and linker, conjugation of drug- linker to the antibody, and filling of the completed ADC substance.

AstraZeneca wants to start building the manufacturing service by the end of 2024, with a goal of functional preparation starting in 2029. AstraZeneca added that it will collaborate with the government of Singapore and other parties to develop efficient solutions for the ADC service. The service will be constructed to produce no coal from its first time of operation.

The planned new service is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board ( EDB), and it will be AstraZeneca’s second “end- to- end” ADC manufacturing site.

EDB’s president Png Cheong said in the discharge:” We welcome AstraZeneca’s decision to establish a manufacturing appearance in Singapore for the first time. AstraZeneca will also have a first in the world by having an end-to-end manufacturing facility for book antibodies drug conjugates that enable precise cancer treatments.

Cheong continued,” This new purchase is a powerful show of confidence in Singapore’s biotech production capabilities and talent, strengthens our ecosystem in supporting the development and manufacturing of precision medicines, and creates important jobs and economic opportunities for Singapore. We look forward to a successful relationship with AstraZeneca”.

Pascal Soriot, chief executive officer, AstraZeneca, said:” Singapore is one of the country’s most beautiful countries for funding given its reputation for excellence in difficult production, and I’m excited for AstraZeneca to find our$ 1.5 billion ADC production facility in the country”.

AstraZeneca has a broad portfolio of in- house ADCs, including six wholly owned ADCs, and “many more” in preclinical development, the release said.

¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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DisruptInvest 2024:Chua Kee Lock of Vertex Holdings on the 3 key trends emerging, and the exit of momentum investors

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A snapshot of some of the investments made by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India.

DisruptInvest 2024:Chua Kee Lock of Vertex Holdings on the 3 key trends emerging, and the exit of momentum investorsWith only three days until the DisruptInvest Summit on May 23rd in Kuala Lumpur, keynote speaker and one of the most successful venture capital firms in Asia, Chua Kee Lock ( pic ), CEO of Vertex Holdings, who leads a network of seven funds ( with Japan being the most recent ), with around 90 VC professionals, shares his quick thoughts with DNA on the tech trends he sees. We even questioned whether he thought Penang or Singapore had the tastier city food. ( Spoiler alert, his answer is not spicy. )

Can you introduce Vertex Holdings and its seven resources to us first?

&nbsp, Vertex Holdings, &nbsp, is a Singapore- based venture capital investment holding organization. A custom worldwide system of venture capital funds receives anchor funding and functional support.

&nbsp, At provide, we have seven community partnerships, each with different focus sections. Our Vertex community of cash invests in early stage technology prospects through Vertex Ventures, especially –&nbsp, Vertex Ventures China, &nbsp, Vertex Ventures Israel, Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia &amp, India, &nbsp, Vertex Ventures US.

We recently welcomed&nbsp, Vertex Ventures Japan into our Vertex global network which launched its inaugural ¥10 billion ( RM299.7 million ) fund with Vertex Holdings as its anchor investor. The account will concentrate on investing in leading Chinese startups with strong growth potentials in Deeptech, DX, AI, and the creator economy.

For our international funds, we have &nbsp, Vertex Ventures HC, which specialises in first- level medical opportunities and&nbsp, Vertex Growth, which targets development- stage opportunities across technology and healthcare sectors. &nbsp,
 
Each Vertex portfolio is run by its own General Partners, who manage each of its own local and regional partners. Collaboration and information sharing are promoted among the money through the Vertex international community. &nbsp,

Can you provide your opinion on the current funding landscape ( based on the sites and investment elements of the 7 Vertex money ) and the top 3 disruptive changes emerging from the network? &nbsp, &nbsp,

We do see pockets of prospects emerging throughout our community, given the breadth and scope of our global community. The flood of international technological disruption is underway, and the cost of developing new products is decreasing as a result. This results in exponential growth in computer power and a corresponding decrease in technology costs over time. In the last 20 years, many nations have established and maintained their modern facilities, facilitating the adoption of new technologies. &nbsp,

With the fast adoption of technology, we are witnessing some important changes emerging:

  1. Generative AI programs are changing the future of business, from boosting productivity to developing novel business models.
  2. The rise of” As- a- service” ( XaaS ) model – With a subscription basis model, businesses are transforming how they utilize technology.
  3. With the rapid progress in AI, we think these industries will use AI to strengthen their current software and choices. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Beyond AI as the current and future pattern, it is difficult to see beyond internet protection and the latest buzz. What are the changes Vertex sees, however, from your point of view?

&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, With the general AI industry forecasted to reach around &nbsp, US$ 2.5 trillion by 2032&nbsp, and the relational AI industry poised to become at&nbsp, at&nbsp, US$ 1.3 trillion by 2032 it is no question why AI is changing the prospect. We believe AI have the potential to disrupt industries&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, much like the internet revolution did as startups develop AI- enabled applications to transform industries.

Beyond AI, we also witnessed significant changes in the cloud computing space where the industry is moving towards specialized and intelligent cloud solutions. We see a rise in adopting hybrid and multi- cloud strategies, to leverage the strengths of&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, different providers. The integration of AI and machine learning into cloud services will enable automation, optimisation, and deeper data analysis. Coupled with the growing focus on edge computing for real- time processing, the cloud landscape&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, is&nbsp, becoming increasingly intelligent and distributed. &nbsp,

&nbsp, &nbsp, Secondly, the” as- a- service” model, often referred to as XaaS, is also experiencing remarkable growth. This model includes everything from infrastructure ( IaaS ) and platforms ( PaaaS ) to software ( SaaS ) and platforms ( PaaaS ) available on a subscription basis. Its&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, appeal&nbsp, lies in the on- demand access companies have to cutting- edge technology at a cost- effective rate.

Cybersecurity is another area where we see significant advancements. The development of AI-powered attacks and specialized language models highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats. Both cyberthreat actors and cybersecurity teams ( including&nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, Information Technology and Operational Technology ) can leverage on AI to enhance cyberattacking tactics or respond against cyberattacks to prevent disruption. Lastly, big data and datafication are moving beyond mere volume to become&nbsp, &nbsp, actionable assets by leveraging on the power of data and AI to drive real- time decision- making. Datafication, the process of turning various information types into data, will continue to expand incorporating sources like the Internet of Things ( IoT ) &nbsp, &nbsp, and sensor networks. &nbsp,

Do you agree with the frequently stated claim that Southeast Asia is a market of 600 million or that it is much more geographically concentrated than that? Why do you say this?

Southeast Asia ( SEA ) is one of the world’s fastest- growing markets, and home to more than 600 million people. However, it is made up of a number of different nations, making it not a monolithic market. Investors should be aware of local preferences and cultural sensibilities, and they should n’t use a one-size-fits-all approach to all markets. &nbsp,

Despite recent decline, we think SEA continues to be a desirable investment destination and that Venture Capital (VC ) activities are still going strong. For instance, during COVID- 19, we witnessed a hyper investment pace between 2021- 2022 especially in Indonesia and Singapore startups. Since then, the investment pace has moderated. As concerns about the performance of existing investments arise, venture capital firms that have overinvested may instead devote capital to existing portfolios. While the overall funding has dipped, competition for high- calibre deals remain. &nbsp,

With “momentum” investors leaving the ecosystem, companies are focusing on fundamentals such as Product Market Fit, Scalability and Path to Profitability. In early-stage companies, we continue to see the development of novel and disruptive business models or technology applications, while growth stage companies are increasingly becoming more realistic about valuations by raising money at normalized valuations. &nbsp,

Which island do you feel has the more delicious street food, Penang or Singapore?

Both islands offer great options, each with its own unique flavours. Penang is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, which includes dishes like Penang char kway teow, assam laksa, and others that reflect the island’s diverse cultural influences.

Singapore, on the other hand, is famous for its hawker centres, where you can enjoy a variety of local favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab. &nbsp,

Personally, while I have a deep appreciation for Penang’s authentic and traditional street food, my personal preference, although slightly biased, leans towards Singapore. It is a favorite for me because of the variety and consistency of quality. Both locations are culinary have ns, so foodies from all over the world would enjoy what each has to offer.

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Pride event to span over five days

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Government interested in holding more Gay activities

PUBLISHED: 21 May 2024 at 05: 13

Pride event to span over five days
Participants at a Monday event to announce the celebrations of Pride Month at a Bangkok guesthouse. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

The government, along with the personal and civil sector, will sponsor a five- day Pride event in Bangkok to present Thailand’s readiness to become Asia’s “rainbow” capital.

The organizers stated at a press conference on Monday that this year’s Bangkok Pride Festival would take place with the design” Celebration of Love.”

According to Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of Bangkok Pride rally, this year’s festivities– which include a parade, different concerts, people activities and the Bangkok Pride Forum– may run from May 31 to June 4.

” The reason we’re hosting]the event ] over five times is to showcase Thailand’s capacity to host bigger activities, like the 2025 Inter Pride Conference and the 2030 World Pride parade”, she said, adding the function will also enjoy Thailand’s force to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same- sexual organizations while raising awareness of other problems affecting LGBTQ and other marginalised individuals and communities.

She stated that Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, has confirmed his participation in the Pride Parade this year on June 1. The parade will be held from 3- 6pm.

Responding to an alert by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, which warned of a possible attack on LGBTQ individuals during Pride month celebrations, Ms Ann said the organisers have always placed a lot of emphasis on security, as LGBTQ individuals often become a target of hate, especially in Asia.

She added that the Royal Thai Police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will work together to secure the occasion.

She said around 100, 000 people took part in the event last year. This year, she said, at least 200, 000 participants are expected to turn up at the event.

The parade will begin at the National Stadium and wrap up at the intersection of Ratchaprasong and Ratchaprasong.

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ), said LGBTQ travellers contribute significantly to tourism revenue, noting they spend 40 times more than the general spender.

This year, there will be pride events in 30 cities across Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in Surat Thani.

” However, in order to be a Pride destination, all of the needs of LGBTQ individuals must be met. We’d like to be one of the supporters of the community”,

At a recent seminar, Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich stated that improving access to public resources and services is a top priority for LGBTQ rights as well.

He claimed that the Pride celebration will help Thailand meet its goal of producing 3. 5 trillion baht in tourism-related revenue by 2024 and will help further cement its reputation as a fair, welcoming, and progressive nation.

He said,” Our government views LGBTQ people not as a burden but as an important force that could help Thailand advance in all areas of life.”

Mr Sermsak also confirmed the ministry’s officials will join the parade this year to show their support for the nation’s LGBTQ communities.

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“Golden Boy” is returned from US

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PUBLISHED: 21 May 2024 at 04: 49

After more than three decades in the hands of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a 900-year-old statue was suddenly brought back from Thailand by a notorious craft supplier in 1975.

The 129-cen-metre bronze monument known as the Golden Boy, which is thought to represent the Hindu god Shiva, along with a smaller monument of a standing woman, was transported yesterday to the Suvarnabhumi airport.

Before being displayed for the community, the statues were transported to the National Museum in Bangkok, where they would receive a formal meeting.

After checking whether the two documents were connected to Douglas Latchford, an artwork dealer who was accused of running a significant system that snatched treasures from all over Southeast Asia, the Met decided to return them.

Latchford smuggled The Golden Boy from Thailand in 1975, which is thought to have been produced over 900 years before. According to Latchford’s ebooks, Khmer Bronzes and Khmer Gold, the monument was discovered in Ban Yang Pongsadao community in tambon Ta Chong in Buri Ram’s Lahan Sai area.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s set held the anachronism between 1988 and 2023.

The Golden Boy‘s personality is also up for debate.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has one of two ancient bronze images that has been returned to Thailand, including the 11th century Shiva statue known as the” Golden Boy.” MINISTRY OF CULTURE

The Golden Boy is a monument of King Jayavarman VI, according to scientist Tanongsak Hanwong, who constructed the Phimai stone mansion in Buri Ram, no Shiva, as most people believe.

Mr. Tanongsak, who is also a member of the committee for the relocation of stolen artifacts, claimed the Golden Boy is more in line with the Phimai rock castle’s sculptures than the Shiva sculptures that are frequently found in the area.

Thus, he believes the artefact is a sculpture of King Jayavarman VI ( 1080 to 1107 AD ) of the Mahidharapura Dynasty. The Phimai rock castle was constructed by the monarch as the administrative center of the prehistoric Khmer Empire.

The Khmer Empire prospered along the Khorat Plateau before gaining control of Siem Reap, which refutes past theories that the kingdom had moved to the Khorat Plateau from Cambodia.

This evening, the Ministry of Culture and the Fine Arts Department will keep an official relocation service at the Bangkok National Museum’s Issara Winitchai Throne Hall.

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Musk arrives in Indonesia for planned Starlink launch

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Elon Musk made his first appearance on the Indonesian island of Bali on May 19 in preparation for the anticipated establish of SpaceX’s Starlink internet service, which the Indonesian government hopes may increase internet access and access to medical services in remote areas of the sprawling island. According to aContinue Reading

Golden Gate Ventures lands first close of inaugural US0 mil MENA fund in Qatar

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  • Second near of account backed by some of Qatar’s most important people
  • Oman was drawn to VC firms because of their track record in creating SEA startup ecosystem.

Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures and Hussain Abdulla, Senior Advisor at Golden Gate Ventures.

Golden Gate Ventures, a venture capital fund founded by Silicon Valley natives, announced its first US$ 100 million ( RM468 million ) MENA fund at the Qatar Economic Forum held from May 14 to 16 in Doha. The second close of US$ 20 million ( RM93.66 million ) is backed by anchor investor, the multiple- faceted Al Khor Holding with 60 years of history, the Al Attiya Group known frequently for its tremendous help for developing local organizations, and Sheikh Jassim Jabor Al Thani.

The news of the first tight supported by the arches of Qatar’s private business community is a significant step forward in Golden Gate Ventures ‘ efforts to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the MENA area. The bank combines Golden Gate Ventures ‘ extensive experience with developing startups ecosystems in Silicon Valley and Asia with the collective local effect of its owners.

Oman was drawn to the VC firm because of their track record in developing the SEA business ecosystem. The first global venture capital fund to be established and managed in Qatar is the Golden Gate Ventures MENA Fund I. Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, has moved to Qatar to strengthen the firm’s MENA responsibility.

The US$ 100 million MENA fund may focus on powering startups in vital sectors such as alternate energy, clean technology, B2B Artificial Intelligence, and energy- related strong tech, on top of stalwarts like fintech, healthtech and edtech. In these areas, SEA has seen huge growth and has launched some well-known Investments in the last ten years. The relationship between MENA and SEA is expected to have a multiplier impact on their progress, and its direction is anticipated to follow that of SEA.

Qatar has been building up its financial prowess and startup ecosystem in recent years with a friendly government, a powerful push for financial diversification, a pro- business environment, and large investment into the startup space. These tactics closely resemble those used in Singapore, which helped the city-state’s startup ecosystem <a href="https://www.startupblink.com/startup-ecosystem/singapore”>rank first in the SEA and second globally.

Qatar is emerging as a growing hub for innovation, and MENA is emerging as a shining example of progress. I remember when Golden Gate Ventures established itself ahead of the other VCs that came after in Singapore in 2011. We see a real opportunity to help startups move from one region to the next by creating a golden corridor of growth between SEA and MENA. We connected Silicon Valley to SEA close to 15 years ago, and now we do so with a presence in all the major global startup hubs,” said Vinnie Lauria, founding partner at Golden Gate Ventures.

In fact, several high- profile startups on Golden Gate Ventures ‘ portfolio have expanded to the Gulf, among which are CodaPay, Stripe and Multiplier. The firm’s extensive CEO exploratory trips over the past 18 months, which have introduced SEA startups to the Gulf markets and helped them build their social capital, have given them this ability to scale to the Gulf from SEA and Singapore.

Golden Gate Ventures ‘ SEA-MENA partnership began with QInvest, a state fund with Qatar as an LP in its Asia fund, in the early days. As the SEA ecosystem matures and the MENA ecosystem grows as a potential global competitor, the firm anticipates more activity between the regions.

” Golden Gate Ventures has spent close to a decade curating our networks in the Middle East and developing our long-term strategy for the region with the aim of growing both SEA and MENA together synergistically. We have connected the startup ecosystems in MENA and the SEA and hope to expand this. There are opportunities for startups to scale between the regions and a number of complementary growth areas, such as climate tech, health tech, and edtech,” said Michael.

Golden Gate Ventures also announced the launch of its Qatar startup ecosystem primer,” Qatar Rising: Where ambition and capital converge,” at the company’s announcement of the MENA Fund I. It serves as an industry primer and provides an in-depth analysis of how various factors, including the Gulf state’s robust economic policy, investment climate, startup ecosystem, talent pool, and cultural influence, have all come together.

Golden Gate Ventures has seen remarkable growth over the past two years, expanding its footprint with the opening of its Vietnam operations in 2022 to capitalize on its position as a leading global economy, opening an office in Saudi Arabia in 2023 to exploit opportunities in the Middle East-Southeastern Asia corridor, and adding a New York presence recently to assist portfolio companies in raising funds from the region.

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