The New Silk Road: The Ancient Trading Route Revisited

Back then; this is the only trading route that is not just about trading but also the source of exchanging knowledge and bridging cultures. This route was interrupted many times because of many wars that occurred.

 

Professor Zhang Yuyan

Long before the Spaniards colonizers, there was an existing trading relation between China and the Philippines. Back to the present, I was invited to attend at forum at Asian Institute of Management or AIM in Makati City to hear Professor Zhang Yuyan to present China's Economy of Global Context.

Before you react first, you heard it right. I said China. But Professor Zhang is an economist. He speaks here in an economic perspective. I am not going to bore you with the technical details, I will just narrate the sequence, Prof. Zhang narrated the economic situation of China as well as how it affects the world economy.

From this, he is able to present a plan for economic growth not just for China but for the world. He suggests reviving the Silk Road and taking advantage of the digital technology that we have. This will not only contribute to economy but it may also help build bridges and understand each other culturally just like in the old Silk Road.

Who knows, this may also be the key to end any conflicts we are currently in. This is the kind of topics that is discussed in AIM. It may be controversial but it also helps widen our perspective. For more forums like these, feel free to inquire at AIM or receive updates from this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

ADIDAS RELEASES LIMITED EDITION ULTRABOOST METALLIC PACK

Press release

PHILIPPINES – adidas has recently unveiled three unique limited edition versions of its leading UltraBOOST running shoe with the launch of the Metallic Pack.

The shoes feature a striking metallic styling, giving the iconic UltraBOOST a premium look and feel. Each shoe has been given sophisticated gold, silver or bronze detailing – making the Metallic Pack one of the most premium looking UltraBOOST’s available.

The range combines a black adidas Primeknit upper construction as well as, exclusively for the gold edition, a high quality leather cage and contrasting white BOOST sole. Each version is given an added touch of quality with tonal laces.

The limited edition shoes are already available via adidas.com and select retailers for P8,995.

Join the adidas Energy running movement by following @adidasrunning on Twitter and Instagram using #UltraBOOST.

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NATIONAL STRATEGY TO CONSERVE ELUSIVE NATIVE RAFFLES’ BANDED LANGUR LAUNCHED

Press release

Collaborative effort between Wildlife Reserves Singapore and National Parks Board to save critically endangered primate; only one of three primates found in Singapore a valued part of country’s natural heritage

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s Raffles’ Banded Langur (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) is getting a boost this National Day month, with the launch of a national conservation strategy for the critically endangered species. Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh, who will serve as patron of the project, launched the initiative during a ceremony at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Immediate priorities include managing the habitat and population through habitat enhancement such as establishing green corridors and exploring options for providing connectivity across forest fragments, focused enrichment plantings based on our understanding of the dietary requirements of the langurs, gathering data to understand more about the movements and habitat  preferences of the langurs, and securing the necessary commitment and resources to ensure the long-term conservation of the Raffles’ Banded Langur in Singapore and Malaysia. 

A workshop was held at the Singapore Zoo in early August in which over 30 stakeholders from 15 organisations, including representatives from Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), National Parks Board (NParks), International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Primate Specialist Group, Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, conservation NGOs and universities came together to jointly develop a conservation strategy for the Raffles’ Banded Langur. The workshop was funded by WRS and facilitated by IUCN.

Securing a future for the Raffles’ Banded Langur will require targeted action in a number of areas. Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund will engage Ms Andie Ang, who has studied the langurs since 2008, and is a member of IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, to set up and chair a Raffles’ Banded Langur Working Group. The working group will glean outputs from the recent workshop to map out a Species Action Plan, which will be used to guide and implement the conservation work for this species in the coming years. The project is fully supported by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund over the next two years.

One of only three non-human primates to be found locally, the Raffles’ Banded Langur was first discovered by Sir Stamford Raffles 194 years ago. Up to the 1920s, they were still reported to be common in Singapore across Changi, Tampines, Bukit Timah, Pandan and Tuas. Deforestation for urban development led to the shrinking of their habitat such that the Raffles’ Banded Langurs were confined to only the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR) and Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) in the 1980s. In 1987, the last member of a troop living in BTNR was reportedly mauled to death by a pack of dogs.

By 2010, it was estimated that there were 40-60 Raffles’ Banded Langurs left in Singapore. This subspecies can also be found in southern Peninsular Malaysia, where a number of isolated populations continue to be threatened by habitat loss and conversion. Small and isolated populations have a heightened risk of extinction from the effects of genetic deterioration, extreme weather, disease outbreak and other catastrophic events.

Dr Sonja Luz, Director, Conservation and Research, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: “It is a fitting time to embark on a consolidated, comprehensive and integrated conservation strategy for the Raffles’ Banded Langur, to ensure the continued survival of this highly charismatic primate. This conservation project is of national importance for Singapore, and together with NParks, we are fully committed to be a part of the pioneering approach to manage the species over the long-term so Singapore does not have a primate going extinct on our watch.”

Dr Adrian Loo, Director (Terrestrial), National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, said: “Reforestation, setting aside buffer parks such as the upcoming Thomson Nature Park and enrichment planting over the years have improved the rainforest habitat of the endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur. This will further help increase the foraging area and connectivity for the species, which saw an increase since the early 1990s. Even so, a multi-pronged approach is required to ensure the full recovery of the species. Thus, NParks looks forward to working with our stakeholders to guide the development of long-term conservation and management strategies for this shy, elusive species. We hope to see these animals thrive in our forests one day.”

Primatologist Ms Andie Ang, of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group said: “The development of a regional Species Action Plan signifies a first collaboration between Singaporean and Malaysian authorities, universities, and NGOs in the research and conservation of the Raffles’ Banded Langurs. Besides ensuring that the habitat of the langurs is protected and restored, we hope that this joint effort can also help raise public awareness and appreciation of this primate and the natural heritage in both countries.”

ED STAFFORD MAROONED IN PALAWAN IN SECOND INSTALLMENT OF UNMISSABLE HIT SERIES

Press release

August 15, 2016 – Adventurer and survivalist Ed Stafford is back, pushing his survival skills to the limit and pitting himself once again versus Mother Nature in the brand new second season of MAROONED, premiering August 30, 8:10pm on Discovery Channel.Watch as Ed tackles six new challenges in which he is left high and dry in some of the most inhospitable and extreme environments – equipped with nothing but an emergency phone, medical kit and his camera to record his adventures.

Shot in remote locations ranging from the arid and rocky Gobi Desert in Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Guatemala and the Namibian bushveld, each location presents a unique and deadly test as Ed strives to not just survive, but thrive in some of the world’s toughest environments.

Having become the first man to walk the length of the Amazon in an incredible 860 day feat featured in Discovery Channel series WALKING THE AMAZON, and having spent 60 days alone with just a camera on a desert island for NAKED AND MAROONED,Ed is back again, putting his life in danger as he proves to himself that he can devise a plan to survive in any environment.

Helen Hawken, Vice President Production & Development at Discovery Networks International, commented: “This new season captures Ed doing what he does best – pushing his survival skills to the limits in his true inimitable style. Despite crossing the Amazon and spending 60 days alone on a deserted island, Ed still manages to prove that he can survive and even thrive in even more inhospitable terrains than ever before.”

MAROONED is produced for Discovery Networks International by Tigress Productions. For Discovery Networks International, Helen Hawken is commissioning editor and Tom Gorham is executive producer. For Tigress Productions, Dick Colthurst is executive producer and Tim Walker is series producer.

Marooned With Ed Stafford 2 – SeriesDescription

On the back of his incredible 860-day feat traversing the jungle featured in Discovery Channel series Walking the Amazon and 60 days spent alone with just a camera on a desert island for Naked and Marooned, Ed Stafford faced eight of the world’s toughest environments in Marooned and is now back with this all-new second installment of the series.

In each self-contained episode of Marooned, Ed goes into isolation for approximately 10 days in a remote and potentially deadly location. He’s completely on his own – unless extreme circumstances take hold. All he’s got is a camera to capture his adventure and his survival know-how.

There are critical things every survivor must master in their first few days, starting with water, shelter, food and fire. Ed must rapidly assess his situation and draw up a survival plan that takes him beyond the basics to being in control of himself and his environment. No two episodes are the same as Ed confronts challenges unique to each environment that require him to use every survival trick in the book.

Each location – Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Guatemala and Namibia – arid rocky desert, tropical jungle, and unique African forest – is difficult and dangerous in a different way and requires Ed to adopt different strategies in each place.

Samsung’s Noteworthy Affair

Press release

MANILA, Philippines - Samsung Electronics Philippines (SEPCO) officially launched the arrival of its newest flagship smartphone: the Samsung Galaxy Note7. Pegged as the smartphone that thinks big, guests at the Noteworthy Affair were treated to an out-of-this-world experience when they finally got to meet the Korean tech giant’s newest flagship phone

Mr. Ivan Pua, Smartphone Category Head of Samsung Electronics

Hosted by Bianca Gonzales-Intal – who is also an ambassador of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 – greeted guests, media partners, and Samsung lovers alike at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort.

SEPCO’sIT and Mobile Business Head, RhinnPiczon, emphasized that the Note series has come a long way. Although critics first doubted the Galaxy Note for its large screen and S Pen, the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is proof that perseverance pays off as the tech giant continues to pave the way for innovation, especially in the phablet category.

“Bigger is indeed better when it comes to those who want to get the most out of a single mobile device on their hands, and that’s what we’ve taken into consideration when the Samsung Galaxy Note7 was created,” said Piczon.

“The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is truly the smartphone that thinks big. The phablet combines best of both work and play rolled into one gadget, which continues to provide the necessary tools that every change-maker needs,” added Chad Sotelo, Marketing Director of Samsung Philippines.

He continued, “With its enhanced functions, the most intelligent smartphone to date makes not just work, but life as whole, much easier and much more convenient. It enables consumers to create a noteworthy idea out of small inspirations and big thinking – and that’s what the Note7 is all about.”

TESTAMENT TO GREATNESS

Touted to be the most intelligent smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7 boasts of four compelling features not otherwise seen in any other device: the most intelligent S-Pen, the most intelligent entertainment, the most intelligent protection, and the most intelligent security.

Effortlessly combining intelligence and style, just like themselves, it’s no wonder that Samsung ambassadors SolennHeussaffand Georgina Wilson have remained loyal to the brand. Both Solenn and Georgina agreed that life has been much easier since they made the switch to Samsung a few years back – attributing it to the innovative features that the Galaxy line provides with its products.

“Samsung’s Galaxy line has always been about going beyond limits, which is why I love their products. There’s a reason why Samsung has been a leader in mobile technology and we can clearly see that in the Galaxy Note7, with its enhanced S Pen, its iris scanner, its dust and water resistance and even its HDR video capabilities,” explained Solenn.

Georgina chimed in. “Samsung has always designed smartphones that allow me to do much, much more than I can, whether I’m working or relaxing during my “me” time. It lets me achieve a lot more, while also being able to express myself.”

A NOTEWORTHY AFFAIR

Bathed in Samsung colors, the grand ballroom was designed to make a statement, using state-of-the-art technology to take the event to the next level.These pieces of technology were then used in a grand reveal of the Galaxy Note7, highlightingitsmost impressive features – the enhanced S Pen, the iris scanner for best security, & the IP68water and dust resistance.

Truly a noteworthy affair, esteemed guests from different industries have come to witness how an exemplary piece of innovation the Galaxy Note7 is. The ballroom was packed with notable guests such as Samsung’s Philippine President Kevin Lee and Samsung ambassadors Solenn Heussaff, Georgina Wilson, Bianca Gonzales, and ErwanHeussaff.

The overall grand display all lends to the fact that Samsung is an innovation pioneer. With the Galaxy Note7 as the smartphone that thinks big, there is no doubt that this will once again set the bar even higher than any smartphone has ever done.

RIVER SAFARI’S KAI AND JUNIOR TAKE FLIGHT FOR LANDMARK MANATEE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Press release

Manatee duo and best of friends set off early morning on 8 August
on a 34-hour chartered flight to Guadeloupe; Entourage includes two vets and an aquarist

LEFT: River Safari Singapore’s team of aquarists, keepers and vets coaxing Junior into the canvas stretcher, for transfer into the travelling crate. Junior and his best friend Kai are bound for Guadeloupe as pioneer manatees for the world’s first manatee repopulation programme spearheaded by the National Park of Guadeloupe.

RIGHT: Jayce Chua, Assistant Curator, River Safari Singapore, making a final check on Kai before he and Junior are loaded onto the chartered freighter aircraft for the 19,600km journey to Guadeloupe which will take 34 hours. Kai and Junior will be the first of 15 manatees globally to arrive for the world’s first manatee repopulation programme in the creatures’ historic range in the Caribbean, where the species have not been sighted in over a century. PHOTOS CREDIT: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – River Safari Singapore’s Kai and Junior have set off on their historic journey to become the first two manatees in over a century to arrive in Guadeloupe as pioneers for the world’s first manatee repopulation programme. The pair departed Singapore at 4.50amlast August 8.

At a farewell ceremony on Sunday, Mr. Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Park Holdings presented a special flight comfort kit consisting of the manatees’ favourite treats—high fibre pellets—to Mrs. Laurence Beau, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of France in Singapore, symbolically signifying the handing over of River Safari’s two male manatees to Guadeloupe, a French territory in the Caribbean.

The journey to Guadeloupe took 34 hours, and Kai and Junior traveled 19,600km across the globe before finally arriving last 9 August 2016, at 1:30am local time.

Under the Antillean manatee repopulation project spearheaded by the National Park of Guadeloupe, 15 manatees from zoos around the world will be sent to their historic home in the Grand Cul-de-sac Marin, a protected bay which measures 15,000 hectares and will shield the manatee collection from boating traffic by way of an enforced no-entry zone. In addition to age and temperament considerations, genetic diversity is also key in the selection of the founding group. The future offspring from the initial 15 manatees will be reintroduced to the wild, eventually repopulating the Caribbean region. Kai and Junior from River Safari will be the first arrivals for the landmark project.

Mr Mike Barclay, Group CEO, Mandai Park Holdings, said, “As operators of four world-class wildlife parks – Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo – we are committed to offering the best possible care to the animals under our charge. Aside from maintaining a healthy living collection to educate and inspire an appreciation for wildlife among our park guests, we are also committed to breeding assurance populations for threatened species and, where possible, reintroducing them back into the wild. We are happy to have the opportunity to contribute towards repopulating part of the manatees’ historic range in the Caribbean, where they have not been sighted in over a century. Projects like this allow us to do our bit to protect and conserve the world’s biodiversity.”

In the last 20 years, more than 10 manatees were bred under human care in River Safari and Singapore Zoo. Among them, Kai and Junior have been selected for the repopulation programme in Guadeloupe as they have reached sexual maturity, and are best pals inside the aquarium. Their relative young age also makes it easier for the pair to adapt to a new environment. Kai was born on 8 October 2009 and Junior was born on 2 February 2010. 

ABOVE: The breeding grounds for the 15 manatees, aptly shaped in the form of a manatee, in Guadeloupe. 

Due to Kai and Junior’s massive weight, River Safari’s team of aquarists, keepers, and vets took extra care as they placed the pair into travelling crates for transportation. These crates are lined with thick sponge to ensure that Kai and Junior remain comfortable throughout the journey, and also to absorb water which has to be periodically sprayed on the manatees to keep their skin moist. As an added measure for the manatees’ comfort, the National Park of Guadeloupe and River Safari opted for a chartered flight for Kai and Junior to minimise travel time.

Two veterinarians from the National Park of Guadeloupe and River Safari’s Deputy Head Aquarist, Keith So, are accompanying Kai and Junior throughout the 34-hour journey. Kai and Junior’s favourite aquarist at River Safari, Doris Su, will depart for Guadeloupe on a separate passenger flight this evening, to help ensure they settle down well in their new environment.

Manatees are currently listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their numbers have declined in the last century due to hunting pressures, entrapment in commercial nets, and collisions with propellers and motorboats.