Latest news with #Focused
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
'Blackwood's sporting future looks bright'
The recent Blackwood Beach Party drew more than 5,500 visitors to the town. The event was funded by Blackwood Town Council and organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council. The success of the event can be measured in that it attracted 2,000 more visitors than the previous weekend. It resulted in the second busiest day of the year in the town. We all know that the ease and attractiveness of online shopping can have a negative impact on physical retail. Yet, the importance of our shared spaces is integral to our sense of community that. Blackwood's sporting future looks bright. I was delighted to see the South Wales Argus cover Blackwood Primary School's annual sports presentation. Ninety-seven pupils were recognised from years three to six who have represented the school in competitions throughout the academic year. It was great to see the school become champions of the entire South East Wales cricket finals organised by Cricket Wales. Let's hope that one day some of these talented youngsters may have the opportunity of playing regional representative cricket and, who knows, even for Wales' professional cricket team, Glamorgan. I was delighted to sponsor at the Senedd a celebration of Welsh creativity. Curated under the theme "Create It", TEDx Bute Street 2025 showcased an exceptional roster of individuals shaping the future of activism, arts, technology, and cultural discourse. The selection process, overseen by a distinguished judging panel - Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Matthew Hyde, and Chris J Birch - was a rigorous journey through compelling stories and pioneering thought, ultimately culminating in an unmissable line up of Welsh visionaries. Ken Skates has announced that from September 2025 bus fares will be capped for £1 for 16 to 21 year olds, while the £1 cap will come in place in November for five to 15 year olds. Sixteen to 21-year-olds will need to apply for a free mytravelpass, if they don't currently have one, and are able to do so now. More information on how the scheme will work is available at mytravelpass - Caerphilly County Borough Council announced the official opening of a new dual use 3G all-weather pitch at Risca School and Leisure Centre, funded by the Welsh Government's Community Focused Schools capital grant programme. Situated on an education and community campus, the new facility will benefit pupils at Risca Community Comprehensive School during the day and serve the wider community during evenings and weekends. Rhianon Passmore, Member of the Senedd for Islwyn
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
Seeds of hope: Orang Asli woman farmer unites community through agriculture
In a quiet village by Lake Chini in Pahang, one Orang Asli woman is planting more than vegetables – she is cultivating unity, hope and a brighter future for her community. At Kampung Orang Asli Melai, the morning sun often catches 52-year-old Amai Maimun already knee-deep in her vegetable plots, sleeves rolled, soil under her fingernails and purpose in her stride. Around her, leafy rows of Hong Kong sawi, Brazilian spinach, okra and other vegetables flourish – a testament not only to agricultural know-how, but to perseverance, leadership and a mother's love. 'Amai' means 'aunt' in the Jakun language. To outsiders, Maimun may appear as just another farmer. But to the villagers of Kampung Melai, she is much more – a community mobiliser, chairperson of their farming committee, and a pillar of support who has helped transform a patch of what was previously swamp land into a lifeline for her people. Her story, like the land she works on, has been shaped by challenge and quiet determination. Indian lettuce is among the vegetables planted by Maimun. Maimun grew up during a time when the Orang Asli community could still depend heavily on the forest. 'Life was good then,' recalls Seliah, another farmer. 'We collected rattan, resin, wood and could make products out of them to sell and support our families.' But over the years, as land use and industries around their ancestral areas evolved, many indigenous communities, including hers, found their traditional ways of life increasingly difficult to sustain. The forests grew quieter, the rivers became shallower. 'We had to look for new ways to survive,' she says. For Maimun and the other Orang Asli people, the answer was farming – not just as a livelihood, but as a way to bring their community together and rebuild from the soil up. The land she and her neighbours began working on was once swampy and clay-filled. 'We had no choice,' she says. 'It wasn't ideal, but it was all we had and we were grateful for it. So we worked hard to improve it.' And change it they did, supported by the Foundation for Community Studies and Development (Focused), an NGO that empowers underserved communities, and the OA Organik cooperative, a social enterprise that promotes sustainable community farming. Through collective effort and persistence, they slowly turned the swamp into fertile land. Together, Maimun and the other Orang Asli farmers converted this shared space into a productive community farm, a place not only to grow food but also possibilities. The Orang Asli farmers working together on the community farm. The OA Organik model is more than just organic farming – it's a return to the cultural values of cooperation, sustainability and a respect for nature. Rather than individual entrepreneurship that may erode communal bonds, the project embraces the collective spirit intrinsic to Orang Asli life. The initiative follows a shared model that places people and the planet at the heart of business. It transforms conventional business practices by ensuring that Orang Asli producers receive a more equitable share of the profits. OA Organik provides training, seed funding and access to fair markets. As a result, the Orang Asli farmers earn 40% of the retail price of their produce. This approach helps them to overcome systemic challenges, break free from the cycle of poverty, and take charge of their own development. 'Community togetherness is important to us,' Maimun explains. 'If we all went our individual ways – foraging, fishing, finding jobs in the city – then we'd hardly meet. But the farm brings us together. We talk, we help each other, we become a community again.' Teamwork is everything, says Maimun (in blue) as she sorts and packs vegetables together with the other farmers. This sense of unity is as important as economic gain. At a time when global attention is increasingly focused on sustainable development, indigenous worldviews are being recognised for their wisdom on respecting nature and living side-by-side with it. The Orang Asli have understood the link between ecology and economy long before climate change became part of the public vocabulary. 'Our ancestors lived in harmony with nature. If nature is damaged, we are damaged,' says Maimun, echoing a belief now backed by environmental science. For her, farming was never just about vegetables – it was about her children. A mother of seven, she often worried about their future, especially when her husband's health declined and he could no longer do heavy work. 'I wanted my children to have the education I never had,' she says. 'That was my motivation. I had to find a way to support them.' Today, her face lights up with pride as she speaks of them. One is studying at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) while the others are in upper secondary school. Her son, Amos, 23, works in research and development for OA Organik and helps her on the farm. 'They're all doing well,' she says with a soft smile. 'That's what keeps me going.' Even though some are far from home, they return during the holidays to help. Amos, especially, is her right hand in the fields – a symbol of future leadership. Amos, Maimun's son, helping on the farm. Within the community, Maimun's leadership is not marked by command, but by care. She is often the first to encourage struggling farmers, gather people and organise meetings, and help find solutions when problems arise – whether it's tackling crop spoilage from heavy rain or pests, or raising funds to buy fuel for irrigation and water supply pumps. 'Issues such as water engineering, harvesting, sorting, packing, marketing and pricing have been dealt with through collaborative discussions among the farmers,' she says. Maimun credits teamwork as the backbone of their progress. 'Everyone has their part to play,' she says. 'We work hand-in-hand – from planting and watering to packing and transporting. It's not one person's success, it's our success as a team.' Currently, about 12 farmers work on the shared land, managing plots between 279sq m to 929sq m in size. Maimun's own plot is just under 465sq m, yet her yield is among the highest, thanks to her dedication and deep knowledge of the land. 'My secret?' she says with a laugh. 'Hard work and a love for what I do.' Harvesting is done on the same day or a day before packing, which is every Tuesday and Friday. The vegetables are then loaded into baskets and sent to stock urban shelves, says Maimun. Together, they produce over 1,000kg of vegetables a month, with an estimated revenue of RM14,500, all of which is reinvested back into the community. The vegetables – such as Hong Kong sawi, okra, Brazilian spinach, mini brinjal and four-angled beans – line the shelves of a local, mass-premium supermarket chain, securing fair prices for these farmers. One-third of participating households now earn RM2,000 to RM2,500 per month. Maimun believes that the strength of her community lies not just in shared labour, but shared lives. Before the farm, many villagers would head out on their own – some to the city for jobs, others into the forest to look for food. But now, the community farm has created something deeper: connection. 'If someone's missing, we notice. We check on them,' she explains. 'We talk, we share meals, we plan together. That's the value of a community – we grow stronger when we grow together.' This sense of unity is especially meaningful in the Orang Asli culture. Traditionally, their life is rooted in collaboration and collective well-being. The cooperative farming model they've adopted builds on this – not just for economic benefits, but to sustain the social fabric of their village. 'When we work together, we become less inward-looking,' Maimun says. 'We succeed not just as individuals, but as a community.' Maimun (first from left) sharing her experiences at the 2024 Social Enterprise Day celebration. Though she never had formal schooling, Maimun is constantly learning and teaching. She shares tips on soil health, crop rotation, pest control and planning for seasonal changes. 'If the sawi gets spoiled because of bad weather like too much rain, we switch to okra or long beans,' she says matter-of-factly. 'We practise crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and to prevent disease. A farm needs constant observation – it's important to be alert and adapt.' Last year, at the 2024 Social Enterprise Day celebration, Maimun stood on stage with her son and other advocates from OA Organik, sharing her experiences with audiences unfamiliar with Orang Asli life. She was nervous, she admits. 'But I was grateful for the chance to speak, to show that even those who didn't go to school can learn, grow and lead.' Today, Maimun is focused firmly on the future. Her hope is for the community farm to expand, for her children to stay rooted in the land and for their village to become a model that other Orang Asli villages can learn from. 'I want to see our young people take this up, to care about farming and to care about the land,' she says. 'This land means something to us. We love it. It has given us life.' And for all her humility, Maimun knows the importance of her role. 'To lead, you must first serve. You must be humble, and you must listen. That's how we make progress – together,' she concludes.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Sad Realities Women In Dying Marriages Secretly Know
In the glossy pages of a lifestyle magazine, you'll often stumble upon stories of blissful unions, where love feels effortless and picturesque. Yet, beneath that glossy surface, there are women who live in the shadows of marriages that have lost their spark. These are not tales of dramatic endings but rather of silent struggles. Here are fifteen realities that women in dying marriages secretly know but don't often say out loud. Even when your partner is just a few feet away, you feel an inexplicable loneliness, a chasm that words can't bridge. You might be sitting on the same couch, sharing the same air, yet the connection feels severed, like listening to a song on a broken radio. This kind of solitude doesn't announce itself with fanfare but creeps in quietly, settling into the creases of everyday life. Dr. Sue Johnson, a renowned psychologist and developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy, notes that emotional isolation is one of the most painful human experiences. You miss the days when the silence between you was comfortable, not charged with tension or resentment. It becomes a silent scream, echoing inside the walls of your mind as you yearn for true companionship. You find yourself craving meaningful interaction, even if it means talking to a stranger at a coffee shop. The fear of this silence stretching indefinitely is what keeps you awake at night, wondering if things will ever change. Intimacy isn't just about physical touch, but the longing to confide, to share secrets, and to be vulnerable with your partner. You've noticed that while the physical act of intimacy may still occur, it feels routine, almost mechanical. The spark that once lit up the room is now a mere flicker, leaving you feeling more like roommates than lovers. This lack of connection makes you question not only your relationship but also your sense of self-worth. When you see couples around you lost in each other's eyes, it feels like a stark contrast to your own situation. You remember a time when you couldn't keep your hands off each other, but now, a simple kiss feels like a strained performance. It's as if there's an invisible wall that's grown between you, one that neither of you is willing to tear down. The longing for closeness is there, but the pathway to it feels blocked by unspoken words and unresolved issues. Conversations that once flowed freely now feel like navigating a minefield, where one wrong word can trigger an explosion. You find yourself rehearsing sentences in your head, trying to predict reactions, and often opting for silence instead. The fear of confrontation becomes a constant shadow, inhibiting any real dialogue from happening. Research from the Gottman Institute, which specializes in marriage stability, suggests that couples in distress often fall into patterns of criticism and defensiveness, making communication even more challenging. You both end up walking on eggshells, trying to avoid topics that might lead to a dispute. This avoidance only serves to widen the gap, as misunderstandings pile up like unchecked baggage. The lack of communication creates a breeding ground for resentment, as you each internalize your frustrations. What once was a partnership now feels like two people living parallel lives, avoiding the touchpoints that might bring them back together. The tiny annoyances that once seemed trivial now carry the weight of the world. Whether it's leaving dirty dishes in the sink or the way they chew their food, these small irritations become magnified in the absence of love's rosy lens. You catch yourself tallying these offenses as if they are proof of how incompatible you've become. Each sigh, each raised eyebrow feels like a silent scream in a soundproofed room. You know these grievances are merely symptoms of a deeper issue, yet they become the focal point of your frustrations. It feels as though you're nitpicking, yet addressing the larger issues seems too daunting. These are the paper cuts that sting in the moment and linger far longer than you'd like to admit. In the quiet of your own thoughts, you wonder if these small things will eventually become your undoing. You find yourself daydreaming about a life that doesn't include the constant strain of a fading marriage. It's not necessarily about wanting another partner but about craving a version of yourself that isn't shackled by relationship woes. The idea of freedom, the ability to rediscover who you are outside of this partnership, becomes intoxicating. A study published in Psychology Today highlighted that individuals often envision leaving not out of disloyalty but from a deep-seated desire for personal growth and fulfillment. These fantasies are tinged with guilt, a betrayal of the vows you once took so earnestly. Yet, they persist, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the relentless gray. You wonder if this makes you a bad person or just a human being seeking happiness. The conflict between loyalty and self-preservation rages on, leaving you torn between staying and leaving. Photographs from happier times feel like relics from a different era, a time when love was unblemished. You look at the smiling faces and wonder how things changed so drastically. It's as if those moments belong to another couple, not the two people who now share obligatory glances across the dinner table. This longing for the past, though futile, becomes a solace amidst the current reality. The memories that once brought joy now weigh heavily on your heart, serving as a constant reminder of what once was. You reminisce about the laughter, the shared dreams, and wonder if it's possible to ever reclaim that magic. But these memories can also be a double-edged sword, pulling you back into a cycle of regret and what-ifs. You find yourself stuck in a limbo, unsure of how to bridge the gap between then and now. The standstill becomes a tacit agreement, where neither of you wants to be the one to call the final shot. You both wait, hoping the other will either pull the plug or initiate the overdue conversation. This waiting game stems from fear of the unknown, of what life might look like post-marriage, according to marriage counselor John Gray, author of "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus." The irony is that by waiting, you both remain suspended in a state of unhappiness, neither moving forward nor backward. It's a game of emotional chicken, with both of you fearing the consequences of being the one to speak up. That fear of rejection, of blame, or of upheaval keeps you both silent and still. Meanwhile, the distance between you grows like a widening chasm, making reconciliation or resolution feel even more improbable. In the quiet moments, you wonder if either of you will ever muster the courage to break the stalemate. In front of others, you both wear the mask of a contented couple, playing your roles with practiced precision. Family gatherings, social events, and holiday celebrations become acts of performance art, where you both pretend everything is alright. You exchange smiles and small talk, all the while aware of the truth that lies beneath the surface. Sometimes, it feels like the charade is the only thing holding you together. This pretense becomes second nature, a default setting that's hard to shake even when you're alone together. The act of pretending can be comforting in its own right, as it avoids the messy reality of what's truly going on. However, it's also exhausting, carrying the weight of deception day in and day out. Deep down, you both know that the longer the masquerade continues, the harder it will be to return to authenticity. The shared bank account, the jointly owned house, and the intertwined financial responsibilities make leaving seem impossible. You weigh the cost of freedom against the comfort of financial stability and find yourself paralyzed by the implications. The fear of financial ruin looms large, often outweighing the misery of staying put. It's a complex equation, where numbers tell one story, and your heart tells another. You find yourself justifying staying for the sake of security, even when your emotional well-being is at stake. The home that once felt like a sanctuary now feels more like a trap, holding you captive with its four walls. The thought of dividing assets and untangling finances seems daunting, a legal and emotional quagmire you'd rather avoid. Yet, the idea of staying solely for the sake of financial comfort leaves you feeling hollow and unfulfilled. You begin to confide in friends, sharing bits and pieces of your struggles, hoping to find solace in their understanding. Friends become your sounding board, offering advice and empathy, even if it's just a listening ear. The vulnerability of these conversations brings both relief and a sense of betrayal, as you reveal the cracks in the facade. Despite the comfort, you fear that sharing too much might change how they view your relationship permanently. These conversations become a lifeline, allowing you to express feelings you've kept bottled up for too long. Yet, the duality of seeking support while maintaining discretion becomes a balancing act you didn't anticipate. You worry about burdening them with your troubles, yet feel grateful for their unwavering support. It's a reminder that while your marriage may be faltering, your friendships remain steadfast. You're acutely aware of the societal expectations and judgments that hover over the idea of a failed marriage. The stigma of divorce, the whispers of failure, and the speculation about what went wrong weigh heavily on your mind. You find yourself crafting narratives to explain your situation, even if they haven't asked for one. This fear of judgment becomes another barrier, keeping you trapped in an unhappy situation longer than you might otherwise stay. In a world that often romanticizes endurance over happiness, you struggle with the idea of admitting defeat. You fear becoming a cautionary tale rather than a story of resilience. This societal pressure can feel suffocating, pushing you to keep up appearances for the sake of preserving an image. Yet, deep down, you know that real courage lies in choosing authenticity over approval. When you spend years in a relationship that's unraveling, you begin to question your own perception of reality. Was it always this way, or did you miss the signs? You sift through memories, trying to pinpoint the moment things began to fall apart. This constant questioning leaves you feeling unsure of your own judgment, as if your intuition can no longer be trusted. You wonder if you've romanticized the past or if you've been too harsh in your assessment of the present. This internal conflict leads to a profound sense of self-doubt, as you struggle to reconcile your feelings with the reality of your situation. The uncertainty makes you question your ability to ever trust another relationship fully. But perhaps this period of introspection is the first step toward rebuilding your confidence and understanding what you truly want. Routine becomes the enemy, a monotonous cycle that drains the vibrancy from both your lives. You miss the days when decisions were made on a whim, driven by passion and curiosity rather than obligation and routine. The spontaneity that once defined your relationship has now been replaced with predictability, making every day feel like a replay of the last. You yearn for the freedom to act on impulse, to rediscover the joy in unexpected moments. This longing for spontaneity isn't just about breaking routine but about recapturing the essence of who you both used to be. It's the desire to shake off the cobwebs of complacency and inject life back into your relationship. Yet, the fear of rejection or indifference holds you back, keeping your desires firmly rooted in fantasy. Still, the thought of rekindling the spark keeps hope alive, even when reality suggests otherwise. When you're caught in a dying marriage, it becomes easy to lose sight of who you are beyond the relationship. Your identity, once tied to a collective 'we,' begins to feel like a relic of the past. You start questioning what makes you, "you," outside of the marital confines. This identity crisis can be unsettling, making you realize how much of yourself has become enmeshed with your partner. You find yourself contemplating the hobbies, interests, and passions that once defined you before marital roles overshadowed them. The need to reclaim your individuality becomes paramount, even if it means stepping into uncharted territory. This journey of self-discovery is fraught with both excitement and fear, as you navigate the path back to yourself. Yet, the liberation that comes from rediscovering who you are provides a glimmer of hope amid the gloom. Despite the hardships, a small part of you holds onto the hope that things can get better. It's a flicker that refuses to be extinguished, even when doubt casts long shadows. You find yourself oscillating between despair and optimism, clinging to the belief that transformation is possible. This hope isn't always rational but serves as a lifeline, reminding you that change is within reach. You look for signs of revival in small gestures, moments that suggest the possibility of renewal. It's an emotional gamble, where the stakes feel impossibly high but the potential payoff is worth the risk. Yet, this hope can be both a comfort and a curse, keeping you tethered to a situation that may never change. Deep down, you know that hope alone isn't enough, but for now, it's what you hold onto.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Salesforce Inc. (CRM) Unveils AI-Powered Marketing Cloud Next to Enhance Marketing
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is one of the 13 best software stocks to buy now. On June 13, analysts at Stifel reiterated a 'Buy' rating on the stock with a $375 price target following the company's Marketing and Commerce Focused event in Chicago. Pixabay/Public Domain The event allowed Stifel analysts to interact with the company's partners and customers. During the event, Salesforce unveiled Marketing Cloud Next, a platform combining ExactTarget, Pardot, Datorama, and Evergage into a single, integrated solution. The integrated platform will have built-in Data Cloud and Agentforce capabilities to address long-standing fragmentation across marketing technology. Featuring agentic artificial intelligence capabilities, Marketing Cloud Next will feature agents capable of answering customers' questions in chats, texts, and emails. It can also draft marketing campaigns and briefs that summarize them. Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is a cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) services. It offers a platform for businesses to connect with their customers meaningfully by managing sales, service, marketing, commerce, and IT teams in one place. While we acknowledge the potential of CRM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Stocks Analysts Are Upgrading Today. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
UiPath Partners with HCLTech to Accelerate Agentic Automation for Global Enterprises
NEW YORK & NOIDA, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UiPath (NYSE: PATH), a global leader in agentic automation, today announced a strategic partnership with HCLTech, a leading global technology company, to accelerate agentic automation for UiPath customers globally across industries. The partnership will drive large-scale transformation for UiPath customers, enabling more intelligent and self-sufficient operations that require minimal human intervention. HCLTech will leverage its AI expertise to deploy the UiPath Platform™, enabling autonomous operations in finance, supply chain, procurement, customer service, marketing and human resources. HCLTech will support this partnership with pre-configured AI agents and controls to ensure seamless deployment and scalability. The partnership aims to enhance business agility, optimize workforce efficiency and deliver faster returns on business process automation investments for global enterprises. HCLTech will also establish an AI Lab with UiPath in India to develop Industry Focused Repeatable Solutions (IFRS) and MVPs for the full automation lifecycle, from strategy to implementation and continuous optimization. HCLTech will leverage its global delivery model to support UiPath customers in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. "As we shift towards a new era with agentic AI, agentic automation will be critical to provide businesses with the speed and agility to transform operations and unlock new business potential. Partnering with HCLTech allows UiPath to extend the power of its AI-powered automation to enterprises globally, accelerating intelligent transformation at scale. With HCLTech's deep expertise in AI, automation and industry solutions, UiPath customers will benefit from best-in-class implementation and business impact," said Ashim Gupta, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, UiPath. "By co-creating next-gen AI-powered solutions with UiPath, HCLTech is setting new benchmarks for agentic autonomous operations that unlock unprecedented efficiency, agility and innovation for enterprises. Our proven expertise in hyperautomation, AI and cloud-first architectures helps us provide industry-specific and advanced automation solutions at scale," said Raghu Kidambi, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, Digital Process Operations, HCLTech. About HCLTech HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending March 2025 totaled $13.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit About UiPath UiPath (NYSE: PATH) is a global leader in agentic automation, empowering enterprises to harness the full potential of AI agents to autonomously execute and optimize complex business processes. The UiPath Platform™ uniquely combines controlled agency, developer flexibility, and seamless integration to help organizations scale agentic automation safely and confidently. Committed to security, governance, and interoperability, UiPath supports enterprises as they transition into a future where automation delivers on the full potential of AI to transform industries. For more information, visit
