Latest news with #MCS
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Entrepreneurship a solution to youth unemployment – but there are challenges
The creative economy is thriving, with content creators, designers and beauty professionals making their mark. With nearly half of South Africa's youth struggling to find traditional jobs, entrepreneurship is a viable alternative. FNB says the crisis faced by the youth needs innovative solutions, not just job creation. Youth entrepreneurship is a sustainable catalyst for job creation and economic growth. Janis Robson, Head of Business Development at FNB, notes that the youth are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship as a deliberate and empowered choice to build their futures. Side hustles and formal businesses Robson adds that more than 35% of the businesses that bank with them with a turnover of less than R5 million are comprised of young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. 'There are a mix of skilled professionals, graduates, and those without formal qualifications, many of whom are running side hustles or growing formal businesses.' She says trends indicate that the largest share of youth-led businesses falls into business and administrative services, followed by community services, retail, construction and transport. Additionally, the creative economy is thriving, with content creators, designers and beauty professionals making their mark, particularly in metro areas. 'Youth are also increasingly leveraging technology to develop scalable solutions that address local challenges.' ALSO READ: Political events happening in June expected to affect South African SMEs Entrepreneurship challenges faced by youth Robson notes that opportunities are growing, but young entrepreneurs are still faced with significant challenges. One of the biggest challenges is access to funding, followed by gaps in industry-specific skills and general business knowledge. 'Safety concerns, crime, and credibility issues, especially among young women, also limit business growth. 'Many also struggle with financial literacy, which can lead to early business closures. Some start ventures while job-hunting, only to abandon them when formal employment becomes available.' Mental health in entrepreneurship Phumla Mavundla, Head of Marketing at Metropolitan, has highlighted the need for entrepreneur programmes to also focus on mental health. By placing mental wellness at the core of entrepreneurship, the initiative is breaking new ground and making a bold shift in a space where emotional resilience is often overlooked. She stresses that entrepreneurs frequently encounter significant pressures, from financial challenges to societal expectations, and when these stresses go unaddressed, they can lead to anxiety, burnout, and ultimately, business failure. It was noticed through one of their programmes, the Metropolitan's Collective Shapers (MCS), that funding alone is not enough; entrepreneurs also need resilience, emotional support, clarity, and strong financial literacy to succeed. ALSO READ: 4 business pitch mistakes that could be costing you investors — and how to avoid them Funding is not everything Mavundla added that too many programmes assume that if we give entrepreneurs capital, they will thrive. However, no amount of funding can compensate for burnout and poor financial decision-making under stress or isolation. Entrepreneurs need programmes that help them build resilience, emotional agility, and long-term strategic clarity. 'The future of entrepreneurship depends not just on bright ideas, but on healthy, resilient minds capable of executing them.' NOW READ: Report reveals there is no lack of funding for small businesses – here's the problem
Barnama
5 days ago
- Barnama
EAIC: Penang DOF Committed To Improving Effectiveness Of MCS Management Enforcement
GEORGE TOWN, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Penang Department of Fisheries (DOF) will enhance monitoring aspects, standard operating procedures (SOP), and the effectiveness of MCS (Monitoring, Control & Surveillance) enforcement in the state's waters following recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) regarding the issue of trawler incursions from Zone B to Zone A. Its director, Zarina Zainuddin, said her department acknowledges and takes the feedback seriously, and therefore several steps have been, are being, and will continue to be taken to address the issue. "This includes increasing the frequency of monitoring visits by management to enforcement bases to ensure tasks are carried out according to SOP and standing instructions, with two surprise inspections conducted on April 22 and July 26, 2024. "Additionally, periodic inspections are also conducted from time to time to ensure staff attendance, adherence to work ethics, and the execution of duties according to the Captain Order guidelines," she said in a statement today. She explained that internal audits of the Enforcement Log Management are also conducted continuously to ensure daily records are maintained according to regulations, along with improvements to the record-keeping system to enhance the transparency and orderliness of operational information. Additionally, Zarina said that her department also organised comprehensive SOP reinforcement courses and training involving all enforcement officers, in line with EAIC's recommendations to ensure understanding and compliance with regulations are continuously improved. "The review of the SOP regarding the acceptance of complaints accompanied by video evidence has been implemented to expedite and streamline the investigation process. The Penang DOF is now filing police reports and opening investigation papers for each complaint related to violations of the Fisheries Act 1985, specifically involving the encroachment of trawlers into Zone A. "Throughout last year, the Penang DOF received seven video-recorded complaints regarding the encroachment of fishing areas by trawler boats in Zones B1 and C. As a result, 13 trawlers were investigated, and enforcement actions were taken, including the issuance of fines amounting to RM6,000 fines and court charges," she said. She also said that the DOG detained seven tugboats in Zone C, with a total fine and fish auction proceeds amounting to RM41,200, while further actions such as the suspension of Vessel Licenses and Fishing Licences for one year, complete equipment seizure, a five-year prohibition on vessel transfer, and court charges have been carried out.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
EAIC: Penang DOF committed to improving effectiveness of MCS management enforcement
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Department of Fisheries (DOF) will enhance monitoring aspects, standard operating procedures (SOP), and the effectiveness of MCS (Monitoring, Control & Surveillance) enforcement in the state's waters following recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) regarding the issue of trawler incursions from Zone B to Zone A. Its director, Zarina Zainuddin, said her department acknowledges and takes the feedback seriously, and therefore several steps have been, are being, and will continue to be taken to address the issue. 'This includes increasing the frequency of monitoring visits by management to enforcement bases to ensure tasks are carried out according to SOP and standing instructions, with two surprise inspections conducted on April 22 and July 26, 2024. 'Additionally, periodic inspections are also conducted from time to time to ensure staff attendance, adherence to work ethics, and the execution of duties according to the Captain Order guidelines,' she said in a statement today. She explained that internal audits of the Enforcement Log Management are also conducted continuously to ensure daily records are maintained according to regulations, along with improvements to the record-keeping system to enhance the transparency and orderliness of operational information. Additionally, Zarina said that her department also organised comprehensive SOP reinforcement courses and training involving all enforcement officers, in line with EAIC's recommendations to ensure understanding and compliance with regulations are continuously improved. 'The review of the SOP regarding the acceptance of complaints accompanied by video evidence has been implemented to expedite and streamline the investigation process. The Penang DOF is now filing police reports and opening investigation papers for each complaint related to violations of the Fisheries Act 1985, specifically involving the encroachment of trawlers into Zone A. 'Throughout last year, the Penang DOF received seven video-recorded complaints regarding the encroachment of fishing areas by trawler boats in Zones B1 and C. As a result, 13 trawlers were investigated, and enforcement actions were taken, including the issuance of fines amounting to RM6,000 fines and court charges,' she said. She also said that the DOG detained seven tugboats in Zone C, with a total fine and fish auction proceeds amounting to RM41,200, while further actions such as the suspension of Vessel Licenses and Fishing Licences for one year, complete equipment seizure, a five-year prohibition on vessel transfer, and court charges have been carried out. She added that her team appreciates the EAIC feedback and recommendations, and will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of enforcement and compliance with the principles of integrity and good governance in the management of the country's fishery resources. Previously, the EAIC revealed several weaknesses in the Penang DOF, including the failure to take action against the encroachment of trawlers from Zone B to Zone A, as well as the failure to implement proper monitoring of the officers and enforcement personnel under its supervision. Furthermore, the EAIC also found that the Penang DOF management was not sensitive to the daily enforcement duties and the constraints faced by the officers and personnel at the base.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Moore Schools' Locklair named regional superintendent of the year
CARTHAGE — Moore County Schools Superintendent Tim Locklair was named the 2025-2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year for the Sandhills Region (Region 4). Locklair is now a finalist for the prestigious A. Craig Phillips State Superintendent of the Year Award, joining seven other regional representatives in the state-level competition. "This award is a testament to the collective effort of all who are committed to ensuring the success and well-being of every student," Locklair said in a release. "I look forward to continuing our work together to create even greater opportunities for our students and our community.' Each year, superintendents from the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium select from among its 13 leaders a superintendent who has demonstrated exemplary leadership to serve as its Regional Superintendent of the Year. This person then competes for the title of State Superintendent of the Year. 'Locklair is considered a Leader among Leaders and he has the highest respect among his peers in the Sandhills and colleagues across this state," said Ron Hargrave, executive director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium. Under his leadership, Moore County Schools has promoted the diverse public school choices available through its 'MCS Choices' campaign. These choices include in-person, virtual and Blend+Ed options (a partnership with homeschool families) designed to meet every student's needs. The district now ranks in the top 10 of North Carolina's 115 districts for both Grade Level Proficiency and Career and Technical Education credential attainment. Locklair has 30 years of experience in public education. A Moore County native, he moved to the area at age 11 and graduated from Pinecrest High School. After earning a bachelor of science in education from Western Carolina University, he began his career as a social studies teacher, football and baseball coach, and was later an assistant principal at Pinecrest High School. Locklair has held various leadership roles, including principal of West Middle School in Montgomery County, as well as Apex Middle School and Holly Springs High School in Wake County. He also served as Area Superintendent for Western Wake County in Wake County Public Schools, where he oversaw 26 schools and more than 2,000 employees. He rejoined Moore County Schools in 2016 as the chief officer for Academic and Student Support Services, managing several departments, including curriculum, student services, and school improvement. MCS will launch its 24th school, Moore Innovative High School, in the fall with its inaugural class of 70 students. This project, funded by a $25 million appropriation from the North Carolina state budget, will provide students with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree, meeting local workforce needs and preparing students for high-demand jobs in industries like advanced manufacturing, health care, and more.
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
SINBON Secures World's First UL Safety Certification for Liquid Cooling System for EV Charging Stations
The company's liquid cooling system allows it to deploy up to a 1 MW charger to charge a 100 kWh battery in 6 minutes, helping EV infrastructure companies to meet their goals of safely delivering higher power and faster charging. TAIPEI, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- As charging times continue to pose challenges for EV adoption, SINBON Electronics Co., Ltd. (TWSE#:3023), a leading electronics system integrator, is announcing its proprietary liquid cooling system has secured the world's first UL safety certification for liquid cooling system of EV charging stations. "As extreme fast charging (XFC) becomes the future of the EV industry, advanced liquid cooling systems like SINBON's are reducing charging times, improving energy efficiency, ensuring longevity of charging equipment," commented Hanson Zhou, R&D Manager at SINBON. "This milestone demonstrates how SINBON's technological innovation and commitment to excellence continue to expand possibilities for the EV industry." The potential of liquid cooling for EV charging stations As EV adoption accelerates, the demand for faster, more efficient charging solutions is growing. Liquid cooling is emerging as a critical enabler of extreme fast charging (XFC), which greatly reduces charging times, making electrification more viable for both consumers and commercial fleets. Liquid cooling system like SINBON's addresses several key industry challenges: Reduced charging times: By enabling higher power delivery, liquid cooling system significantly shortens EV charging durations — ideal for EV drivers and essential for commercial applications like electrified long-haul freight trucks. Enhanced energy efficiency: The system minimizes heat buildup in cables, reducing energy loss and improving overall system performance. Lighter, more flexible cables: Liquid cooling allows for thinner, more manageable cables without compromising safety or performance. Thermal stability: This system also maintains optimal temperatures, ensuring consistent power delivery and safe operation. A milestone in safety and innovation SINBON recently secured UL certification, marking a significant achievement for the company's EV solutions, affirming the safety, reliability, and performance of its liquid cooling system. A globally recognized safety authority, UL rigorously scrutinizes products across design, materials, manufacturing, and performance. This certification also illustrates SINBON's leadership in R&D and its commitment to setting new industry standards. Pushing the boundaries of charging power SINBON's charging solutions powered by its cutting-edge liquid cooling system can deliver up to 1 Megawatt (MW; 1000A at 1000V), enabling ultra-fast charging scenarios: 6-minute charge: At 1 MW power load, a 100 kWh battery can be charged in just six minutes. Cross-standard support: SINBON works with all major charging standards, including NACS DC, CCS1, CCS2, and MCS. SINBON's advantages in liquid cooling The company's liquid cooling system is engineered for versatility and durability: Innovative split design: Unlike traditional integrated designs, SINBON's split design enhances flexibility and maintenance Extreme environmental resistance: Operates reliably in harsh conditions, including temperatures as low as -40°C—ideal for rugged EV deployments Rapid, even heat dissipation: Effectively removes heat from charging components, maintaining system integrity Rigorous testing: Extensively tested, particularly with SINBON's own charging cables to ensure seamless performance and integration Support for multiple coolants: Compatible with both water-based and oil-based coolants About SINBON Electronics Established in 1989 in Taiwan, SINBON Electronics is a leading provider of integrated design and production services for bespoke interconnect solutions. Driven by a commitment to customer centricity and the principles of ESG, the company offers a wide range of products and OEM/ODM services that ensure reliability and efficiency, combining extensive engineering expertise, industry knowledge, and leading innovations to customize solutions for long-term customer success. SINBON has a global footprint, with operations in Taiwan, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, and the United States.
