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Int'l Business Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Int'l Business Times
Shaping Tomorrow's Global Leaders Through Music, Mentorship and Faith: The Mission of the Soul Children of Chicago
Who's the next generation of leaders? What skills do they need to enjoy their future role and sustain it? The Soul Children of Chicago (SCC) offers an answer to these questions. As the world wrestles with cultural divides, economic inequities, and a crisis of youth identity, SCC empowers young minds to lead with courage, creativity, and conviction through education, career guidance, cultural exposure, and the power of song. Founded in 1981 by Dr. Walt Whitman, Jr., SCC has been a nurturing environment for young people to discover their voices and potential. It began as a small school choir in Chicago's South Side and has grown into a Grammy Award-winning, internationally recognized powerhouse. With its roots in gospel and its reach now spanning continents, the organization is more than a local treasure. It's a global youth movement. "SCC is a global choir for all youth who want to dream bigger and do better," Dr. Whitman stresses. For over four decades, SCC's mission has always been to reach the soul of every child and uplift their lives spiritually, academically, and professionally. Through after-school programs, academic tutoring, premier vocal training, and mentoring from alumni and industry professionals, the organization equips its members to excel in every aspect of life. For instance, through its "Think Big" initiative, SCC hosts conferences that connect young people to leaders in technology, business, entertainment, and innovation, to name a few. These events enable youth to meet mentors, learn practical skills, and envision futures they hadn't dared to dream. From content creation to entrepreneurship, the Think Big Conference gives kids insights on how to turn their vision into reality. "Many of our former members have gone on to become entrepreneurs, artists, educators, civic leaders, and professionals in fields ranging from finance to fashion. One alum is now a hairstylist working with A-list celebrities. Others lead companies, plan events, teach, preach, and innovate. All of them excel in what they do and are fueled by the foundational experience of being part of this community," shares Dr. Whitman. SCC is proud of its generational legacy. The choir now includes members whose parents once sang under Dr. Whitman's direction. These multigenerational ties create lasting community bonds that extend beyond the choir into the fabric of Chicago itself. Dr. Whitman says, "This is what happens when a community invests deeply in its youth and stays the course over decades." It's worth noting that SCC is a spiritual sanctuary as much as it is a choir. Faith and gospel are the heart of the group's identity. The spiritual component offers a grounding force for children navigating life's storms. Dr. Whitman, a man of deep conviction and purpose, understands that today's youth are battling stress, anxiety, and disconnection. "That soul element, that grounding, is what gives these kids strength," Dr. Whitman says. Daily prayer lines, gospel-rooted mentorship, and a commitment to emotional and mental well-being give SCC members a depth that prepares them to thrive under pressure. "When a young person has that internal strength, they don't just survive. They lead," he adds. The discipline and structure instilled in every rehearsal translate to life skills that members carry far beyond the stage. Dr. Whitman draws from his background in the military and the church to maintain a high standard of excellence. This consistency has enabled SCC to transition from church-based performances to commanding stages globally, from Carnegie Hall to the White House . Meanwhile, SCC's versatility has allowed it to collaborate with musical legends such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder. The visibility the choir has earned is another form of empowerment. Performances at major events such as the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race have broadened the choir's audience and have changed how these young people see themselves. "We see such appearances not just as accolades but as access points. They place SCC members in rooms with CEOs, producers, and innovators, reshaping what these youth believe is possible for themselves," Dr. Whitman states. Now, as the Soul Children of Chicago further expands its global footprint, Dr. Whitman calls on new partners, corporate allies, and cultural collaborators to join the mission. "We're building something bigger than a choir," he says. "We're shaping a generation. And if you're someone who believes in the power of youth, in the potential of the next global leaders, then this is your invitation. Walk with us. Build with us. Help us show the world what happens when we believe in the youth's potential."
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: Yes, Donald Trump is a great man. He has a lot of guts.
Richard C. Longworth's op-ed in regards to President Donald Trump is right about Trump's greatness but is mistaken about his base ('Trump will be remembered as a great leader — but not a good one,' July 6). I believe most people in his base think that everybody should work for a living, not just sit at home. The reason Trump ran in the first place was because President Barack Obama embarrassed him at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, and he was determined to show everybody how tough he was. He is a tough person with a lot of guts.I disagree with Richard C. Longworth. He casts despots and degenerates such as Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, and Mao Zedong as great men. They bulldozed decency, wrecked society, and railed and raged against invented, convenient scapegoats. President Donald Trump belongs in the group. Longworth with precision quantifies Trump's propulsion: It's his monomaniacal obsession with power, by any and all means. However, for anyone who has observed Trump's public life, his malignancy and malevolence have always been obvious. Trump has always wanted the world as his audience and lusted for the attention that few people in history ever receive. And nothing's too trivial, including comparing his inauguration attendance with that of President Barack Obama. Or too toxic, such as pardoning convicted criminals armed with makeshift weapons who stormed the U.S. Capitol, assaulted police and rampaged while looking for the vice president. Back in 1989, Trump paid for advertisements in four New York City newspapers to insert himself into the Central Park Five case. Five Black and Brown teenagers were arrested and wrongly charged with raping and beating a female Central Park jogger. Trump called for the state to adopt the death penalty, but the woman wasn't killed. Alas, Trump is infected with terminal truth decay. The other engine that fuels Trump's raging pathologies? Revenge. In his book 'Think Big,' Trump devotes several pages to gloat about his beloved revenge. Longworth's commentary was published a day after the anniversary of a speech delivered by a truly great man, Frederick Douglass. His July 5, 1852, address happened at an event commemorating the signing of the so-called Declaration of Independence — a document that chiefly bestowed freedom upon white men, not Black people or even white women. Douglass unleashed his vast intellect, his powerful imagery and an accurate rendering of the Holy Scriptures. Fired with boldness, Douglass thundered: 'I will not equivocate; I will not excuse; I will use the severest language I can command; and yet not one word shall escape me that any man, whose judgment is not blinded by prejudice, or who is not at heart a slaveholder, shall not confess to be right and just.' Douglass assailed the twin terrors of white supremacy and its child, slavery. Trump's philosophy and agenda? White C. Longworth may have credentials that the Tribune opinion team esteems, but publishing his outrageous opinion piece comparing President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Mao Zedong is another illustration of the utterly biased and un-American media elite that is the Tribune Editorial Board. The country's divisions lie squarely on the shoulders of the legacy media. I hope that Colonel McCormick is able to rest in peace despite these subversive thoughts from an old woman: First, my participation in the 'No Kings' rally on June 14 was a milestone. Having never demonstrated for or against any cause in my life, it was disconcerting, to say the least, to find myself compelled to take a stand against the president of the United States and his actions. At the same time, it was exhilarating to meet in the crowd of about 4,500 a dozen acquaintances who share my views. I am not alone! Second, I am aware of at least 25 individuals who did not attend that rally due to other commitments. It's as if each one of us who stood at an intersection in Gurnee that day represented many more who share our views. We are not alone! Next, I am shocked at the recommendation by the Internal Revenue Service to remove the 1954 Tax Code provision known as the Johnson Amendment. Although this rule is routinely and blatantly disregarded, it has stood as a safeguard against undue pressure on pastors from individuals and groups, both inside and outside their churches. I have deep concerns over the potential damage that could result from this change in the code. As an evangelical, I have always been thankful that my church, home to people of every political persuasion, does not publicly endorse candidates. Finally, my transition from lifelong Republican to independent, leaning toward Democratic, has been fraught with sadness. The reality that the current administration, aided and abetted by the Supreme Court and Congress, has become basically the law unto itself, is tremendously difficult for me to comprehend. Every day seems to bring another decision, policy or statement that absolutely contradicts my personal worldview, shaped by my Christian beliefs. It is abhorrent to hear pious words from people in power who choose to totally disregard the needs of ordinary individuals who simply want to live their lives in peace. The disgusting images of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents manhandling men, women and children simply because of how they look; the attacks on long-standing assistance programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the gift of tax breaks to billionaires made possible by the theft of dollars from everyday families, these are actions that sicken me and keep me awake at night. Friends, wake up! We must stand together for justice and the rule of law before it's too Donald Trump appears to have finally seen Russian President Vladimir Putin's true colors. At long last, he is supporting Ukraine and increasing the flow of weapons to that beleaguered country. If Trump wasn't so enamored of authoritarian dictators such as Putin, whom he called a 'genius,' he would have seen Putin for what he is, just like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and half our country tried to tell him. Dare we hope that the cloud will be lifted from Trump's eyes with respect to other dictators such as Kim Jong Un ('very good personality, he's funny, and he's very, very smart'), Jair Bolsonaro ('great president') and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ('big fan')?In last Thursday's Tribune, I learned that Donald Trump is singling out Harvard University and the country of Brazil for a dose of his 'special' treatment. In two articles in Section 2, I read that the Trump administration is planning to subpoena Harvard University for information on foreign students (and is threatening the school with a loss of its accreditation), and he is set to impose a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil because Trump felt insulted when Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called him an unwanted 'emperor.' Meanwhile (also in Section 2), I read that House Republicans are questioning Joe Biden's physician about the former president's mental fitness. If this were a 'Veep' or 'House of Cards' episode, this would be amusing. It's not, and it's not.I am old now, so I remember school nuclear war drills as a kid (as if hiding under a desk would somehow help). I agree with the Tribune Editorial Board's conclusion that 'for 80 years, the world has lived with the threat of nuclear destruction,' and we now need 'to curb it, before it's too late' ('The risk of nuclear war waned after the Cold War. It's back with a vengeance,' July 14). But that is why bombing Iran was good and right. It lessens the chance for nuclear war. Iran is a rogue state that supports terror and has sworn destruction to Israel and the United States. We should believe it. Iran wasn't working diplomatically for a solution; it was stalling. It had kicked out inspectors and was accelerating its development program. 'Negotiating' with Iran is like negotiating with quicksand. Sadly, it doesn't work, and Iran speaks only one language: force and power. So for those who want to stop nuclear proliferation, stopping Iran is good for the mother, Yuki (Yukiko) Shelton, is a remarkable woman who turned 100 this March. She immigrated to the Chicago area in 1953 from Tokyo, where she graduated from dental school during the bombing of World War II. Yuki was so impressed by Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his reconstruction of Japan that she named me, her first son, after him. She subsequently trained in American dentistry and was a dentist at Camp McGill treating GIs during the Korean War. Yuki married my father, a dental technician, planning to live in Tokyo, but he was transferred while in the Navy. She encouraged him to attend the University of Louisville, and he graduated the top of his class in 1960. Returning to Chicago in 1963, she began reading the Tribune daily, which she does to this day, cover to cover. Although I have been in California since 1982, she continues to send me articles of interest from the 'Trib.' Yuki returned to the dental profession as a dental assistant at the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital in Maywood. During that period, she decided to pursue her love of classical literature, attending classes at the College of DuPage studying the likes of William Shakespeare, Russian literary greats and her most favorite author, Jane Austen. Yuki became a 'Janeite,' joining the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Attendance of the yearly Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Canada, was mixed with trips around the country for the yearly JASNA meetings, and several trips to Europe. Her dream trip was touring England to visit the home and places in Austen's novels. Yuki also loved living in the Chicago area — the western suburb of Villa Park — attending operas, plays and many, many films with friends, often driving downtown or taking the train herself. One highlight was attending a seminar at the University of Chicago where Robert Falls of the Goodman Theatre was speaking. I attended high school with Robert, and he recognized my mother. He introduced her to Kenneth Branagh, her favorite actor/director. She was thrilled! Retiring at age 70, she continued activities until only recently. She is very proud to be a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, having achieved this in the 1950s. I am very proud of her, her immigration, the life she has lived and the life she has given me.I am a first-generation American. My mother was born in Norway and immigrated here as a child. My grandmother brought her children to Iowa and then to the Scandinavian community in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood in search of a better life for the whole family. On Aug. 7, 1941 my mother became a naturalized American citizen after passing a written test about our Constitution and history and answering questions from an immigration judge. My grandmother's dream had been fulfilled. Over recent years, new waves of immigrants have come to America seeking the same opportunity offered to my mother and her family. Most yearn for freedom and are honest and hardworking people willing to do tasks and jobs that native-born Americans are unwilling to perform. There are certainly better ways to integrate them into our society than to have masked men arrest them on the street and drag them to the so-called Alligator Alcatraz camps in the Florida Everglades. This treatment is vile and an affront to our Constitution and our principles of equal protection under the law. It must be stopped. Also, I wonder how many native-born Americans today could pass the U.S. citizenship test and answer correctly questions from an immigration judge, such as aspiring citizens are still required to do, just as my mother did.
Malaysian Reserve
15-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Canon Showcases AI-Driven Business Solutions at "THINK BIG
Pioneering Smart Transformation with Cutting-Edge Technology for Automated and Intelligent Business Management HONG KONG, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With AI technology advancing rapidly, business transformation is happening faster than ever with new emerging agentic AI and Model Context Protocol (MCP) enhancing the capability of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Staying true to its innovation-driven vision, Canon Hong Kong hosted the 'THINK BIG – Automate. Optimize. Innovate.' event at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong to unveil its latest intelligent business offerings. The spotlight was on the debut of the new multi-function devices, imageFORCE series, alongside a suite of industry-specific, AI-powered solutions. The event underscored key digital transformation trends and demonstrated how technology is accelerating the shift toward smarter, more automated, and efficient business operations. 'As Hong Kong strengthens its investment in innovation and artificial intelligence, businesses are presented with tremendous opportunities while facing the imperative to proactively transform to stay ahead,' said Mr. Gary Lee, President and CEO of Canon Hong Kong. 'Canon remains committed to being a trusted partner for companies of all sizes as we move together toward an AI-powered future. Through this event, we are showcasing Canon's comprehensive business solutions that help enterprises reshape their operations and achieve sustainable growth in the fast-evolving landscape.' In today's fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape, driving automation, optimization, and innovation is essential,' stated Mr. Norihiro Katagiri, Senior Vice President of Canon Singapore. 'Since its launch in Singapore in 2010, the Think Big series has expanded across the region, staying true to its mission: equipping businesses with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to thrive amid constant change. The return of 'THINK BIG' to Hong Kong for its second edition provides business leaders a valuable platform to explore forward-looking strategies and actionable insights. Guided by our core vision, 'Think Big, Think Canon,' we believe true transformation begins with bold thinking. We're committed to empowering enterprises—from SMEs to large corporations—to simplify operations, enhance productivity, and unlock their full potential through Canon's smart, scalable solutions. New imageFORCE Series Canon has launched its new multi-function devices, imageFORCE series, designed to Make Business Move. Integrated with the AI Genie Connector, the series automatically captures key information using AI-driven classification and creates searchable indexes, even supporting handwritten documents. With a simple scan or file import, the system can instantly categorize resumes, contracts, bills, invoices, and more, revolutionizing document management and enhancing workflow efficiency. The imageFORCE series features AI-assisted predictive maintenance, leveraging advanced machine learning to continuously monitor and analyze device performance in real-time. This intelligent feature helps minimize unexpected downtime and significantly speed up repairs. Additionally, the innovative D2 Exposure technology utilizes organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) to deliver 4,800×2,400 dpi print resolution with vibrant colors and razor-sharp text. Integrated with the cloud-based print management solution, uniFLOW Online, the new series delivers a secure and flexible printing experience, featuring HID cards and facial recognition authentication, while also supporting sustainable design and energy-efficient technology. To address growing cyber-risks, the imageFORCE series is equipped with robust protections, including malware protection, activity logs, and SIEM compatibility with third-party solutions for real-time threat detection and response. The series also features Security Environment Estimation for analysis of the operating environment and recommendations for optimal security settings, safeguarding sensitive data at every stage of document management. Canon has also introduced an enterprise-grade IT security solution, ESET, which leverages advanced machine learning to continuously monitor emerging threats. Built with high scalability and minimal system load, the solution is well suited for businesses of all sizes. Its multi-layered defense system helps prevent, detect, and respond to cyber risks promptly, minimizing downtime and safeguarding critical data to ensure a secure digital environment for modern enterprises. AI Genie 2 Optimizes Business Performance with Advanced Intelligence AI Genie 2 harnesses agentic AI and MCP integration to perform sophisticated logical thinking and causal reasoning across multiple data sources. Modern AI empowers businesses in decision-making by gaining sharper insights, at the same time unlocking a powerful synergy in combining smart document analyses with automated operational workflows, helping enterprises to stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic digital era. AI Genie 2 leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to comprehend and process complex information. Upon receipt of users' prompts, its built-in chatbot instantly performs in-depth analysis and presents the result in clear comparison tables or visualizes the summary in various data charts. With tailored knowledge bases for each department, such as human resources, finance, legal, or sales departments, AI Genie 2 effectively optimizes the workflow in different parts of an enterprise by addressing their specific inquiries. Furthermore, it can intelligently extract keywords, key dates, and critical information from various file types, facilitating document searches and notifying relevant staff on important dates. For instance, AI Genie 2 largely automates the recruitment process. It first assists department heads by auto-generating job descriptions and completing recruitment request forms. Once HR receives the request and collects resumes for the vacant position, AI Genie 2 intelligently analyzes the CVs based on candidates' qualifications, experience, salary expectations and more. The AI assistant then scores the candidates in highly comprehensible tables and graphs, suggests suitable interview questions, and automatically sends invitations to favorable candidates. The solution also smoothly incorporates to human resources management systems, facilitating staff onboarding after candidate selection. In the finance department, AI Genie 2 optimizes accounts payable with precise two-way matching. It smartly compares purchase orders and invoice, and flags any discrepancies for a quick review. The intelligent AI assistant also streamlines accounts receivable by auto-generating invoices with data from the purchase order, which would be sent to respective recipients afterward. Both applications significantly improve data accuracy and minimize the turnaround time. Comprehensive Human Resource Management System BIPO is a high-performance, all-in-one SaaS solution designed to streamline HR workflows and enhance team efficiency. Its flexible modular structure allows companies to customize functions based on specific operational needs, enabling greater automation across human resource processes. This cloud-based system, enhanced by a mobile application, enables global deployment and provides employees with real-time access to manage and retrieve data from anywhere. As a comprehensive HR solution, especially for multinational organizations, BIPO continuously updates local labor laws and regulations across regions. It also alerts users to compliance with risks and provides expert guidance to help businesses stay compliant while operating internationally. The system also integrates seamlessly with various platforms, including Hong Kong's eMPF platform, allowing automatic synchronization of MPF contribution data. This not only simplifies MPF submissions but also eliminates manual data duplication, further streamlining operational processes. AI-Enhanced Video Surveillance and Analytics Traditional surveillance systems often struggle with limited coverage, monitoring inefficiencies, and the high cost for 24/7 operation. Leveraging professional imaging and analytics technologies to deliver comprehensive and AI-driven video analytics solutions could effectively address the pain points, turning hours of footage into actionable insight. The solution encompasses Milestone, an industry-leading video management system centralizes video management and offers customized experience with high compatibility, making it easier for staff to manage large volumes of footage. When paired with advanced AI analytics, hours of unstructured video are transformed into searchable, concise summaries. Users can track and identify targets across multiple cameras using customized search criteria, with results presented in an intuitive dashboard with charts. Additionally, Axis Communications' surveillance cameras offer exceptional image quality and wide coverage, with built-in AI-based object analytics. Leveraging AI, the solution delivers advanced crowd analytics, accurately counts people in crowded environments by analyzing posture and movement patterns. It also protects privacy by blurring faces, license plates, or other sensitive data automatically while retaining essential data for analysis. Powered by deep learning, the system maintains reliable facial recognition in low light environment or from unusual angles. With 3D scene calibration, it can measure interpersonal distances in real time and issue immediate safety alerts and reports. Workplace AI is a powerful video analytics solution designed for mid-to-large enterprises, addressing complex safety and security challenges. It elevates surveillance from passive observation to proactive intelligence features such as PPE detection, real-time fall detection, and advanced face recognition. With edge computing capabilities, Workplace AI integrates seamlessly with existing hardware, including alarms, cameras, access control and more, ensuring smooth compatibility and fast deployment. Its plug-and-play architecture supports easy scaling across various environments. In addition to improving safety and security, Workplace AI provides valuable insights through space utilization analysis, heat mapping and customer segmentation. These capabilities support smarter decision-making and enhance operational efficiency. Workplace Sustainable-Tech With the rise of shared workspaces and flexible work models, businesses are placing greater emphasis on efficient office space utilization. An intelligent room booking solution seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Teams and Outlook allows users to easily check room availability, book meeting rooms, and send meeting invitations in one go via familiar applications. Room check-in could be done in the blink of an eye simply by scanning a QR code or entering a PIN code on the display panel, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience. On top of that, the visitor management solution jointly enhances guest experience by allowing convenient self-service guest registration. External guests instantly receive an auto-generated email with check-in QR code available once the room has been reserved. Visitors could complete the registration by simply scanning the QR code upon arrival, and the solution will simultaneously remind staff to escort guests. There is also a smart robot that enhances the experience by integrating with the visitor management solution, guiding guests to designated meeting rooms upon the completion of self-registration, conveying a smart and efficient corporate image. To further facilitate resources management and create a sustainable working environment, the ESG solution offers a floor plan presenting real-time occupancy across office zones, dashboards automatically visualized energy usage in clear data charts and comprehensive meeting room usage reports. This supports data-driven resource allocation and showcases the organization's active commitment to sustainability and smart operations. Intelligent Talent Hub To meet the evolving needs of modern educational institutions, Canon offers smart solutions including Therefore™, PaperCut, and interactive flat panel, which helps schools enhance operational efficiency and teaching quality throughout digital transformation. Specifically designed for educational institutions, Therefore™ student profile management solution digitalizes paper records across different departments into a centralized, well-structured information hub. With unified indexing, student documents ranging from assignments to personal data are precisely categorized. By ensuring student information is organized and accessible, staff can effortlessly retrieve a designated file with multi-dimensional search. This resolves common challenges such as limited storage space, imprecise document retrieval, and time-consuming collaboration. Canon's offerings also include seamless integration with PaperCut, a user-friendly print management solution that helps schools control costs and streamline printing processes across diverse devices and networks. Its customizable printing rules, print quotas help to reduce paper and toner waste. The system supports various prepaid card options and connects to Google Cloud Directory for streamlined user management. To further elevate the classroom experience, the interactive flat panel features 4K UHD resolution with high color accuracy, an AI-Powered Trident Lens System, and a built-in array of 16 microphones. Supported with up to 50-point multi-touch with Intelligent MAXHUB Think&Ink technology, it overcomes the limitations of traditional whiteboards, delivering a more immersive and interactive learning experience that fosters collaboration and participation. Optimizing Accounting Management To better support the diverse needs of different departments, enterprises can adopt the professional financial management solution, FlexAccount, that automates financial workflows and asset management for more efficient and agile finance operations. This solution empowers finance teams to streamline budgeting, daily operation, month-end closing, and financial reporting. It is API-ready and supports integration with various front-end systems, such as POS, e-commerce apps, trading systems, and procurement systems, allowing flawless integration with the front line to optimize efficiency. For corporations managing group structures, it simplifies complex intercompany transactions to support various entity relationships. With a built-in intelligent financial analytics tool, users can generate financial reports simply by asking questions in natural language. Its fixed asset management module gives enterprises precise control and visibility across their asset portfolios. By fully integrating with AI Genie 2, the intelligent document assistant allowing further AP and AR automation with two-way matching and automatic invoice creation, this solution notably enhances workflow efficiency across the organization by centralizing document and financial management. About Canon Hongkong Company Limited Canon Inc. (TSE:7751) was founded in 1937 in Japan. Its predecessor, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, produced Japan's first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera 'Kwanon' in 1934. From there, Canon Inc. expanded into the photocopying and printing industries, launching Japan's first plain-paper copier NP-1100 in 1970 and the world's first inkjet printer BJ-80 in 1985. Through the years, Canon Inc. has acquired in-depth experience in digital imaging product manufacturing, research and development. Pioneering in innovative product development, Canon Inc. holds the most technology patents in the imaging industry. Canon Inc. also makes significant contributions to promote photography. Today, Canon Inc. has a strong global presence, representing one of the most important market players in the imaging, office and industrial product categories. As of 31 December 2024, Canon's global revenue was US$28.51 billion. In 1971, Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd. (Canon Hong Kong) was established as one of the first Canon offices in Asia. Canon Hong Kong is a Total Imaging Solution provider, providing professional pre-sales, marketing and after-sales services for all Canon products and solutions in Hong Kong and Macau. With the solely owned subsidiary Canon Business Solutions (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. established in 2018; the company continues to deliver intelligent total business solutions and professional services to Greater Bay Area. Canon Hong Kong adheres to Canon's corporate philosophy of 'Kyosei', encouraging the company and staff to engage in social, charitable and environmental activities for the community. Implementing an internationally recognized management system, Canon Hong Kong has achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 (Canon Digital Production Center) certifications. For more information about Canon Hong Kong, please visit our website:
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Think Big Stretches Out For Kelso Triumph
Think Big Stretches Out For Kelso Triumph originally appeared on Paulick Report. Godolphin's Kentucky homebred Think Big, with Jose Ortiz in the irons, proved a stretch out in distance was well within his range, surging late to overtake 9-5 favorite Intellect and capture Saturday's $175,000 Kelso (G3), a one-mile inner turf test for older horses on Day Three of the July 4th Racing Festival, at Saratoga Race Course. Advertisement Trained by Michael Stidham, the 4-year-old Twirling Candy gelding had made his six previous starts at 5 1/2-furlongs, taking the Grade 2 Shakertown in April at Keeneland and the Grade 2 Turf Sprint in May at Churchill Downs. With his Kelso score, he avenged a troubled off-the-board effort as the favorite last out in the Grade 1 Jaipur here and opened up options for potential targets down the road. Stidham said the idea of stretching Think Big out in distance had always been on his mind. 'At some point, we were going to try stretching him at least up to a mile,' Stidham said. 'After what happened last time where he got off bad and had no chance, we thought, 'OK, here's our chance to do it.' He had won two Grade 2s in a row going 5 1/2 [furlongs], so it wasn't something we were going to do out of those races, but when the last race went sideways, we decided now's our chance." Donegal Momentum, last-out winner of the Grade 3 Poker here, broke alertly from post 4 under Hall of Famer Javier Castellano but the Irad Ortiz Jr.-piloted Arzak was hustled from post 6 and led the field into the first turn as Win for the Money traveled up alongside Donegal Momentum. Advertisement Arzak established a clear advantage into the backstretch to mark the opening quarter-mile in 23.14 seconds before Castellano asked Donegal Momentum to advance and narrow the margin through a half-mile in :46.43. Meanwhile, Ortiz and Think Big were content to stalk from fourth position to the outside of Intellect with that pair advancing smartly into the final turn, avoiding Donegal Momentum, who stumbled suddenly when otherwise traveling well. Intellect, with Flavien Prat up, and a wide-rallying Win for the Money loomed large late in the turn with the former overtaking a tiring Arzak in upper stretch. However, Think Big was full of run and reaching for more ground with his terrific turn-of-foot, angling to the outside of Arzak and surging to the inside of Intellect at the sixteenth pole to score by one-length in a final time of 1:32.81. 'That was a good trip. Horse was traveling good every step of the way,' Ortiz said. 'Unfortunately, something happened with the 4 [Donegal Momentum], I don't know what, it was a bit scary, but I was able to make it through without any contact. I was able to get a nice trip, I split horses, and my horse gave me an explosive kick.' Prat said he felt he had to move a little early due to Donegal Momentum's misstep. Advertisement 'The trip was OK. I had to move soon because the horse, [Donegal Momentum] I don't know if he slipped or something, but it changed my plan and then I got to the front, and you wait on horses after that,' Prat said. Stidham said he wasn't sure Think Big was going to have the momentum to secure the win as the field straightened away. 'It looked like we were dropping back and really, I didn't think we were going to have much of a shot,' Stidham said. 'Then all of a sudden, he did what he did going 5 1/2, which is rare for a horse to have the turn-of-foot at 5 1/2 and going a mile. That's what made it impressive to me.' It was 1 1/4 lengths back to Win for the Money in third with Neat, Mountain Bear, Arzak and Donegal Momentum rounding out the order of finish. Nantasket Beach and main-track only entrants Wynstock, Yo Daddy, Bank Frenzy, and Game Warden were scratched. Advertisement Tom Morley, trainer of Donegal Momentum, said all appeared to be in good order with Donegal Momentum, who kept his footing and raced through the wire. 'He went down on his nose, Javier said, 'I was a foot off the ground, he came up underneath me, and galloped through the wire fine, jogged back fine,'' Morley said. 'Thank God he appears to be OK. We'll check him out top to toe obviously, but thank God he appears to be OK." Stidham said Think Big's performance likely earned him a shot in the $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave (G1) on August 2, a 'Win and You're In' for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Mile in November at Del Mar. 'It certainly [comes into play], without a doubt. Hopefully that could be our Grade 1 that we missed out on last time,' Stidham said. Advertisement Think Big, out of the stakes-winning Street Sense mare Always Thinking, banked $96,250 in victory while improving his record 11-6-0-1. He returned $15 for a $2 win bet. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Kiwiblog
28-05-2025
- Business
- Kiwiblog
It's a tax delay, not a tax break
Newsroom reports: It's audacious. It's astounding. We're doing the time warp again. Even ministers struggled to comprehend the scale of the tax incentive scheme they'd signed off in the Budget. Shane Jones left his own noisy beer-and-crayfish Budget night party, upstairs in Parliament Buildings, to return to the House to check with other ministers whether there really was no cap on the size of an asset that could receive the 20 percent tax deduction. Then he calls back, jubilant. Yes, he confirms, even a massive gas rig will be eligible. 'These gas rigs, it's a billion dollars for one. It's been 600 or 700 hundred million, can go up to a billion.' Yes, he agrees, combined with the $200 million for equity shares in gas fields, it's Think Big all over again. 'It's certainly got elements of the Crown coming back into the market in a way that Muldoon formally helped develop natural resources and de-risk co-investors,' he says. Got your eye on a fleet of company cars? Or a nice shiny skyscraper to house your business? Commercial buildings are also eligible. Developers are just talking through the nitty-gritty, now, like whether that extends to seismic strengthening. There's a debate to be held about whether or not there should be a cap on the Investment Boost scheme, but the article sort of misses the point when it paints this as a bottomless hole. The scheme just really allows depreciation to be claimed earlier than is normally the case. This affects cashflow, but doesn't in the long run change the amount of tax paid. Let's say you purchase a $100,000 asset with a 20% straight line depreciation rate. You would currently get the following 'back' for it: Year 1 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 Year 2 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 Year 3 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 Year 4 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 Year 5 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 So after five years you have claimed back $28,000 from tax. Under the new scheme it is: Year 1 – $40,000 x 28% = $11,200 Year 2 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 Year 3 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 Year 4 – $20,000 x 28% = $5,600 So after four years you have also claimed back $28,000 in tax. The same amount of tax gets paid. From a business point of view, it is definitely useful for cashflow getting that extra 20% in Year 1 – especially for longer lived assets which might only depreciate say 7% a year. From the government's point of view of view, it doesn't cost much in the longterm. There is a cash flow impact as you get less tax early on, but over time you end up collecting the exact same amount of tax. The only real fiscal impact long-term on the government is the cost of borrowing over the time period. If we take the example above, the government has to wait five years for its $5,600. It borrows at 3.5% so the cost is $196 a year or $784 so a $100,000 asset costs the government around $800 not $20,000.
