HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 24 July 2023 – A research led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed a statistical model which uses patterns of springtime warming in the western Pacific Ocean, western Indian Ocean and Ross Sea to predict the frequency of summertime co-occurrence of heat wave and air pollution in China. The model provides useful information for the Government authorities and the general public to take actions in advance to mitigate damage from the joint hazards.
Professor Gao Meng, Professor of the Department of Geography at HKBU, hopes the statistical model which predicts summertime co-occurrence of heat wave and air pollution in China can help mitigate damage from the joint hazards.
The research findings have been published in the international academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Heat wave and air pollution co-occurrence becomes more frequent
The issue of global warming attracted grave attention again recently as the world registered its hottest day to date for the third time in the first week of July this year, with the daily average temperature reaching a record-breaking 17.23 °C. Heat waves were widely reported in the northern atmosphere covering countries and regions in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.
Hot sunny days may co-occur with air pollution as ozone formation accelerates with increased temperature. Exposure to co-occurrence of heat and air pollution extremes is likely to induce amplified damages to both human health and the ecosystem. Yet, the understanding of their joint occurrence has received less attention.
A research team led by Professor Gao Meng, Professor of the Department of Geography at HKBU, and Dr Wang Zifa, Researcher of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, analysed the spatial distribution and temporal variation of the joint heat wave and ozone pollution events in China in the summers between 2005 to 2021.
“We observed that ozone pollution and heat waves had become increasingly intense and frequent in the North China Plain. This area covers some of China’s most densely populated cities and provinces such as Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu. More than 80% of co-occurrence during the period from 2005 to 2021 happened predominately on heat wave days,” said Dr Gao.
Impact of ocean warming on heat wave and ozone pollution
Using empirical orthogonal function analysis, a tool commonly employed in climate studies, the researchers discovered that the warming patterns in the western Pacific Ocean, western Indian Ocean and Ross Sea (a deep bay of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica) in springtime are associated with the frequency of co-occurrence of heat wave and ozone pollution events.
The research team concluded that sea surface temperature anomalies in the three oceans concerned in spring affect air pressure, wind movement, precipitation and radiation on the ground, which are key factors determining the occurrence of heat and air pollution extremes in the North China Plain in summer.
Statistical model enables early prediction
Based on these findings, the research team developed a regression-based statistical model using springtime sea surface temperature in the western Pacific Ocean, western Indian Ocean and Ross Sea to predict potential co-occurrence of heat wave and ozone pollution in China in summer. This allows a season or several months in advance for the Government authorities and the public to take action.
“If predictions suggest more heat wave and ozone pollution extremes in the coming summer months, the relevant Government authorities could issue warnings and take relief measures so that the agriculture or other related sectors, as well as communities that are sensitive to these extremes, can take actions to mitigate the adverse effects. Authorities can also optimise their management plans for air pollutants and greenhouse gases by setting more stringent control targets, or coordinating sources of electricity generation,” said Dr Gao.
Going forward, the research team hopes to further develop a statistical model that can predict co-occurrence of heat wave and air pollution events up to several years in advance. This can further enhance the nation’s capability in the management of related hazards.
Hashtag: #heatwave #airpollution
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The new “Singapore Cross-border Brand Launchpad” program, which is developed together with Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation, will help over 100 local Singapore MSMEs to launch and scale their brands, access export opportunities in the United States in the next two years
As of May 2023, sales from Singapore sellers on Amazon global sites achieved double-digit growth YoY, and hit record performance during Prime Day 2023
Accelerated e-commerce export by MSMEs poised to nearly double revenues from S$1.7 billion in 2022 to S$3.9 billion by 2027, new study from Access Partnership reveals
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 July 2023 – (NASDAQ: AMZN) – Amazon Global Selling today introduced the ‘Amazon Global Selling Singapore Cross-border Brand Launchpad’ program, in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF), to equip local entrepreneurs with cross-border e-commerce skills[1] and help them access burgeoning opportunities of this sector and build a long-term global business. The program will help over 100 local Singapore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs[2]) to launch and scale their brands through Global Selling in the next two years and help at least 300 Singapore companies to equip them with knowledge set of cross-border e-commerce through a long-term knowledge collaboration.
(L-R) Image of Kok Ping Soon, CEO of SBF; Anand Palit, Head of Amazon Global Selling, Southeast Asia; Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry; Soh Leng Wan, Assistant CEO, EnterpriseSG
A first by Amazon Global Selling in Singapore, the program will help over 100 eligible local MSMEs launch their brands and scale in the United States (U.S.) with dedicated and tailored account management support and resources. Notably, MSMEs will receive support in areas including advisory on business growth and solutions, optimization of marketing and analytics tools, and know-how on achieving product standards certification in line with local regulations.
Additionally, as part of a long-term knowledge collaboration, Amazon Global Selling is working with SBF to develop a dedicated cross-border e-commerce learning series for at least 300 Singapore companies. This will feature key topics including introduction to cross-border e-commerce business model, solutions to tackle common global e-commerce challenges, and relevant digital economy skills such as product selection and preparation, overseas market and consumer research, digital brand building and tools, performance optimization, cross-border logistics, and more. With seminars, business review, and business matching, the knowledge collaboration aims to empower local companies to develop a global business on the worldwide playing field.
Global e-commerce has grown at an average rate of 12%[3] over the last several years and this is forecasted to continue into the future. Within e-commerce, the cross-border Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce market is experiencing growth with a global CAGR of nearly 28.4% during 2020-2027[4]. “Cross-border e-commerce is becoming increasingly crucial for the success of MSMEs. To fuel their long-term growth, we recognize the significance of local collaborations and local support,” said Anand Palit, Head of Amazon Global Selling, Southeast Asia. “We look forward to growing our efforts with Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Business Federation to help local businesses seize the potential of the ever-expanding cross-border e-commerce and write the new chapter of Singapore MSME’s transformation story.”
“To strengthen their competitive edge, businesses must equip themselves with the capabilities to explore new markets and adopt differentiated go-to market strategies. The size and vibrancy of the e-commerce market in the U.S. presents significant opportunities for Singapore businesses,” said Soh Leng Wan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, EnterpriseSG. “We are excited to partner with Amazon Global Selling to help Singapore businesses build their capabilities in cross-border e-commerce and unlock new drivers of growth.”
“SBF is pleased to partner with Amazon Global Selling and EnterpriseSG to launch the “Amazon Global Selling: Singapore Cross-border Brand Launchpad” today. This partnership will help Singapore businesses develop the necessary know-how to reach customers in the U.S., which is one of the most diverse in the world with an enormous growth potential for consumer brands. We look forward to do more with Amazon Global Selling to accelerate cross-border e-commerce adoption by Singapore companies,” said Kok Ping Soon, CEO of Singapore Business Federation.
High growth potential for Singapore MSMEs with cross-border e-commerce
The value of B2C e-commerce sales earned by Singapore firms from overseas sales has the potential to nearly double from S$1.7 billion in 2022 to S$3.9 billion by 2027, if they invest in cross-border e-commerce. These are findings from the newly launched ‘Local Sellers, Global Consumers: Capturing the e-commerce export opportunity in Singapore’ study, which surveyed over 300 MSMEs from Singapore. The study, prepared by consulting firm Access Partnership, analyses the size of Singapore’s e-commerce export potential, the perspective of local MSMEs, and best practices to achieve that potential.
MSMEs are optimistic about the demand for online shopping. The study found that 82% of Singaporean MSMEs believe that e-commerce is critical for their ability to export. When asked the reasons for using e-commerce to export, MSMEs value the access to marketing tools that boost their product visibility internationally (48%) and ease of engaging with overseas customers online (47%). Other reasons cited include the ability to access a large number of overseas countries (44%) and the growing demand for online shopping (39%).
Amidst the opportunities for growth through cross-border e-commerce, the capability and knowledge barriers faced by MSMEs are a lack of capability in managing digital platforms and a lack of knowledge on e-commerce export business models, which are what the knowledge collaboration aims to address.
Today, more than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store are from independent sellers—most of which are small and medium-sized businesses—providing a vast selection of amazing products, competitive prices, and great convenience for consumers[5] . Many Singapore sellers have already started their e-commerce journeys on Amazon stores. As of this May, sales from Singapore sellers on Amazon global sites have achieved double-digit growth YoY, and have hit record-breaking performance during Prime Day this year.
HYDRAGUN, a local brand providing health and wellness massagers and products, is an example of a passion project that has scaled to global audiences. “Hydragun was an idea born from my training injury that quickly became an opportunity to offer high-quality, premium recovery essentials to people all over the world who suffer from body aches and pain. Whether you are young or old, active or otherwise, pain is something that everyone would experience at some point—and my team and I aim to innovate and create recovery solutions to help people feel good, get better and live their best lives. As Hydragun continues to expand globally, Amazon presents a unique opportunity to directly reach a wide base of customers. They are one of the key levers to helping us achieve our mission of reaching 1 million households by 2025,” said Aloysius Chay, co-founder of HYDRAGUN.
To learn more about the millions of small and medium-sized businesses growing with Amazon, visit: aboutamazon.com/supporting-small-businesses. More information about selling on Amazon can be found here:https://www.amazon.sg/sell. And sellers who are interested in the program can register in this link.
[1] Refers to the buying and selling of products or services online across domestic borders
[2] MSMEs are defined as enterprises with operating revenue not more than $100mil or employment not more than 200 workers
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About Amazon Global Selling
Amazon Global Selling helps businesses from anywhere in the world to launch a global business, reach Amazon customers around the world and build international brands. Through selling on Amazon online stores, sellers of different types and scale can reach millions of Amazon customers worldwide, including 200 million+ Prime customers in overseas Amazon online stores; and more than five million business and institutional buyers in the USA, Europe, and Japan.
Teacher at a rural school in Laos (Photo: World Vision).
In a move to alleviate a severe teacher shortage in rural areas, the government of Laos is to provide equal pay for volunteer teachers and civil servants.
A bamboo bridge in Kampong Cham province of Cambodia, the province located on the central lowlands of the Mekong River. (Photo: MRC)
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has opened registration for another milestone public forum, which will be highlighted by eagerly anticipated updates on topics such as the “Joint Study” between the MRC and northern neighbors, China and Myanmar, the “State of the Basin Report 2023,” and various hydropower projects.
A man shows new currency notes outside Myanmar Economic Bank Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Yangon, Myanmar. In an order by Myanmar’s central bank Sunday, April 3, 2022, all foreign currency holdings must be converted into the local currency causing many in the military-ruled country to worry over potential losses. (Photo: AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — The Central Bank of army-ruled Myanmar will issue a new banknote worth twice as much as the current highest denomination, state-run media reported Sunday, in a possible reaction to the economy becoming more unstable since the generals seized power in 2021.
The Largest Post-Pandemic STEAM Competition in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 24 July 2023 – Trumptech, the leading edtech company and the Official LEGO® Education Partner in Hong Kong, has successfully held the FIRST® LEGO® League 2022-23, attracting a record-breaking 85 schools and nearly 150 teams from around the city. With its transformative approach to STEAM education, this competition represents the largest of its kind in the region following the global pandemic.
Award winners of the FIRST® LEGO® League 2022-23 Secondary School Division.
The FIRST® LEGO® League offers annual international STEAM competitions, drawing participation from over 100 countries worldwide. Students, using LEGO® Education kits to achieve their goals, explore STEAM topics and boost their 21st-century skills. The event also aligns with Hong Kong’s chief executive’s 2022 policy address, aiming to promote STEAM education “for all”, “for fun”, and “for diversity” in primary and secondary schools. This initiative intends to include more I&T learning elements in the curriculum, designate coordinators in all publicly-funded schools to plan STEAM education holistically, and arrange professional training for teachers in at least 75% of publicly-funded schools.
“The FIRST® LEGO® League competition embodies our commitment to inspire and cultivate the future leaders of STEAM,” said Ming Kwok, CEO of Trumptech. “By providing students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience, we are empowering them to develop creative problem-solving abilities and technological literacy that will prove essential in the world of tomorrow.”
This year’s competition offered a range of categories for kindergarteners, primary, and secondary school students, ensuring a holistic development and application of STEAM skills throughout their academic journey.
Students prepared for four critical aspects of the competition: The Robot Game, Innovation project, Robot Design, and Core Values. Through these segments, they had the chance to design and program robots, propose creative solutions to global issues, and present their projects to professional judges.
Participating teams consisted of 2-6 students, guided by 1-2 coaches. They were equipped with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime core and expansion kits, FLL Challenge annual field set (mission maps and field models), teacher and student guides, and the Robot Performance Competition Guide.
The competition rewarded students across multiple areas, such as Robot Design, Innovation project, and Team Collaboration, with the opportunity for winners to attend the international competition in China, US, Europe and Australia.
Beyond the competition, Trumptech offers comprehensive STEAM learning services and support, including FLL competition workshops, FLL competition training courses, SPIKE Prime student interest classes, and SPIKE Prime fun days for entire grades. These opportunities allow preparation for the competition and easy integration into the curriculum.
“We are proud of the achievements of all the teams this year and excited about the potential of these young learners,” added Mr. Kwok. “The future of STEAM is in their hands, and we at Trumptech are committed to helping them explore, innovate, and lead.”
In addition to Trumptech, the FIRST® LEGO® League 2022-23 was supported by multiple parties, including Strategic Partner the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Co-organisers the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education (HKACE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and venue sponsor THEi and Vocational Training Council of Hong Kong.
The policy address and Trumptech’s efforts are converging to form a robust foundation for promoting I&T development in Hong Kong. The success of the FIRST® LEGO® League competition is a testament to this commitment.
Award winners of the Primary School Division
Awards
School/ Team
Team
Overall Champion
Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Primary School
HP Lego Team
Overall 1st runner up
Chun Tok School
P5
Overall 2nd runner up
Chun Tok School
P6
Robot Performance Award Champion
Chun Tok School
P5
Robot Performance Award Champion 1st runner up
Wong Tai Sin Catholic Primary School
MERCURY
Robot Performance Award Champion 2nd runner up
Chun Tok School
P4
Judges Award
Tai Po Government Primary School
Team 1
Best Presentation Award
Alliance Primary School, Kowloon Tong
Team 7
Team Building Award
Kowloon Tong Government Primary School
Innovation Project Award
Tai Po Government Primary School
Team 3
Robot Design Award
Pigeon City
PCEW「DUCK」
Award winners of Secondary School Division
Awards
School/ Team
Team
Overall Champion
SKH Bishop Baker Secondary School
Concentric
Overall 1st runner up
Diocesan Girls’ School
DGS Robotics
Overall 2nd runner up
Buddhist Tai Hung College
T-Rex
Robot Performance Award Champion
Carmel Secondary School
Carmel Secondary School
Robot Performance Award Champion 1st runner up
Queen’s College
Team Diamond
Robot Performance Award Champion 2nd runner up
SKH Bishop Baker Secondary School
symbio
Judges Award
Pui Ching Middle School
Team 2
Best Presentation Award
Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School
JAKIOS
Team Building Award
Dr. X Academy
Hyper Beast
Innovation Project Award
Sing Yin Secondary School
Sing Ying boyS Step on lego
Robot Design Award
St. Margaret’s Co-educational English Secondary and Primary School
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) shows off his inked finger, standing next to his wife Bun Rany, left, after voting a ballot at a polling station in Takhmua in Kandal province, southeast Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday 23 July, 2023. Cambodians go to the polls Sunday with incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and his party all but assured a landslide victory thanks to the effective suppression and intimidation of any real opposition that critics say has made a farce of democracy in the Southeast Asian nation. (Photo: AP)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The ruling party of Cambodia’s longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen claimed a landslide victory in Sunday’s general election, an outcome that was virtually assured after the suppression and intimidation of the opposition in a vote called a farce of democracy.
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