Oxford University has decided to forgo further funding from Chinese tech giant Huawei as scrutiny grows in Europe over the telecom company's relationship with the Beijing government. Oxford University says it will "not pursue new funding opportunities" with Chinese telecoms group Huawei AFP/WANG ZHAO Huawei has been under fire in recent months with the arrests of a top executive in Canada and an employee in Poland, along with a worldwide campaign by Washington to blacklist its equipment. And in the latest blow for Huawei, Oxford University said it had decided it would "not pursue new funding opportunities" for both research contracts or philanthropic donations from Huawei and related group companies - though existing projects would continue. "We currently have two such ongoing projects, with a combined funding from Huawei of £692,000 (US$898,000)," a university spokesman said Thursday, adding that Huawei had been informed of the decision to turn away future funding. … [Read more...] about Oxford says no to additional Huawei funding
Halep confronts Venus as Serena and Djokovic resume Slam drive
Misfiring world number one Simona Halep tests herself against veteran Venus Williams in Australian Open third-round action Saturday (Jan 19) while sister Serena and top seed Novak Djokovic have easier tasks on paper. Romania's Simona Halep, who is returning from a herniated disc, has limped through her first two matches at Melbourne Park. (Photo: AFP/Jewel SAMAD) Halep, who is returning from a herniated disc, has limped through her first two matches at Melbourne Park, taken to three sets in both, and knows she will need to up her game to make the last 16. "Tough one, but for sure I'm not going to run that much," she said of facing the elder Williams sister, who is still going strong 21 years after playing for the first time at Melbourne Park. "Because it's going to finish fast, the points. She's a great player, champion. It's always a big challenge for me to face the sisters," she added ahead of the night match on Margaret Court Arena. Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus is … [Read more...] about Halep confronts Venus as Serena and Djokovic resume Slam drive
French rapper MHD charged with murder over deadly fight in Paris
French rapper MHD was on Thursday charged with murder over a fight that led to the death of a young man in July, his lawyer said in a statement. French rapper MHD has been charged with 'voluntary homicide' AFP/Leo MOUREN The 24-year-old Parisian performer, whose real name is Mohamed Sylla, "contests any involvement in this brawl", lawyer Elise Arfi said in the statement sent to AFP. She said she would appeal against the presiding judge's decision to hold her client in provisional detention. The rapper was detained along with three other suspects who were also charged over the incident in which a 23-year-old man died after having been stabbed and beaten in the French capital, in what a source close to the enquiry called "a settling of scores" between rival gangs. Sylla's lawyer said he had "never been involved in conflicts between rival gangs". MHD, a contraction of his first name Mohamed, is the self-proclaimed inventor of "Afro-trap", a new brand of hip-hop. He is best known … [Read more...] about French rapper MHD charged with murder over deadly fight in Paris
Vietnam “willing” to host Trump Kim summit: Report
Vietnam's premier has said his country is willing to host a much-anticipated second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The coastal city of Danang has been mentioned as a possible venue for the second Trump-Kim summit AFP/HOANG DINH Nam One of North Korea's top generals Kim Yong Chol is expected to meet with Trump at the White House on Friday to hash out details of a second meeting with Kim, including a potential venue. The second round of talks follow a historic summit in Singapore last year and are aimed at denuclearisation and ending decades of enmity between the two nations. READ: Highlights: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's historic summit Vietnam has cropped up in the swirl of rumours and conjecture over a possible site for the meeting, with the capital Hanoi or the coastal city of Danang seemingly the most likely bases for the summit. On Thursday Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said he would be open to hosting it. "We don't know … [Read more...] about Vietnam “willing” to host Trump Kim summit: Report
VIB”s 2018 pre tax profit rose four time in two years
Vietnam International Bank (VIB) has just announced its annual financial results of 2018 with before-tax profit jumping to VND2.741 trillion ($119 million), growing by 95 per cent against 2017 and 37 per cent higher than the projected plan. VIB is one of joint stock banks taking the lead in retail lending market share This is the second consecutive year VIB’s profit annual growth was almost doubled. Its revenue rose 48 per cent, in which interest income and non–interest income increased by 40 per cent and 92 per cent, respectively. Non-interest income contributed 20 per cent to the total revenue. The cost to income ratio (CIR) reached 44 per cent, an efficient level, which reduced by 13 per cent compared to last year. The return on average equity ratio (ROAE) sharply increased to 22.5 per cent, putting VIB among banks with highest ROE. Retail banking business continued making key contribution with revenue growing up by 90 per cent at VIB. Retail banking … [Read more...] about VIB”s 2018 pre tax profit rose four time in two years