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The business networking session is a unique opportunity to foster connections, encourage collaborations and explore the evolving landscape of business and technology particularly within the context of dynamic regional environment, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Leong said. He said this when the BEDB hosted a business networking session for foreign delegates attending the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024 at a hotel yesterday. The Sultanate is hosting the foreign delegates from December 4-7. Leong in his welcoming remark also shared Brunei Darussalam’s vast potential in the APICTA Awards 2024. “The gathering provides an excellent chance for the attendees to connect, including our Brunei based companies. We hope that today’s discussion will spark meaningful partnerships and open new avenues for growth and innovation.” The BEDB acting CEO said BEDB is a statutory body that drives Brunei’s economic diversification by focusing on three functions of attracting investments, developing industrial sites and supporting enterprise growth. “It plays a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for businesses, especially in sectors like technology and innovations while fostering partnership between local and international stakeholders,” he added. BEBD Assistant Manager Derrick Chua also delivered a presentation on the opportunities in Brunei’s ICT sector. Brunei Economic Development Board Acting Chief Executive Officer Daniel Leong delivers the welcoming remark. PHOTO: JAMES KON The delegates at an exhibition. PHOTO: JAMES KON Citing the overview of Brunei’s ICT industry, he said; “With the gross domestic product (GDP) of USD14.3 billion and a population of just 450,000, we are dynamic market that is perfect for innovation focus on efficiency and scalabilities. “Currently our ICT sector contributes 2.3 per cent to the country’s GDP with the telecommunications sector as the major contributor. It also shows potential growth in other high value information communications and technology (ICT) areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytic, Internet of Things and others.” The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) provides ICT development programmes such as the Digital Upskilling Training programme and Coding.bn, he said. Meanwhile, Brunei Innovation Lab (BIL) Chairperson Haji Mohammad Shahnoel bin Haji Mohammad Noeh said BIL is a public private partnership initiative that serves as a core national platform to foster innovation, build digital literacy and nurture technopreneurs. He added, “BIL aspires to foster a nurturing ecosystem for start-ups and driving innovations that support Brunei’s long term economic vision and sustainable growth. Our mission is empowering Brunei’s digital economy by nurturing tech start-up, attracting investment and fostering collaboration to position Brunei as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.” AITI Chief Executive Ir Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar and Director Allen On Hsien Yung of the Industry and Business Ecosystem Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy were also present. – James Kon
President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy travelled to and Qatar in a push to seal a ceasefire deal in before Trump’s inauguration in January. Incoming Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in November, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing an unnamed source. The meetings underscore how diplomacy's centre of gravity has shifted from the Biden administration to the incoming Trump administration, with roughly one month to go before the inauguration. Trump made ending wars in the Middle East a key part of his presidential campaign. The Biden administration brokered a 60-day ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in November. That agreement has been fragile, with Israel attacking Lebanon since the day after the agreement was made. A senior US official told reporters last month that the Trump transition team was briefed on the deal as it was negotiated. Trump on Monday waded into Israel's war on Gaza directly, warning on social media of massive repercussions if hostages there are not released by the time he takes office in January. Trump’s comment comes after Hamas on Saturday released a video of 20-year-old Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who was captured while serving in the Israeli military. Alexander pleaded tearfully to Netanyahu to cut a deal for the hostages' release. Qatar’s involvement in the talks is notable because the Gulf state said previously it was suspending its mediator role amid a lack of progress in the talks. The source told Reuters that Hamas negotiators could return to Doha "soon" for a fresh round of talks. "They are supportive of a Gaza ceasefire deal," the source told Reuters. The Biden administration has tried to broker a ceasefire that would start with the release of hostages held in Gaza. It regularly blamed Hamas for standing in the way of a deal, particularly saying that Hamas chief Yayha Sinwar was the “main obstacle” to a settlement. However, since his killing in October, there has been no progress towards a ceasefire. Analysts Israel has been the main roadblock to ending the war and that Netanyahu has an interest in dragging out the fighting, as he faces domestic political issues, including a corruption trial and a possible inquiry into the Hamas attack if the conflict ends. Witkoff, a Jewish-American real estate developer and Trump's golfing friend, has struck several business deals with Gulf states, including the $623m sale of New York’s Park Lane Hotel to Qatar’s investment fund. Trump has also named , father-in-law of Trump's daughter, as his senior advisor on the Middle East.None
Mincey scores 27, UMass-Lowell knocks off UMass 96-83Allen Liwag (left) is also a great defensive player as shown against Yam Concepcion. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Even before the historic NCAA Season 100 started, the Mapua Cardinals and the College of St. Benilde Blazers were already in conversations about potential Finals clashes. Of course, the San Beda Red Lions were in the mix as champions the previous season. But the exodus of some key players from their come-from-behind trophy run are gone. In the end, it was the Cardinals and the Blazers who made it to the last dance. On paper, the Blazers command the advantage in this best-of-three series, if only for the presence of MVP contender Allen Liwag. However, never count the Cardinals out. Reigning MVP Clint Escamis is surrounded by a solid support cast of Chris Hubilla, JC Recto, Cyrus Cuenco and Yam Concepcion. “We pushed ourselves every day in practice just to return the to championship and finally win the title. Now that we got another shot, this time we have to do it right,” said Escamis. “We have to come up more prepared against Mapua. We have to be ready, we have to find a way to stop Clint Escamis and the Cardinals,” said St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu on his second Finals appearance in three seasons. The two teams split their preliminary round assignments. The Blazers crushed the Cardinals in their first meeting, but Mapua got back at St. Benilde in the encore—on a buzzer-beating, game-winning three by Escamis. Not that past results have anything to do with the title on the line. “We know it’s a different atmosphere here in the Finals, so we have to be physically and mentally prepared,” said Mapua coach Randy Alcantara, who has fallen short in two previous tries to nail an NCAA crown. Winning the 100th staging of the tournament would make the wait worth it for Mapua, but Alcantara and his wards will first have to deal with the Blazers and the 6-foot-6 Liwag, who Mapua can’t match up against. And even if Mapua defends Liwag by committee, that will only free up St. Benilde’s plethora of shooters: Jhomel Ancheta, Gab Cometa, Tony Ynot and pushy forward Justine Sanchez, among them. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . “What we lack in size, we will make up for in defense and hustle. I think we have a deeper lineup in terms of defense and hustle [compared to our previous teams in the Finals]. This is the advantage of this team,” said Alcantara.Sunday, December 8, 2024 Macao’s iconic light art festival, “Light up Macao 2024,” kicked off on December 7, 2024, with a spectacular display of lights and creativity to mark two significant anniversaries—the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Running through February 28, 2025, this captivating festival promises to reinforce Macao’s position as a premier global destination for tourism, culture, and art, while boosting the city’s vibrant nighttime economy. A Global Fusion of Artistic Vision The grand opening ceremony took place at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with key figures including Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government, and Ku Mei Leng, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, in attendance. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes highlighted the international collaboration behind the event, showcasing light installations and 3D mapping shows created by artists from both Macao and across the globe. The event transforms Macao into a sprawling outdoor art gallery, where creativity and cultural expression meet in a stunning fusion of past and present. Festivities Across the Seasons Spanning 84 days, “Light up Macao 2024” offers an extended celebration that aligns with a range of major festive events. From Winter Solstice and Christmas to New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and the Lantern Festival, the festival ensures a year-end and New Year celebration full of lights, joy, and community spirit. The event is a call to action for both residents and visitors to explore Macao’s diverse districts, embrace the festive atmosphere, and support local businesses. As the streets glow with dazzling lights, the festival not only celebrates the city’s creative vibrancy but also energizes Macao’s thriving tourism and nightlife scene. A Stunning Journey Through Six Districts This year’s theme, “Symphony of Time and Space,” is a journey through Macao’s evolving history, blending the old and the new. The festival unfolds across six districts, each reflecting a distinct subtheme: Each district offers a unique experience, inviting participants to immerse themselves in a sensory celebration of light, art, and innovation. These immersive installations combine modern technology with traditional elements, offering a truly unforgettable experience for all who visit. As Macao embraces the future while honoring its rich heritage, “Light up Macao 2024” promises to be a landmark event that captivates audiences and highlights the city’s position as a global center for culture and leisure.
Credit Acceptance Announces Increase and Extension of Revolving Secured Warehouse Facility