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Global Leaders and Innovators in Tackling the Climate Crisis Come Together to Judge Ground-breaking Student Competition

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The Burjeel Holdings Oxford Said Climate Change Challenge, a ground-breaking competition inviting high school students and educators worldwide to contribute their innovative ideas to combat the climate crisis, has today announced a panel of international judges who will review entries to the hotly anticipated competition.

 


The strong judging panel, made up of influential thought-leaders, founders, CEOs and global entrepreneurs, will collaborate to mark entries from groups of students, aged 15 to 18, presenting their proposals for addressing the climate crisis.

 


They will also judge entries from high school teachers, who are asked to submit climate change lesson plans that raise awareness and inspire students to think creatively about tackling one of the most pressing concerns of our time.

 


The panel of judges for the competition includes:


  • Amir Dossal, Founder and President, Global Partnerships Forum, Distinguished Fellow, Health and Healthcare, World Economic Forum


  • Ashley Thomas, Former Innovations Rapid Evaluator, X, The Moonshot Factory*


  • Eleanor Hevey, Associate Director, Centre for Disaster Protection *


  • Elena Branet, CEO and Founder, Digital Camp


  • Fatna Ikrame El Fanne, Environmental Engineer; Co-founder and Director of Projects, Youth For Climate


  • Ishaq Bolarinwa, CEO, Anfani*


  • Juergen Heeg, Managing Director, Hillhouse*


  • Dr. Karan Thakur, Group Sustainability Lead & Vice President – Public Affairs, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.


  • Karuna Singh, Regional Director Asia, Earth Day Network


  • Dr. Lynn Kirkpatrick, CEO, Ensyce Biosciences


  • Dr. Manju Kak, Secretary General, All India Women’s Conference


  • Nadim Matta, Founder and President Emeritus, RE!NSTITUTE, and Co-founder, nafda Lebanon


  • Nicholas Henderson, Director, Essai


  • Nick Valenzia, Founder of Leafr Climate Freelancing*


  • Puja Balachander, Head of Venture Launchpad, Carbon13*


  • Dr. Rajiv Chhibber, Vice President, External Affairs, Sahajanand Medical Technologies


  • Revital Marom, Senior Board Advisor, Digital Camp


  • Sidarth Bali, Assistant Vice President Carbon, ReNew Power


  • Shikhar Malhotra, Director and Board Member, HCL Corporation, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University


  • Dr. Yubin Park, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, ApolloMed


  • Zoe Cokeliss Barsley, Director of Sustainability, Oxford University Press

     


*Oxford Said alumni

 


The Burjeel Holdings Oxford Said Climate Change Challenge culminates in a ceremony for finalists during COP28 in Dubai, later this December – five teams from the student category and five individuals from the teacher category.

 


They will have the remarkable opportunity to present their solutions to a distinguished audience in Dubai, and the winners will earn a coveted spot in a bespoke program at Oxford Said next year. They will also gain access to a vibrant community of influential entrepreneurs and thought leaders in innovation and social impact from around the world.

 


The initiative, forged through a partnership between one of Europe’s leading business schools and one of the Middle East’s premier healthcare providers, aims to give young people the visibility and recognition they deserve on the global stage. As the climate crisis looms large, it is crucial to address the challenges that future generations will face in the coming decades.

 


Speaking about the competition, Amir Dossal, President, Global Partnerships Forum, and Distinguished Fellow, Health & Healthcare, World Economic Forum, said, “The Burjeel Holdings Oxford Said Climate Change Challenge is a remarkable platform for young minds and educators. At a time when the world is dealing with a climate crisis, initiatives like these are the beacons of hope for a better future and resonate deeply with the United Nations vision of empowering youth in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. By catalysing the next generation’s commitment to climate action, we will increase the chances of restoring our planet back to good health. I am excited to support this competition and I eagerly anticipate reviewing the entries as I believe they carry the seeds of transformative solutions that can shape a more sustainable future.”

 


Shikhar Malhotra, competition judge; Director and Board Member, HCL Corporation; and Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, added “As we navigate the complexities of climate change, it is essential to empower the next generation with the knowledge and tools to make a difference. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and I am thrilled to join this esteemed panel of judges to support and recognize the efforts of these young innovators. I believe that this competition will not only spark creativity but also drive real change in our fight against climate change.”

 


Echoing the sentiments of fellow judges, Dr. Karan Thakur, Group Lead – Sustainability & ESG and Vice President – Public Affairs at Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “As we grapple with the consequences of climate change, it is crucial to recognize that health is at the forefront of these impacts. The health effects of climate change are far-reaching, from heat-related illnesses to the spread of infectious diseases. It’s heartening to see young minds and educators stepping up to confront this challenge. The innovative ideas generated in this competition may hold the key to healthier lives for generations to come.”

 


Zoe Cokeliss Barsley, Director of Sustainability, Oxford University Press, added, “Climate change is the defining issue of our time, and the need to find innovative solutions is now critical. The Climate Change Challenge is an incredible opportunity for young people and educators to put their minds to solving the crisis, and to share their ideas on a global stage. I’m delighted to be involved as a judge and I can’t wait to see the ideas they come up with.”

 


To equip students and teachers in entering the challenge, the Eden Project has offered free access to a lesson plan, ‘Climate Response – Doers, Shoppers, Learners, Shouters’ and further teaching resources, to facilitate Climate Conversations in the classroom.

 


Oxford University Press will be connecting with its extensive reach of teachers and schools across the globe, to encourage them to get involved in the competition.

 


Digital Camp is engaging its global network of technology and business professionals to support students and teachers to build green tech projects with mentoring.

 


There will also be a series of free-to-access, live-streamed events, designed to support both students and teachers in their planning, ready to submit their Climate Change Challenge by 15th October:


  • Saturday 23rd September: Digital Camp online workshop for students


  • Wednesday 4th October: Eden Project live event, streamed from the Rainforest Biome in Cornwall, UK

    ​


The winning student team and educator will be awarded an exclusive opportunity to attend specially curated courses at Oxford Said in the spring of 2024, located within the prestigious University of Oxford. To learn more about the competition and participate, please visit the Climate Change Challenge website for detailed information.

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Press Release

New Study Reveals Majority of Indians Prioritize Nutrition Over Taste, Surpassing Global Average

Published

10 months ago

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May 31, 2024

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Based on a recent survey of urban Indian consumers: 


  • Nine out of 10 consumers are searching for protein-rich food compared to seven out of 10 global shoppers.


  • The top four qualities consumers look for when buying snacks are (1) natural, (2) heart-healthy, (3) protein-rich and (4) energy-source, all of which come before satisfying cravings.


  • Nuts have emerged as one of the most popular snacking choices, with 86% of Indian shoppers report having purchased them in a span of 6 months.


  • Urban Indians read nutrition labels more than the global average, reflecting a growing trend towards informed purchasing.


  • 69% of urban dwellers surveyed have the opinion that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein, exceeding the global average of 55%.


 


Wonderful Pistachios, the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios and distributor of California Pistachios in India, released today, World Nutrition Day, the findings of a new global study that sheds light on the snacking habits of urban Indians. The study, commissioned with Material, a leading global research consultancy, included 10 countries and over 12,400 respondents, revealed a new behavioural trend that urban Indian consumers prioritize nutrition over taste when it comes to snacking. This growing preference for healthy snacking emphasizes the importance of good nutrition for overall well-being.


 


For the India market specifically, the study delved into the snacking habits of 2,415 shoppers across six Indian cities, which represented a population of approximately 35.9 million consumers. Remarkably, a majority of urban Indians (58%) reported basing their food purchasing decisions on nutritional benefits more than taste, exceeding the global average of 52%. Delhi and Ahmedabad lead with over 60% of urban shoppers preferring nutrition in their food. Bengaluru and Chennai follow closely, indicating a nationwide shift towards smarter snacking preferences. In India, Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in health-conscious purchasing decisions, with more than 83% of consumers in these age groups reading nutritional labels before buying.


 


Indian consumers prioritize four key factors when shopping for nutritional snacks: natural (free of artificial colours and preservatives), heart-healthy, protein-rich, and provides energy. Nine out of 10 urban shoppers consciously seek protein-rich food options, compared to the global average of seven out of 10. The focus on nutrition has fueled the rise of nuts as a preferred snack choice, becoming essential to daily eating habits. The study found a staggering consumption of nuts, with 86% of Indian shoppers report purchasing them in a span of 6 months, compared to just 75% globally. With 6g of protein in per 28g serving, California Pistachios are a smart snack choice that provides benefits without sacrificing taste.


 


Shail Pancholi, Country Director, India, Wonderful Pistachios, commented on the study, saying, “Nuts were traditionally used as garnishes and consumed during festivals, but have now become a popular snack in India, indicating a notable shift in dietary habits. Pistachio consumption in India has doubled in the last six years, as consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits that pistachios offer has grown. Consumers are discovering that pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free, rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, and provide over 30 different vitamins and minerals.” 


 


Interestingly, the study found that nuts are the second most preferred snack among urban Indian consumers, with 64% of Baby Boomers and 59% of Gen Z prioritizing nutrition over taste when selecting food. This indicates a growing focus on health across generations, with Baby Boomers focusing on senior wellness and Gen Z reflecting the rise of mindful purchasing. Though on opposite ends of the age spectrum, these two generations take the lead in seeking protein-rich options, as well as preferring natural snacks. 


 


Mumbai tops most of the consideration sets when choosing a snack. Residents opt for natural ingredients (35% vs. the national average of 30%), heart-healthy options (33% vs. 30%), and protein (33% vs. 29%). Chennai residents look for energy-boosting snacks (31% vs. the national average of 29%). 


 


The fact that 69% of urban Indians surveyed have the opinion that that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein reflects a positive shift towards varied dietary preferences. Pistachios are a good source of high-quality complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. A 28g serving of pistachios provides 6g of protein, which is 11% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) according to FSSAI.


 


The Wonderful Pistachios study unveils a compelling shift in Indian snacking habits. Nuts are evolving from festive treats to a daily snacking staple, fueled by a nationwide preference for more nutritious options. The trend transcends generations, resonating with Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike, underscoring the growing importance of mindful eating in urban India. As consumers increasingly seek natural, heart-healthy, protein-rich, and energy-boosting snacks, the future of Indian snacking appears to be firmly rooted in nutrition and well-being.

 


Wonderful Pistachios

Wonderful® Pistachios is the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios, with a global presence in over 70 countries. As a vertically integrated operation, they are experts in every step of the process from tree to shelf, ensuring the highest-quality product every time. In tandem with its Grower Partners, Wonderful Pistachios harvests 125,000 sunny acres (50,000 hectares) of land in California that receive warm days and cool nights, which work in harmony with the rich, natural soils to create the perfect growing climate for high-quality pistachios. They ship 600 million pounds (204 million kg) of nuts worldwide from their advanced processing facilities to ensure the highest standards are met. When it comes to pistachios, Wonderful® Pistachios expertise is unmatched in scale and capacity, paired with warehouses and sales teams worldwide that are well-equipped to provide support at every step of the way. 

 


California Pistachios

California Pistachios are grown and distributed by The Wonderful Company, the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer located in California’s Central Valley. California Pistachios are Non-GMO, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Sun-ripened in the moderate Mediterranean climate of California, these distinctively green nuts pack taste and contain antioxidants and over 30 different nutrients. California Pistachios in India are available under leading brands and private labels at retail outlets, grocery stores, and online platforms.


 


For more information about California Pistachios India, please visit www.b2b.wonderfulpistachios.com 


 



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Singapore Prepares Ahead to Leverage Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future

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10 months ago

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May 31, 2024

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SINGAPORE, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How launched the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) 2024 today. The Blueprint will enable SMEs to harness technology, optimise the way they work, and strengthen digital resilience and cybersecurity across the ecosystem. 50,000 SMEs are expected to benefit over the next five years through four key focus areas:

  1. Empower enterprises to be smarter by adopting AI-enabled solutions
  2. Enable enterprises to scale faster through cloud-based and integrated solutions
  3. Equip enterprises to be safer through improved cyber resilience
  4. Support enterprises to upskill workers to make full use of digital capabilities

Seven partners have come onboard to pledge their commitment, including Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, SGTech, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and Salesforce.

In collaboration with IMDA and the TechSkills Accelerator for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance, SGTech is launching the Tech Apprenticeship Programme to expand the career pathways of graduates by providing access to industry apprenticeships that offer on-the-job training and development opportunities. Over the next two and a half years, SGTech aims to facilitate the placement of at least 300 apprentices who are fresh or mid-career professionals from polytechnic or ITE backgrounds, and drive the adoption of similar practices that promote more inclusive hiring and career agility.

IMDA and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) signed an MoU aimed at uplifting the legal sector’s productivity through the use of GenAI. As part of this partnership, GPT-Legal, a new large language model which is contextualised for Singapore’s legal sector, will be co-developed. The model will be integrated into SAL’s research platform LawNet, which is accessible by 75% of Singapore’s lawyers. SAL will also be penning an MoU with the National University of Singapore and AI Singapore to develop its AI capabilities and create a certification to recognise AI specialists in the legal profession.

Additionally, Tribe and Digital Industry Singapore announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to launch the Ignition AI Accelerator for AI startups to create and bring to market the next wave of advancement in AI solutions. This programme will nurture 15 high-potential startups, equipping them with well-rounded support covering business and technical needs. NVIDIA and Tribe will also collaborate with EnterpriseSG to offer qualified AI startups funding support through the Startup SG Tech scheme, and assist them through the IMDA Accreditation process. 

Singapore hosted the final meeting of the UN Secretary-General’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) from 28-29 May. As part of the agenda, Singapore facilitated an engagement session between AIAB and the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS). Digital FOSS Fellows exchanged views with AIAB members on the topic of AI governance, particularly on the implications and challenges faced by small states. Through such efforts, Singapore aims to promote a more inclusive approach towards shaping global AI and digital governance.

Contact:

[email protected]

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/singapore-prepares-ahead-to-leverage-artificial-intelligence-for-a-better-future-302160193.html



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One in Six Globally Concerned About Colorectal Cancer Screening Costs

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May 31, 2024

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SHENZHEN, China, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — By 2040, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year representing a 66% and 71% rise in new cases and deaths respectively relative to 2020.

To better address the global burden of CRC and reduce its impact, BGI Genomics has launched the second edition of its global CRC awareness report, covering 1,938 respondents from Brazil (306), China (367), Poland (300), Saudi Arabia (300), Thailand (362), and Uruguay (303):  

CRC Screening Gaps Vary Globally: Nearly half (49.3%) of global respondents have never undergone CRC screening, with the highest proportions in Saudi Arabia (62.0%) and Poland (61.0%).

Preference for Fecal Testing Over Colonoscopy: Although colonoscopies are more recognized (33.4%), fecal tests at healthcare facilities are preferred (31.8%), reflecting a trend towards non-invasive methods.

Cost and Fear are Determinants of Screening Choice: Fear of colonoscopy (18.2%) and screening costs (17.7%) are major barriers to CRC screening. Poland (24.7%) and Uruguay (21.0%) show the highest fear of colonoscopy, while Thailand (24.5%) and Brazil (20%) indicate the most concern about costs.

Medical Advice and Family History Drive CRC Screening: Doctor’s recommendations are a major driver for CRC screening (30.5% globally), with Uruguay showing the highest adherence (44.1%). Additionally, those with a family history of CRC are more proactive in screening (64.5%), compared to the general population (35.0%).

Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat from Mahidol University offers his insights to this report. He suggested: “The essence of effective cancer screening lies in the acceptance and adherence of the patient to the screening method. The best screening method is the one that the patient accepts and adheres to because that’s the method that will actually benefit them.”

Dr. Zhu Shida, BGI Genomics Deputy GM, notes: “At BGI Genomics, we focused our efforts on developing advanced molecular biology testing techniques to close the gap [between acceptance and accessibility]. The ultimate goal is to transform colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention.”

For more region-level comparisons, access the full BGI Genomics 2024 State of CRC Awareness Report.

All data involved in this report come from the results of an online survey project conducted by BGI Genomics. It only surveys awareness related to colorectal cancer and does not involve personally identifiable data.

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Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/one-in-six-globally-concerned-about-colorectal-cancer-screening-costs-302159170.html



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