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Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Smart Lifestyle Expo kicks off at Sabah International Convention Centre
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Amos (centre) with Monica (third, left), Cleopatra (second, left), and invited guests. Kota Kinabalu: The Smart Lifestyle Expo (SLE) 2025 opened at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, on Friday, offering a three-day exhibition on wellness, smart living and innovation for the public. Held in collaboration with SWWICE 2025 (Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference and Expo), the event featured more than 300 booths and activities, running from June 27 to 29 with free entry. The expo was officiated by State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Phoong said the initiative aligned with the ministry's mission to foster entrepreneurship, support creative industries and strengthen the local economy through innovation and wellbeing. 'Let us continue to support and celebrate initiatives like this that are homegrown, forward-thinking and inclusive. 'These efforts will drive progress not only for our economy but also for the wellbeing of our people,' he said. His speech was delivered by his Public Relations Secretary Amos Thien. SLE Organising Chairperson Monica Shiau said the expo aimed to provide real-life solutions that could benefit both families and businesses. 'This wasn't just a product showcase. It was a space for people to learn, explore and discover what works for their lifestyle,' she said. Among the key highlights were the GoGlobal international business matching session, a Business Innovation Forum and the launch of the Decakila 3-on-3 Basketball Cup. The exhibition also featured themed zones focused on smart homes, ergonomic living, nutrition, mental health support, family wellness and children's creativity. 'We wanted the expo to be practical and engaging. From business networking to meaningful family time,' Monica said. SWWICE Organising Chairperson Cleopatra Lajawai said the event reflected a broader movement to promote balanced and sustainable living through local partnerships. 'This expo was more than an exhibition. It was a movement that brought together the 10 Pillars of Sustainable Wholistic Wellness to support individuals, families and communities,' she said. Exhibitors included Lorenzo, Oppein, Homemart, PC Image, 360, Eu Yan Sang, AMSPA, JQ Blind Massage, Bao Zi Tang and several Sabah-based SMEs. The event attracted steady foot traffic throughout the day, with a wide range of visitors engaging in interactive programmes and product demonstrations. Fitness showcases, family zones and daily talks by wellness and business experts added to the hands-on experience for all ages. The public were encouraged to attend the remaining days of the expo, which continued until Sunday, with daily activities from 10am to 8pm. Also present were Novas Academy Director Datuk Karen Lee, Decakila Marketing Director Arnold Chan, QiMag Global Team and Grandmaster Dr Jes TY Lim and invited guests from industry and wellness sectors. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Edinburgh Reporter
24-06-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Caitlin's first class graduation journey despite devastating loss
A Heriot-Watt student, one of the group who recently promoted the revival of the Edinburgh South Sub initiative has graduated with a first class Master's degree in Civil Engineering, all despite the devastating loss of her father and her older brother during her studies. Caitlin (23) who is from Greenock began studying at Heriot-Watt in 2019 just ahead of the pandemic which forced her and her student colleagues to transition to remote learning. On Friday she attended graduation along with her proud mother, nana and boyfriend. After a summer trip to Australia Caitlin will return to Glasgow to being a new career with Jacobs, the engineering consultancy firm as a graduate Civil Engineer in Transportation. Caitlin Cummings During the summer break after her second year, Caitlin's father died suddenly. Caitlin said: ''I got a phone call saying my dad had suffered a heart attack and died. It was devastating. I had to rush home. It was during Covid, so planning the funeral and dealing with everything else was even harder.' Despite the grief, Caitlin returned to university that September. But the emotional toll proved too much. She said: 'I tried to keep up, but nothing was going in. My head was mush. I ended up taking a Temporary Suspension of Studies (TSS), which was the best decision. It gave me the space I needed to cope.' Determined to continue, Caitlin resumed her studies the following year and applied for Heriot-Watt's Go Global programme, which allows students to study at the university's international campuses. She was accepted and spent the second academic semester at the Malaysia campus. 'Going to Malaysia was the best decision I ever made,' Caitlin recalled. 'It gave me the space I needed to heal. It was my best year at university. I felt confident again.' Her father, John, who passed away aged 62, never had the opportunity to attend university himself. Caitlin said: 'University was something my dad was really proud of. Knowing that helped motivate me to keep going. Double tragedy But shortly after returning from Malaysia, tragedy struck again. While backpacking across Europe after finishing her coursework from her 4th year at university in the summer of 2024, Caitlin received another heartbreaking phone call. Her older brother, Scott, had died unexpectedly at just 24 years old. 'When I took the call, I was stuck on a boat and couldn't get off,' she said. 'That moment will stay with me forever.' The loss of her brother, with whom she had shared the grief of their father's death, was crushing. 'My brother and I were very close and we leaned on each other after dad passed. Suddenly, it was just me and mum,' Caitlin said. 'She had just lost her son, and I wanted to support her. We had to deal with so much. It was a lot, and all while I was trying to finish my degree.' She has shared her story in hope of helping someone else who might be in a similar situation, to allow them to feel a sense of hope and belief that they can get through it, and that they're not alone. Reflecting on her achievement, Caitlin said: 'I'm trying not to think about it too much or I'll get emotional. 'University was always my choice. But having the support of my family and the university helped give me the drive to keep going. People are stronger than they think. 'Grief is not something that we ever get over, and unfortunately every day is different. There's not a timeline and there's definitely not an answer or how to, but if you're lucky, with the support of your family or friends you can get through it. I thought so many times about giving up, because it's difficult to keep going, but I was supported at every turn and encouraged to press on.' The Edinburgh Reporter met Caitlin to talk about the Edinburgh South Sub project which she and her student colleagues used for their final year project. Read more about that here. Caitlin Cummings with her father and older brother Like this: Like Related
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE emerges as key alternative for international students with 100% scholarships & global transfers
With growing concerns over US student visa issues, universities in the United Arab Emirates are seeing a sharp increase in international applications. Institutions across the UAE are offering scholarships, easy visa processes, and global transfer options to attract students, especially those rethinking plans to study in the United States, according to a report by Gulf News. The shift comes amid policy uncertainty in the US, where international students are facing unpredictable visa outcomes. A proclamation by former US President Donald Trump, although temporarily blocked by a federal judge, had raised concerns by attempting to ban foreign students from attending institutions like Harvard . Many students are now seeking countries with more stable policies. To meet this growing interest, UAE universities are offering new incentives. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) launched an Excellence Scholarship for the September 2025 intake, which includes up to 100% tuition fee waivers for top-performing postgraduate students. Camille Assouline, Head of Communications at SUAD, said to Gulf News, 'To support outstanding postgraduate students, we've launched a new Excellence Scholarship for the September 2025 intake, offering up to 100 per cent off tuition fees for top-ranked applicants from globally ranked universities.' She added, 'Awards are based on academic performance and IELTS results – making internationally recognised education more accessible to top talent.' As per the report by Gulf News, Gulf Medical University (GMU) is holding international webinars, campus visits, and digital sessions to guide students. Professor Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of GMU, told Gulf News, 'These initiatives aim to provide clarity, guidance, and direct engagement with our academic advisors and admissions team. We see this moment as more than just a recruitment opportunity – it's a chance to position the UAE as a long-term leader in global medical and health sciences education.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Universities are also offering flexibility in campus options. Heriot-Watt University 's Go Global programme allows students to transfer freely between its campuses in Dubai, Edinburgh, and Kuala Lumpur. Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt Dubai, told Gulf News, 'Should students want to study in the UK at a later stage, Heriot-Watt allows them to freely transfer between our campuses.' Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ Trump administration's visa delays drive surge in UAE university applications How Trump's America is driving away the brightest minds in the world « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Yahoo
Applications now open for SMWC summer camp
Applications are now open for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College's C.A.M.P., which runs from June 9 through 13. C.A.M.P. — Challenging Ambitions and Maximizing Potential — is made possible by a grant from Lily Endowment Inc., through its Indiana Youth Programs on Campus initiative. C.A.M.P. at The Woods is a one-week daily campus program at SMWC for rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors. Applications for C.A.M.P. at The Woods are due by March 14. There are four course options for students who are admitted to the program. Each program can have up to 10 students. The Go Global classes have a study abroad component, which will take place in the fall. Each student who completes their C.A.M.P course will earn two college credits. The course options are: • Go Global - GL 150: Leaders of Positive Change students will be traveling abroad to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador • Go Global - EQ 150: Introduction to Equine Industry students will be traveling to Ireland • Go Global - NU 150: Nurses for the Future students will be traveling to London, England • ED 150: STEM Applications in the Elementary Classroom An informational session will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Woods Student Center, located in the Rooney Center. The event provides an opportunity for prospective participants and their families to learn more about the program. To register for "Into C.A.M.P. at The Woods," visit
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukraine aid groups cut services, scramble for cash after US funding shock
By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - Some 150 Ukrainian teenagers from northeastern areas near the frontlines of the war with Russia had already packed their bags to travel west for an educational retreat far from the shelling and fighting. Their plans were abruptly cancelled. Tetiana Kovryga, head of a Ukrainian NGO called GoGlobal, said she had to suspend the trip for the youths from the Sumy and Kharkiv regions after President Donald Trump paused development assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. "It was difficult. Not only for the children. I had a meeting with the team this morning, and I was very emotional; I carefully chose every word," Kovryga told Reuters. Sitting in a small room lined with boxes full of goods that had been prepared for the cancelled trip, Kovryga added that she had to pause two other projects and was considering downsizing her team of 50 people. GoGlobal, an educational foundation that focuses on supporting the young in frontline areas where frequent air raid alerts and Russian bombardments disrupt classes, is one of many in Ukraine affected by the review and 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign aid. After nearly three years of war against Russian forces, cash-strapped Ukraine channels the bulk of state revenues to fund its armed forces and produce and purchase weapons. Kyiv relies on foreign aid to pay pensions and public sector wages as well as to finance social and humanitarian projects. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has been a major supplier of both military assistance and development aid. USAID has provided Ukraine with $2.6 billion in humanitarian aid, $5 billion in development assistance and more than $30 billion in direct budget support, according to the agency. Many local communities rely on aid and donor support to fund initiatives in education, health, energy, agriculture and infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said military assistance was not affected by Trump's foreign aid freeze, but he voiced concern over the funding pause for what he described as "critically important projects" to support the economy, energy, infrastructure, health and veterans. "I have already given instructions to do some key things with our internal funds and also to talk to Europeans," Zelenskiy said on Wednesday in his daily address to the nation, adding the government would prioritise economic stability and veterans' programmes. SCRAMBLING FOR NEW FUNDS Ukrainian government data shows the United States was a development partner in more than 100 projects ranging from investment and exports to sponsoring media, enhancing energy supplies and supporting veterans, young people and scientists. With Ukraine's budget deficit running at about $38 billion this year, the number of projects the government can support from its own coffers was likely to be limited, according to economic analysts and NGOs. Reuters spoke to 10 NGO leaders and representatives from across affected projects. They said the abrupt pause in U.S. funding came as a shock to communities exhausted by wartime challenges, and they were scrambling for new sources of funding. "We have not been able to pay salaries or any expenses since January 24. It was a big shock for our team because it was very unexpected," Ivona Kostina, co-founder of a group called Veteran Hub that supports war veterans and their families. Veteran Hub briefly suspended its support hotline serving more than 1,300 people every month, and also shut down one of its two centres in the central town of Vinnytsia where 700 people visited monthly for support and advice, Kostina said. However, the hub's centre in Kyiv and three mobile support groups operating in six regions were still working and the team was pressing on with research and other projects, she added. The Veteran Hub, along with some other aid groups and independent media outlets Reuters spoke to, has appealed for private and corporate donations to maintain operations. Kostina said that the response so far had been "overwhelming", allowing the charity to resume its hotline for now. But community activists worried about the future of groups serving the public if the U.S. aid freeze becomes permanent. Ukrainian businesses are struggling with rising costs and lower profits, the population is getting poorer amid double-digit inflation and higher taxes. Many people already donate regularly to support the army. Even if U.S. aid resumes, several NGOs said it would be a challenge to keep their teams at a time of severe staff shortages in Ukraine as the war drains the labour force.
