Latest news with #Creative
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Freddy Sim to step down as Creative CEO for health reasons; Tan Jok Tin to serve as interim CEO
The board will look for a new CEO, Creative said in a bourse filing on June 30. PHOTO: ST FILE Freddy Sim to step down as Creative CEO for health reasons; Tan Jok Tin to serve as interim CEO SINGAPORE - The chief executive officer of Creative Technology, Mr Freddy Sim, will step down from his role on July 11 for health reasons, shortly after taking on the top job in May. The board will look for a new CEO, Creative said in a bourse filing on June 30. During the transition, Creative's executive chairman Tan Jok Tin will be the interim CEO. Mr Sim, 67, will remain as a non-executive, non-independent director at the company, Creative said. He is the younger brother of Mr Sim Wong Hoo, Creative's late founder, who died in January 2023. Shares of Creative Technology closed 4.7 per cent or $0.04 lower to $0.80 on June 30, prior to the news. THE BUSINESS TIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
SCOTUS trans care ruling opens harmful loophole to take access from all trans people, says Leah Litman
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Skrmetti has already sent shockwaves across the country. For legal scholar Leah Litman, it's a ruling that crystallizes something far more dangerous than one state's policy—it confirms the Court's conservative majority is no longer operating as a neutral arbiter of law but as a willing participant in a partisan project targeting transgender people and other vulnerable groups. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. 'They don't have to try,' to seem beyond politics, Litman told The Advocate in an interview. A constitutional law professor at the University of Michigan, Litman is also a former Supreme Court clerk who cohosts Strict Scrutiny, a Crooked Media podcast that dissects the Court's decisions and culture. Her new book, Lawless, argues that the justices in the Court's conservative bloc routinely dispense with precedent and consistency in favor of 'legal-ish' reasoning that advances Republican priorities under the guise of constitutional interpretation. Related: What is U.S. v. Skrmetti, the Supreme Court case that could change gender-affirming care forever? The 6–3 ruling in Skrmetti, issued last Wednesday and authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers for trans minors. The court, according to the 118-page opinion, applied rational basis review, the most deferential standard, to conclude that the law doesn't violate the Equal Protection Clause. American Civil Liberties Union attorney Chase Strangio had argued that the court must apply heightened scrutiny, given the issue of sex discrimination he argued existed in the law. But Litman argued that the conservative majority's logic collapses under scrutiny: the very same treatments remain legal for cisgender minors with other conditions, such as precocious puberty, but are banned when prescribed for gender dysphoria. 'The treatments that are prohibited are inextricably bound up by and not experienced by cisgender individuals but associated with what it means to be trans,' Litman said. 'The idea that you can access hormones and puberty blockers for these other reasons, whether you're trans or cis, even that logic falls apart because some of the permitted treatments are precocious puberty.' Litman added, 'In those instances, like the cis girl [experiencing precocious puberty] can get the puberty blockers and the hormones, but the trans boy can't, and so that's obviously discrimination on the basis of gender identity. The logic just completely falls apart.' Related: 9 trans rights activists arrested in front of Supreme Court while protesting Skrmetti ruling That discrepancy, she said, renders the law discriminatory on its face. She likened the decision to the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in 303 Creative, which allowed a business to refuse service to same-sex couples. In both cases, Litman said, the Court accepted discriminatory treatment by reframing it as something else entirely, rooted not in animus but in supposedly neutral categories. 'Since I'm a good person, and my friends are good people, then we must not be discriminating,' she said, describing the majority's logic. Litman argued that the justices are drawing from a well of reactionary politics disguised as jurisprudence. In Lawless, she characterizes this shift as one driven less by consistent legal reasoning than by 'vibes'—an instinctive alignment with conservative grievance politics. In Skrmetti, she said, that alignment is clearest in the opinion's sloppiness: 'They're so locked in that they're not even engaging with counterarguments or with the factual record in any serious way.' She warned that the ruling lays the groundwork for restricting gender-affirming care beyond minors. Roberts' opinion, she noted, emphasized that the law did not discriminate based on gender identity—a rationale that could just as easily apply to bans on adult care. Justice Amy Coney Barrett's concurring opinion went even further, she said, effectively inviting states to expand restrictions. Barrett's opinion, Litman added, was 'entirely gratuitous and unnecessary.' Even if the Tennessee law did discriminate against trans people, Barrett reasoned, she would still uphold it. 'That's just inviting states to do more harm,' Litman said. Related: Justice Sonia Sotomayor slams gender-affirming care ruling as 'state-sanctioned discrimination' Barret rejected the argument that transgender people qualify as a suspect or quasi-suspect class under the Constitution in her concurring opinion. She cited a lack of 'immutable or distinguishing characteristics,' dismissed the category as too 'amorphous,' and argued that there is insufficient evidence of a history of de jure legal discrimination against transgender people to warrant heightened judicial scrutiny. Barrett warned that granting suspect class status would force courts into overseeing 'all manner of policy choices' on gender-related issues—from bathrooms and sports teams to medical protocols—intrusions she argued are best left to legislatures. Her opinion emphasized that the Equal Protection Clause does not prohibit laws based on transgender status as long as they are rationally related to a legitimate government interest. When asked about the justices' motivations, Litman described a combination of factors: long-standing discomfort with gender nonconformity, susceptibility to misinformation, and what she called 'patriarchal commitments' that lead to moral panic over social change. She also said it's a mistake to think new data or medical evidence would sway them. Referencing a recent Utah state-commissioned report showing gender-affirming care's efficacy, she said bluntly: 'That would not have made a lick of difference.' Republicans in the state who ordered the study chose to discard its conclusions after it failed to support the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices, she said, ignore facts when they conflict with the political outcomes they seek. 'It's frustrating because those are facts… and they should have mattered. The reality is they just don't.' Litman spoke as the Court issued another shadow docket ruling in a separate immigration case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father deported to El Salvador under President Trump's revived Alien Enemies Act policy. The justices stayed a lower court's order blocking the deportation of similarly situated asylum seekers to third countries they have no relationship to. 'It's utterly terrifying,' Litman said. She criticized the Court for repeatedly indulging Trump administration policies. She added that the Court was under no obligation to hear the government's request—and did anyway. 'The only reason why [Trump] keeps asking is because they keep saying yes.' Litman said these patterns show the Court has become an enabler of authoritarianism. Even during her time clerking for Justice Anthony Kennedy, when challenges to the Affordable Care Act were being considered, she said she felt the institution was 'on the edge of a cliff.' In that sense, she said, it has since hardened into something undeniable: the Court is now central to the 'deterioration and dismantlement of liberal constitutional democracy.' Related: In photos: U.S. v. Skrmetti protest at the Supreme Court in support of transgender youth (exclusive) She sees Skrmetti as a pivotal moment, not because it was unexpected, but because it confirms how far the majority is willing to go without being held accountable. She worries it's just the beginning. 'What am I not worried about at this point?' she said, listing likely future targets: adult gender-affirming care, bathroom and sports access for trans students, and growing carveouts for marriage equality under religious exemptions. Still, Litman doesn't believe the Court will issue a direct reversal of Obergefell anytime soon. 'But it just feels like they are not at all going to hold a line on the civil rights for the LGBTQ community at all,' she said. 'The movement has convinced a supermajority of Americans that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals get to participate in public life. And the fight for the trans community is worth fighting and can be won.' If Democrats regain power, she added, they should pass a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and block states from undermining marriage rights. The Democratically introduced Equality Act would usher in such protections.'They should make [Republicans] vote against it,' Litman said. She added, 'Also kind of like, fuck them, you know?' This article originally appeared on Advocate: SCOTUS trans care ruling opens harmful loophole to take access from all trans people, says Leah Litman What LGBTQ+ groups are saying before Supreme Court justices hear gender-affirming care case US v Skrmetti is a public health disaster In photos: U.S. v. Skrmetti protest at the Supreme Court in support of transgender youth (exclusive) Tennessee AG: It was God's will for him to defend gender-affirming care ban at Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor slams gender-affirming care ruling as 'state-sanctioned discrimination' Supreme Court rules states can ban gender-affirming care for youth in U.S. v. Skrmetti 9 trans rights activists arrested in front of Supreme Court while protesting Skrmetti ruling What is U.S. v. Skrmetti, the Supreme Court case that could change gender-affirming care forever?
Observer
19-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Establishment of UTAS branch in Musandam contributes to balanced development
KHASAB: The establishment of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Musandam Governorate is a strategic project with economic, scientific, tourism and social dimensions. It forms part of the comprehensive development and urban strategy to advance the governorate, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040. The project is expected to contribute to balanced development across Oman's governorates, attract investment in projects and services, and enhance the governorate's economic system, including marine eco-tourism, the fisheries sector, logistics transport services and renewable energy investments. Dr Said bin Hamad al Rubaie, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, emphasised that the Musandam branch will strengthen human development factors, increase job opportunities for the local community and supply the labour market with graduates who meet the requirements of the comprehensive development plan. This will be achieved through high-quality educational and training programmes that reinforce national identity and social values while equipping graduates with modern knowledge and skills for life and work. In a statement, he said that the establishment of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences branch in Musandam Governorate marks the first higher education institution in the governorate, aimed at developing Omani human resources and serving as a key driver of social and economic progress. The current admission plan anticipates around 750 students across various specialisations upon the graduation of the first cohort with bachelor's degrees. The number of enrolled and admitted students is expected to grow annually after the completion of the branch's permanent building. He noted that in the 2024/2025 academic year, the university's total student number reached 46,875, including 22,503 male students (48%) and 24,372 female students (52%), in addition to 147 postgraduate students. During the same academic year, the Musandam branch enrolled 328 students. The university offers diverse specialisations across its six colleges: Creative Industries, Education, Applied Sciences and Pharmacy, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Computing and Information Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. These programmes are available at diploma, advanced diploma and bachelor's levels. At the Musandam branch during the 2024/2025 academic year, several unique and in-demand programmes were introduced, aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including cloud computing, financial technology, digital business and analytics, and education. The university also plans to introduce scientific specialisations in the second phase, covering marine navigation, marine systems design and marine product processing technology. These programmes are expected to attract students from across Oman and beyond. He explained that, till the completion of the permanent branch building, a temporary facility has been leased to accommodate students and staff. The interim building includes classrooms, academic and administrative offices, computer and science labs, a library, meeting halls and other service facilities. As for the final designs for the main branch buildings in Khasab, he affirmed that pre-qualification for the project has been completed, and bids from companies are currently being analysed by the university's consultancy office and specialists. Dr Said added that future plans for the Musandam branch include establishing a marine sciences department in a prime location in Bukha. The branch will feature a control tower for boat competitions, a racing circuit, workshops, offices, labs and classrooms — all meeting global standards for higher education institutions. - ONA
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Avocados stay fresh for weeks if you place them in one household item
A TikToker known as Creative_explained has gone viral after sharing a simple hack to keep avocados fresh for up to three weeks, and all you need is a container and water Avocados have soared in popularity, thanks to their health benefits, scrumptious taste, and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you're smashing them onto toast, blending them into a smoothie, or tossing them into your salad, there's no denying these fruits are a culinary delight. Not only do they taste great, but avocados are also packed with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. However, any avocado fan will be all too familiar with the struggle of keeping them fresh. Indeed, it seems as though avocados age in the blink of an eye. The window between an unripe avocado - when it's too hard and bright green - and an overripe one - excessively soft and mushy, with a dark brown or black interior - often feels fleeting. They can seem like a high-maintenance fruit, appearing to go off just after you've bought them. However, the ripening process and shelf life of an avocado can vary, reports the Express. At room temperature, unripe avocados can take four to seven days to ripen, while ripe ones can last a few days. Luckily, there are ways to extend the life of your avocado and prevent food waste. A TikToker known as Creative_explained has recently shared a video showcasing clever grocery hacks for saving money and reducing waste. Among the various ingenious methods to preserve different groceries, they demonstrated how to keep avocados fresh for up to three weeks. The technique is straightforward; all you need is a container and some water. "Fill an airtight container with water and add [the avocados] in," Creative_explained explained. In his latest viral clip, the TikToker displayed his nifty avocado preservation trick by submerging them in water within an airtight box and then tucking them away in the refrigerator.
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MCQ, QDB partner to shore up media entrepreneurship, creative talent in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Media City Qatar (MCQ) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen Qatar's creative and cultural industries ecosystem by advancing innovation, nurturing global talent, and expanding opportunities for media startups. Signed during Day 3 of the 2025 'Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg', the agreement marks a joint effort to support media entrepreneurship in Qatar. The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework to support Qatar's media and creative economy through six strategic areas. These include joint efforts to identify and support large-scale media productions aligned with the nation's cultural and export priorities, as well as the launch of a co-branded acceleration program in partnership with QDB's Creative and Cultural Industries Hub (Scale7). This program will provide hands-on support to startups through workshops, masterclasses, hackathons, and pitching events, aiming to spotlight high-potential ventures and connect them with top investors and industry leaders. The agreement names Media City Qatar as an official partner in QDB's Talent Community Program, supporting startups and helping attract creative talent. Together, they will share opportunities, explore co-investments, and help startups grow across the region and beyond. Media City Qatar and QDB will also promote the Startup Qatar Investment Program, invite each other to events, and work with key partners to strengthen these efforts. Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: 'Our commitment to startups is no coincidence: over 60% of our 200+ licensed companies are startups. That is why partnering with Qatar Development Bank is a natural next step in our mission to build a vibrant culture of media entrepreneurship in Qatar. This Cooperation Agreement is designed to accelerate the growth of both our current and future licensed companies. By combining our strategic platforms with QDB's startup expertise and investment channels, we are creating real pathways for media entrepreneurs to scale and innovate. This will enable them to produce content that contributes meaningfully to the country's creative GDP.' Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, commented: 'This partnership reflects a shared vision for building the next generation of media entrepreneurs who contribute to shaping Qatar's creative economy. By bringing Media City Qatar on board as an official partner in our Talent Community Program, we are enriching the national startup ecosystem with creative talent ready to scale, directly contributing towards building the knowledge-based economy and Qatar's 2030 objectives. The agreement also sets the stage for establishing the first media sector accelerator under our Creative and Cultural Industries hub, Scale7, designed to empower innovation across the national media landscape. He added: 'Beyond talent development, this collaboration expands our capacity to back ambitious media ventures and accelerate their path to regional and global relevance. This partnership also enables us to promote the Startup Qatar Investment Program further and provide an investment platform for Media-sector startups.' Media City Qatar, as the official partner of the Forum, continues to forge high-impact partnerships that unlock new value for Qatar's media sector and contribute to the national knowledge-based economy goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
