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Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha on Wednesday attended the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024 Reception that gathered hundreds of participants and delegates from participating countries. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and Co-Chair I of the APICTA Awards 2024 Working Committee Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, in his welcoming remarks, said, “Brunei Darussalam has been given the privilege of hosting the APICTA Awards 2024, 12 years since we last hosted it in 2012. It is an honour to host this prestigious event in Brunei Darussalam, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA).” He reiterated that Brunei Darussalam “has always been a strong advocate for technological advancement. Today, we come together to celebrate the exceptional innovations and achievements in the world of information and communication technology (ICT) across the Asia-Pacific region and stand proud as a platform for collaboration, learning, and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas”. The APICTA Awards, he described, “have become a symbol of excellence, recognising the creativity, passion, and hard work of ICT professionals, entrepreneurs, and organisations across the region. It is a testament to the incredible strides being made in ICT, from innovative start-ups to established enterprises and from visionary developers to forward-thinking policymakers.” He emphasised that APICTA’s vision and mission align with Brunei Darussalam’s own vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy. “As we navigate through an era of rapid technological transformation, it is crucial that we continue to inspire and support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will shape the future of ICT not just in our region but across the globe. Together, through APICTA, we can create an environment that nurtures collaboration and pushes the boundaries of what technology can achieve for the benefit of our societies.” He also revealed that this year’s APICTA Awards 2024 received the highest number of entries in APICTA’s history, with 279 submissions from 15 member economies. The minister later joined the delegates and APICTA officials for a networking session before heading to the Atrium of The Mall to launch the Digital Brunei Exhibition, showcasing the nation’s innovation progress and commitment to technological advancements. The minister also toured the exhibition following the launch. Held in conjunction with the APICTA Awards 2024, the Digital Brunei Exhibition is open to the public until today, from 10am to 9pm. – James Kon Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha in a group photo at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards 2024 Reception. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof delivers a speec. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the minister at the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
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The Kansas City Chiefs will try to bounce back from their first loss since 2023 when they face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday during the Week 12 NFL schedule. Kansas City had its 15-game winning streak snapped in a loss to Buffalo last week, but Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and company are still 11-point road favorites against the Panthers in the Week 12 NFL odds, with an over-under of 43. The Commanders are the other double-digit favorites in the NFL spreads this week, listed at -10.5 against the Cowboys. Dallas is on a five-game losing streak, coming off a 34-10 loss to Houston at home last week, and will be without quarterback Dak Prescott, who is out for the year with a hamstring injury. There are plenty of close games expected in Week 12 as well, including a showdown between the Packers (-2, 47.5) and 49ers on Sunday. 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Two Canadians arrested for failed murder plot in California Two men who travelled from Canada to Monterey County have been arrested and accused of attempted murder after a triple-stabbing Sunday. Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items Ontario says it will match the federal government’s two-month GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex. Hyundai recalling hundreds of thousands of cars and SUVs in Canada, U.S. Hyundai is recalling hundreds of thousands of SUVs and small cars in the U.S. and Canada because the rearview camera image may not show up on the screens. Woman accused in drowning of girl on Alberta lake denied bail The woman accused in the drowning death of a five-year-old girl in an Alberta lake has been denied bail. Kitchener Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items Ontario says it will match the federal government’s two-month GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Guelph Police looking for 14-year-old missing since Sunday Guelph Police are trying to find a teenager who hasn’t been seen since Sunday. Pedestrian taken to hospital with minor injuries after driver crashes in Kitchener bus shelter A pedestrian has been taken to hospital with minor injuries after a bus shelter in Kitchener was destroyed during a crash. Barrie One child injured after school bus crashes into ditch Twenty students were on a school bus that slid off the road into a ditch Wednesday morning. 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Police identify suspect who allegedly shot at vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga Ontario Provincial Police have identified the man who remains wanted for allegedly shooting at passing vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga on Tuesday morning. ‘A troubling issue of recidivism’: Durham police say auto thefts are down, but high rates of offenders on probation, bail Montreal Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Montreal's Mirabel airport after landing gear malfunction No injuries were reported after a Boeing 737 was forced to divert to Mirabel airport after the aircraft experienced a technical issue with the landing gear. Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex. Montreal launches campaign to help tenants facing eviction The City of Montreal has launched a campaign to better inform tenants about their rights and resources when facing eviction and repossession notices. Atlantic First significant snow of the season for parts of the Maritimes Thursday, Friday A low-pressure system moving up the eastern seaboard of the United States is forecasted to bring a mixture of snow and rain into the Maritimes Thursday night into Friday. N.S. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill loses seat to PC candidate by just 14 votes It appears Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill has lost his seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton – by just 14 votes. N.B. RCMP investigating double homicide after bodies found inside burning vehicle in Chipman Police in New Brunswick are investigating the homicides of two people found inside a burning vehicle in Chipman. Winnipeg Two men randomly stabbed at Polo Park, one person arrested Two men were randomly stabbed at CF Polo Park Mall Tuesday and police have one person in custody. More charges laid against pair involved in animal cruelty investigation: Winnipeg police Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. Winnipeg police have laid additional charges against two Winnipeggers charged with animal cruelty after videos of animals being tortured and killed were uploaded to the dark web. New pilot program helping seniors get out of the house to get groceries in River East A new pilot program in the River East area is helping seniors leave the house and get groceries. 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Worker killed in incident at Edmonton site: government A worker died at an industrial construction site in Edmonton on Monday, the Government of Alberta says. Krispy Kreme opening new Edmonton location next month Edmonton's new Krispy Kreme location will open next month, the company announced on Wednesday. Regina 'The premier owes my children an apology': MLA Jared Clarke criticizes Sask. Party's stance on transgender youth NDP MLA Jared Clarke took his opportunity to put Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party on blast Tuesday – criticizing the party's campaign promise of a change room policy while explaining the effect it had on his own children. Sask. developing program it says will give better understanding of student performance in 'core subject areas' The province says work is underway to develop a program that will help better understand Saskatchewan student performance in 'core subject areas' at school. Pats trade 2022 5th overall pick Cole Temple to Everett An active season trade wise continued for the Regina Pats Wednesday as the team sent their 2022 fifth overall pick Cole Temple to the Everett Silvertips. Saskatoon Saskatoon city council approves $1.2M winter warming centre plan Saskatoon’s new city council has approved the latest cold weather strategy, a $1.2 million plan to operate winter warming centres for those in need. Sask. woman charged with manslaughter after fatal assault on Pelican Lake First Nation A 20-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal assault on Pelican Lake First Nation. 'The roads are a mess': Saskatoon residents voice concerns over city road clearing As crews make their way through city streets in the aftermath of last weekend’s storm, some Saskatoon residents say their efforts aren’t enough. Vancouver Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. B.C. premier says U.S. tariffs would be 'devastating' for forest industry British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. Vancouver doctor disciplined for practising medicine with 'inactive' licence A general practitioner in Vancouver has been publicly reprimanded for practising medicine without an active licence by the regulatory body for doctors. Vancouver Island Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. B.C. premier says U.S. tariffs would be 'devastating' for forest industry British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. Ongoing vandalism to Vancouver Island Red Dress project A Red Dress memorial project, raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals, has been the target of ongoing vandalism in Campbell River, B.C. Stay Connected
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René Bennett | (TNS) Bankrate.com If you’re an iPhone user, you might not realize that you already have access to Apple Cash. It’s a digital cash card that’s built into Apple devices and can be found in the default Wallet app. (Note: You must link an eligible debit card to use this service.) The main function of Apple Cash is to make it easier for Apple device users to send money to one another, including sending money through the iMessage app. But Apple Cash is more than just a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases. Apple Cash is a convenient way to transfer money between friends and family. Once it’s set up, a user can simply open the iMessage app and send money to a contact through their chat. It’s also useful for those who use Apple Pay, a separate service that allows Apple device users to make contactless payments with any linked card, including an Apple Cash card. Here are some important things to know about setting up and using Apple Cash. Apple Cash is a digital cash card that’s stored in the Wallet app of Apple devices, and it can be used for making P2P payments, as well as purchases through Apple Pay. When you receive money from another Apple Cash user, that money appears in your Apple Cash balance. The balance can then be spent or transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. Sending money to peers with Apple Cash can be done either directly from the digital Apple Cash card (in the Wallet app) or through the iMessage app. You can send or receive anywhere between $1 and $10,000 per message. The money shows up on the recipient’s Apple Cash card instantly, but it may take from one to three days for the balance to be transferred to a bank account. Instant transfers to a bank account are possible, but it comes with a 1.5% fee. There’s also an option to set up Apple Cash Family for children who are under 18 years old. This option limits the amount a child can send to $2,000 per message. Those younger than 18 also cannot add money to their Apple Cash card from a bank account; rather, their balance only grows when they receive money from another Apple Cash user. Apple Cash is a digital card within your Wallet that allows you to spend your Apple Cash online, in stores and in apps as well send and receive money. Apple Pay, however, allows you to make purchases using any credit card or debit card you have stored in your Wallet — including Apple Cash. With Apple Pay, you add credit and debit cards to your Wallet and then have the ability to pay right with your phone (or other Apple product). To set up Apple Cash, you’ll need three things: —A compatible Apple device. —Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID (this can be done in Settings). —An eligible debit card to load funds onto the Apple Cash card. In the Settings app, you can turn on Apple Cash in the Wallet and Apple Pay section. Tap on the Apple Cash card icon and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, after which your device will set up Apple Cash for you. The Apple Cash card, once set up, can be found in your device’s Wallet app. If you want to set up Apple Cash Family, you’ll first need to have Family Sharing turned on, which can be done in Settings. The family organizer can add children to Apple Cash in the Family Sharing section of Settings. You’ll need to have a debit card linked to your digital Wallet to add money to an Apple Cash card. You can add a debit card to Wallet in the same place where you set up Apple Cash — the Wallet and Apple Pay section of Settings. Once a debit card is linked to your Wallet, open Wallet and tap on the Apple Cash card. Then, tap the More button (an icon with three dots). This will open a page where you can see your Apple Cash balance, add money and transfer funds to a bank account. Tap Add Money and enter the amount you’d like to add (the minimum is $10). You’ll be asked to confirm which debit card you want to use to fund the Apple Cash balance, and then the money is added to the Apple Cash card. There are two ways to send a payment to someone using Apple Cash: directly from your Wallet or in the iMessage app. Both the sender and recipient need Apple Cash to send or receive money. To send money from Wallet, simply tap the Apple Cash card in Wallet and then tap Send. Type in the contact name or phone number of the recipient. Enter the amount you’d like to send (between $1 and $10,000), then review the payment and confirm it with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In iMessage, open the conversation with who you’d like to send money to, or start a new one. Tap on the app button, which appears next to the type bar, and then tap on the Apple Cash icon. You’ll be prompted to enter an amount (between $1 and $10,000). Once you’ve reviewed the amount, tap Send and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. The first time money is sent to someone, the recipient will need to accept the payment within seven days for it to go through. After the first instance, payments are automatically accepted. If you’re using Apple Cash to make a purchase either online or in a store, you’ll need to pay using Apple Pay. To request money from your iPhone, open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the plus icon, followed by Apple Cash. Then, tap Request. Tap the send button to send your payment request. Once the request is sent, the person you sent it to can confirm or change the amount they send to you. You can also request money from your Apple watch. Open your messages app, choose a conversation, tap the plus icon and then choose Apple Cash. Once you enter the amount you are requesting, swipe left on the Send button. Tap Request. As you start to accumulate money on the Apple Cash card, you may want to move it to a debit card or a bank account . This can be done by going to the same place where you added funds to the card, by clicking the icon with three dots next to your digital card. Enter an amount to be transferred, then tap Next. You’ll be asked whether you want to do an instant transfer (for a 1.5% fee) or a transfer in one to three business days for free. After making a selection, the screen will instruct you to set up a bank account if you don’t already have one set up. You’ll confirm the payment, and the transfer is initiated. Instant transfers can only be made to an eligible debit card, not a bank account. Money is sent within 30 minutes when you select instant transfer. —Zelle: If your bank is offers Zelle, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the P2P payment service. Zelle can be accessed directly from your bank’s mobile app, and it allows you to send instant transfers at no extra cost. —Venmo: Anyone can use Venmo, as long as they’ve downloaded the app. Unlike Apple Cash or Zelle, it’s a standalone P2P payment app. Venmo comes with a social element — users can follow each other and add fun emojis to their payments, although they can also keep their account activity private. —PayPal: This P2P payment service is a good option if you want to send money internationally. It also offers a PayPal Debit card, which, like the Apple Cash card, can be used to make purchases online or in stores. —Samsung Pay Cash: Samsung device users can use this option instead of Apple Cash. Similar to Apple Cash, it is a digital wallet that you can access from a Samsung mobile device. However, to take full advantage of Samsung Pay Cash, users will need to undergo an extra registration process to upgrade to a Full Card Account. Apple Cash makes it easy for Apple device users to send money to each other. Users can simply tap the Apple Cash icon in their text messages to send money through iMessage. It can also be used as an extra repository for spending money and can be used for purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. With that said, only Apple device users can send and receive money using Apple Cash, so those looking for a more universal payment service may want to consider other P2P payment apps . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Jimmy Carter mourned in Texas, remembered for ties to Houston and philanthropy
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:06 p.m. ESTThis aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 10, 2024 shows a container terminal of Lianyungang Port, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Chun/Xinhua) BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- China will reduce import tariffs on a large number of goods next year in its latest move to expand domestic demand and advance high-standard opening up, authorities announced Saturday. Provisional import tariffs, lower than the most-favored-nation rates, will be applied to 935 commodities as part of an annual tariff adjustment plan effective on Jan. 1, 2025. This plan "will help increase the imports of quality products," according to a statement from the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council. This tariff reduction aligns with the need to foster new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation, enhance people's well-being, and promote green and low-carbon development, the commission said. For instance, lower provisional tariffs will be implemented for some raw materials, including ethane, cycloolefin polymers and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, which are important basic materials for the petrochemical industry. "These tariff cuts will effectively reduce the production costs of enterprises, promote their technological innovation and facilitate the green development of the petrochemical industry," said Fan Min, deputy head of the information and market department at China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. Some recycled copper and aluminium raw materials will also see their import tariffs reduced, according to the commission. In addition, automatic transmissions for special-purpose vehicles such as fire trucks and repair vehicles will enjoy lower import tariffs, which analysts say will better guarantee the production of such vehicles and improve their competitiveness. While continuing to apply zero tariffs on some drugs and raw materials to treat cancer and rare diseases, the country will cut tariffs on sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, viral vectors for CAR-T tumor therapy, and nickel-titanium alloy wires for surgical implants. By continuously reducing import tariffs on the pharmaceutical raw materials and medical equipment in high demand, China will better ensure people's access to medical services, said Gao Yuning, vice dean of the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University. China has been bringing down the import tariffs for drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients since 2018. Under 24 free trade and preferential trade arrangements, conventional tariff rates will be applied to certain products from 34 countries or regions next year as part of China's efforts to expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas, according to the commission. Among these, lower tariffs under the China-Maldives free trade agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2025, will eventually lead to zero tariffs on nearly 96 percent of tariff lines between the two sides. China will also continue to offer zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines next year to the 43 least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations in a bid to support their development and foster mutual benefits, according to the commission. These measures demonstrate China's determination to advance high-standard opening up and its sense of duty as a responsible major country, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Despite global headwinds against globalization and rising geopolitical risks, China has acted to open its doors wider. The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference held earlier this month vowed to expand voluntary and unilateral opening up in an orderly manner. Specified tariff items will be introduced for products such as pure electric passenger vehicles to support industrial development and sci-tech advancement, while import tariffs will be increased on goods including battery diaphragms, in light of domestic industrial development and market supply and demand, and in accordance with its commitments to the World Trade Organization, according to the commission.
Teenage photographer Liz Hatton, who inspired the Princess of Wales after pursuing a photography bucket list while facing a rare form of cancer , has died, her mother has announced. The 17-year-old, from Harrogate, was pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture. Liz began a photography bucket list appeal in January after being diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour and given six months to three years to live. Liz’s mother Vicky Robayna paid tribute to her “incredible daughter” and the kindness, empathy and courage she showed, saying “she flew high until the end”. Her death at home early on Wednesday morning had left “a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill”, she added. Ms Roboyna announced on X on Wednesday: “Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to the last. “Even yesterday, she was still making plans. We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year. “She was not only a phenomenal photographer, she was the best human and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could ever have asked for. “No-one could have fought harder for life than she did. There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill.” Ms Robayna thanked those who helped the teenager fulfil her dreams in her final months and those who liked and supported her work, adding: “You ensured Liz’s last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end.” She asked social media users to share one of Liz’s photos in tribute, under the hashtag #LizHatton, and also to support the family’s mission to fund research into desmoplastic small round cell tumour, which has no charity specialising in the disease in the UK. She has set up a JustGiving page with a goal of raising £100,000. Liz was invited by the Prince of Wales to take pictures at an investiture ceremony last month, and later described meeting Kate, who herself was treated for cancer this year, and William as “quite a mind-blowing, overwhelming experience”. Her mother said the royal couple had “spent a lot of time talking about photography and about things that Liz enjoyed”, and added that the meeting had “give[n] the world a chance to see what we see every day – that [Liz] is brilliant and brave and talented.” Liz was joined at the Windsor Castle investiture by her mother, stepfather Aaron and brother Mateo. William and Kate later described Liz as “a talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both”. As part of her bucket list, Liz went on to photograph comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances from a helipad, hotel doormen, the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and joined acclaimed British photographer Rankin to lead a fashion shoot. Rankin previously paid tribute to her skill, telling the BBC: “The photos Liz has created... are really sophisticated images... She understands that it’s a creation.” Social media users paid tribute to Liz on Wednesday evening, following news of her death. They described her as “an amazing person, with so much courage and talent”, who “lit up the world with her generous and kind spirit.” “[She] was not just an incredibly talented photographer but an inspiration to so many around the world,” said one user, while another described her as “a light in the darkness... [who] gifted us with her amazing images”.