Latest news with #WMC
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
World Malayali Council office-bearers elected
The office-bearers of the World Malayali Council (WMC), a global Malayali outfit, have been elected for the year 2025-27. The new office bearers are Dr. Isaac John Pattani Parampil (global chairman), Baby Mathew Somatheeram (global president), Moosa Koya (general secretary), and Thomas Chellath (treasurer). The office bearers including Johnny Kuruvilla (global goodwill ambassador) and Dr. Sashi Nadakal (VP admin) were sworn in at a ceremony held at the Corniche Hotel in Sharjah, said a statement here on Friday.
Arabian Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
New leadership for World Malayalee Council
Sharjah, UAE — The World Malayalee Council (WMC) inaugurated a new chapter of global engagement and community empowerment with the swearing-in of its newly elected global office bearers for the 2025–2027 term. The ceremonial installation, held at the Corniche Hotel in Sharjah, marked not only a leadership transition but also a reaffirmation of the Council's enduring mission to connect, empower, and elevate Malayalees across the world. At the forefront of this renewed vision is Dr. Isaac John Pattaniparambil, who assumes charge as Global Chairman. A distinguished journalist and public intellectual with over five decades of service in the UAE's media landscape, Dr. Isaac currently serves as Managing Editor of Khaleej Times, one of the Gulf region's most influential English-language newspapers. His leadership promises a period of strategic expansion and inclusive engagement rooted in experience and deep diaspora insight. ADVERTISEMENT Dr. Isaac is no newcomer to WMC, having previously served as Global Chairman and President (2012–2018), as well as Global Ambassador and Advisory Board Chair. His longstanding association with the Council has been pivotal in shaping its international growth and identity. Under his renewed stewardship, WMC is expected to further broaden its influence across its 78 provinces in 30 countries, while fostering innovative collaborations and elevating the global Malayalee narrative. Joining him in steering the Council forward is Baby Mathew Somatheeram, elected as the Global President. An acclaimed figure in Kerala's tourism sector, Baby Mathew is Chairman of Somatheeram Group of Resorts, known internationally for pioneering Ayurveda tourism and sustainable hospitality practices. Within WMC, he has held several key positions and is known for his strategic vision, grassroots orientation, and commitment to youth engagement and entrepreneurial development. Other key appointments include Moosa Koya (General Secretary, Al Kobar), Thomas Chellath (Treasurer, Dallas), and Johnny Kuruvilla (Global Goodwill Ambassador, Muscat). The leadership team also features Dr. Sasi Nadakkal (Kollam) as Vice President (Administration), further reinforcing a leadership mix that blends experience with fresh perspectives. The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Ramesh Chennithala, former Kerala Home Minister and State Congress President; Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan, veteran diplomat; P.H. Kurian, former Additional Chief Secretary of Kerala; and Sanjeev Joseph, Kerala MLA. In their congratulatory addresses, the guests lauded the incoming leadership for their integrity, commitment, and vision, and expressed confidence in WMC's role as a unifying platform for Malayalees worldwide. The new leadership team is expected to focus on key strategic areas, including cross-cultural dialogue, professional networking, and philanthropic outreach. Plans are already underway to amplify WMC's participation in international forums, scale up educational initiatives, and drive social impact projects across regions with significant Malayalee presence. Representing a global diaspora known for its resilience, talent, and cultural depth, WMC's 2025–2027 team embodies the Council's founding ideals of unity, service, and purpose. With an inclusive and forward-looking agenda, the organisation stands poised to strengthen its role as a beacon of Malayalee identity and excellence on the world stage. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Los Angeles Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Commission's denial of home ownership project reveals cracks in Costa Mesa's zoning
In Costa Mesa, where 60% of the populace are renters and home prices make purchases prohibitive, city leaders have repeatedly expressed a desire to see more home ownership projects. But at what cost? That issue came to a head this week as the city's planning commission considered a proposal for Victoria Place, a 40-unit condominium complex at 220 Victoria St., a 1.77-acre commercial lot situated just west of Newport Boulevard. A hearing Monday followed an August 2024 screening by the City Council, during which officials pressed for more common areas, open space and better landscaping but had no qualms about the project's density or location. Put forth by Newport Beach-based WMC, LLC., the proposal features 18 duplexes and four detached residences, each comprising roughly 2,700 square feet in three stories with a ground-floor workspace, two-car garage, balcony and rooftop deck at a maximum height of 39 feet, 6 inches. The property lies close enough to Newport Boulevard to qualify for rezoning under Measure K, a 2022 voter-backed initiative that makes allowances for high-density residences near certain commercial and industrial corridors. Because the requisite rezoning has not been completed, the developers of Victoria Place, with help from city planners, have had to get creative. The project was pitched to commissioners for inclusion in a residential incentive overlay district created in 2016 to allow for the redevelopment of 14 identified commercial properties along Newport and Harbor boulevards for high-density residential uses. None of the property owners took advantage of the designation and, two years later, city leaders reduced eligibility to just four sites. Victoria Place seeks designation as a fifth parcel and, if built, would be the first site developed under the overlay's more permissive building standards. However, applicants came to Monday's hearing asking for even more concessions than the overlay allows, namely a reduction in side and rear setbacks, garages and on-site parking stalls narrower by 6 inches, less off-street parking and a reduction in required common open space. 'We feel that Costa Mesa's need for this type of housing is pretty clear. And [this] offers a thoughtful and well-designed response to that need,' Tony Weeda, managing partner of WMC, LLC. told commissioners. He explained architects incorporated a barbecue and play area into the site plans, along with a flexible-use space that can be used for events and as a fire lane. The gated complex would allow children to play safely on the property. Architect Richard Finkel said the city encouraged the applicants to fit as much housing as the overlay allowed. Commissioners, however, were not convinced the multiplicity of concessions were appropriate for the space and expressed concerns about the traffic vehicles and pedestrians would face so close to Newport Boulevard. They further lamented the city's delay in rezoning Measure K properties. 'We still don't have a cohesive plan for what we expect from our Measure K sites,' said Commissioner David Martinez. 'Now, we get stuck in this weird situation where we're applying something for the very first time and trying to figure out what any of it means — it just sucks.' Commissioner Rob Dickson said it would be unfair to hold an applicant hostage because the city couldn't figure out how to zone a project, and pointed out the council already ostensibly approved the concept last August. 'If this was the first impression of the project before us, I would be 100% absolutely not; it's just too outside the scope,' he said. 'However, this has been going on for a while, and it seems to be something the council asked for.' Commissioners opposed recommending the project in a 5-2 vote, with Dickson and Commissioner Angely Andrade Vallarta opposed. It will move on to the City Council for its consideration.
Korea Herald
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz Reinforces Hyundai's Journey as a Mobility Leader at FISITA World Mobility Conference 2025
SEOUL, South Korea and BARCELONA, Spain, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) reaffirms its vision for the future of mobility and its leadership in technological innovation at the La Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Ingénieurs des Techniques de l'Automobile (FISITA) World Mobility Conference (WMC) 2025, held from June 3 to 5 at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. FISITA, the world's largest association of academic institutions in the automotive field, unites engineering societies from 36 countries and has cultivated a global network of approximately 210,000 automotive researchers since its establishment in 1948. Its biennial conference, FISITA WMC, convenes around 2,000 distinguished executives and engineers from the mobility industry. As Prime Partner of FISITA WMC, the Group underscores its commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility by delivering a networking program, technical sessions, paper presentations, and an exhibition. Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz set the tone for the conference with his Principal Speech, engaging with industry leaders and engineers under the theme of Hyundai's journey as a mobility leader. "As an engineer myself, it was a real pleasure to share Hyundai's mobility journey and engage with participants at the FISITA World Mobility Conference. Under the leadership of Hyundai's Executive Chair, we are pushing the technological boundaries of what's currently possible to improve how people and goods will move more safely, sustainably and conveniently. Thank you to the organizers and congratulations to my colleague ChangHwan Kim for being named as the first Korean president of FISITA." ChangHwan Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Electrification Energy Solutions Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group, who was inducted as president of FISITA at the conference, will guide the organization throughout his tenure until May 2027, overseeing the Executive Board and Committees. The Group will also host a special technical session from June 4 to 5, highlighting its latest advancements and collaborative research with European partners. Key topics include methodologies and case studies on the use of software and hardware, such as driving simulators for virtual performance verification, new bushing technologies to enhance ride comfort and performance in EVs and research on ensuring chassis reliability in software-defined vehicles using prognostics and health management technologies. Under the theme 'Clearly Committed, FCEV Technology,' the all-new NEXO and the enhanced fuel cell system will be exhibited, reiterating Hyundai Motor Group's leadership in hydrogen mobility and showcasing its dedication to driving innovation as a smart solutions provider across the full mobility ecosystem. By sharing its vision and technological capabilities throughout the conference, Hyundai Motor Group aims to foster global academic collaboration in mobility research while solidifying its role as a catalyst for innovation in the automotive industry, all in line with its vision of 'Progress for Humanity.' About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service.
USA Today
27-01-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Wisconsin business leaders support tariffs on China, new WMC survey says
Wisconsin business leaders support tariffs on China, new WMC survey says Wisconsin business leaders want tariffs on China but not Mexico and Canada. In response to unfair trade practices, 86% of Wisconsin business leaders support President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on goods imported from China, according to a new poll by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. 'Wisconsin is a manufacturing and agricultural state. We make, grow and process things and we want to sell them around the world. But business leaders are saying that we need our trading partners to play by the rules,' Kurt Bauer, WMC president and CEO said in a statement. Tariff supporters say the import fees, when prudently applied, can shield American industries from unfair foreign competition. However they can make it more expensive for manufacturers to produce goods using raw materials and components from outside the United States. Also, when other countries retaliate with their own trade sanctions, it hurts sales of American products in those markets. The WMC poll showed that 56% of business leaders oppose tariffs on Mexico and Canada, two of Wisconsin's largest trading partners. Still, 73% support Trump's plan to use tariffs as a negotiating tactic to slow illegal immigration into the United States. The semiannual employer survey also showed that 89% of business leaders favor immigration reform which starts with securing the U.S. southern border. Ninety-six percent support increasing the 85,000-person cap on H-1B visas which target foreign workers with specialized skills. 'WMC has been advocating for reforming the guest worker program for some time. Demographic trends show that Wisconsin needs workers now and well beyond mid-century. Foreign workers must be part of the solution or our state will lose jobs and the economic activity that goes with them,' Bauer said. On taxes, 97% of respondents support making the provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. A new study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers says that failing to renew the expiring tax provisions in TCJA will cost Wisconsin 110,000 jobs, $10 million in employee wages, and $19.5 billion in gross domestic product output from the manufacturing sector alone. Manufacturing is Wisconsin's top economic sector, representing nearly $72 billion in GDP annually. Ninety percent of the survey respondents support lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate for manufacturers to 15%.
