Latest news with #ALC
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Air Selangor on right track in curbing treated water loss
PETALING JAYA: Non-revenue water (NRW) in Selangor has continued to decline, dropping from 31% in 2017 to 27% in 2024, as Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) steps up its infrastructure investments and operational initiatives. Air Selangor CEO Adam Saffian Ghazali told theSun the state's NRW rate remains below the national average, reflecting effective water management strategies. 'On a national level, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation minister, Malaysia's NRW stood at 37.1% as of 2023,' he said. However, Selangor's NRW rate remains above the globally recommended threshold of 25%, the benchmark for efficient water utilities in developing countries, as set by the World Bank and the International Water Association. The current 27% NRW rate translates to a daily loss of 298.36 million litres of treated water, prompting Air Selangor to target a reduction to 25% by 2030. This will be achieved through pipe replacement projects and a public reporting campaign via its mobile app and website. In addition to technology upgrades, Adam Saffian said the company plans to increase manpower to strengthen leak detection cabability. He added that limited resources within its Active Leakage Control (ALC) team remain a challenge in addressing NRW effectively. 'The current 261 ALC personnel are not enough to combat NRW and further bring down leakage rates. 'We plan to raise the number of inspectors from 187 to 210 to boost detection efforts across the pipe network in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, covering more than 160,000 potential leak cases.' He added that Air Selangor also aims to instal pressure transient technology on main pipelines to detect leaks at an earlier stage. 'This will allow immediate repair works to be carried out, preventing prolonged supply disruptions. The technology is already in use by water operators in developed countries such as Singapore, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.' As of March last year, 636.55km of old pipelines have been replaced across Selangor. 'We aimed to increase pipe replacement to 300km annually starting in 2024, ramping up to 400km per year from 2034 onwards, to fully replace 5,000km of asbestos cement pipes within the next 15 years.' Adam Saffian said despite ongoing NRW challenges, with capital investment for physical and commercial loss reduction alone reaching up to RM450 million annually, Air Selangor continues to see positive developments. It is the only utility company in Malaysia inducted into the Leading Utilities of the World (LUOW) network. 'NRW was one of the core innovation areas we highlighted during our LUOW induction presentation at the Global Water Summit in Paris recently.' Adam Saffian said under its 30-year business plan, Air Selangor is leveraging its own capital expenditure to implement key initiatives that will enhance operational efficiency across its service areas. 'The plan, which spans from Operating Period 1 in 2019 to Operating Period 10 in 2049, outlines a projected total investment of RM35 billion.' In recognition of its NRW reduction efforts, Air Selangor received a RM326 million remuneration incentive under the National NRW Programme. 'This was awarded in recognition of our consistent and effective work in reducing the NRW rate to 27.7% during the 2023 evaluation period. Since 2019, we have received a total of RM688.68 million in matching grants from the federal government,' he said.
Hans India
4 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Melchior assumes charge as ALC principal
Vijayawada: Andhra Loyola College (ALC) marked a significant transition on Monday as Fr Dr S Melchior assumed office as the new Principal during the annual faculty orientation programme held at the seminar hall here. Correspondent Fr Dr M Sagayaraj welcomed Fr Melchior, commending his unwavering dedication to Jesuit education. Fr Melchior brings a wealth of experience, holding postgraduate degrees in Management and Psychology, and a Ph D in Human Resource Management. His extensive prior roles at ALC include Vice-Principal for six years, Director of ALCAA, Sports Director, Secretary of Loyola Society, Hostel Warden, and Professor of Management. Speaking on the occasion, Fr Melchior emphasised the core Jesuit educational pillars: value-based learning, academic excellence, and holistic formation. He urged faculty to nurture students in line with the Jesuit ideal of 'cura personalis' – care for the whole person – to foster ethical, purposeful, and socially responsible graduates. He also outlined plans for collaborative initiatives with premier Jesuit institutions both in India and abroad, envisioning growth through strategic partnerships. Rector Fr Dr PR John, chairman of the Staff Association Dr G Sahaya Baskaran, Academic Officer of APSCHE Srirangamand Dean of Student Activities Dr L Subha also participated.
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
ALC opens nominations for 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award until September 1
11 June 2025 14:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has opened nominations for its 20th edition, accepting applications from June 11 until September 1, 2025. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the award's establishment, this special edition reflects its pioneering journey in enriching the cultural and literary landscapes, and strengthens its presence as an international platform supporting intellectual and creative excellence, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for inter-civilisational dialogue and cultural as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the Arab world, the SZBA accepts submissions across 10 categories: Literature, Translation, Contribution to the Development of Nations, Arab Culture in Other Languages, Children's Literature, Editing of Arabic Manuscripts, Literary and Art Criticism, Young Author, Cultural Personality of the Year, and Publishing and announcement follows the conclusion of the award's 19th edition, which received more than 4,000 nominations from 75 countries, including 20 Arab nations. Several countries were participating in the award for the first time, including Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali, which highlights the award's growing prominence on the regional and international cultural Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'As the Sheikh Zayed Book Award enters its 20th edition, we celebrate its remarkable journey and enduring impact on the global cultural and literary landscape. Its mission is more relevant than ever, to foster dialogue and knowledge, advance the Arabic language, and champion the exchange of ideas across boundaries. As we look to the future, the award remains a powerful force for shaping minds, enriching lives, and inspiring future generations. In the years to come, the award will continue to reflect the values that lie at the heart of our emirate's vision.'Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC and Secretary-General of the SZBA, said: 'The 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award marks a significant milestone following two decades of uninterrupted cultural work and achievements that have left their mark on the Arab and international literary and intellectual scenes." Bin Tamim added, "Under the patronage of our wise leadership, the award has established itself as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange, cementing the power of the written word to shape human civilisation and the future. Today, as we launch this new edition of the award, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting creative minds, preserving the Arabic language, and promoting culture as a cornerstone of comprehensive development."'We are proud of the tangible impact the award has made on the cultural landscape in its 19 years, during which we received over 30,000 nominations from more than 80 countries and honoured 136 winners across its various categories. These figures are not mere statistics, but a living testament to the growing confidence the award inspires among literary and intellectual circles. They assert the leadership role it plays in advancing authorship, translation, and critical studies, underlining its contributions towards promoting cultural dialogue, in line with the UAE's vision and mission to support human development.'Nomination conditions for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award stipulate that each candidate may nominate one work to one category, and the work must not have been nominated for any other prize in the same year, either directly or through a representative. Submitted works should also carry a valid International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to ensure the author's intellectual property rights are award will not be granted to any work that has previously won a major Arab or international prize, however, resubmission is allowed, provided the stipulated time gap has been met and new copies of the work are also allow authors to self-nominate or be nominated by publishers who may apply only for works they have issued, on the condition that the publisher receives written consent from the author. Nominated books need to have been published within the last two years at most, and should not have won any major international submitted works should be written in Arabic, except those submitted under the Editing of Arabic Manuscripts category, which can be in other languages, as well as the Translation category (whether translated into or from Arabic) and the Arab Culture in Other Languages category, where works published in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are the Cultural Personality of the Year award, candidates must be nominated by academic, research, or cultural institutions; literary bodies and universities; or by three prominent intellectual and/or cultural figures. Nominees for all other categories must personally fill out the nomination forms on the SZBA official its initial launch in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has served as a prominent international platform for creativity, promoting Arab publishing, and fostering inter-civilisational dialogue, drawing inspiration from the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award continues its mission to empower creative minds, fuel intellectual production, and elevate the global standing of the Arabic language, all in line with a strategic vision that reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a global hub for cultural dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance. To submit a nomination to the 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, or for more information about the submission process and forms, visit the official SZBA website ( which offers up-to-date and comprehensive information in English and Arabic. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
170 Emirati authors drive cultural dialogue at ADIBF
The UAE's creative industry – centred around the authors – took centre stage at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2025, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) from April 26 April to May 5 under the theme 'Knowledge Illuminates Our Community.' The fair reported wide participation from stakeholders across the UAE's cultural landscape, including publishing houses, authors, writers, thinkers, researchers, and intellectuals. Their active engagement was integral to the fair's diverse programme, designed to reach all segments of society and age groups, in line with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community.' The ADIBF sought to promote the growth of the local literary industry and reinforce national cultural identity. It honoured a distinguished group of Emirati creatives who have made lasting contributions to the sector's growth over the years, while encouraging emerging Emirati talent from across various cultural fields. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to sustainable cultural development and the advancement of the publishing sector. The 34th edition of the fair witnessed notable local engagement, with over 170 Emirati intellectuals and writers taking part in the programme's sessions and workshops. A total of 275 Emirati exhibitors participated in the event, alongside 70 government entities, each contributing a range of activities. The Arts Corner featured 28 artists, 22 of whom were Emirati, while the World Cuisine Corner hosted 48 sessions, featuring contributions from 24 internationally renowned chefs, including 12 Emiratis. A range of initiatives were launched at the ADIBF 2025 to support Emirati talent, most notably the 'Self-Publisher' initiative, which brought together 20 Emirati writers. The initiative was designed to showcase the work of national authors, facilitate direct engagement with their audiences, and enhance their visibility within the publishing community. The initiative also aimed to foster sustainable partnerships with publishers and expand marketing opportunities for Emirati literary works. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of the ADIBF, said: 'The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair saw extensive local participation from all sectors across the UAE. This played a pivotal role in consolidating the fair's position as a global cultural and knowledge platform, through which the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre introduced a novel vision for spreading knowledge and ensuring access to it for all age groups and segments of the community. To that end, the fair's agenda featured a set of programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting the publishing sector and enriching the UAE's publishing ecosystem with everything necessary for its continued advancement.' 'The fair also provided an opportunity for Emirati publishers to engage with their international counterparts, facilitating the exchange of expertise and dialogue on key issues and emerging trends in the publishing sector,' Al Tunaiji added. 'The fair's rich array of panel discussions, specialised workshops, and high-quality content provided essential knowledge for professionals in the field. It also offered various forms of support to enable Emirati publishers to hone their skills and capacities, contributing to the overall development of the industry.' 'Emirati creatives across a range of cultural and intellectual fields, including publishers, writers, poets, researchers, speakers, trainers, and cultural influencers, also maintained a strong presence at the fair,' he noted. 'The fair's programmes were designed to empower emerging talents in literature, culture, and the arts, offering training sessions and workshops to enhance their skills and creative capabilities. Moreover, a series of youth-focused activities were also introduced to explore and nurture their interests, preparing them to participate actively in the cultural and creative spheres.' 'These efforts reinforced the fair's mission to foster a culturally engaged and creatively empowered generation, aligned with the UAE's strategic vision for sustainable development,' Al Tunaiji concluded.
Mint
30-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
AAP MP Raghav Chadha slams Pakistan: 'Lies and loans, terror and tolerance don't go together'
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha on 30 May called Operation Sindoor a 'measured' and 'non-escalatory' response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament said India's hand of friendship can transform into a 'fist of retribution' if someone indulges in misadventure. "Very recently, there was an unfortunate incident in Pahalgam. It becomes very important that we highlight that India's strategic autonomy is also reflected in the fact that in the aftermath of the most cowardly attack of Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were butchered, India did not go around town seeking consent to retaliate," Chadha said while speaking at the 'Ideas for India Conference 2025' in London, United Kingdom on 30 May. Two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, India on 7 May conducted precision strikes on at least nine terror camps in Pakistan in what is known as 'Operation Sindoor'. India and Pakistan indulged in four days of military action post Operation Sindoor. The two nations, however, agreed on an understanding to halt military action on 10 May. At a global stage, Chadha said, Pakistan is not a victim state, it's a terror state. "Lies and loans can't go together. Diplomacy and duplicity of Pakistan can't go together. Terror and Tolerance can't exist together. India seeks peace — but if provoked, retribution won't be an exception, it will be an expectation," he said. Lies and loans can't go together. Diplomacy and duplicity of Pakistan can't go together. Chadha also pointed out that Pakistan today is in economic turmoil and in an institutional crisis. 'India today is known to export software, to export education, to export agricultural products, dairy products, so on and so forth. Pakistan today is known to export only one thing, terrorism. India is investing in healthcare, education, science and technology, research and development,' he said. Earlier this month, Chadha was also invited as a keynote speaker at the prestigious Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) 2025, held in Seoul, South Korea. He strongly condemned the Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam on a global stage.
