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More than a Billion Methamphetamine Tablets Seized Last Year in Southeast Asia

six million amphetamines tablets siezed in Bokeo
Six million amphetamines tablets seized in Bokeo.

A new UN report counts the number of illegal methamphetamine tablets seized last year in South and Southeast Asia at more than a billion pills, the highest number ever recorded.

PolyU develops advanced vision sensors that emulate human visual adaptability

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – Future autonomous vehicles and industrial cameras might have human-like vision, thanks to a recent advance by scientists from Hong Kong and South Korea. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yonsei University in Seoul have developed vision sensors that emulate and even surpass the human retina’s ability to adapt to various lighting levels.

poly4.jpg
The bioinspired vision sensors developed by Dr Chai’s team can adapt to varying brightness with an effective range of up to 199 dB. The human retina can adapt to environments under sunlight to starlight, with a range of about 160 dB.

“The new sensors will greatly improve machine vision systems used for visual analysis and identification tasks,” says Dr CHAI Yang, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and Assistant Dean (Research), Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, PolyU, who led the research.

Machine vision systems are cameras and computers that capture and process images for tasks such as facial recognition. They need to be able to “see” objects in a wide range of lighting conditions, which demands intricate circuitry and complex algorithms. Such systems are rarely efficient enough to process a large volume of visual information in real time—unlike the human brain.

The new bioinspired sensors developed by Dr Chai’s team may offer a solution through directly adapting different light intensities by the sensors, instead of relying on backend computation. The human eye adapts to different levels of illumination, from very dark to very bright and vice versa, which allows us to identify objects accurately under a range of lighting conditions. The new sensors aim to mimic this adaptability.

“The human pupil may help adjust the amount of light entering the eye,” explains Dr Chai, “but the main adaptation to brightness is performed by retina cells.” Natural light intensity spans a large range, 280 dB. Impressively, the new sensors developed by Dr Chai’s team have an effective range of up to 199 dB, compared with only 70 dB for conventional silicon-based sensors. The human retina can adapt to environments under sunlight to starlight, with a range of about 160 dB.

To achieve this, the research team developed light detectors, called phototransistors, using a dual layer of atomic-level ultrathin molybdenum disulphide, a semiconductor with unique electrical and optical properties. The researchers then introduced “charge trap states”—impurities or imperfections in a solid’s crystalline structure that restrict the movement of charge—to the dual layer.

“These trap states enable the storage of light information,” report the researchers, “and dynamically modulate the optoelectronic properties of the device at the pixel level.” By controlling the movement of electrons, the trap states enabled the researchers to precisely adjust the amount of electricity conducted by the phototransistors. This in turn allowed them to control the device’s photosensitivity, or its ability to detect light.

Each of the new vision sensors is made up of arrays of such phototransistors. They mimic the rod and cone cells of the human eye, which are respectively responsible for detecting dim and bright light. As a result, the sensors can detect objects in differently lit environments as well as switch between, and adapt to, varying levels of brightness—with an even greater range than the human eye.

“The sensors reduce hardware complexity and greatly increase the image contrast under different lighting conditions,” says Dr Chai, “thus delivering high image recognition efficiency.”

These novel bioinspired sensors could usher in the next generation of artificial-vision systems used in autonomous vehicles and manufacturing, as well as finding exciting new applications in edge computing and the Internet of Things.

The research was published in Nature Electronics.

#PolyU

Ukraine Ambassador Briefs Media in Laos as Conflict Nears 100 Days

Ukraine Ambassador Briefs Media in Laos as Conflict Nears 100 Days
German Ambassador to Laos, Ms. Annette Knobloch, and Canadian Chargé d’Affaires to Laos, Mr. Bob Paquin, host Mr. Oleksandr Lysak, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Ukraine Embassy in Bangkok via video link.

Journalists in Laos were invited to a media briefing on the situation in Ukraine jointly hosted by the German and Canadian embassies on Monday.

New Fujitsu Notebook LIFEBOOK Models Designed for the Hybrid Workplace

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – Fujitsu has introduced a brand-new notebook portfolio for today’s post-pandemic hybrid work lifestyles. The updated range is spearheaded by a new, lightweight LIFEBOOK U7 Series featuring ultra-light magnesium casing.

Secure Mobile Office Companion

Available in wide range of sizes1, Fujitsu newly introduces the LIFEBOOK U7312 with its new slim and stylish ultra-mobile chassis, based on the 12th generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor, is made for business professionals. With its 13.3-inch screen, light weight of 1.05 kg, Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, it provides excellent mobility and portability. Ergonomic viewing is guaranteed along with outstanding security.

Convenience and connectivity

For convenience in hot-desking environments, the latest LIFEBOOK models use the same port replicator for both U7 and E5 Series to provide instant connections to peripherals. There are connectivity options for every environment onboard, from Wi-Fi 6E and 5G WWAN networks2.

Enterprise security features as standard

Biometric access options include Infrared Camera for face recognition, and fingerprint recognition or Fujitsu’s PalmSecure™ palm vein biometric security. The notebooks also offer a privacy camera shutter. An ePrivacy filter to shield content from prying eyes is also available for selected models3.

Powerful and modern business device

The latest generation LIFEBOOK E5 models are more svelte than the popular predecessor models – with a smaller footprint and a new slimmed-down profile – just 19.9mm for the 14″ version and 20.1mm for the 15″, in comparison to the previous generation’s 23.9mm. While the weight of the LIFEBOOK E5 models has decreased by up to 25 percent the battery capacity has increased, enabling worry-free all-day runtime.

Rüdiger Landto, Senior Director Global CCD Business at Fujitsu, comments: “The whole range of LIFEBOOK models standardizes the inclusion of enterprise-class security features to make logging in easy while keeping data secure. What’s more, they are available at a very competitive price.”

In addition to the new LIFEBOOK U7 and E5 Series, Fujitsu is introducing the premium LIFEBOOK U9312, and its tablet counterpart, the LIFEBOOK U9312X4, to continually deliver uncompromised user experiences.

Pricing and availability

The LIFEBOOK E5, U7, and U9 series are available in selected countries in Asia5, please contact Fujitsu for more details.

Notes to editors
1 Three new advanced line models are available: LIFEBOOK U7312(13.3″), U7412(14″), and U7512 (15.6″).
2 Dedicate to specific product and countries only.
3 The ePrivacy shield filter is available on LIFEBOOK U7312 and U7412 models.
4 LIFEBOOK U9312X will be available in specific regions and countries only.
5 Product availability may vary depending on country. On-shelf dates may vary by geography.

Learn More: www.fujitsu.com/lifebook-ap
Fujitsu pictures: https://bit.ly/3stGkZy

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more:

About Fujitsu Business Technologies
Fujitsu Business Technologies Asia Pacific is the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters for business technologies of Fujitsu Limited, Japan, responsible for wide range of client computing devices and business solutions for corporate users in Asia Market. Fujitsu Business Technologies Asia Pacific Limited pledges “Built-in Confidence” for every product under its brand name to reassure users of product and service excellence. From high performance components to stringent quality control and professional after-sales service, Fujitsu stands for reliability and satisfaction.

All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

#Fujitsu #FujitsuBusinessTechnologies

Hong Kong Baptist University School of Business Marks 65th Anniversary with Multiple Awards

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) School of Business has received noteworthy achievements in conjunction with its 65th anniversary, most recently having been re-accredited by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) for a further five years, the maximum term possible.

HKBU School of Business was applauded for the excellence of its environment, career support, research-based teaching and whole-person approach to education. The School is one of only 44 business schools in Asia and 108 schools worldwide to hold a triple accreditation from the three main accrediting bodies – EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious five-year reaccreditation from EQUIS, which reflects our ongoing commitment to research excellence, enhancing students’ learning and development, and engaging our alumni and the wider community,” said Prof. Ed Snape, Dean of the HKBU School of Business. “The EQUIS accreditation provides a benchmark for international standards in business education, and we will build on this success in the years to come.”

Led by the European Foundation for Management Development, EQUIS is an international accreditation system specialising in management and business education institutions. Its in-depth assessment process ensures that accredited schools demonstrate educational excellence and innovation, as well as a commitment to internationalisation, ethics, sustainability, and practice.

In addition to EQUIS, the School received a global top 50 and Asia Pacific top 10 ranking in the Association of Information Systems (AIS) Research Rankings. The ranking is a globally reputable indicator that tracks publications in eight leading IS journals within the AIS basket of high-quality journals. HKBU School of Business Professor Christy Cheung of the Department of Finance and Decision Sciences, was ranked 29th out of over 18,000 scientists in the field of information systems, and 1st among female IS scientists.

Also in its 65th anniversary year, the School achieved a global top 100 ranking for its Master of Science in Business Management (MScBM) programme by the Financial Times’ Masters in Management (MiM) ranking.

#HKBUSchoolofBusiness

Vingroup collaborates with Intel; Signs agreement to develop advanced technologies

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – Vingroup today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Intel to create a wide range of advanced computing systems including 5G enabled smart city and smart building solutions, smart manufacturing processes, cloud services and AI as well as ADAS based on Mobileye technology.

Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vingroup Vice Chairwoman and Mr. Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO at the signing ceremony.
Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vingroup Vice Chairwoman and Mr. Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO at the signing ceremony.

The collaboration is part of a continued effort from Vingroup to work with top tier global suppliers who can aid with manufacturing development, smart services and electric vehicle initiatives. Intel is at the forefront of data analytics, artificial intelligence and in-vehicle computing advancements that are changing the experience and business of driving.

Under the agreement, Vingroup and Intel will work to explore opportunities for 5G-enabled smart city and smart building solutions, which can be applied to Vinhomes’ Smart City projects. The companies will also work to collaborate around creating and deploying smart factory IOT solutions for VinES batteries manufacturing and VinFast electric vehicles manufacturing.

Vingroup and Intel will collectively define and build both an optimized and scalable computing architecture for AI training and inference for Vingroup’s in-vehicle and cloud applications that enables a specific in-vehicle experience for consumers and an optimized multi-cloud strategy to potentially migrate and deploy open-source in-vehicle and in-building applications. The applications can include high-performance data management systems for ADAS and Infotainment, manufacturing and supply chain management along with enterprise solutions for Vingroup facilities.

Both companies will also work together to define a shared vision of future in-vehicle computing platforms and build scalable in-vehicle computing platforms for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) based on Mobileye technology and infotainment systems that deliver a unique in-vehicle experience for Vingroup and VinFast customers and create a suite of services that will differentiate them from competitors.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup said: “Vingroup has always been a pioneer in bringing consumers smart products and services integrated with world-class technologies, advanced features and outstanding experiences to improve their lives. We work towards realizing this vision through partnerships like this, to create a smarter and more sustainable future for everyone.”

“The digitization of everything is contributing to the insatiable need for semiconductors, especially in the automotive sector. Intel has the depth and breadth of software, silicon and platforms, and process with at-scale manufacturing our partners need for their next-generation innovations. This collaboration with Vingroup can help deliver needed technology innovations for safer roads, more sustainable manufacturing and smarter cities,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO.

Vingroup recently adjusted its orientation and redefined three key groups of activities, namely technology and industry, trade and services, and social enterprise. To develop the technology and industry group, Vingroup focuses on two main strategies: building Vingoup’s technology ecosystem and connecting global intelligence – cooperating with the world’s leading technology partners to accelerate the application of the most advanced and new technologies to Vingroup’s products and services.

About Vingroup

Established in 1993, Vingroup is one of the leading private conglomerates in the region, with a total capitalization of $35 billion USD from three publicly traded companies. Vingroup currently focuses on three main areas: Technology and Industry, Services, and Social Enterprise. Find out more at: .

#Vingroup

Coding Skills Grow in Prevalence for Many Job Roles Across Organisations in Singapore

  • More than four in five (84%) employers say that there is an increasing need for employees across various job roles and departments to have basic coding skills and knowledge.
  • Nearly a third of employers (31%) say that a large proportion of job roles across departments within their organisation require basic and advanced coding skills.
  • More than half of employers (53%) say that the number of job roles requiring basic coding skills or tech-lite jobs is growing. In addition, two in five employers (41%) say that the number of jobs requiring advanced coding skills or tech-heavy jobs is growing.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – With the rapid digitalisation of workplace processes today, more than four in five employers (84%) say that there is an increasing need for employees across various job roles and departments to have basic coding skills and knowledge. Almost a third of employers (31%) reveal that more than 50% of job roles within their organisation require basic and advanced coding skills.

Coding.jpg

These are some of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub’s recently launched Industry Insights report on Coding, to uncover the importance of acquiring coding knowledge, the demand for tech-lite and tech-heavy roles, as well as the priority skills required of employees.

The report is based on a survey with 200 business leaders across various industries in Singapore, and interviews with industry practitioners and experts from NTUC LearningHub and its training content partners. It also offers recommendations on how aspiring coders from varying backgrounds and level of competency can upskill in coding to further their careers.

Many employers are optimistic about the growth of technology-related job roles in Singapore. Half of the employers surveyed (53%) say that the number of job roles requiring basic coding skills or tech-lite jobs is growing. Similarly, two in five employers (41%) say that the number of jobs requiring advanced coding skills or tech-heavy jobs is on the rise.

Commenting on the report findings, NTUC LearningHub’s Director of Infocomm Technology, Anthony Chew says, “In today’s highly digitalised world, the ability to code is a critical skill even for non-tech employees as it will enable them to create value for their organisations. As companies increasingly adopt the use of low-code platforms, it is now possible for business users to develop applications, carry out data analysis, create machine learning models, and automate tasks. This results in employers looking for individuals with coding skills to utilise this technology. Additionally, by learning how to code, employees are able to communicate more effectively with technical teams and gain a greater understanding of technology, which increases efficiency for companies when it comes to implementing digitalisation initiatives.”

Wen-Ming Wong, Vice President and Managing Director of South-East Asia, UiPath, says, “With the power to help organisations operate more strategically and maximise their teams’ potential, low code automation stands at the forefront of software development. Low code platforms are ushering in the future of work – one that’s democratic, efficient, and automated. Adoption of low code tools increases business output and extends the practice of software development to less technically inclined individuals. Not only does it take the responsibility of developing lower-level applications from IT teams, but it also empowers employees who already desire the opportunity to work more with automation. The automated enterprise is an empowered one, and low code is the key to unlocking it.”

To download the Industry Insights report on Coding, https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/coding-2022. To find out more about the courses, training and grants, contact NTUC LearningHub at www.ntuclearninghub.com/.

About NTUC LearningHub

NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Cloud, Infocomm Technology, Healthcare, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources and Foreign Worker Training.

To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 26,000 organisations and achieved close to 2.6 million training places across more than 2,900 courses with a pool of about 900 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships to offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training. Besides in-person training, we also offer instructor-led virtual live classes (VLCs) and asynchronous online learning. The NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) — a one-stop online learning mobile application — offers timely, bite-sized and quality content for learners to upskill anytime and anywhere. Beyond learning, LXP also serves as a platform for jobs and skills development for both workers and companies.

For more information, visit .

#NTUCLearningHub

Laotians Continue to Visit Thailand for Petrol

Feature image from a Thai news story on vehicles from Laos purchasing petrol in Thailand
Feature image from a Thai news story on vehicles from Laos purchasing petrol in Thailand (Channel One 31).

Laotians are flocking to Nong Khai, Thailand, to fill their vehicles with petrol in response to chronic fuel shortages in Laos.