December 28, 2021

JETEX TRIUMPHS AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jetex has received three prestigious recognitions at the World Travel Awards Grand Final:

• World’s Leading Private Jet Experience;

• World’s Leading FBO Brand; and

• World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal for Jetex Paris.

Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, triumphed at the 28th annual World Travel Awards. Established in 1993, World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, they are recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The voting process is online and engages qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer.

Jetex private terminals were voted the world’s number one, which isn’t the first time they won the top accolade since the first Jetex FBO opened in 2009. Paris Le Bourget is the busiest private jet airport in Europe and Jetex Paris has set a gold standard for the highest levels of comfort and efficiency both for passengers and crews. In August, it enjoyed global media limelight when hundreds of football fans cheered the arrival of Lionel Messi at Jetex Paris to join Paris Saint-Germain. Today, it has been voted the World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal.

In 2021, Jetex has further improved the entire travel journey to let travelers enjoy a safer and more seamless experience across all 34 international locations. It all contributed to Jetex being recognized for having implemented the World’s Leading Private Jet Experience, from departure to arrival. From the superior comfort of luxurious lounges and exceptional hospitality to the highest levels of aircraft handing expertise and on-time performance, Jetex FBOs around the globe continue leading the industry.

“At Jetex, we strive to enhance our products and guest experience to ensure we are delivering the industry’s highest standards and leading the way when it comes to innovation. We are honored that these awards have been voted for by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide, and on behalf of the entire Jetex family, we extend our sincerest thanks to our partners and passengers worldwide,” said Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, commented: “Jetex represents the very best of the private aviation universe and I congratulate them on these achievements. It plays a leading role in spearheading the executive aviation sector, facilitating seamless cross-border travel during the most trying times.”

Best known for the dramatic transformation of the FBO model, Jetex works closely with leading designers to create bright and airy terminals with luxury amenities ranging from entertainment lounges to lush outdoor gardens and state-of-the-art flight support centers. The company witnessed a substantial increase in private jet movements this year across its entire network and continued to benefit from the momentum to reinforce its brand recognition and awareness, which has now been cemented as the World’s Leading FBO Brand.

About Jetex:

An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Attachments

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
teamorange@jetex.com

December 28, 2021

JETEX CHRISTMAS IN THE SKY

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the wealthiest of the wealthy, only the most extravagant and expensive gifts are acceptable during the holiday giving season. This inspired Jetex to design the ultimate ‘Christmas in the Sky’ private jet experience, priced USD 27,000 for up to 10 passengers.

Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, invites the lucky few to celebrate style, taste and disposable income with one brilliant idea: a glamorous Christmas onboard a private jet soaring high in the festive skies.

The magical journey will commence with the passengers picked-up by a chauffeur limousine from their residence or hotel and driven in style to Dubai’s iconic Jetex VIP Terminal. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed by not one, but 28 spectacular Christmas trees lined up in front of the terminal dressed in more than 15,000 lights as well as Jetex ambassadors who will take care of seamless departure formalities.

This season, the flagship Jetex terminal is a festive wonderland in its own right: from exquisite decorations and live musicians to carefully selected Dom Pérignon vintages paired with caviar and gourmet refreshments to delight the senses. Kids will be welcomed by Santa Klaus who will look after them and let them discover the magnificently decorated Christmas trees and Insta-worthy entertainment facilities of the world’s most luxurious private jet terminal. As soon as the passengers are in the mood to board, they will be driven to their private aircraft in timeless elegance in one of the Jetex Rolls-Royces.

The special flight will take two hours and the crew will select the most optimal altitude and cruising speed to ensure passengers enjoy sensational window views, including Dubai’s world-famous skyline, iconic landmarks, Arabian Gulf and the rolling dunes of the desert.

To take experience personalization further, a Jetex in-flight culinary expert will contact passengers in advance to discuss their dining preferences and design a bespoke menu which will complement many delectable festive treats offered onboard.

Once back on the ground, passengers will be invited to enjoy the rest of the evening in one of the lounges with elegant service and amenities at their leisure, as well as receive signature Jetex Christmas presents.

Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex, commented: “Once again, Jetex redefines private jet travel experience as we celebrate the season of togetherness. ‘Christmas in the Sky’ is the epitome of luxury and festive celebrations above the clouds. Dubai is a city of superlatives and this extraordinary package is taking it to new heights. It is a perfect gift, an excellent way to discover the world of private aviation, and to create a treasured memory to cherish for years to come.”

By inviting passengers to share a delightful holiday-themed pursuit among friends and family, Jetex provides a safe, relaxed, and joyful haven of kinship and good cheer.

“Christmas in the Sky” private jet package is priced from USD 27,000 (AED 100,000) for up to 10 passengers and will be available between 24 December 2021 and 7 January 2022.

For reservations, please contact Jetex Premier Experience at experience@jetex.com.

– END –

About Jetex:

Attachment

JETEX CHRISTMAS IN THE SKY

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
teamorange@jetex.com

December 28, 2021

New Study Suggests Infection from Omicron Variant Can Enhance Immunity to Delta

Researchers in South Africa have discovered that people who have been infected with the omicron variant of the coronavirus develop enhanced immunity to the older delta variant.

The conclusion is the result of a new study conducted at Durban-based Africa Health Research Institute involving 33 vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The scientists found that immunity against a further exposure to omicron rose 14-fold about two weeks after infection, while also discovering that immunity against delta improved 4.4-fold.

The scientists say the immunity is especially enhanced among those who are inoculated.

Alex Sigal, the study’s co-author, said on Twitter Monday that if omicron is “less pathogenic” as it appears, “then this will help push delta out,” making it possible

“the disruption Covid-19 has caused in our lives may become less.”

The study, which has not been peer reviewed, has been submitted to the medical journal MedRxiv.

An earlier study out of South Africa revealed a reduced risk of hospitalization and severe illness from omicron, compared to delta.

The omicron strain has rapidly spread around the world since it was first detected in southern Africa in November.

Source: Voice of America

December 28, 2021

China Slams US Over Space Station’s ‘Close Encounters’ With SpaceX Satellites

Beijing on Tuesday accused the United States of irresponsible and unsafe conduct in space over two “close encounters” between the Chinese space station and satellites operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Tiangong, China’s new space station, had to maneuver to avoid colliding with one Starlink satellite in July and another in October, according to a note submitted by Beijing to the United Nations space agency this month.

The note said the incidents “constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station.”

“The U.S. … ignores its obligations under international treaties, posing a serious threat to the lives and safety of astronauts,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a routine briefing on Tuesday.

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, operates a constellation of close to 2,000 satellites that aims to provide internet access to most parts of Earth.

SpaceX is a private American company, independent of the U.S. military and civilian space agency, NASA.

But China said in its note to the U.N. that members of the Outer Space Treaty — the foundation of international space law — are also responsible for actions by their nongovernment entities.

Addressing reporters, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price declined to respond specifically to the Chinese accusations.

“We have encouraged all countries with space programs to be responsible actors, to avoid acts that may put in danger astronauts, cosmonauts, others who are orbiting the Earth or who have the potential to,” Price said.

SpaceX has not responded to a request for comment.

Evasive maneuvers to reduce the risk of collisions in space are becoming more frequent as more objects enter Earth’s orbit, said Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“We’ve really noticed the increase in the number of close passes since Starlink started getting deployed,” he told AFP.

Any collision would likely “completely demolish” the Chinese space station and kill everyone on board, McDowell added.

The core module of China’s station Tiangong — meaning “heavenly palace” — entered orbit earlier this year, and it is expected to become fully operational next year.

‘Prepare to boycott Tesla’

Beijing’s complaint about Starlink prompted criticism on Chinese social media of SpaceX’s billionaire founder Musk, who is widely admired in China.

One hashtag about the topic on the Twitter-like Weibo platform racked up 90 million views Tuesday.

“How ironic that Chinese people buy Tesla, contributing large sums of money so Musk can launch Starlink, and then he (nearly) crashes into China’s space station,” one user commented.

Musk’s electric car maker Tesla sells tens of thousands of vehicles in China each month, though the firm’s reputation has taken a hit this year following a spate of crashes, scandals and data security concerns.

“Prepare to boycott Tesla,” said another Weibo user, echoing a common response in China to foreign brands perceived to be acting contrary to national interests.

Source: Voice of America

December 28, 2021

NUS engineers bring a soft touch to commercial robotics

Inspired by the natural dexterity of the human hand, a team of engineers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has created a reconfigurable hybrid robotics system that is able to grip a variety of objects: from the small, soft and delicate to the large, heavy and bulky. This technology is expected to impact a range of industries, involving food assembly, vertical farming and fast-moving consumer goods packaging, which will progressively automate more of their operations in the coming years.

Led by Associate Professor Raye Yeow from the NUS Department of Biomedical Engineering and the NUS Advanced Robotics Centre, the hybrid robotic grippers use soft, flexible 3D-printed fingers with a reconfigurable gripper base. The robotic innovation is now in the process of being brought to commercial partners under the team’s start-up RoPlus (RO+), comprising NUS researchers Low Jin Huat, Khin Phone May, Chen Chao-Yu and undergraduate student Han Qian Qian.

“An object’s shape, texture, weight and size affect how we choose to grip them. This is one of the main reasons why many industries still heavily rely on human labour to package and handle delicate items,” Assoc Prof Yeow said. “Our hybrid robotic gripper technology revolutionises traditional pick-and-place tasks by offering advanced capabilities that allow robots to safely interact with delicate items of various shapes, sizes and stiffness, just like the human hand.”

Bio-inspired gripping solutions

Gripping is one of the most common and natural tasks that people perform, but for robots, it is not as intuitive. To achieve human-like gripping abilities, robots need computer vision and deep learning to detect the type of objects in front of them as well as their orientation. The gripper can then automatically decide on how best to pick and place objects to minimise the necessity of intensive human intervention.

With the aim of developing robotic grippers that are as dexterous as human hands, the NUS team came up with hybrid robotic grippers, consisting of three or four soft fingers, which can reconfigure on demand. The fingers are air-driven and equipped with a novel locking mechanism for adjustable stiffness. The NUS team has developed three types of hybrid robotic gripper systems – almost like three different hands that are useful in different contexts.

The first is GourmetGrip, which is suitable for the most granular tasks like handling delicate bite-sized snacks, or food easily prone to damage like tofu, and packs them into take-out boxes. This soft-handed mode is reconfigurable so that it can accommodate different grip poses as well as a variety of space restrictions. When mounted on an industrial robotic arm, GourmetGrip can achieve pick-and-place of food items at a speed comparable to that of a human, and it can perform these tasks at a consistent pace round the clock. When benchmarked against other commercially available grippers, the GourmetGrip system is able to deliver about 23 per cent improvement in gripping efficiency, with the ability to hold items faster and more precisely. To date, the GourmetGrip system can effectively pick up more than 50 different food items such as pudding, sliced cake, vegetables and fruits.

The second type of gripper is known as UnisoGrip, or Universal Soft Gripper, which is the team’s more widely applicable solution. It is designed for handling packaged goods along the assembly line when they are usually at the final stage of being placed into boxes for shipping and transportation. It is capable of substantially expanding its grip range, and has soft rotatable gripper fingers for delicate grasping, as well as a vacuum suction cup that allows it to manoeuvre more awkwardly positioned objects such as the corner of a tote bin.

Unlike GourmetGrip which has a grip range similar to a human hand, the UnisoGrip is significantly larger and can handle items that are up to 30 centimetres wide and weigh up to three kilogrammes, so it is more versatile in handling a large variety of consumer goods. It also has a 20 percent higher gripping efficiency than other commercially available grippers. To date, the UnisoGrip system can pick up over 30 different types of consumer goods such as bottled drinks, coffee powder packs, refillable detergent packs, and more.

The third type of gripper is one that is fully customisable, based on the GourmetGrip/UnisoGrip platforms, to adapt to specific client needs and space constraints. This approach offers a wide variety of gripping options that can handle objects of different shapes, sizes and packaging materials. The NUS team’s customisable technology has been deployed at People Bee Hoon Factory, a Singapore-based rice vermicelli manufacturer, for optimising the packing of rice vermicelli packets into carton boxes.

Commenting on the company’s decision to invest in the NUS technology, Mr Desmond Goh, Director of People Bee Hoon Factory said, “Most of our existing staff are mature workers, so we sought to tap on new technology that can ease the workload of our existing staff, while simultaneously boosting their productivity. We selected this technology because it is able to meet our purpose, and provides flexibility for different deployments that we require.”

Bringing the NUS innovation to market

The NUS team’s start-up company RO+ is offering commercial partners different options of deploying the robotic gripper systems – they can be bundled together with a robotic arm, or purchased individually since the grippers can be easily mounted onto commercial robot arms for companies that already have their own. RO+ also plans to offer a 4-in-1 solution which includes the gripper, robotic arm, computer vision module, and conveyor system. The team is also in the midst of enhancing the grippers’ intelligence through machine learning where the system can be trained via an online library to continuously learn and optimise the gripping of new items.

RO+ is supported by the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) which seeds startups created by the University’s staff and researchers. The relevant research for the gripper systems also received support from the National Robotics Programme and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

Source: National University of Singapore(HighLights)

December 28, 2021

Cultivating a generation of self-directed learners: NUS clinches Times Higher Education award for teaching strategy

Two and a half years after the official inauguration of NUS’ Design-Your-Own-Module (DYOM) initiative for undergraduates, the initiative has gained traction and was honoured at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2021, widely known as the “Oscars” of higher education.

NUS clinched the award for “Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year”, for the DYOM programme that leverages technology to encourage more independent, self-directed learning among students.

In a statement accompanying the Awards announcement, THE applauded the programme for putting students “at the wheel of their own learning”.

Empowering self-directed learners

Launched in August 2019, the DYOM programme is composed of two tracks, with the option for students to use eight unrestricted elective module credits either in a group or individually.

The programme uses a low-risk “completed satisfactorily” or “completed unsatisfactorily” grading system that gives students the freedom for genuine learning and intellectual exploration without worrying excessively about grades. It instils independence and critical thinking in students and cultivates a knowledge of how to learn that will serve them well as lifelong learners.

One track in the DYOM programme connects students to more than 2,000 massive open online courses (MOOCs) on the edX platform via the NUS learning management system, giving them immediate access to a wealth of expertise from lecturers and academics around the world. These include those from industry-leading companies and top universities such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tsinghua University and Kyoto University.

The second DYOM track allows students to organise into groups of 10 or more and work closely with a mentor—an NUS faculty member, administrative staff member or industry leader—to create their own modules with hands-on learning experiences in a vast array of subjects and disciplines, including fintech, urban sustainability, fine arts, and more.

The programme not only develops critical skills such as teamwork, communication and flexibility, but offers students the option of pursuing holistic interests outside of their disciplines, the opportunity for multidisciplinary work and an avenue for independent experiential learning.

Students have seized the opportunity, leading modules including “The Art and Science of Photography”, “Dialects in Singapore: Hokkien”, and “The Chemistry of Food”.

Undergraduates have also designed initiatives to promote recycling and save the earth.

Popular with students

Since its inauguration, the DYOM scheme has proven popular with students, a testament to the quality of the innovative, enriching learning experience that it supplies. More than 1,800 students completed MOOCs under one option of the programme in 2020, and the number of groups designing their own module with an NUS mentor doubled from eight in December 2019 to 16 in 2020. In total, more than 800 students have benefited from this option.

“It is incredibly heartening for the DYOM programme to have received international and regional recognition so soon after its inception,” said Associate Professor Erle Lim, Vice Provost (Teaching Innovation & Quality). An avid proponent of empowering students and encouraging them to view learning as a self-driven, lifelong endeavour, Assoc Prof Lim has been driving the DYOM and edX programmes, among others.

“The award affirms the effort we have invested into cultivating future generations of future-ready learners, as well as leveraging technology to facilitate flexible, independent learning,” he added. “We aspire to take the programme to greater heights so that more students can benefit from this groundbreaking educational experience.”

The DYOM programme has also received strong and continued support from NUS Senior Deputy President and Provost Professor Ho Teck Hua, the proponent of the initiative. The success is also due in large part to the NUS mentors who have led the students to create their modules, as well as the students themselves for taking the initiative to participate and craft their own educational journeys.

Celebrating educational excellence

The THE Awards, first launched in the United Kingdom in 2005 and undergoing the third iteration of its Asian edition, shines a spotlight on extraordinary educational accomplishments by universities, teams and individuals. It offers a major international platform to honour resourceful institutions which have overcome challenging circumstances to deliver first-class educational experiences.

“It was a genuine privilege to immerse ourselves in these first-hand reports from all corners of the continent, detailing how universities responded speedily and ingeniously, deploying their resources to support students, staff and local communities through a crisis and to help point the way out,” Mr Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at THE, said in his address at the awards ceremony, which took place in London on 14 Dec and was webcasted simultaneously worldwide.

“Those featured have ensured that higher education has continued to thrive and deliver over the past 18 turbulent months, and we know that they will also be central to the recovery and future development of societies and economies,” he added.

Source: National University of Singapore(HighLights)

December 28, 2021

Reduce Use of New Notes this Lunar New Year to Support the Environment

Singapore, 28 December 2021… The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) strongly encourages members of the public to give e-hong baos or reuse notes for the coming Lunar New Year (LNY). This will support the environment and reduce queues at bank branches.

2 For those who prefer exchanging new notes, six banks will implement an online reservation system to facilitate the exchange. This initiative will complement safe management measures currently in place due to COVID-19.

Giving E-hong baos and Reusing Notes

3 Giving e-hong baos or reusing notes for festive gifting will reduce the environmental impact of issuing new notes. MAS issues approximately 100 million pieces of new notes annually for LNY and other festive periods. A large proportion of the new notes issued, in particular the $2 notes, are returned by members of the public after LNY and subsequently destroyed as it far exceeds normal circulation demand. The carbon emissions from the production, transportation, and destruction of such new notes each year is highly wasteful, unnecessary, and impacts the environment negatively.

4 MAS has been working with The Association of Banks in Singapore as well as FinTech firms, to develop e-gifting solutions as an alternative to physical hong baos. The e-gifting solutions from DBS and Singtel Dash recently won awards at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2021. E-hong baos are a safe, simple, and speedy way to convey blessings to family and friends and also enable family and friends who may be unable to meet during the pandemic to continue with the tradition of festive gifting.

5 Those who prefer to give physical hong baos while doing their part for the environment are urged to reuse notes or give QR gift cards instead of using new notes. Most of the notes in circulation in Singapore are clean and of good quality, and suitable for use in festive gifting.

New Notes

6 Customers of DBS, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered (except those aged 60 and above and persons with disabilities) who prefer exchanging new notes will have to pre-book the notes through the respective bank’s online reservation system before collecting at the branches. Maybank and Citibank are also offering pre-booking of notes and customers are encouraged to pre-book online before collecting at the branches. Notes can also be withdrawn without any prior booking at pop-up ATMs offered by DBS and selected UOB’s ATMs.

7 New notes will be set aside for the elderly (aged 60 and above) and persons with disabilities for walk-in exchange at bank branches. However, to facilitate safe distancing measures at the branches and mitigate risks to these groups, online reservation is strongly encouraged. Details on how to make an online reservation and collect the notes can be found on the respective banks’ websites. Please refer to Annex A for more information.

8 The pre-booking period for new and good-as-new notes will commence from 4 January 2022. The collection for notes pre-booked online, the walk-in option for the elderly (aged 60 and above) and persons with disabilities, and withdrawal at DBS’ pop-up ATMS and selected UOB’s ATMs will start from 11 January 2022.

Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore

December 28, 2021

Iranian currency rates for Dec. 28

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has announced the official rate of foreign currencies on December 28, Trend reports referring to CBI.

According to the currency exchange rate of the Central Bank of Iran, 18 currencies have increased and 21 have decreased in price, compared to December 27.

According to CBI, $1 equals 42,000 Iranian rials and 1 euro equals 47,577 rials.

Currency Iranian rial on Dec.28 Iranian rial on Dec.27

1 US dollar USD 42,000 42,000

1 British pound GBP 56,435 56,230

1 Swiss franc CHF 45,773 45,665

1 Swedish krona SEK 4,615 4,602

1 Norwegian krone NOK 4,751 4,748

1 Danish krone DKK 6,399 6,391

1 Indian rupee INR 561 559

1 UAE dirham AED 11,437 11,437

1 Kuwaiti dinar KWD 138,749 138,502

100 Pakistani rupees PKR 23,530 23,597

100 Japanese yens JPY 36,571 36,653

1 Hong Kong dollar HKD 5,385 5,385

1 Omani rial OMR 109,232 109,234

1 Canadian dollar CAD 32,816 32,755

1 New Zealand dollar NZD 28,602 28,628

1 South African rand ZAR 2,706 2,698

1 Turkish lira TRY 3,651 3,936

1 Russian ruble RUB 572 571

1 Qatari riyal QAR 11,539 11,539

100 Iraq dinars IQD 2,877 2,878

1 Syrian pound SYP 17 17

1 Australian dollar AUD 30,396 30,326

1 Saudi riyal SAR 11,200

?TRAFLI

Bosch Home 11,201

1 Bahraini dinar BHD 111,702 111,705

1 Singapore dollar SGD 30,952 30,903

100 Bangladeshi takas BDT 49,977 49,491

10 Sri Lankan rupees LKR 2,068 2,075

1 Myanmar kyat MMK 24 24

100 Nepalese rupees NPR 35,011 34,914

1 Libyan dinar LYD 9,133 9,136

1 Chinese yuan CNY 6,594 6,596

100 Thai baths THB 125,288 125,671

1 Malaysian ringgit MYR 10,041 10,012

1,000 South Korean wons KRW 35,385 35,399

1 Jordanian dinar JOD 59,239 59,240

1 euro EUR 47,577 47,603

100 Kazakh tenge KZT 9,672 9,698

1 Georgian lari GEL 13,637 13,616

1,000 Indonesian rupiahs IDR 2,954 2,950

1 Afghan afghani AFN 407 408

1 Belarus ruble BYN 16,649 16,701

1 Azerbaijani manat AZN 24,721 24,709

100 Philippine pesos PHP 83,631 83,922

1 Tajik somoni TJS 3,721 3,722

1 Turkmen manat TMT 12,023 12,001

In Iran, the official exchange rate is used for the import of some essential products.

SANA system is a system introduced by the Central Bank of Iran to the currency exchange offices, where the price of 1 euro is 308,355 rials, and the price of $1 is 272,208 rials.

NIMA is a system intended for the sale of a certain percentage of the foreign currency gained from export.

The price of 1 euro in this system is 277,394 rials, and the price of $1 is 244,876 rials.

In the black market, $1 is worth about 271,000-274,000 rials, while 1 euro is worth about 307,000 – 310,000 rials.

Source: TREND News Agency