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In a recent interview, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah shared exciting updates on the country’s progress in energy efficiency. He underscored the importance of energy conservation as a vital component driving Malaysia’s energy transition. Fadillah also announced that Malaysia intends to prioritize the ASEAN grid during the upcoming ASEAN Energy Ministers Meeting.

These comments were made on October 8, at the opening of the 2024 Asia Power and Energy Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, which focuses on the theme “Achieving Multidimensional Energy Transition in ASEAN.” As the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Fadillah noted that Malaysia has successfully conserved 8,769 gigawatt-hours of electricity this year alone, which equates to savings of over 2.2 billion Malaysian ringgit (about 1 US dollar equals 4.28 ringgit) as of June.

Moreover, he outlined Malaysia’s ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3.8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents by 2025, compared to current levels. Earlier this year, the Malaysian government took a significant step by approving the establishment of the Malaysian Energy Exchange, intended to facilitate cross-border sales of green electricity to neighboring countries.

Fadillah also mentioned that Malaysia will take on the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, during which he aims to advocate for the ASEAN Energy Ministers Meeting to center its discussions on the ASEAN grid. He believes that strengthening the ASEAN grid will be crucial for promoting the adoption of renewable energy throughout the region, ultimately enhancing both the resilience and reliability of electricity supplies among ASEAN member states.

As we reflect on the 2024 Chicago White Sox season, it’s difficult to find the right words to encapsulate the enormity of the failure we’ve witnessed. How would you characterize a team that has set a record for single-season losses and struggled through an astonishing number of games with poor performances? With three separate losing streaks of 21, 14, and 12 games, alongside a record-breaking 121st loss, it’s undeniable that this season will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Currently, the team stands at a bleak 39-121, with just two games left to play, marking them with the worst win percentage since the modern era began in 1901.

What’s particularly frustrating this season goes beyond the sheer number of losses; it’s the overwhelming disappointment that hangs over the team and its management. The media’s relationship with the White Sox has been strained, with TV broadcasters openly criticizing the front office and team performance. In a striking move, even the team’s own social media accounts began to downplay their results, humorously directing fans to check scores on the MLB app instead of posting updates themselves. One post even stated, “FINAL: the number of runs we scored was not greater than the number of runs they scored.”

Following Friday’s record-setting loss, the team’s social media presence adopted a darkly humorous tone, which only highlights the desperation of the situation. What does this reveal about the team’s image when even their promotional efforts lack enthusiasm? It seems that no one—from coaches to fans—can deny that the circumstances are grim.

Many fans are left wondering: how did it come to this? Just three seasons ago, the White Sox were contenders with one of baseball’s youngest rosters. Now, they’ve become a cautionary tale about the consequences of a mismanaged front office colliding with an unfortunate string of bad luck. Even teams in the midst of a rebuild don’t typically experience the level of failure we’ve seen from the White Sox this year.

While the team’s pitching has underperformed, it remains close to the league average. Interestingly, despite the overarching dysfunction, some individual pitchers, like Garrett Crochet, have shown flashes of effectiveness. However, the crux of the issue lies with the position players. Only one batter, shortstop Paul DeJong—who was traded midseason to the Kansas City Royals—has posted a win above replacement. Their standout player, Luis Robert Jr., has failed to find consistency, hampered by injuries.

As a unit, the White Sox position players have generated a staggering negative seven wins above replacement, reflecting one of the least efficient hitting and fielding performances in modern baseball history. Watching this team means witnessing a series of blunders—poor throws and perplexing defensive errors. The absence of a robust analytics department, largely due to owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s outdated views on data’s importance in modern baseball, cannot be ignored.

To add to their woes, luck hasn’t been on their side. The White Sox have been on the wrong side of close games, sporting a 4-10 record in extra innings and a staggering 13-29 record in one-run games. Their expected performance indicates they should have secured significantly more wins. While this might come off as a glimmer of hope to some, it feels more like fool’s gold for the squad.

So, what lies ahead for the White Sox? The future is uncertain. For now, the most compelling stories seem to focus on social media interactions rather than on-field accomplishments. What will it take for this team to rise from the ashes of this historic disaster? That remains an open question.

During a press conference on October 8, hosted by the State Council Information Office, officials discussed a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting stable economic growth and improving structural development. Liu Susheng, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), underscored the importance of increasing infrastructure investment in the current economic climate to sustain steady growth and support a healthy economy.

When a reporter asked about the NDRC’s plans to expedite the approval and construction of local government investment projects, especially for large-scale and cross-regional initiatives, Liu provided thoughtful insight. He mentioned the Central Political Bureau meeting held on September 26, which highlighted the significance of effectively utilizing ultra-long special government bonds alongside local government special bonds to maximize the impact of government investments.

Responding to inquiries about accelerating local infrastructure project approvals and construction, Liu outlined three key considerations from the NDRC’s perspective.

Firstly, he emphasized the necessity of identifying the right investment directions. The strategy should concentrate on areas that not only boost economic development but also enhance citizens’ livelihoods, specifically targeting existing weaknesses and addressing gaps. For example, urban renewal and renovation are identified as having substantial investment potential and clear socio-economic benefits, making these priorities for future local infrastructure investments.

Secondly, thorough preparatory work is crucial. Local investment projects need to conduct in-depth preliminary assessments, adhering to a principle of evaluating options before making decisions and scientifically determining construction plans. It is essential to comply with regulatory approval processes to ensure that projects can be executed smoothly.

Lastly, securing project funding is critical. There must be a well-founded rationale for funding arrangements, utilizing lawful and compliant methods to acquire financing from various sources. For eligible projects, the NDRC is considering increasing central investment support to help ease the financial burden on local governments.

On September 12th, the State Council Information Office hosted a press conference featuring Wang Hesheng, the Deputy Director of the National Health Commission and the Director of the National Disease Control Bureau. He underscored the importance of enhancing monitoring and early warning systems to effectively manage the health risks posed by infectious disease outbreaks. Wang highlighted that the National Disease Control Bureau has prioritized the development of a robust infectious disease monitoring and early warning framework, guided by top-level strategic design and focused on critical issues.

This press conference was part of a series themed “Driving High-Quality Development.” Attendees included Lei Haichao, Director of the National Health Commission, and Yu Yanhong, Director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, who engaged with journalists in Beijing.

Wang elaborated on the recent advancements made in the fight against infectious diseases. He noted that, with support from various government departments, including those focused on finance and customs, the National Disease Control Bureau has established ten monitoring systems across sentinel hospitals, implemented virus mutation tracking, and analyzed urban wastewater. This comprehensive approach has effectively supported early warning capabilities for infectious disease outbreaks.

As he addressed the rising intersection of respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and mycoplasma pneumonia, Wang announced the launch of a detailed monitoring initiative for 15 common respiratory pathogens. This project enables simultaneous monitoring across various diseases, providing real-time insights into epidemiological trends and pathogen distributions, which significantly enhances clinical treatment and public health interventions.

Additionally, Wang unveiled plans to expedite the development of an infectious disease monitoring, early warning, and emergency command information platform. Building on pilot projects in Tianjin, Hubei, and Anhui, the National Disease Control Bureau aims to deploy advanced monitoring and early warning software across healthcare institutions nationwide, ensuring effective communication regarding infection data.

With the recent approval from the State Council, nine governmental departments have collaboratively released guidelines aimed at establishing an intelligent, multi-trigger infectious disease monitoring and early warning system by the year 2030. The objective is to achieve early detection, scientific assessment, and timely warning capabilities that align with international standards. Wang emphasized the necessity of implementing these guidelines with a focus on three critical themes: collaboration from multiple sources, integration of intelligent technology, and standardized management practices.

Specifically, he outlined the following focus areas:
1. Enhancing early detection capabilities through multi-channel monitoring, which includes improving the infectious disease online reporting system and bolstering the active monitoring networks of sentinel hospitals, monitoring stations, and networked laboratories.
2. Leveraging new technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence to elevate the sophistication of monitoring and early warning systems, facilitating the automatic capture and reporting of abnormal signals through a unified monitoring framework.
3. Streamlining standardized management procedures to improve the timeliness of risk assessments and alerts by refining monitoring systems, risk evaluation protocols, and ensuring prompt communication of health risk notifications, thereby strengthening coordination with epidemic control efforts and emergency response measures.

According to a recent annual automotive reliability survey by Consumer Reports, electric vehicles (EVs) present a startling 79% more problems on average than their traditional counterparts. This survey highlights that EV owners report a significantly larger number of issues compared to those driving conventional gasoline or hybrid vehicles over the last three model years.

The research drew input from over 330,000 car owners, examining 20 problem areas such as engines, transmissions, electric motors, oil leaks, and infotainment systems. Despite the increasing popularity of the electric vehicle market, reliability concerns remain prominent. Many Chinese EV owners have shared their experiences of facing various system issues while driving, and the challenge of range anxiety during long trips continues to be a significant concern.

CarSloth, an automotive website, summarized the five common issues faced by EV owners:

1. **Battery Degradation Over Time**
Studies indicate that electric vehicle batteries lose about 2.3% of their capacity each year. Environmental conditions play a crucial role; for example, in warmer regions like Florida, the average lifespan of a battery is only around 5.2 years. However, emerging evidence suggests that EV batteries might actually last longer than previously believed.

2. **Climate Control Impacts Range**
Ineffective climate control systems can severely impact an EV’s driving range, especially during colder months. Many owners report that their heating systems are less efficient than expected, resulting in shorter driving distances.

3. **In-Car Electronics Failures**
Many EV owners encounter problems with in-car electronics, including malfunctioning temperature sensors and issues with power doors. For instance, Tesla had to recall four models in May 2022 due to failures in their display screens, alongside extensive recalls for automatic window problems.

4. **Poor Sealing Leading to Water Leaks**
Owners of Tesla vehicles have frequently pointed out inadequate sealing in their cars, leading to water leaks inside. Given that EVs house numerous electrical components, this issue poses particular risks. Poor sealing can also increase cabin noise and create uncomfortable drafts, negatively impacting the overall driving experience.

5. **Fire Risk in Electric Vehicles**
There’s a common misconception that electric vehicles are more susceptible to catching fire. Data shows that the fire risk for EVs is not greater than that for traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Nevertheless, once an electric vehicle does catch fire, extinguishing the lithium batteries can be quite challenging; some manufacturers even advise firefighters to let the vehicle burn in a controlled setting.

In an emotional 20-minute tribute, Liu Chunyi, the son of California State Senator Liu Chuangfeng, delivered a heartfelt farewell during his father’s memorial on October 6. “My father sacrificed so much for us, and while we can never fully repay him, I am eternally grateful for the future he gave us,” he shared, struggling to hold back tears.

Reflecting on his father’s passing, Liu Chunyi described his feelings as a complex blend of sadness, guilt, and profound gratitude. He recounted his father’s humble beginnings in a farming family in Taichung, where hard work and education enabled him to become the first in his family to attend high school, eventually securing a position at Taiwan Bank after overcoming numerous exams.

Despite having a stable job and a comfortable life in Taiwan, Liu Chuangfeng made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States, driven by a desire to provide a better future for his children. Liu Chunyi became emotional as he recalled that pivotal moment of his father’s decision.

He emphasized that his father wasn’t seeking a superior material life or trying to run away from responsibilities; instead, he wanted to offer his children more freedom of choice. Liu Chuangfeng believed that the U.S. provided opportunities for a broader range of experiences and a sense of freedom that he felt was difficult to attain in Taiwan.

This tough choice not only changed Liu Chuangfeng’s fate but also that of the entire family. Liu Chunyi pointed out that despite the chance to become a senior executive in Taiwan, his father humbly started anew in Flushing, taking on a low-level position at a Japanese bank. There, he contended with language barriers and adapted to a completely new culture and lifestyle.

Throughout these challenges, Liu Chuangfeng’s resolve never faltered. He eventually established his own accounting firm in Flushing. “He never complained and faced every challenge with determination. He would always remind us that these hardships were for our better future,” Liu Chunyi reflected.

While Liu Chunyi grapples with a sense of guilt for not being able to repay his father’s sacrifices, he made it clear that Liu Chuangfeng had no regrets. “For him, as long as his children could grow up and succeed in America, everything he did was worthwhile,” he stated.

“This is my father, Liu Chuangfeng. He achieved countless remarkable things in his life. Even though we didn’t share many intimate moments or frequently say ‘I love you,’ he showed his deep love for our family through his actions. His life was a silent dedication,” Liu Chunyi concluded, a look of respect shining in his eyes.

In a recent interview, we explored the key themes from President Xi Jinping’s significant speech at the National Education Conference, particularly focusing on the importance of a people-centered approach to enhance public education services.

President Xi emphasized that the modernization of China fundamentally places the well-being of its citizens at the forefront. He highlighted the necessity for educational reforms to be inclusive and accessible, striving to ensure that the benefits of educational development are distributed fairly across all social strata. His remarks reflect a genuine commitment to establishing an education system that resonates with the aspirations of the populace, underscoring the pathway to achieving educational equity.

As we seek to optimize the distribution of educational resources in various regions, advancing quality and equitable development in compulsory education becomes paramount. This entails closing the gaps between urban and rural education, addressing disparities across different regions, and catering to diverse demographic groups. Education symbolizes the hopes of families striving for a better future. The achievements of China’s education system in recent years have been remarkable, positioning the country as home to the largest and highest-quality education system in the world, achieving or even surpassing average metrics found in upper-middle-income countries. However, there is a growing public demand not only for access to education but also for quality.

Given trends such as new urbanization and industrialization, along with demographic shifts like declining birth rates and an aging population, there’s an urgent need to refine the allocation of educational resources. This necessitates the establishment of a foundational public education service supply mechanism that corresponds to population changes. We must ensure that every child receives equitable and high-quality education, equipping them to grow, contribute to society, and enhance community well-being.

Continuing to reinforce the accomplishments of the “double reduction” policy is equally critical. This initiative aims to relieve unnecessary burdens on students, which is essential for promoting positive shifts in educational perspectives. Improving classroom teaching standards and the quality of after-school services is vital. By optimizing teaching methods, enhancing management practices, utilizing technology, and refining assignment design and evaluation, we can ensure that teachers effectively deliver knowledge and that students actively engage in their learning.

Additionally, strengthening after-school services is crucial, creating an integrated support system that meets the individual learning needs of students.

Implementing the national education digital strategy is vital for expanding access to quality educational resources and enhancing public services for lifelong learning. Digital education represents a significant leap forward in advancing educational modernization, facilitating personalized and lifelong learning opportunities. The acceleration of educational digitalization is not only a crucial requirement for providing satisfactory education but also an essential path toward promoting equity in education.

As we work to build a robust educational system, it is essential to internalize President Xi’s speech, aligning it with the values connected to becoming an educational powerhouse and addressing the public’s pressing concerns about education. Through collaborative efforts, we can establish a solid foundation for the happiness and well-being of our people through education.

In a recent interview discussing Bethesda’s first major expansion of their ambitious space RPG, Starfield, we explored the new content that aims to introduce improvements while also revealing some of the game’s ongoing limitations.

Gaming journalist Luke Holland shared his insights, stating, “After a year filled with extensive updates that tackled many of the most noticeable bugs and issues, Bethesda’s latest expansion, Shattered Space, delivers a story-rich narrative. However, it unfortunately doesn’t completely overcome the game’s foundational shortcomings.”

Holland pointed out that persistent issues such as lifeless NPCs and a plethora of loading screens continue to hinder the gaming experience. “While the expansion does create a more cohesive setting, reminiscent of iconic Bethesda titles like Skyrim and Fallout, it’s hard to ignore the familiar frustrations that remain,” he observed.

The narrative focuses on the House Va’ruun, a cult devoted to space serpent worship, thrusting players into their world after a catastrophic event strikes. Holland noted, “You quickly find yourself positioned as a potential savior, but before that, you’re bombarded with tasks that often feel tedious and lack meaningful rewards.”

He remarked on the variety of tasks, which range from cosmic voyages to mundane errands, but emphasized that engaging gameplay is unfortunately lacking. “The fetch quests can feel burdensome, and players often face the frustrating choice between navigating treacherous landscapes or trudging across uninspiring terrain on foot. Exploring these environments rarely yields any captivating findings, which is a disappointment considering what fans expect from a Bethesda RPG.”

Holland also highlighted that the much-anticipated cosmic horror elements hinted at in the lead-up to the expansion barely come to fruition. “What could have been chilling moments tend to devolve into repetitive gunfights within uninspired locales,” he added.

Despite these downsides, he acknowledged some redeeming qualities of the expansion. “The main storyline does provide interesting choices, especially as power struggles unfold among the ruling houses of Va’ruun’kai. When the frame rate behaves, the visuals can be stunning, though they often rely too heavily on varying shades of purple.”

However, Holland expressed concern regarding the overall consistency of the experience, concluding that “Shattered Space feels more like an extension of the original Starfield’s issues rather than a fresh installment. Many flaws appear deeply rooted in the design, raising the question of whether a complete sequel is required to truly unlock Starfield’s potential.”

Currently priced at £29.99 on Xbox and £25.99 on PC, Starfield: Shattered Space marks an important step forward, yet it’s evident that significant work still needs to be done to fully realize the game’s potential.

In light of recent protests against redevelopment, Cardiff Council has taken significant measures to safeguard local venues and foster new talent in the city. Artists in the area find themselves encouraged, but they emphasize that there’s still much work to be done.

The phrase “In these stones, horizons sing,” etched in copper above the entrance of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, beautifully illustrates the diverse creative voices present in this city. For years, Cardiff’s vibrant music scene has been overlooked, and its resilient communities have often been underestimated.

Located near Butetown, one of the UK’s oldest multicultural neighborhoods, the Wales Millennium Centre is a key feature of the Cardiff Music City festival, which spans an entire month. This festival harmonizes existing events like Llais, focusing on vocal performances, with new offerings such as Sŵn, alongside unique shows like a special double billing of Leftfield and Orbital. The lineup includes a variety of artists, from cult pop favorites like Fabiana Palladino and Porridge Radio to experimental composer Gwen Siôn, who creatively blends field recordings with traditional male voice choir elements and electronic instruments. The festival also showcases Tuareg rock, jazz from Butetown, and songs in the Noongar language from Western Australia.

Cardiff Music City represents more than just another festival in the UK; it signifies a remarkable revival of the city’s cultural landscape. In 2017, local independent venues on Womanby Street faced closure due to threats from proposed residential developments and a Wetherspoon’s hotel, leading to concerns over noise complaints. Residents united, marching through the streets and successfully pressuring the council to recognize the significance of this vibrant “music quarter,” home to venues like the rock club Fuel and the iconic Clwb Ifor Bach. Adam Williams, head of music at Clwb Ifor Bach, reflects on that pivotal moment, saying, “It was a powerful moment that brought thousands of people together.”

The collective action resonated with local leaders. Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas remarked, “That moment was the catalyst for us to really start thinking seriously about the value music has to the city.” As a result, the redevelopment plans for Womanby Street were ultimately abandoned, and in December, the council brought in cultural consultancy Sound Diplomacy to develop a strategy aimed at revitalizing Cardiff’s music scene in response to the protests.

However, some venues, including Gwdihŵ and Buffalo, shuttered before the council released the Cardiff Music Strategy in April 2019 due to rising business rates and mounting redevelopment pressures. The closure of these venues galvanized further advocacy, resulting in 12 key recommendations to protect and promote music in Cardiff, including the establishment of the Cardiff Music City festival.

Thomas underscores the council’s dedication to “developing talent in our schools, protecting our grassroots music venues, and creating the necessary infrastructure for us to be a world-class music city.” This initiative also led to the formation of a Music Board made up of councillors, venue operators, and journalists, alongside a dedicated music officer within the council’s framework. “All of this has helped us reach a point where music professionals in Cardiff understand that while we may not be able to address every issue, we are here to help where we can,” he adds.

The Cardiff Music Strategy set a benchmark as a national first, influencing similar initiatives in Belfast and Liverpool aimed at rejuvenating their local music scenes post-pandemic. Tom Rees from the indie band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard notes that the council and local funding bodies are now more supportive of those involved in the music scene. “This is definitely an improvement compared to the past,” he observes. To further support local independent venues post-pandemic, open-air gigs were introduced at Cardiff Castle, and support has been directed toward securing new locations for the multi-arts hub Porter’s.

Reflecting on past challenges, Rees wrote the 2021 single “Crescent Man vs Demolition Dan” in response to the protests to save Gwdihŵ, noting that the venue “didn’t get the support it deserved” from the council. He stresses the continuing need for more grassroots spaces to make up for those lost. “Many artists in Cardiff still feel disillusioned with the industry, but I respect the ongoing efforts to address that,” he shares, appreciating the positive impact of the Cardiff Music City festival, which provides an essential platform for evaluating ongoing changes.

Welsh music prize nominee Aleighcia Scott echoes this sentiment, declaring, “Wales is known as the land of song, so it’s only right for the capital to be a home for that.” She observes that the progress made in recent years has nurtured a spirit of collaboration among emerging Welsh talent, especially evident in the festival’s diverse lineup. Scott is set to perform alongside a variety of artists, including soul and hip-hop acts and bilingual drill rapper Sage Todz, at an event co-organized with the Mobo Awards.

At the Wales Millennium Centre, creative director Graeme Farrow envisions the festival as a way to build community and highlight Cardiff’s unique identity. “People have often been so modest about what Cardiff can contribute,” he notes. “I hope this festival not only changes that narrative but also allows us to proclaim that this is a city with a truly distinctive voice.”

The Cardiff Music City festival runs at venues across the city until October 20.

Hadil Louz, a 32-year-old Palestinian refugee, is taking legal action against the Home Office after her application for family reunification was denied. Living in Broughty Ferry with her husband Ibrahim and their eight-month-old daughter Laila, Louz has been fighting for her parents and siblings to join her since she submitted her application earlier this year.

The Home Office’s rejection cited a lack of “circumstances which are so compelling as to make them exceptional.” Despite this setback, Louz remains determined and is appealing the decision in the Scottish courts.

In light of her situation, advocates are pushing for a dedicated family reunification scheme for Palestinians, drawing parallels to programs that have helped those escaping crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine. What challenges have you encountered while navigating this process, and what key message do you wish to express through your appeal?