Latest news with #Yap
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Embrace 3.0 returns to Kuching, celebrating community, compassion for animals
Yap (third left) joins (from right) Sim, Chia and Yeo in promoting the 'Embrace Programme 3.0', to take place at Tropics City in Kuching next month. KUCHING (June 20): The third edition of the 'Embrace Programme', run by the Padawan Chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI), will highlight youths, community, and animal lovers. Taking place at Tropics City here this July 4 to 6, the programme is a collaborative effort with the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and B.E.E Hive Events. According to the deputy organising head Martiana Chia, with a continued mission of building a more compassionate and empowered community, the programme will feature a free rabies vaccination 'drive-thru', pet adoption booths, pet fashion show, baby goat mini-farm, live performances, and eco-conscious workshops such as soap-making and natural fabric dyeing. 'We are honoured to partner with SSPCA and The Hive Event by Bee Gastronomy for Embrace Programme 3.0. Over the past two editions, we've witnessed how this programme has opened doors for youth development and community impact. 'We are calling for more vendors to join us in creating an engaging experience for the public,' she said in a press conference held at the Kota Sentosa Service Centre here recently. Among those present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, JCI Padawan president Alaric Sim, and The Hive Event by Bee Gastronomy representative Joanne Yeo. Sim meanwhile highlighted the programme as being aligned with JCI's core values and also Sarawak's development goals. 'Building the community is what JCI is about. We cultivate youth leadership by giving young people the opportunities to channel their creativity and energy into impactful causes. 'Embrace supports Sarawak's goals of prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability by creating income opportunities for vendors, welcoming every member of the family including pets, and hosting eco-friendly workshops.' As for Yap, he encouraged the public to visit the event, support local talents, and be inspired by the creativity and energy of the youths. 'The Embrace programme is a shining example of what happens when we invest in our young people and give them the platform that they deserve. 'Let us continue to support such positive initiatives for the betterment of our community and the future of Sarawak,' he said. For more information, follow @ @jcipadawan, and @sspca on major social media platforms.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple's new AI-powered transcription outperforms OpenAI's Whisper
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. It appears Apple has several under-the-hood AI improvements in the works for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. While most of the features are building on what's already available, the company will also offer a chatbot-like experience for those who'd like to talk to Apple Intelligence privately through the Shortcuts app, and it has a very good speech API that outpaces OpenAI's Whisper. At least, that's what MacStories' John Voorhees claims in his hands-on report. He asked his son to build Yap, a 'simple command-line utility that takes audio and video files as input and outputs SRT- and TXT-formatted transcripts.' Today's Top Deals Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 In his tests, he was able to transcribe a 7GB 4K video version of a 34-minute-long AppStories podcast episode in only 45 seconds and generate an SRT file. After doing the same with other AI transcription models, Apple's outperformed all of them: Yap: 45 seconds. MacWhisper (Large V3 Turbo): 1 minute and 41 seconds. VidCap: 1 minute and 55 seconds. MacWhisper (Large V2) 3 minutes and 55 seconds. While Apple's AI transcription model isn't flawless, and it still had trouble with last names and words like 'AppStories,' Voorhees was impressed by Yap's speed, being 55% faster than OpenAI's best model while achieving the same transcription quality. That said, once iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe are released, you'll probably see new apps taking advantage of Apple's latest AI models to analyze speech and transcribe data. Since these models are free for developers to use, they will improve the market for audio transcription. Currently, these features are limited to developers running the beta versions of iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and Xcode 26. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free See the
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Aviation Experts Convene In Penang For ASEAN Aviation Sustainability Workshop
BUSINESS GEORGE TOWN, June 17 (Bernama) -- A total of 88 aviation experts from the region and Europe gathered here for the ASEAN Workshop on Aviation Sustainability - Operational Improvements and Efficiency Gains to discuss various aviation-related topics, including a focus on carbon emission measurements and airspace efficiency. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) hosted the three-day workshop with support from other relevant agencies. AirAsia chief sustainability officer Yap Mun Ching said the workshop gathered aviation stakeholders from across ASEAN to explore innovative strategies to achieve net-zero emissions and to address the growing industry demand for greater collaboration between regulators and airlines. 'For us as airlines, we have to work with all the regulators to implement our net-zero strategies. One of the things we requested from CAAM and EASA was support for a workshop to explore how to improve our measurement of carbon emissions and implement new technologies, as well as to learn from Europe's emissions mitigation plans for our airspace. 'A lot of times when you talk about aviation sustainability, you hear people talking about things like sustainable aviation fuels, maybe carbon offsetting, but the core of it is how efficiently you operate,' she told Bernama at the workshop's reception here tonight. Yap also noted airlines are now looking to push further through innovation and closer coordination with air traffic management and air traffic control services. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai graced the reception. It was attended by the CAAM deputy chief executive officer (regulator) Captain Md Jani Md Dom. Malaysia is the ASEAN chair in 2025. It recently hosted the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from May 23-26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This is its fifth ASEAN chairmanship, having held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Aviation experts gather in Penang for Asean sustainability workshop
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 88 aviation experts from the region and Europe have gathered here for the Asean Workshop on Aviation Sustainability – Operational Improvements and Efficiency Gains. The workshop aims to discuss various aviation-related topics, including a focus on carbon emission measurements and airspace efficiency. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) hosted the three-day workshop with support from other relevant agencies. AirAsia chief sustainability officer Yap Mun Ching said the workshop gathered aviation stakeholders from across Asean to explore innovative strategies to achieve net-zero emissions and to address the growing industry demand for greater collaboration between regulators and airlines. "For us as airlines, we have to work with all the regulators to implement our net-zero strategies. One of the things we requested from CAAM and EASA was support for a workshop to explore how to improve our measurement of carbon emissions and implement new technologies, as well as to learn from Europe's emissions mitigation plans for our airspace. "A lot of times when you talk about aviation sustainability, you hear people talking about things like sustainable aviation fuels, maybe carbon offsetting, but the core of it is how efficiently you operate," she told Bernama at the workshop's reception here tonight. Yap also noted that airlines are now looking to push further through innovation and closer coordination with air traffic management and air traffic control services. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai graced the reception. It was attended by the CAAM deputy chief executive officer (regulator) Captain Md Jani Md Dom. Malaysia is the Asean chair in 2025. It recently hosted the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits from May 23-26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This is its fifth Asean chairmanship, having held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - BERNAMA
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep urges Peninsular politicians to respect Sarawak's constitutional status
Wilfred Yap – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 16): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has expressed deep concern that some politicians from Peninsular-based political parties continue to misrepresent Sarawak's rightful constitutional position as one of the founding partners of Malaysia. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) lawmaker said these mischaracterisations ignore the historical context, legal safeguards, and the unique constitutional status accorded to Sarawak upon the formation of Malaysia. 'Politicians — particularly those serving in the federal government — must uphold the third and fourth principles of the Rukun Negara: Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy of the Constitution) and Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law). 'These principles require all Malaysians, especially leaders, to respect the constitutional framework that guarantees Sarawak's special status and legislative autonomy,' he said in a statement explaining the significance of the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Sarawak's Legislative Rights. Yap, who is a lawyer, urged those who remain uninformed to educate themselves on the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Federal Constitution. 'Sarawak is not merely one of the states in Malaysia, but an equal founding partner with its own distinct constitutional arrangements. 'Our State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak) retains wider powers under the State List, including in matters of natural resources, land, licensing, and oil and gas — areas which are not under the control of the federal legislature,' he explained. According to Yap, the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, enacted under the Malaysia Act 1963 by the British Government with the consent of Sarawak and Sabah, amended the Federal Constitution to expand the legislative competence of the Borneo States. 'This Order is a key constitutional instrument that grants Sarawak greater autonomy in law-making, particularly in relation to land, forests, mining, oil and gas, and the granting of licences related to these sectors. This means that Sarawak holds legislative authority over licensing for activities related to its own natural resources, including petroleum operations.' Additionally, he said Article 161 of the Federal Constitution provides further protection by preserving laws that were in force in Sarawak prior to Malaysia Day (Sept 16, 1963), including laws relating to land, natural resources, native customs, and religion. 'These pre-Malaysia Day laws remain valid unless and until repealed by the Sarawak Legislature – not by the federal Parliament. This ensures that Sarawak's legal traditions and safeguards, including those affecting oil and gas, continue to have constitutional force,' he added. Yap said the ongoing relevance of both the Borneo States Order and Article 161 cannot be overstated, a they serve as critical constitutional safeguards protecting Sarawak's sovereign rights, particularly in sectors vital to our economic development such as oil and gas. 'Any attempt to override Sarawak's licensing authority or regulatory powers in these areas runs contrary to the Constitution and the spirit of MA63,' he added. He concluded by calling on all Sarawakians to remain united and vigilant in defending their constitutional rights. 'We must reject any narrative or policy that diminishes our status or centralises control over resources that constitutionally belong to Sarawak.' Yap added that the federal government must honour MA63 not only in word but in action, and respect the legal instruments — including the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Article 161 — that define Sarawak's rightful place as an equal partner in the Malaysian Federation. constitutional position lead Wilfred Yap
