Latest news with #OMO
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak strengthens grip over O&G under GPS leadership
The establishment of Petros and its appointment as the sole aggregator of oil and gas further reinforces that Sarawak alone decides how its resources are managed. KUCHING (July 22): Sarawak, under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has successfully reclaimed sovereign control over its oil and gas resources. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said this was achieved through the enforcement of the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), which reaffirm the state's constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Sarawak has compelled the federal government and Petronas to acknowledge our right to impose the Petroleum Sales Tax, bringing back billions to the state instead of allowing our wealth to be siphoned off,' said Yap, who is Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa branch chairman. Wilfred Yap He added that the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and its appointment as the sole aggregator of oil and gas further reinforces that Sarawak alone decides how its resources are managed. 'This is not a concession from Putrajaya, but an inherent right that can no longer be denied.' Yap urged Sarawakians to take pride in GPS' efforts, especially in securing the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products and restoring full enforcement of the OMO, which places licensing and control of oil and gas development solely under Sarawak's jurisdiction. On May 21 this year, a joint declaration by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that while Petronas would continue its roles under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), Petros would be recognised as the gas aggregator for Sarawak. Federal and state laws governing gas distribution in Sarawak will coexist and be upheld by all involved. The declaration also emphasised that all parties will work together to finalise a framework that reflects Sarawak's aspirations and benefits the nation. In his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on May 26 this year, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said Petronas might apply for exemption from licensing requirements for activities or projects that would not conflict with Petros' role as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator. Such applications would be considered in accordance with the law, provided they do not involve the supply, sale, retail, or distribution of gas – sectors under Petros' jurisdiction. Julaihi stressed that all agreements involving the supply and sale of natural gas in Sarawak must align with Petros' role as outlined in the joint declaration. He also reminded that parties involved in gas distribution and supply must obtain a licence under Section 7 of the DGO 2016. Failure to comply constitutes an offence under Section 20 (criminal case) or Section 21A (civil claim) of the Ordinance, which carries penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. Dato JC Fong Sarawak State Legal Counsel Dato JC Fong said under the MA63, the Constitution of Malaysia was adopted with amendments to safeguard the rights and interests of Sabah and Sarawak. He explained that, following these amendments, the issuance of prospecting licences and mining leases falls under state jurisdiction as provided by Item 2(c) of the State List. Although the federal government holds authority over the development of minerals and oilfields, this is subject to state-issued leases under Item 2(c). 'There is no dispute that Sarawak has legislative and executive authority over gas distribution. Since the federal Gas Supply Act 1993 (GSA93) does not apply to Sarawak, and Sarawak is exempt from Sections 6(1) and (3) of the PDA, the only law governing gas supply in the state is the DGO,' he said. Fong added that Petronas must comply with the DGO and recognise Petros as the sole aggregator appointed under the Ordinance. Presently, 94 per cent of gas produced in Sarawak is exported – mainly to Japan and Korea in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – to boost their industries. However, Fong said this could not continue at the expense of Sarawak's long-term development. The state government has therefore developed a 'Sarawak Roadmap' to use its gas resources for economic development and green energy production. Dato Ahmad Ibrahim Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim said the appointment of Petros as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator marks a turning point in the state's long-standing efforts to reclaim its rights, but stressed that the journey began much earlier. 'Petros' role is crucial, but it is just one of many wins. This is no longer a 'David vs Goliath' battle – it is about constitutional justice, economic sovereignty, and securing Sarawak's energy future,' said Ahmad, who is vice-president of the Council of Malaysian Senators and a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member. He said Sarawak's achievements over the past decade reflect a multi-tiered success, encompassing legislation, litigation, institutional empowerment, and commercial breakthrough. While the aggregator role represents a major commercial milestone, Ahmad said it was made possible only through the state's solid legal foundation, strengthened over the years by consistent efforts from the Sarawak government. 'This success stands on the pillars of the Sarawak Land Code, DGO 2016, Article 95D of the Constitution, and the unwavering commitment of our state leadership,' he said. Ahmad also cited Article 95D, which provides for the exclusion of Sabah and Sarawak from the application of certain federal laws concerning land and local government. 'With Petros now controlling gas aggregation, Sarawak can secure its domestic gas supply, support industrial transformation via reliable energy pricing, develop new sectors such as hydrogen, ammonia, and clean energy, and reclaim economic value for its people,' he added. 'The Federal Constitution is clear – laws affecting our land and resources require our consent. We never gave that away. What we are seeing today is Sarawak enforcing its rightful place in the Federation. 'This is not just about oil and gas. This is about respecting the Federation as it was meant to be formed in 1963.' Sarawak significantly contributed to federal coffers through its rich oil and gas resources since 1976, with all natural gas converted to LNG for export to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan – earning substantial foreign exchange for the Malaysian government. The imposition of States Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products reflects the Sarawak government's fiduciary duty to secure a fairer share of these revenues for its people. At current production levels and global prices, Sarawak's oil and gas industry generates around RM40 billion annually. The SST is expected to yield additional RM3 billion additional revenues for the state. Gabungan Parti Sarawak lead oil and gas industry Petros sarawak day
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Why Millennials And Gen Z Prefer Cafés Over Traditional Restaurants
Last Updated: Millennials and Gen Z don't just want to eat out, they want to belong somewhere. And cafés, with their warm lights, good brews, and open vibes, offer just that. The café culture in India is brewing hotter than ever, and it's not just about coffee anymore. For Millennials and Gen Z, cafés have become the new cultural hubs, spaces where lifestyle, work, creativity, and connection seamlessly blend. From aesthetically pleasing interiors to flexible workspaces and innovative menus, cafés are replacing the formality of traditional restaurants with an experience-first approach that resonates deeply with today's youth. 'Millennials and Gen Z have redefined dining culture, increasingly favoring cafés over traditional restaurants," says Rajat Jaiswal, Pilot and Co-founder, WAB Cafe and Keydroid. 'This shift is driven by lifestyle choices, social habits, and evolving work patterns that align more with the casual and versatile nature of cafés." He highlights that the informal, flexible vibe of cafés makes them ideal for everything from solo productivity to social catch-ups. With simpler, more affordable menus and photogenic spaces that suit their social media habits, cafés are exactly what younger consumers are looking for. 'It's more than just food, it's an experience," he adds. The Rise of Café-First Hospitality Rajan Sethi, Managing Director, Bright Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., echoes this sentiment, having witnessed the evolution firsthand. 'Over the past decade, we have seen a clear shift in how Millennials and Gen Z approach dining, and cafés have naturally become the spaces they gravitate toward," he says. Sethi's brands, like Espressos Anyday and OMO – Soul Food Community, are built around this café-first mindset. 'With Espressos Anyday, we've created an everyday café that feels like your own corner in the city," he explains. 'Whether you're working solo or brainstorming with friends, the vibe is intentionally casual yet inspiring." Meanwhile, OMO takes it a step further by merging food and philosophy. 'OMO is for people who want their dining spaces to align with their values—offering grounding meals, seasonal ingredients, and a calm, conscious atmosphere," Sethi says. The rise of the 'laptop and latte" work culture, particularly in metros like Delhi and Gurgaon, has made cafés a modern-day second home and office. Social, Sensory, Shareable What's also redefining this space is the experiential element. According to Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, 'At Barista, coffee is more than just a beverage, it's a lifestyle and cultural experience, especially for Millennials and Gen Z." He points out that these generations crave connection, ambiance, and self-expression. Barista caters to this demand with curated offerings like Coffee Bubble Tea, Iced Tiramisu Latte, and live brewing sessions, trendy, flavorful, and highly Instagrammable. 'Through experiential marketing, playful menus, and community-driven spaces, we've made Barista a go-to destination where coffee culture meets contemporary lifestyle," Agarwal says. It's not about fancy dining, but about engaging environments that balance affordability with innovation. A Safe, Creative, Comfortable Space Shreya Ghai, owner, Bean & Coffee Kitchen, beautifully sums up the emotional value cafés offer: 'For Millennials and Gen Z, a café isn't just a place to eat or drink, it's an extension of their lifestyle. It's where work happens, friendships grow, passions are explored, and everyday moments become memorable." She emphasizes that what people seek today is comfort without formality, creativity without judgment, and connection without pressure. 'It's about being surrounded by warm lights, familiar faces, and the quiet hum of inspiration," Ghai shares. 'At Bean & Coffee Kitchen, the stories shared at every table are as important as the food on it." The Bottom Line What we're witnessing is not just a shift in dining preferences but a broader cultural evolution. Cafés have emerged as the modern-day living rooms, creative studios, and informal workspaces for younger generations. They combine aesthetics, affordability, flexibility, and community, qualities that traditional restaurants often lack. In short, Millennials and Gen Z don't just want to eat out, they want to belong somewhere. And cafés, with their warm lights, good brews, and open vibes, offer just that. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 16:28 IST News lifestyle » food Why Millennials And Gen Z Prefer Cafés Over Traditional Restaurants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Campaign ME
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
OMO: Turning tradition into a canvas for change
In a region where conversations about menstruation are still largely held in whispers, OMO's 'Art of Stains' campaign in Saudi Arabia set out to do something simple but powerful: make those whispers count. Menstruation remains a taboo subject for many women in the Middle East. Our research showed that 72 per cent of Saudi women don't openly talk about their periods. In fact, 90 per cent don't know how to remove period stains from their clothes. These are not just statistics, they're a reflection of a lived reality shaped by generations of silence. As a brand rooted in care and empowerment, we knew we had a role to play. But the challenge wasn't just about what we wanted to say, it was how to say it. Talking openly about menstrual health in a culturally conservative environment isn't just ineffective, it risks alienating the very women we want to reach. So instead of breaking with tradition, we chose to speak through it. Enter henna, a centuries-old ritual and a deeply personal form of expression in the region. Henna salons are intimate spaces where women gather, share stories, and celebrate cultural milestones. It was here, in the familiar comfort of these spaces, that we saw an opportunity for change. We partnered with respected henna artists across Saudi Arabia and trained them to embed simple stain-removal tips into intricate designs. These three-step messages, rinse with cold water, wash with OMO, rinse again, were transformed into art that adorned the hands of thousands of women. This wasn't just a campaign, it was a quiet revolution. What made it work wasn't just the creativity, it was the cultural fluency. We co-created the campaign with real women from the region. Their stories shaped our tone, our message, and our approach. Our film featured unscripted conversations with henna artists and participants. Some chose to remain anonymous, a reminder of how sensitive the subject still is. But their voices gave the campaign its heart. We also knew that social media would play a crucial role in amplifying the message. From salon activations and custom henna kits to Snapchat lenses that allowed women to apply the designs virtually, every touchpoint was designed to be discreet, beautiful, and empowering. It was a campaign that felt personal and protective, by design. The results speak for themselves. 'Art of Stains' became the number one driver of social conversation in Saudi Arabia. We saw a 40 per cent increase in social share rate, 96.3 per cent positive sentiment, and a 23 per cent increase in sales. Time spent with content exceeded 26 hours, and market share rose by 46 per cent. But perhaps most importantly, women started talking – to each other, to their daughters, to their communities. What this campaign reinforces is that doing good isn't just about what you stand for, it's about how well you understand the people you serve. Creativity that is expressive but not rooted in insight can feel disconnected. Likewise, purpose without execution can feel performative. But when we bring inclusive storytelling, cultural understanding, and business ambition together, we create work that resonates deeply and drives real change. At Unilever, inclusivity isn't a tactic, it's a mindset. It's about designing brand experiences that are relevant, respectful, and grounded in the cultural nuances of each community. Whether that means turning henna into a storytelling medium or working with local voices to shape our message, we are always asking how we can bring people closer to the solutions they need, in ways that feel authentic to them. OMO's 'Art of Stains' wasn't about shouting louder, it was about listening more closely. Listening to what matters to women, to how they communicate, where they gather, and what they're willing to share. That's the difference between a campaign that speaks at people and one that speaks with them. As we look ahead, we're excited by the possibilities of continuing this approach, blending insight, creativity, and purpose to build brands that are not only commercially successful but culturally meaningful. Because when brands show up in ways that truly reflect people's lives, we don't just change perception, we create lasting impact. And sometimes, the quietest messages are the ones that stay with us the longest. By Sarah Qazi, General Manager, Home Care, Unilever Arabia
New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Where do we truly belong?
What is home, really? Is it the place we're raised in — the familiar streets, the memories, the smells that linger long after we've left? Or is it the place that adopts us, the one we carve out for ourselves as adults, brick by brick, experience by experience? It's a question that's followed me around ever since I moved out of my parents' house and began building a life of my own in a different city. I often think of Dehradun and Mumbai, the cities that cradled my childhood and early adulthood — places I was fortunate enough to call home. But strangely, Delhi too has begun to feel like it belongs to me, or perhaps, like I belong to it. Even though I fought that feeling for the longest time. The thought resurfaced recently at a loud, chaotic party. I'd slipped away to a quiet corner — as I often do — content to sit alone with my thoughts, observing the swirl of people and music around me. It was there I noticed her. A girl sitting beside me, equally detached, equally lost in her own head. She had that familiar glazed look — half-zoned out of the crowd, half-basking in the safety of her solitude. I recognised her instantly. She works at a café I frequent — OMO Café in Gurugram — standing behind the coffee counter with an air of quiet authority. Her name's Manbiakkim, though everyone calls her Kim. Twenty-eight, from Manipur, chief barista, and, interestingly enough, a bit of an Instagram sensation thanks to her funny coffee reels. Which is why her reserved demeanour at the party surprised me. I struck up a conversation, curious. It turns out, she's walked quite the winding road — dabbling in different careers before stumbling upon her true calling behind a coffee machine. What began as a chance job at a small office café has now flourished into a career at OMO, where she brews some of the best coffee in NCR — including Ngarum coffee, a rare single-origin, nano-lot coffee from Nagaland. 'I don't know how to do coffee art,' she laughed, smirking. 'But I do know how to make coffee that keeps people coming back.' I liked that quiet confidence. Naturally, I asked her where she was from. Manipur, she replied. I asked if she missed it, if she'd been back recently. 'But this is home now,' she said, without hesitation, the hint of a smile on her lips. I understood the sentiment all too well, yet I couldn't help but press a little more. What made her so quick to claim Delhi as home? To speak of it almost as though her origins had been boxed away? 'This is the place that shaped me into who I am,' she explained simply. 'Independent. Confident. Manipur is where I was born… but it's here that I feel most alive.' Fair enough. We let the conversation slip into a comfortable silence after that — two women, quietly thinking, perhaps unknowingly connected by our tangled relationships with the idea of 'home'. A plate of steaming pakoras arrived at our table a little while later. I barely registered them when Kim chuckled and said, 'You know… what you call pakora here is so different to what we call pakora back home.' Intrigued, I asked her to explain. Her face lit up — that unmistakable glimmer of nostalgia breaking through her cool exterior. She told me about the pakoras in Manipur — fried dumplings, crisp on the outside, soft within, but unlike the dry, crunchy snacks we pass around at Delhi parties. Back home, they're served in a tangy tomato gravy, sometimes alongside rice. It was in that moment that the conversation softened. She began telling me more about Manipur — the food, the flavours, the sensory details that time can never quite erase. She confessed that while she loves her life here, the food from home is what she misses most. I understood. Isn't that always the way? We carry childhood with us in fragments — the comfort of food, the smells of the kitchen, the memories we're too protective of to let reality interfere. Home isn't always a fixed location on a map. Sometimes, it's a patchwork of places — the one that made you, and the one that's still shaping you.
News.com.au
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
‘Unlimited wears': Podcaster's gross laundry admission
A recent segment from Hamish & Andy's podcast has sparked a national debate after the comedy duo weighed in on how many times one can get away with wearing clothes before they need a wash. In a TikTok video that quickly went viral, Andy Lee recalls a recent conversation with his partner, Rebecca Harding. He says, 'Bec said to me this morning, didn't you wear those pants yesterday? I said yes?' 'PANTS?!' Hamish Blake replies in utter horror. 'Pants are unlimited'. Feeling validated, Lee goes on to explain that he and Blake should establish some ground rules for how often people should wear certain items before washing them. The pair then devised their own set of 're-wear rules'. For T-shirts, they reckon you can get away with about 'a day and a half'. When it comes to undies, they agree that one day is acceptable, and you can add a night if you sleep in them. For shorts and jumpers, their advice is to wear them until they get 'soiled', with Blake saying that jumpers could last all winter without a wash. Socks, according to them, can also be worn for a 'day and a half', and dirty ones can even be worn again when exercising, as they're going to get sweatier anyway. But what do the experts say? We spoke to the laundry pros at OMO to get the real advice. When it comes to how often people actually wash their shorts and pants, OMO insists 'there's no hard rule', and it really depends on your lifestyle and level of activity. 'Unless shorts and pants are visibly dirty or worn during exercise, many people find they can go a few wears before washing, especially in winter,' they noted. To keep them fresh between washes, they advise you to air them out and spot clean as needed. And what about T-shirts? Well, the podcasters were pretty spot on with this one. 'T-shirts worn directly against the skin, especially in warmer conditions or while sweating, should generally be washed after every wear,' the OMO expert said. 'Even if it's only been on for a few hours, body oils and bacteria build up quickly.' When it comes to undies, they urge that they should be washed after every single wear, no exceptions, as 'they come into contact with bacteria and sweat, so daily laundering is a must'. The same goes for socks – one wear, one wash. 'Re-wearing socks can lead to fungal infections, unpleasant odours, and general discomfort,' they advise, so best to err on the side of caution here. Bras, on the other hand, can be worn two to three times between washes, depending on your level of activity and what the care label says. Jumpers don't need the same wash frequency as base layers - think every five to seven wears, unless you're wearing them directly against the skin. 'However, winter means more time indoors, more couch naps, and more sneaky spills, so occasional washes are still a good idea,' they said. 'If your jumper is made of wool or other delicate fibres, be sure to use a detergent designed for woollens'. The podcaster's didn't touch on activewear, but like undies and socks, they too should be washed after every wear. 'Sweat, bacteria, and body oils accumulate quickly in performance fabrics, even if they appear clean,' OMO's expert explained. So there you have it! Do with this information what you will. But what did Hamish and Andy's fans think? Thankfully, they were with the expert on this one and were a bit grossed out by the boys' unhygienic admissions. 'UNTIL SOILED?' one person asked. 'If the socks come off, they ain't coming back on, one wear that's it,' another replied. 'Guys, a shoe is not a pristine environment,' someone else pointed out. 'As soon as something has been worn on public transport or in an environment that I don't control, it's time for a wash,' a different user shared.
