Tag: NPT

Health Care

Cyclists Put Students’ Minds Into Gear by Pedalling Half Way Around the World

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INTREPID adventurers excite secondary school students with tales from their recently completed cycle from London to Hong Kong

HONG KONG, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Laurence Gribble and Nick Codrington pedalled into Hong Kong on Saturday, completing an impressive 17,000 kilometre expedition across Europe, the Middle East and China.

Lam Woo students welcome Gribble and Codrington to their school

Lam Woo students welcome Gribble and Codrington to their school

Having set off from Buckingham Palace in July, Gribble and Codrington, aged 23 and 24 respectively, endured nine months of snow-covered deserts, instant noodles and “the worst roads in the world” to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

On Wednesday, the British explorers took time out from a well-deserved rest to inspire students from SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School, Kwai Hing, where 900 students gathered in anticipation of their arrival.

The pair did not disappoint as they described tales of “face-offs with wolves in Tajikistan” and “breaking the world record for speed across the Taklimakan desert” as well as “the extraordinary hospitality of local people” and experiencing “the pinnacle of teamwork and friendship”.  

Alexander Keech, the school’s Chatteris Native-speaking English Tutor (CNET), has been helping students track Gribble and Codrington’s progress enroute to Hong Kong. He hoped hearing stories about this remarkable feat would inspire students to chase their own dreams and adventures.

Form 4 student Jack said: “They talked about the people they met on their journey, so in my future, if I want to plan an adventure on my own, I will plan it so I can meet different cultures, learn from others, and encounter people with other experiences.”

Lam Woo Principal, Chan Ka Yun, added: “Our students can learn from Laurence and Nick about their spirit and determination…about helping others and learning something new, and about going through a long, long journey to raise money.”

Chatteris Educational Foundation enjoyed collaborating with Lam Woo teachers and the Royal Geographical Society (Hong Kong) to organise the event with a shared commitment to broadening the horizons of Hong Kong students. Chatteris, a registered non-profit organisation with 25 years history, provides students with rich and varied English learning experiences by placing overseas English speaking university graduates in local schools.

Gribble and Codrington finished the talk by explaining that they chose Hong Kong as their final destination because “it is one of the most famous cities in the world, and we wanted to make that connection between London and Hong Kong.”

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150401/8521502087a

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28 Chinese: Exhibition explodes narrow perspectives of contemporary art in China

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SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — This June, visitors to the Asian Art Museum will get a snapshot of some of China’s most exciting artists from the country’s booming contemporary art scene. The museum’s special summer exhibition 28 Chinese offers glimpses of contemporary Chinese art through a group of 28 artists, ranging from those in the spotlight like Liu Wei, He Xiangyu, Huang Yong Ping and Xu Zhen to the internationally acclaimed Zhang Huan and Ai Weiwei. These artists have made a significant impact on the art world and expanded definitions of contemporary art in China. On view June 5 through Aug. 16 at the Asian Art Museum, the exhibition features 48 artworks, revealing powerful responses to China today, as well as perspectives and attitudes towards tradition.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150330/195295

28 Chinese is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of exploration and research by art collectors Don and Mera Rubell. Between 2001 and 2012, the Rubells conducted six research trips to China, where they visited 100 artists’ studios in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xi’an. The Rubells acquired artworks from 28 artists in a multiplicity of mediums, from painting and installation to photography and new media. Organized by guest curator Allison Harding, the Asian Art Museum’s presentation will be the first exhibition on the West Coast for many of these artists.

While artworks in 28 Chinese are only a sample of all that Chinese contemporary art has to offer, they represent a few of the most notable Chinese artists working today, as identified by two preeminent art collectors. A highlight of the exhibition is Zhu Jinshi’s monumental installation, Boat, which is 12 meters long, made from 8,000 sheets of paper commonly used in Chinese calligraphy and painting. Visitors will notice row upon row of carefully stacked paper overlapping bamboo rods suspended from the ceiling with cotton thread. Another highlight is a large scale painting by Li Shurui from her Light series—works that reproduce the look and feel of light in different environments, from arctic landscapes to nightclubs. The exhibition also features Ai Weiwei’s Table with Two Legs (2008), Xu Zhen’s embroidered canvases, He Xiangyu’s installation Cola Project (2009–2010), Qiu Zhijie’s Tattoo-2, (2000) and a screening room featuring a wide range of new video works, including Huang Ran’s Blithe Tragedy (2011) and Fang Lu’s Lovers Are Artists (Part One) (2012).

Following the Asian Art Museum’s presentation of 28 Chinese, the exhibition will travel to the San Antonio Museum of Art (Sept. 5, 2015–Jan. 4, 2016). The exhibition premiered in Miami at the Rubell Family Collection on Dec. 4, 2013 and was on view through Aug. 1, 2014.

Over the past 15 years, the Asian Art Museum has made a concentrated effort to include contemporary art in its exhibition programs and acquisition pursuits. On Sept. 4 the museum will present First Look: Collecting Contemporary at the Asian, an original exhibition showcasing contemporary art in the museum’s collection.

28 Chinese is organized by the Rubell Family Collection, Miami. Presentation at the Asian Art Museum is made possible with the generous support of China Art Foundation, Gorretti and Lawrence Lui, Silicon Valley Bank, The Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Fund for Excellence in Exhibitions and Presentations, Lucy Sun and Warren Felson, and Nordstrom.

For more information visit: www.asianart.org.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Tim Hallman |
+1.415.581.3711
pr@asianart.org

Annie Tsang
+1.415.581.3560
annietsang@asianart.org

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(ISC)2 Opens Nominations for 9th Asia-Pacific Information Security Leadership Achievements (ISLA) Program

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HONG KONG, March 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — (ISC)²® (“ISC-squared”), the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information and software security professionals worldwide, with over 100,000 members, announced today it is now accepting nominations for its Asia-Pacific Information Security Leadership Achievements Program (Asia-Pacific ISLA™). (ISC)² officials and advisory council members will honor the 2015 Asia-Pacific ISLA honorees at a gala dinner, held on the evening of July 29, 2015, in conjunction with (ISC)² Security Congress APAC 2015 http://www.informationsecurityasia.com/ at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Philippines.

The Asia-Pacific ISLA www.isc2.org/isla program, which is in co-operation with the (ISC)² Asia-Pacific Advisory Council, was established in 2007 as part of (ISC)²’s effort to recognize the ongoing commitment by information and software security leaders in Asia-Pacific to build a highly qualified and ethical information and software security workforce. Asia-Pacific ISLA recognition is independent of professional certification. Professionals can be nominated in three categories: Senior Information Security Professional; Managerial Professional for an Information Security Project; and Information Security Practitioner. 

“Over the years, with the Asia-Pacific ISLA program, we have been successful in raising the awareness of the importance of information and software security in our community,” said Clayton Jones, managing director, Asia-Pacific (ISC)². “We are also pleased to see the Asia-Pacific ISLA as a means to give momentum to the recognition from the community at large to appreciate the unsung professionals that secure our cyber world day in and day out.”

A nominations review committee comprised of senior information security experts from the industry in Asia-Pacific will review and select honorees from the three categories based upon the selection criteria and eligibility requirements. A Community Service Star will be handpicked by the review committee to recognize an individual who contributed to broaden security awareness in his or her community within the last 12 months.

“It was truly an honor to be selected as a showcased honoree in the category of Senior Information Security Professional last year. I highly recommend that information and software security professionals get involved in this prestigious recognition program,” said Dr. Daisuke Inoue, Director of Cybersecurity Laboratory, Network Security Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Japan. “I enjoyed last year’s gala dinner as it was a highlight of my career and it also provided me with an opportunity to meet with the peers from the region and beyond in the industry.”

To nominate a candidate for an Asia-Pacific ISLA, please go to http://bit.ly/1xhH6bV and complete the submission form. The submission deadline for nominations is May 8, 2015.

About (ISC)²®
Formed in 1989, (ISC)² is the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information and software security professionals worldwide, with over 100,000 members in more than 160 countries. Globally recognized as the Gold Standard, (ISC)² issues the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) and related concentrations, as well as the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP®), the Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (CCFP®), Certified Authorization Professional (CAP®), HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPPSM), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®) credentials to qualifying candidates. (ISC)²’s certifications are among the first information technology credentials to meet the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024, a global benchmark for assessing and certifying personnel. (ISC)² also offers education programs and services based on its CBK®, a compendium of information and software security topics. More information is available at www.isc2.org. 

© 2015, (ISC)² Inc., (ISC)², CISSP, ISSAP, ISSMP, ISSEP, CCFP, CSSLP, CAP, SSCP and CBK are registered marks, and HCISPP is service mark, of (ISC)², Inc.

Kitty Chung 
(ISC)2 Asia-Pacific 
+852–28506989 
kchung@isc2.org

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Gigi Hadid And Cody Simpson Celebrate International Day of Happiness With The United Nations And MixRadio At SXSW

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AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the United Nations and the world’s most personalised music streaming service, MixRadio, marked International Day of Happiness and the launch of the #HappySoundsLike playlist with a surprise performance from global singer/ songwriter, Cody Simpson, at South by Southwest.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183557
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183556

Finalising a weeklong campaign to raise awareness of International Day of Happiness, the #HappySoundsLike playlist created by MixRadio, was unveiled to guests attending and available for the world to listen to at www.happysoundslike.com

Recognizing that music has the power to spread happiness and inspire solidarity and hope for a better tomorrow, United Nations Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors, along with international artists including Britney Spears, Nicole Scherzinger, Ed Sheeran, Charlize Theron and John Legend contributed their happiest track to create the world’s happiest playlist, #HappySoundsLike.

Cody Simpson comments, “I am really pleased to be part of such an amazing campaign with the United Nations and MixRadio to raise awareness of International Day of Happiness.

“I hope everyone gets behind the day and listens to the #HappySoundsLike playlist.”

Jyrki Rosenberg, Head of MixRadio, comments, “This year, to mark International Day of Happiness, we have been fortunate to partner with the United Nations to support and raise awareness of such an inherent aspiration that we share the world over: happiness.

“Through collaborating with international superstars, we hope #HappySoundsLike will bring a smile to faces around the world and inspire hope for a better tomorrow.”

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, International Day of Happiness acknowledges that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal.” In its 70th anniversary year, the United Nations will be undertaking several campaigns to help achieve this goal.

Health Care

Three More Research Organizations Earn AAHRPP Accreditation

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List includes first historically black university medical school

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs today announced that it has accredited three more organizations, including the first historically black college and university medical school and a fourth hospital in Taiwan.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130625/NY37243LOGO

The newly accredited organizations are:

  • Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan.
  • Jaeb Center for Health Research Foundation, Tampa, Florida 
  • Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia

“These accreditations are the latest indications of the universal value of AAHRPP accreditation—for hospitals and health systems, research foundations, academic institutions, and any other organization engaged in research involving human participants,” AAHRPP President and CEO Elyse I. Summers said. “Those who adopt AAHRPP standards enhance the quality of their research, strengthen protections for participants, and command the respect of colleagues and partners throughout the global research enterprise.”

To earn AAHRPP accreditation, organizations must demonstrate that they have built extensive safeguards into every level of their research operation and that they adhere to high standards for research. In today’s global, collaborative research enterprise, organizations increasingly rely on AAHRPP accreditation status to help identify trusted research partners.

To date, AAHRPP has accredited more than 200 organizations in 46 states, Canada, mainland China, India, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. All major U.S. independent institutional review boards have earned AAHRPP accreditation. In addition, more than 60 percent of U.S. research-intensive universities and over 65 percent of U.S. medical schools are either AAHRPP accredited or have begun the accreditation process. The National Institutes of Health, the world’s largest public funder of research, has earned accreditation, as has Pfizer, Inc., the largest industry sponsor of clinical research.

About AAHRPP: A nonprofit organization, AAHRPP provides accreditation for organizations that conduct or review human research and can demonstrate that their protections exceed the safeguards required by the U.S. government. To learn more, visit www.aahrpp.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sarah Kiskaddon
Director, Global Business Development and Public Affairs
skiskaddon@aahrpp.org
+1-202-783-1112

Health Care

UNICEF Calls for Further Investment in Rural Early Childhood Care Services

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Survey shows gap between kindergarten teachers’ level in rural and urban areas

BEIJING, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — With two-thirds of China’s 90 million children aged 0-6 living in rural areas, findings of a survey on early childhood development, released at a UNICEF briefing, illustrate that increasing investment in the quality of services will be critical to meet the Government of China’s target of rolling out universal pre-school education by 2020. The findings, along with the latest global evidence on neuroscience linked to a child’s brain development, were presented at an event showcasing how important the first few years of life are for a child’s physical, social and emotional development.

Recent global scientific evidence on neuroscience and brain development has indicated that in the first year of life the brain grows at the pace of 700 neural connections per second — a pace which is never achieved again.  By 3 years of age, a child brain is twice as active as an adult brain and fifty to seventy five percent of energy consumption in the first few years of life is allocated to brain development.

In light of these findings, UNICEF globally is advocating for investing in an integrated approach to early childhood development from 0 to 6 years old to make sure that this critical window in life is not missed, especially for the poorest and most disadvantaged children. For a child’s brain to develop, a multi prong approach is needed that provides health, nutrition, education and protection. 

“Early brain development and function is the foundation for learning, behavior and capabilities later in life,” said Professor Pia Britto, UNICEF’s Senior Global Advisor on ECD.  “Investing in early interventions for the most disadvantaged children is the most effective and cost-effective way for societies to ensure all children develop their full potential.”

Elements include: Good nutrition at the right time to feed and nourish the architecture of the brain during the sensitive periods of development. Stimulation and enrichment to spark neural connections across multiple regions of the brain to increase the brain’s capacity and function. Safety and protection to buffer against stress and allow absorption of nutrition and growth of brains cells.

Since the China’s State Council landmark decision in 2010, which called for expansion of early childhood development, national coverage for earlyc childhood are has increased from 35 percent in 2000 to 67.5 per cent in 2013.  This rapid expansion of services has been boosted by the central Government’s commitment of 50 billion RMB to expand pre-primary education in the poorest and remotest part of the country.

“These commitments made by the Government of China demonstrate how important this investment in early childhood care is for the country’s long term development,” said Dr. Xuefeng Chen, UNICEF China’s Education Specialist. “To reach these ambitious targets, and make sure all children in the country benefit, we need to make sure we continue to give priority to building the skills, knowledge and understanding of teachers, health workers as well as parents and grandparents on why these first few years of life are so vital for a child’s longer term development and how through new types of interventions, they can be part of this investment.”

The recent survey on early child care in kindergartens targeting children aged 3-6 years old, conducted in five disadvantaged counties in China revealed the gap between rural and urban areas for young children is likely to expand unless more is done to invest in teacher training and improving standards of care.  Led by the National Institute of Education Sciences and Peking University, the baseline data from UNICEF-supported child-friendly kindergartens surveyed children’s development outcomes and teacher’s competence levels. 

The recent survey on early child care in kindergartens targeting children aged 3-6 years old, conducted in five disadvantaged counties in China revealed the gap between rural and urban areas for young children is likely to expand unless more is done to invest in teacher training and improving standards of care.  Led by the National Institute of Education Sciences and Peking University, the baseline data from UNICEF-supported child-friendly kindergartens surveyed children’s development outcomes and teacher’s competence levels. 

NOTE TO THE EDITORS:

About UNICEF:

  • To learn more about UNICEF’s work in early childhood development and also to get the latest science on a child bran’s development, please go to www.unicef.cn and download our new publication Building Better Brains. 
  • To help build parenting skills for caregivers on ways to stimulate, engage and take care of children from the ages of 0-6, the Ministry of Education with UNICEF have launched a parenting APP.  To download it, please go to http://yuer.cbern.gov.cn/12yue.jspx.
  • As part of focus on the first 1000 days of life, UNICEF has launched a new animated video on how important this period is in a child’s life. To watch it, please go to http://www.unicef.cn/en/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=49&id=3685

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do.  Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

Visit UNICEF China website: www.unicef.cn

Follow us: Sina Weibo http://weibo.com/unicefchina Tecent Weibo http://t.qq.com/unicef

Wechat: unicefchina

For further information, please contact: Shantha Bloemen, UNICEF China, +8610 85312610, sbloemen@unicef.org or Liu Li, UNICEF China, +8610 85312612, liliu@unicef.org

Health Care

Nestle Waters and Project WET Sign New 4-year Partnership and Come Together Again Globally for World Water Day on March 22nd, 2015

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PARIS, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — World Water Day, organized each year on March 22nd by the United Nations, provides an opportunity for Nestle Waters and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and hydration.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7463151-nestle-waters-wet-world-water-day/

Nestle Waters and the non-governmental organization Project WET have renewed their global partnership, facilitating the continued expansion of water education amongst educators and children around the world for another four years.  

“Two decades of support from Nestle Waters have enabled Project WET to bring hands-on, action-oriented water education to people in places that we could not have reached on our own. We are eager to continue to expand the scope of our work with Nestle Waters in this renewed partnership,” says Dennis Nelson, President and CEO of Project WET Foundation. 

Project WET  

Project WET is a US-based NGO that develops educational tools to increase water literacy around the world amongst educators and children.

20-year partnership: Nestle Waters first partnered with Project WET in 1992

#1 global water education organization

More than 30 years of experience in water education

300 original science teaching methods

Project WET Foundation

WWD 2010 – 2015 

2015  

34 countries mobilized
700* employees involved
9000* children educated
10 lessons

2010 

18 countries mobilized
169 employees involved
4645 children educated
8 lessons

*estimated data

About Nestle Waters: Founded in 1992, Nestle Waters is the water division of the Nestle Group. Nestle Waters employs more than 30,000 people and is present in 130 countries with a portfolio of more than 59 brands including Nestle Pure Life, Perrier, S. Pellegrino, Poland Spring, Vittel, Buxton, Erikli.

For more information on Nestle Waters

For more information on World Water Day

Video: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7463151-nestle-waters-wet-world-water-day/

Health Care

New Study on Clean Diesel Technology Affirms Near-Zero Emissions, No Significant Health Impact

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement today regarding the multi-year Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study (ACES) conducted by the Health Effects Institute (HEI).

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/MM46474LOGO

HEI conducted the independent study of new technology diesel engines to determine whether the engines achieved the expected emissions reductions, thereby improving air quality for public health, as well as whether the new technologies resulted in any unintended increases in emission components.  The study concluded that exposure to new technology diesel exhaust does not cause any increase in the risk of lung cancer or other significant adverse health effects in study animals. 

“The significance of this study and its conclusions cannot be overstated,” said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.  “The results of this new study verify the environmental benefits of the new clean diesel technology, which have near-zero emissions for nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM).  And while this study focused on heavy duty truck emissions, the new clean diesel technology has the potential for impacting all sectors, including passenger cars, agriculture, construction, maritime and transportation.

“As other countries embrace cleaner diesel fuels, they will also be able to reap the benefits of cleaner air with new clean diesel technology engines manufactured in the United States.  Today, one in four advanced clean diesel engines produced here is exported internationally.

“The comprehensive nature of this study by such an authoritative body as the Health Effects Institute is extremely significant.  It’s also important to highlight that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration are sponsors of this study in conjunction with the manufacturers of emissions control equipment.”

The ACES effort has been guided by an independent Oversight Committee comprised primarily of academic scientists.

HEI press release:
http://www.healtheffects.org/Pubs/Press%20Release%20ACES%202015.pdf

HEI summary and study:
http://pubs.healtheffects.org/view.php?id=430

“The findings of the ACES study are extremely important because diesel engines are the technology of choice that drives 15 sectors of the global economy―from agriculture to goods movement, from construction to warehousing.

“In the U.S., clean diesel technology has reduced particulate matter and NOx emissions by 98 percent compared to 1988 vehicles. Diesel technology has undergone a complete transformation beginning with a move to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in 2006 that reduced the fuel’s sulfur content by 97 percent. This cleaner fuel then enabled refinements in engine technology and the use of emission controls and reduction strategies that are now deployed throughout a wide range of industry, engines and technology.”

Diesel Technology Forum: http://www.dieselforum.org/

Health Effects Institute: http://www.healtheffects.org/

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=111282

Contact:
Steve Hansen
shansen@dieselforum.org
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)

(View this press release online here.)

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Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative Expands with Appointment of Sara Raza as Curator for the Middle East and North Africa

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– Unprecedented Project of Residencies, Acquisitions, Exhibitions, and Education Programs Launches Its Third Phase

NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Richard Armstrong, Director, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, today announced that London-based curator, writer, editor, and educator Sara Raza has been selected for the third curatorial residency of the Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative. As the future Guggenheim UBS MAP Curator, Middle East and North Africa, Ms. Raza will join June Yap (South and Southeast Asia), Pablo Leon de la Barra (Latin America) and Guggenheim staff in realizing this multiyear program, which supports contemporary art, artists, education, and professional exchange in three of the world’s most diverse and dynamic regions.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150115/169570

Building on MAP’s legacy, Sara Raza will work closely with the Guggenheim’s curatorial staff for a two year residency to research and acquire recent artworks by artists of Middle Eastern and North African origin that represent the most salient artistic and cultural practices of the region. Artworks chosen by Raza will enter the permanent collection and form the basis of an exhibition that will open at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 2016, before traveling to the region. She will also collaborate with education staff, as well as contribute to the project’s website.

Ms. Raza was nominated by a committee of esteemed experts on this region: Sam Bardaouil, independent curator, art historian, performance practitioner, and co-founder of Art Reoriented; Okwui Enwezor, Director, Haus der Kunst, Munich, and Director of the Visual Arts Sector for the 56th Venice Biennale; Reem Fadda, Associate Curator, Middle Eastern Art, Abu Dhabi Project, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation; Yael Reinharz, Executive Director, Artis; Nada M. Shabout, Professor and Director, Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute, University of North Texas; and Christine Tohme, independent curator and founding director of Ashkal Alwan – The Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts, Beirut.

About Sara Raza
Sara Raza holds a Masters in Art History and Theory (20th Century) from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Royal College of Art. She is the desk editor for West and Central Asia of ArtAsiaPacific magazine, and Head of Education and Public Programmes and Curator of the upcoming 2015 Public Art Festival, organized by Yarat Contemporary Art Space. Over the past ten years, Ms. Raza has organized numerous exhibitions at institutions including the Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah and Alaan Artspace in Riyadh. Ms. Raza co-curated Rhizoma, an exhibition of Saudi Arabian artists commissioned by Edge of Arabia at the 55th Venice Biennale (2014), along with several other international exhibitions at biennials and festivals. Ms. Raza has also served on several educational advisory boards and was a curator of public programs at Tate Modern (2006–08).

About Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative
The Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative is a multiyear collaboration that charts contemporary art practice in three geographic regions—South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa—and encompasses curatorial residencies, international touring exhibitions, audience-driven education programming, and acquisitions for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s permanent collection. Launched in April 2012, the MAP initiative has brought more than ninety important artworks in all media into the museum’s collection under the auspices of the Guggenheim UBS MAP Purchase Fund, created new educational models with collaborators Asia Society Hong Kong Centre and NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore, and reached hundreds of thousands of visitors through digital initiatives such as the interactive content aggregator MAP Navigator, the Currents educational archive, and online discussion forums. The initiative builds upon and reflects the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation’s distinguished history of internationalism, significantly increases the museum’s holdings of art from these dynamic communities, and makes contemporary art, practice, and education accessible on a global scale.

MAP Website: guggenheim.org/MAP
UBS Website: ubs.com/Guggenheim
Social Media: guggenheim.org/social
#GuggUBSMAP

For publicity images, visit: guggenheim.org/pressimages

Health Care

AmCham South China Member Companies Battle Poverty in Guangdong’s Meizhou City; Donated Goods Worth RMB 1,216,006 Delivered

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Additional RMB 550,000 in Cash Donations from Mead Johnson and other Members to Save Lives of Orphans in Need of Life-Saving Medical Surgery

MEIZHOU, China, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) as part of its AmCham-Mead Johnson Charity Effort, yesterday brought a large group of business and community leaders including executives from multinational corporations to Chang Yuan Village to deliver material support to the impoverished villagers.

AmCham South China 2015 Charity Event

AmCham South China 2015 Charity Event
AmCham South China 2015 Charity Event

AmCham South China 2015 Charity Event

Under the administration of Meizhou City, Chang Yuan Village has a population of 3,125 individuals, approximately 20 percent of whom are “poverty-stricken” by official measurements. AmCham South China’s collection efforts have resulted in material worth over RMB 1,216,006, including clothing, bedding, hygiene products, educational materials and toys.

AmCham South China’s mission to the village was augmented by a team of medical professionals from the Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, who offered free on-site medical checkups and consultations to the villagers. Also, to achieve sustainable development, potential investors and experts were invited to join the delegation for investment inspection during the visit to the village.

As part of its overall charity activities this year, AmCham South China also coordinated the donation of more than RMB 550,000 in cash to the Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation which was donated by chamber member Mead Johnson Nutrition and Canton Tower Color China Restaurant Co., Ltd.; these funds will be used to save lives of orphaned children in need of immediate life saving surgery, and help raise Chang Yuan Village above the poverty line.

Guangzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries of Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Bureau, Guangzhou Charity Association of Guangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, and Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation were partners of American Chamber of Commerce South China in the AmCham-Mead Johnson Charity Effort this year.

This is the fifth consecutive year that AmCham South China has collected donations on behalf of impoverished villages in the relatively affluent Guangdong Province. Last five years’ effort channeled donations total valued at over RMB 5 million.

About The American Chamber of Commerce in South China

The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Certified in 1995 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C., AmCham South China represents more than 2,300 corporate and individual members, is governed by a fully-independent Board of Governors elected from its membership, and provides dynamic, on-the-ground support for American and International companies doing business in South China. In 2014, AmCham South China hosted nearly 10,000 business executives and government leaders from around the world at its briefings, seminars, committee meetings and social gatherings. The American Chamber of Commerce in South China is a fully-independent organization accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. All AmChams in China are independently governed and represent member companies in their respective regions.

The mission of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China is to promote the development of trade, commerce and investment between the United States and the People’s Republic of China with a special focus on South China; to provide a forum in which member businesses can identify their common interests and discuss solutions for common problems; to work with and advocate member interests with relevant organizations in South China, elsewhere in China and the United States, and to set the standards for corporate social responsibility for the community that the Chamber serves.

About Mead Johnson Nutrition China Ltd

Mead Johnson Nutrition China was founded in 1993. Our manufacturing facility is located at Dong Ji Xia Yuan Road of Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone. It covers an area of 60,000 square meters and boasts some of the world’s most advanced production processes and technology. Currently, the company’s sales network is established in 29 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities nationwide.

Mead Johnson strives to advance its leadership role as part of the healthy growth of the entire pediatric nutrition industry. The company has operated strictly under its first-to-market “All-Rounded Safety” quality management model and GMP standards across its manufacturing, supply chains, storage and distribution networks. Having been awarded ISO9001:2000 certification, Mead Johnson China adheres to HACCP principles, meets national food safety and hygiene standards, and complies with all World Health Organization and U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations for infant formula.

With deep roots in China extending back 21 years, Mead Johnson is committed to delivering professional care and support to Chinese consumers in need by providing high quality nutritional products for pregnant women, infants and children and sharing advanced knowledge through various customer activities to enhance the awareness of the importance of early childhood nutrition by young Chinese parents.

About Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center

Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center (GWCMC) was established with the integration of the former Guangzhou Children’s Hospital and former Guangzhou Maternity Health Care Center. Covering an area of 37 thousand square meters and a built-up area of 130 thousand square meters, the hospital is equipped with 1400 beds. Among the 2603 staff, 282 is holding senior titles, 573 has received master level education or above and 47 of them are MD or MS mentors. In December 2012, GWCMC became the first public hospital in southern China to earn JCI accreditation. 

Year 2013 witnessed 3.69 million outpatient visits, 73,200 discharges and 44,300 surgical operations. The hospital has evolved to be a high-level, comprehensive and multi-disciplinary health care institution, integrating the function of medical and healthcare, prevention, research and education.

“Caring for women and children with benevolence and expertise” remains at the core of the hospital’s mission. Our culture stems from the motto of “Integrity, Professionalism, Endeavor and Diligence”, and core value of “Love, harmony, prudence and practical”.

About the Guangzhou Charity Association-Guangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau

Founded in 1994, Guangzhou Charity Association is a registered citywide charitable society group approved by the municipal government. It is also a member of China Charity Federation.

The aim of the association is to promote the spirit of humanitarian, to contribute to poverty alleviation, to help people with less fortune and people in need, which indicates the progress and development of the society.

The mission of the organization is to host various charity events, to receive donations from at home and abroad, to assist the government to promote philanthropy, to establish different charity service institutions, and to host charity exchange events at home and abroad.

Since establishment, the award-winning organization contributed a lot to charity promotion, fund raising, emergency rescue, poverty alleviation, medical assistance as well as educational assistance which all yield great results. Till the end of 2013, the fund collected has reached 2.39 billion yuan, and the donated fund by the association has added up to 2.12 billion yuan.

About the Guangzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (GZPAFFC)

The GZPAFFC is a division of the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office, which is overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Association’s primary duties include the implementation of national foreign affairs-related guidelines and policies, liaising with international non-governmental and economic organizations on behalf of the municipal government, the reception of visiting personnel and delegations from the same, the organization of outbound goodwill delegations, and “[the execution of] other tasks as instructed by the CPC Guangzhou Committee and Guangzhou Municipal Government.”. More information about the Association can be found on the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office website (www.gzwaishi.gov.cn/Item/3993.aspx).

About Changyuan Village

Located in the west of Zhuanshui Town of Wuhua, a famous hometown of Chinese expatriates, Changyuan Village boasts 124.5 hectares of arable land, 68.9 hectares of which are paddy fields. Covering a mountain area of 134 hectares, Changyuan Village is home to 620 households, with the total population reaching up to 3,125. The villagers earn their livelihoods basically by growing rice locally and laboring as migrant workers outside the village. A preliminary household survey shows that 119 households of the village (627 people) currently live below the poverty line, accounting for 19.2% and 20.1% respectively of the total household number and the total village population. These 627 poverty-stricken villagers are thus designated as the focus of assistance in this new round of poverty-alleviating effort. The village is home to one primary school, namely, Changyuan Primary School, with 310 students and 16 teachers.

About Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation

Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation (Hereinafter referred to as GYDF) was founded in May 4th, 1994. This public foundation was co-founded by Guangzhou Committee of China’s Communist Youth League, Guangzhou Youth Federation and Guangzhou Working Committee of Young Pioneers. GYDF aims to rally fund and materials support for development of teenagers’ career by connecting with enterprise & public institutions, social organizations, other organizations and individuals home and abroad; to carry on helping orphans and the poor in their study; to develop First Aid service; to subsidize all districts and institutions to hold various activities which benefit for teenagers’ physical and psychological health; to support and promote studies of teenagers’ problems; to award excellent teenagers and social organizations and individuals who make contribution to teenagers’ career.   

Since its establishment, GYDF has taken an active participation in social welfare with support from different sectors of society. It promotes “Help the Disadvantaged”, devotes to building a harmonious society, dedicates in helping poor students to learn. When the whole nation was faced with natural disasters, GYDF united and led municipal youth to devote in earthquake relief. This manifests noble spirits of Guangzhou great love. Meanwhile, it has received guidance and assistance from central, provincial and municipal authorities.

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150107/0861500072-a
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150107/0861500072-b