Asia News

CHINA'S STRONG FOURTH QUARTER GROWTH

2011-01-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

HONG KONG – Quarterly and monthly indicators released by China point to strong growth momentum in the fourth quarter of 2010. Full-year growth came in at 10.3%, underpinned by Q4 growth of 9.8%. BBVA Bank estimates that China’s fourth-quarter growth (seasonally-adjusted and annualised) at a “very strong” 12.1%, compared to 8.0% in Q3. Headline CPI inflation for December eased to 4.6% year-on-year, from 5.1% in November, due to base effects and a softening in food prices. “Underlying inflationary pressures, nevertheless, remain high, and the December outturn is still well above the authorities’ comfort range,” BBVA says. “Given the strong growth momentum, we anticipate more monetary tightening measures, including three interest rate hikes in 2011, and at least 1% increase in the required reserve ratio (RRR) in addition to the most recent 0.5% RRR hike. We maintain our GDP growth outlook at 9.2% for 2011.” On the demand side, December retail figures grew faster than expected, at 19.1% year-on-year, indicating robust consumer spending. www.bbva.com (ATI).

The Natural Environment

2010-12-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Tibetan Plateau

As the largest continent, Asia contains some of the world’s most spectacular natural features, including high mountain ranges, vast plateaus, majestic river basins, and lakes and inland seas. The centerpiece is the high mountains of the Himalayas and the associated Tibetan Plateau (Qing Zang Gaoyuan). To the far north are vast plateau regions of Siberia and open waterways such as Lake Baikal. Located in an arc around the eastern rim of the continent are the plateaus of China, dissected by great rivers, including the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang). In South Asia, the Deccan Plateau dominates India. Toward the west is the Arabian Peninsula, and in a northwesterly direction are the steppes of Central Asia.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Himalayas

China Newspapers And Magazines

2010-10-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

While the traditional means of communication are waning, modern communication facilities are developing rapidly. In the early 21st century more than 2,000 newspapers were being published in China. Major national newspapers include Renmin Ribao (People's Daily), the official paper of the CCP; Jiefangjun Bao (Liberation Army Daily), the paper of China's Central Military Commission; and Guangming Ribao (Guangming Daily), a paper popular among scientists and educators. Among the most influential magazines are Liaowang (Outlook) and Qiushi (Seeking Truth). Magazines that cover social, cultural, and economic topics are very popular. The Chinese government pressures those who work in the media to avoid politically sensitive subjects. Consequently, the media practices a high degree of self-censorship.

Asia's Dharmic and Taoist

2010-10-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

The religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India, South Asia. In East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, Confucianism, Taoism and Zen Buddhism took shape.

Mad rush for last batch of tickets for Olympics

2008-07-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Mad rush for last batch of tickets for Olympics

Chua Chin Hon
The Straits Times
Publication Date : 26-07-2008
ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Olympic mania arrived early in Beijing yesterday as tens of thousands of people queued, pushed and jostled for the last batch of Games tickets to go on sale.

At stake for these ordinary Chinese was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch mainland sporting heroes, such as hurdler Liu Xiang and diver Guo Jingjing, in action and possibly win an Olympic gold on home soil.

The overwhelming demand sparked angry exchanges between frustrated ticket buyers and the edgy security forces at the most crowded ticketing station in Beijing, located south of the National Stadium, the main Olympic venue nicknamed the 'Bird's Nest'.

This station, which sold tickets for events at the National Stadium and the 'Water Cube'' stadium, drew a 50,000-strong crowd yesterday morning. Some people had been queuing since Wednesday.

Pandemonium broke out when ticket sales began at 9am. The police's badly organized attempts at crowd control resulted in queue-cutting and ill-tempered shoving matches between ticket buyers, many of whom appeared severely worn out by the long wait.

Several middle-aged men were hauled away for rowdy behavior. That did not stop the crowd from jeering at the security forces and giving them the thumbs-down sign.

Adding to the chaos was a scuffle between the police and several Hong Kong journalists who tried to film the unruly scenes.
Footage on Hong Kong television, which swiftly made its way to YouTube, showed one reporter being pushed to the ground while another was detained and held in a police van.

A police spokesman admitted that they had underestimated the number of ticket buyers.

'The queue was orderly at first, but once sales began, some members of the public got very excited, so we must maintain order and safety,' he said.

The Games' organizers announced on Tuesday that the last batch of tickets would go on sale yesterday. A total of 6.8 million tickets have been made available for domestic and foreign sales.

About 820,000 tickets were up for grabs yesterday in Beijing and several co-host cities such as Tianjin, Shanghai and Shenyang. The most coveted ones were undoubtedly the 250,000 tickets for events to be held in the Chinese capital.

Some hardcore fans, such as Zhao Yufeng, said they had been queuing for nearly 40 hours. They had roped in friends and family members to help keep their place in the queue, survived on bottled water, biscuits and instant noodles as well as slept in the open.

The hardship was well worth it, a jubilant Zhao told reporters as she waved two tickets priced at 150 yuan ($22) each for the diving competition.

Undergraduate Sun Jia-ao, who obtained tickets for the same event, said, 'It was definitely well worth the wait. This is a big event for our country, and I naturally want to be a part of it. It won't be the same if you just watch it on television.'

A woman who wanted to be identified only by her surname Liu said she was in a queue for nearly 36 hours, but was squeezed out early yesterday morning when the police began cordoning off some areas near the ticketing station.

Another man complained that he lost his place in the queue after leaving for two minutes to buy a bottle of mineral water.

Ticket sales at the other co-host cities were reportedly brisk, though not as intense as the scenes seen in Beijing.

Ticket scalpers also appeared to have kept a low profile, after police warned a day earlier that they had nabbed 60 such suspects in the past two months. These scalpers could face up to 15 days in detention if found guilty.

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2008-07-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

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Jordan marks Eid Al Adha

2008-07-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Jordan marks Eid Al Adha
VIEW SOURCE

Children at a sheep bought to be slaughtered ahead of Eid Al Adha in the Sahab area, south of Amman. According to Islamic tradition, two-thirds of the udhiya’s (slaughtered animal) meat goes to the poor (AFP photo by Awad Awad)

AMMAN (JT) - Jordan today joins other Arab and Islamic countries in celebrating the Eid Al Adha feast marking the end of hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Kingdom started a five-day holiday Tuesday, with the closure of government agencies, banks and educational establishments. Bridge crossings to the West Bank and Israel are also closed.

The eid rituals start with special prayers at 7:00am, usually performed in open spaces like football fields or public parks, weather permitting.

Eid prayers in some parts of the Kingdom are likely to be performed inside mosques as the Jordan Meteorological Department announced Tuesday that wet and cold weather will prevail during the holiday as a result of unstable weather conditions.

After the prayer, people, by the virtue of tradition rather than religion, visit cemeteries to pay tribute to the dead, and those who can afford to slaughter sheep do so. According to Islamic teachings, they have to distribute at least two-thirds of the meat to the poor in a gesture of social solidarity.

The Greater Amman Municipality and other municipal councils around the country have designated places for pens to sell sheep, which are confined to locations removed from residential areas.

Over the past several days, Amman and major cities witnessed traffic jams as people were shopping for the eid, buying mainly sweets, coffee and new clothes.

In preparation for the feast, the Public Security Department (PSD) announced earlier in the week that it would intensify security procedures during the holiday season culminating in New Year’s Eve.

PSD Spokesperson Major Mohammad Khatib said the measures will include increasing the number of uniformed and plain-clothed manned patrols and rangers.

On the occasion, His Majesty King Abdullah received cables and exchanged over phone congratulations with several leaders of Arab, Islamic and foreign countries and senior officials and officers. Also yesterday, King Abdullah received cables from Christian communities in the Kingdom congratulating him and the Arab and Christians in the Arab world on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, Christmas and the New Year.

ASIA: Food Crisis Adds to Women’s Burden

2008-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

By Marwaan Macan-Markar

BANGKOK, Apr 29 (IPS) - As if the burdens they shoulder are not enough, Asia’s women are being compelled to bear the additional weight of rising food prices, say women’s rights activists from across the region.

‘’With increasing prices of rice, oil, fuel transport and all basic commodities, women workers in Asia are the worst hit,’’ declared the Committee for Asian Women (CAW), a regional non-governmental organisation (NGO), at the launch of a campaign here Monday to seek higher wages for female workers.

‘’Workers who produce society’s food, shelter and clothing are, themselves, in a perennially vulnerable hand to mouth existence,’’ added CAW in its statement to push for better incomes for women in the formal and informal sector. This ‘Wage Campaign 2008’ is being backed by women’s organisations in 14 Asian countries, among which are Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

‘’Women are definitely the worst affected when food prices go up. They will have to bear additional burdens for their families,’’ Lucia Jayaseelan, CAW’s executive coordinator, told IPS following the campaign’s launch. ‘’They also end up making huge sacrifices, such as being the last to eat in a family that is suddenly faced with limited food at home.’’

In addition, women are driven to seek additional jobs in the informal sector, often compelling them to work for longer hours, she added. ‘’They take on more work, like tailoring or packing things into small packages in their homes. Some women end up having to do three jobs.’’

Compounding the problem is the lack of a basic minimum wage for such female workers, Jayaseelan said. ‘’In many Asian countries there is no minimum wage. And where they do exist, they do not take into account the rise in inflation.’’

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), women make up 38.7 percent, or some 730 million, of the Asia-Pacific region’s total workforce, currently estimated at 1.9 billion people. But close to 65 percent of female workers earn a living in the ‘’vulnerable’’ and ‘’informal’’ sector, where there are no steady wages or social benefits.

Typical among those in the vulnerable and the informal sector are women who are self-employed, working in homes to produce goods for sale, or the millions who works as food vendors in the streets of Asia’s major and minor cities and towns. South Asian women account for the largest share of these vulnerable women across the continent, some 82 percent, ILO’s research reveals.

‘’The women who work as street vendors are being directly hit by the increase in food prices, because they have no social protection nor benefits in times of trouble,’’ says Steven Kapsos, a labour economist at the ILO’s Asia-Pacific regional office, based in Bangkok. ‘’Even women working in the region’s garment sector will be vulnerable despite getting a wage, because they do not enjoy benefits to deal with such a spike in food prices.’’

Asia is also home to a large body of the working poor, some 900 million people, who live on less than two US dollars a day. ‘’This food crisis will hit many of them, living in poor households in urban areas,’’ Kapsos said in an interview. ‘’The average poor family in Asia spends a minimum of 50 percent of the household budget on food.’’

The Geneva-based labour organisation is calling for governments to respond to the galloping rise in prices of staples such as rice through both short-term and long-term measures. ‘’In the short term, governments must provide cash transfers to poor households or subsidise the price of food for them,’’ says Kapsos. ‘’In the long term, governments must invest more in rural areas, including in labour productivity for agriculture.’’

The food crisis in the Philippines, one of the worst affected countries in the region, is drawing much attention. After all, it is the world’s largest importer of rice, depending on the paddy fields of South-east Asian neighbours like Vietnam and Thailand. It needs to import some 2.2 million tonnes of the grain this year. Consequently, it has been hit by the rapid rise in the price of rice being traded in the world market.

And to be a female worker in such times is to shoulder a larger burden, Jurgette Honculada of the National Federation of Labour in the Philippines, said at the conference in Bangkok. ‘’Nearly 40 percent of the Philippines labour force is either unemployed or under-employed. They are under constant assault.’’

Women make up the majority of those in the informal sector, some 27 million, in the Philippines. ‘’They have no social security, no protection and have to find small jobs that keep them afloat,’’ she added. ‘’Workers in this sector are eating less and less these days.’’

Female workers in Thailand, the world’s largest rice exporter, are not immune from the hike in food prices either. ‘’Women working in the informal sector are concerned about the rise in the cost of living. The cost of one meal with rice has almost doubled in some places,’’ said Wilaiwan Seta, chairperson of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee. ‘’Some women say they cannot afford to give birth to a second child because they worry that milk powder will be beyond their reach.’’

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China's Growing Boom

2008-07-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dated: 1 October 2007
By Rabbi Donneal Epstein, Head (Asian Desk), OU Kosher

The spectacular growth of the Chinese economy has been news for some time. The real story is that it is about to grow even bigger. This year China will overtake the US as the world’s second-largest exporter. Many experts have expressed the opinion that next year it will overtake Germany as the world’s number one exporter.
The growth has brought on even more foreign investment. To encourage this, the Chinese government has invested heavily in developing infrastructure, to the extent that China, with its 486 airports, is now one of the easiest countries in the world to travel around. And the easier it is to get around, the easier it is to do business.
One of the main areas of Chinese exporting enterprise affects kosher consumers, namely, food additives. These additives are substances added to food either to preserve flavor, or improve its taste and appearance. Food additives, for example salt and vinegar, have been used since ancient times. Over the last century many more have been discovered, of both natural and
artificial origin. There are many hundreds, if not thousands, of food additives on the market. The following is a partial list of categories of food additives:
acids, anti-caking agents, antioxidants, antifoams, bulking agents, flavors, flavor enhancers, flour-treatment agents, preservatives, and thickeners.

China’s new role
Due to China’s economic prowess as well as its genius in creating efficient mass products, it is becoming the major source of supply in the food-additive arena. It has, moreover, increased its monitoring of product safety in order to maintain a qualitative edge in the market.
Amongst the almost 300 OU-certified plants we have in China, several are located in the lovely province of Jiangsu, located in the middle of China’s Eastern coast line along the lower part of the famed and fabled Yangtze River. It is a region known for its lakes and rivers, as well as mountains. It is also very historic.

New market demands
One of the “smaller” cities in China is Wuxi, with a mere 4,000,000 inhabitants. Wuxi is also the home of three OU-certified food additive plants: DSM Citric Acid, Wuxi Bio Products and Wuxi-Syder Bio Products.
Another area in which China is growing by leaps and bounds is the dehydrated-vegetable business. Dehydration techniques have improved dramatically over the last decade or so. The old fashioned method left approximately 30 percent of the moisture in the dehydrated items. Newer methods have pushed these numbers down dramatically. The drier the item, the longer the shelf-life.
Chinese companies have been very involved in developing and trying new methods on an industrial scale. The results have been dazzling, as the world market cannot purchase Chinese dehydrated vegetables fast enough.
The Eastern Province of Shandong, besides being historic and attractive, also hosts some two dozen OU-certified dehydrated vegetable facilities. In the city of Qingdao alone there are 13 and in the city of Linyi there are eight. Relevant data shows that the economy of the province is keeping its momentum, especially Qingdao, where attractive incentives attract foreign investment.

Conclusion
Just over a decade ago, the concept of kosher was almost unheard of in China. Today however, it is almost a household word in the food industry. From Qingdao Huajie Food we hear, “It seems that we have already entered the gate of world buyers…Our export value is increasing rapidly since certification.” As the Chinese market continues to grow, the OU’s goal is to be there to help it along.

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HALAL FOOD: Kitchen of the World Goes Halal

2008-07-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Science and taste come together as Thailand eyes the lucrative Islamic food sector.
Dated: 1 May 2008
BY TANIDA DISYABUT

All across the world, populations of Muslim people can be found in almost every society and country. Comprising over a quarter of the world’s 6.4 billion population, or about 1.8 billion, the demographics and profile of Muslim consumers differ greatly from one market to another. The number who have migrated to developed countries and boosted their incomes with economic development is rapidly growing.

It is this segment of upwardly mobile Muslims that has attracted the attention of Thailand’s forward-moving food industry.

AFJ talks to Associate Professor Winai Dahlan, director of the world’s first Halal Science Center and dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University. He is also the committee chairman responsible for drafting the Thailand Halal Standards which came into effect last year.

AFJ: We have seen an increase in the export volume of halal foods in recent years. Where are these key markets?

Halal food defines all foods that are permitted for consumption under Islamic law. In 2007, global consumption of halal food in more than 148 countries reached as much as 18 to 20 percent of the US$1.323 trillion in global food value.

This is a huge market. Food manufacturers all over the world, including those in Thailand, recognise its value.

However, we have to analyze the main markets where this consumption comes from. Regions of dense Muslim populations, such as the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and South-east Asia, are not necessarily profitable markets because these countries import mostly food commodities, not premium products.

Certainly, we can’t just look at population size. Purchasing power is important. While food consumption is US$6 a day for American Muslims and US$5 for the six million Muslims in France, in Indonesia this is only 30 cents, or 20 times lower. This is even lower in Africa, where there are as many as 350 million people (excluding North Africa), or about half the total population.

AFJ: What issues does one have to bear in mind when developing a halal food product?

Each market has a different demand. We have to study and analyze the different markets to understand how best to tap on the potential of key importing countries.

In some countries and for some products such as commodities, semi-raw materials or animal feed, the importer needs only a guarantee from the exporter, and not the certification label on the package. Ironically, this makes products look inferior in some markets because consumers think the halal-certified label is only for products that are not genuinely halal. But in many countries and especially for niche products, the certification label is a must and lends a value-add to products.

To be competitive, pricing is also important and products need to be developed at the best possible cost. Getting certified is not the only way to add value to products. We also have to understand the nature of the markets and invest in good logistics that can enhance cost cutting.

AFJ: Thailand is still growing its share in the halal food market. What is in it for Thai food businesses and what are our competitive advantages?

At present, the value of halal foods worldwide is over US$265 billion. Considering that Thailand is a major exporter of halal food, we are holding only a minor market share of 0.65% of global halal food value.

In 2007, 1,200 Thai manufacturers exported halal products worth US$1,711 million. Twenty percent of this went to the Middle East and the rest were exported to Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries in South-east Asia. Some have to be halal-certified but many products are halal by their processes, such as rice, fl our, salt and sauce. Our main competitor for halal food exports is Brazil. Malaysia, our neighbouring country, has been hastily developing halal products for export. But I do not believe that they are our competitors for now although they have strengths in non-food products such as medicines.

There is still a lot of room for improvement for Thai exporters of halal food. What they need is market knowledge and to understand the sensitivities of consumer demands in importing countries. These are mainly countries with high export-market potential, such as the US, Canada, European countries, Australia and New Zealand. Consumers there have a much higher purchasing power compared with our existing buyers.

To enhance Thai halal food exports and achieve our goal of becoming the "Kitchen of the world", the government’s strategy is to build confidence among importers in the quality of Thai halal food products. To achieve this, the government has provided vigorous support to lifting its standardization procedures and embarked on greater consumer protection for Muslims in Thailand.

We strongly believe that the Halal Science Center (HSC) showcases this strength in Thai export products. This also adds to a better image of trust and credibility, as buyers make decisions based on the psychological factor that science stands for safety.

AFJ: Tell us more about the HSC and its recent activities to promote the export potential and credibility of Thai halal food products.

We are the first laboratory for halal food in the world, established in 2003 with support from the government. It’s managed under the Faculty of Allied Health Science at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s best-known state university. The priority is on standardisation and lifting the high quality standards of Thai halal foods in accordance with Islamic law and the Codex Alimentarius. In addition, all Thai halal products must be certified for nutrition and hygiene, and be export qualified.

HSC is also well-equipped with modern and advanced scientific devices including LC/MS/MS, GS/MS, HPLC, GC, ICP, AA, FTIR, UC and realtime-PCR among others. These specifically provide all analytical services and research for the detection of contamination detrimental to halal food manufacturing, such as trans-fatty acids, animal proteins/DNA, gelatin, alcohol and microbial contamination. The services include a full-cycle halal factory system called Hal-Q, and a halal kitchen system called NPB Halal Kitchen or non-pork buffer. We also provide laboratory services for monitoring, investigation and authentication. On the business front, we provide training on science-based concepts in the halal business to entrepreneurs, auditors and employees.

Together with 19 staff, we have developed a curriculum for other universities on halal processes, conducted research and development of products, organize exhibitions and meetings, and publish trilingual journals on halal food.

HSC, in cooperation with the Faculty of Allied Health Science, offers the Bachelor programme in Nutrition and Dietetics. Our graduates are well trained and equipped with specialized skills in halal food standards, food manufacturing and certification. We have been developing a traceability system called Halal ICI Superhighway and Halal logistics.

Recently, the Halal Science Center together with the South Borders Province Administrative Center Engagement (SBPAC) researched and developed 81 bio-halal and organic food products. The products are marketed as ‘Halal and Good’, which refers to food safety and Islamic law compliance. In the past, we have addresses these two issues differently, but here we have integrated both into one process.

Products such as gotu kola (Centella asiaica) chips, sweet dried garcinia, dried mushroom chips, coconuts chips and black mushroom pizza, were successfully launched at a food fair in France. They were well accepted by European buyers.

Such feedback from the market increases our confidence. Thai cuisine is often perceived as a luxurious food because of its rich use of herbs, modern technology used to produce ready-to-eat Thai meals, social responsibility and ethnic flavour.

AFJ: Share with us some of the challenges faced by the halal business in Thailand.

The market needs quality. We have to continue developing unique products that meet buyers’ demands. As this center is non-profit, it carries a public service approach. And as scientists, we are evidence-based. All our data and tests have to corroborate not just from the business point of view, but confirm quality standards.

Our newly developed Halal food products can be sold as raw materials for further processing, as a side dish or combined with other foods. Many buyers from big retailers in Europe have told us that our products are at the high-end and deserve higher margins.

However, the biggest challenge in this business is not only product development but also human resource capacity. Halal food production is unique in its processes, from management and auditors to workers. Each part of the organization needs specific and different knowledge to develop the business. Transparency and the participation of staff at every level are keys to its success.

=========================================================================

Mission of the Halal Science Center

• Establish halal laboratories fully equipped with modern analytical and preparative scientific devices.

• Provide analytical services for the detection of any contamination against Islamic law (haram and najis) in raw materials and finished products supplied for the halal food market.

• Conduct R&D on new methodologies, product innovation and reagent kits for halal food verification.

• Prepare lists of chemicals, raw materials and products that accommodate halal food manufacturers and consumers.

• Maintain and update a website to provide key scientific information and networks for halal food manufacturers and consumers.

• Provide scientific support where needed to the Institute for Halal Food Standards and Islamic organizations involved in the certification of halal foods.

• Advise halal food manufacturers and restaurants in the use of Halal-GMP/HACCP/ISO 22000/QHS.

• Provide training programmes in halal science for manufacturers, consumers and the public.

www.halalscience.org

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New regulatory guide on nutritional products

2008-07-04T08:04:00.001-07:00

Dated: 4 July 2008

Food and nutrition policy consultancy EAS has released its latest, easy-to-follow regulatory guide to help companies launch nutritional products in 10 Asian markets.

The guide gives an up-to-date analysis of national rules relating to health supplements, fortified and functional foods; the addition of vitamins and minerals to food and food supplements; herbs and other functional ingredients; and health claims in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei.

Developed by scientific and regulatory experts at EAS, the first edition of the guide ‘Marketing Health Supplements, Fortified and Functional Foods in Asia: Practice 2008/2009’ has been developed to help nutritional product manufacturers navigate Asia’s regulatory maze and to support the development of new product strategies.

The guide gives an up-to-date analysis of national rules relating to health supplements, fortified and functional foods; the addition of vitamins and minerals to food and food supplements; herbs and other functional ingredients; and health claims in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei.

“Our research has shown that the functional food markets in the US, Western Europe and the Asia Pacific was estimated to be worth more than US$ 70 billion dollars in 2007 with an expected annual growth rate of around five and a half percent – and forty percent of this market is from the Asia Pacific region,” said Wei Wen Lim, EAS Senior Adviser and one of the authors of the guide.

“Our guide gives companies the necessary information to understand the existing and emerging legislative regulatory frameworks in the Asian markets, so that their regulatory strategies ensure the commercial success of their products.”

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New Rodent Discovered at Asian Food Market

2008-07-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

James Owen

for National Geographic News

May 16, 2005

Scientists who went shopping recently at an Asian food market got more than they bargained for—a rodent unknown to science was being sold as meat.

Discovered in Laos, Southeast Asia, the animal is described as an "oddball rodent" with long whiskers, stubby legs, and a furry tail. But it isn't a squirrel, and it most certainly isn't a rat, says the researcher who first spotted the animal.

Although it's been called a rock rat, the name is misleading, says Robert Timmins, of the Wildlife Conservation Society, based in New York. "It's not at all closely related to typical rats and mice," he said, adding that the description "spineless porcupine" would be more apt.

The animal is believed to represent not only a new species of rodent but also the first mammal family to be discovered in 30 years.

"To find something so distinct in this day and age is just extraordinary," Timmins said. "For all we know, this could be the last remaining mammal family left to be discovered."

While the existence of this dark- colored rodent might be news to scientists, it seems people in the Khammouan region of Laos have long cherished the species—particularly when it's served on a skewer.

Timmins noticed the odd-looking mammal, known locally as the kha-nyou, for sale at an open-air food market. "Rural folks bring in freshly harvested vegetables, fruit, and wildlife," he said. "I knew immediately it was something I had never seen before." Colleagues subsequently found other dead specimens for sale.

Food Item

Timmins says mammals of this size—the kha-nyou measures 16 inches (40 centimeters) from nose to tail—are usually roasted whole. "You then eat them, crunching up the smaller bones and spitting out the larger ones," he added. "Rats, squirrels, and porcupines are an everyday food item, so the kha-nyou fits right in."

Collected specimens were sent to the Natural History Museum in London.

Paula Jenkins, the museum's zoological collections manager, examined the skull, teeth, bones, and other body features, comparing them with the remains of rodent species stored in the museum's collection.

DNA analysis was also done by C. William Kilpatrick at the University of Vermont in the U.S. Results of the combined research were published recently in the museum's journal Systematics and Biodiversity.

"The animal's characteristics are distinctly different from any mammal species yet known to science," Jenkins said. "As a new mammal, it provides us with an interesting insight into the evolution of this and other rodent families."

The research suggests the kha-nyou is a "living fossil" that split from other rodents many millions of years ago. The rodent also seems to be an ancestor of the hystricognaths, a group of rodents that is spread across the globe and includes porcupines, African mole rats, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.

Until now, the last mammal family to be discovered was that of the bumblebee bat—the world's smallest known mammal. It was found in Thailand in 1974.

The kha-nyou has been given the scientific name Laonastes aenigmamus (Laonastes means "inhabitant of stone" and aenigmamus means "enigmatic mouse"). It is presumed to be a nocturnal plant-eater, living on limestone outcrops in highland rain forests. But since the rodent has yet to be found alive by scientists, it remains largely mysterious.

Status Unknown

"There are still many questions over the kha-nyou's status," Timmins said. "Clearly it has a very small range globally, [but it is] probably widespread in the limestone areas of central Laos, so it's probably not going to vanish overnight."

He says that, unlike rats and mice, the rodents give birth to only one offspring at a time, so a precautionary approach should be taken toward their conservation.

"One of the problems with assessing their status is that we don't have any parallels to guide us, since there are no close relatives," Timmins said.

That the existence of such an animal should have remained a secret for so long might seem extraordinary, but mammals endemic to this part of Southeast Asia have a history of being elusive. For instance, the soala, a type of long- horned, rain forest cow, wasn't discovered until the early 1990s.

Likewise, the large-antlered muntjac and the dark Annamite muntjac, two kinds of deer, also remained unknown to the outside world until found in the Annam Cordillera, mountains along the Laos-Vietnam border, in the late 1990s.

"Interestingly, an expedition visited the [Khammouan] area of Laos in 1920 and discovered a new species of bird and a monkey which are also endemic to the limestone," Timmins said. "These were not seen again by scientists until the mid- 1990s."

Of the weird rodent he likens to a spineless porcupine, Timmins added, "Nobody could have predicted this new family."

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BMW Lifestyle Collections unveil MINI Autumn/Winter fashion range

2008-07-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

By Huraizah Ahmad

Female models parading the latest fashion range from BMW's MINI Autumn/Winter Collection 2004.

Models sporting the latest women, men and children fashion from the MINI Autumn/Winter Collection 2004.

BMW's MINI Autumn/Winter Collection 2004 held at the Arts House of the Old Parliament house in Singapore

BMW Group Asia created yet another new beginning in the history of BMW Lifestyle Collections during the unveiling of its MINI Autumn/Winter Collection 2004 held at the Arts House of the Old Parliament house in Singapore on Friday.

"Sales of the BMW Group's Lifestyle collection has been growing by about 10 per cent annually to over 1000 million Euros in worldwide sales revenue last year," said Ms Birgit Maier, Vice President of the BMW Group Merchandising and Lifestyle as she addressed to the guests during the opening of the event.

She added that as one of the pioneers in the business, the BMW Group has carefully developed its lifestyle products so that they bear the same characters as the brand they represent with each of the items produced bearing innovation, dynamism, aesthetics and authenticity.

Also attending the second BMW Asia Lifestyle fashion show from Brunei Darussalam was Pg Hjh Halimah, Deputy General Manager of QAF Auto Sdn Bhd, Rosman Masri; BMW Parts Manager as well as Ms KC Fang; Marketing Officer who attended the two-day event for the BMW Asia Lifestyle Conference.

Among the highlights of the event included the latest addition to the popular BMW Williams F1 Team Collection with Puma which unveiled its range of women, men and children fashion while featuring the Team Trainer sports shoes with its unique sporty design, excellent workmanship and perfect wearing comfort.

The line-up for the evening show included the latest looks from the MINI Collection, which unveiled its trademark of bold and trendy colours representing the characteristics of the Mini Car.

The 'Urban Sixties' and the retro 'Monte Carlo' style certainly made a comeback during the unveiling of the latest MINI Autumn/Winter collection which was sported on the runway during the BMW Lifestyle fashion show.

BMW Lifestyle models were also seen sporting a range of bag collections from the MINI Collection and the Italian leather goods and fashion group Mandarina Duck of Bologna including the trolley luggage, city bags, travel bags as well as rucksacks which features innovative materials and striking colours combined with comfort, function and design for hassle-free travel.

Also seen parading along the runway were the latest BMW 'babies', a new edition of the BMW Baby Racer driven by young models which featured its whisper quiet tyres and light power operated machines safe enough for the living room.

Meanwhile, to top it all of at the BMW Lifestyle fashion was the presentation of the latest BMW kids bike depicting characters of the BMW Roadster Z4, which also highlighted several safety features in its innovative designs.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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HSBC Bank invests in Asian Lifestyle

2008-07-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

HSBC Bank, has today unveiled its activity plan for Asian Lifestyle, a brand new event which takes place at the Airport Expo Dubai from 1-3 March 2007.

The exhibition aims to celebrate South Asian customs, tradition and heritage, in what organiser IIR Middle East claims will be the biggest cultural festival of the year, attracting more than 30,000 visitors over three days.

Gul Khan, Regional Head of Wealth Management, HSBC, said, 'Asian Lifestyle is an event that complements our strategy of giving back to society, especially in those communities we serve. South Asian's represent a culturally important ethnic group in Dubai and we have lined-up a number of exciting activities to further our support.'

In addition to their Internet Lounge, HSBC will also be hosting a series of free financial seminars, aimed at the entire community, featuring advice regarding investments and other banking services of interest to South Asian expatriates of all ages. However with youth in mind, HSBC in partnership with Asian Lifestyle, are to launch a competition to design a bank note. Under the theme of 'Our Lifestyle in the UAE today', the competition which is open to children under the age of 16 years will start on 7th January 2007 with the deadline for all entries on 4th February. To raise awareness of the competition, Asian Lifestyle will host a road show to local schools to encourage budding artists to participate in the competition.

Entries will be sorted into three age group categories and hand drawn designs can be sent in by e-mail, post or web link and they will then be placed on the Asian Lifestyle website where visitors can then vote for their favourite designs. Three finalists per category will be announced on the 11th February and the designs mounted on to easels and put on open display. The general public will then have another opportunity to vote before the winners are announced and their designs displayed at the HSBC-sponsored Internet Lounge during Asian Lifestyle.

The winners will each receive a HSBC savings account credited with AED 1000 and the runners-up will each receive accounts with a deposit of AED 200. Local schools will also benefit, AED 10,000 worth of computer equipment will be delivered to the school of the winners, whilst the schools of the runners-up will each receive gift vouchers worth AED 1,000 to spend on books or equipment.

'Through this competition we want to encourage children to get in to the habit of saving for the future from an early age. We also want to give something back to the community and by gifting computer equipment and books to local schools we are investing in the future of our children,' added Khan.

Asian Lifestyle will feature hundreds of exhibitors offering products and services for the South Asian community, fashion shows, cultural performances, celebrity appearances, daily competitions, restaurants and food, with live cooking demonstrations and a bazaar of ethnic Asian artefacts.

Products and services on show at Asian Lifestyle will include, fashion and accessories, health, fitness, wellbeing and beauty, jewellery, home décor, consumer electronics, handicrafts and ethnic artefacts, music, property, travel and leisure, finance and investment, education and recruitment.

Zeffy Thompson, Event Manager, Asian Lifestyle, stated, 'Our partnership with HSBC is complementary, Asian Lifestyle is a celebration of South Asian culture and due to its mass appeal will bring together all ethnic groups in Dubai's cosmopolitan community, in a festival of life.'

Under the patronage of the Dubai, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Asian Lifestyle is also supported by the Consulates of India, Sir Lanka and Pakistan.

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The tiger is in deep trouble.

2008-07-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

Author: Nirvana Lifestyle Editors

The worldwide population of this awesome predator has shrunk from 100,000 to below 4,000 over the past century. Unless the threats from poaching and habitat loss are significantly reduced, experts say, the tiger could easily slip into extinction.

Tiger conservation groups, scientists and celebrities, including Harrison Ford, are partnering with the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank Group to help save wild tigers.

"Nothing short of global action will bring back wild tigers," said Grace Ge Gabriel, spokesperson for the International Tiger Coalition (ITC). “The ITC applauds the World Bank for focusing the eyes of the world on wild tigers and their needs."

The health of the tiger population is an indicator of biodiversity and a barometer of sustainability. Since tigers are at the top of the food chain, the conservation of wild tigers also means the preservation of the habitats in which they live and the prey populations that support them.

As the Tiger Conservation Initiative was launched June 9 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park in Washington – home to five Sumatran tigers – World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick explained the Bank’s involvement: "Just as with many of the other challenges of sustainability—such as climate change, pandemic disease, or poverty—the crisis facing tigers overwhelms local capabilities and transcends national boundaries. This is a problem that cannot be handled by individual nations alone. It requires an alliance of strong local commitment backed by deep international support."

Tigers need space, prey, water, and cover. In India, in some of the isolated forests where prey is plentiful, up to 10 tigers can survive per 100 square kilometers. But at the other end of their range, in Russia’s Far East, where prey is less plentiful, a single tiger needs up to 200 square kilometers of range to find adequate food.

The tiger’s range once covered much of Asia, but today it has been reduced to just 7 percent of that vast space. The habitat that’s left – 76 ‘tiger conservation landscapes’ in 13 countries – is steadily being converted to agriculture and urban uses, and fragmented by roads into blocks too small to sustain tiger populations.

Poaching is an even bigger threat to tigers. Despite worldwide bans and some increases in enforcement, a residual but very damaging trade in tiger parts continues. Tiger bones are used in potions and medicines, skins for wall hangings, rugs, and fashion, and meat for gourmet dishes. An adult male’s parts, including its penis and paws, can have a collective retail value ranging from US$10,000 to $70,000, according to a new report by the World Bank and Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. Scientists say extinction of the tiger would not only rob the world of its most popular animal that has inspired legends and poetry, but upset the ecosystems of Asia’s forests.

To save the tiger, the World Bank proposes a Five-Point Plan of Action that stresses community engagement over earlier and failed punitive action:

Initiate a review of projects in tiger habitats to learn lessons from the past that can inform future engagement.
Facilitate country workshops and other platforms for partnership with NGOs, governments, and the scientific community at the national level to develop appropriate models of conservation.
Devise strategies and action plans in partnership with other organizations to address the illegal trade and other conservation needs.
Explore and develop alternative and new funding mechanisms for tiger conservation.
Offer to host a 2010 “Year of the Tiger” Summit. This would be an opportunity for all those involved in tiger conservation to review the status of tigers and their habitat.

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El Naturalista Frog Eco Policy

2008-07-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Author: Nirvana Fashion Editors

El Naturalista Frog Eco Policy

El Naturalista is a global shoe brand inspired by nature and people: comfortable and still trendy.
Our environmental policy is the law at El Naturalista that all suppliers, the factory but also our agents and sales people have to adhere to it.

We are constantly working on finding even better and more eco-friendly ways to produce our shoes. Our customers know about that great effort and the increasing sales are proving that the market is approving and supporting us on our way.

To promote natural materials and dyes
To avoid polluting substances
To protect and sustain the environment
To use biodegradable substances where possible
To recycle materials where possible
To pay producers fair prices
To promote traditional skills
To support appropriate technology
To operate with transparency

Shoes and material

El Naturalista is using the least harmful materials for the production of their shoes. All our products are dyed with natural colours. We are using, if possible recycled materials, such us the recycled PU foot bed or recycled rubber for our soles (N 096 Iggdrasil). When it comes to dyeing El Naturalista uses the least harmful chrome combination for the environment. And the frog brand also invented the "pergamino leather" which is treated without the use of chrome.

Charity – Project Atauchi

But if you care about the environment you should also care about people, as we don't understand nature without people to contemplate it.

That is why in 2005 El Naturalista created the Charity Project Atauchi mainly focused on the development of the smallest. El Naturalista works together with non-profit organisations, which are providing international development aid.

For this project El Naturalista worked together with the NGO ProPerú from Pamplona. The main achievements of the projects were: reconstruction and equipment of the school, training of teachers and pupils, electrification with solar panels.

For this achievements El Naturalista received the Solidarity company Prize 2005 in December 2005 from the mayor of Pamplona Ms.Yolanda Barcina and the President of Properu Ms.Laura Arribas.

We work with the Spanish Association of Cerebral Paralysis

El Naturalista collaborates and works with ASPACE, a Spanish association of cerebral paralysis, it is a non governmental organization (NGO) without profit objectives and public service spirit, that groups the main organizations of cerebral paralysis attention in Spain. The ASPACE movement was born 25 year ago, it started as vindication movement committed to correct unjust situations.

In the past, the cerebral paralysis children were not allow to go to ordinaries education centres, have no access to social care attention and to any public resources. For this reason a lot parents created very little associations. They were parents tired of been in hospitals and medical services with no answer to their problems. This movement was the seed of the Aspace Confederation, a organization that provide work and education to every people with cerebral paralysis in Spain.

All services and programs that Aspace develops are based quality criteria to provide cerebral paralysis people attention to search the maximum level of personal development.

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Trend Watch: Cuffs

2008-07-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Author: Anum Tariq
Cuffs and Bangles – stack them, mix and match, or just wear a single statement piece. This season, don’t leave the house with unadorned wrists! Bold cuffs in high polished finishes and tropical hues are a great way to add some drama to your outfit, or easily change your look from office to evening. Trendy styles and bright colors are great for daytime chic, while sparkly jeweled options add instant glamour for a night out.

Alexis Bittar Pyramid Stud Hinge Cuff Bracelet,
$245: Nordstrom

Juicy Couture Heart Padlock Leather Cuff Bracelet,
$68: Nordstrom

Fendi Perspex Logo Cuff, $170: Net-a-porter

PONO Crocodile Pattern Cuff, $375: Vivre

Ben-Amun Metallic Silver Italian Resin Cuff,
$168: Ben-Amun

Roberto Cavalli Snake Bangle, $590.00: eLuxury

John Hardy Jaisalmer Gold/Silver Cuff,
$1495: Saks Fifth Avenue

Nordstrom Lace Cuff, $148: Nordstrom

Nadri Woven Pavé Wide Cuff Bracelet, $135: Nordstrom

Lucca & Co. Diamond Cuff, $38,000: Vivre

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Fashion Week San Diego Designer Announcement

2008-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Author: Aparna Prakash
Fashion Week San Diego Designer Announcement
First look at the designers to be featured at the world's only bi-national fashion week.

___________________________________________________________________

Jorge Corella

"A seamless display of a fashion culture that knows no borders will mesmerize San Diego this fall." "This in-depth look at Southern California's fashion culture is absolutely unprecedented,” says Allison Andrews, president of Fashion Week San Diego.

The San Diego Fashion Week is the world's only bi-national fashion week. The event is scheduled for fall 2008 (September 28 - October 5, 2008) and the inaugural event will highlight the fashion industry that thrives in Southern California, presenting designers from both the United States and Mexico.

The show will be held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina in a permanent tent that holds more than 3,000 people. The week-long event will consist of daily fashion shows, forums, lectures, shopping events, and official after parties.

In addition to highlighting San Diego's bi-national fashion arena, Fashion Week San Diego will also incorporate socially conscious elements of style. The designer lineup includes sustainable, recycled, philanthropic and plus-sized lines. The week-long event will benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation.

Jorge Corella

Designers Showing

Charmone Shoes www.charmoneshoes.com
Fashion Overdose www.fashionoverdose.com
Fuegorosa www.fuegorosa.com (website coming soon)
G-Star www.g-star.com
Jeans for Justice www.consciouslysocial.com/events_jeansforjustice
Jorge Corella Designs www.jorgecorella.com
Lauren-Elaine Designs www.lauren-elainedesigns.com
Lizz Russel www.lizzrussel.com
MADE Jewelry www.madejewelry.com
Nelli USA www.nelliusa.com
Parris Harris www.parrisharris.com (website coming soon)
Sergio Alcala www.sergio-alcala.com
Stacie May www.staciemay.com
Sweet Petites | www.mysweetpetites.com
Ximena Valero | www.ximenavalero.com

A limited number of tickets will be available to the public, beginning July 1, 2008. They can be purchased from the Fashion Week San Diego website at www.fashionweeksd.com.

Limited sponsor and designer opportunities are still available and interested parties should email info@fashionweeksd.com.

More designers will be announced over the next few months. For more information on Fashion Week San Diego, visit www.fashionweeksd.com (the complete website will be live Mon., June 16, 2008. Daily updates are available on the official blog, www.fashionweeksd.com/blog.

Media inquiries should be directed to info@ellecomm.com; all other inquiries should be directed to info@fashionweeksd.com.

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The Eschmitte' Brand

2008-07-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Author: Aparna Prakash

The Eschmitte' Brand Clothing (pronounced esh-muh-tay) or "Esch" for short was born out of the '80s and '90s. They claim to be attached to and influenced by the ‘glorious days of pop culture, the height of TV sitcoms, Reaganomics, big business, the many unforgettable sports teams and figures, dirty politics, civil unrest, Michael Jordan and Nike, racial tension/racial pride, and perhaps most importantly, the glory days of hip-hop and daring fashion sense. In short, we represent the epitome of where society has been, where we endeavor to go and how we'll look on that journey.’

Their mission is to be the best among the millions of designers. ‘Our mission is to give you quality product that remains relevant, you enjoy sportin' and we enjoy seeing you in it.’

Trends soon will fade. Esch is born. and Style is Crucial.

The Eschmitte' Brand Clothing has released their Season 1 a "teaser" line leading up to the eagerly awaited Summer line coming in July 2008.

A collab tee between Eschmitte' and fellow Chicago streetwear brand Enstrumental (http://www.enstru-mental.com) will be one of the highlights of the Summer Line. Season 1 gives a preview of what Esch has to offer, covering a broad range of looks and concepts.

Currently, Eschmitte' Brand Clothing can be purchased online at
http://eschmittebrand.com/ and at Bucktown's new hot spot, Born With Soul in Chicago on 2092 N. Milwaukee (more stores to be announced shortly).

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Shaheen's song Wildflower World- vote for Shaheen at Star Lounge

2008-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Author: Nirvanastyle Music

Support Shaheen the South Asian Singer to win in the Star Lounge Contest.

Wildflower World Music Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=hpS4GxYZRkE

Vote for Shaheen Link:

http://www.star987.com/pages/vote.html?feed=204416&article=2403680

Her song 'Wildflower World' towards the end of the list.

One vote one email and you do have to validate the vote.

Let us support Shaheen and vote for her.

www.nirvnastyle.com has selected Shaheen's Wildflower World as this weeks Featured Music at www.nirvanastyle.com Vote for the song ! Go Shaheen !!!!

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Walk With Ajaxxx

2008-07-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Author: Tirusha Dave

In today's hip-hop scene, not often enough do you come across an artist who is trying to express a positive message through his lyrics. Yet one artist – Ajaxxx – challenges that very notion while trying to do something positive for his community too. Gun violence is a serious crime in America – there's no denying that. Although much is being done to stop this issue, more and more of our neighborhoods are falling victim to this violent crime. It's time to step-up and speak-out against gun crime!

A contest called "Rap Against Violence," founded by Norm Wolfinger, was established in Florida to help promote a positive message. The contest, now in its second year, summoned artists from the state of Florida to create an original hip hop song containing a message against gangs and/or gun crime, while promoting the message of stepping-up and speaking-out when witnessing crime in your community. After entries were sent in and received, ten winners were picked to be featured in a public service campaign on Brighthouse Networks and also aired on popular radio station 102 JAMZ. Of the contestants, one artist who caught the attention of the judges and captured this glory was none other than Ajaxxx. Produced by TyPeNyCe, he titled his song "Walk With You."

Ajaxxx – Abacus – That one Indian kid who raps. No matter what you want to call him, he is what he is: a devoted artist, a focused lyricist, and moreover, a fierce emcee. Dedicated to “abusing the microphone” ever since the young age of thirteen, Ajaxxx can always be found honing his skills. Whether it is penning a thought-provoking tale, composing a battle track to bump to in the car or simply free-styling with the boys, the kid can always be found rapping.

Listening to Ajaxxx’s song “Walk With You” literally brought tears to my eyes. When you listen to his song, you realize the pain and grief that he is trying to convey through his lyrics. At the same time, however, he is spreading a message that, "if you pull the trigger, you take more than a life." Ajaxxx is absolutely right. As Ajaxxx prepares to release his next CD, “The Set-Up,” I sat down with him and we spoke about gun violence, how it’s a rising crime, and his winning track.

Tirusha: For those who aren’t familiar with your music, you’ve released two CDs, “It’s About Time,” and “Something to Prove: The Promo.” From those CDs, you’ve had chart-busting collaborations, but what a lot of people don’t notice are the motivational songs. Before “Walk With You” was recorded, you've had other inspiration and motivational songs such as, “Field of Dreams,” and “Silus.” Tell us how you came up with the concept to these songs and what made you want to write them.
Ajaxxx: Well, if you know me, I’m big on doing thought-provoking songs. I’ve had songs inspire me, so I just want to try to recreate that feeling for other people. “Silus” was really written because of the school shootings we’ve all witnessed, whereas “Field of Dreams” was more of an inspirational song I wrote for this performance at a local school. I’ve always wanted to do something motivational, and it was the perfect opportunity.

Tirusha: Now onto “Walk With You.” Congratulations on being one of the ten winners of “Rap Against Violence.” Your track, "Walk With You," was your selected track. Tell us about that experience.
Ajaxxx:Thanks. Well, the Florida State Attorney’s Office in collaboration with local radio station 102 JAMZ and Brighthouse Networks put together this contest where they asked contestants to submit a song promoting anti-gun violence. I submitted a track, and a few months later I was notified that I was one of ten winners.

Tirusha: Did you have the chance to meet any of the other artists whose songs were selected? Do you think the other tracks easily depict the message of stopping gun violence?
Ajaxxx:I did get to meet a lot of them. I think everyone took a different perspective on the issue. Someone talked about how this isn’t the type of world we want our children to live in. Someone else was talking about being proactive in reporting something that might be a crime, and I remember another artist who used his track to ask questions that were really thought provoking.

Tirusha: What makes your track stand out from other nine on the CD?
Ajaxxx:If you listen to the CD, I have the most serious, solemn track on there. When I heard about the topic, I thought about all the school shootings we kept seeing on the news. I wanted to do a song that offered support to the victims and their families if they heard it. At the same time, I wanted to remind people the consequences of gun violence extend past the victim. It’s really their family and friends that feel the pain.

Tirusha: What was the hardest part when writing this song?
Making sure there was an emotional connection. However, because it was so serious, I had to be sensitive to the topic and make sure I did it in the right way. I didn’t want people to become sadder, but instead remind them of hope.

Tirusha: I’ll be honest with you. When you first sent me the track, I told you I cried when I heard it. Is that the reaction you expect to hear from people when they hear your song?
Ajaxxx:You really never know how people are going to react. I mean, I’ve had people cry over songs that I never intended for that to happen. And you know, it happens. As long as somebody takes something from it, I’m happy.

Tirusha: When an artist writes a song, they always have a ‘favorite part.’ But “Walk With You,” isn’t your typical song. Therefore, which part of the song has the most meaning to you?
Ajaxxx:It would have to be the hook of the song. I wrote it in two halves. The first half of the hook is dedicated to the person who lost their life. In it, I say, “To anybody we lost, we’ll see you one day.” I wanted to make it sound like they’re not gone forever. I go on to say, “To anyone we loved, that had to go away.” It sounds innocent almost, you know? The second half of the hook was dedicated to the people left behind. To me, the real victims are the friends and family of the person who died because they are the ones really affected by it. I wanted to do something for them and remind them that they aren’t alone. That’s why I say in the song, “Let me walk with you.”

Tirusha: What do you hope people gain from listening to your track?
Ajaxxx:Don’t get caught up in all the fake glamorization of violence on TV. It’s like I said at the end of the track, we need to start being more responsible because it really isn’t worth it. More and more people are dying out here. We need to come together because if we don’t, there WILL be more senseless violence and EVERYONE will be affected.

Tirusha: Everyone is aware of the fact that gun violence is a growing crime in our country and as you state in the song, “We need to get up, develop and not destroy… we need to rise up.” This contest is just one occurrence that is taking place to help bring gun violence to a stop. What else do you think can be done to stop this crime?
Ajaxxx:There’s not one single thing that’s going to stop gun violence because it’s been here forever. I think it’ll take a collaborative effort from everyone to improve the situation though. I said it in the song: “It ain’t worth it to be violent, or be silent/ we gotta’ stick together if we wanna’ try to fight it.” You know what I mean?

Tirusha: You also mention that music should be used to help bring this crime to peoples’ attention.
Ajaxxx:Definitely. Now I’m not saying that all music needs to preach a positive message, ‘cause I love my party tracks just as much as the next guy, but music is a very powerful weapon that influences many lives. There’s a great opportunity here, and I figure if we can raise awareness with the music, we should.

Tirusha: Ajaxxx, It's been a pleasure spending time with you and seeing how involved you are in the community! It’s always great to see talented people from our community making moves and spreading a message at the same time. So, any final words for the readers of Nirvana Woman Magazine and your fans?
Ajaxxx:Thanks a lot Tirusha, always a pleasure! Make sure y’all check out my website: www.ajaxxx.com and www.myspace.com/ajaxxx to check out my music. I definitely want to thank Nirvana for this opportunity and wish you much success for your magazine. You guys have a great thing going out and showing support to the scene means a lot. Thanks to all the readers for checkin’ me out! Look out for “The Set-Up,” and “Something to Prove,” releasing soon! Peace!

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Cheb i Sabbah - DEVOTION Launch !

2008-07-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Author: Sharon K. Sobotta

An Evening with Cheb I Sabbah

On a cold, drizzly San Francisco evening last January, I worked my way to the home of the man known as Cheb I Sabbah. I was in the final stages of my first book, The Journey of Life: 100 Lessons from Around the World, on the heels of a deadline for Nirvana Woman magazine and maintaining my "day job" as a college administrator. Cheb i had been busy traveling back and forth to India, working on Devotion, while continuing to spin on Haight Street in San Francisco, at Temple Bar in Santa Monica and at an array of other venues throughout the world. Even though I knew Cheb i was a busy man, I was determined to have him in my book. The Algerian-born man in his early 60s, sporting long hair strategically placed atop his head, a gold hoop in his ear and glasses had won over the hearts of so many people with his young-at-heart presence, and boundary-breaking music that brought so many types of people together. I had first discovered Cheb i five years earlier, when I stopped in at his weekly event at Nicky's in SF and I had been hooked ever since. I knew that Cheb i fit perfectly into my book's mission, to bring people of all walks of life together, to inspire people to listen to music they don't understand and to empower the world to envision the world through multiple lenses; I just had to figure out how and where he fit.

Sleep deprived and running on pure adrenaline, I buzzed the door, greeted Cheb i, "Namaste," quickly following up with my all-too common greeting, "Sorry I'm late." I followed Cheb i up the stairs to his apartment, found a cozy spot on the floor in the living room, set down my bags, sifted out my little red notebook and launched into my first question.

"Wait, dear," Cheb i said in a subdued voice. "Sit for a minute, chill. I made us some Turkish coffee."

Cheb i went into the kitchen and came out with a serving platter and two petite cups of perfection. I had been so set on taking up as little of Cheb i's time as possible, that I had almost forgotten to live in the moment. Cheb i quickly brought me back to the present. Sipping my coffee and chatting with Cheb i, I set into my surroundings---a dimly lit charming room filled with a seemingly infinite amount of CDs, mixing equipment, an assortment of DVDs---clearly Cheb i's center for inspiration. "Do you take grass?" Cheb i asked as he pulled out a long, intricately desisigned, slender pipe. "You first dear, you are the guest." Now, I had completely removed my "hurried journalist" hat and knew that this would definitely be the most memorable interview I'd ever do.

I had envisioned Cheb i Sabbah as the perfect candidate to share a piece of inspiration to be paired with the lesson in my book about the importance of eclecticism, living a life without borders. I'd loved that I could always count on Cheb i's spinning for some shoulder-shaking Bhangra beats, hip-swaying Middle-Eastern, an intriguing mix of other world music, not to mention an extremely eclectic crowd. But, as I chatted with Cheb i, it quickly became clear—even if he did live a borderless life and bring all sorts of people together on the dance floor, he had no interest in being branded as "eclectic."

"Umm.. I wouldn't call my music eclectic," Cheb i said. "It's not that eclectic is a bad thing, or anything but…" We paused and laughed. "When I produce, every album has a different theme and I stick to that theme," Chebi explained.

I decided to scratch my agenda, and simply chat with Cheb i about his music, his vision, his philosophies of life and more. I knew that Cheb i definitely had a universally applicable lesson that would have a home in my book, but it would take time and a lot more chatting to determine what that would be. By the end of the chat, I'd learn that Cheb I Sabbah was much more than a musician. I would learn that Cheb i is a firm believer in karma, that he believes that people have an obligation to "give back" in whatever form that they can, and that he is genuinely committed to making the world a better place. I would conclude that Cheb i was the best fit for the lesson about practicing karma.

It wouldn't be until one year later, that Cheb i would agree to speak 'on the record' about his new album, Devotion. Here are snippets of our conversations and a glimpse of the mysterious man we have all come to know and love as, DJ Cheb i Sabbah.

What is the best part about being a deejay/musician?

I don't have a background in music, I've never (formally) studied it, but I know what I like to hear. Being a deejay, we are editors. We listen to a lot, screen out what we like and what we think people will respond well to on the dance floor and play accordingly. DJing is an art form. It is not something that anyone and everyone can do.

In what way do you hope that your music inspires others?

I always try to be humble and in the background. If I can inspire anything (peace or anything else), that's a bonus. Don Cherry told me that music is a gift and that if it's given to you, you should share it. I didn't invent music. I take something that already exists, put my own stamp on it and share it. Music always comes back to vibrational energy.

How did you get such a large following at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica?

I started out there 3-4 years ago. I don't even remember how/why I got there. It's become a big Bhangra party. There's basically no advertising—sometimes it's listed in LA Weekly, some people are on my e-mail listserve, some of the regulars bring a friend and there are always some new ones coming to see the madness. There are tons of South Asians there and the funny thing is I'm one of the few non-South Asians there. It's a difficult phenomenon to explain.

Are people ever surprised to learn that you are Algerian, not South Asian?

"Sometimes people are surprised. They don't know how to categorize me. Some people think I'm Persian, some don't know. When they ask me, I say I'm a born-again reformed Punjabi," Chebi said jokingly. "I've got the long Sikh hair going for me, and I'm vegetarian, but I don't have the beard."

You do a lot of Bhangra shows. Why Bhangra?

"Bhangra is the most happening thing on the dance floor. It is adapted to every style of music, even hip-hop. I find songs that I like, that I think will work on the dance floor and mix them up."

What makes your music such a hit at the Temple Bar?

"I'm always looking for the magic. It's indescribable. When it's there, everyone knows it and everyone feels it. It's not about me—it's really half me and half the audience."

If you had to choose one tip or piece of wisdom to share with the world, what would it be and why?

"Be tolerant. And help others so we can solve problems like poverty and ignorance. Anyone and everyone can do that. You can do that through music or dance. Music makes you feel good. When you dance to it, you send positive vibrational energy and love into the world. Everyone is good at something. Find out what you can do and do it. When you put positive vibrational energy into the world you can multiply it by two or ten. You can spread happiness, help someone see and eat."

Devotion

How is this album unique?

"I can only make albums with one particular theme. La Kehena (2005) shows the diversity of North African music including its history, its religions and its musical heritage. It was a large undertaking for listeners. In 60 minutes, listeners had to digest seven or eight different styles. The reviews of La Kehena were good, but the response was limited. I would say South Asians listen to me more than Arabs do and putting out an album with music from the Arab world may not have been the best idea for the U.S. (where the fan-base seems more interested in South Asian music)."

What do you hope your listeners take away from Devotion?

"It's summed up in what I put on the back of the CD. This album was created with utmost respect to all mystical and spiritual traditions of the Indian sub-continent in the soul aim of sharing and spreading peace, love and understanding."

This album represents several South Asian religious perspectives. Why did you choose to put out a spiritual-toned album now?

"Why not? I would say some people wake up every morning trying to deal with the whole cosmic whatever it is, and some not. For the ones who do, people can do that without going to war. Music transcends barriers. Music is the weapon. It doesn't matter what you believe or don't believe; if it inspires you to do something good for the world, that is what is important."

You sometimes refrain from using the term religion. Tell me about that.

"Religions don't get along and each one claims it's the only one. That's not good enough. It seems that if we put10 religions in one room, we could have10 wars. If we put 10 mystical traditions in one room, we might get to what is the absolute truth; if there is such a thing."

What is the most important lesson you learned while creating this album?

"I'm a musician of a certain kind. But, all I have is my ears as a producer. There are five singers and 30 musicians involved in making this album. It has been so far a blessing to work with all of them. The musicians and singers had such talent, humility and knowledge. Working with these people (some of whom have devoted 30-40 years of their lives to music) can really help one learn how to hear. The problem in the West—in Jazz and other forms of music is that we can improvise, but nobody really hears each other. The hearing process is so important."

Is there anything that you wish that your listeners knew or better understood about you?

"On a technical point of view, people assume that I'm creating a remix. But I'm an artistic producer—I gather musicians, do sessions, cut out things and make it fit. (To produce Devotion) I took three trips to New Delhi in the past year (to create an original piece). I try to stay low-key and try to be respectful toward the music that I produce. All the singers have not heard the final product; they will hear it when I have the real CD. I want their names and credits to get out there to the public. Hopefully they will like it."

Source

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How to purchase a right swimwear for you- an expert's advice

2008-07-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Author: Cyla Weiner

Regardless of a women’s physical appearance, in more than 30 years in the swimsuit industry, as a fashion expert I have never met a woman who “enjoys” shopping for a swimsuit.

I always say-“One thing that is consistent is that women hate shopping for swimsuits. People always scrutinize their own bodies,”

Help exists as swimsuit designers create swimwear with different body types in mind and Weiner says the perfect suit does exist. When shopping for a “must have” summer wardrobe essential, here are my helpful hints:

1. FULL BUST—Don't despair ladies there are many suits, both one piece and two piece styles, that come in D-F cups. These suits provide support and coverage and are very much in fashion. Vendors have come to realize that there are many full busted gals out there who want great looking suits that provide support and are attractive. You can find them with and without wires and with tummy control if you desire.

2. TUMMY HIDER—If you want to camouflage your tummy look for a suit that flatters and firms. Shirring, color blocking, asymmetrical patterns and surplice suits are good to take control of the mid-section. This season’s monokini is another choice that can provide a slimming illusion with a sexy appearance.

3. LARGE THIGHS—Find a suit that takes the eye away from that area. Skirted tankinis are a great option, as are swimdress suits or boy short suits (jogger style).

4. HIP PROBLEMS—Here you need to find a suit that flatters the leg. You should look for a suit that is cut up higher on the leg because it makes your hips look smaller. Dark botto ms are good. Also try to find a suit that has interest across the top to take your eye away from the hip area.

5. LONG TORSO—Suits are available in long lengths. Tankinis and two piece suits are great for long torsos too. Emphasis at the waist deemphasizes the length of the torso.

6. SMALL BUST—Many suits are available that will provide cleavage and fullness. Look for suits that have push up cups or pads inside. Shirring across the bust is also good and embellishments on the upper area also add some fullness. Find one with ruffles or a big and busy design to add emphasis to that area.

To view some of the hottest suits this season, please visit: www.sylenedc.com.

About The Author -Cyla Weiner:

Cyla Weiner is a bra, intimate apparel and swimwear fitting expert who grew up in the fashion industry. She opened Sylene of Washington (SW), a woman-owned lingerie and swimwear boutique, in the Washington-DC area, in 1975. She and SW’s fitting experts specialize in helping women, brides to be, and teens who appreciate a combination of personal attention and superior, luxurious selections.

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Nokia gets into the Asian music scene

2008-07-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Homegrown music talents in the Asia-Pacific region now have a new platform to showcase their latest song creations. The Independent Artists Club Web site launched recently by Nokia aims to promote local artists in the region by allowing them to upload their songs on the Web for music fans around the world to enjoy.

The IAC program will launched in Singapore and Thailand first, before being rolled out over the next six months to selected Asia-Pacific countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.

With each IAC country launch, selected local artists will initially be invited to upload their tracks. After which the Web site will be open to all artists for song uploading. The Singapore IAC site is expected to open up for the public to upload their songs in mid-December.

Music lovers visiting the IAC Web site can then rate, sample (30-second previews) and download MP3 tracks. The artists best rated for their songs will be listed on Nokia's IAC charts, which will in turn be distributed regularly to the industry. These artists will also be invited to perform at Nokia-sponsored events as well as IAC-related activities.

One of the key unique features of the IAC Web site is that fans can not only access it via PC, they can also surf the site via their handsets. The mobile phone platform, however, allows for only preview streaming and downloading of songs (data charges apply).

According to Lim Wee Khee, senior marketing manager for Nokia Singapore, uploading of songs is currently not available using the phone. She added that the tracks are all Digital Rights Management (DRM)-free and come in the popular MP3 format which is playable on most portable music players.

The only seeming catch for music fans is that you can download only 10 tracks a month for free if you own a Nokia device. Non-Nokia device owners are limited to five downloads per month. There are currently no plans by the Finnish company to charge users for additional downloads, so do choose your songs wisely. Then again, you can always sign up for more than one account.

In line with its Ovi Internet services platform announced earlier this year, Nokia has said it will be rolling out the Nokia Music Store in 2008.

Source

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Juday- Ryan love story: exposed on Sharon!

2008-07-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo join the Megastar, Sharon Cuneta, as they reveal the details of their talked-about engagement. Catch them on Sharon this Sunday on ABS-CBN.

The Megastar goes into the nitty-gritty stuff of the Juday-Ryan love story. When did they first meet? How did they know that they’re ready for marriage? How did Ryan propose?

Get hold of the answers as the Megastar digs into the detailed account of the proposal, from the preparation, anticipation, and execution of perhaps the sweetest marriage proposal in showbiz history.

Celebrate the love story of this two wonderful couple and revel on the romance of Juday and Ryan on Sharon, Sunday after Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 on ABS-CBN.

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Did Bea cause Jake-Roxanne break-up? 'Ask them,' Roxanne says

2008-07-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Did Bea cause Jake-Roxanne break-up? 'Ask them,' Roxanne says
By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA

Young actress Roxanne Guinoo revealed that before the reports of alleged 'JakeCuenca-Bea Alonzo' affair circulated, she already saw the two going out together.

"Actually matagal ko na namang nakita sila before, pero okay lang sa akin basta ang akin wala na ako sa picture. [At the time we had no more communication] wala na, wala na, basta after noon nag-focus na ako sa sarili ko," said Roxanne.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com during a press visit for her first television series "Ligaw na Bulaklak" in Pililia, Rizal, Roxanne refused to answer when asked if it was Bea who caused her breakup with Jake.

"Hindi ko po alam. Yung mga ganyang tanong sa kanila na dapat itanong yan kasi ayaw ko na ding ma-involve sa isyu. Ewan ko sa kanila basta okay na ako. Ayaw ko ding makialam kung ano ang mayroon din sa kanila," Roxanne says.

She was also caught by surprise when she heard that there were reports saying that she admitted being hurt when rumors came out that Jake is romantically involved with Bea.

"Talaga? Lumabas lang siguro 'yon but ayaw ko ng mag-comment about sa kanila. Wala out na ako sa picture. Kung ano mayroon yong dalawa ako pinabayaan ko na yon. Sa akin, may sarili na din akong buhay ngayon, mahirap na magka-anuhan, nakakahiya din sa part ng dalawa."

When asked if she likes Bea for Jake, she abruptly said: "Hindi ako makakasagot niyan, ang lolo (Jake) ang makakasagot niyan."

Roxanne also said that she last saw Jake during the Star Magic Ball last Friday, June 27.

"Ang rason ko, hindi ko naman kailangang pumunta sa ball na may akay-akay akong escort. Nandoon ako para mag-enjoy. Nag-enjoy naman talaga ako wala akong kailangang i-prove sa ibang tao na ganito ako, masaya ako," she said.

The actress also said that she's focused on her work and is fine even though her love life is zero.

"Ang love life ko ngayon ay career at work, ang iniisip ko na lang ay madaming naghihintay ng opportunity na ganito. So ito na at least ito ito lang ang focus ko so binibigyan ko talaga ng time."

Guinoo shared that there's actually an advantage when you are commitment-free. "Walang conflict kapag puro work ka... ngayon wala akong sabit ang ano ko lang, career talaga."

Roxanne then begged off from answering further questions about her ex-boyfriend.

"Sorry pero, okay na ako. Ayaw ko ng pag-usapan 'yung kay Jake masaya na din naman siya. Ako naman busy sa trabaho, basta bahala na. Ako, okay na ako na ganito. Ilang beses ko ng pinagdaanan ang ganitong kaso, pero okay na, sanay na," said Roxanne.

She started her career when she joined ABS-CBN's teen edition of Star Circle Quest in 2004. Her first boyfriend was also a former SCQ contestant, Joross Gamboa.

After Joross, she was linked to host Willie Revillame of daily noontime show "Wowowee" but it was proven to be wrong when Roxanne and Jake were seen going out together.

Aside from her taping schedules for "Ligaw na Bulaklak", Roxanne is also busy with her upcoming movies "Mr. Housewife" with Revillame and "Florinda" with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano.

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PFF calls meeting of AID-27 coaches

2008-06-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

PFF calls meeting of AID-27 coaches

Sunday, June 29, 2008
By our correspondent

KARACHI: In a bid to analyse the achievements of the coaches working at grassroots level and to assign them a fresh task, the football governing body in the country (PFF) has called a meeting of the AID-27 coaches which would be held at FIFA Football House in Lahore on July 1 and 2.

The secretary of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Col Ahmad Yar Khan Lodhi told ‘The News’ on Saturday that all the AID-27 coaches, working at different centres of the country, have been invited for the two-day conference to have a debate on and to analyse what progress they have made so far in imparting training to the young footballers of different age groups in their respective centres.

He said that the services of these qualified coaches would also be taken in the different Youth Development Centres (YDC) which the federation intends to establish in twelve centres of the country to realise its dream of achieving the target of Vision 2020 which the federation has unveiled in its Congress meeting on July 21.

The coaches who are invited to the meeting are: Bilal Ahmed Butt, Nouman Ibrahim, Rana Zahir Ahmad, Tanveer Ahmad, Muhammad Habib, Shehzad Anwar, Sajjad Mehmood Khan, Muhammad Rashid, Hassan Baloch, Nasir Ismail, Salim Patni, Zafar Iqbal, Niaz Ahmad Aabro, Abdul Karim, Najibullah Najmi, Haji Abdul Sattar, Gohar Zaman, Qazi Wajid Ali, Fazl-e-Ghaffar, Saeedullah, Faisal Amir Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Saleem, Haji Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Asghar, Iftikhar Ahmad Ghani, Muhammad Asghar and Muhammad Siddique. Source

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Kapali’s ton leads BD to 283-6 against India

2008-06-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Kapali’s ton leads BD to 283-6 against India

Sunday, June 29, 2008
KARACHI: Alok Kapali hit a fighting maiden century to lead Bangladesh to their highest one-day total of 283-6 against India in the Super Four League Asia Cup 2008 match at the National Stadium here on Saturday.

The 24-year-old made 115 to lift the innings with a 112-run stand for the sixth wicket with Mahmudullah Riyad (26 not out) after Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat on a flat, dry pitch.

Kapali came into in his own after top order Bangladeshi batsmen struggled against some disciplined bowling. Only opener Tamim Iqbal with 55 made an early impression until Kapali arrived with the score at 120-4.

Kapali brought up his seventh one-day fifty by hoisting off-spinner Yusuf Pathan for his second six before smashing one off paceman Manpreet Gony.

His previous best one-day score of 89 not out came against the West Indies at Dhaka in 2002.

Kapali then smashed one more six off Gony before taking a single to bring up his hundred off just 86 balls. He finally holed out at deep square-leg off Gony in the last over
Read More.

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Pakistan decide to blood Mansoor against Lankans

2008-06-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

Pakistan decide to blood Mansoor against Lankans

Sunday, June 29, 2008
By Khalid Hussain

KARACHI: Pakistan will field uncapped allrounder Mansoor Amjad in their crunch Asia Cup game against Sri Lanka here at the National Stadium, looking to give their title campaign a boost today (Sunday).

Mansoor, 21, is a prolific first-class batsman but it would be his wrist spin bowling that could prove to be useful for Pakistan who were thrashed by India in Thursday’s Pool B game.

The Sialkot-born youngster would come in place of Karachi all-rounder Fawad Alam as one of the two changes Pakistan are going to make in their playing eleven.

Young left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz will step in for injured fast bowler Umar Gul.

Pakistan are desperate to beat Sri Lanka and stay on course for the July 6 final to be played under lights at the National Stadium.

The hosts were let down against the rampaging Indians by their bowling attack that is without key pacers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

On a batting wicket and against a Sri Lankan side that has the services of prolific batters like Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, the Pakistan bowlers will once again be under immense pressure.

Wahab, 23, will join Sohail Tanvir and Rao Iftikhar Anjum in the pace battery with Mansoor taking a place in the spin trio that includes Malik and the experienced Shahid Afridi. Wahab made his debut earlier this year and since then played four One-day Internationals and has taken nine wickets.

Mansoor, who has had a county stint with Leicestershire, is a successful spinner at the domestic level with 154 wickets from 60 matches at 33.27 apiece. He has also scored 2,290 runs at 29.74 with the help of four hundreds.
Read More

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ParkwayHealth says its ethics committee procedures comply with HOTA

2008-06-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

ParkwayHealth says its ethics committee procedures comply with HOTA

SINGAPORE : ParkwayHealth, which runs Mount Elizabeth Hospital, has confirmed that its policies and procedures are in complete compliance with the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) following a review.

Investigations into the first two organ trading cases are still ongoing at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor in Singapore can take as long as eight years, so to shorten to wait, some renal patients turn to live donors.

The ethics committee at Mount Elizabeth Hospital is made up of three persons as required under the HOTA. It comprises a doctor with an active practice at the hospital, a second doctor who is completely independent of the hospital, and a lay person. All candidates are drawn from a panel of Health Ministry (MOH)-approved doctors and lay persons.

As required under the Act, the curriculum vitae of every person on this panel is submitted to the MOH and approved by the Director of Medical Services before they can serve as a Transplant Ethics Committee member. Read More

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