The Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024 continued on day two and three with an intensive two-day judging session at a hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan. This year, over 270 entries were received from 15 member economies, competing in categories such as consumers, community services and participation, industry, business services, public sector and government, students, cross-categories and technology awards. The People’s Choice Awards for the Senior Student category and the Higher Education Student Project categories were also contested where winners are determined through the highest votes from the public. The judging process involving over 60 judges from member economies aims to identify groundbreaking innovations that demonstrate excellence, creativity, and global applicability. One of the nominees, emphasised the critical need to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technology landscape, stating that staying current in the technology landscape is essential to avoid becoming irrelevant. He remarked on how Brunei’s hosting of the prestigious APICTA Awards 2024 has provided an excellent opportunity for Southeast Asian economies to showcase innovative solutions and foster regional collaboration. Similarly, an APICTA Executive Committee (Exco) member highlighted the increased level of competition this year, with numerous high-quality entries across multiple categories. He noted this growth reflects the true testament of APICTA – providing a platform for participants to present their ideas and innovations, pushing the boundaries of excellence, and inspiring global impact. These reflections underscore the APICTA Awards’ role as a catalyst for technological progress and a platform for nurturing emerging talent. The outcome of the two-day judging session will culminate with the announcement of winners during the APICTA Awards Night 2024 today. Meanwhile, in conjunction with APICTA Awards 2024, the Hong Kong Reception Night was hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) at the same venue. The event began with speeches from Regional Director from the South East Asia and South Asia Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ronald Ho and Vice President of Hong Kong Computer Society Dr Albert Wong. Ir Tony Wong, JP from the Commissioner for Digital Policy of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and Honorary Head of the Hong Kong Delegation to APICTA Awards 2024 delivered the opening speech. It proceeded with remarks from APICTA Chairman Fulvio Inserra prior to a networking session. Representatives from the Embassy of China in Brunei Darussalam and Brunei Chinese Chamber of Commerce, as well as the APICTA Exco members and delegation were also present.As part of its acquisition strategy, OneConnect Technology will conduct thorough due diligence and evaluation processes to identify potential targets that align with its growth objectives and corporate values. The company will prioritize opportunities that offer strategic fit, market synergies, and long-term value creation potential.mgm casino rules 。

In conclusion, the speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United continues to intensify, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as a potential destination for the talented forward. As the club prepares to entertain offers for Rashford in the upcoming transfer window, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting developments to see where the 24-year-old's future lies. Only time will tell whether Rashford will remain at Manchester United or embark on a new chapter in his career at another top European club.

For Barcelona and its fans, the next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes transfer saga. The world of football will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether Barcelona can complete the deal in time to avoid the risk of Ormeo becoming a free agent.

However, the draw against Lazio has highlighted some vulnerabilities in Inter's squad. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they were unable to find the back of the net more than once. This lack of ruthlessness in front of goal could prove costly in the long run, especially when facing top European sides in the Champions League.

In addition to its practical implications, the act of registering for military service carries profound symbolic significance. It represents a rite of passage for young men, signaling their transition from civilian life to a potential role in the defense of the nation. By participating in this process, individuals are affirming their commitment to the principles of duty, honor, and sacrifice that underpin our military ethos.Overall, the latest NBS report provides valuable insights into the dynamics of China's price movements and offers a glimpse into the broader economic trends shaping the country's future trajectory. As global economic uncertainties persist, proactive and strategic policy measures will be crucial in ensuring balanced and resilient growth for China's economy in the months ahead.

President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peakRuben Amorim has said the Manchester United team’s decision to show solidarity with Noussair Mazraoui by collectively electing not to wear rainbow-themed jackets to support the LGBTQ+ community should be respected. The players were supposed to walk on to the pitch in the garments before their match with Everton on Sunday but Mazraoui refused on grounds of his Muslim faith and his teammates followed suit, resulting in criticism from the Rainbow Devils, the club’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, which said the decision was a “great disappointment”. “It was a group decision as players, as it should be,” Amorim said. “There are three difficult things to manage. On one side it’s club values and I think all can agree that it’s not an issue but then you have religion, which you have to respect. It’s our values to respect other opinions. And then the third thing is the group thing. I won’t leave Nous alone – we’re a team. The majority of the players believe in one thing but they saw one guy alone and said: ‘Let’s be together.’ It’s three things we have to manage and respect. It’s a hard issue to address. I think we did it in a good way. This club represents ... we need to respect everything but we also respect the religion of Nous and his culture.” Amorim suffered his first defeat on Wednesday at Arsenal and will aim to make it three Old Trafford wins from three against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening. Forest are three points and six places above United, who start the weekend in 13th, an indication of the job Amorim has to do. “We’re a massive club but we’re not a massive team and we know it, so it is no problem to say it,” Amorim said. “We want to improve – we are in a different moment from Arsenal. But you could feel it during the game. I think we have to believe more. We weren’t dominant in the game but we had control. Not so many chances for Arsenal, of course a lot of set pieces, but we were OK, especially in the first half. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion “You could feel that there’s so much to do. We need to be better in the final third – they had more danger. I felt Arsenal had problems to block our buildup, but then when they defended the goal it was quite comfortable for them, so we are learning and trying to improve.”

As the game day approaches, Lukman and his team are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. They are training rigorously, analyzing their opponents' strategies, and fine-tuning their own game plan to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.The audience, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, nodded in solemn agreement with Cai Guo-Qiang's words. Many took to social media to share their thoughts and reflections on the incident, expressing relief that no one was hurt but also acknowledging the importance of learning from such mishaps to prevent future accidents.Women rally for equal rights in Syria after Assad's fall to Islamists

Arcadium Lithium Announces Shareholder Approval of Proposed Rio Tinto Transaction and Provides Regulatory Update

Congress Considers Law to Increase Student Loan PaymentsOn Wednesday, December 4, at 2:00pm ET , at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will deliver an address on sharpening America’s war-fighting edge and fortifying the U.S. defense industrial base—one of the most important aspects of America’s security and prosperity—for an era of strategic competition. Informed by the experiences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the rapid advance of new technology, and the changing character of the strategic landscape, Mr. Sullivan will share steps the Biden administration has taken to rebuild the U.S. defense industrial base after decades of under-investment and the work that remains—at home and with allies—at this high-stakes moment. Mr. Sullivan will join Seth Jones, president of the CSIS Defense and Security Department, for a fireside chat following his keynote address. Jake Sullivan is the 28th Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (National Security Advisor). In the Obama-Biden Administration, he served as Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to then-Vice President Biden, Director of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State, and Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

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The successful implementation of the new expressway project will require close cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, construction companies, and local communities. It will also involve conducting thorough feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and public consultations to ensure that the project is implemented in a sustainable and responsible manner. By taking into account the social, economic, and environmental considerations, Jiangxi can ensure that the new expressway project delivers long-term benefits to the region while minimizing any negative impacts.

6 Money Moves You Should Make Before the End of the YearIn conclusion, Wang Chuqin's response to Ma Long's challenge highlights the importance of fairness and equality in competitive sports. By addressing the concerns raised by his opponent and demonstrating a commitment to creating a level playing field, Wang Chuqin is setting a positive example for athletes everywhere. As the world eagerly anticipates the clash between these two table tennis giants, it is crucial that the principles of fairness and integrity remain at the forefront of their minds. Only by upholding these values can they truly showcase the best of what table tennis has to offer.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 6, 2024-- Comcast today announced the exclusive premiere of Our Blues Makes Us Gold, a feature-length documentary that examines the history and global impact of North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, the country’s largest historically Black university, from filmmakers Brandon Gerard and Ashley Shanté. The documentary is available for free as part of Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity and Xumo Play. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206243624/en/ Comcast Premieres "Our Blues Makes Us Gold" on Black Experience on Xfinity (Graphic: Business Wire) Launched in 2021, Comcast’s Black Experience is a comprehensive content destination that features the ultimate in Black storytelling from diverse programming partners and film studios and has released a variety of original documentaries to showcase diverse talent and content creators. Black Experience is available across Xfinity’s entertainment devices, including X1, Flex and Xumo Stream Box, as well as on Xumo Play, a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) app available on major streaming platforms. Our Blues Makes Us Gold explores the legacy and future of North Carolina A&T and captures the university’s unique position as both a powerhouse in STEM education and a historically agricultural institution, sharing the voices and viewpoints of alumni and students who bring its story to life. “We are honored to collaborate with filmmakers Ashley and Brandon to bring this remarkable documentary to the Black Experience on Xfinity and Xumo Play,” said Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. Behind the lens are Ashley and Brandon, a husband-and-wife duo with over 20 years of professional experience in film production. Through their production company, From A2B Entertainment, they deliver stories that blend emotional depth with a fresh, contemporary style. "A few years ago, I was in the writers room pitching for a new character to be an HBCU graduate,” shared Ashley. “The painfully loud silence of my colleagues was eventually followed by really insulting questions. I left the room feeling angry that day. That anger fueled the conversation I had with Brandon, which resulted in our big idea, to show the greatness and impact of a real life HBCU and bring it to a mainstream audience. We were told many times this couldn't be done. We refused to accept that." “We wanted this film to feel like stories by the campfire with ancestors, mixed with the urgency of a call to action to protect sacred and necessary institutions like North Carolina A&T,” said Brandon. “We are thankful to Comcast, Xfinity and Xumo for partnering with us to amplify the stories of our community’s real-life superheroes.” Xfinity customers can find the Black Experience on X1, Flex or Xumo Stream Box by saying “Black Experience” into their voice remote. X1 customers can also enjoy a curated channel of some of the best and most popular programming Black Experience has to offer on channel 1622 within the programming guide. Additionally, the Black Experience destination and channel are both available on Xumo Play, bringing programming like Our Blues Makes Us Gold to customers across the country. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206243624/en/ CONTACT: William Bell Comcast Corporation william_bell2@comcast.com KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CARRIERS AND SERVICES ENTERTAINMENT INTERNET FILM & MOTION PICTURES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY DEI (DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION) GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT OTHER ENTERTAINMENT EDUCATION TV AND RADIO SOURCE: Comcast Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/06/2024 03:00 PM/DISC: 12/06/2024 03:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206243624/en

Aerial Shot of APRI Tiwi As the world continues to find better ways to harness clean, sustainable energy, the Philippines, quite literally, stands on one of its most powerful resources: geothermal energy. The country is the third-largest producer of geothermal energy across the globe, which means it could be at the forefront of maximizing a renewable gold mine that could be key to Filipinos’ energy security. That is, if it can overcome challenges to its development. “Geothermal energy is often overlooked in discussions about renewable energy, but it’s one of our most reliable clean power sources,” said Jeffrey Estrella, President of AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) that operates the Tiwi and Makban geothermal facilities across the provinces of Albay, Laguna, and Batangas. Unlike its renewable cousins solar and wind power, geothermal energy doesn’t depend on weather conditions. Throughout 2023, while solar panels only achieved about 20 percent of their peak capacity and wind turbines managed just 31 percent, geothermal plants in the Philippines maintained an impressive 65-71 percent capacity factor, rivaling traditional coal plants’ 58-69 percent. This reliability makes geothermal energy ideal for baseload power, or the consistent electricity supply needed to meet minimum daily demand. “Think of baseload power as the foundation of our electricity supply,” Estrella explained. “While solar and wind power output fluctuates throughout the day, geothermal plants can run continuously, providing stable power 24/7.” Despite this advantage, geothermal energy only accounts for 9 percent of the Philippines’ gross power generation, compared to coal’s dominant 63 percent. The reason? High upfront costs, high exploration risks, and technical challenges in drilling wells, with exploration alone eating up almost half of total project costs. Power producers like AboitizPower’s APRI aren’t letting these challenges stop them from taking advantage of this indigenous source. In APRI’s Tiwi and Makban facilities, which contribute 300 megawatts in net sellable capacity to the national grid, they are exploring ways to increase energy production. The recent drilling campaign for new production and injection wells by the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) added 94 megawatts of output, double the initial expectations. APRI’s latest energized venture, the Tiwi Binary Power Plant, also showcases efficacy and efficiency in the sector. By capturing residual heat from existing geothermal processes – energy that would otherwise go unused – the plant generates an additional 17 megawatts of clean power for the Luzon grid. Furthermore, in a groundbreaking move, APRI is now developing the Philippines’ first battery energy storage and geothermal hybrid system. The Bay Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Laguna will allow the Makban geothermal plant to provide rapid support during peak demand periods, helping address grid stability and power reliability. “As the Department of Energy works on its ‘Geothermal De-risking Roadmap,’ the future of this underutilized resource looks promising,” Estrella said. “With the Philippines’ installed geothermal capacity at 1,952 megawatts as of April 2024, there is still significant room for growth.” Peak demand in the Philippines continues to grow annually, with it forecasted to double within the next 13 years to over 36,000 megawatts by 2037. Meanwhile, on the geothermal supply side, only about 151 megawatts of committed geothermal power projects are in the pipeline, according to the Department of Energy. While geothermal power stands out as a reliable, clean, and homegrown solution that could help secure the Philippines’ energy future, it should be clear that there is no such thing as a singular solution. The road to clean energy will need all types of generation technologies to ensure energy security as the country builds the energy system of the future. Geothermal energy is a puzzle piece to the bigger picture of finding the right mix of power plants that can handle varying electricity demands throughout the day and in the years to come. 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 . With this in mind, AboitizPower constantly pursues opportunities to grow its portfolio, not just for geothermal, but also for solar, hydro, wind, and energy storage systems en route to reaching 4,600 megawatts of clean capacity. In balance, it also continues to invest in thermal power plants to support the country’s baseload and peak energy demands.

NDP ready to open 'gates' to pass Liberal GST holiday bill separate from $250 rebateHarris Dickinson was nervous to approach . This would not necessarily be notable under normal circumstances, but the English actor had already been cast to star opposite her in as the intern who initiates an affair with Kidman’s buttoned-up CEO. They’d had a zoom with the who was excited by their playful banter and sure that Dickinson would hold his own. And yet when he found himself at the same event as Kidman, shyness took over. He admitted as much to who took things into her own hands and introduced them. “She helped me break the ice a bit,” Dickinson said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. On set would be an entirely different story. Dickinson might not be nearly as “puckishly audacious” as his character Samuel but in the making of “Babygirl,” he, Kidman and Reijn had no choice but to dive fearlessly into this exploration of sexual power dynamics, going to intimate, awkward, exhilarating and meme-able places. It’s made the film, in theaters Christmas Day, one of the year’s must-sees. “There was an unspoken thing that we adhered to,” Dickinson said. “We weren’t getting to know each other’s personal lives. When we were working and we were the characters, we didn’t veer away from the material. I never tried to attach all of the history of Nicole Kidman. Otherwise it probably would have been a bit of a mess.” His is a performance that reconfirms what many in the film world have suspected since his debut seven years ago as a Brooklyn tough questioning his sexuality in Eliza Hittman’s : Dickinson is one of the most exciting young talents around. Dickinson, 28, grew up in Leytonstone, in East London — the same neck of the woods as Cinema was in his life, whether it was at the local multiplex or venturing into town to see the more social realist films of and “Working class cinema interested me,” he said. “People around me that represented my world.” Appropriately, his entry into making art started behind the camera, with a comedy web series he made as a kid, which he now describes as “really bad spoofs” of films and shows of the time. But things started to really click when he began acting in the local theater. “I remember feeling invigorated by it and accepted,” he said. “I felt myself for the first time and felt able to express myself in a way where I didn’t feel vulnerable and I felt alive and ignited by something.” At around 17, someone suggested that he should give acting a try professionally. He hadn’t even fully understood that it was a career possibility, but he started auditioning. At 20, he was cast in “Beach Rats” and, he said, just “kept going.” Since then, he’s gotten a wide range of opportunities in films both big, including and small. He’s captivated as a male model in Ruben Östlund’s Cannes-winning an estranged father to a 12-year-old in Charlotte Regan’s “Scrapper,” an actor bringing an ex-boyfriend to life in Joanna Hogg’s the charismatic, tragic wrestler David Von Erich in Sean Durkin’s and a soldier in But “Babygirl” would present new challenges and opportunities with a character who’s almost impossible to define. “He was confusing in a really interesting way. There wasn’t loads of specificity to it, which I enjoyed because it was a bit of a challenge to sort of pinpoint exactly what it was that drove him and made him tick,” Dickinson said. “There was a directness that unlocked a lot for me, like a fearlessness with the way he spoke, or a social unawareness in a way — like not fully realizing what he’s saying is affecting someone in a certain way. But I didn’t make too many rules for him.” Part of the allure of the film is the ever-shifting power dynamics between the two characters, which could change over the course of a scene. As Reijn said, “It’s a cautionary tale about what happens when you suppress your own desires.” She was especially in awe of Dickinson’s ability to make everything feel improvised and the fact that he could look like a 12-year-old boy in one shot and a confident 45-year-old man in the next. Since its premiere at the earlier this year, the film has led to some surprisingly direct conversations with audiences spanning generations. But that, Dickinson understood, was what Reijn wanted. “She really wanted to show the ugliness and the awkwardness of these things, of these relationships and sex,” he said. “That sort of fumbly version and the performative version of it is way more interesting, to me at least, than the kind of fantasized, romanticized, sexy thing that we’ve seen a lot.” Dickinson recently stepped behind the camera again, directing his first feature film under the banner of his newly formed production company. Set against the backdrop of homelessness in London, “Dream Space” is about a drifter trying to assimilate and understand his cyclical behavior. The film, which wrapped earlier this year, has given him a heightened appreciation for just how many people are indispensable in the making of a film. He’s also started to understand that “acting is just being able to relax.” “When you’re relaxed, you can do stuff that is truthful,” he said. “That only happens if you’ve got good people around you: The director that creates the good environment. The intimacy coordinator facilitating a safe space. A coworker in Nicole encouraging that kind of bravery and performance with what she’s doing.” Dickinson did eventually get to the point where he managed to ask Kidman questions about working with Stanley Kubrick and Lars Von Trier. But he also kept one shattering possibility between himself and his director. “There is a world in which Samuel doesn’t even exist. He’s just a sort of a device or a figment for her own story. And I like that because it kind of means you can take the character into a very unrealistic realm at times and be almost like a deity in the story,” Dickinson said. “We didn’t talk about it with Nicole.” Lindsey Bahr, The Associated PressSimple Hacks to Make the Holidays Merrier (and Cheaper)