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The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean Higher Education Minister meeting kicks off June 19 in Langkawi
LANGKAWI: The Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable: Envisioning the Next Decade and Beyond has officially begun. The meeting started at about 2.30pm on Thursday (June 19), attended by Asean Higher Education Minister and delegates. The meeting also saw the participation of higher education ministers from Asean member states and Timor Leste, as well as senior representatives from Myanmar and the Asean Secretariat. Among those present were Malaysia Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Brunei Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Romaizah Mohd Salleh, and Indonesia Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto. One of the key outcomes of the meeting would be the Asean Leaders' Declaration on Higher Education: Towards an Inclusive, Sustainable and Prosperous Asean, which would serve as a foundational document or new blueprint to strengthen higher education in the region over the next decade. The roundtable is one of the main events under the Asean Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables (#EduRoundtables2025) and Events, taking place on the resort island from Tuesday to Thursday. Malaysia, which holds the Asean Chairmanship for 2025 under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability,' hosted the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits from May 23 to 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This marks Malaysia's fifth time as Asean Chair, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Nzimande signs letter of intent in China to boost AI in SA
In October last year, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said AI could be a game changer for South Africa. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande has signed a letter of intent with the aim of focusing on information and communication technologies with a specific emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and innovation. Minister Nzimande recently led a delegation in a high-level engagement with Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa, and executives at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen, China. China and South Africa Emphasising the importance of South Africa-China cooperation, Nzimande stated that 'the signing of this Letter of Intent further solidifies' the long-standing relationship between South Africa and China. 'Most fundamentally, this Letter of Intent gives much-needed impetus to the progressive agenda of building a global political and economic order that promotes the equitable development of countries, particularly from the Global South, and to contribute to the betterment of all humanity.' The strengthening of relations comes just days after a successful Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference in Chengdu, China, and following a highly productive bilateral meeting between Minister Nzimande and China's Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun, which included a Letter of Intent on AI. Picture: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation ALSO READ: Eskom launches AI chatbot 'Alfred' to expedite fault reporting AI a 'game changer' In October last year, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said AI could be a game changer for South Africa. The opportunities inherent in the use of AI in Africa can be viewed from several perspectives, including the role it will play in bringing cutting-edge healthcare to more people, especially those who previously did not have access to these. AI's role also extends to advancing food security, addressing environmental and climate-related challenges that affect agricultural productivity and livelihoods, and potentially helping to power economic growth. Ethical use Malatsi said AI is unavoidable, and South Africa should not be lagging. 'It's unavoidable in terms of AI, just in terms of the global impact it's making, and also the fact that this is where the presence of technology is, and I think we need to embrace it'. Malatsi said the key issue is the ethical use of AI. ALSO READ: AI agents to enhance interaction with computers, Microsoft says
Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Pincher Creek teen lands summer research spot at University of Alberta
Wendellynnea (Wendy) Ritz, a Grade 11 student from St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek, will spend her summer at the University of Alberta after being selected for the Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology Summer Research Program. Each year, the University's WISEST program places 40 to 50 high school students — including young women, gender-diverse, Indigenous and racialized students — in six-week research internships. Participants are matched with university laboratories to gain hands-on experience in fields where their genders are traditionally underrepresented, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program offers students real-world research exposure, mentorship from professionals and access to post-secondary networks. Since its inception in 1984, WISEST has welcomed students from across Alberta and Canada. This year, 17-year-old Ritz is expected to contribute to research on clubroot disease in canola plants — an assignment informed by her interests in biology and chemistry. However, she can be placed in other programs depending on availability. 'We get to say what science disciplines interest us most, but we don't get to choose our exact placements,' she said. 'My placement in the lab was partly due to my interest in biology and in chemistry, but it was also due to availability and what projects they were looking for students to help with.' Ritz's path to the program began in Grade 10, when her science teacher, Sheena Adamson, herself a WISEST alumna, encouraged her to apply. She submitted her application this spring, 'and mid April I got a notification that I had gotten an interview,' she told Shootin' the Breeze. 'I was very, very excited.' Her application stood out for its creativity. She chose to submit a less-common digital art response instead of a traditional essay or video. 'I went with digital art. In this, you put together an artist response that basically details the meaning and symbolism behind your piece, the medium you used and how it addresses the questions that were given as options for your response,' she explained. 'I put together my art response and I put together my artist statement.' The other thing Ritz believed really helped her was her work in disability advocacy. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in recent years, she has used her position on student council to promote inclusivity at school events. She will live on campus in Edmonton during the program, which runs July 3 to Aug. 14, with her residency covered by the Margaret-Ann Armour Endowment Fund. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Ritz is an active volunteer and community member. She earns high school credits for training with the Pincher Creek fire department, volunteers at Vista Village, is active at Trinity Lutheran Church and in the local youth group, and provides babysitting services. She's also a multi-instrumentalist, with training in piano, violin, ukulele and recorder. 'I've been in music lessons since I was about five,' she said. 'It's a different way of looking at things. It's like a different language, and it's really given me connections and ways to see patterns and rhythms in life.' Her goal is to pursue post-secondary studies in environmental sciences, with interests in hydrology, impact assessment and environmental monitoring. According to Statistics Canada, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM occupations, especially in fields like engineering, physics and computer science. The gap is even more pronounced in rural areas, where only about five to 6.5 per cent of women hold post-secondary STEM credentials,compared to 11.6 per cent in urban or easily accessible communities. Programs like WISEST play a crucial role in helping girls see themselves as future scientists. Wendy's selection for a national research program reflects not only her individual passion and dedication but also underscores the importance of supporting rural youth in accessing science opportunities. 'My advice to other girls in small towns who are interested in science? Go for it!' Wendy says. 'If you're not sure about something, try it anyway and it will be fun.' In 2024, WISEST placed 41 students in various research positions. According to the U of A, over 85 per cent of program alumni pursue STEM education and careers after participating in the summer research program. In addition to the U of A, students have attended other academic institutions across Canada and internationally. Some alumni have been co-authors on peer-reviewed papers, presented at conferences and received significant awards. In recent years, 14 alumni have received prestigious national awards, including six Schulich Leader Scholarships and two TD Scholars Awards. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Economic Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
India to develop two-seater electric trainer aircraft: Jitendra Singh
India has commenced developing the Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a two-seater electric trainer aircraft, spearheaded by CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru. Expected to cost around Rs 2 crore, it's significantly cheaper than imported alternatives. E-Hansa aligns with India's green aviation goals, promoting clean energy fuel in aircraft and offering a cost-effective, indigenous pilot training solution. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India has initiated the process to develop Electric Hansa ( E-Hansa ), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft , Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. Singh said it is a matter of pride that the new aircraft is being indigenously developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), E-Hansa trainer aircraft is expected to cost significantly less than imported alternatives, possibly around Rs 2 crore. This is roughly half the price of a comparable imported trainer aircraft, Singh said during a monthly meeting to review the progress of various science departments.E-Hansa is part of the larger HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft programme, which is designed to be a cost-effective and indigenous option for pilot training in India , an official statement E-Hansa aircraft will also mark a key step towards India's green aviation goals and the use of green or clean energy fuel in running aircraft in the country, the minister said.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India to develop two-seater electric trainer aircraft: Jitendra Singh
India has initiated the process to develop Electric Hansa ( E-Hansa ), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft , Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. Singh said it is a matter of pride that the new aircraft is being indigenously developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru. The E-Hansa trainer aircraft is expected to cost significantly less than imported alternatives, possibly around Rs 2 crore. This is roughly half the price of a comparable imported trainer aircraft, Singh said during a monthly meeting to review the progress of various science departments. E-Hansa is part of the larger HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft programme, which is designed to be a cost-effective and indigenous option for pilot training in India , an official statement said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Óculos militar, perfeito para pescarias, dirigir, caminhadas Óculos Max Saiba Mais Undo The E-Hansa aircraft will also mark a key step towards India's green aviation goals and the use of green or clean energy fuel in running aircraft in the country, the minister said.
