Central News Hub

Month: December 2024

  • White House set to finalise H-1B overhaul 

    White House set to finalise H-1B overhaul 

    The draft rule also removes the mandate for the annual publication of eligible countries for these seasonal visa programs, simplifying program administration…reports Asian Lite News

    The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is in the final stages of reviewing a significant overhaul of the H-1B visa program, according to a report by Bloomberg Law. This marks the last step before the new regulations are made public. 

    Last year, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued draft regulations that included changes to eligibility standards, particularly degree requirements, for the H-1B visa, which tech companies widely use to hire skilled foreign workers. OIRA received the final rule (1615-AC70) on Thursday, the report added. 

    The proposed changes also include an update to the annual lottery system for H-1B visas, aiming to give each potential applicant an equal chance in the selection process. This adjustment was finalized in January, ahead of the fiscal 2025 visa lottery. The program has an annual cap of 85,000 new visas, with 20,000 reserved for applicants holding advanced degrees from US institutions. 

    In addition to these changes, the draft regulations clarify criteria for cap-exempt visas and introduce a policy that grants deference to prior agency decisions when processing visa extension requests. 

    Meanwhile, separate regulations aimed at improving worker protections in the H-2A and H-2B seasonal visa programs also passed White House review on Thursday. According to the report, these visa programs are used for agricultural and non-farm seasonal workers. A draft rule released last year (RIN 1615-AC76) addresses issues such as illegal fees and worker abuses, proposing penalties including up to a four-year ban for employers found in violation of worker safeguards. 

    The draft rule also removes the mandate for the annual publication of eligible countries for these seasonal visa programs, simplifying program administration. 

    Once the White House review is complete, the finalized regulations for both the H-1B and seasonal visa programs will be published, potentially affecting employers and foreign workers. These updates are part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to modernize U.S. immigration policies and enhance worker protections. 

    Drop in H-1B visa approvals   

    In fiscal year 2024, the top seven Indian IT companies collectively saw only 7,299 H-1B visa petitions for new employment approved, marking a dramatic decrease from the 14,792 approvals reported in fiscal year 2015. This analysis, conducted by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a non-partisan think tank based in the United States, highlights a significant downward trend in approvals for these firms.  

    The 7,299 approvals accounted for just 5.2% of the total H-1B visa approvals for FY24, equating to a mere 0.004% of the US civilian workforce. Denial rates for H-1B visa applications remained low, recorded at 2.5%, a slight drop from 3.5% in FY23, according to the NFAP findings.  

    The report also cautioned that denial rates could rise if the incoming Trump Administration reinstates the restrictive immigration policies seen during his first term.  

    Meanwhile, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a significant extension of the automatic work permit renewal period for spouses of H-1B and L-1 visa holders, according to an announcement by USCIS. Starting January 13, 2025, the renewal period will increase from 180 days to up to 540 days for applications submitted on or after May 4, 2022. 

    H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms drop  

    The H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms have dropped by more than half since 2015, a new study has found. According to an analysis of US data by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) – a US-based non-partisan think-tank – India’s top seven IT firms had only 7,299 H-1B petitions for new employment approved in fiscal year 2024 as opposed to 14,792 approvals in FY15. 

    The H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa allotted through a lottery system that offers a route for graduates and skilled workers to work in the US in specialty occupations. 

    Nearly half of the approved H-1B petitions in FY24 (49.1%) were in professional, scientific and technical services, followed by educational services (11.9%), manufacturing (9.3%), health care and social assistance (6.5%). 

    Amazon, which remains the biggest sponsor of H-1B visas, saw 3,871 approvals in FY24, lower than 4,052 in the previous year. Similarly, Indian IT giants like Cognizant (2,837), Infosys (2,504), TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) (1,452) and others also saw a significant drop in H-1B visa approvals, the report stated. 

    Several analysts have linked the decline in approvals to global recession and a shift in workforce needs. Ajay Sharma, founder of Abhinav Immigration Services, said, “The only reason I can think of is that the global recession and AI are impacting the business models of all major players. They do not need to hire for redundant positions or for positions in divisions that are losing business due to the recession.” 

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  • 1 Billion Summit organises training, mentorship programmes 

    1 Billion Summit organises training, mentorship programmes 

    The 1 Billion Followers Summit, organised by the New Media Academy from 11-13 January 2025, aims through this programme to support shortlisted startups…reports Asian Lite News

    The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s first and largest event dedicated to shaping the content creator economy, announced the launch of a training programme and a mentorship programme for the 1 Billion Pitches competition, the first of its kind globally. 

    The 1 Billion Followers Summit, organised by the New Media Academy from 11-13 January 2025, aims through this programme to support shortlisted startups and entrepreneurs with groundbreaking content-focused projects. These finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of leading experts and investors for a chance to secure funding. 

    Led by global experts, including prominent investors and leaders from top consulting and investment firms, the training programme features virtual sessions during December, preceding the Summit with the aim of preparing startup owners for the competition. 

    The mentorship programme, on the other hand, follows a partnership between the Summit and BeyondCapital, a venture capital firm that supports entrepreneurs, VC managers, and pioneering investors within the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. BeyondCapital will lead this programme during the Summit, offering face-to-face guidance and mentorship to startup teams. 

    Alia AlHammadi, CEO of the New Media Academy, stated that the 1 Billion Pitches competition provides an ideal platform for content creators and startups to achieve their goals and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. 

    She noted that the partnership with BeyondCapital empowers participants with the expertise needed to thrive in the content industry, furthering the Summit’s mission of advancing digital media and cultivating a highly skilled creator base. 

    AlHammadi emphasised that the comprehensive training and mentorship programmes equips startups, entrepreneurs, and content creators to deliver compelling pitches that showcase their competitive advantages and inspire investor confidence. 

    Tamer Al-Salah, Managing Director at BeyondCapital, said, “The partnership with the 1 Billion Followers Summit supports our objective of fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving investment in knowledge-based startups, and empowering the next generation of high-growth companies in digital media and content creation.” 

    He noted how such mentorship and training programmes provide entrepreneurs, content creators, and startups with expert guidance from leading investors, enabling them to adapt to market changes, develop financial acumen and realistically identify revenue streams. 

    Al-Salah added, “BeyondCapital prioritises investing in high-growth startups in emerging markets, with a particular focus on financing, to stimulate economic growth and support innovative projects with positive community impact.” 

    The training programme comprises four main tracks: Strategy, Product, Growth, and Fundraising. Two lectures, each up to an hour long, will be dedicated to each track. 

    The programme prepares participants in the 1 Billion Pitches competition for investment rounds and fundraising, attracting ideal investors and stimulating early-stage investment in knowledge-based startups. It enhances creator and entrepreneur skills, fosters innovation, and equips them to manage risk and adapt to market changes, ultimately building trust with investors and facilitating access to funding. 

    With a goal of reaching over a billion people worldwide, the 1 Billion Followers Summit brings together top global social media influencers across all online platforms. The summit explores how new media can drive positive societal change and fuel sustainable economic growth for nations. 

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  • ‘UAE set the bar high in preventive medicine’ 

    ‘UAE set the bar high in preventive medicine’ 

    Hasan Jasem Al Nowais attributed the progress in the country’s medical sector to the ambitious vision and guidance of the UAE’s leadership…reports Asian Lite News

    Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, emphasised that the UAE’s healthcare system has become a global benchmark in preventive medicine, driven by Abu Dhabi and other emirates hosting advanced hospitals, pioneering robotic technologies, innovative genomic research, and an artificial intelligence-supported healthcare infrastructure. 

    In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he attributed the progress in the country’s medical sector to the ambitious vision and guidance of the UAE’s leadership, which is dedicated to developing and adopting the latest global advancements in the field. 

    Al Nowais highlighted M42’s collaboration with government entities, which is shaping a new healthcare paradigm, from data analysis and early identification of health threats to delivering targeted treatments faster and more cost-effectively. 

    He added that M42 stands out for its commitment to accelerating the shift from traditional treatment methodologies to a proactive, prevention-focused model. The group also prioritises exploring ways to support healthy ageing, enhance quality of life, transition to a more sustainable healthcare system, and promote general well-being. 

    “For meaningful, lasting, and positive change that enhances human longevity worldwide, we must collectively focus on three pillars: precision, preventive, and predictive medicine,” Al Nowais said, underscoring the need to establish a sustainable healthcare model that detects diseases early, before symptoms appear. “This requires adopting artificial intelligence, genomic science, and fostering collaborations across various levels.” 

    Al Nowais highlighted M42’s innovations in AI- and genomics-based solutions, which are driving transformative healthcare advancements and improving preventive and personalised care. Key innovations include the open-source, large clinical language model “Med42” and the AI-powered “AIRIS-TB” system, which conducts 2,000 chest X-rays daily to combat tuberculosis. This marks a significant leap in diagnostic capacity compared to traditional methods, which handle only 200 examinations in the region. 

    He also noted that AI integration extends to endoscopic procedures, enhancing the accuracy of detecting abnormalities and early signs of cancer. 

    Al Nowais highlighted the group’s Omics Centre of Excellence, which advances genomic research, including the UAE Genome Programme, paving the way for precision medicine and proactive health management in the UAE. 

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  • Sheikh Mohammed seeks new Hope Makers 

    Sheikh Mohammed seeks new Hope Makers 

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the search for Arab Hope Makers for the initiative’s fifth edition….reports Asian Lite News

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the vital importance of spreading hope and recognising those dedicated to fostering kindness and optimism. 

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the search for Arab Hope Makers for the initiative’s fifth edition. This is the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab world, celebrating philanthropists and recognising their charitable, social, and humanitarian work to improve their communities, help those in need, and create a positive impact by dedicating their resources and capabilities for the greater good. 

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, “Humans are nourished by hope. Communities flourish on hope, and even the most daunting challenges become manageable with genuine hope. While some sow despair and frustration in our region, we cultivate hope and champion optimism.” 

    He continued, “In every community, there are individuals who dedicate themselves to fostering hope and spreading kindness. Let us celebrate these Hope Makers, recognise their contributions, and showcase them as role models.” 

    “Another season of the Hope Makers initiative begins, and we encourage everyone to nominate themselves or others as creators of hope through arabhopemakers.com.” 

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed concluded, “May God guide us to be beacons of hope, positivity, and optimism for a brighter future in our region.” 

    Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), stated that the Hope Makers initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2017, has successfully uncovered inspiring examples of Arab philanthropy, motivating millions to participate. The initiative reflects His Highness’s belief that the Arab world is rich with inspiring individual and institutional initiatives that merit recognition and celebration. 

    “This initiative is a realistic call to combat despair and negativity by focusing on the positive within our Arab communities,” Al Gergawi continued. “It highlights initiatives that alleviate suffering among the sick, needy, orphaned, and unemployed. By opening nominations to any individual, team, or organisation working to improve local living conditions, the Hope Makers initiative has attracted over 300,000 nominations in its first four editions, fuelling optimism and driving hope across the region.” 

    Al Gergawi noted that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s call for 2024 Arab Hope Makers builds upon the initiative’s success, reinforcing its role in promoting giving and generosity while showcasing impactful humanitarian efforts across the Arab world. 

    Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the Hope Makers initiative seeks individuals and organisations across the Arab world and globally who have impactful projects, programmes, campaigns, or creative initiatives. These initiatives should improve lives, alleviate suffering within communities, develop social, economic, cultural, or educational environments, or address local challenges – all on a voluntary, non-profit basis. 

    Nominations for the Hope Makers initiative can be self-submitted or submitted by others who recognise deserving individuals. The winning Hope Maker receives an award of AED1 million in acknowledgement of their humanitarian contributions and to support the development of their projects. 

    Applications for the fifth edition are being accepted through arabhopemakers.com. The initiative aims to collect tens of thousands of stories of hope from across the Arab world, highlighting the individuals behind these noble projects and programmes and celebrating their efforts broadly. 

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the Hope Makers initiative first in 2017, when he posted a creative ad on his official social media accounts, offering a job for the position of Hope Maker for a reward of AED1 million. The announcement met with a wide response with over 65,000 submissions by individuals, volunteer groups and humanitarian and community organisations around the Arab world, far exceeding the initiative’s original target of 20,000 submissions. 

    In its fourth season, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the four finalists of the Arab Hope Makers initiative: Tala Al Khalil (Iraq), who received the highest number of votes, along with Mohamed Al Najjar (Iraq), Amine Imnir (Morocco), and Fathiya Al Mahmoud (Egypt), chosen from over 58,000 nominees. The Hope Makers’ projects varied, with community service initiatives leading the way, followed by humanitarian aid and relief, education, youth empowerment, inspiring stories, health, and culture and arts. 

    The Arab Hope Makers initiative aims to honour individuals with noble initiatives in the Arab world, encouraging youth towards positive action and combating. 

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  • Arab nations slam Israel’s Golan expansion plan 

    Arab nations slam Israel’s Golan expansion plan 

    The Arab nations see the decision by Israeli as a continuation of efforts to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security and stability…reports Asian Lite News

    Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar condemned the Israeli government’s approval of a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.  

    The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the decision is a continuation of efforts to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security and stability, Xinhua news agency reported. 

    The ministry stressed the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

    The UAE warned in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Israeli actions could exacerbate tensions in the region. 

    “The UAE categorically rejects all measures and practices aimed at altering the legal status of the occupied Golan Heights,” the statement said, stressing that expanding Israeli settlements in Golan Heights poses a direct threat to the security, stability, and sovereignty of Syria. 

    In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the decision “a new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law.” 

    It called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its aggressions on Syrian territories and adhere to international legitimacy. 

    The statement reiterated Qatar’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. 

    The Israeli government approved a plan on Sunday to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel, according to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. 

    According to the statement, the plan aims to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights. It includes establishing a student village, a development program to integrate new residents, and initiatives to strengthen the education system and renewable energy infrastructure. 

    The $10.81-million plan, unanimously approved by the Cabinet, is being advanced “in light of the war and the new front with Syria,” the statement said on Sunday. 

    “Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time,” Netanyahu said on Sunday at the start of the Cabinet meeting on the plan. 

    “We will continue to hold on to it (Golan Heights), make it flourish, and settle in it.” 

    Israel captured part of the Golan Heights during the 1967 war and annexed it, despite international condemnation. Following the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, Israel seized the UN-monitored buffer zone, a demilitarised area established in 1974 under a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. 

    Israeli forces also took control of a Syrian army outpost and stationed troops on the summit of Mount Hermon on Golan. 

    Meanwhile, Israel increasingly launched airstrikes on Syrian army assets across the country, claiming to prevent the weapons “from falling into the hands of terrorist elements”. 

    Israel’s military actions have sparked condemnation from regional countries and prompted calls from the international community for respect for Syria’s sovereignty. 

    Since the rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew the over two-decadeslong Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes across Syria and carried out a land incursion that stretches past the occupied Golan Heights into a previously demilitarised buffer zone, as reported by The Washington Post. 

    The Israeli army swiftly took control of the abandoned army positions, and air attacks have decimated most of Syria’s military capabilities. 

    Syria’s de-facto new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, denounced what he described as Israel’s “uncalculated military adventures” on Saturday while emphasising he was more interested in state-building than opening another conflict. 

    “Syria’s war-weary condition, after years of conflict and war, does not allow for new confrontations. The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” The Washington Post quoted him as saying in an interview on Syria TV. 

    Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu, in a post asserted that Israel “would change” the Middle East. 

    “I said we would change the Middle East and this is what is happening. Syria is not the same Syria. Lebanon is not the same Lebanon. Gaza is not the same Gaza. Iran is not the same Iran,” Netanyahu said in a post on X.

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  • BNM holds debate on Balochistan’s Human rights crisis in Parliament  

    BNM holds debate on Balochistan’s Human rights crisis in Parliament  

    The debate focused on the severe repression faced by the Baloch people at the hands of the Pakistani state…reports Asian Lite News

    The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a debate in the Parliament, highlighting the ongoing human rights abuse in Balochistan. The Member of Parliament John McDonnell hosted the debate on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. 

    The debate focused on the severe repression faced by the Baloch people at the hands of the Pakistani state. 

    Speakers at the event called for immediate international action to address the widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of state repression. 

    The participants emphasized the urgent need for global intervention to end these atrocities and ensure justice for the Baloch nation. 

    The debate featured prominent figures, including John McDonnell MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Richard Burgon MP, BNM Chairman Naseem Baloch, Sami Deen Baloch, Sabiha Baloch, Naseer Dashti, Faheem Baloch, and Saleem Elahi Baloch. 

    John McDonnell, who hosted the event, stressed that despite the UK’s close ties with Pakistan, the government must not remain silent in the face of the ongoing violations in Balochistan. He urged fellow MPs to advocate for justice on behalf of the Baloch people. 

    Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the BNM and a two-time victim of enforced disappearance by the Pakistani military shared his personal account of survival in Pakistani torture cells. He revealed that his belief in the independence of Balochistan was the only thing that kept him alive. He also highlighted the scale of the oppression, noting that thousands of Baloch men and women have faced similar atrocities. 

    BNM Foreign Secretary Faheem Baloch spoke about the deep and lasting impact of enforced disappearances on the families of victims, reaffirming the Baloch people’s unyielding determination to pursue freedom despite the ongoing violence. 

    Naseer Dashti, a BNM leader, focused on the illegal annexation of Balochistan and the role of China in the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He called for global accountability for both Pakistan and China’s actions in Balochistan. 

    Sami Deen Baloch, a key figure in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), recounted his family’s struggles following his father’s disappearance and the dangers that families face when seeking justice. He underscored the need for international solidarity to combat the ongoing atrocities against the Baloch nation. 

    Sabiha Baloch, a leader of the BYC, discussed the severe deprivation of basic rights in Balochistan and the brutal suppression of peaceful activists, aided by Chinese financial involvement. She called for an international fact-finding mission to investigate and address the region’s human rights violations. 

    Saleem Elahi Baloch shared the heartbreaking story of his brother, Zahid Baloch, a student leader who was forcibly disappeared. He made an emotional appeal to the international community to help end the widespread practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. 

    Jeremy Corbyn MP emphasized the importance of raising global awareness about the atrocities in Balochistan and fostering solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide. (ANI) 

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  • New affordable homes built for residents in the heart of Zone 1 

    New affordable homes built for residents in the heart of Zone 1 

    Built on a former unused ‘kickabout’ area that historically was a WWII bomb site, this underutilised space provided an opportunity to create new, much-needed affordable housing…reports Asian Lite News 

    A new 100% affordable housing scheme has completed in the heart of central London in Zone 1 on Luxborough Street in Marylebone. 

    Built on a former unused ‘kickabout’ area that historically was a WWII bomb site, this underutilised space provided an opportunity to create new, much-needed affordable housing. 

    Westminster City Council is delivering 14 homes for this new scheme– seven two-bedroom council homes for social rent and seven one-bedroom homes for intermediate rent. The social tenants will move into the 2-bed properties before Christmas, with the intermediate tenants moving into the 1-bed properties in the new year. 

    In addition to these new homes, the scheme has also seen public realm and landscaping improvements around the neighbouring Luxborough Tower Gardens estate, significantly enhancing the external appearance of the tower and the surrounding outside spaces. A ground floor nursery has also been built for local children from the area to attend. 

    Working with housebuilding contractor Wates Residential to complete the works, the new homes will be offered to local people first through the Council’s Local Lettings Plan, which allows people living locally in overcrowded or unsuitable homes to bid for the new properties before they go towards tackling the 4000 strong waiting list for homes in Westminster. 

    Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters at Westminster City Council, said: “We are dedicated to providing affordable homes, even in the most complex urban areas at the heart of central London. The completion of Luxborough Street is the latest example of this commitment. This project demonstrates how we can transform underused spaces across the city into much-needed housing for our residents. 

    “I want to thank the residents of Luxborough Tower for their patience and collaboration throughout this process. Together, we’ve created refreshed, secure, and welcoming green spaces for everyone to enjoy.” 

    Helen Bunch, Executive Managing Director of Wates Residential said, “We are so pleased to have been able to deliver much needed affordable homes in partnership with Westminster City Council. Working together, we have always sought to bring a community-centric approach to this scheme, incorporating flexible spaces for communal use to bring residents together. The delivery of high quality, sustainable homes sits alongside an ambitious social value programme to provide real and tangible benefits to the existing community before the project was even finished. 

    “I’m pleased to see it’s been a huge success and we have been so proud to be a part of this project. For us this embodies what it means to truly live our purpose of reimagining places for people to thrive. I wish the residents and community that will live here the very best for the future.” 

    Under the ‘Fairer Westminster’ strategy, the Council has committed to providing at least 50% affordable housing across its 4,000-home development pipeline.  

    Following the publication of the Council’s ‘Truly Affordable Housing Strategy’ in October 2022, an application was made to change the tenure of seven intermediate units to council homes for social rent for this new scheme. This was to prioritise family sized social rent accommodation wherever the Council is taking forward development schemes on our own land. This enabled the Council to access further funding from the Greater London Authority to fund the council homes for social rent. 

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  • King joins Wandsworth schoolchildren to celebrate creativity 

    King joins Wandsworth schoolchildren to celebrate creativity 

    His Majesty The King visited Apple’s UK headquarters in Battersea to celebrate innovation, education, and community partnership in Wandsworth…reports Asian Lite News 

    The highlight of the visit was a meeting with students from St George’s Primary School, who showcased their digital artwork created as part of Apple’s education programme. The collaboration between Apple and the council helps inspire creativity and equip young people with vital digital skills.  

    The students’ artwork was later projected onto Battersea Power Station’s iconic chimneys, adding a festive touch to the borough’s holiday celebrations. This projection, alongside Battersea Power Station’s renowned Christmas offerings – including a riverside ice rink, dazzling decorations, and a 40-foot Christmas tree – symbolised the creativity and potential of the borough’s young people. 

    Attendees were also treated to a surprise performance by chart-topping singer-songwriter Raye, who sang an array of Christmas classics to set the festive mood. 

    Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives praised the collaboration, stating, “Apple is honoured to support organisations devoted to giving opportunities to Wandsworth’s young people. Partnerships like this make Apple better. Wandsworth continues to be an exceptional place to grow and thrive.”  

    Councillor Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children at Wandsworth Council, emphasised the importance of this partnership, “His Majesty’s visit to Apple and his engagement with St George’s Primary School students showcases the inspiring collaborations we’re building in Wandsworth. Programmes like Apple’s digital skills initiative empower our young people with tools for the future while celebrating their creativity. Events like this highlight Wandsworth as a borough where opportunity and community spirit thrive.”  

    Sarah Collymore, Head Teacher at St George’s Primary School, expressed her pride in the students’ achievements, “We are incredibly proud of our students and their creativity. This experience has shown them the power of their imagination and the importance of developing digital skills. To see their artwork celebrated by His Majesty and projected onto such an iconic landmark is a memory they will cherish forever.”  

    His Majesty also toured Battersea Power Station’s festive attractions, including its riverside ice rink, the beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas tree, and the bustling Winter Village. These activities, part of the Power Station’s Christmas celebrations, reflect the area’s transformation into a vibrant destination for both the local community and visitors from across London. 

    Waltham Forest to welcome Their Majesties   

    The King and Queen will attend a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall, Fellowship Square, on Friday to celebrate the cohesion of the borough’s community following a peaceful anti-racism protest in August 2024, where thousands of Waltham Forest residents came together to demonstrate the true community spirit of the borough.  

    The Council worked alongside community partners to provide reassurance to local people in response to the disorder that took place in other places across the UK.  

    Waltham Forest is a welcoming, diverse and supportive community where there is no space for hate. We are proud to be an officially recognised Borough of Sanctuary, with a long tradition of welcoming, valuing and celebrating people seeking sanctuary.   

    The King and Queen will meet local community volunteers, youth representatives, emergency services, front line staff and local community and faith representatives who provide support, advice, and guidance to all, including refugees who are looking to build a new life for themselves.     

    The Little Choir of Joy, a children’s choir made up of 5- to 12-year-olds from across schools in the borough will perform festive songs during Their Majesties’ visit to the Town Hall.   

    Their Majesties will meet members of the public outside the Town Hall at Fellowship Square after the reception.   

    Residents wishing to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen will be able to access a viewing area in Fellowship Square via the Farnan Avenue and Forest Road entrance next to Farnan Avenue only. The gates will open at 10am. 

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  • How China’s London Embassy Bid Reveals a Global Surveillance State 

    How China’s London Embassy Bid Reveals a Global Surveillance State 

    In a bold move underscoring the growing tensions between China and democratic nations, Tower Hamlets Council has unanimously blocked plans for a sprawling 700,000-square-foot Chinese “super-embassy” near the iconic Tower of London. This decision reflects escalating concerns over China’s global strategies of infiltration, surveillance, and suppression of dissent. Adding weight to the controversy is the revelation involving Prince Andrew’s alleged entanglement with a Chinese spy known as H6, intensifying fears about Beijing’s covert operations within the UK. A special report by Kaliph Anaz 

    The Tower Hamlets Council has once again unanimously rejected China’s audacious plan to construct a massive 700,000-square-foot “super-embassy” near the historic Tower of London. 

    This rejection is more than a local planning dispute; it is a critical stand against the Chinese Communist Party’s systematic strategy of global infiltration, surveillance, and suppression of human rights. The proposed embassy site, a historic Royal Mint Court purchased by the Chinese government six years ago, represents far more than a diplomatic mission. 

    It is a potential beachhead for a sophisticated surveillance and intimidation apparatus designed to extend the long arm of Beijing’s oppressive regime into the heart of a democratic society. The local council’s decision, backed by robust community opposition and critical input from the Metropolitan Police, exposes the deeply troubling implications of China’s expansionist diplomatic strategy. 

    London’s rejection is rooted in profound security concerns that go beyond mere bureaucratic hesitation. The Metropolitan Police explicitly warned that the proposed embassy would require significant policing resources, potentially drawing officers away from frontline duties to manage the inevitable protests and security challenges. Authorities highlighted the practical challenges, noting that even small protests could obstruct roads and create substantial community disruption.  

    More insidiously, the proposed embassy represents a potential hub for transnational repression. Activists like Jason Chao from Hong Kongers in Britain have raised alarm about China’s well-documented history of using advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and intimidate critics. The embassy’s proximity to vulnerable communities including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, and pro-democracy activists transforms it from a diplomatic facility into a potential instrument of psychological warfare and systematic harassment. 

    The scale of the proposed embassy almost twice the size of China’s Washington mission suggests ambitions far beyond standard diplomatic representation. It signals an aggressive strategy to create a fortified base for monitoring and potentially controlling diaspora communities. The stringent security measures even surrounding the embassy’s planning exhibition, which involved recording visitors’ identification details, provide a chilling preview of the surveillance regime China seeks to establish.  

    What makes this rejection particularly significant is the context of the UK’s evolving relationship with China. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which has expressed interest in improving diplomatic and economic ties, the embassy proposal represents a critical test of Britain’s commitment to democratic values. The government’s decision to call for a national inquiry, with a hearing scheduled for February 2025, indicates the complexity of balancing diplomatic protocols with fundamental security concerns. 

    The Chinese government’s response reveals its characteristic blend of intimidation and diplomatic pressure. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy dramatically claimed that “host countries have an international duty to support and facilitate the construction of diplomatic mission premises,” implicitly threatening potential diplomatic retaliation. This statement betrays a fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate misrepresentation of diplomatic sovereignty and the right of democratic societies to protect their citizens.  

    International rights groups have been unequivocal in their opposition. Organisations like Free Tibet have characterized the proposed embassy as a “hub for China’s authoritarian agenda,” designed to target dissidents, monitor communities, and systematically undermine democratic values. The mounting opposition reflects a growing global awareness of China’s extraterritorial methods of political control and suppression. 

    The embassy controversy illuminates the broader mechanisms of the Chinese state’s global strategy of control. By establishing these expansive diplomatic compounds, China creates infrastructure not just for diplomatic communication, but for comprehensive surveillance and potential intimidation of diaspora communities. This approach is consistent with the Chinese Communist Party’s domestic practices of total information control and suppression of dissent. Within China itself, such diplomatic missions are mirrored by an increasingly sophisticated domestic surveillance state. The technologies and methodologies developed to monitor and control Chinese citizens are then exported globally, presenting a model of technological authoritarianism that threatens the fundamental principles of privacy and individual freedom. 

    The London council’s rejection, therefore, represents more than a local planning decision. It is a symbolic resistance against a global system of technological authoritarianism that seeks to normalize invasive surveillance, suppress diverse voices, and extend political control beyond national boundaries. By standing firm against this proposal, Tower Hamlets Council has sent a powerful message about the importance of protecting democratic spaces and resisting the normalization of authoritarian practices. As the United Kingdom prepares for the national inquiry, the world watches.  

    The decision will not just determine the fate of a single embassy, but will signal the international community’s willingness to confront and resist the expanding reach of China’s surveillance state. The battle over this embassy is, ultimately, a battle for the fundamental values of privacy, freedom, and democratic integrity in an increasingly interconnected world. The Chinese government may view this as merely a diplomatic setback. But for those who understand the deeper implications, it represents a crucial line of defense against a systematic approach to global political control that threatens the very foundations of individual liberty and democratic discourse. 

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  • Southwark Council launches hospitality skills hub 

    Southwark Council launches hospitality skills hub 

    Southwark Council has launched a new initiative designed to help residents to start and advance careers in the hospitality industry while also helping businesses address challenges in recruitment and retention…reports Asian Lite News

    Southwark Council has launched a new initiative designed to help residents to start and advance careers in the hospitality industry while also helping businesses address challenges in recruitment and retention.  

    The launch of Southwark’s Hospitality Skills Hub forms part of Southwark’s 2030 vision for a fair economy and responds to broader trends within the UK hospitality sector, which has faced staffing pressures following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    The Hospitality Skills Hub will provide free training and 1:1 support to Southwark residents interested in hospitality careers, aiming to create 130 jobs and apprenticeships over the next two years. The Hospitality Skills Hub is delivered by training and development company, Rinova Ltd and involve partnerships with Hilton Bankside, Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Unwind Bars Waterloo, The Hoxton Hotel, Strand Palace Hotels, Sea Containers London, Elephant and Castle Town Centre, Camberwell Business Network.   

    As the hospitality industry faces a national skills shortage, Southwark’s Hospitality Skills Hub stands out by creating a sustainable, local talent pool that meets the needs of both employers and job seekers. Hospitality can offer a dynamic and rewarding career, with less barriers to entry, more learning on the job than up-front study, and the ability to progress faster than other professions.  

    Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs, and Business, said: “The Hospitality Skills Hub will strengthen our economy by connecting Southwark residents with meaningful careers and ensure local businesses thrive in what is a competitive market. At a time when many hospitality employers face challenges in finding skilled workers, this initiative is crucial for sustaining growth and offering fair, quality jobs in our community. 

    “The Hub also supports the national trend toward fairer wages and working conditions in hospitality. There are now over 390 accredited employers paying the London Living Wage in Southwark already, and the Hub will work with local businesses to drive this number even higher, advocating for good pay standards across the borough.” 

    Aimee Lubwama, Director of People and Culture, Hilton Bankside, said: “We are excited to take part in the launch of this new programme through the Southwark Hospitality Skills Hub. It is a great opportunity not only to showcase the fantastic career paths available within the industry but also to help nurture young talent in our local community and provide them with the key skills they need to thrive in the future.” 

    Timothy R Andrews, Head of Talent at Jumeirah London and host of Talking Hospitality, praised the initiative’s collaborative approach:  “Southwark’s Hospitality Skills Hub is a brilliant opportunity for us as employers to share our experiences and contribute to the growth of the next generation. It’s through this collective effort that we can help shape a skilled and motivated workforce, ensuring the industry continues to evolve and succeed.”  

    “The real strength of the Hospitality Skills Hub lies in how it encourages employers to come together, share knowledge, and pass on our experience. This collaboration will help shape the future talent pool, giving them the tools to succeed and move the industry forward.” 

    Small hospitality businesses, which are often most affected by national labour shortages, will benefit from the Hub’s free recruitment services and tailored needs assessments, which aim to alleviate hiring challenges and support growth.  

    For Southwark residents and hospitality employers interested in participating, registration is open through the Hospitality Skills Hub. 

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