Latest news with #Makin
Time Out
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The chef behind Kam Rai Thai has opened a new restaurant in Hudson Yards
Chef Dhanapol "Oak" Marprasert has had quite the culinary history. Born in Washington D.C., chef Marprasert moved to the Samsen neighborhood of Bangkok as a child. Growing up around the historical transit hub with its swirl of street eateries, Marprasert developed an interest in Thai cuisine. But it was his mother who instilled a passion to push it further. "My passion for cooking started by watching my mother,' said Marprasert. 'Growing up, I saw how she used food to bring our family together and care for everyone.' He formerly attended culinary school in Bangkok, eventually making his way to the States in 2014. Landing in Tennessee, he found a job at a Thai restaurant as a pot washer, working his way up to the kitchen where he began cooking traditional Thai cuisine. Along the way, he also gained a new love: barbecue. Drawn in by the 'smoky aroma' and 'the unique cooking process' found in the Tennessee scene, Marprasert entered his first barbecue competition. Ready to bring his cuisine to a global stage, he moved to New York and opened the affordable Thai eatery, Makin, in 2020, following up the contemporary Thai restaurant, Kam Rai Thai, in 2023. His love of BBQ followed, participating in Brisket King NYC. He even clinched the number three spot at the National BBQ Festival this year for his slow-roasted BBQ pork belly. His latest restaurant seemingly serves as a culmination of his journey thus far, blending his Thai techniques with his love of slow-cooking and fire. Yesterday, Samsaen (480 Ninth Ave, New York, NY) made its debut, located on the cusp of Hudson Yards and midtown. Chef Marprasert hopes to use his first Manhattan location to showcase the diversity of the region he loves so much. 'Opening a restaurant in Manhattan felt like the natural next step to further elevate and share my culinary vision,' he said. 'With Samsaen, I'm excited to showcase a new, more elevated side of my cooking, pushing the boundaries of traditional Thai flavors and techniques.' Inspired by the transit hub in which he grew up, the restaurant reads like a train car, intended to take you on a journey. The bar is front in center upon entry, decorated with a backsplash of red tiles and red fringe lampshades. While the restaurant is currently waiting on its liquor license, there is a small selection of wines and beers on hand, or you are welcome to BYOB. Just beyond the bar leads to the dining room. Longer than it is wide, the hallway leans further into the theme, fashioned with leather-bound suitcases that hover above on metal racks, red cushions that line the walls and square golden mirrors that mimic the windows of a train car. The rear of the restaurant culminates in a cozy corner outfitted with handsome wooden walls and marble tables, easily made private with the tug of the red velvet curtains. Chef Marprasert's presentation here seems to be a marriage of his past, balancing Thai street eats in one hand while pushing the cuisine forward in another. The cheekily named 'Coach Car' menu calls to the night markets of Thailand. Start with the Ua Tod or deep-fried Thai pork rolls that hide herby minced pork that's heavy on lemongrass, chili and Thai herbs or the Shiitake Spring Rolls stuffed with glass noodles and cabbage. Familiar favorites do get an elevated treatment as the Pad Thai is served with jumbo river prawns, and the crispy pork belly is stir-fried with morning glory. The second half of the menu, titled 'First Class Lounge,' dives into royal Thai-style cuisine. Reinterpreting the popular jellyfish salad found in many Asian cuisines comes the Jellyfish & Squid Ink Soup. Starting with a vivid, cilantro-infused broth, a server brings over a chalice and pours over an inky black, lime-based squid ink. The underlying heat of chilis gives it zip, while the cold strips of marinated jellyfish give a bit of chew. Starters continue on with a fire-roasted bone marrow, glazed in a slightly sweet Thai gor lae with more sauce on the side for dipping. Entrées nod to his love of BBQ cookery, as the slow-braised brisket found in the Massaman Curry comes to cook in a peanutty coconut sauce. The menu continues on with chicken confit braised in a rich and creamy coconut curry with egg noodles, jumbo river prawns in a deep red pad cha sauce (chili, garlic and young peppercorn) and a whole crispy fried fish made fragrant with a tangle of Thai herbs. It all comes to a close with a round of sweetened coconut ice cream with a crispy flower cookie blossoming on top.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE fintech market to double in five years
26 June 2025 00:52 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The UAE fintech market value is projected to nearly double from $3.16 billion in 2024 to $5.71 billion by 2029, according to a report released by Emirates NBD in collaboration with 'From Code to Capital: The UAE's FinTech Revolution', the report offers a data-driven overview of the country's fast-maturing fintech ecosystem and was recently unveiled at the Dubai FinTech Summit report underscores the UAE's growing role as a regional fintech leader, backed by investor confidence, regulatory innovation, and widespread digital adoption. In 2024 alone, UAE-based fintech startups raised $265 million in venture capital, accounting for about one-third of all startup funding in the country. Fintech now commands the largest share of the startup funding landscape, representing roughly 32% of all venture capital deployed in the UAE during the first half of Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said the sector's strong fundraising reflects sustained investor interest. 'The UAE's $265 million of fintech funding in 2024 signals strong investor confidence. Bolstered by a robust venture capital network, diverse talent, and clear exit paths, the UAE is primed to attract even greater investment and cultivate future fintech leaders,' he adoption continues to be a core growth driver. The report reveals that 89% of UAE consumers now use digital-first bank accounts, while smartphone penetration exceeds 90%. This digital readiness, coupled with a youthful population and increasing comfort with digital payments - 88% of users transact regularly online - has created fertile ground for fintech number of fintech companies in the UAE has surged as well. From just 144 firms in 2021, the figure has jumped to 329 in 2025, according to Fintech News Middle East. Dubai remains the primary hub, home to roughly 62% of these companies, while Abu Dhabi continues to expand its fintech cluster within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). About a quarter of the firms operate from outside the the UAE maintained its dominance in the MENA fintech space, capturing about 39% of all fintech investment in the first half of 2024. This resilience is particularly notable given the 45% year-on-year decline in fintech funding across MENA during the same period. While markets like Saudi Arabia showed explosive growth - its fintech funding surged 391% in H1 2024 - the UAE's mature ecosystem and consistent deal flow underpinned its lead Anderson, Strategy Leader at PwC Middle East, highlighted the region's transformation, 'This report illuminates the dynamic fintech landscape within Dubai. We see a region transformed by innovation, driven by technology and visionary strategies.'Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful force reshaping the financial services sector, the report finds. From personalisation and compliance to risk modelling, AI is being embedded across service layers. Emirates NBD has already undergone a shift from pre-AI to post-AI operations, resulting in marked gains in operational efficiency and scalability. Corporate venture capital is also playing a growing role. Banks such as Emirates NBD are actively investing in fintech startups through dedicated funds and incubators, offering not just capital but also market access.
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
RO 11 billion allocated for development projects
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has made substantial progress in delivering its Tenth Five-Year Development Plan (2021–2025), with financial appropriations for development projects rising to RO 11 billion—an increase of 72 per cent from the original RO 6.4 billion allocation. According to the Ministry of Economy, this increase reflects the government's push to enhance infrastructure, social services, and economic diversification in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. As of the end of Q1 2025, 95 per cent of the plan's 412 strategic programmes have been implemented, spanning 14 priority areas. A major portion—around 44 per cent—of the RO 11 billion is directed toward comprehensive projects with economic and social impact across the governorates, including those under the Governorate Development Programme. KEY SECTORS SEEING PROGRESS INCLUDE: Health: All six programmes under the health priority are underway. These involve constructing hospitals and health centres, digital health transformation, and pharmaceutical sustainability. Education and Youth: 65 of 70 education-related programmes have been launched, including talent development and digital transformation in schools. All youth development programmes are in force. Social Welfare: 25 of 26 programmes are active, such as housing for low-income families, disability-inclusive sports initiatives, and financial sustainability in social protection systems. Governorate and Urban Development: All 29 programmes are being executed, focusing on advanced public services, decentralised investment planning, and smart urban growth. Private Sector and Investment: All 17 related programmes are operational. These include loan guarantees for SMEs, policies to elevate SMEs to mid-sized and large enterprises, and efficiency enhancements in oil and gas operations. ICT and Digital Economy: All 20 programmes have commenced, including national digital strategies, smart cities platforms, broadband expansion, and digital skills training for over 8,200 beneficiaries through the 'Makin' initiative Economic Leadership and Diversification: Nearly all programmes under these priorities are underway. Highlights include legislation reforms, startup support, and mining sector digitisation. IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURE, SEVERAL PROJECTS ARE NEARING COMPLETION: Sultan Haitham City: Phase 1 is 80% complete; Phase 2 stands at 45%. Master Plans: Urban master plans for Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa, and Haima are 25% complete. Key Roads: Progress ranges from 25% to over 80% on roads including the Khasab-Dubai route, Adam-Thumrait dualisation, and Al-Nuzha Road upgrade. In healthcare infrastructure, hospital projects show strong progress: Madha Hospital (86%), Suwaiq Hospital (77%), and Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah (58%). A new infectious diseases lab is 91% complete. The education sector is expanding, with 69 new schools under construction across the country, at roughly 50% completion. Agricultural and fisheries development projects are also advancing: the Red Palm Weevil Control project is 80% complete, while tissue-cultured palm seedlings production has reached 95%. The Dibba and Kumzar fishing ports are 86% and 45% complete respectively. Tourism and public service projects are progressing too. The Omani Botanical Garden, tourism marketing initiatives, and several parks and waterfront projects have reached above 90% completion. In total, the Tenth Plan is driving a broad-based transformation in Oman, ensuring sustainable development, infrastructure modernisation, and an improved quality of life for citizens—while positioning the Sultanate for long-term economic resilience. — ONA
North Wales Chronicle
09-06-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Warning over ‘reputational risk' damage from Church abuse scandals
High-profile cases such as that of serial abuser John Smyth and the subsequent Makin Review which prompted the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, are said to 'undermine public confidence' in how seriously safeguarding is taken. The annual report from the Church Commissioners for England – which manages the Church's investment portfolio – described their reputational risk as currently being 'at an elevated level'. The Makin review, the commissioners said, 'gave rise to serious questions about safeguarding practice in the Church of England'. The commissioners' report, published on Monday, added: 'This case and other safeguarding failures undermine public confidence in the assertions made by the Church, including the Church Commissioners, about the importance of, and priority given to, safeguarding. 'The potential reputational impacts could be far-reaching; for example, they may in turn make it more difficult for us to attract and retain staff.' The warning came as Church Commissioners announced they would be investing more than £1.6 billion towards the work of the Church from 2026 to 2028. Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally said the 36% rise on the previous three-year period was 'the biggest injection of funding towards the work of the Church of England in our history, and we are very grateful for that'. The money will go towards various areas including clergy pay, church repairs and net zero plans. Some £30 million is being allocated towards the cost of national safeguarding work, including moves towards greater independence in how safeguarding is dealt with. Some £150 million towards the costs of the new national redress scheme for survivors of Church abuse had already been announced. In his foreword to the report, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell acknowledged the 'challenging year' the Church had faced. The commissioners noted there was also an element of reputational risk around the Church's work on dealing with its past links to slavery, saying such work had already 'attracted significant attention, comment and, in some cases, criticism'. Their latest report warned: 'Further reaction (including negative comment) to this programme of work is expected when the intended new Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice is launched, making investments andissuing grants.' The Church announced in January 2023 its work to address historic links to slavery, with a funding programme for investment, research and engagement to 'address past wrongs' but the initial £100 million investment fund was branded too small and slow. An independent oversight group later said commissioners had 'embraced a target of £1 billion for a broader healing, repair and justice initiative with the fund at its centre'. Elsewhere, some of the overall £1.6 billion investment announced on Monday is to go towards clergy pay rises of almost 11%. The Church said the National Minimum Stipend (NMS) and the National Stipend Benchmark (NSB) will both rise by 10.7% from April, bring them to £33,350 and £34,950 respectively. Dame Sarah said the latest investment will 'value and affirm our clergy who give their lives in the service of Christ through the Church'. She said: 'I hope these carefully costed plans will provide a step-change in support to clergy right the way through from those following a call to ordination to those who have retired. 'It is vital also that we learn the lessons of our recent past and do everything we can to be a safer church for everyone. 'While no amount of money can ever erase the harm done by perpetrators of abuse, these spending plans will support the vital work of safeguarding in the Church and underpin the new National Redress scheme.' To aid the Church's ambition to be 'net zero' by 2030, the commissioners said have earmarked up to £190 million up to 2031 for projects including decarbonising cathedrals, churches, church halls, schools andhouses. The report admits it is 'unlikely that cathedrals will achieve net zero carbon by 2030 without some form of carbon offset, but we are working with the community to help reduce emissions as much as possible'. The commissioners add that the latest investment will go towards preventing 'a 'cliff-edge' after the 2030 target date set by Synod, enabling work to limit carbon emissions to continue to receive support'. Meanwhile, the report noted dozens of repair projects had been funded by commissioners to the value of £1.3 million last year, with a rise in instances of Church ceilings which appeared to have been damaged through lack of ventilation when the buildings were closed during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It said there had been 'an increase in the numbers of failed lath and plaster ceilings due to weakened plaster' which it said was 'likely to have been exacerbated by condensation forming due to the lack of ventilation when churches were closed for prolonged periods during the pandemic'. First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith, said: 'This distribution of £1.6 billion represents the highest distribution in the Church's history – and we celebrate all those who have made it possible across the entire community of the Church, in particular the investments team, clergy and parishes. 'In stewarding these resources, we must be humble and vigilant, as the times ahead promise both great opportunities and challenges.'
Leader Live
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Warning over ‘reputational risk' damage from Church abuse scandals
High-profile cases such as that of serial abuser John Smyth and the subsequent Makin Review which prompted the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, are said to 'undermine public confidence' in how seriously safeguarding is taken. The annual report from the Church Commissioners for England – which manages the Church's investment portfolio – described their reputational risk as currently being 'at an elevated level'. The Makin review, the commissioners said, 'gave rise to serious questions about safeguarding practice in the Church of England'. The commissioners' report, published on Monday, added: 'This case and other safeguarding failures undermine public confidence in the assertions made by the Church, including the Church Commissioners, about the importance of, and priority given to, safeguarding. 'The potential reputational impacts could be far-reaching; for example, they may in turn make it more difficult for us to attract and retain staff.' The warning came as Church Commissioners announced they would be investing more than £1.6 billion towards the work of the Church from 2026 to 2028. Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally said the 36% rise on the previous three-year period was 'the biggest injection of funding towards the work of the Church of England in our history, and we are very grateful for that'. The money will go towards various areas including clergy pay, church repairs and net zero plans. Some £30 million is being allocated towards the cost of national safeguarding work, including moves towards greater independence in how safeguarding is dealt with. Some £150 million towards the costs of the new national redress scheme for survivors of Church abuse had already been announced. In his foreword to the report, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell acknowledged the 'challenging year' the Church had faced. The commissioners noted there was also an element of reputational risk around the Church's work on dealing with its past links to slavery, saying such work had already 'attracted significant attention, comment and, in some cases, criticism'. Their latest report warned: 'Further reaction (including negative comment) to this programme of work is expected when the intended new Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice is launched, making investments andissuing grants.' The Church announced in January 2023 its work to address historic links to slavery, with a funding programme for investment, research and engagement to 'address past wrongs' but the initial £100 million investment fund was branded too small and slow. An independent oversight group later said commissioners had 'embraced a target of £1 billion for a broader healing, repair and justice initiative with the fund at its centre'. Elsewhere, some of the overall £1.6 billion investment announced on Monday is to go towards clergy pay rises of almost 11%. The Church said the National Minimum Stipend (NMS) and the National Stipend Benchmark (NSB) will both rise by 10.7% from April, bring them to £33,350 and £34,950 respectively. Dame Sarah said the latest investment will 'value and affirm our clergy who give their lives in the service of Christ through the Church'. She said: 'I hope these carefully costed plans will provide a step-change in support to clergy right the way through from those following a call to ordination to those who have retired. 'It is vital also that we learn the lessons of our recent past and do everything we can to be a safer church for everyone. 'While no amount of money can ever erase the harm done by perpetrators of abuse, these spending plans will support the vital work of safeguarding in the Church and underpin the new National Redress scheme.' To aid the Church's ambition to be 'net zero' by 2030, the commissioners said have earmarked up to £190 million up to 2031 for projects including decarbonising cathedrals, churches, church halls, schools andhouses. The report admits it is 'unlikely that cathedrals will achieve net zero carbon by 2030 without some form of carbon offset, but we are working with the community to help reduce emissions as much as possible'. The commissioners add that the latest investment will go towards preventing 'a 'cliff-edge' after the 2030 target date set by Synod, enabling work to limit carbon emissions to continue to receive support'. Meanwhile, the report noted dozens of repair projects had been funded by commissioners to the value of £1.3 million last year, with a rise in instances of Church ceilings which appeared to have been damaged through lack of ventilation when the buildings were closed during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It said there had been 'an increase in the numbers of failed lath and plaster ceilings due to weakened plaster' which it said was 'likely to have been exacerbated by condensation forming due to the lack of ventilation when churches were closed for prolonged periods during the pandemic'. First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith, said: 'This distribution of £1.6 billion represents the highest distribution in the Church's history – and we celebrate all those who have made it possible across the entire community of the Church, in particular the investments team, clergy and parishes. 'In stewarding these resources, we must be humble and vigilant, as the times ahead promise both great opportunities and challenges.'
