Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter

by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2023 | Business

Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter

Elon Musk on Tuesday lifted a ban on political ads put in place at Twitter to thwart misinformation before the billionaire bought the platform now called X.

Welcoming back potentially misleading political messages at X came less than a week after former president Donald Trump posted there for the first time since January 2021.

Trump posted his police mugshot after his arrest in Georgia, signaling his return to a platform that was his favorite bullhorn during his years in the White House.

It was his first post since several days after the insurrection at the US Capitol that saw an enraged mob of his supporters attempt to block Joe Biden’s certification as president.

The then-Twitter permanently suspended Trump after the January 6 riot, ruling he had violated the platform’s policy on glorifying violence as he pressed his false claims that the election was stolen from him.

Musk, who bought the platform last year, reinstated the former president in November 2022, but Trump stayed away, choosing to reach his followers on his own platform, Truth Social, albeit with a much smaller audience.

X said in a blog post that allowing political ads, starting in the United States, was “building on our commitment to free expression.”

X policies prohibit promotion of false or misleading information, including bogus claims intended to undermine confidence in an election, the blog contended.

Trump’s recent mug shot post came with a caption reading “Election interference.”

A judge on Monday set March 4, 2024, for Trump’s election subversion conspiracy trial — placing one of the biggest criminal cases in American history at the height of the next White House race.

X said it is expanding its safety and elections teams to focus on combating manipulation of the platform and will provide an online center where political ads can be reviewed.

Musk slashed staffing after buying Twitter, raising concerns about its ability to moderate content and reliably function.

X said it is updating its Civic Integrity Policy for safeguarding elections to tackle content meant to intimidate or deceive voters while aligning with a Musk’s philosophy of letting people say what they want.

“X shouldn’t determine the truthfulness of disputed information,” the platform said in the blog post.

“Rather, we should empower our users to express their opinions and openly debate during elections, in line with our commitment to protecting freedom of expression.”

Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis

by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business

Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis

Nestled within the expansive 3,500-hectare Villar City is Forresta, a visionary modern residential community that promises an exquisite fusion of urban sophistication and tranquil natural surroundings fit for the affluent few. This massive 119-hectare community in Alabang, the first ultra-luxury project being developed by Brittany Corp., presents a complete mix of components that will ensure a distinct, sophisticated, and vibrant lifestyle for its future residents.

Opulent oasis

Amid a million lush trees and landscaped pocket gardens, this “city in the forest” will be home to premium grade, high-rise office towers in what will soon be a dynamic central business district (CBD), upscale residential condominiums, ultra-exclusive residential lots and leisure hubs—all cradled in an opulent oasis you can readily access right outside your doorstep.

Add to that the thoughtfully designed eco-smart homes and residential buildings, energy-efficient lighting solutions within the community, availability of a seamless internet fiber connection, and a 24/7 secure and fully electric perimeter fence with RFID subdivision gates.

The most discerning investors of Vista Land & Lifescapes’ luxury residential arm have thus sought to quickly claim a piece of this beautiful exclusive oasis as this premier themed community is poised to ensure elegance, safety, convenience and exclusivity. It offered limited lots, with sizes ranging from 857 sqm to 1,461 sqm, equivalent to only five lots per hectare, thus making it a truly prominent address reserved for the well-heeled.

Redefining eco-luxury

A remarkable aspect of Forresta’s allure would be the abundance of verdant landscapes.

Fifty percent of the community’s expanse will be devoted to green spaces, including the enchanting Forresta Fields and Forresta Park. Beyond aesthetics, this greenery-rich community will also contribute to enhanced air quality and promote healthier lifestyles. The lushness of green spaces here can foster a sense of community while providing a serene environment that can help soothe senses and encourage outdoor activities.

Elevating lifestyles

Beyond its verdant allure, Forresta will further elevate your lifestyle through its array of modern amenities and sustainable infrastructure. With its thoughtfully planned spaces for recreation, relaxation, and socialization, residents can expect a holistic lifestyle catering to diverse tastes, needs and preferences.

This vast promising community will likewise place its future residents in an exceptional location, enabling them to find the right balance between tranquil and dynamic living.

Forresta readily connects you to Metro Manila and key locales in South Luzon through major road networks including Daang Hari Road, Daang Reyna Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway (MCX). Strategically located transport hubs and the availability of public transport will further ensure easy access to educational centers, health institutions, golf and country clubs, and lifestyle hubs like Evia Lifestyle Center.

Thriving nexus of growth

Most notable to point out is the fact that Forresta will rise within Villar City, the new center of gravity of Metro Manila.

Spanning 15 towns and cities in Metro Manila and Cavite province, Villar City is envisioned to become Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, a thriving nexus where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities will converge.

As the ambitious legacy project of self-made tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr., Villar City will be a massive masterplanned integrated development composed of 15 satellite cities which are seen to complement one another to provide residents, entrepreneurs, and companies with a conducive environment, be it for growing careers, for raising families, or for expanding businesses. These planned cities will include a modern CBD, a Tech Valley, a university town, and a premier lifestyle hub, among others, set amid verdant landscapes with some 1 million trees.

An address of prestige, privilege

To be in Forresta thus means having the privilege to be part of a visionary estate that is Villar City—an emerging multifaceted, multifunctional development that will be in a class of its own. To be here also means having a prestigious address that will allow you to enjoy the multitude of benefits that come only with locating in such a modern, thriving, upscale city.

Without a doubt, Forresta delivers a privilege that’s second to none. With all the plans and developments underway, your best bet is here in Forresta.

Touted as Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, the 3,500-hectare Villar City is an emerging masterplanned development comprising 15 satellite cities, all poised to cater to the multifaceted lifestyles of today’s urban dweller. For more information on Forresta and Brittany’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Is Emissions Tracking & Reporting in the Shipping Industry Feasible?

by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business

Is Emissions Tracking & Reporting in the Shipping Industry Feasible?

The world is warming up and there is no doubt that it’s time to act now. Political powers discuss the issue widely and communicate climate changes to the public on a regular basis. However, do people really understand what can be done to reduce and/or offset?

From the regulatory perspective point of view, the International Maritime Organization has brought in new targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2050. Besides, with the introduction of the Poseidon Principles and Sea Cargo Charter, the regulatory landscape for the shipowners is changing as they have to report how much emissions they are creating. Shipowners who are aware of the changes and can manage to report their emissions will have a huge commercial advantage over those who will be catching up with the leaders. 

The ability to measure the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by each vessel has traditionally been calculated after the event, therefore if the ship has reached its emission target, then it is too late to do anything to fix it. Currently, if such emissions reporting is being done at all, the user will have to browse through multiple reports, input info to a spreadsheet or a system, and then process the data manually. Such a time-consuming process, which requires much effort, is not what business owners expect in the digital era.

Vasco Systems has developed a Software as a Solution (SaaS) and Platform as a Solution (PaaS), which not only manages the day-to-day voyages and movements but also enables the shipowners the ability to view their CO2 emissions before, during and after the voyages, and empowers them to take the appropriate action in reducing CO2 output and meet the IMO targets. Moreover, when targeting CO2 output production, it also means reducing fuel usage, so the shipowners will benefit from reducing total costs. 

The SaaS maritime system has been designed to allow the users to create the necessary reporting documentation without changing their current systems. Vasco software can be used as a plugin with drag and drop functionality, so there will be limited change management. The PaaS offers an emissions reporting and forecasting tool that operates seamlessly without the need for ship sensors or any system installation.

Each vessel has its own fuel profile, therefore fuel agnostic, and the system will then calculate the forward consumption and convert it into emissions measurements. The shipowner can either pass on accountability for the emissions reporting onto the charterer or take care of the emissions themselves, therefore creating a green voyage. Having the ability to offset emissions allows the users to become carbon neutral before a metric ton of fuel has been burned ahead of time. 

By leveraging Vasco’s maritime software, shipowners and charterers can proactively improve their environmental compliance and operational efficiency. As an increasing number of trading companies engage in the purchase and sale of carbon offset cargoes, having an emissions functionality should become a standard practice, playing a crucial role in advancing the global decarbonisation agenda.

Our Mission
Vasco Systems mission is to technologise the maritime industry by delivering innovative all-in-one solutions that streamline voyage operations and offer end-to-end CO2 Emissions Management to move forward to a greener digitised world.

Such an ambitious aim can be reached via Vasco Systems platform, which enables shipowners and charterers to view their positions from a forward-looking perspective whilst still managing day-to-day operations in a digitised and efficient manner.

Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com
www.vascosystems.com