Medical grade face mask

During the nationwide closure of temples and festivities during the Songkran holiday this week, some are taking the opportunity to improve hygienic practices. To help protect members of the temple and the community from contracting Coronavirus, the Abbot from Chak Daeng temple, on the banks of the Chao Phraya just south of Bangkok, has been busy crafting recycled plastics into face masks. The Chak Daeng temple has developed a method of using recycled plastics donated from the community and retrieved from Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river to make a fabric which they use for robes and more recently, into hygienic face masks. Monks crush the plastic and shred it into small flakes allowing the material to be converted into polyester and spun into yarn and woven into robes in a beautiful polyblend of traditional and modern problem solving. With some alterations, the recycled plastics can be used to make face masks to help people stay safe this year. ... » Learn More about Bangkok temple develops hygienic face mask from recycled plastics

With store operations at a halt, one might think they’d have to wait days, weeks, or the next official announcement until they can finally step foot to shop at their favorite brands. This, however, cannot be more far from the truth. In fact, anyone can shop safely through Trunc, SSI Group’s multi-label e-commerce site with over 100 of the world’s most coveted brands. Customers can sit back, relax, and tap on their phones (or laptops) to order and purchase their needs and wants at just one online shopping destination. The reusable, washable, virus killing, Sports Face Mask by Fine Guard is the choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Endorsed by Olympians and the Medical Wellness Association, this ultra-breathable model is protected by Livinguard technology that kills 99.99 percent of viruses on contact. Each box comes with two masks, each being reusable for a whole year and washable up to 50 times. For a more casual option, Kenneth Cole’s face mask has a multi-layer filtration ... » Learn More about Shop safely with Trunc

Petaling Jaya: He is one of the most wanted men in Malaysia. Datuk Seri Nicky Liow Soon Hee, who thrives on being in the limelight, must be wishing that he had kept himself away from public attention. Malaysians who have seen pictures of this brash young man posing with his piles of cash and luxury cars must have wondered why anyone would ever want to do that. Some blamed it on the fugitive’s Instagram generation which values image over substance. Liow, who celebrates his 33rd birthday at the end of this month, is known to throw lavish parties with free-flowing booze. That won’t happen this year. Police want him to face charges on organised crime, money laundering, Macau scam and commercial crime cases, and likely involving drugs too. Recently, police arrested 68 individuals, including his two brothers, also Datuk Seri titleholders, and a Datuk who are believed to be gang members. Police also seized 16 luxury vehicles, including a Rolls Royce and five Alphard MPVs, and hard ... » Learn More about Unmasking fugitive Nicky Liow

Chie Filomeno donated to the group of jeepney drivers she saw along Katipunan Ave. Images: Instagram/@chiefilomeno Chie Filomeno urged the public to help out-of-work jeepney drivers as they struggle amid the pandemic-induced lockdown. Filomeno shared her experience of encountering a group begging for alms along Katipunan avenue via Instagram earlier today, April 14. “A couple of days ago we passed by Katipunan [Ave.] at may nakita akong cartolina na nakadikit lang sa barrier at may nakasulat na “KONTING TULONG LANG PO SA AMING MGA JEEPNEY DRIVERS,'” she said. (A couple of days ago we passed by Katipunan avenue and I saw a cartolina up on a barrier with the words, “A little help for us jeepney drivers.) “Tapos nakita ko sila nakaupo sa side gutter, sobrang hinang hina at walang pag-asa, I wanted to give them something pero that time I didn’t have relief goods in the car and I didn’t have money,” Filomeno added. (Then I saw them sitting on the side gutter, looking very ... » Learn More about Chie Filomeno urges public to help out-of-work drivers amid lockdown

A reenactment of the first baptism in the Philippines was held at Plaza Sugbo where the Magellan’s Cross sits. PHOTO BY NESTLE SEMILLA CEBU CITY—Filipinos play a key role in spreading Christianity to the world in the course of their employment as migrant workers, the representative of Pope Francis said on Wednesday (April 14) at the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the first baptism in the Philippines. “Keep the flame of faith alive,” said Archbishop Charles Brown, papal nuncio to the Philippines and the Pope’s representative in the celebration. Brown lauded Filipinos for accepting Christianity five centuries ago and sharing it with the world. The Christian faith, he said, started in Asia where Jesus sent the Holy Spirit and summoned apostles to spread his mission of bringing people back to God. The faith was brought to Europe and found its way in the Philippines. “Now, Filipinos bring that faith to the world, not as explorers or colonizers, but in many cases as ... » Learn More about 500th year of first baptism in PH: Filipinos hailed for spreading Christianity worldwide

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin visited a Ramadan bazaar at Precinct 3 here, to observe the level of standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance among traders and patrons there. He arrived at 5pm and spent about 30 minutes at the bazaar on Wednesday (April 14). Muhyiddin also spent some time mingling with traders and was seen buying several dishes, such as kuih kaswi gula merah, laksa and mee kolok. Traders and visitors at the bazaar were pleasantly surprised when the Prime Minister turned up there. MyTalam Kuih stall owner, Wichi Yuso, 48, said at first, she did not notice the presence of Muhyiddin at her stall because the Prime Minister was wearing a face mask. "I was surprised as I did not know the Prime Minister was coming to the Ramadan bazaar today. He bought some traditional kuih and also asked how my family and I were doing. "I was thrilled but did not have time to take a selfie and have a long chat with the Prime Minister, in ... » Learn More about Muhyiddin visits Putrajaya ramadan bazaar to observe SOP compliance

SINGAPORE - Over the past five years, Singapore's war on diabetes has been fought on many fronts, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a speech where he called on countries to work together and tackle the chronic disease that affects more than 420 million people worldwide. Its efforts range from stricter rules on the advertising and sale of sugary beverages to the nationwide promotion of health screening, he said. And for those already living with the disease, the country strives to optimise care and prevent complications. "Believing that prevention is better than cure, we strongly encourage Singaporeans to adopt healthy diets and lifestyles," Mr Lee added at the launch of the World Health Organisation's Global Diabetes Compact on Wednesday (April 14). The compact aims to help countries implement effective programmes to prevent and manage diabetes, which can cause severe complications and lead to death if not treated properly. Roughly 6 per cent of the world's population has ... » Learn More about PM Lee Hsien Loong calls on global community to work together in war against diabetes

TOKYO • When Japan won the bid to host the 2020 Olympics eight years ago, it billed Tokyo as a reliable and secure location, contrasting it with rivals struggling with financial and political instability. But with 100 days before the start of the Games yesterday, organisers face a deluge of challenges and growing uncertainty as the pandemic rages on around the world, affecting decisions ranging from athlete safety to spectator numbers to ticket sales. The biggest headache is the resurgent coronavirus, with countries like India and Brazil battling mutant variants and also a fresh rise in cases. In Japan, the vaccination roll-outs have been the slowest among developed economies, as Tokyo has lurched in and out of soft lockdowns. Infections are on the rise, and experts worry the capital is on the cusp of an "explosive" jump in cases, just like Osaka. As a result, foreign spectators have been barred, parts of the torch relay have been rerouted, and organisers are undecided on what to ... » Learn More about Issues aplenty with 100 days to Games

Academic Year 2020-2021 is consequential for Philippine online education. Prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, education institutions in the country have resorted to online teaching to mitigate the impact of the crisis. Sensing an opportunity, the Educational Policy Research and Development Center (EPRDC) is pushing for legislation to institutionalize online or “blended” education, which, according to the Department of Education (DepEd), also involves the traditional face-to-face system and the use of radio and television. EPRDC said repeated studies by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) have been proving that online education is “creating renewed zealousness for learning among young students across all levels.” The education think tank said research over the last 10 years, as compiled by PNU’s Dr. Edna Luz Raymundo-Abulon, even indicate that technology, as part of other education strategies, may reverse the “brain drain” phenomenon. “The brain drain phenomenon — where ... » Learn More about Education think tank bats for law institutionalizing online learning

I was planning to use GrabCar to get to my lunch with Ms Tan Hooi Ling, the co-founder of Grab. But the night before, I heard how a private-hire car driver had to ask his passenger to guide him along the route. I didn't want to risk being late, so I called for a Comfort cab instead. The driver had no problems getting me there. Ms Tan has chosen Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre to meet. Her PR folks had assured me there was a reason for her choice. It's a hot day and the centre is noisy, filling up fast with a lunch crowd. I settle at a table in the quietest corner I can find and message Grab's PR manager, Claire, to let her know where I'm sitting. They arrive, via Grab, of course. Ms Tan, 33, whose title is both co-founder and chief operating officer, is tall and very slim. She's in a black T-shirt and jeans, both from Uniqlo, and white sneakers. She's barefaced except for a lick of lipstick, and carries a grey, haversack-styled bag. She could pass off as a university ... » Learn More about Lunch With Sumiko: Grab whiz Tan Hooi Ling happy to stay low-key