Latest news with #Roundtable
RTHK
2 days ago
- Health
- RTHK
Spinal muscular atrophy drug subsidy 'set for adults'
Spinal muscular atrophy drug subsidy 'set for adults' Michael Tien, standing centre, hopes the new arrangement to widen the application of a subsidy to more spinal muscular atrophy patients can be implemented within months. Photo: RTHK More Hong Kong patients suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) will be able to enjoy a government subsidy to control the symptoms of their disorder with two drugs, Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien said. Currently, only infants and children suffering from two types of SMA, a group of neuromuscular disorders, are entitled to government assistance to purchase the drugs – Nusinersen and Risdiplam. The health authorities, Tien said on Friday, have recently given the green light for adult patients suffering from two other types of the disorder to apply for the subsidy as well. Tien said he aims to push for the new arrangement to be implemented before his Legco term ends by the end of the year. He also urged the government to refer to mainland data in vetting drugs in the future. 'Hong Kong experts, when they decide whether to use public money to help patients with a particular disease, look at their own research…they look at worldwide papers,' Tien said. 'My argument is that those [patients] are not of the same race as us, our blood types are different, our DNAs are different. "Why can't the Hong Kong government look more at the mainland situation?' Tien also said the newly introduced 1+ mechanism that speeds up registration of new drugs in Hong Kong will also facilitate the SAR in price negotiations with global pharmaceutical companies.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The TON golden visa offer was never about residency. It was about crypto's identity crisis
The TON golden visa offer was never about residency. It was about crypto's identity crisis originally appeared on TheStreet. This past weekend, The Open Network (TON) made an announcement that staking $100,000 worth of Toncoin for three years and paying a $35,000 processing fee, individuals could become eligible for a 10-year golden visa to the United Arab Emirates. The message was clear—crypto wasn't just about finance anymore. It was now offering life-changing, government-backed privileges. Or so it seemed. The proposal promised a streamlined pathway to residency — under seven weeks from submission to approval — along with annual staking yields of 3% to 4% and visa coverage for immediate family members. It was billed as an 'investment alternative' to traditional golden visa routes, which usually require property purchases or large equity injections. And it came with an apparent seal of confidence: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov reshared the announcement on X, lending it a powerful (if implicit) sense of credibility. Have a different take on TON's golden visa pitch? Join TheStreet's Mehab Qureshi on Roundtable and share your view. For a few hours, it worked. Toncoin rallied. Crypto Twitter buzzed. In an industry constantly searching for validation in the real world, this felt like a headline breakthrough. But by Monday, the UAE government had refuted the claim, categorically. In a joint statement, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority stated clearly: digital asset investments do not qualify for golden visa programs. They warned investors not to confuse promotional material with public policy, and they noted that TON was not licensed or regulated in the UAE. Let's be clear that there's nothing illegal about promoting staking programs. And blockchain-backed yield mechanisms, while still volatile, are a part of mainstream crypto infrastructure. But what made this case stand out was the leap from digital finance into sovereign immigration policy, something no crypto project, no matter how confident, has the authority to promise. The golden visa debate is just getting started. Join Mehab Qureshi on Roundtable to weigh in. To be eligible for a golden visa in the UAE, investors must meet strict criteria: a minimum of 2 million AED (about $544,000 USD) in real estate or public investments, or professional distinction in high-demand sectors like healthcare, research, or entrepreneurship. The visa allows long-term residency, the ability to live and work in the country without a sponsor, and other benefits designed to attract talent and capital. That's why the TON episode should be read not as an isolated misfire, but as a symptom of crypto's deeper identity tension. On one hand, the industry is maturing, platforms like TON, Ethereum, and Solana are increasingly integrated into fintech conversations. On the other hand, there's still a hunger for moonshot moments shortcuts to legitimacy, often pitched without the infrastructure or oversight to support them. In this case, even seasoned observers were caught off guard. Binance founder CZ reacted on X with the simple question, 'Is this real?' And that's the real issue. It's not about TON. It's about how easily bold crypto narratives can break containment—how fast a marketing slide can be mistaken for state-backed policy, especially in a space where tokens double as brands, products, and investments. The UAE has positioned itself as a global blockchain hub, attracting hundreds of firms with its light-touch but structured approach to crypto regulation. But the golden visa is not part of that sandbox. TON's misstep wasn't in building a staking program. It was in assuming that the rules of the blockchain could extend to the rules of a state. There's a lesson here, and it's one the crypto sector would do well to internalize, innovation doesn't excuse overreach. You can build fast, yes. But if you're going to claim real-world access—residency, citizenship, banking—you need real-world permission. Crypto still operates in a credibility economy. And that credibility is hard-earned, easily lost. The more projects blur the line between aspiration and authority, the harder it becomes for the entire space to gain the trust it desperately seeks—from regulators, from users, and from the public. For all its potential, crypto cannot rewrite immigration law. Not yet. And certainly not through a staking pitch. Disclaimer: This article is an opinion piece and reflects the views of the author. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or immigration advice. The TON golden visa offer was never about residency. It was about crypto's identity crisis first appeared on TheStreet on Jul 7, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Leapfrog, Transform Capitalism, And Embrace Women's Strengths For Climate Positive Economy
A woman uses her Samsung smartphone in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty ... More Images) 'Perhaps it's not about redesign, it's actually leapfrogging where we are, right? If you think about mobile phone technology…when the first mobile phones came out, they were about this big right? Bricks, well, in Africa they didn't build networks across phone lines or electricity lines to enable mobile technology. They went straight from no phones to mobile phones, right? That's a leapfrog. So,I take your point about we need to look at it with a different lens, to me a different lens is let's stop trying to redesign, recreate, tinker at the edges and just leapfrog stuff…. It will take us sort of taking our own blinkers off in a way and thinking about what's the leapfrog change that we can make? What's our move from no phones to mobile phones?' That's one of the insights a group of 11 extraordinarily accomplished women across industries, geographies, generations and cultures came up with at a private Roundtable I produced at SXSW London recently. The purpose was to talk about addressing the climate crisis and what women's role in doing so might be. It was Chatham House Rules, so I can't reveal who was there, but I can share their insights without attribution. conference room - image by websubs for PIxabay The Frame Our goal was 'To step outside the usual conversations, spark new ideas and co-create tangible strategies for advancing a thriving green economy through the power of female leadership.' There are obviously fierce, urgent, and conflicting political, economic, cultural and environmental forces at play today. The planet is warming, yet dominant political forces deny climate change and are empowering industries that will make it worse. Yet, market forces are addressing the climate crisis, in part because businesses have to make long-term decisions and investments to protect their operations, their supply chains, their people, and their homes. Investors take seriously the very real financial risks of climate change and are demanding businesses do too. There are workforce pressures too, including studies that the majority of Gen Zers and Millennials, which are 38% of the workforce today and will grow, want to work for companies that have sustainability initiatives. A woman searches for a sweater at a Uniqlo store on January 4, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by ... More) Women make or influence 85% of purchasing decisions and they prioritize environmental issues as voters too. A recent environmental voter projects study found that 62% of women prioritize environmental issues compared to only 37% of men. Screenshot - Woman in cotton field on The Fearless Girl is silhouetted at night in front of the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan, New ... More York, on July 7, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) Production staff on the weekly fashion magazine, (Photo by) Volunteer rescuer workers help a woman from her home that was inundated with the flooding of ... More Hurricane Harvey on August 30, 2017 in Port Arthur, Texas. (Photo by) There was so much more… Thank you to these extraordinary women. You know who you are.
Boston Globe
26-06-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
As costs rise, more Mass. employers are hiring remote workers
Related : More than 85 percent of the respondents now report having at least some staff 'There's a growing comfort level with hiring some portion of your workforce out-of-state,' said Roundtable president JD Chesloff. 'The cost of living has become a cost of doing business.' Advertisement The culprits, per the survey, Office vacancy rates in Boston are stuck at multi-decade highs. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff 'COVID gave us a license to be hybrid,' said Lisa Murray, president of Citizens Bank's Massachusetts operations and chair of the Roundtable's board of directors. 'I would argue that the quality of an interaction is lessened when it's over Zoom versus being in person [but] it does allow for this dynamic of saying you can live in Arizona and work for a Boston-based company if your job allows for that. That exacerbated an issue we already had.' Advertisement The 'issue' Murray is referring to is 'We've spent a lot of time talking about not only the pluses we have in Massachusetts, and there are many, but what are the headwinds?' Murray said. 'What are the things we need to jump on to make sure we stay as competitive as we are? While recognizing the headwinds, most of the respondents also said they're interested in partnering with other organizations or state officials to tackle issues such as AI adoption and workforce development. Broader federal concerns are also at play. Around More than half said they will make no change in local employment over the next 12 months, up from 30 percent a year ago. A quarter specifically said tariff uncertainty is prompting a pause in investments or hiring. Related : Advertisement Governor Maura Healey touched on a number of these issues in a speech at the New England Council on Wednesday, saying that creating great jobs, making it easier to do business in the state, and lowering costs for residents are among her administration's top priorities. Two Republicans who have announced they're vying for the party's nod to run against Healey next year for governor, Brian Shortsleeve and Mike Kennealy, are incorporating similar issues in their campaigns. Jay Ash, chief executive of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, said he regularly hears concerns from his members about the high cost of living as well as the challenges with securing government permits to build here. Ash said he's alarmed by the fact Massachusetts is one of the few states that have not rebounded back to their pre-COVID levels of employment. 'We are better than anyone else at coming up with the next thing,' Ash said. 'We invent things here. But where it's eye-opening is when companies that come up with the next thing here have to open up a plant outside of Massachusetts.' Jon Chesto can be reached at
Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
International Ambassadors Meet 2025: Celebrating Global Leadership and Visionaries
PNN New Delhi [India], June 9: The World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) hosted the highly anticipated International Ambassadors Meet 2025 in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in New Delhi. The event convened over 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats representing countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to catalyze a new global movement for MSME-led growth and sustainability. At the heart of the summit was the unveiling of the "WASME Global MSME Pact 2025+", a groundbreaking multilateral framework to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through structured international cooperation. Dr. Sanjiv Layek, Executive Secretary of WASME, stated: "This Pact turns soft diplomacy into sustainable development. It aligns embassies, chambers, governments, and MSMEs under a shared agenda for inclusive global trade." The Pact Includes: * Identifying three priority sectors per country for MSME innovation and exports * Hosting bilateral and multilateral trade delegations * Setting up WASME MSME Desks within partner embassies * Driving policy advocacy and market intelligence with global partners Keynote Address - H.E. Fesseha Shawel Gebre, Ambassador of Ethiopia: "Our Embassy is a bridge between entrepreneurs and global opportunity. This Pact will fuel sustainable diplomacy anchored in enterprise." Diplomatic Roundtable: A Voice for Economic Unity Moderated by Prof. Aman Agarwal, Director, Indian Institute of Finance, the Ambassador Roundtable brought together high-ranking officials from Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Fiji to discuss investment, trade facilitation, and sectoral MSME cooperation. Corporate Insight & Innovation Panel Moderated by Mr. Naveen Sharma, Chairman, Athena Ventures, the Business Panel explored global branding, export readiness, and sectoral growth for MSMEs. Panelists included leaders from OSEL, Heylin Spark, Planck Red Pvt. Ltd., and Lakshaka LLP. Heylin Spark served as the official PR and Marketing Partner, ensuring the global impact and legacy of this celebration of leadership. Key Highlights from the Event Motivational and Leadership Talk by Rohan Shah International Athlete, Entrepreneur & Social Activist, Rohan Shah delivered a powerful keynote on perseverance, identity, and purpose. Hailing from Bilaspur, he has represented India at global sporting events and earned acclaim as a motivational speaker, including a felicitation by Dr. Kiran Bedi at TEDx. His address inspired a diverse audience, highlighting the power of youth and resilience. Honouring Excellence: International Leadership Excellence Awards 2025 The event honored changemakers whose work is shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful world. From law and education to aviation and wellness, each awardee's story reflects commitment, courage, and a vision for the future. Here are the distinguished awardees: Anmol Sharma, the Founder & CEO of MediaLabbs 15, is redefining brand building in India with a unique mix of creativity, strategy, and purpose. Best known for creating Pearlville Cosmetics and transforming fragrance lines under Hertz Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Anmol is a brand visionary who turns ideas into experiences. But his mission goes beyond business--he's a devoted social worker committed to giving back. From supporting underprivileged communities to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, his work is grounded in empathy and impact. Whether it's through purpose-driven marketing or grassroots social initiatives, Anmol leads with heart, proving that true leadership is about building brands that uplift both people and society. Sheena Gupta, Director of Mother's Pride, was honored with the Preschool Education Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding contribution to early childhood education and commitment to nurturing young minds with love, care, and innovation. Anjali Khatri is the founder of Irenic International Pvt Ltd, a global leader in the overseas education sector. She has been honoured for her impactful contributions to the student community and unwavering commitment to educational advancement. Dr. Rishi Mudgil, an MBBS graduate from Government Doon Medical College, serves as a Medical Officer in rural Uttarakhand. Passionate about grassroots impact, he blends medical service with policy insight, contributing regularly to platforms like The Print. He co-founded Agrit Bharat Sansthan, a youth-led non-profit advancing healthcare, education, and empowerment for underserved communities. His work bridges frontline care and advocacy, reflecting a vision for inclusive, community-driven change. Vardhman Kaushik is an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, licensed to practice law in India and New York. With a significant experience of 15 years in handling several cases on behalf of over 50 corporate houses, Public Sector Organisations, Social organisations, employee organisations of government bodies, and litigants from different walks of life, he has a rich and extensive experience in a variety of dispute resolutions. Vardhman is also a founding partner at Triumph Legal, a law firm with offices in Delhi and Mumbai. Shveta Gupta serves as the Director of Divyanshi Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd., bringing with her a strong academic background in Textile Chemistry ( and Marketing (MBA). Under her leadership, the company has grown from a nascent startup into a prominent supplier of aircraft consumables for India's Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Dr. Karan Kumar, a global authority in IT compliance, risk management, and cybersecurity, With 24+ years of experience, he has led transformative GRC initiatives across major organizations. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on Risk Management, Dr. Kumar is renowned for designing ERM strategies aligned with ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOX, and GDPR. A certified executive coach, he blends technical expertise with emotional intelligence. His thought leadership, authorship, and mentorship continue to shape resilient, compliant, and future-ready enterprises worldwide.. Dr. Amit Saxena, CEO, Education at Sparsh Group and Chairman of the Education Business Committee at WTC, Dr. Amit Saxena is a renowned educationist with over 28 years of leadership. Known for pioneering curriculum innovation and launching India's first AI-powered Robo Teacher, he also serves as a global education ambassador for HundrED (Finland). His vision blends inclusive education with global best practices and impactful social outreach. Dr. Monika Randhawa, President COE & Principal, Sparsh Global School, and President of the Centre of Excellence at Sparsh Group, is a visionary educator with 18+ years of experience. With a background in Applied Psychology and a focus on autism, she has transformed Sparsh into a hub of academic and holistic excellence. Her leadership emphasizes innovation, parent-teacher collaboration, and student-centered learning, making her a respected force in modern education. Shrestha Ganguly is the visionary founder of Kkhubii Art and Culture, a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting diverse forms of art. Her global outlook is shaped by extensive travel across Europe, the UK, and the USA. This multicultural exposure has deepened her conviction in art as a powerful medium for connecting people across borders. Under her visionary leadership, Kkhubii nurtures emerging and established artists across India and the Middle East, and is now expanding its reach to Africa. It serves as a dynamic space for creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Shrestha remains committed to empowering artists, fostering inclusion, and building global bridges through the transformative power of art. Prashant Ranjan - General Manager (Head Of IT), Hitachi India Pvt. A Seasoned IT operations leader with 20+ years of global experience in service delivery and endpoint security. Expert in building scalable solutions like global service desks. Hitachi has been driving technology-led transformation in India for over 90 years, empowering society through innovation, efficiency, and secure, collaborative operations. Anil Bhargav, a renowned Indian astrologer, has transformed the lives of millions through his accurate predictions and guidance. With a legacy of resolving complex personal and professional challenges, he has earned nationwide respect. His expertise has crossed borders, establishing a strong international presence. Anil Bhargav's insights have helped countless individuals achieve success and peace of mind. His work continues to inspire trust and belief in the power of astrology. Dr. Archana Sinha Bhandari is the founder of the Suicide Mukt Bharat Movement and a PhD scholar. This national initiative is committed to preventing suicide through awareness, emotional healing, and early support. My mission is to help individuals choose life, restore hope, and contribute to a mentally strong and empowered India. Dr. Sajid Saiyed, double doctorate in CSR & Sustainability, leads Bharat CSR Network, a platform for 109 corporates undertaking CSR initiatives across India. Recognized by the Government of Goa for completing CSR projects worth Rs386 crore, he collaborates with state governments to drive impactful CSR. Dr. Jyoti Arora, Principal of Mount Abu Public School, is a nationally awarded educator and CBSE Governing Body Member. Known for her leadership in curriculum reform and global representation, she drives innovation and inclusivity in education. As a key figure in CBSE school networks and a strong advocate for digital and sustainable practices, she has transformed Mount Abu Public School into a model of holistic excellence. Shashank Arya is the Co-Founder of Mekanchi Global and Founder of Human Elements. While Mekanchi delivers global manpower solutions for industrial and commercial facility management, Human Elements explores the intersection of people and technology. Initially focused on traditional workforce deployment, Shashank is now pioneering AI integration through Human Elements to enhance efficiency without losing the human touch. His vision bridges skill gaps and builds future-ready solutions that blend empathy and innovation, shaping the evolving landscape of global workforce management. Visit Mekanchi - for more information. Dr. Josan Ranjith hails from Tamil Nadu and is a rising voice in the domain of emotional wellness, personal development, and spiritual growth. With a background in behavioral sciences and a deep spiritual practice, he combines the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern psychology to help people live more meaningful and empowered lives. Rajarshi Goswami is a respected voice in diplomacy and foreign policy, honoured as a Diplomat & Foreign Policy Expert. His consistent engagement with global issues highlights his commitment to fostering meaningful international cooperation and dialogue. Dr. Syed Tariq Hashmi is a renowned strategic leader with over 20 years of corporate and academic excellence. He holds a DBA from Atlanta University and an Honorary Doctorate from Washington Digital University, UK (Jan 2025). A 2024 batch topper from IIM Lucknow in Advanced Strategic Management, he has authored two books on leadership. With 18 years at Novartis and a successful stint at Eris Lifesciences, he has led major product launches. A Certified POSH Trainer and L & D expert, he holds 90+ professional certifications, reflecting his passion for leadership and growth. Looking Ahead The International Ambassadors Meet 2025 concluded not just with applause but with a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and global leadership. With continued support from diplomatic communities, thought leaders, and partners like Heylin Spark, the future promises an ecosystem where excellence is not just awarded but empowered.
