Saturday, January 25

Month: November 2023

X may lose up to US$75m in revenue due to advertising freezes – Reports
Business

X may lose up to US$75m in revenue due to advertising freezes – Reports

Elon Musk’s social network X may lose up to US$75 million in revenue by the end of the year due to advertising freezes by major companies, reported Sputnik quoting a New York Times report. Internal documents seen by the newspaper indicated that over 200 brands, including Airbnb, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft, stopped placing their ads on the social network or are thinking about doing so after Musk endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory earlier this month. On November 15, Musk replied to a post on X, which claimed that Jewish communities were pushing hatred against white people, saying it is “the actual truth.” The next day, the Media Matters watchdog released a report arguing that X has been placing ads for Apple, Bravo, IBM, Oracle, and Xfinity next to “pro-Nazi conten...
Muhyiddin gives in to party voice, to defend Bersatu president post
Politics

Muhyiddin gives in to party voice, to defend Bersatu president post

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (picture) has decided to defend his post and contest in the party election scheduled for next year. He said the decision was made after considering the call voiced by Bersatu Supreme Council (MPT) and delegates urging him to continue leading the party. “Actually, my wife asked me to stay for another term and not to disappoint them. She said carry on, Bersatu still need you and I said I will stay for the last term,” he said when delivering the adjournment speech at the 2023 Bersatu Annual General Assembly here today. Yesterday, Muhyiddin announced that he will not be defending his post in the party election next year to give way to other leaders to take over the party leadership through the democratic ...
Malaysia-Indonesia relations get stronger in a year of Anwar’s government
Politics

Malaysia-Indonesia relations get stronger in a year of Anwar’s government

Indonesia-Malaysia relations strengthened further over the past year since Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became Malaysian prime minister, especially in efforts to unite the ummah in both countries and the ASEAN region, according to Muhammadiyah, the oldest Islamic organisation in Indonesia. “The Malaysia-Indonesia relationship is very important to drive and establish a balance in this region and in the Islamic world,” said the Chairman of the central leadership of the organisation, Prof Haedar Nashir, in his congratulations to Anwar. In a video message broadcasted on Republikatv, Haedar emphasised the concept of Malaysia Madani brought by the prime minister, stating that it is in line with Islamic teachings. “Malaysia Madani aligns with Muhammadiyah’s vision to create Al-Madinah A...
Renowned Pianist Paul Barton Brings Harmony to Rescued Elephants in Thailand
Lifestyle

Renowned Pianist Paul Barton Brings Harmony to Rescued Elephants in Thailand

In a heartwarming tale merging music, compassion, and the majesty of nature, celebrated pianist and artist Paul Barton has captivated the world with his extraordinary performances for rescued elephants at the Elephants World sanctuary near Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Barton's enchanting journey began in the quaint town of Hornsea, East Yorkshire, in the 1970s, where his love affair with music blossomed. A chance encounter with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata at a local supermarket sparked his passion for the piano, leading him to hone his craft by ear on the instrument available at his grandmother's care home. Undeterred by the absence of a piano at home, Barton would trek miles to a village church, finding solace amidst pig farms and nettles while honing his musical talent. His dedica...
Muhyiddin Yassin’s Exit from Bersatu Presidency Tilts Power Play in Anwar Ibrahim’s Favour
Politics

Muhyiddin Yassin’s Exit from Bersatu Presidency Tilts Power Play in Anwar Ibrahim’s Favour

Muhyiddin, who heads both the Bersatu party and the broader Malay-majority opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional, revealed his intention to step aside and allow new leaders to assume control of Bersatu during its elections slated for the end of 2024. Under his leadership, the opposition made significant strides in provincial polls last August and in the nationwide vote the previous year. The absence of Muhyiddin at the helm of Bersatu is expected to diminish the opposition's strength vis-à-vis Anwar. Political analysts, such as Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar from the International Islamic University of Malaysia, highlight that the stature and experience Muhyiddin possesses are pivotal. His departure leaves a leadership void that could potentially grant Anwar more stability...
K-pop stars Blackpink get UK honours for climate advocacy
Entertainment

K-pop stars Blackpink get UK honours for climate advocacy

The four megastar members of K-pop girl group Blackpink were given one of Britain’s most prestigious honours Wednesday by King Charles III, recognising their work as environmental advocates. The South Korean sensations received honorary MBEs (Members of the Order of the British Empire) from the British monarch, which reward outstanding achievement or service to the community. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee — on a state visit to Britain — looked on as Roseanne Park (Rosé), Jennie Kim, Jisoo Kim and Lalisa Manoban (Lisa) were handed the honours at a Buckingham Palace ceremony. The K-pop quartet — and first couple of South Korea — were back at the palace just hours after attending a lavish state banquet held there for Yoon and Kim on Tuesday nig...
Chinese Scientists Develop Human-Like Sensory System for Robots and Prosthetics
Innovation/ Technology

Chinese Scientists Develop Human-Like Sensory System for Robots and Prosthetics

Image credit: SCMP A team of Chinese scientists has developed an innovative sensory system resembling a human fingertip, aiming to bring the tactile experience of touch to robots or amputees. The cutting-edge sensor, created by researchers from SUSTech, Xidian University, and the University of Houston, can identify various textures in real time, including wool, linen, nylon, polyester, and twill, with remarkable precision. Published in Nature Communications, the study demonstrates the sensor's capacity to recognize 20 different textiles with 100% accuracy at a fixed sliding rate. Integrated into a prosthetic fingertip, this system holds potential for advancing sensory technologies in robotics, aiding patients using artificial limbs, enhancing haptic-based virtual reality experie...
Warren Buffett’s Investment Strategy Aims at Guyana’s Emerging Oil Supremacy
Business

Warren Buffett’s Investment Strategy Aims at Guyana’s Emerging Oil Supremacy

Credit: Reuters Warren Buffett, through Berkshire Hathaway's ownership of Chevron shares, is poised to gain indirect exposure to Guyana, an emerging oil powerhouse, following Chevron's planned acquisition of Hess. The acquisition, valued at $53 billion in stock, includes Hess's 30% stake in the Stabroek Block off Guyana's coast, where Exxon Mobil has discovered an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil. This move is hailed as an enormous asset for Chevron, expected to drive production growth for years. Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway holds approximately 123 million Chevron shares, a 6.4% stake worth roughly $20 billion. The conglomerate stands to benefit from the Chevron-Hess merger and potential profits from Guyana, either through increased Chevron stock value or returns to shareholde...