Latest news with #Aishah
North Wales Live
13-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Woman's legal claim after ‘genocide' pillowcase protest in North Wales
A former Bangor University student is taking legal action following a dramatic protest she made at her graduation. Aishah AlBader claimed her right to freedom of expression was denied when she was dragged off stage for making a Palestine protest. The Kuwaiti national has taken the first step in civil proceedings against the Gwynedd university under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). She is alleging assault/battery, false imprisonment and violating freedom of expression. In a 20-page letter sent to Bangor University, Aishah claimed she was forcibly removed from the stage by security guards when she tried to peacefully protest. She refused to shake the Vice Chancellor's hand, handing him a leaflet about the university's investments, and walked across the stage with a pillowcase bearing the message ' Bangor University invests in Genocide'. Aishah said: 'As I walked up to graduate, I could only think of Gaza - of the students who will never get to graduate, whose lives, dreams, and hopes have been destroyed under Israel's ongoing genocide. Tens of thousands have been killed, entire families wiped out, and schools and universities reduced to rubble.' She undertook the protest as a gesture against Bangor University's investments in companies she claimed were 'complicit in human rights violations against Palestinians and the unlawful occupation of Palestine'. The university said it has an ethical approach to investments and is currently reviewing its policy. Aishah said she could not accept my degree 'in silence', adding: 'I knew I had to use that platform to centre those oppressed and dehumanised in Palestine. So, I held up a pillowcase reading 'Bangor University invests in genocide'. In response, I was dragged off stage, injured and humiliated." She continued: "I lost professional opportunities I had worked hard to earn and lived in fear and uncertainty of the future. My parents travelled thousands of miles to watch my graduation, and it should have been a moment of joy and pride. "I don't believe that holding a pillowcase should ever provoke violence and the pillowcase I held at my graduation revealed a truth that the university is desperate to hide. 'By bringing this case, I hope to affirm that no student should be punished for speaking out against injustices across the globe and in Palestine.' Aishah has hired London legal firm Gold Jennings to represent her. Her lawyers, Alexander Hogg and Jessica Harrison, said their client had intended to peacefully protest at the graduation ceremony. Her legal team said: 'Instead of facilitating Ms AlBader's non-disruptive and peaceful protest, around four university security officers forcibly dragged her from the stage before removing her from the building. She sustained physical injuries from the incident. 'Our client was part of the movement on Bangor University's campus to end the university's continued investments in companies on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions list. 'Her protest was intended to highlight the university's financial ties to firms complicit in what the International Court of Justice found in January 2024 is a plausible genocide in Gaza and the unlawful occupation of Palestine. 'Gold Jennings has been instructed by Ms AlBader to bring a civil claim for assault/battery, false imprisonment, and breach of her rights under Article 8 and 10 ECHR. As things stand, we have sent a letter of claim to Bangor University and are awaiting the university's response.' Alexander Hogg of Gold Jennings said: 'Safeguarding freedom of expression and the right to protest requires upholding them not only when it is convenient but when it is uncomfortable – such as during graduation ceremonies, when principled students draw much needed public attention to universities' unethical investments. 'Moreover, ensuring that universities are held to account when they violate students' right to protest and free speech, such as in the case of my client, not only protects the right to protest and speak out against what is happening in Palestine, it protects the right to protest and speak out on all issues of public importance for everyone. 'My client has taken a brave and first step in holding Bangor University accountable for preventing her from exercising her right to freedom of speech.' A Bangor University spokesperson said: 'We're aware of a claim. As this is an ongoing matter we are unable to comment.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Protest camps During the last academic year, protest groups staged encampments and occupations at universities across the UK, including Bangor and Cardiff. A Palestine protest camp was set up on university land outside the Pontio building in Bangor in May 2024. It lasted a year before the university issued an eviction notice in May this year, followed by a possession order in June. The 'notice to vacate' was handed to the protestors. But when the deadline to vacate passed without compliance, the university said it 'made the difficult decision' to seek a 'possession order' through the courts. This was granted on June 12. A Bangor University spokesperson said at the time: 'This legal action was a necessary step to bring an end to the ongoing disruption to university property and operations. Our priority remains towards ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community.' A statement on the university's website, posted in May 2024 and still there, sets out the institution's 'ethical and sustainable' investments policy. It says: 'The university does not choose individual investments itself but has a framework that our investment managers use to create our portfolio. 'Our policy stipulates that we expect a high level of environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) measures to be in place for any potential investment. The university also screens out potential investments in weapons, armaments, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, adult entertainment and fossil fuel companies. 'Bangor University is currently reviewing this investment policy, with initial discussions having already taken place at the investment committee of which the president of the Bangor University Students' Union is a member. 'The university expects that the policy review will be completed over the summer, and that the revised investment policy will be used as a framework by its investment managers to guide future decisions.' Action was also taken to end a Palestine protest camp at Cardiff University. Anyone picketing on Cardiff University property risks being jailed following a High Court injunction obtained in response to the now-disbanded Palestine camp outside the main building.
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Student who made genocide claim in pillowcase protest at graduation launches legal battle
Student who made genocide claim in pillowcase protest at graduation launches legal battle Aishah AlBader has taken the first step in civil proceedings against Bangor University for what she claims was assault/battery, false imprisonment, and for violating her right to freedom of expression Aishah AlBader, a former graduate student at Bangor University has launched legal action against the university (Image: Aishah AlBader ) A former student who was dragged off stage at her graduation from a Welsh university for making a Palestine protest is taking legal action against it saying it violated her right to freedom of expression. Aishah AlBader, former graduate student, has taken the first step in civil proceedings against Bangor University for what she claims was assault/battery, false imprisonment, and for violating her right to freedom of expression. The Kuwaiti national has hired London legal firm Gold Jennings to represent her. Aishah's lawyers Alexander Hogg and Jessica Harrison said the claim arises from her graduation last year when Aishah intended to peacefully protest Bangor University's investments in companies claimed to be "complicit in human rights violations against Palestinians and the unlawful occupation of Palestine". In a 20-page letter, sent to Bangor University, Aishah says she was forcibly removed from the stage by security guards when she tried to peacefully protest. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. (Image: Aishah AlBader ) Article continues below She refused to shake the Vice Chancellor's hand, handing him a leaflet about the university's investments, and walked across the stage with a pillowcase bearing the message 'Bangor University invests in Genocide.' Aishah said: 'As I walked up to graduate, I could only think of Gaza — of the students who will never get to graduate, whose lives, dreams, and hopes have been destroyed under Israel's ongoing genocide. Tens of thousands have been killed, entire families wiped out, and schools and universities reduced to rubble. "Knowing that Bangor University continues to invest in companies complicit in this devastation, I felt I could not simply accept my degree in silence. I knew I had to use that platform to centre those oppressed and dehumanised in Palestine. So, I held up a pillowcase reading 'Bangor University invests in genocide'. "In response, I was dragged off stage, injured, and humiliated. I lost professional opportunities I had worked hard to earn and lived in fear and uncertainty of the future. "My parents travelled thousands of miles to watch my graduation, and it should have been a moment of joy and pride. I don't believe that holding a pillowcase should ever provoke violence and the pillowcase I held at my graduation revealed a truth that the university is desperate to hide. "By bringing this case, I hope to affirm that no student should be punished for speaking out against injustices across the globe and in Palestine.' Her legal team said: "instead of facilitating Ms AlBader's non-disruptive and peaceful protest, around four university security officers forcibly dragged her from the stage before removing her from the building. She sustained physical injuries from the incident. "Our client was part of the movement on Bangor University's campus to end the university's continued investments in companies on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions list. Her protest was intended to highlight the university's financial ties to firms complicit in what the International Court of Justice found in January 2024 is a plausible genocide in Gaza and the unlawful occupation of Palestine. "Gold Jennings has been instructed by Ms AlBader to bring a civil claim for assault/battery, false imprisonment, and breach of her rights under Article 8 and 10 ECHR. As things stand, we have sent a letter of claim to Bangor University and are awaiting the university's response." Alexander Hogg of Gold Jennings said: 'Safeguarding freedom of expression and the right to protest requires upholding them not only when it is convenient but when it is uncomfortable – such as during graduation ceremonies, when principled students draw much needed public attention to universities' unethical investments. "Moreover, ensuring that universities are held to account when they violate students' right to protest and free speech, such as in the case of my client, not only protects the right to protest and speak out against what is happening in Palestine, it protects the right to protest and speak out on all issues of public importance for everyone. "My client has taken a brave and first step in holding Bangor University accountable for preventing her from exercising her right to freedom of speech.' A Bangor University spokesperson said: "We're aware of a claim, as this is an ongoing matter we are unable to comment." Protest groups staged encampments and occupations at universities across the UK, including Bangor and Cardiff last academic year. A Palestine protest camp was set up on university land outside the Pontio building in Bangor in May 2024 and lasted a year before the university issued an eviction notice in May this year and then a possession order in June. The "notice to vacate" was handed to the protestors but as the deadline to vacate passed without compliance, the university said it "made the difficult decision" to seek a "possession order" through the court, which was granted on June 12. A Bangor University spokesperson said at the time: "This legal action was a necessary step to bring an end to the ongoing disruption to university property and operations. Our priority remains towards ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community." Protesters also occupied a site at Cardiff University's Main Building for 56 days in support of Palestine (Image: John Myers ) A statement o the university's website, posted in May 2024 and still there, says: "Bangor University has an ethical and sustainable investments policy. The university does not choose individual investments itself but has a framework that our investment managers use to create our portfolio. "Our policy stipulates that we expect a high level of environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) measures to be in place for any potential investment. The university also screens out potential investments in weapons, armaments, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, adult entertainment and fossil fuel companies. "Bangor University is currently reviewing this investment policy, with initial discussions having already taken place at the investment committee of which the President of the Bangor University Students' Union is a member. "The university expects that the policy review will be completed over the summer, and that the revised investment policy will be used as a framework by its investment managers to guide future decisions." Action was also taken to end a Palestine protest camp at Cardiff University. Anyone picketing on Cardiff University property risks being jailed following a High Court injunction obtained in response to the now-disbanded Palestine camp outside the main building. Cardiff University denied it is banning free speech or legitimate protest and said the injunction was needed to keep the campus secure. 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The Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shopee's Self Collection Point Empowers Local Communities and MSMEs
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 July 2025 - In today's fast-paced world, convenience matters, but so does community. The Self Collection Point shipping option is doing more than just offering buyers a more affordable and flexible delivery option. With over 5,000 collection points nationwide, it's quietly empowering local residents and micro-businesses by transforming them into essential service hubs. Buyers who choose to self collect their parcels don't just save more through free shipping with no minimum spend; they also directly support the growth of local entrepreneurs and everyday Malaysians striving for financial independence. What Is Self Collection Point? Self Collection Point is a delivery option that allows buyers to pick up parcels from nearby collection points at their own convenience. Some of these collection points are hosted by homeowners or small retailers. These hosts, known as Collection Point managers, earn income for each parcel collected at their location. It's a simple yet powerful way to turn everyday spaces into engines of economic support. Meet Puan Rita, Cik Aishah, and Cik Siti, three inspiring Collection Point managers who are making a difference in their neighbourhoods: Empowering Mothers at Home A dedicated mother of two, Puan Rita began managing a Self Collection Point from her home in May 2025. Having previously worked at a petrol station that served as a Shopee Self Collection Point, she was no stranger to handling Shopee parcels. Health issues made it difficult for her to continue work, so she looked for a way to continue supporting her family from home. When she came across the Self Collection Point programme for residential areas, she applied immediately. Within two weeks, Puan Rita adapted quickly, managing parcels from home while balancing her household responsibilities. 'Being a Collection Point Manager lets me earn from home while still caring for my children and husband. It's flexible, familiar work, and it feels good knowing my community trusts me,' said Puan Rita. Today, Puan Rita runs a trusted Self Collection Point from her flat, serving neighbours, commuters, and nearby residents. Regulars often message her to arrange convenient pickup times, while others drop by on their way home, making her space a reliable community hub. She currently handles five to ten parcels a day and plans to expand her setup, with hopes of opening a dedicated collection point in the future. Enabling Flexible Income for Families Aishah, a school transporter with flexible hours, leads her family's residential Self Collection Point. It was her sister Amirah who introduced the idea, a simple way to earn extra income. With their parents retired and Aishah having time between school runs, it felt like the perfect fit. After completing the online training, the family set up a routine that works for everyone. Aishah manages most of the parcel pickups, while Amirah and their parents help out whenever she's on the road. What began as a way to supplement their income has grown into something deeper - a shared family effort that brings them closer. Together, they now earn enough to support their basic household needs. But beyond the earnings, it has given Aishah a role she's proud of, and the family a reason to come together more meaningfully. They even plan to convert one of their rooms into a dedicated parcel space to make operations more efficient. 'It's not just about the extra income, it's a way for all of us to spend our time doing something that helps the family. We're making our days more meaningful, together.' said Amirah. Boosting Business for Local Entrepreneurs In Kelantan, Cik Siti, a second-generation baker, had long been running her kuih business from home. But when she opened a small shop beside her house and became a Self Collection Point, things began to shift for the better. Foot traffic surged as more people dropped by to collect parcels. Many discovered her frozen kuih along the way, and sales soon jumped by 50 percent. To keep up with the growth, she expanded her team from five to seven staff and extended her hours into the night. 'Before this, only about half the community knew my shop existed,' she said. 'Now, people come for parcels and stay for the kuih.' Cik Siti keeps her Self Collection earnings as a separate savings fund, set aside for emergencies or a long-awaited vacation. 'I never expected it,' Cik Siti shared. 'Becoming a Collection Point manager didn't just bring more customers. It helped me grow my brand and income in ways I couldn't imagine. Alhamdulillah, it's all rezeki.' Support Local. Shop Lagi Murah. Save More with Self Collection. Whether it's supporting a mother's household income, encouraging families to come together, or boosting local micro-businesses, every self collection order supports the Malaysian community. Starting 9 June 2025, buyers can enjoy free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend by selecting delivery to the nearest Self Collection Point. It's a simple choice that helps buyers enjoy Lagi Murah purchases while also giving back to the local community.
Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
askST Jobs: What to do when you are passed over for a promotion in favour of a new hire
Learn all you can from your new boss as you chase a second wind. ST ILLUSTRATION: LEE YU HUI askST Jobs: What to do when you are passed over for a promotion in favour of a new hire Manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter. Q: I was passed over for promotion in favour of an external hire. Can I still hope for career progression? A: Many factors go into being promoted, so being passed over does not necessarily reflect your capability or potential, says Ms Aishah Jamall, senior consultant for commerce contract at recruitment firm Robert Walters Singapore. 'Instead of viewing the external hire as a competition, it could be an opportunity to reflect and identify areas where you can continue to grow,' she adds. 'What's more important is to always stay focused, seek clarity and further invest in your growth.' In today's rapidly changing landscape, where speed of transformation is critical, external candidates with relevant experience may be better positioned to execute initiatives quickly, notes Ms Linda Teo, country manager at ManpowerGroup Singapore. 'In contrast, an internal candidate may need time to develop the specific skills required for the new role.' Moreover, external hires can be seen as a way to allow a team to benefit from a different leadership style or ensure team members are supervised more objectively, unclouded by bias, Ms Teo adds. Ms Aishah notes: 'It's not always about who's better, but more about... complementing what's already there and helping the team move forward.' She adds that while it is natural to feel emotional and consider leaving after being passed over for a promotion in this context, it is often not prudent to resign right away. 'The existing team should take the opportunity to have an open conversation with their manager to understand why an external hire was brought in.' Team members passed over for the promotion can help secure their career progression by getting to know the external hire and understanding how he or she works, Ms Aishah suggests. 'This helps you see how their approach might differ from yours and gives insights into what might have worked in their favour,' she says. That said, employees should not give the impression that they are trying to appeal or argue against the decision to hire a new leader, even as they seek feedback, Ms Teo notes, adding: 'Apart from speaking to their manager, it may also be helpful for individuals to speak with a trusted colleague to gain another perspective. 'Employees are advised to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude with the new leader and their colleagues, as it is often beneficial for their long-term career trajectory.' She also encourages aspiring leaders to take initiative, contribute to the team and demonstrate a collaborative mindset. 'Demonstrating leadership through influence – such as mentoring peers, leading initiatives or contributing to team success – may also help build credibility and visibility. 'Additionally, gaining exposure to cross-functional teams or regional projects can broaden one's perspective and demonstrate versatility – qualities often valued in leadership roles.' Both Ms Teo and Ms Aishah suggest workers give the person who was hired to lead the team three to six months of settling-in time before deciding if he or she can be effective and whether quitting is the right option. Ms Aishah says: 'If the new leader shows signs of struggling, team members should take the initiative to seek clarity rather than jump to conclusions.' Ms Teo adds: 'This timeframe gives the leader an opportunity to understand team dynamics, align with the organisation's culture, and begin contributing meaningfully to strategic goals. 'During this time, team members can play a constructive role by offering support, sharing institutional knowledge, and helping the new leader navigate internal processes.' When deciding if quitting is viable, some points to consider include the availability of growth opportunities within the organisation, the work environment, and if there are external offers that align better with your long-term career goals, Ms Teo says. 'If, after discussion and reflection, the employee genuinely perceives limited growth potential and receives a compelling external offer aligned with their goals, making a move may be a well-considered next step.' Have a question? Send it to askst@ Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Concern growing for missing Birmingham teen who vanished on Saturday
West Midlands Police are urgently searching for a missing Birmingham teenager who has not been seen since Saturday. Aishah was reported missing from Stockland Green in Birmingham on the afternoon of Saturday May 24. She was wearing a black puffer jacket, turquoise leggings and black UGGs, said the force. READ MORE: Handsworth shooting live as man injured in gunfire near primary school Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join Members of the public have been told to call 999 if they see Aishah. A West Midlands Police spokesperson initially said on May 24: "Have you seen Aishah, aged 16, who's missing from Stockland Green, Birmingham?"Aishah was last seen 13.20 on 24/05/2025 wearing black puffer jacket, turquoise leggings, black ugg boots."Call 999 if you see Aishah, quoting log 3784-240525." A West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed on Monday May 26 that Aishah was still missing.
