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Casbaa Satellite Group launching 18 June; conference in Singapore
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) will formally launch the Casbaa Satellite Group on 18 June in Singapore with a one-day conference featuring a keynote address from Douglas Kahn, president and CEO of PanAmSat, as well as the participation of senior executives from SES Astra, Boeing Space, Americom Asia-Pacifc, Shinawatra Satellite, AsiaSat, STAR Group, New Skies Satellite, AOL Time Warner and Binariang Satellite.
Among the papers that will be presented at the conference include: “Ten Years Ahead – Next Generation Satcoms” (speaker Randy Brinkley, president, Boeing Satellite Systems); “Broadband via Satellite – Prospects & Perils For Asia” (speaker Christopher Slaughter director Asia Pacific Communications Yankee Group);
“Financing In The New Era: Strategic Alliances, Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions.”
With the Iridium crash and potential failure for a large, multi-billion dollar market for handheld mobile satellite telephony, investors are becoming increasingly cautious.
* What is the current state of satellite financing in Asia?
* What is the financial outlook for broadband systems?
* What are the various means to obtain financing?
“Broadband Content Over Satellite.”
A key element in the future of the communications industry lies in rich media with ‘infotainment’ applications and services coming online all the time. Many now believe that the network itself is far less important than the information or content carried over the network.
* How will telecom operators, communications service providers, ISPs, content providers, broadcasters and media define themselves within this new economy?
* To what extent will the new communications economy be based around content?
* What are the market implications? Satellite News Gathering (SNG)? * Where are the threats and opportunities?
“Fast Forward To The Future: Strategic Intelligence Now!”
Content is king but does not yet reign supreme. Content markets are developing rapidly, with traditional providers going online, new entrants and specialist distributors emerging and media players merging into the telecoms industry.
* Will the convergence between telecoms, ISPs , broadcast and media continue?
* If content is to be the new currency, how will it be valued and leveraged as a strategic weapon?
* Who are the players in the content value-chain?
* What is the role of content access in forging industry partnerships?
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
