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On September 13, the State Council Information Office held a press conference in Beijing focused on “Promoting High-Quality Development.” During this event, Li Li, the Director of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), emphasized the agency’s commitment to enhancing dynamic oversight throughout the entire drug lifecycle. He outlined three primary priorities: risk prevention, case investigation, and capacity enhancement, which are integral to ensuring drug safety and fostering public trust.

Li highlighted the NMPA’s strong support for centralized procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical devices at the national level. To facilitate this initiative, the agency conducts rigorous inspections of manufacturing companies and implements 100% sampling inspections on selected products, aiming to balance price reductions with uncompromised product quality.

He also reported on the ongoing progress in assessing the quality and efficacy consistency of generic drugs, revealing that two-thirds of commonly used chemical drugs have already been evaluated.

From January to August this year, the NMPA conducted a total of 20,969 drug inspections, achieving an impressive pass rate of 99.43%. This statistic reflects a stable overall safety situation for pharmaceuticals and bolsters confidence in the country’s drug safety measures.

Eleanor Chi-hui Chiang, co-founder of the Chinese Culture Foundation (SCCF), passed away on August 5, 2023, in Millbrae, surrounded by her loved ones. A farewell service was held on August 17 at Skylawn Memorial Park in the San Francisco Bay Area. At 88 years old, she was a highly respected educator and community leader, and her passing marks a significant moment for the local Chinese community. Family members, friends, and community leaders gathered to pay tribute to a woman whose impact on California’s Chinese community was nothing short of profound.

Eleanor’s legacy extends far beyond the two organizations she founded. It represents her lifelong commitment to community service and the enduring influence she had on those around her. In 1986, she joined forces with prominent leaders like Wang Zhi-yi and Cui Yi-wen to establish the SCCF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese culture through a variety of events and activities. Under her leadership, the foundation served as a vital cultural bridge for the Chinese community in the state capital.

She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Chinese New Year Celebration Association (CNYCA) in the Greater Sacramento area. In 1997, Eleanor collaborated with Huang Bing-cong and Cui Yi-wen to plan the inaugural Spring Festival Gala, setting the groundwork for this cherished cultural event in her own front yard and engaging local community organizations in the effort.

Eleanor’s support for Asian American issues was equally remarkable. Despite her declining health, she continued to make annual donations to the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Alliance (APAPA), an organization founded by her brother, Yin Ji-cheng. Her philanthropy not only boosted Asian Americans’ engagement in political and public affairs but also enhanced the community’s social influence.

In the years leading up to her passing, she received consistent recognition from the organizations she helped to establish. Honored at major events for her exceptional contributions to the Chinese community, these accolades reflect her personal achievements as well as her selfless dedication to others.

Eleanor Chi-hui Chiang’s passing leaves a lasting impact. Her work and contributions will continue to resonate within California’s Chinese community, inspiring future generations. Guided by her vision, the organizations she founded will carry on their mission to promote Chinese culture and support community development.

In the heart of Silicon Valley lives Anita Yin, a PhD in Environmental Engineering, who has transformed her passion for baking into a thriving home business. With the California Cottage Food Law allowing home cooks to legally sell their baked goods since 2013 and expanding its scope in 2019, Anita saw the opportunity to craft her culinary dreams into reality. Her home kitchen is now a bustling baking hub, where her creations not only earn consumer acclaim but also prepare her for the upcoming empty-nest phase of life.

Anita’s love for baking started early; during her high school years in Taiwan, she took a home economics class and learned to make traditional pastry. She originally pursued a career in chemical engineering, earning her bachelor’s in Taiwan before moving to the U.S. to obtain her master’s and PhD in Environmental Engineering. After graduation, she worked in medical device sterilization design, but upon marriage, she decided to prioritize her family as a full-time mom, leading her back to her baking passion.

As she began sharing excess bread with friends and family, Anita was encouraged to open her own bakery. “It was a natural progression for me,” she reflects. However, when the Cottage Food Operator (CFO) license became available, the process was a bit chaotic. She recalls visiting city offices only to find that no one there understood how to guide her through the application.

The CFO license required detailed information about the applicant’s address and the types of items they wished to sell. Additionally, it posed challenges such as avoiding conflicts with brick-and-mortar businesses and providing recipes and ingredient lists for each product. After years of navigating through the complexities, she finally secured her license in 2017 and formally launched her home bakery.

Anita meticulously crafted her kitchen for optimal baking. She installed two large ovens and searched for the perfect pastry machine, even importing equipment from Taiwan painted in her favorite Greek blue. Her commitment to quality is evident in her choice of high-end baking tools, with an investment of around $17,000 to ensure success—though she admits, “I haven’t broken even yet, but the joy and interest make it worthwhile.”

She emphasizes the significance of family support, noting that her husband, a Greek who enjoys her bread, plays an active role in giving feedback and suggesting new recipes. Their children have grown accustomed to fresh, homemade bread, showing little interest in store-bought alternatives.

While many home cooks operate without proper licenses, Anita advises caution. “It’s important to apply for a license,” she asserts. “Though it may be tedious and limiting, it protects both the seller and the consumer.” It’s also crucial to meet labeling requirements, including allergen disclosures.

After seven years, Anita has built a solid reputation in her local Chinese community as a home baker. Her business relies solely on word-of-mouth because her production volume is limited. Orders often sell out within moments of being released, despite customer requests for higher quantities. “Baking is not just a job for me,” she explains. “It’s part of preparing for my children to leave home, and I want to maintain my pace.”

As her children prepare for college, Anita dreams of continuing her baking journey, possibly by taking more courses or even opening a small bakery of her own. Her story underscores the impact of pursuing passion and talent within the confines of a humble kitchen, turning dreams into achievable goals one loaf at a time.

In a recent interview about his latest film, “Take Cover,” Scott Adkins discusses his role as a veteran hitman whose choice to take “one last job” leads to unforeseen outcomes. In one particularly intense scene, a mercenary reveals his contempt for snipers, raising the tension levels significantly. “I fucking hate snipers,” he expresses in frustration after cornering Adkins’ character, Sam. This moment captures the film’s tone, which blends gritty humor with a buddy dynamic reminiscent of classic action films, yet with a more rugged flair.

Directed by Nick McKinless, a well-respected stuntman, “Take Cover” immerses audiences in Sam’s world, where he operates under a clandestine agency involved in government-sanctioned assassinations. When a mission goes awry, resulting in an innocent bystander getting hurt, Sam decides to walk away. However, he soon learns that in the world of action films, the cardinal rule is to never take that last mission. Things appear to take a turn for the better when their handler, Tamara, played by Alice Eve, provides them with accommodations at a luxury hotel, only for their situation to spiral into chaos following a sudden shot from a nearby skyscraper.

As Adkins transitions from a lighter comedic tone to a more serious one, this performance hints at an evolution in his career, possibly paving the way for him to become an action icon similar to Chuck Norris. While Adkins clearly possesses talent, “Take Cover” seems to struggle under the burden of clichés, offering limited opportunities for him to truly showcase his skills. Both McKinless and screenwriter Joshua James attempt to explore a range of themes, from humorous banter to the darker aspects of governmental authority, but many of these elements fail to strike a chord.

Additionally, “Take Cover” lacks the sophistication needed to make the most of its high-stakes premise. For example, the depiction of an elite sniper giving away their location with a lens flash feels implausible, and the characters’ decisions regarding cover raise questions considering the level of firepower at play. With a predictable twist and a set of generic fight scenes, the film doesn’t fully test the limits of Adkins’ abilities. For viewers in search of a more engaging sniper narrative, they might find “Night of the Hunted” to be a more rewarding experience.

“Take Cover” is set to be available on digital platforms starting October 14.

In a significant recent announcement, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, revealed the establishment of a new Committee dedicated to reviewing the nation’s laws, the last update of which occurred in 2004. This initiative, chaired by former Ekiti State Attorney-General Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, is not just timely; it is critical, considering how many existing laws have become outdated. For example, some laws still impose laughably low fines, such as a N20 penalty for certain offenses—an amount that hardly buys a piece of candy today.

As our society continues to evolve, many of these laws no longer align with the current 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. One notable example is the Stamp Duties Act (SDA), which still maintains penalties that feel antiquated. Section 25 of the SDA imposes a mere N20 fine for obstructing authorized Inspectors during document examinations. Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps Act (NYSC Act) only levies a N2,000 fine for those who don’t meet their NYSC obligations. These outdated regulations demand a thorough reevaluation; some may even need to be removed from our legal framework entirely.

There are also serious inconsistencies between certain laws and constitutional provisions. Recently, I engaged in a discussion about the conflicts arising from Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and provisions outlined in Sections 253, 258, and 273 of the Constitution. This section allows a judge promoted to a higher court to finalize criminal cases that were previously heard, which contradicts constitutional requirements and has come under judicial examination. It is crucial for the Law Review Committee to investigate these inconsistencies as it embarks on its comprehensive review.

Even if a complete overhaul of the Constitution isn’t on the agenda right now, certain amendments may be necessary to better align the Constitution with current statutory laws. For instance, Section 179(2) defines qualifications for gubernatorial candidates, yet the potential for inconclusive elections raises questions about the interpretive authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding constitutional mandates. The 2018 Osun Gubernatorial election, which was deemed inconclusive despite candidates fulfilling constitutional criteria, illustrates the confusion that can occur in such scenarios.

Regarding Ministerial appointments, the recent discussion surrounding Hanatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts and Culture, highlighted concerns about her incomplete NYSC. However, a closer look at Section 147(5) of the Constitution shows that completing NYSC is not a constitutional requirement for Ministerial roles. Furthermore, Sections 65 and 66 do not mention NYSC at all, raising questions about its relevance in today’s democratic landscape.

Ultimately, the goal must be for laws to uphold good governance in Nigeria. The Law Review Committee’s findings will eventually be presented to the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for legislative action, which could provide an excellent opportunity to reassess qualifications for elected offices. Ensuring that capable individuals hold positions of power is essential for effective governance.

It’s concerning that the National Assembly sometimes fails to fulfill its constitutional duty to create laws that benefit the public good. Often, recent legislation seems to prioritize narrow interests over the welfare of citizens, as seen in the recent Electoral Act and amendments to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.

When examining laws like those in the Nigeria Police Act, contradictions regarding the Inspector General of Police’s retirement age and tenure highlight the need for clarity and consistency. While some adjustments have been made, it raises the question of whether these changes truly serve the nation’s best interests or are simply reflections of self-serving legislative agendas.

In conclusion, if the Law Review Committee focuses not only on updating fines but also on auditing the core effectiveness of our laws, it could pave the way for substantial and meaningful reforms. The committee will especially need to address delicate topics, such as the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, which touches on fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution, including privacy and freedom of expression. Advocates for the law provide moral reasoning for its existence, indicating that the Fapohunda Committee faces a challenging path ahead. We wish them success as they undertake this critical task.

In a recent interview in Abuja, Mr. Bello Hassan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), discussed the corporation’s enhanced partnership with the judiciary to speed up the prosecution of failed financial institutions. He noted that this collaboration has successfully resolved a number of long-standing cases, allowing for the declaration of 100% liquidation dividends for uninsured depositors from over 20 closed banks.

During the NDIC Special Day at the 19th Abuja International Trade Fair, themed “Mobility: Options for Transport, Trade Finance, and Taxation,” Mr. Hassan, represented by Mrs. Hawwau Gambo, Deputy Director of Communication and Public Affairs, reaffirmed the NDIC’s steadfast commitment to protecting depositors’ funds.

He urged depositors from any closed banks, especially those connected to Heritage Bank who have yet to receive their payments, to come forward with their Bank Verification Number (BVN), proof of account ownership, identification, and details of alternative accounts. “Claims can be submitted through various channels, including our website, email, and social media platforms,” he emphasized, reiterating the NDIC’s dedication to ensuring the security of depositors’ funds.

Mr. Hassan highlighted the significant progress made in safeguarding depositor funds, pointing out a recent increase in maximum deposit insurance coverage that enhances protection for a variety of financial institutions. This increase ensures that 98.98% of all depositors in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), 99.27% in Microfinance Banks (MFBs), 99.34% in Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs), and an impressive 99.99% in Payment Service Banks (PSBs) are protected, showcasing NDIC’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate.

“While our main focus is on insured deposits, the NDIC is equally dedicated to compensating depositors with balances exceeding N5 million,” he explained. “These larger, uninsured deposits make up a significant portion of total deposits within Heritage Bank. We have already initiated the process of asset realization and debt recovery to ensure timely payments to uninsured depositors through liquidation dividends.”

Furthermore, Mr. Hassan mentioned that the NDIC also has responsibilities to the creditors of the defunct bank, who will receive payments after all depositors have been compensated. He stressed that this orderly process, which relies on asset realization and claims prioritization, is essential for maintaining public trust in the financial system and promoting stability.

On the morning of October 2nd, a concerning event unfolded at Miyazaki Airport in Miyazaki City, Japan, as part of the runway collapsed. The airport was closed before 8 AM local time, leading to a suspension of all flights while emergency services began assessing the situation.

According to NHK, a section of the runway connecting to the taxiway experienced partial subsidence, prompting airport officials to reach out to emergency response teams for assistance. Once the situation was identified, personnel in the airport vicinity were evacuated. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.

Footage from NHK cameras revealed visible damage to the taxiway around 9 AM, showing signs of subsidence and uneven asphalt in the surrounding area.

Local police reported hearing sounds resembling explosions, which led emergency services to launch a thorough investigation on-site.

Kosuke Kato, head of the airport office at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, confirmed that around 8 AM, tower personnel noticed the subsidence on the taxiway, which was accompanied by explosive sounds and thick smoke. He indicated that officials are currently working to identify the cause of this incident, and the timeline for reopening the runway remains undetermined.

Reports suggest that local police suspect the explosion might have been linked to an unexploded bomb. This area has a history of such findings, as Miyazaki Airport was built on a former naval base during World War II.

Immediately following the incident, the airport was closed, stopping all flight operations. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion, and the explosion site was noted to have a diameter of about 7 meters and a depth of approximately 1.2 meters.

By around 8:10 AM, the Miyazaki City Fire Department had received reports of explosions within the airport grounds, though there have been no reported injuries so far.

The region surrounding Miyazaki Airport has seen several discoveries of unexploded bombs in previous years. Notably, in January 2009, one was found near the airport’s construction site, followed by the recovery of a 50-kilogram unexploded bomb in June 2011 and a 250-kilogram device later that November. These munitions are believed to be remnants dropped by US forces during World War II, as the airport was originally established as the Japanese Navy’s Akie Base in 1943.

On October 8, a reporter from China News Service in Chengdu provided insights into the significant project advancement activities scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024 in Sichuan Province. The report highlights that Sichuan is gearing up to launch 1,823 major projects this quarter, representing a remarkable total investment of 785.5 billion yuan (approximately 109.5 billion USD).

The projects span a variety of categories, including infrastructure, innovation, industrial development, and improvements in social services and public welfare. Notably, infrastructure projects make up the largest portion, with 601 initiatives amounting to an investment of 364.5 billion yuan—accounting for 46.4% of the total expenditure. Key projects in this category include the G0611 highway segment linking ChuanZhuSi and WenChuan, along with the development of a natural gas purification plant and an external transportation system in the Daqing Oilfield.

Innovation and industrial development initiatives stand out for their volume, encompassing 727 projects with an investment of 287.5 billion yuan, which translates to 36.6% of the total. Among these, significant projects feature the Dazhou Superconductive Carbon Black New Materials Industrial Park and the production of high-precision printed circuit boards in Mianyang.

Furthermore, there are 495 projects focused on enhancing social services and living standards, with a collective investment of 133.5 billion yuan, making up 17% of the overall investment. This group includes the first phase of the new campus for the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College and the Chengdu Cultural and Technological Arts City.

When examining the investment scale, it’s noteworthy that 159 projects are set to exceed 1 billion yuan in investments, totaling 504.6 billion yuan; 16 projects will each surpass 5 billion yuan, with a combined investment of 253.9 billion yuan; and 11 projects are expected to exceed 10 billion yuan, amounting to 221.2 billion yuan.

In terms of funding sources, 554 privately funded projects have been identified, totaling an investment of 256.1 billion yuan, which represents 32.6% of the overall investment. Notable examples include the Tianma Large Bearing High-Quality Intelligent Manufacturing Base and the second phase of the Delan Aerospace Industrial Park.

In a recent interview, Russell Hancock, CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley, expressed his astonishment at the significant percentage of residents who hold a negative view of the tech industry. A poll conducted by the Bay Area News Group alongside a nonprofit think tank revealed that many Bay Area residents no longer perceive the technology sector as beneficial to the public good. Concerns have been raised that the tech industry wields excessive power, lacks ethical standards, and significantly contributes to escalating housing prices, traffic congestion, and the growing homelessness crisis in the region.

Alex Woods, a 38-year-old customer service representative, shared his perspective with the San Jose Mercury News. He once believed the tech industry generated ample job opportunities in the Bay Area but now feels it’s also at the center of many local challenges. He highlighted that tech executives and high-earning employees have driven housing prices to unmanageable levels, making homeownership and even renting unattainable for average people. “It’s a clear example of the rich getting richer while the poor get left behind,” he remarked.

The poll indicated that 80% of registered voters believe the tech industry has inflated housing and living costs, and 75% feel it possesses too much power and influence. Hancock noted that he was surprised by the stark negativity towards the tech sector reflected in the survey results.

Moreover, despite the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in Silicon Valley, there is significant public apprehension. Ladasha Wheeler, who handles scheduling for MRI appointments, voiced her concerns about AI, comparing its rapid advancements to humans attempting to play god. The poll also revealed that only 41% of registered voters felt their financial situations had improved with Silicon Valley’s economic prosperity.

While Silicon Valley stands as the largest and most influential tech hub in the world, merely 40% of registered voters believe that the success of the tech industry has benefitted the general public. Additionally, 75% of respondents expressed worries about the growing wage gap between tech and non-tech workers.

Olwen Puralena, who has held positions at Google and Facebook, pointed out that large corporations face immense pressure from shareholders to maximize profits, which contributes to public perceptions of ethical shortcomings. However, she added that many people’s retirement funds rely on the stock performance of these companies, complicating the line between ethics and profit.

During a recent visit to Silicon Valley, Wu Der-Wei led a Taiwanese startup team in discussions with NVIDIA about advancements in artificial intelligence technology. This visit, which took place from August 10 to 17, featured two leading companies from the “Taoyuan Sports Technology Startup Acceleration Program,” Speed 3D and GoSky AI. Organized by the Taoyuan City Sports Development Foundation, the initiative aimed to boost product development and strategic positioning for Taiwanese startups through meaningful exchanges with industry leaders.

Speed 3D, the program’s winner, has pioneered innovative augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies tailored for the sports sector. They partnered with the Fubon Titans of the Chinese Professional Baseball League to develop an “AI Virtual Studio,” enabling fans to interact virtually with cheerleaders. While in Silicon Valley, they also experienced a Major League Baseball game to deepen their understanding of the industry. Currently, Speed 3D serves as an official technology partner for major social platforms such as Meta and Snapchat.

On the other hand, GoSky AI is concentrating on a community management platform that aids businesses in gathering user data, thereby enhancing the fan experience. Throughout their visit, both companies explored the campuses of several tech giants including NVIDIA, LinkedIn, Uber, Google, and Amazon’s self-driving division, as well as engaging with various international venture capital firms.

In addition to the insights gained from Silicon Valley companies, Wu Der-Wei connected with local entrepreneurs like CJ Lin, founder of the Bay Area Formosa Baseball Team, and Matt Chan, a biomechanical expert and performance analyst for the San Francisco Giants. The group attended a Giants game together, which sparked technical discussions rooted in real-world experiences.

“We are thankful for the chance to exchange ideas with globally recognized companies,” said Hsieh Ru-Chun, Speed 3D’s Global Marketing Manager. “We eagerly anticipate forming strategic partnerships with the businesses we met during this trip, showcasing Taiwan’s technological prowess on the world stage.”

Wu Der-Wei, Executive Director of the Taoyuan Sports Development Foundation, remarked that the visit was an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the strengths and potential of Taiwanese startups to a diverse range of international investors. He underscored the foundation’s commitment to closely collaborate with the Sports Bureau to provide resources and support that will accelerate the growth of these startups and facilitate their entry into global markets.

Hsu Yen-Hui, Director of Taoyuan City’s Sports Bureau, noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with Taoyuan’s “Digital Five Strategies” policy aimed at integrating sports, technology, and entrepreneurship. The “Taoyuan Sports Technology Startup Acceleration Program” is an innovative effort organized by the Sports Bureau to provide enhanced support for Taiwanese startups while linking them to international opportunities.