PM Anwar: AI, technological progress hollow without closing digital divide

Technology

LIMA, Nov 15 — In a world increasingly dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, the Malaysian government also recognises that bridging the digital divide is crucial for equitable development across all segments of society.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, while acknowledging Malaysia’s ability to attract huge investment in these areas, the government is also aware of the challenge of ensuring that its emerging economy remains competitive, equitable, and sustainable.“If you want to ensure that an emerging economy succeeds, remains competitive, and sustainable, then it has to be through a quantum leap. And AI is the answer for that, for the matter of digital transformation.“But there are also concerns that needs to be addressed. First, the digital divide. We can’t talk about the modern economy without trust, humanity, justice and democratisation of access,” he said at the APEC CEO Summit in a session titled, “Opportunities and Challenges in the AI Revolution”, here Thursday.Other panellists in the session were Microsoft vice-president of Data & AI, Zia Mansoor, Vobile chief executive officer Yangbin Wang, and Google vice-president, government affairs & public policy, Karan Bhatia.Also present at the session were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.The event that took place at the Grand National Theatre of Peru was moderated by APEC Business Council (ABAC) Canada member, Jan De Silva.Hence, while Malaysia has made significant strides in building its digital infrastructure, further investments are necessary to ensure that all citizens have access to the tools and resources that will allow them to thrive in the digital age.This requires a concerted effort to bring connectivity to remote areas, build digital literacy, and create opportunities for all Malaysians, regardless of their geographic location, said Anwar, who is also the finance minister.“All opportunities provided to urban areas must also be available to rural and heartland communities. It requires additional infrastructure investments and I don’t think we can avoid that,” he said.Besides the infrastructure, which is more of a hardware in the ecosystem, the software part of it must be given equal priority, Anwar pointed out.“We have Islam as the majority of the population, we have Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and many others, so we must ensure that digital technologies align with the nation’s values of humanity, justice, and ethics.“Therefore, Anwar highlighted that the issue of data protection, the input that we provide or place into AI is pertinent,” said the prime minister.This includes safeguarding against biases in AI algorithms, ensuring transparency, and protecting citizens’ privacy, he stressed.Hence, to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly, Malaysia seeks to develop a balanced approach that promotes innovation while safeguarding human dignity and ethical principles.He said while the West, particularly the United States and Europe, has been at the forefront of AI development, Malaysia is committed to ensuring that it can remain competitive without being overly reliant on any one region.This means adopting a neutral stance in choosing the best technologies and solutions, whether they come from the United States, China, Europe, or other parts of the world, Anwar said. Malaysia’s approach will be centred on what is most beneficial for its people and economy, while also maintaining sovereignty over its digital future, he said, adding that the key to Malaysia’s strategy is the concept of “centrality”, which emphasises the country’s role as a major player in the global digital landscape.Anwar said Malaysia aims to be at the crossroads of innovation, drawing from the best practices and technologies from around the world while maintaining control over its digital and technological future.Earlier, De Silva said Malaysia’s digital transformation journey has been truly impressive, attracting global attention and investment from leading technology giants with digitalisation access exceeding 97 per cent of the population.“Your digital economy is so well positioned for remarkable growth,” she said when introducing the prime minister at the hall.De Silva was referring to investments of almost US$17 billion (RM76 billion) that have been coming in from global tech giants like Amazon, web services, Google, Microsoft, Oracle and others, as Malaysia forges ahead in its high-growth digital economy. — Bernama

1 Star of the Movie ‘Heretic’ Left Mormonism

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The horror movie Heretic is one of the most prominent depictions of Mormonism in popular culture. One of the stars of the film was once a Mormon. Another was friends with Mormon missionaries while the movie was being filmed. 

How ‘Heretic’ tried to explore Mormonism in an authentic way

Heretic is about a pair of Mormon missionaries: Sister Barnes (played by Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (played by Chloe East) who get kidnapped by a creep named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant, revealing he should have been playing villains all along). Unlike other religious horror movies like Rosemary’s Baby or The Exorcist, Heretic contains a lot of dialog about religion and its role in society. While the film critiques all the major Abrahamic religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and various ancient paganisms, it saves most of its ire for Mormonism. Interestingly, the film isn’t exactly coming from outsiders. 

The movie was directed by A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. During a 2024 interview with GQ, Woods discussed the film’s leads and their relationship to Mormonism. “They wanted to keep everything grounded, and wanted to find that authenticity that they know,” he explained. “Chloe has friends to this day that are missionaries on missions right now, so she was texting them while we were filming.

“And I think Sophie, who had left the church earlier in her life, and who has family members that are in and out, it definitely helped layer her performance as Sister Barnes — somebody who grew up in the church, but has this lingering question of, ‘Is it real?’ or ‘Do I fit in here?’ and ‘What do I believe?’”

[embedded content]

Why the movie took the right approach to Mormonism

Perhaps the movie’s Mormon connections explain its tone. There’s a line between attacking a religion and attacking religious people. Heretic reheats a lot of New Atheist talking points when it critiques Joseph Smith and his church, but it has a lot of empathy for the Mormon missionaries.

That’s for the best on a sociological and narrative level. Empathy is generally a good thing. On top of that, Heretic would not work if it centered on characters who the audience didn’t like.

[embedded content]

Why the directors felt making ‘Heretic’ came with special responsibility

Woods felt like Heretic had to be good simply because Hollywood is struggling to adapt to the age of streaming. “There’s no question that every filmmaker right now feels an immense responsibility to deliver, to keep movies around,” he said. “It’s a privilege and a major responsibility to keep exciting people.”

Beck seems to have put his all into the movie as well. “It’s the way that we designed Heretic, to have these moments where hopefully you’re terrified, but other times you’re laughing at some off-color remark that Mr. Reed says, and you’re feeling that course through the audience in a way that enhances the experience,” he explained. Whether you like the film or not, it certainly feels like the directors, actors, and screenwriters put a lot of work into it. In a world full of cookie-cutter horror movies, Heretic feels like an original product. 

The plot of Heretic might be off the wall, but the lead actors give it an air of authenticity. 

Christmas markets in Budapest open this Friday, bringing festive cheer and tourist appeal

Travel

The beloved Christmas markets in Budapest are set to open on 15 November, showcasing the city’s renowned festive spirit and drawing visitors with their unique charm. Iconic locations like St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square will host markets featuring local artisans, seasonal delicacies, and cultural programs. The Advent season is an essential tourism driver, with Budapest joining a long-standing European tradition that captivates travellers year after year.Christmas markets in Budapest open tomorrow
Budapest will see its major Christmas markets open on 15 November, marking the beginning of a festive season that draws both locals and tourists, Világgazdaság writes. The famed Advent Basilica market, previously voted Europe’s best Christmas market four times, will once again transform St. Stephen’s Square with holiday decorations, artisan stands, and festive cuisine.

Photo: FB/Advent Basilica

Photo: FB/Advent Basilica Budapest

A short walk away, Vörösmarty Square will light up with its own classic market, Vörösmarty Classic Xmas, adding to the city’s holiday offerings. The Városháza Winter Adventure Park and Christmas Market will also open the same day, ensuring a variety of seasonal attractions.
Photo: www.facebook.com/BudapestChristmasFair

Buda Castle District also party of the festive scene
These markets are part of a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the late 1200s, that has evolved into a significant tourist draw across Europe. Budapest’s holiday spirit is complemented by other major markets in Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava, all easily reachable by car or train. Budapest’s festive scene also extends to the Buda Castle District, where cultural events, family days, and concerts add to the seasonal experience.
To make the markets more accessible, organisers have implemented price caps: daily dishes at both St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square will be available for a fixed price of HUF 1,600 (EUR 3.94), and there will be thematic meals that will not exceed HUF 2,500 (EUR 6.15). This move aims to ensure affordability for all visitors.
Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair
Attendees can enjoy traditional treats such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake), mulled wine, and various seasonal dishes while browsing the handcrafted goods offered by local artisans. The city’s Christmas markets promise to provide a rich blend of festive atmosphere and cultural enrichment, enhancing Budapest’s status as a key destination during the holiday season.
Read also:

Former Military Officials Tell Congress America Has Secretly Recovered Alien Technology

Technology

“As the saying goes, the truth is out there.”Congress MenFormer military officials have once again claimed, despite the Pentagon’s declarations to the contrary, that the United States has recovered alien technology.As NPR reports, these latest House Oversight Subcommittee hearings contained claims both bombastic and pragmatic as ex-government officials insisted that the truth is out there.Chief among these witnesses was Luis “Lue” Elizondo, a former Defense Department intelligence official who says he worked on a clandestine UAP project prior to the establishment of a more public-facing office during the start of the Biden Administration.”Advanced technologies not made by our Government — or any other government — are monitoring sensitive military installations around the globe,” the whistleblower and author wrote in his submitted testimony. “Furthermore, the US is in possession of UAP technologies, as are some of our adversaries.”Despite suggesting a global alien tech arms race, Elizondo’s most recent testimony seemed strikingly pared down from past claims he’s made. Earlier this year, for instance, he insisted that the government had a program meant to “trap” extraterrestrial crafts, and was forced to admit that a so-called alien “mothership” photo he presented at a conference in early November was faked.Secret SaucerAlongside the ex-Pentagon official was another of the usual UAP suspects: retired Navy admiral Tim Gallaudet, who now leads a consulting firm that searches for alien crafts underwater.During his testimony, Gallaudet recounted that nearly a decade ago, he witnessed an “unidentified object exhibiting flight and structural characteristics unlike anything in our arsenal.”Later, he says he received a video in his work inbox of a purported UFO — now known as the “Go Fast” video, which was declassified and publicized via the Freedom of Information Act in 2019 — only for it to disappear the “very next day.”These creduility-straining claims from former Pentagon officials were tempered by testimony from former NASA space policy executive Michael Gold, who told the Congressional subcommittee that the best way to get to the truth about ETs is science and de-stigmatization.”As the saying goes, the truth is out there,” Gold said. “We just need to be bold enough and brave enough to face it.”More on UFOs: Retired NASA Astronaut Urges Government to Investigate “Compelling” UFO ClaimsShare This Article

Bangor woman starts business amid battle with breast cancer

Business News

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Angie Woodford began sharing her journey battling cancer on social media“People would ask me how I was doing. Instead of terrific, I would say ‘scarrific,’ because I have so many scars now in my body from all the surgeries that I would just kind of, I’m a big jokester, pretty dry humor, but I would just say ‘I’m scarrific,’ and so that’s how I came up with Scarrific Warrior.”Woodford made all-natural products to help with the side effects of her battle.Later, she expanded to make household items ranging from candles to soaps.“I continued to make other products to help myself during the journey, like my dandelion salve for joint pain, and my relief roll on for joint pain and body aches, and I made this healing cream that helped with the sores that were on my face and my head from the chemo and different things like that.”She shared some products amongst friends, and she later got an idea to sell them.“My friend told me, ‘You should sell this stuff.’ So, I decided that I would try to get it on some of the shelves in the stores in town.”While Woodford isn’t big on business, she wanted to help.“I never intended to open a business. I’m not sure that I’m a businessperson, but I did want to help other cancer patients. I have sent a lot of care packages to people when I find out different people who are going through the same journey that I’ve gone through.”Woodford has gotten into a few stores across the state, and at a recent craft fair, she’s gotten recognition.“About five or six people in the two days, come into my area, and they knew my products, but it was really cool for them to say, ‘Are you Angie?’ or ‘Are you Scarrific Warrior?’. So, to me it was like, ‘okay, that’s kind of neat that people are learning the name.’”Copyright 2024 WABI. All rights reserved.

Nature brings owner of new business to Duluth

Business News

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Before the sun was up on Thursday, employees at Duluth’s new Chick-fil-A opened their doors for their grand opening.“We saw a really good turn out this morning,” Duluth Chick-fil-A owner-operator Jon Farr said. “People were waiting in line in both the front of the store and the drive thru.”The new Chick-fil-A is located next to Miller Hill Mall.Farr said he was thrilled with the turnout of the opening morning.However, opening the doors to the first Chick-fil-A in Duluth wasn’t the only thing he was excited about. He said it’s an opportunity to raise his family in Duluth.Farr was raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He said he was ready to get closer to the outdoors, just like where he grew up.“I share a lot of values with the local community here. I like hiking, biking, fishing,” he said. “I really enjoyed growing up in Alaska and wanted to give my family the same experience.“According to the president of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, the outdoor experience in Duluth could help entice more businesses to move to the area.“I think in addition to being a great place to bring a business, if you’re a proprietor of a business, it can be a great place to have your family come along with you,” said Matt Baumgartner, the president of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce.Although the outdoor offerings might not be what brings in all businesses to the area, he said that he’s seen a trend in the right direction.“Just recently in this last few months of the fall, we’ve had at latest 16 to 20 new businesses open and they’re in a variety of sectors,” he said.He said that the timing isn’t random, but about weather.“I think any time you can get your business open in a time when the weather is still palatable, I think that’s really beneficial.”For Farr, he believes that the timing is going to be beneficial for business.“We’ve got Black Friday coming up and I think we’re just expecting the best.”Click here to download the Northern News Now app or our Northern News Now First Alert weather app.Copyright 2024 Northern News Now. All rights reserved.

Efforts on to revive Bangalore Book Festival

Arts & Culture, Books

The Bangalore Book Festival (BBF), once a marquee event in the city’s calendar, was last held in 2019. Then the pandemic happened. Despite multiple attempts since then, the festival has not made a return. Now, efforts are underway to bring BBF back in 2025.In the five-year gap since BBF’s last edition, several new book festivals have emerged in Bengaluru, primarily organised by private entities. Among these is the latest addition, Pustaka Sante, hosted by Kannada publisher Veeraloka Prakashana. The three-day event, featuring 100 Kannada book stalls, will take place from November 15 to 17 at Shalini Grounds, Jayanagar.“The event is entirely organised and funded by me, driven by my passion for promoting the Kannada language,” said Veerakaputra M. Srinivas, an industrialist and publisher. “Earlier this year, I held a similar exhibition at HSR Layout, which was well-received.”

Pustaka Sante, hosted by Kannada publisher Veeraloka Prakashana, will take place from November 15 to 17 in Jayanagar.
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement
Efforts on to revive BBFA. N. Ramachandran, President of the Bangalore Booksellers and Publishers Association, which organised BBF for 14 editions until 2019, highlighted the hurdles in reviving the festival. “The main challenge is funding and support. While many industries have recovered post-pandemic, book sales remain sluggish. We have struggled to secure sponsorship or government funding,” he said.He said book festivals in cities like Chennai and Delhi receive state government backing, which helps sustain them. “In the current economic climate, small booksellers and publishers cannot afford the high stall fees needed to make the festival self-sustaining,” he added. However, Ramachandran said efforts are on to revive BBF.A new visionMeanwhile, a newly formed group, the Karnataka Booksellers and Publishers Association, is also planning a book festival for Bengaluru, with an emphasis on Kannada literature.“One of the issues with BBF was its heavy focus on English books, which led to limited interest from the State government. Festivals like the Chennai Book Fair prioritise regional language books, which attract significant footfall,” said Guruprasad D.N., a member of the association and a publisher.We are planning to hold a book festival, with a focus on Kannada books, but not letting go of English books either,” he said. Published – November 15, 2024 06:33 am IST
Read Comments
Copy link

Email

Facebook

Twitter

Telegram

LinkedIn

WhatsApp

Reddit

Remove

SEE ALL
PRINT