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Gender through Their Lenses: A Film of Students’ Images




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UTAUT Model for Blended Learning: The Role of Gender and Age in the Intention to Use Webinars




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The U-Curve of E-Learning: Course Website and Online Video Use in Blended and Distance Learning




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Up and Down: Trends in Students’ Perceptions about Learning in a 1:1 Laptop Model – A Longitudinal Study

This is a five-year study conducted with junior high school students studying in a 1:1-laptop program in order to test the effects of the program on various measures related to the students: their attitudes, motivation, perceived school norms, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention towards learning with laptops, according to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). These variables were tested at two dimensions: ‘duration of learning’ – the effect of learning in the program on the same students; ‘duration of program in school’ – the effect of the program on different students in different school years. Participants (N=770) answered a questionnaire structured according to motivational and TPB variables. Findings show that attitudes changed over time, but differently for each dimension. For the ‘duration of learning’, attitudes declined between 7th to 9th grade. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that students’ attitudes and self-efficacy explain part of their intention to learn with laptops, therefore ways of maintaining positive attitudes, self-efficacy, and strengthening school norms should be considered. However, for the ‘duration of program in school’, students’ attitudes increased over the years: The attitudes of students who started the program at a later stage were more positive than those who began earlier. This may indicate that students who experience the program at an advanced stage are better prepared, with more realistic expectations. Findings can assist teacher trainers and policymakers with the implementation of similar programs.




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An Examination of Gen Z Learners Attending a Minority University

Aim/Purpose: This paper presents the preliminary findings of a pilot survey that sought to examine the technology uses, backgrounds, needs, interests, career goals, and professional expectations of Generation Z students enrolled at a minority serving institution in the United States Mid-Atlantic region. Background: Students entering college today are part of Generation Z born in the late 90’s through 2016. Known for their short attention spans and heightened ability to multi-task, they already outnumber millennials and are the first true digital natives born during the age of smart phone. Methodology: In the fall of 2017, an online student perception survey was piloted with stu-dents enrolled at a mid-Atlantic minority serving institution. The survey included a combination of dichotomous, Likert-scaled, and ranking questions. The survey was administered electronically using the Survey Monkey system to students following completion of core computer concepts courses and explored their technology backgrounds, skills, perceived computing self-efficacy, and the role they predict technology will play in their future career. The data was subsequently exported to Microsoft Excel and SPSS where descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. Contribution: As Generation Z descends on college campuses, with their technology domi-nated backgrounds and different communications, learning, and social prefer-ences, it is important to better understand this generation whose needs and expectations will help shape the future of higher education. Additionally, this study also provides research on a population (first-generation minority college students) that is expanding in numbers in higher education and that the litera-ture, reports is impacted negatively by the digital divide and educational inequalities. This paper is timely and relevant and helps to extend our understanding of Generation Z. Findings: The findings show that Generation Z learners enrolled in a minority-serving institution enjoy computer classes, feel that using computers comes easy to them; and perceive themselves as experts in the use of social media, mobile operating systems, using a smart phone, searching the Web, and email. Participants also reported that they want to be more technologically literate, want to be more skilled in computer software applications, and are interested in learning about cyber security. In terms of the future, most respondents also believe that their career will require them to analyze information to inform decision making. Additionally, most stated that information security will be important to their future career. Finally, the results affirmed that college computing courses remain important and that college students recognize that technology will play a crucial role in their career with employers wanting to see job applicants with strong technology skills. Recommendations for Practitioners: Generation Z learners enrolled in higher education need, and want, a wide range of technology courses available to them in order to help them meet the rapidly evolving demands of tomorrow’s workplace. Students in this study overwhelmingly see the value in enhancing their technology skills especially in such areas as computer software applications, information management, and cyber security. Recommendation for Researchers: Institutions of higher education should invest in thorough and ongoing examinations of the information and technology literacy skills, needs, and perceptions of students. Impact on Society: Understanding the interests and needs of Generation Z learners is imperative to the future of higher education. Future Research: This survey is a work in progress that is part of a pilot study that is being used to help guide a much more sizable examination of Generation Z learners.




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New Trends in Multimedia Standards: MPEG4 and JPEG2000




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Comprendiendo Nuestras Politicas: The Need for an Effective C&IT Policy for a Nation’s Development, The Venezuelan Case




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Information and Communication Technology: Gender Issues in Developing Nations




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Diagnostic and Functional Dependencies of Credibility




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Effectiveness of Agile Implementation Methods in Business Intelligence Projects from an End-user Perspective

The global Business Intelligence (BI) market grew by 10% in 2013 according to the Gartner Report. Today organizations require better use of data and analytics to support their business decisions. Internet power and business trend changes have provided a broad term for data analytics – Big Data. To be able to handle it and leverage a value of having access to Big Data, organizations have no other choice than to get proper systems implemented and working. However traditional methods are not efficient for changing business needs. The long time between project start and go-live causes a gap between initial solution blueprint and actual user requirements in the end of the project. This article presents the latest market trends in BI systems implementation by comparing Agile with traditional methods. It presents a case study provided in a large telecommunications company (20K employees) and the results of a pilot research provided in the three large companies: telecommunications, digital, and insurance. Both studies prove that Agile methods might be more effective in BI projects from an end-user perspective and give first results and added value in a much shorter time compared to a traditional approach.




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Synthesizing Design and Informing Science Rationales for Driving a Decentralized Generative Knowledge Management Agenda

Aim/Purpose: In a world of rapidly expanding complexity and exponentially increasing data availability, IT-based knowledge management tools will be needed to manage and curate available information. This paper looks at a particular tool architecture that has been previously proposed: The Personal Knowledge Management System (PKMS). The specific focus is on how the proposed architecture conforms to design science principles that relate to how it is likely to evolve. Background: We first introduce some recent informing science and design science research frameworks, then examine how the PKMS architecture would conform to these. Methodology: The approach taken is conceptual analysis. Contribution: The analysis provides a clearer understanding of how the proposed PKMS would serve the diverse-client ambiguous-target (DCAT) informing scenario and how it could be expected to evolve. Findings: We demonstrate how the PKMS informing architecture can be characterized as a “social machine” that appears to conform to a number of principles that would facilitate its long-term evolution. Future Research: The example provided by the paper could serve as a model future research seeking to integrate design science and informing science in the study of IT artefacts.




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Gifts, Contexts, Means, and Ends Differing: Informing Task Scenarios to Serve Knowledge Workers’ Needs in Dynamic Complex Settings

Aim/Purpose: As traditional Knowledge Management (KM) struggles to support the personal needs of knowledge workers in a new era of accelerating information abundance, we examine the shortcomings and put forward alternative scenarios and architectures for developing a novel Personal KM System (PKMS). Background: While prior publications focused on the complementing features compared to conventional dynamic KM models, our emphasis shifts to instantiating a flourishing PKMS community supported by a Digital Platform Ecosystem. Methodology: Design science research focusing on conceptual analysis and prototyping. Contribution: The PKMS concept advances the understanding of how digital platform communities may serve members with highly diverse skills and ambitions better to gainfully utilize the platform’s resources and generative potential in their personal and local settings. Findings: We demonstrate how the needs to tackle attention-consuming rising entropy and to benefit from generative innovation potentials can be addressed. Future Research: As this article has iteratively co-evolved with the preparing of a PKMS implementation, business, and roll-out plan, the prototype’s testing, completion, and subsequent migration to a viable system is of primary concern.




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Fast fuzzy C-means clustering and deep Q network for personalised web directories recommendation

This paper proposes an efficient solution for personalised web directories recommendation using fast FCM+DQN. At first, web directory usage file obtained from given dataset is fed into the accretion matrix computation module, where visitor chain matrix, visitor chain binary matrix, directory chain matrix and directory chain binary matrix are formulated. In this, directory grouping is accomplished based on fast FCM and matching among query and group is conducted based on Kumar Hassebrook and Kulczynski similarity. The user preferred directory is restored at this stage and at last, personalised web directories are recommended to the visitors by means of DQN. The proposed approach has received superior results with respect to maximum accuracy of 0.910, minimum mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0206 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.144. Although the system offered magnificent outcomes, it failed to order web directories in the form of highly, medium and low interested directories.




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CEO SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS: A THEORETICAL EXAMINATION AND RESEARCH AGENDA

CEO severance has captured the attention of a wide array of audiences, yet it remains largely unexplored by management scholars. This paper offers a rigorous theoretical examination of CEO severance with the goal of developing a foundation for a systematic research agenda. In particular, we consider if, and how, severance agreements can be effective in serving the interests of both CEOs and shareholders. We argue that severance agreements have potential value as both an executive recruitment and governance tool, but that the way they are conventionally structured undermines the value that shareholders realize from them. The implications of structure have been almost entirely overlooked by scholars, perhaps because the influence of compensation consultants has left little variance in how severance agreements are implemented across firms. We address this gap by theorizing about how severance agreements could be structured to effectively generate value for executives and shareholders. To do this, we introduce a categorization of key dimensions of CEO severance agreements, and consider how each of these dimensions can be structured to facilitate CEO recruiting, while simultaneously mitigating future governance problems. Our propositions offer new opportunities for governance and compensation scholars to link CEO severance agreements to important organizational outcomes.




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Taking Off The Blinders: A Comparative Study of University Students' Changing Perceptions of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace from 2006 to 2013

As evidenced by recent legislation and media attention, eradicating gender inequity in the workforce is of significant importance today. However, this interest in justice stands in bold contrast to the continued wage gap, the steady number of gender discrimination suits filed, and the plethora of cases exposed in the media. Previous data collected in 2006 suggests that university students do not perceive gender discrimination as a threat of major significance to themselves or others. University students tend to minimize or even disregard the likelihood that they will witness or experience gender bias or discrimination in their career. The current study serves as a continuation of and a comparison to the 2006 study, with the goal of determining whether the perspective of university students has shifted, or whether they continue to consider themselves to be immune to the injustice of gender discrimination at work. Our findings suggest that students in this cohort are not only more acutely aware of these issues, but that this awareness has expanded to include increased concern over gender discrimination against men as well. The reluctance of students to believe that they personally will be unaffected by gender discrimination has been and continues to be surprisingly high.




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Beginning's end: How founders psychologically disengage from their organizations

Exit is a critical part of the entrepreneurial process. At the same time, research indicates that founders are likely to form strong identity connections to the organizations they start. In turn, when founders exit their organizations, the process of psychological disengagement might destabilize their identities. Yet, limited research addresses how founders experience exit or how they manage their identities during this process. Through a qualitative, inductive study of founders of technology-based companies, I developed a theoretical model of founder psychological disengagement that delineates how founder work orientations relate to the disengagement paths that founders follow when leaving one organization and starting another. In elaborating theory on psychological disengagement, this study has implications for understanding the psychology of founders, how founders exit and begin again, and psychological disengagement, more broadly.




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THE IMPACT OF CEO SUCCESSION WITH GENDER CHANGE ON FIRM PERFORMANCE AND SUCCESSOR EARLY DEPARTURE: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA'S PUBLICLY LISTED COMPANIES IN 1997-2010

Female corporate leadership has drawn increasing attention from academia and practitioners. We contribute to the literature by examining the impact of CEO succession with gender change—i.e., a male CEO succeeded by a female or vice versa. We propose that due to gender differences in executive leadership positions, CEO succession with gender change may amplify the disruption of the CEO succession process and thus adversely affect post-succession firm performance and increase the likelihood of successor early departure. Using data from 3,320 CEO successions in companies listed in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 1997 to 2010, we find evidence to support this argument. We also find that the negative (positive) impact of male-to-female succession on firm performance (the likelihood of successor early departure) may be weakened by positive organizational attitudes toward female leadership as indicated by the presence of other female leaders on the firm's board of directors and/or top management team, and the successor's inside origin.




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The end of programming from Communications of the ACM

Welsh’s article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) developments may redefine the landscape of the field of software development and make traditional coding methodologies obsolete. Readers should find it interesting, as it forecasts the potential impact




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Is the Second Amendment Only America’s Right? Do Illegal Immigrants Have Gun Rights?

For advocates of universal gun rights, this debate represents a fundamental question about the nature of the Second Amendment: is it an American right or a human right?




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Helping single mothers gain financial independence

THIS Hari Raya, The Gardens Mall is bringing the comfort of home and the memories of celebrations with loved ones to its mall decor. With many unable to travel back to their kampung to visit grandparents and other loved ones, the Mall decided to bring elements of grandma’s eclectic home to the mall for all to enjoy this year.

Step into the mall and be greeted by a burst of colour and patterns with traditional woven pandanus ware and hand-sewn patchwork fabric. Snap photos with friends and family at the various vignettes set-up along the Ground Floor. Much like atok’s garden, there is much greenery around
to coax nostalgia for the simple kampung life.

Not forgetting the underprivileged this season, over at the South Palm on the Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall is collecting your unwanted denim to donate to the single mothers of SURI. SURI is a social enterprise that employs single mothers from low-income communities to turn unwanted denim material into fashionable apparel and other household items. SURI also believes in protecting the environment through upcycling.

As part of the partnership during Hari Raya, The Gardens Mall has pledged RM10,000 to SURI for its efforts in helping these single mothers gain financial independence.




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Lend a helping hand

7 -ELEVEN MALAYSIA carries on its goodwill by launching ‘Lend a Helping Hand 2021’ campaign to provide relief and help ease the burden of beneficiaries whom are impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country as well as to our heroic frontliners that are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.

From now until July 4, 2021, the public is encouraged to contribute through the campaign by purchasing necessities and supplies from 7-Eleven stores nationwide and placing them into the collection box. Supplies could range from instant food, groceries, beverages, medications, and other household cleaning essentials found in the store. The public may also drop off essential general supplies into the collection box and the contributions will then be channelled by 7-Eleven to the nearest beneficiaries in each area nationwide including government hospitals and medical clinics, other civil service frontliners, charity homes such as those for the elderly and children, public universities, students’ dormitories and more. Contribution handovers will have necessary precautions in place such as minimal interaction between donor and recipients with the collected items dropped off outside the recipient’s facility wherever possible.

7-Eleven Malaysia’s General Manager of Marketing, Ronan Lee, said: “Everybody can play a part to lend a hand during these trying times and we can always count on the extraordinary kind generosity of the public in supporting our efforts of providing any form of relief to the disadvantaged communities as well as our relentless frontliners who have been heroic in the face of unprecedented adversity. We are all in this together and let us all stay strong together and be there for each other as #KitaJagaKita.”

“While the pandemic has been difficult for most Malaysians, there are communities who are more adversely impacted by the pandemic than the others, especially the B40 communities. In acknowledgement of this, it is more critical than ever before for us to shore up our support and deliver the necessary aid to them, not forgetting the frontline workers as well for their resilience, compassion and gallant efforts. At 7-Eleven Malaysia, we want to ensure that no one is left behind in these challenging and unprecedented times,” Lee added.

For more information on ‘Lend a Helping Hand 2021’ campaign, please visit www.7eleven.com.my or follow our official social media pages @7ElevenMalaysia.




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No end in sight to Sudan war as both sides seek ‘decisive’ win

CAIRO: Sudan has seen a surge in extreme violence in recent weeks as the warring military and paramilitary push for a decisive victory, with no political solution in sight.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified since late October, with reports of attacks on civilians including sexual violence against women and girls raising alarm.

The war that erupted in April 2023 has created what the UN calls the world’s worst displacement crises, with more than 11 million people forced from their homes.

It has put the country on the brink of famine, and sparked warnings of intensifying violence in a war that has already killed tens of thousands.

“Over the last two weeks, the situation in the country has been marked by some of the most extreme violence since the start of the conflict,“ according to Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

“Let me stress that both warring parties bear responsibility for this violence,“ she said, adding that both sides “seem convinced they can prevail on the battlefield.”

Since October 20, at least 124 civilians have been killed in central Al-Jazira state and another 135,000 have fled to other states, according to the UN.

With global attention focused on other wars, chiefly in Ukraine and the Middle East, civilians in Sudan are paying a steep price for the escalation.

“All indicators so far show that both sides are committed to military solutions, with no genuine interest in political resolutions or even easing the suffering of civilians,“ according to Mohamed Osman of Human Rights Watch.

Amani al-Taweel, director of the Africa programme at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo, agreed.

“There is no political solution on the horizon,“ she told AFP, adding that both sides were seeking a “decisive military solution”.

Split

The war in Sudan has pitted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his erstwhile ally Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the RSF.

The country is split into zones of control, with the army holding the north and east, and the government based in Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.

The RSF controls much of the capital Khartoum, the Darfur region in the west and parts of Kordofan in the south, while the centre is split.

With no mandatory military conscription, the Sudanese army includes Islamist-leaning forces as well as other factions.

The RSF is primarily made up of tribal militias from Darfur’s Arab communities.

According to local reports, the army has about 120,000 troops while the RSF has 100,000.

On the battlefield, Sudan’s air force gives the military an advantage.

Rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities.

The UN population agency published on Tuesday horrific accounts of women and girls fleeing the violence, including one who said she was urged to kill herself with a knife rather than be raped.

‘Deadlock’

Successive rounds of talks have been held in Saudi Arabia, but the negotiations have yet to produce a ceasefire.

In August, the Sudanese military opted out of US-brokered negotiations in Switzerland and an African Union-led mediation has also stalled.

“The deadlock in peaceful channels, whether regionally or internationally, is exacerbating the violence,“ said Mahmud Zakaria, a professor of political science at Cairo University’s Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies.

Since October, the RSF escalated its attacks in Al-Jazira state, south of Khartoum, following what the military said was the defection of one of its commanders to the army.

Before the war, Al-Jazira was known as Sudan’s breadbasket, hosting Africa’s largest agricultural project, yielding 65 percent of the country’s cotton, according to Zakaria.

Proxy war?

Some areas have been scarred by conflict before.

Darfur saw a major war two decades ago, during which the then-government’s allies in the Janjaweed militia faced accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

With roots in the Janjaweed, the RSF became a force in its own right in 2013.

Sudan’s conflict has increasingly drawn in regional powers, prompting the United States to urge all countries to stop arming rival generals.

Former Egyptian deputy foreign minister for African affairs Ali el-Hefny said progress will require global willpower.

Instead, foreign powers are “fuelling the violence, delaying Sudan’s return to stability”, he said.

The army has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF -- a charge it strongly denies.

In December, UN experts monitoring an arms embargo on Darfur described as “credible” allegations Abu Dhabi had funnelled weapons to Daglo’s forces on cargo planes.

The RSF has in turn alleged Egyptian support for the army, which Cairo has also denied.

Army chief Burhan has historically been close to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who pledged his “continued support” earlier this month.




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Mother and friend jailed three years for locking boy in cat cage

KUALA LUMPUR: A mother and her friend were sentenced to three years in prison by the Sessions Court today for confining a young boy in a cat cage in February.

Judge Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin imposed the sentence on the 20-year-old fast food worker, who is also the victim’s mother, and 35-year-old housewife Adibah Mohd Zaini after they pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court ordered the prison sentences to begin immediately, placed them under a five-year good behaviour bond without surety, and required them to complete 240 hours of community service within six months of completing their sentences.

The duo were accused of abusing the three-and-a-half-year-old boy by locking him in a cat cage, which could cause both physical and emotional harm, at an apartment in Taman Danau Desa, Brickfields, at 8.16 pm on Feb 10.

They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000 in fine, up to 20 years in prison, or both upon conviction.

The victim’s mother was also sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to another charge under the same Act and section, of abusing her son by wrapping him in adhesive tape at the same location at 3.58 pm on Feb 21.

Judge Siti Shakirah ordered both sentences to run concurrently.

Deputy public prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, emphasising that as the victim’s mother, she had a duty to protect her child from harm.

“The court should take into account the evidence, especially the photos of the child confined in a cat cage, which is clearly not meant for human use,“ he stated.

The mother, unrepresented, pleaded for a lighter sentence, expressing deep regret for her actions. Similarly, Adibah, also without legal representation, requested a reduced sentence on the basis she had to care for her two young children, aged one and eleven.

“I deeply regret my actions. Being in detention has made me realise my mistake, and I promise I will never repeat this,“ said Adibah, tearfully.

On Monday, Bernama reported that the victim’s mother, Adibah, and another accomplice Nor Azlin Fatin Najihah Lokman, 25, were each sentenced to 14 days in prison and fined RM10,000 by the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to kicking the boy.




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State leaders extend condolences over Daim’s passing

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Daim Zainuddin’s passing has not only drawn condolences from federal leaders but also from state leaders who expressed their heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Among those offering their condolences were the Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

In posts shared on their respective Facebook pages, they prayed for Daim, who served as Finance Minister from 1984 to 1991 and again from 1999 to 2001, to be placed among the righteous.

Also offering condolences was Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan, who referred to the passing of the former minister as a significant loss due to his many contributions to the nation.

“On behalf of the state, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Tun Daim. We have lost a figure who made remarkable contributions to the country,” he told reporters in Kota Bahru today.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang also expressed condolences on Facebook, praying that Daim’s soul will be blessed with mercy and divine grace from Allah SWT.

Daim, whose full name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, 86, passed away at 8.21 am today at Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya, where he was receiving treatment.




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Malaysia to launch cross-border re-auction for Singapore via ENEGEM by year-end — DPM Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s cross-border renewable energy auction for Singapore’s energy importer, under Energy Exchange Malaysia (ENEGEM), will begin by year-end, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

He explained that, through efforts to integrate regional power grids, the country aims to strengthen energy security across ASEAN member states.

“Further to the regional integrated grid, it can also serve as an economic catalyst in fostering regional cooperation through cross-border renewable energy trade.

“By sharing excess energy, the country can reduce reliance on fossil fuels while building an integrated ASEAN energy infrastructure,” he said in his opening address at the 2nd Sustainability Environment Asia (SEA) 2024.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Minister, confirmed that coal-fired generation will be gradually phased out, with no new coal power plants to be established.

He cited the International Energy Agency’s clear stance that reducing coal dependency is crucial to limiting global warming and stressed Malaysia’s commitment to this objective.

“We will continue to enhance grid flexibility by investing in and developing smart grids, digitising the power system, and expanding energy storage systems.

“By 2035, we aim to increase grid flexibility by 20%, enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources,” he added.

Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the government aims to raise renewable energy’s contribution to Malaysia’s installed power capacity to 70% by 2050, up from the current 28%.

Meanwhile, he outlined plans to restructure Malaysia’s water services over the next decade in collaboration with the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and the Malaysian Water Association.

“As of 2023, 97.1% of urban and rural areas had access to water supply, while sewerage services covered 86.9% of major cities.

“Malaysia aims for 98% rural clean water coverage and a 31% non-revenue water rate by 2025 through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM),” he said.

Malaysia remains committed to fostering a healthy environment, driving economic prosperity, and improving the quality of life for its people and future generations.

As the country strives toward its net zero carbon goal by 2050, it is vital to capitalise on every opportunity to navigate a sustainable transformation and embrace a circular economy.

“I invite businesses to partner with the government and explore all options for collaboration,” he added.




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Jaguar ends new car sales in the UK ahead of electric-only future

JAGUAR LAND ROVER’S (JLR) ambitious “Reimagine” strategy, announced nearly four years ago, is fast approaching a major milestone: transforming Jaguar into an all-electric luxury brand by 2025. While the company has not yet unveiled any new electric models, the transition away from combustion engines is in full swing. As of this November, Jaguar has officially stopped selling new cars with conventional powertrains in the UK.

In a recent statement, JLR confirmed the halt: “From November 2024, new Jaguar sales will come to an end. We have now ceased allocation of our current generation of Jaguar vehicles.” This decision means that models like the E-Pace, XE, XF, and F-Type—already phased out—are now joined by the F-Pace SUV, the final model of Jaguar’s internal combustion era in the UK.

While the F-Pace and other models are still available in some markets abroad, their production days are numbered. British customers, however, can still acquire certified pre-owned Jaguars. Notably, the F-Pace was Jaguar’s best-selling model in 2023, with 21,943 units sold globally—though this figure underscores the brand’s recent struggles in today’s competitive SUV market.

Looking ahead, Jaguar’s transformation will see it target an entirely new echelon of luxury. Instead of competing with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, the brand is positioning itself against ultra-luxury names like Bentley and Aston Martin. The first model of Jaguar’s electric lineup will be a high-performance saloon, aimed at rivaling the Porsche Taycan, followed by an SUV set to compete with the Bentley Bentayga in 2026. Both models will be built on the Jaguar Electrified Architecture, with a flagship sedan expected later in the decade.

Meanwhile, Jaguar plans to debut a concept vehicle in the United States by year-end. This ultra-luxurious four-door grand tourer will lay the groundwork for a production model starting at over £100,000 (RM565,858). According to Jaguar’s Managing Director, Rawdon Glover, the transition to an electric-only brand has been “hugely frustrating,” yet the focus remains on moving into the ultra-luxury market with fewer, more profitable sales.

With the first new electric Jaguar not set to launch until 2026, the UK will see an unusual absence of new Jaguar vehicles over the coming year.




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PAL profit down on spending spurt

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines sustained a 55-percent drop in its profit in the nine months to September, dragged by declining passenger revenues and spiking aviation costs.




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Zendaya, Tom Holland in cast for Christopher Nolan's next movie

Celebrity couple Tom Holland and Zendaya are the highlight names in the cast for Academy Award-winning director Christopher Nolan's next movie.




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Random Photo: Caturday Friends

Random Photo: Caturday Friends




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Random Photo: ATAT The End

Random Photo: ATAT The End




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Does Clark Recommend a Separate 529 Account for Each Child?

Money expert Clark Howard extolls the virtues of 529 plans every chance he gets. You put money into those plans and invest it, where it grows tax-free. And then you get to spend it tax-free to pay for your child’s education. The law just got even more friendly toward parents choosing to make use of […]

The post Does Clark Recommend a Separate 529 Account for Each Child? appeared first on Clark Howard.





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What Luggage Does Clark Howard Recommend?

Travel expert Clark Howard holds deep convictions when it comes to travel. Shop the deal first and then figure out what you want to do at the destination. Be flexible on travel dates. Take early flights if you can. Never check a bag. You also won’t find Clark with designer luggage that costs hundreds of […]

The post What Luggage Does Clark Howard Recommend? appeared first on Clark Howard.




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Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV?

So, you’ve found a great deal on a new TV. Now you have to decide whether to buy an extended warranty at the point of purchase. Will it be worth it? In this article, we’ll discuss whether an extended warranty for a TV makes financial sense and get money expert Clark Howard’s thoughts. Is an […]

The post Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? appeared first on Clark Howard.



  • Mobile & Electronics

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Google Apps update alerts: Chart trendlines now available in Google Sheets

Tags:




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Hawke's Bay case stay extended

Pending of allocation of 6,000 acres of land to DHA ordered




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Anurag Kashyap and I are not even friends: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Actor maintains filmmaker is close to his heart




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Sustainable Living: Simple Steps for a Greener and Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Sustainable Living: Simple Steps for a Greener and Eco-Friendly Lifestyle




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AJK's week-long winter festival comes to an end

Rawalakot division commissioner presented awards to participants



  • Azad Jammu & Kashmir

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Gender inequality

Globally, only 7% of women have financial services as per the World Bank Global Index Report 2017




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Zeb Bangash, Shamali Afghan are sending 'Love Letters to Kabul' through music

Singers highlight the musical connection between Pakistan, Afghanistan and India with their collaborative effort.




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Balochistan, Sindh unite against amendments

Irrigation ministers of both provinces say move against provincial autonomy




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Let the march of time march and embrace those greys and wrinkles like old friends

If Hollywood star Julia Roberts is happy to wear her life on her face, then so am I




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10 Trending Fringe Hairstyles You Need to Try in 2024

Bangs are making a bold statement this year—get ready to find your perfect fringe.




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‘It Ends with Us’ review: A film worse than its already-bad book counterpart

Both flirt with a problematic undercurrent - one that glosses over, if not romanticises, domestic violence




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Film Review: 'It Ends With Us' - When Trauma Meets a Rom-Com That Can’t Decide

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni can’t save 'It Ends With Us' from its own predictable and cringe-worthy narrative.




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Imran Khan defends K-P CM, urges PTI to remove 'cowards' who apologised for Gandapur

PTI's founding leader reiterates claims of betrayal by the establishment, state negotiations are now off the table.




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Karachi's Zahid Nihari claims #89 spot on Taste Atlas' 2024 list of legendary restaurants

Vienna-based Figlmüller topped the list for its century-long specialisation in the Schnitzel Wiener Art




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