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Malaysia Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Letter from China: Dream of
by Xinhua writer Li Yilin SHANGHAI, June 18 (Xinhua) -- If a city could speak, Shanghai would regale you with a story of dramatic change. As one of China's key economic and tech hubs, visitors have the opportunity to experience all the latest innovations here. However, the sight of an aircraft with gull wings still took me by surprise when its developer was showcasing a futuristic aerial taxi concept -- that is now coming soon. The sleek, silver-white actual version of the E20 electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft occupied almost the entire demonstration hall at Shanghai TCab Technology Co., Ltd. in Minhang District -- a breeding center for Shanghai's sci-tech industries. Noting that it represents China's bold leap into the third dimension of mobility, TCab's Vice President and Brand Director Xu An pointed to the aircraft and declared proudly, "It is the future of urban transportation." As Xu gestured toward the cockpit, she invited me to sit in it. The touch of the console and the smell of the genuine leather seats were so vivid, but felt surreal -- 40 minutes ago, I was taking a normal taxi from downtown Shanghai to TCab. But now, I was boarding this "air taxi," which could apparently make the same journey in less than 20 minutes and would be more comfortable. TCab was founded in 2021, when China's low-altitude economy was revving up for a rapid takeoff, with eVTOL aircraft emerging from the tech buzz to capture national attention at breakneck speed. The company's Chinese name translates to "Time Taxi." It aims to create a green, sustainable digital urban air mobility ecosystem, providing safe and convenient air travel services. At the heart of TCab's innovation is the E20 eVTOL -- a five-seater all-electric aircraft. It boasts a range of 200 kilometers and speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, and will cost just four yuan (about 56 U.S. cents) per passenger-kilometer -- comparable to a premium taxi ride, but five times faster. In just four years, TCab completed its B+ round of strategic financing. The maiden flight of the E20 prototype was completed in 2023, and the model is set to obtain its airworthiness type certification in 2027. This year, TCab began construction on its assembly plant in Anhui Province, with planned completion in 2026. The company plans to produce 200 eVTOLs annually, and so far 500 orders have been secured either at home or abroad. I was amazed at TCab's rapid accomplishments. This would not have been possible without the persistence of Yon Wui NG, former chief engineer of Airbus China and now CEO of TCab. Yon has turned the concept of three-dimensional transportation -- his childhood dream -- into a reality. In fact, leading eVTOL companies in China such as Ehang Intelligent and AutoFlight have achieved phased results. "What does TCab rely on to stand out?" I asked Yon. He answered my question by demonstrating the tilt-rotor mechanism of the E20, which features rotors that tilt between vertical lift and forward thrust. When the eVTOL takes off, the rotor has a vertical lift and then rotates parallel to generate forward thrust, accelerating the aircraft, he explained. Compared with other multi-rotors in the market, the E20 has significantly reduced energy consumption, achieving faster speeds, a longer range and a greater payload capacity, he added. This innovation also solves one aviation dilemma: noise. The E20's tilt-rotor design optimizes power efficiency, making it quieter and more affordable. Overjoyed at the future aerial taxi, I can't help but ponder why Yon, who is Malaysian-Chinese and has stellar international experience in the industry, chose China to be the birthplace of TCab. Speaking Mandarin with a Southeast Asian accent, Yon earnestly explained why it "has to be China." Yon revealed that while eVTOLs from other countries are typically sold for over 4 million U.S. dollars, TCab offers its eVTOL at a selling price of around 2 million U.S. dollars. China's unique ecosystem fuels this progress. "China's leadership in EV batteries and drone algorithms, and the complete supporting supply chain brought by the delivery of China's C919 large passenger aircraft in 2022, gives us a competitive edge," he said. "As an aviation professional, I would never have imagined that the aviation industry could also witness a wave of dramatic change," Yon said. "There is a 'Made in China' advantage we're proud of." Government support is crucial. China's first-mover advantage in its low-altitude economy pilot program -- especially in the Yangtze River Delta -- has ensured the development and construction of both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry. "The first-mover advantage has afforded us more room for innovation to refine the aircraft, allowing it to enter the market through iterative improvements, gradually," Yon said. In December last year, Shanghai Low-altitude Economic Industry Development Co., Ltd. was established, aiming to promote the construction of supporting facilities, guide social capital investment, and improve the industrial ecosystem for the low-altitude economy. "I can see that local governments in many places are making overall plans and setting up special teams to connect with us. The improvement in efficiency is quite obvious," Yon said. But while government-backed infrastructure and policy frameworks lay the groundwork, the true measure of success lies in democratizing technology. When I bluntly asked if eVTOLs were just high-end toys for the elite and whether they would become accessible to everyone, Yon did the math for me: plans are in place for the E20 to be mass-produced and put into use in 2027. In its future development, the company will focus on expanding the eVTOL's passenger capacity to nearly 20 seats, further reducing the average transaction value from the current four yuan per kilometer so that more population groups can afford to ride in it. Meanwhile, TCab plans to advance the commercialization of urban air mobility services in three phases. Firstly, tourism and sightseeing scenarios will be its entry point, focusing on tour routes in the Yangtze River Delta region. Then it will expand to intercity transportation networks, opening cross-city routes. The third phase will achieve short-distance rapid shuttle functions within urban areas. Looking to the future, Yon said that the company has established overseas branches in Malaysia and Singapore, and it will also deploy in the Middle Eastern market. Yon refers to himself as a bridge for Malaysia-China friendship. The young man who left Malaysia to pursue his aviation dream has now frequented home with pride, bearing the fruits of his achievements in China -- transportation solutions that promise convenience for his fellow Malaysians and the world at large. "I have envisioned it numerous times: people traveling to Semporna or other beautiful islands in Malaysia aboard our E20," he said. At the end of the interview, on a whim, I asked Yon: If he had the chance to write two letters to himself, one 10 years ago and the other 10 years from now, what would he say? "To my younger self: Hold fast to your belief. To my future self: Do not forget your original aspiration," he replied. (Xinhua's correspondents Yi Ling in Beijing and Xu Xiaoqing in Shanghai also contributed to this story.)
Observer
30-05-2025
- Observer
South African woman gets a life sentence for selling
A judge in South Africa sentenced a woman to life in prison Thursday after she was convicted of selling her 6-year-old daughter, who is still missing, in a case that has captivated and horrified South Africans. The woman, Racquel Smith, 35, sat stoically as the judge handed down the sentence after a three-month trial in a town on South Africa's west coast. The mother and two men were found guilty earlier this month of kidnapping and trafficking her eldest child, Joshlin Smith, for exploitation. 'The accused did not show remorse,' the judge, Nathan Erasmus, said Thursday, adding that up until the eve of sentencing, the mother 'still lied.' The two men were also sentenced Thursday to life in prison, the minimum penalty for kidnapping and enslavement of children in South Africa. The girl disappeared in February 2024 from a shack she shared with her mother, two siblings, and her mother's boyfriend in the seaside town of Saldanha Bay, on the country's west coast. The police, naval officers and members of the community combed the town, but the girl was never found. A photograph of the girl was plastered all over town, and then on national news outlets. Two weeks into the search, the police arrested her mother; her mother's boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis; and a friend of the couple, Steveno van Rhyn. Prosecutors said the mother was addicted to drugs and had sold the girl for 20,000 rand, about $1,100. Public interest in the case was so high that court proceedings were held in a community center in Saldanha Bay and broadcast on national television. During the trial, the mother and the two other suspects declined to testify. On May 2, when they were convicted, a judge ruled the girl had been sold into slavery. Prosecutors argued for a life sentence, urging the judge to consider that the child was still missing. 'We do not have her, we do not know where she is, but that is why the state has provided evidence to give her a voice, as she is not in court,' Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesperson for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority, said in a statement. Many questions about the case persist. But Smith has steadfastly declined to divulge any information about her daughter's disappearance, even after the pleas of the girl's paternal grandmother, Rita Yon. Joshlin's two younger siblings often asked after their sister, Yon said. 'We are still missing Joshlin,' Yon told the TV channel Newzroom Afrika after the sentencing on Thursday. 'It doesn't feel nice not knowing where she is, what she eats or drinks, and how the people who have her treat her.' This article originally appeared in
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shingles Vaccine Can Reduce Risk of Stroke And Heart Attack, Study Finds
A new study highlights a perhaps unexpected way to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease: getting vaccinated against shingles. Cardiovascular disease – involving the heart or blood vessels – is by far humanity's leading cause of death. It kills about 18 million people globally each year, mostly via heart attack or stroke. While this is a daunting public health problem, medical science has revealed ways to lower risk: A heart-healthy diet helps, as do exercising daily, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. According to the new study, covering data on more than 1.2 million people in South Korea over the age of 50, those who received a shingles vaccine showed a 23 percent lower risk of cardiovascular events overall. This protection lasted for up to eight years, with the greatest reduction in risk observed two to three years after vaccination. The effect was more pronounced in men, people younger than 60, and those with unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or inactivity. A shingles vaccination is already widely recommended for adults over 50 to protect against the viral disease, known for its painful skin rash and blisters. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the culprit behind chickenpox. After people recover from chickenpox, typically in childhood, the virus can remain dormant in nerve cells for years or decades, then abruptly reactivate. The immediate effects of shingles are bad enough, but while the rash usually fades in a few weeks, the disease can be insidiously persistent, explains pediatrician researcher Dong Keon Yon from Kyung Hee University in South Korea. "Shingles causes a painful rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults and those with weak immune systems," Yon says. "Research shows that, without vaccination, about 30 percent of people may develop shingles in their lifetime." The most common complication is long-term nerve pain that can last for months or years. Shingles near the eyes can also lead to vision loss, and some people develop lasting neurological problems. Recent research suggests shingles also raises stroke and heart attack risk. "In addition to the rash, shingles has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems, so we wanted to find out if getting vaccinated could lower this risk," Yon says. The researchers merged data from several South Korean government agencies, ultimately studying more than 1.2 million people. Spanning 2012 to 2021, this included information on vaccination status as well as cardiovascular health and other relevant factors. Vaccinated people had a 23 percent lower risk of cardiovascular events overall, including a 22 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 26 percent lower risk of heart failure, and a 26 percent lower risk of a major cardiovascular event like stroke or heart attack. "The shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors," Yon says. That would be big news if confirmed, but makes sense given what we know about shingles' short-term effects on the cardiovascular system. "A shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation, and clot formation that can lead to heart disease," Yon explains. "By preventing shingles, vaccination may lower these risks." One of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, the study has some limitations, the authors acknowledge. The sample lacks diversity, since all subjects are from South Korea. "While we conducted rigorous analysis, this study does not establish a direct causal relationship, so potential bias from other underlying factors should be considered," Yon says. The study only addresses the live zoster vaccine, which uses a weakened form of the virus. There's also a recombinant subunit vaccine for shingles, featuring just a viral protein, that's increasingly prevalent in many countries. In addition, previous research suggests both shingles vaccines may also protect against dementia. The study was published in the European Heart Journal. Spikes of Bird Flu in Cats Could Be a Warning of a Future Pandemic HIV Drugs Dramatically Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, Study Finds Measles Could Become Endemic in US if Surge Continues, Expert Warns
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shingles vaccine has unexpected effect on heart health
The list of potential benefits of the shingles vaccine continues to grow. Beyond protecting against the viral infection and resulting painful rash, the shot has also been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, as Fox News Digital previously reported. And now, a new study has found that the vaccine could lower the risk of heart disease for up to eight years. Dementia Risk Could Dip With Common Vaccine, Study Suggests In the long-running study, researchers analyzed up to 12 years of data for more than 1.2 million people aged 50 or older in South Korea, focusing on shingles vaccination rates and 18 different types of cardiovascular disease. They found that those who received the shingles vaccine had a 23% lower risk of heart issues, including stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease. Read On The Fox News App The benefits were greater for people under 60 years old, likely because they have a better immune response, according to the researchers. Blood Pressure And Dementia Risk Share Surprising Link, Study Suggests The vaccine's heart health benefits were also more prominent among men and those who have unhealthy behaviors, such as being sedentary, drinking alcohol and smoking. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal on Tuesday. The primary symptom of shingles is a painful rash that can lead to serious complications, particularly for older adults and those with weak immune systems, according to lead author Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Without vaccination, about 30% of people may develop shingles in their lifetime, Yon noted. "In addition to the rash, shingles has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems, so we wanted to find out if getting vaccinated could lower this risk," he said in a press release. "Our study suggests that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors. This means that vaccination could offer health benefits beyond preventing shingles." The researchers shared several possible reasons for the vaccine's protective effect on heart health. "A shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation and clot formation that can lead to heart disease," Yon said. "By preventing shingles, vaccination may lower these risks." Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, a Virginia-based interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, was not involved in the study but offered his comments on the findings. "This result is notable but requires careful interpretation, especially for the U.S. population," he told Fox News Digital. "The study used a live vaccine, whereas the U.S. uses Shingrix, a recombinant (non-live) vaccine," Dalawari noted. "It's important to note that Shingrix is over 90% effective against shingles, compared to the live vaccine's 51%." The live zoster vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The cardiologist also pointed out that the observational study shows correlation, not causation, and that further research is needed. "The study included 1.2 million individuals aged 50+, all from one ethnicity," he said. "Expanding the participant pool to include diverse ethnicities would be beneficial in our multi-ethnic society." Although the study did consider other health conditions, lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status, the researchers agreed that it had some limitations. "As this study is based on an Asian cohort, the results may not apply to all populations," Yon noted. "While we conducted rigorous analysis, this study does not establish a direct causal relationship, so potential bias from other underlying factors should be considered." For more Health articles, visit The team plans to conduct further research into the heart health benefits of the non-live, recombinant vaccine, which contains a protein from the article source: Shingles vaccine has unexpected effect on heart health
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Shingles vaccine lowers heart attack risk for 8 years, says new study: Here's what it means for you
People who have been vaccinated against shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular conditions — with the risk for heart attacks being 22% lower and heart failure 26% lower, according to a large study from South Korea. Importantly, the protective effect of the vaccine lasts for eight years, with the greatest reduction in risks observed between 2 and 3 years after vaccination. The study is based on the insurance data of over 1.2 million people, followed up for six years on average. What is shingles? Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes in stripes across one side of the body. It is caused by the chicken pox virus called varicella-zoster. The disease occurs when the virus gets reactivated years after a bout of chickenpox. A shingles vaccine, recommended for people above 50, can prevent this reactivation by boosting immunity. What did the study find? The study found the risk of overall cardiovascular events was 23% lower in people who had received the vaccine. The risk of a major cardiovascular event was 26% lower, heart failure 26% lower, disorders that affect the blood flow in the brain such as strokes was 24% lower, heart attack was 22% lower, and clotting disorder was 22% lower. 'Our study suggests that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors. This means that vaccination could offer health benefits beyond preventing shingles,' said study author, Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, in a release. Importantly, the study found that the impact was more pronounced in men, those below the age of 60 years, and those with unhealthy lifestyles. How does the vaccine prevent heart attacks? While the mechanism of action is not entirely understood, scientists think it could be because the vaccines prevent shingles, which has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that an infection increased the risk of conditions like heart attack and heart failure by 1.5 to 2 fold. 'A shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation and clot formation that can lead to heart disease. By preventing shingles, vaccination may lower these risks. Our study found stronger benefits in younger people, probably due to a better immune response, and in men, possibly due to differences in vaccine effectiveness,' said Prof Yon. Is shingles vaccine available in India? Who should take it? There are two approved shingles vaccines available across the world — one that uses a live, weakened virus and the second that uses a recombinant technology to develop parts of the virus that do not cause disease. Both vaccines are available in India. Shingles vaccines are recommended for individuals over the age of 50 years, especially those living with conditions that weaken the immune system. Will the newer recombinant vaccine also protect the heart? The Korean study is based on data of people who were administered the older live vaccine. Hence, the researchers say, similar studies would have to be conducted in people who have received the newer vaccine.
