Meet Air Niugini’s longest serving employee and Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME), Alcan Mattiunga who has been with the airline for 45 years and continues to do what he knows and loves best. From inside the airline’s engineering hangar, Alcan watched the Air Niugini fleet grow from a few DC3s to a fleet which has included Fokker 27 Friendship/F28, Dash 7/DHC8, Boeing 707, Airbus A310, Fokker F100/F70, Bombardier Q400 and Boeing B737 and B767 aircraft. Alcan has been with the airline watching operations grow from a small domestic airliner to a now significant regional carrier operating flights to Australia, Asia and the Pacific. LAME Mattiunga said Air Niugini has come a long way in its growth and development from when it first started to where it is now. He said “A lot has changed for the airline over time from operations to commercial, training, recruitment, engineering and business processes and procedures. As new skills were developed with improved workplace practices, supported by the new technology, work has progressed and advanced a lot, resulting in greater efficiency and high productivity. “ When Alcan first started with Air Niugini Engineering, they use to refer all their work to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), a bulky, heavy book which detailed the way in which all maintenance tasks on a specific aircraft must be carried out. “The AMM contained information required to service, repair, replace, adjust, inspect and check equipment and systems on the aircraft. We use to fly with the manual when carrying out maintenance at the outports. This, however is not happening anymore as all work is now computerized. We also see new, better hangar facilities and tools now than it was in the past.” Alcan said. Being with Air Niugini for over four decades, Alcan knows the airline like the palm of his hand. He has successfully acquired several aircraft maintenance licenses under his belt including F28, F100/F70 as well as the B737. As a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME), Alcan’s responsibility is to certify the correct state of systems maintained on an aircraft such as engines, hydraulics, autopilot, communications and radar. He is the sole attributor of safety when the aircraft is on the ground and gives approval to a Certificate of Release to Service, a legal document stating, clearing safety when he is certain that the aircraft is 100 percent safe to fly following maintenance. Alcan said “While successfully acquiring aircraft maintenance licenses was my biggest achievement, the thing that satisfies me most is training and mentoring young Papua New Guineans to also pick up their licenses.” “It’s important as it provides them the opportunity to further develop their skills, become more competent in their roles and prepare them for further growth and opportunities in the future.” Alcan was only 18 when he first joined Air Niugini in 1978 after he was selected the previous year during an interview at a career week held at Rabaul High school, he was doing grade 12 then at Kerevat National High School. In commencing with Air Niugini, he went straight into the airline’s four-year apprenticeship program, where Alcan spent the first two years (1978 to 1979) at Idubada Technical college, now Port Moresby Technical College. Another two years were spent at Leonard Isitt Aviation Training centre in Christ Church, New Zealand. After successfully completing his training in New Zealand, Alcan was certified as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), specialising in Engine Maintenance. “I worked for three years as an AME before picking up my first license in 1985 to certify for maintenance on the F28 engine category thus making me a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME). “Between 1985 and 2022(current), I picked up a total of four licenses, apart from F28, I also attained F100, F70 and the B737 licenses. I am certified to sign Release To Service (RTS) on these aircraft fleets. Three years after acquiring his first license (1988), Alcan worked as Station Engineer based in Wewak. From Viviran village in Gazelle Electorate, East New Britain Province, LAME Mattiunga is a product of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s vision in 1975 where he emphasized the need for Papua New Guineans to be engineers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, accountants and professionals in their own country. Mattiunga was among young Papua New Guineans who were too glad to be part of that vision and to make it a reality. “PNG was a fairly new sovereign nation and as a young Papua New Guinean coming out of colonial rule to work in a professional field wasn’t easy. But some of us took the challenge head on, we want to make that vision a reality. “As a Papua New Guinean working for the national airline at that time, I was very proud and I am still today.” Mattiunga said Alcan said employees are more likely to stay with a company if they believe in the work they’re doing and feel that their work is recognized and appreciated, adding that having a job sustains families and provide security for their welfare. His word to young Papua New Guineans out there who maybe dreaming of becoming an aircraft engineer one day. “Becoming an Aircraft engineer is not easy, it’s a demanding job that requires great responsibility, but always remember that nothing is too hard when you set your mind to it.” “Set your priorities right, ensure honesty, reliability, commitment, discipline and show respect to your co-workers, whoever they are in whatever positions. Finally, always be guided by rules/regulations that are in place.” Alcan said Alcan was only 18 when he first joined Air Niugini, he is now 62. As the company turned 49 years yesterday , Tuesday 01st November, 2022 Alcan said the option for retirement may not be far off. LAME Mattiunga acknowledged his wife, Helen and the three children for their support over the years. “ I wouldn’t have made it here without my family’s support and of course, Air Niugini, a great airline company to work for. Air Niugini gave me everything, which I am forever grateful. “Alcan conclude

Sherwin Tanabi knows that if the 2021 Rugby League World Cup wasn’t postponed by one year, he wouldn’t be where he is today. Twelve months ago, Tanabi was fresh off his first season in Papua New Guinea’s Digicel Cup, where he played for the Lae Tigers and was 18th man on grand final day. Playing in the Hostplus Cup was still just a goal of his, let alone representing his country.  Tanabi made his official PNG Kumuls debut, when he started for his home nation in their World Cup pool clash with Wales. Not only is this a dream come true for the 21-year-old, but it caps off a meteoric rise through the rugby league ranks. [caption id="attachment_29555" align="alignnone" width="500"] Sherwin Tanabi.[/caption] After his breakout season in the Digicel Cup last year, Tanabi has earned a PNG Hunters contract, trained with the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns, played for the Helensvale Hornets in the Gold Coast’s A grade competition. On top of that, he went on to star in the South East’s XXXX Chairman’s Challenge for the Gold Coast Vikings, made his Hostplus Cup debut, represented PNG’s PM’s XIII, and now, is a Kumul. “From this time last year, I didn’t think I would be here,” Tanabi said. “This time last year after the season, I was just at home. I didn’t play much of the Digicel Cup, I didn’t play half of the season. I didn’t know what it would turn into. “I was thinking back to 2017 and I was in grade 10 and watching the World Cup. Now I’m in the 2021 World Cup… words can’t express what it means. “If the World Cup wasn’t postponed and they played it last year, I wouldn’t be in this spot right now. “It’s a big progression on my career this year. I really didn’t expect myself to be here.” For Tanabi, each opportunity this year, no matter how big or small, has helped him develop into the player he is today. When the young forward talks about his week in Townsville at the start of the season, his face glows with pride at getting to meet the likes of “the big boys”, such as Queensland Maroons star, Valentine Holmes, and Cowboys sensation, Jason Taumalolo. Then came community footy on the Gold Coast – an experience Tanabi credits as being the launchpad for his stunning season. [caption id="attachment_29556" align="alignnone" width="1009"] Sherwin Tanabi playing for the Gold Coast Vikings in the Chairman's Challenge. Photo: Jim O'Reilly/QRL[/caption] “I only played two games with the Hornets and then I was asked if I was available with the Vikings,” Tanabi said. “I joined the Vikings to play the Chairman’s Challenge. It was what I needed to help me get through the season. “That was what I needed to get myself into the game. I’m just glad to have those chances.” He said playing for the Gold Coast teams was a bit of a culture adjustment being his first time in a side without his Papua New Guinean teammates. But Vikings coach, Wayne Forbes, felt Tanabi fit into his new settings immediately. Forbes first spotted the young gun in Helensvale’s Round 2 win over Currumbin – a victory he said Tanabi had a great deal to do with. He included him in his XXXX Chairman’s Challenge squad and never looked back. [caption id="attachment_29557" align="alignnone" width="1015"] Tanabi with Wesser Tenza in the UK. Photo: Max Ellis/QRL[/caption] “When I first noticed Sherwin, I noticed he was a hard runner, had a fantastic work rate, and was almost pushing players out of the way just to get the ball,” Forbes said. “He was keen and an excited kind of player. “Then with Sherwin, one of the biggest things I remember was the week leading into the Chairman’s Challenge at training. He’s the sort of guy that is always listening, always giving 100 per cent, always asking questions and is really passionate about the game. “At the end of training, all the guys just went off and started doing their thing, and he came over and asked if he could carry the water bottles to the shed. “He’s not there to take, take, take, but to give back when he can as well. He’s so appreciative of the experience and opportunities. That’s what’s stuck with me.” And Tanabi’s attitude and desire to learn is what has seen him succeed this year. He said after his inconsistent season in the Digicel Cup in 2021, coming in and out of the side, all he wanted this year was to “make the final cut and then be consistent.” So when his hard work in the Gold Coast competitions paid off and he got that Hostplus Cup call up for the Hunters in Round 5, he was determined to not go backwards. [caption id="attachment_29558" align="alignnone" width="1016"] The PNG Hunters in Round 5 of the Hostplus Cup. Photo: Jason O'Brien/QRL [/caption] “My debut was against the Burleigh Bears in ANZAC Round,” Tanabi said. “I remember coming off the bench. I played like five minutes and accidentally did a crusher (tackle) and got sent off for 10 minutes. We got pumped that game. “My second game was against the Devils (in Round 7, after a bye) and (coach Matt Church) gave me a starting job. When he gave me that first start, that was it. I knew it was my only chance.” Tanabi started in the second row in that match against eventual premiers Norths in Toowoomba and he held onto that jersey for the entire season. Whispers of a possible World Cup appearance then started to eventuate in June. Tanabi was selected as part of the PNG Kumuls Pacific Test squad against Fiji and while he didn’t play, he was told he was on the radar for the PM’s XIII. That then became a reality in late September when he was named to take on the Australian PM’s XIII, featuring a host of NRL stars, including Josh Addo-Carr, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. “It was a good experience to verse the Kangaroos,” Tanabi said. “That game was next level. It was just learning something new. “I wasn’t really sure (if I’d make the World Cup) because we got pumped. I played off the bench too and I was moving around in different positions on the field.” However, all of Tanabi’s hard work, his determined attitude, paid off as he completed the journey from community football to a World Cup debutant – a PNG Kumul. [caption id="attachment_29559" align="alignnone" width="1010"] Tanabi celebrates with teammates after PNG's victory over Cook Islands.[/caption] PNG secure the final place in the World Cup quarter-finals, with Wales – a side that also features community rugby league players in Valley Diehards duo Ollie and James Olds – needing to win by 22 points to cause an upset. Tanabi, who was 18th man in PNG's opening pool match against Tonga, pushed his nation’s case and, while he was reluctant to discuss his debut because it made him “overexcited”, it is clear it is a significant milestone and one that makes many people proud. Forbes said the sky is the limit when it comes to Tanabi, who hopes to one day play in the NRL or Super League. “I’m super proud,” Forbes said. “He just had all the attributes to go a long way. He had the body, the size, the skills, and he is very coachable. “There’s a lot of people out there that are similar and do those little things that push them across the line. Being coachable, it takes you a long way.” Source: QRL.Com

A convicted murderer has been released from detention and spared deportation, with blessing of the mother of man he was jailed for killing. Mark Basa was 16 when he was convicted of the 2005 stabbing murder of Zane McCready in Newcastle. Over the past four years he has been in immigration detention, waiting in limbo as he fought deportation. His father Richard Basa told the ABC he had no idea his son's release was imminent, when he got a phone call from his lawyer last Thursday. "I was in shock — Mark's lawyer said get a car and get to Sydney, your boy is coming home to Newcastle," he said. "I asked him to bring my boy home and he did." Mark Basa's lawyer, migration law expert Jason Donnelly, said he almost fell off his chair when he heard the news himself. "I had to re-read that email about three times before I actually believed it," he said. "(Mark and I) had a really nice personal talk over video camera and there were tears … of shock — but of great happiness." A fight to remain in Australia Mark Basa was convicted of killing Mr McCready, an Air Force technician, in a brawl in Newcastle in 2005. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="875"] Zane McCready with his mother Ros Lowe.(Supplied: McCready family)[/caption]   He was given a 16-year maximum jail term, and was released on parole after 12 and a half years. But there was a catch — he did not walk out to freedom. He was taken straight to Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre, where he stayed until being sent to Christmas Island last year. On three occasion, previous Department of Home Affairs ministers and departmental officials recommended he be deported — despite recommendations against it by the the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), on humanitarian grounds. The AAT said Australia would breach humanitarian laws if they sent him back, due to a chronic pancreatic condition and tribal warfare that put his life at risk. Meeting with Zane Macready's mother Mark Basa arrived back in Newcastle on Saturday. He thanked his supporters and said he planned to meet face-to-face with Zane Macready's mother, who also fought against his deportation. [caption id="attachment_29549" align="alignnone" width="879"] Ros Lowe wants to know the full details of what happened to her son.(ABC News: Larissa Romensky)[/caption] Ros Lowe said she supported Mark Basa, as she did not believe he acted alone — and she wanted the whole story. "From my heart I just want to know what happened and I'm so relieved he (Mark Basa) is back to his family, that's all I can say, " she said. "I want to know the intimate details — what were you doing, what were you thinking, what was going through your head? "Neither of us have anything to lose … the shackles are off." Mark Basa will remain on parole and under supervision until January 2023. Source: ABC Pacific

Four (4) PNG Power Limited (PPL) engineers graduated last Thursday, October 27, with Certificates in Remote Drone Pilot at a small ceremony at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby. The four who work under the Asset Management and Transmission and Distributions Business Units are the first in the company to be certified as drone pilots. They are trained and certified to competently operate PPL’s own drones to carry out aerial inspections and condition monitoring for the transmission and distribution assets using the drone technology. The use of drones as part of PPL’s operations will substantially reduce risks to inspection and maintenance teams, and reduce associated maintenance costs and represents a milestone achievement for PPL. The four certified drone pilots are Esrom Passingan, Benjamín Pupu, Billy Ambotane and Albert Laliana. The training included nine (9) online module courses provided by Infra Vision, an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority certified company that specializes in aerial construction and maintenance. The drone pilots were certified after completing three (3) weeks of online training and one (1) week practical flight training. CEO Mr. Obed Batia said “PPL are always looking for ways to improve our operations through the adoption of innovations and new technology”. “This represents an investment for the company as the drones will drastically cut the costs of powerline inspections. More importantly, it reduces the risk to our hardworking field crews responsible for transmission and distribution line inspection and maintenance,” said Mr. Batia. Regular aerial inspection will assist in improving the supply of power and reducing the likelihood of unscheduled outages. PPL will continue to invest in sustainable programs, technology to improve on its operations across the nation. The drone technology can also assist engineers in the process of designing the electricity supply infrastructure. PPL has acquired two drones: a commercial MTK 210 Drone and a Mavic 3 Drone, which will be utlised across PPL’s major grid networks. Source: PNG Power Ltd

A pair of impressive finishes from fullback Martha Molowia either side of half-time helped propel Papua New Guinea to a 34-12 victory over Canada, marking their first ever Women's World Cup win. Molowia smashed her way through would-be tacklers on a run down the sideline for her first just before break to give PNG a 8-6 lead, before carving through for another just a minute into the second half. Through the opening 20 minutes it was Canada who dominated proceedings, and they enjoyed plenty of scoring opportunities throughout the match, but too often the last pass was missing when space presented on the edges. After Papua New Guinea opened the scoring on 24 minutes, the Ravens led momentarily thanks to a converted try, but from the 37th minute onward the Orchids controlled the match. Five second-half tries, three of which were converted, was enough to see Papua New Guinea to a comfortable victory, despite Canada hitting back with one of their own on the hour mark. Source: NRL.com

Unilever recently announced a voluntary recall of 19 popular dry shampoo aerosol products sold in the United States due to concerns about benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer. Exposure to benzene, which is classified as a human carcinogen, can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or through skin contact and can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancers, according to the U.S Department of health and human services. Humans are exposed to benzene daily through things like tobacco smoke and detergents, but exposure can be considered dangerous depending on the dose and duration of contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unilever said that it is pulling the products "out of an abundance of caution" and that the company has not yet received any reports of adverse event relating to the recall to date. The recalled products were produced before October 2021 and retailers have been notified to pull the affected products from shelves. A complete list of the affected products and consumer codes can be found here. No other products from Unilever or its brands are impacted by this recall, the company stated in a press release. The list of affected products include: Dove  Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness  Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut  Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh and Floral  Dove Dry Shampoo Ultra Clean  Dove Dry Shampoo Invisible  Dove Dry Shampoo Detox and Purify  Dove Dry Shampoo Clarifying Charcoal  Dove Dry Shampoo Go Active   Nexxus  Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist   Nexxus Inergy Foam Shampoo   Suave Suave Dry Shampoo Hair Refresher Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive TRESemmé TRESemmé Dry Shampoo Volumizing TRESemmé Dry Shampoo Fresh and Clean  TRESemmé Pro Pure Dry Shampoo Bed Head Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Volumizing Dry Shampoo Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo Rockaholic Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Unilever urged consumers to stop using the affected aerosol dry shampoo products immediately and visit the company website for eligible product reimbursements. Source: ABC7News

Taylor Swift is breaking yet another record thanks to the release of her most recent album “Midnights.” The entertainer, who already became Spotify’s most-streamed artist over a 24-hour period upon the release of the record earlier this month, now claims all top ten slots of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, according to the music charting website on Monday. Swift is the first artist to ever accomplish the feat in Billboard’s 64-year history. She beat Drake, who in September 2021 claimed nine of the Hot 100’s top 10 spots for a week. According to Billboard, the Hot 100 list “blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data.” At the top of the list this week is “Anti-Hero,” the lead single off of “Midnights,” which is Swift’s tenth studio album. The other nine slots are also claimed by songs from the new album, including the tracks “Lavender Haze” and “Karma.” The accomplishment gives Swifties yet another reason to rejoice, adding yet another bauble to their beloved artist’s “bejeweled” crown. Source: CNN

A Thai business tycoon and transgender activist has purchased the Miss Universe Organisation for $US20 million ($31 million), her company has announced. Chakrapong "Anne" Chakrajutathib controls JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd and is a celebrity in Thailand who has starred in reality shows. JKN said it acquired the rights to the Miss Universe pageant from IMG Worldwide LLC, a sports, talent and events marketing company which has held the Miss Universe Organization since 2015. Former US president Donald Trump was part owner of the pageant rights from 1996 until IMG's purchase. In a statement on Wednesday, Ms. Chakrajutathib described the purchase as "a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio". JKN, which is involved in content distribution, beverages, food supplements, beauty and consumer products, said the Miss Universe name will be used to promote its consumer products. Ms. Chakrajutathib also said she wants to use the beauty pageant to inspire women like her. "It's a universal platform… I can become the aspiration for so many people, in particular women, LGBTQ, so they can transform," she said. Ms. Chakrajutathib has been outspoken about her experience as a transgender woman and also set up the Life Inspired For Thailand Foundation to advocate for the rights to dignity and opportunities for transgender people. A profile of Ms Chakrapong in the Bangkok Post newspaper earlier this year said in her youth, she studied at an all-male school where she was harassed for identifying as female. After attaining financial success, she spent 40 million baht ($1.6 million) on sex reassignment surgery and other procedures, the newspaper reported. Thailand enjoys a positive international reputation when it comes to the rights and lifestyles of LGBTQ communities. Despite this, the absence of a procedure for transgender people to change their legal gender, coupled with insufficient legal protections and social stigma, limits transgender people's access to services and exposes them to daily indignities, New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a report last year.   Source: ABC News

If you’re in the United Kingdom, you’ll soon see a new face in your pocket. The first coins featuring King Charles III are now being minted. The new 50-pence coins are set to hit general circulation by Christmas, alongside a commemorative five-pound coin with a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The king’s portrait will be displayed facing the left side of the coin, a stark change to the previous 50-pence coins with the queen’s portrait facing the right side.     Source: CNN

New figures show foreign aid to the Pacific surged to record highs as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on regional economies, while Chinese development assistance fell to a new low. The findings are contained in the latest iteration of the Lowy Institute's Pacific Aid Map, which analyses the flow of overseas development assistance into the region in 2020. The main author of the map, the Lowy Institute's Alexandre Dayant, told the ABC several donors – particularly multilateral institutions – moved swiftly to help prop up Pacific economies left reeling by the pandemic and the shutdown of international travel. "It's very impressive and it shows that the international community responded very swiftly in the face of the dire consequences of COVID in the Pacific," he said. ADB outspends Australia The Institute says donors ploughed almost $6.2 billion into the region in 2020, substantially more than the $4.5 billion they provided in 2019. Australia remained by far the largest donor country in the Pacific. The Aid Map estimates Australia spent more than $1.4 billion on assistance to the Pacific in 2020, around 29 per cent of the total foreign aid provided. However for the first time since Lowy's records begin, Australia was narrowly eclipsed as the largest donor entity in the Pacific, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) providing $1.65 billion in assistance – around 34 per cent of the total. Mr Dayant said the ADB effectively tripled its development budget in the region in response to COVID-19, offering loans to several Pacific Island countries to help them stay afloat. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="906"] Chinese development assistance to the Pacific has been decreasing since 2016.(ABC News: Kurt Johnson)[/caption]   "This is a huge increase in loans and huge budget support in the Pacific," he said. "There was a decrease in non-COVID projects, because many development partners couldn't implement projects on the ground due to travel bans and health measures," he said. "This meant that direct budget support was one of the best and quickest ways to provide finance and the resources that Pacific Island countries needed at the time." The largest donors after Australia and the ABD were Japan, the United States and New Zealand, which spent $477 million, $375 million and $350 million respectively in 2020. China spent just $273 million in 2020, the lowest annual figure recorded in the data captured by the Pacific Aid Map, which tracks foreign aid since 2008. China's supply and demand issues Mr Dayant said Chinese development assistance to the Pacific had been decreasing since 2016. "It's both on the demand and supply side," he said. "On the supply side, China's economy has been slowing down so perhaps it's less appealing for the Chinese government to make these loans or to help other countries around the world. "And on the demand side, perhaps Pacific nations have woken up to the fact that the quality of the Chinese loans and some infrastructure projects might be a bit questionable. "So this might have had an impact on the Pacific's appetite for these projects." Mr Dayant said Chinese loans for infrastructure were also comparatively expensive, and several other countries were now offering infrastructure financing to Pacific Island nations. "In 2020 the landscape for infrastructure financing has changed, it's more crowded, with many more players – including Australia," he said. "So I think basically it's becoming harder and harder for China to compete." However, Beijing still spent around $50 million on projects in both Solomon Islands and Kiribati, the two Pacific Island countries which switched recognition to China from Taiwan the year before. Mr Dayant said while the broader surge in development assistance was crucial during COVID-19, several Pacific nations were now dealing with very high debt levels, and donors had to make sure they weren't overloaded. "Because the fiscal space and the debt situation in the Pacific is getting worse it is important for development partners to act with care in the Pacific," he said. "Budget support is a great tool for development partners to help the region, especially now as we see economic recovery in the region. So the money you invest can generate more. "But still, extra care will need to be taken for those who want to lend." Source: ABC Pacific

In what is believed to be a world first, China's commercial capital of Shanghai last week introduced a new type of COVID-19 vaccine that is inhaled rather than administered via injection. Chinese regulators approved the vaccine, produced by Chinese pharmaceutical firm CanSino Biologics (6185.HK), for use as a booster in September. And now the first people are starting to receive the vaccine, which is inhaled via the mouth from a vessel that looks like a take-out coffee cup with a short mouthpiece. "Our body’s first line of defense is the mucus membrane of our respiratory system, we want that to be directly stimulated to improve immunity and using the inhaled vaccine does that," Dr Zhao Hui, chief medical officer at Shanghai United Family Hospital Pudong, told Reuters. His hospital is among those administering the new vaccine, which will be used as well as regular injected shots. Commenting on what he said was a first use of the technology, Erwin Loh, chief medical officer at St Vincents Health Australia, said the advent of inhaled vaccines was important not only because of their potential to guard against infection, but also because they could lessen vaccine hesitancy. "There is a large proportion of people who are resistant to take the vaccine because they have a needle phobia. They may not articulate it, but that's what in their mind," he said. Increasing the uptake in vaccinations is vital for China, which remains a global outlier as it sticks to its "zero-COVID" policy, aiming to eliminate community outbreaks of the virus. Shanghai, which reported no new domestically transmitted symptomatic coronavirus cases for Oct. 27 and 11 local asymptomatic cases, is still subject to targeted lockdowns impacting residential buildings and businesses in the city. The Shanghai government's WeChat account, in announcing the inhalable vaccine rollout this week, said that 23 million of the city's 26 million residents had been fully vaccinated against COVID, and more than 12 million had received booster shots. According to official Chinese government data, more than 90% of its population has been vaccinated. The country has relied on domestically produced, inactivated shots and has yet to import, or introduce its own version, of an mRNA vaccine. The inhable vaccine is an aerosol version of an inactive shot. Loh is hopeful that results from Shanghai's foray into inhaled vaccines will encourage other countries to follow suit. "I think inhaled vaccines for respiratory illness like COVID-19 will be the future," he said. Source: Reuters

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) understands that Family Sexual Violence (FSV) is the most prevalent form of gender inequality that affects households and communities, and spans across workplace and generations. Recently, BSP launched its inaugural awareness campaign on “Financial Abuse” which most often is present in homes where family and sexual violence (FSV) exists. BSP’s journey in actively assisting survivors of FSV started in 2013, from funding facility upgrade to a safe house in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, leading to being one of the founders and subscriber of Bel isi PNG programme since 2018. In May 2019, BSP launched its Group Family Sexual Violence (FSV) Policy. Since then active awareness has been on-going on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and FSV focusing on impact of such forms of violence on an individual, and family members at home and in the workplace and offering various support services.   At the end of 2020, BSP as part of institutionalizing the policy, officially included black as the colour to wear every Thursday as part of the corporate uniform. This was a result of a year-long awareness campaign called #BlackThursdays driving awareness on family and sexual violence (FSV) and standing in solidarity with survivors of family and sexual violence. A campaign on #ChallengingAttitudes saw BSP joining a Global 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women and girls in 2021, by launching its own 16 Days of activism themed “I am a feminist”, led by BSP’s Group CEO, Robin Fleming. Moreover, this led to the 2022 campaign #Empowermenttogether – promoting gender equality to eliminate violence. It has become evident from survivors supported through BSP’s Group Family & Sexual Violence Policy, that financial abuse is a barrier to exiting a life of violence. Control of finances stems from coercive control practiced by many abusers which is a systematic pattern of power to keep a partner in line. Financial security will enable survivors to exit an abusive relationship and find a way to financial self-sufficiency. Survivors may also lack the tools or financial literacy to recover quickly. The Group CEO, Robin Fleming believes BSP has a moral obligation to drive financial abuse awareness to assist those who are abused through the banking sector. “Under the leadership of Group CEO, Robin Fleming, BSP as an organization recognizes the devastating effects of family and sexual violence on individuals, families and communities and has become an advocate against FSV, an advocate for FSV intervention and a financial empowerment organization, which is well placed to help survivors attain financial self-sufficiency through its awareness campaign”.