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lucky cat mega jackpot results Asia forms the backbone of the world economy, powering vital supply chains from electronics hubs in Taiwan and South Korea to garment factories in Bangladesh. Yet, in recent years, disruptions such as semiconductor shortages, geopolitical tensions between China and the US, tensions in the Middle East and logistical bottlenecks have rippled across economies in Japan, Malaysia, and India. These issues reveal the fragility of global supply networks and highlight the pressing need for resilience. As Indo-Pacific nations forge pathways to recovery, there are lessons for countries like Bangladesh to navigate these global shifts effectively. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Semiconductor shortages became one of the striking examples, severely impacting industries reliant on electronics. Disruptions in chip manufacturing in Asia cascaded across global industries. Geopolitical tensions further compounded these issues, particularly trade disputes between the US and China, with tariffs and sanctions disrupting established supply routes. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and recent Middle East tensions rubbed salt into the wounds, increasing costs in energy and agriculture and causing shipping delays due to rerouting around conflict zones. These shipping bottlenecks led to higher fuel consumption, longer transit times, and more CO2 emissions, complicating sustainability efforts. Furthermore, labour shortages including visa restrictions -- particularly in the shipping industry -- highlighted the human dimension of supply chain fragility. The reliance on alternative transport modes, such as airlift and trucking, introduced further complications, including higher costs and logistical challenges. In response to these disruptions, Indo-Pacific economies have adopted a range of strategies to build resilience in their supply chains. One of these approaches has been diversification. Businesses have expanded their supplier bases across multiple countries to reduce reliance on a single region, minimizing risks associated with geopolitical tensions. Digitalisation has emerged as a cornerstone of supply chain resilience. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things are being employed to enhance visibility and efficiency. Automation and robotics are also being leveraged to mitigate risks associated with labour shortages and improve productivity. Sustainability has also become a central focus. Countries are increasingly adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing carbon footprints and integrating green technologies. This two-fold focus on resilience and sustainability positions the Indo-Pacific region as a leader in adapting to new global economic realities. For Bangladesh, these strategies offer valuable lessons. As the country seeks to strengthen its role in global supply chains, it can draw inspiration from its Indo-Pacific counterparts. Diversifying export markets and reducing overreliance on a few sectors, such as garments, will be crucial. Investing in technological upgrades, particularly in automation and digital infrastructure, can enhance productivity and competitiveness. Regulatory reforms in labour and environmental standards will align Bangladesh with international trade norms, paving the way for integration into trade blocs like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Bangladesh can also leverage its strong ties with the EU to modernise its infrastructure. The EU's Global Gateway initiative offers investment opportunities in ports, transportation networks, and digital infrastructure. By prioritising these areas, Bangladesh can navigate the challenges of global supply chains while positioning itself as a competitive player in the evolving economic landscape. For Bangladesh, embracing these strategies will not only address immediate challenges, but also lay the foundation for long-term growth. Strengthening resilience and sustainability in supply chains is not just an economic imperative -- it is a pathway to securing a more stable and prosperous future. The writer is chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd. This piece is the excerpt of a discussion at the recently held Bay of Bengal Conversation.If you are invested in the S&P 500 or even a global equities fund, you must be sitting on some very good profits. Returns from the MSCI World Index were also very good, only just slightly lower. The World Index too did well, largely driven by US stocks, which make up more than 70 per cent of the index. But what can investors expect from 2025 and how should they be positioned? Genevieve Cua, wealth editor of The Business Times speaks with Hou Wey Fook, chief investment officer of DBS Bank on the latest episode of WealthBT to garner his thoughts. Significant developments of 2024 First, the US presidential election - which saw Trump winning again - has potential implications for 2025 investment strategies. Secondly, the Federal Reserve pivoted from years of rate hikes to rate cuts. Lastly, the ongoing breakthroughs and the rise of artificial intelligence are impacting not just the technology sector, but all sectors of the global economy. With the enthusiasm surrounding AI lifting many US stocks, investors might wonder if it’s time to trim their US positions. Wey Fook shares insights on this question pointing out that companies such as NVIDIA, Amazon, Microsoft, and various software services and cybersecurity firms are leading the innovation charge. Asian market opportunities In contrast, Asian stocks also have their role, particularly in the manufacturing of complex chips by companies in Taiwan and Korea. Moreover, Asia is a fertile ground for dividend-yielding stocks like Singapore banks and Reits (Real Estate Investment Trusts), which offer consistent dividend payouts. Genevieve brought up the topic of risk premium and its current status given recent market performances. Wey Fook explained that risk premium is the additional return over cash deposits captured from bonds or stocks. While the risk premium has decreased, not all sectors are affected equally. Exploring the barbell approach Shifting to investment strategies, specifically the barbell approach which Wey Fook has long advocated. This approach involves constructing a portfolio with oversized positions in income-generating assets. He further expands on this in the podcast including how the strategy can withstand risk. He also shared valuable lessons from his 30 years of investment experience cautioning against frequent trading, which can lead to anchoring bias—where investors lock in profits too soon and miss out on greater long-term gains. Portfolio rebalancing In conclusion, strategists are emphasising the importance of maintaining US exposure while managing expectations for future returns. Individual portfolios should reflect unique objectives and proper asset allocation. Rebalancing portfolios by trimming equities can keep investments aligned with strategic goals. As the year unfolds, keeping a balance of risky growth assets and secure investments remains crucial. Listen to the full podcast for insightful advice and informed financial fluency from both host Genevieve Cua and Hou Wey Fook, chief investment officer of DBS Bank. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from BT Correspondents . For any thoughts or questions, reach out to the podcast team at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg . Written and hosted by: Genevieve Cua (gen@sph.com.sg) With Hou Wey Fook, chief investment officer, DBS Bank Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Genevieve Cua & Emily Liu Engineered by: Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times , SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: bt.sg/btcobt Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt Website: bt.sg/btcorresp Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

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By MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are back in first place in the NFC South and again in control of their playoff hopes. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed the poise in his first NFL start the Falcons will need to take advantage of their opportunity to end a six-year playoff drought. Powered by a big-play defense that produced two pick-6s, a solid starting debut by Penix and two rushing touchdowns by Bijan Robinson, the Falcons cruised past the hapless New York Giants 34-7 on Sunday. On Sunday night, the Falcons (8-7) received the assist they needed when Tampa Bay lost at Dallas . Because the Falcons swept the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage if they remain tied atop the division. The Falcons have games remaining at Washington on Sunday night and at home against Carolina to close the regular season. If Atlanta wins both games, it would win the division and have a home playoff game. The Falcons are assured of their best record since a 10-6 finish under coach Dan Quinn in 2017, their most recent playoff season. Quinn is in his first season as Washington's coach and has led the Commanders (10-5) to three straight wins, including Sunday's 36-33 victory over Philadelphia. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, was promoted after coach Raheem Morris benched Kirk Cousins. Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards with one interception on a pass that should have been caught by tight end Kyle Pitts. Penix is not a dual-threat quarterback, but he showed the ability to escape pressure in the pocket that Cousins lacks following his 2023 Achilles tendon injury. The left-hander's superior arm strength also was immediately obvious. What’s working Robinson's production provided a safety net for the offense which helped make for a smooth transition to Penix. Robinson had scoring runs of 2 and 4 yards. Robinson has rushed for 10 touchdowns this season. He's the first Atlanta player with 10 more more rushing touchdowns since Devonta Freeman during the 2016 Super Bowl season. Robinson ran for 94 yards on 22 carries and had 103 yards from scrimmage. His 11th game this season with at least 100 yards from scrimmage are the most for the Falcons since Warrick Dunn's 11 in 2005. Morris said Robinson deserves to be considered with Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley in discussions regarding the league's top running backs. “Bijan has been outstanding all year in the things that he’s able to do," Morris said. “He’s special. If it wasn’t for this other guy out in Philly, he’d get a lot more recognition across the league. But that guy is having a special year, and Bijan’s not far behind him.” What needs help With kicker Younghoe Koo on injured reserve and watching from the sideline, Riley Patterson was wide left on his first field-goal attempt from 43 yards. Patterson rebounded to make attempts from 52 and 37 yards. Stock up Jessie Bates III and Matthew Judon each had a pick-6 to highlight a day of big plays for the defense. Arnold Ebiketie had his fifth sack of the season and added a fumble recovery. Kaden Ellis added a strip-sack. He also has five sacks this season, including sacks in four consecutive games. It is the longest streak for Atlanta since Patrick Kerney had sacks in five straight games in 2001. Stock down There was some thought that a change at quarterback could be good news for Pitts, who often seemed to be missing in action with Cousins running the offense. After all, a tight end often is a natural target for quick passes from a rookie making his first start. Instead, Pitts had a poor start to the Penix era when he bobbled his first pass from the left-hander, creating an interception by cornerback Cor’Dale Flott. Pitts caught a 7-yard pass on his only other target. For the season, Pitts has 41 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns. Injuries There will be much interest in this week's injury report after WR Drake London (hamstring) was hurt in the second half. Morris provided an optimistic postgame outlook on London. CB Antonio Hamilton (quad) did not return after leaving the game in the first half. Key number 8: Bates has four interceptions and four forced fumbles. His combined eight forced turnovers lead the NFL. Next steps The game against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders is a reminder Penix was only the fourth of six quarterbacks selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Daniels, from LSU, was the No. 2 overall pick behind Caleb Williams by Chicago. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them."ITXPROS Announces Partnership with Digital Arches LLC to Offer OPTISPLINT Solution