“UNBEARABLE” In the past year, temperatures have reached more than 42 degrees Fahrenheit in Bangladesh. In response to the scorching heat, thousands of Bangladeshis gathered in capital mosques and remote fields to pray for relief from the scorching heat forecasters anticipate will last through the weekend. High school student MohuaContinue Reading
.JPG "Officiating the Grand Opening Ceremony of TTM Technologies Malaysia Facility (from left to right) Mr. Douglas Soder, Executive Vice President and President of Commercial Sector, TTM Technologies, Inc.; Teik Ming Ng, vice president and general manager, TTM Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Najihah Abas, executive director, Investment Promotion of MIDA; Chow Kon Yeow, chief minister of Penang; Loo Lee Lian, CEO, InvestPenang; Thomas Edman, president, and CEO, TTM Technologies, Inc., and Philip Titterton, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TTM Technologies, Inc.")
TTM Technologies, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions including mission systems, radio frequency ( RF ) components and RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, and quick- turn and technologically advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs ), has officially opened its first manufacturing plant in Penang, Malaysia with an investment of US$ 200 million ( RM958 million ).
Built on 27 acres in Penang Science Park, the firm’s condition- of- the- art facility boasts extremely impressive and integrated PCB manufacturing capabilities. The near collaboration between TTM and its customers has led to this job, which seeks to address the growing need for Circuit supply chain resilience and physical producing diversity.  ,
TTM added that the herb is customised to help large production requirements in various business finish markets, including network, data centre computing, medical, professional, and instrumentation.
The chief minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, stated,” Penang is proud to be the place where TTM’s first large-scale, highly automated, and modern Board manufacturing plant is set up in Southeast Asia. This also indicates the assurance that foreign traders have placed in the state.”
He continued,” Penang has the abilities and capabilities to meet the needs of professional players in next-generation technologies and development strategies. It is frequently praised for its well-developed technological ecosystem. I’m confident that TTM’s activity in Penang, the Silicon Valley of the East, may have a number of advantages.
Chow Kon Yeow, Pn., presided over the standard opening ceremony for TTM’s Penang flower. Najihah Abas, executive director, Investment Promotion of Malaysian Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ), Loo Lee Lian, CEO, InvestPenang, Thomas Edman, president, and CEO, TTM Technologies, Inc., Philip Titterton, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TTM Technologies, Inc., senior government officials, and TTM’s senior management.
By 2025, TTM’s Penang plant will enable the creation of about 1, 000 job opportunities for local talent in a variety of industries. The expansion will support cultivate the skills of native professional talent in cutting-edge PCB technology solutions and may lead to significant opportunities for TTM’s local suppliers.
TTM anticipates that the fresh plant may produce full move level income of about US$ 180 million ( RM855 million ) by 2025. However, the plant is built to help a Step two rise that could result in a 25 cent increase.  ,  ,
Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO, MIDA emphasised,” It brings me great pleasure to underscore the significant benefits TTM Technologies ‘ investment brings to Malaysia’s electrical and electronics ( E&, E) industry, especially within the semiconductor sector. Malaysia is now a significant player in the global semiconductor supply ring thanks to TTM’s skills in high-tech options and advanced printed circuit boards.
He added that TTM’s center in Penang improves Malaysia’s E& E industry’s capacity for growth and endurance as well as its ability to compete with other countries for the next generation of Circuit manufacturing.
This growth, which focuses on strengthening the silicon habitat, perfectly corresponds with the strategic priorities outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. It opens avenues for skill enhancement and information sharing among native talents, reinforcing Malaysia’s stature on the world stage as a dynamic, technologically advanced nation”, Sikh Shamsul said..jpg "TTM Technologies celebrates grand opening of its first manufacturing facility in Penang")
Meanwhile, Thomas Edman ( pic ) commented,” The opening of our flagship plant in Penang marks a significant milestone for TTM. With a state-of-the-art facility that underscores our commitment to providing our customers with specialized advanced technology PCB solutions on a global scale, we are thrilled to begin this expansion plan.
He added,” As we step into this new era of innovation and expansion, we are committed to elevating industry standards, meeting customer needs, and propelling TTM’s growth as a new contributor to the Malaysian economy”.
” Penang’s strong industrial eco-system, position as the hub for electrical and electronic equipment, strong talent pool, and conducive business environment have made it a preferred location for TTM,” said Penang. Only two years after our initial ground-breaking, TTM is now entering our production ramp due to the outstanding support of the government and the efforts of our employees. As TTM builds our presence in Penang, we eagerly anticipate a longstanding relationship and mutually rewarding partnership with the Malaysian government, our customers, and our critical vendors”, Edman said.
Besides contributing to the industry’s needs, TTM is strongly committed to protecting its staff, community, customers, and the environment. The new facility’s goal is to advance its sustainability efforts by reducing the amount of energy and water used while still adhering to stringent environmental operational requirements. It will also reduce the carbon footprint by 60 % when compared to a traditional PCB plant.
PUBLISHED: 26 Apr 2024 at 04: 00
Thailand and Australia have signed a pact for economic systems cooperation to advance the region’s banking sector.
The Thai Fintech Association and FinTech Australia signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) this week.
Thailand and the South Asian region have shown significant development opportunities for the American regional economic systems sector, according to Brian Collins, vice chair of FinTech Australia.
Thailand and Southeast Asia offer a sizable rise opportunity for our neighborhood banking industry. Due to the rapid growth of different types of finance, many of our users expressed interest in this region of the world. We look forward to working with the Thai Fintech Association to strengthen both nations ‘ results,” he said.
American Fintech members were in Bangkok to meet the Money20/20 Asia 2024, one of the nation’s leading networking websites and workshops, joined by thousands of banking and financial services professionals.
Chonladet Khemarattana, President of the Thai Fintech Association, said that Thailand was emerging as a hub for blockchain technology.
The East Asian market’s enormous growth potential is acknowledged by the Thai Fintech Association as “he warmly welcomes the relationship with FinTech Australia.” We are willing to collaborate with FinTech Australia to leverage our complementary strengths and improve the fintech ecosystems ‘ outcomes in both locations, he continued.
Angela Macdonald, the American ambassador, said during the signing meeting that Thailand’s economic technology industry is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia.
” Coupled with Australia’s interesting and dynamic financial environment, this agreement is a delightful step in online business partnership with Thailand”, she added.
FinTech Australia is the not-for-profit peak industry body for the Australian fintech sector, according to the Australian embassy. The industry’s value grew from A$ 250 million ( about 6 billion baht ) in 2015 to A$ 45 billion in 2023.
She claimed that the MoU signing was in line with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s” Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040″ from last year.
A court in Manila has halted the commercialization of genetically modified golden grain because it believes that” severe” health and environmental health problems are brought on by contradictory scientific findings. In a pay to battle childhood blindness, the Philippines was the first nation in the world to approve beautiful rice,Continue Reading
Bangkok: Thailand issued new warnings about scorching hot weather on Thursday ( Apr 25 ), as the country’s government reported that heatstroke has already claimed the lives of at least 30 people this year. The heat index was anticipated to rise above 52 degrees Fahrenheit, so Bangkok city officials issuedContinue Reading
SEVERE HEATWAVES The UN’s World Meteorological Organization reported that Asia was warming at a particularly fast rate, with the effect of heatwaves in the area becoming more intense last year, reaching record highs for the area. The WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2023 record found Asia was warmingContinue Reading
By focusing on three important pillars: intelligence-sharing, appearance, and multilateralism, the US can strengthen faith and alliances in Southeast Asia and change the state’s prevailing attitudes toward the tremendous power.
The region is home to significant US allies and possible allies who are most susceptible to Chinese influence and power forecast, which makes perceptions especially important during this time of intense energy competitors.
According to the Yusof Ishak Institute’s” The State of Southeast Asia 2023″ record, elites in Southeast Asia now believe that China has greater economic, political, and proper influence than the US or any other country.
These perceptions have a significant impact on the decisions made by rulers and frontrunners in Southeast Asia, but the US needs to change how it is perceived. Luckily, there are a few straightforward activities that may change how Southeast Asia views the US, all of which can be put into practice almost right away.
The US does create an cleverness- sharing system with allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific, especially with Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) member states. This network will enable the US to immediately inform its allies about China’s revolutionary practices and increase accountability.
Each nation should be able to benefit from globalism when dealing with China. Information sharing may also show that the US is a trustworthy strategic partner who keeps the passions of allies and partners in thinking.
Through the “assertive clarity” program, where China’s intense tactics are exposed for the area and the world to see, Sealight’s Ray Powell and Dr. Benjamin Goirigolzarri have already demonstrated the effectiveness of increased knowledge sharing.
This program has encouraged cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines and raised awareness of the presence of other East Asian countries in the fight against Chinese aggression.
Collaboration among ASEAN member states will be encouraged by the visibility of Taiwanese tactics and US-driven predictive analysis, giving them a leg up in negotiations with China that solitary states would not have to do working just unilaterally.
The US currently supports places in Southeast Asia through various means, from international aid to humanitarian aid, joint military guards, exercises, and markets. Just being there frequently paves the way for faith and confidence.
To foster connectivity and mutually beneficial relationships, we should expand the integration of military and civilian organizations with South Asian partner countries. The more people and governments in Southeast Asia see Americans as a source of support, the more likely they will consider the benefits of extending their connection with the US.
However, providing assistance and being physically present is not enough; instead, the US needs to do better by highlighting the support it offers.
The US does a bad job of marketing the support it provides, its function and influence to other countries. A country in Southeast Asia was the target of a pandemic when I collaborated with the State Department to offer a plane total of Covid products, only to have the overshadowed by a Chinese public relations campaign that highlighted a much smaller aid package.
The benefits of the support and cooperation in the Indo- Pacific may be communicated better to local audiences, the recipient country’s public and government, and the global community. Making sure nations are aware of where aid comes from will help them remember the US as a trustworthy partner.
This will win the support of the general public, which could influence government decision-makers in favor of the US.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi famously stated,” China is a big country and you are small countries, and that is a fact,” during a speech to the ASEAN Regional Forum in Hanoi in 2010. This covert threat was intended to ensnare the gathered countries into following China’s instructions.
To combat this, the US must support multinational corporations like ASEAN or encourage the development of what Richard Heydarian refers to as “minilateral” cooperation in order to end the region’s long-standing paroxysm on crucial issues.
By promoting and ratifying multilateral cooperation, we encourage and strengthen partner countries ‘ economies by reducing their reliance on China for economic support. This leveled the playing field and creates more opportunities for multilateral cooperation on issues involving China.
Expanding cooperation and presence, increasing intelligence sharing, and promoting multilateralism in Southeast Asia will strengthen the region’s resilience and remind them that the US is a sincere and lasting partner.
These straightforward initiatives will help to boost confidence, change perceptions in Southeast Asia, and foster trust and cooperation with the US, thereby reducing China’s influence in the area.
Major David Geaney, a Logistics Officer for the Air Force, has spent the Middle East and Pacific on numerous occasions. His articles on China have been published in the Journal of Indo- Pacific Affairs, Foreign Policy, Task &, Purpose, and Defense News. He has also appeared on Air University’s Indo-Pacific Visions and as a panelist for the International Studies Association.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, do not necessarily reflect those of the US government, Department of Defense, or Air Force.
Singapore has launched its fourth Type 218SG Invincible-class submarine, christened the RSS Inimitable and designed specifically for operations in Singapore’s trade-congested waters, according to multiple media sources.
Launched at the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) shipyard in Kiel, Germany, the submarine was designed with a low signature and air-independent propulsion system (AIP) for long underwater endurance. With a length of about 70 meters and a displacement of around 2,000 tons, the Invincible-class is currently the largest submarine built in Germany.
The RSS Inimitable will be handed over in 2025 after intensive testing. The submarine’s launch follows the launch of the RSS Invincible in 2019 and the double launching of the RSS Impeccable and RSS Illustrious in December 2022.
TKMS and Singapore’s ST Engineering signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly enhance the capabilities of Singapore’s Type 218SG submarines over their operational lifetimes.
Singapore’s submariners have undergone rigorous training to prepare for all scenarios while aboard the RSS Inimitable. The objective is to train and drill the crew until competent handling of the submarine’s subsystems becomes muscle memory.
To train the RSS Inimitable’s crew, a virtual procedural trainer (VPT) replicated about 12 million parts of an Invincible-class submarine in software, linking with other simulators such as a combat trainer, steering and diving trainer system, and a new maintenance trainer.
The Invincible-class boats are the most advanced submarines in Southeast Asia, representing a significant qualitative and quantitative advantage over models operated by other regional navies. Singapore operates eight submarines while Malaysia has two Scorpene-class boats and Indonesia four Type 209 boats.
Naval Technology says the Type 218SG is custom-made for Singapore’s particular naval needs. It has advanced capabilities, high automation levels, significant payload capacity, improved underwater endurance over the previous Archer and Challenger-class submarines and ergonomics optimized for the Asian physique.
The new Type 218SG submarines are designed with features similar to those of their predecessors, the Type 214 and Type 212A, such as X-rudders. These features allow them to maneuver easily in shallow waters.
They will also have modern combat systems, including eight 533mm torpedo tubes and a multi-purpose lock in the bow section for launching torpedoes, missiles, and special forces assault teams. There is also an option to integrate vertical multi-purpose locks for launching missiles vertically.
The Type 218SG has advanced sensors to enhance situational awareness in shallow and congested waters. Next-generation automation and sense-making systems will aid in making quick decisions.
Notably, the boats are equipped with lithium-ion battery AIP and are capable of speeds of over 10 knots surfaced and more than 15 knots submerged. Its AIP system allows it to stay submerged for approximately 50% longer than preceding Archer-class submarines, enabling it to stay underwater for 4-6 weeks without snorkeling.
Singapore’s submarine program is more advanced and capable than its neighbors and plays critical military and naval diplomacy roles.
In the 2018 book “Naval Modernization in Southeast Asia, Part Two”, Collin Koh Swee Lean mentions that while small navies usually cannot afford to operate submarines due to the complexity and costs involved, Singapore uses technology as a force multiplier to overcome manpower limitations.
He argues Singapore’s “lean and mean” submarine force serves as a credible deterrent for interdicting enemy forces in Singapore’s wide-reaching waters, the crucial Malacca Strait chokepoint as well as the South China Sea.
On submarine capability development, Koh says that while Singapore’s domestic politics and economics do not significantly influence the direction of its submarine program, its tech-savvy population and high-tech defense industry are major plus factors.
However, he points out that Singapore’s neighborhood may be a limiting factor as it angles to demonstrate its submarine program is purely defensive and has no ill-intent. In that connection, he notes that while Malaysia and Vietnam have acquired SM-39 Exocet and Klub-S submarine-launched anti-ship/land attack missiles, Singapore has not followed suit.
Koh notes that Singapore has offered to share its submarine rescue capabilities by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Vietnam and Indonesia, highlighting the diplomatic aspect of its submarines.
At the same time, Singapore’s submarine program, alongside other defense acquisitions, provides an important insurance policy in the event of a regional or global conflict.
In March 2024, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted that despite Singapore being roughly the size of New York and being at peace with its neighbors, it is one of the world’s most militarized countries, spending US$11.7 billion on defense in 2022.
The report also notes that Singapore’s per capita defense spending is among the highest worldwide and possibly the most densely defended of any global country, with more troops, tanks and aircraft per square kilometer than any other nation.
Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said if Singapore were to survive, it should become a “poisonous shrimp” with a military so powerful that larger adversaries would think twice before attacking.
From an economic perspective, WSJ notes that Singapore sees its defense spending as a signal to foreign investors that the country can be defended and that investments are safe.
While Singapore may be at peace with its neighbors, US-China tensions over Taiwan have prompted Singapore to boost its defense spending. Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen has recently stated that the risk of a regional or even global conflict for the next decade has become “non-zero.”
While Singapore has sought to balance its relationship with the US and China, the US can use Changi Naval Base and Changi Air Base as a transit point for its aircraft carriers in the South China Sea, potentially making Singapore a target during a US-China conflict over Taiwan.
Soft Space Sdn Bhd, a leading fintech-as-a-service ( FaaS ) provider, and JCB International Co, Ltd, the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co, Ltd (JCB), announced the launch of the first ever JCB payment gateway in Malaysia.
Following their successful central bank digital currency ( CBDC ) trial in December 2023 and the recent agreement allowing JCB acceptance for all Hong Leong Bank merchants, Soft Space said it regards this as a significant milestone in its strategic partnership with JCB.
Leveraging JCB’s strong global community and Soft Space’s technical knowledge, the JCB payment gateway aligns with the global shift towards varied electronic transactions, meeting the market’s demand for protected, innovative payment options.
In this situation, Soft Space provides an Application Programming Interface ( API ) specification that makes it possible for acquirers and payment processors to quickly and effectively give their retail merchants access to JCB’s network of over 156 million cardmembers worldwide as of September 2023 ( where annual transaction volumes exceed 43 trillion ( US$ 278 billion ) between April 2022 and March 2023 ) without having to establish a direct connection to JCB themselves.
Malaysia is the most popular nation in Southeast Asia in 2023, according to the start of the JCB pay gate. Not only will this make cross-border payments more convenient, secure and seamless, it aligns well with our broader goal to promote Soft Space’s technology in other verticals such as transit and in-flight payments globally, ” said Joel Tay ( pic ), Chief Executive Officer of Soft Space.
E-commerce merchants stand to benefit greatly from this development, especially those in the tourism sector. Japanese tourists are increasingly purchasing attraction tickets and booking accommodation via e-commerce merchants. If the merchants can start accepting JCB payments through payment facilitators, they are well-placed to capitalise on the rapidly growing international e-commerce spending by JCB cardmembers, which has increased by 52% from 2021 to 2022[1]. Figure I do not want to leave during the pandemic
Yoshiki Kaneko, President and CEO of JCB International Co, Ltd said: “Looking at the behavior of today’s shoppers, online shopping has become an essential part of their daily lives and also the primary source of growth for all companies, including JCB. This pattern is particularly prevalent since the crisis. To capitalize on the expanding business prospect in the e-commerce industry and to improve the experience for our JCB cardmembers and retailers, we are thrilled to launch the new work along with Soft Space. We can now have even greater assurance that our relationship with Malaysia’s top banking companies is essential to success thanks to this milestone in our strategic partnership with Soft Space. ”
Following the onboarding of senangPay, as the first JCB payment gateway part, Soft Space will expand the training of another acquirers and pay facilitators in the APAC area and past, promising greater effectiveness, security, and convenience for both merchants and JCB cardmembers.
By removing obstacles to making or accepting payments, we at SenangPay promote ease in business development. Integrating JCB Card understanding into senangPay’s habitat marks a major step for our stores, ” said Mansor Abd Rahman, CEO of senangPay. “Offering different payment options, while allowing consumers to pay using their desired methods, not just expands senangPay’s variety of transaction solutions, but also enables our merchants to join with Japan’s tourists and expatriates in Malaysia. ”
This achievement between Soft Space and JCB is more than just a milestone in their strategic partnership; it also demonstrates Soft Space and JCB’s shared commitment to changing the global payments landscape.
Demography and culture are quickly emerging as two of the most interconnected issues in the twenty-first era. And the world’s people are more worried about climate troubles than ever.
The earth people is also growing fast, reaching eight billion in 2022 from only one billion in 1800.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) predicts that the situation will continue to get worse in the coming years because it is well known that human activities have a negative impact on climate dynamics.
We had better know the connections between rising population expansion and weather given the strong correlation between human populace and weather.
The rise in human population has been attributed to a combination of declining child deaths, extreme poverty, and an increase in life expectancy, among other things. In change, this has led to the increased use of tools, many of which are fixed.
Additionally, since 1990, people have been consuming a whole new aspect with modernization, which has taken on a whole new dimension for their well-being.
Whereas previously, large consumer spending was generally confined to Europe and America, already Middle East, East Asia and South Asia individuals also have great client spending, according to Statista.
Regions ‘ perceptions of population growth vary. Growing population growth can present drastically different challenges, depending on the country.
For example, increasing community rates are a result of rising environmental footprints in developed nations like Germany or Singapore compared to developing nations like Mozambique or Colombia. have more effects in developed nations than in developing nations.
The latest natural imprint of Germany is 4, according to the World Population Review. 70, whereas Mozambique’s is 0. 80, meaning European citizens have an ecological effects about six days higher than people in Mozambique.
However, increasing community can also be very helpful in some places. Increased delivery rates for populace growth are now essential for the sustainability of European society, especially in Italy, which is already known as the West’s fastest-shrinking nation.
Spiritual and/or historical factors can also affect whether someone has children or not. However, in some nations or religious views, having children is seen as very significant. For some, having a big family is socially well-regarded, and for others, it brings “rezeki/fortunes, ” as in the Muslim world.
Children play a significant role in sustainable societies despite the association between people growth and natural impact.
Our World in Data predicts that the population growth will stop at the end of the 21st centuries and maintain at about 10 %. 5 billion, so the earth people may never grow indefinitely.
Since fewer than two societies does have a community that will start to decline. 1 kids per woman ( population thresholds ), children are essential for sustainable societies.
Additionally, research shows that younger generations appear to be more aware of economic issues and conservation in general. With more children in the world today, having a “green labor” for the future will enable people to take action to combat climate change and improve cultures.
The effect of having kids on the planet is a multidimensional problem, influenced by factors such as demography, climate change, socio-economic position and cultural beliefs.
While reducing birth may seem like a solution to the environment issue, it overlooks the crucial role that children play in maintaining cultures.
Instead, the emphasis should be on achieving a balance between people growth and economic conservation, while fostering a culture of responsibility and creativity.
In the fight against climate change, youngsters have the potential to become good influencers. So, the key lies in finding homeostasis, where humanity and the world can coexist perfectly.
At Sustainable Development Solutions Network Southeast Asia, a non-profit institution established by the UN, are Israruddin, Moch Ridwan, and Alexandre Desmyttere, both, Manager, Assistant Manager, and Partnerships Intern.