British Council brings UK experts to the Creative Nation Summit 2024, driving the Philippines' creative economy vision

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The British Council, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is proud to host the Creative Nation Summit 2024. The event, which will take place from 30 September to 1 October 2024 at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila, will focus on creative technology, statistics, and creative placemaking to advance the Philippines' goal of becoming Southeast Asia's premier creative hub by 2030.

Through cross-sector collaboration between the private sector, artists, researchers, and policymakers, the event will explore innovative strategies to empower the creative industry as a leading economic driver. The summit will focus on creative technologies, placemaking, and statistics – all essential for fostering sustainable and vibrant communities. These themes emerged from the two UK missions, which brought Philippine-based policymakers and national government agency officials to learn from UK experts in the public and private sectors in cities like London, Bradford, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Dundee.

Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, the British Council Philippines’ Head of Arts, emphasized the summit's importance. “The Creative Nation Summit is a critical platform for collaboration, bringing together innovative minds from various sectors. It’s an opportunity to showcase the Filipino talent and strategize ways in which the Philippines can leverage its creative economy for sustained growth,” he explained.

UK experts to lead key sessions at the Creative Nation Summit 2024

For this year's summit, the British Council is inviting two distinguished UK creative industry experts to speak at the event:

Graham Hitchen, Director of the Loughborough University Policy Unit and co-director of the Creative Research and Innovation Centre, will deliver a keynote on The Future of Work and Play: Creativity and Technology in a Changing World on 30 September, 11:00 AM. Hitchen will delve into the transformative role of creative technology in shaping the future of industries and how the Philippines can harness this power to drive growth.

Tom Kihl, Managing Director of The Local Content Company (The Loco) and a cultural journalist for over two decades, will explore the role of Creative Placemaking in his talk on 1 October, 1:00 PM. Drawing on his work in the UK on projects like Hackney Wick's creative regeneration and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Kihl will discuss how placemaking can revitalise urban spaces and drive community engagement and economic development.

Both speakers will join the panel discussion on Challenges and Opportunities in CreaTech on 30 September at 3:45 PM, which will focus on how creative technologies can spark innovation and contribute to sustainable growth in the Philippine creative economy.

Strengthening UK-Philippine Collaboration in the Creative Industries

The British Council continues to strengthen its ties with the DTI through initiatives supporting the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) and the country's overall creative economy. The Creative Nation Summit directly results from the British Council and DTI's mission visits to the UK in 2023 as part of the organisations' three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

"Creative industries are recognised globally as a source of innovation, economic growth, personal well-being, and community cohesion. By building networks and supporting collaborations, we create long-term impact, mutual benefit, and greater international understanding between the UK and the Philippines. By working with DTI, we ensure that we actively contribute to the Philippines’ aspiration to become a creative hub in Southeast Asia," said Lotus Postrado, Country Director of British Council Philippines.

Join the Creative Nation Summit 2024

The Creative Nation Summit 2024 provides a unique opportunity to learn from global leaders in the creative industries, explore the role of creative technology, and gain insights into how collaborations can fuel the growth of the creative economy. Mark your calendars for 30 September to 1 October 2024, and be part of this significant event. Register here: https://events.dti.gov.ph/2024CNS

Online Libraries: Your Key to Information

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In a world where information drives innovation and progress, having quick access to knowledge is invaluable. Z library is a convenient way to access literature which opens doors to a vast array of books and academic materials. Whether for research, casual reading or self-development online libraries are more than just a modern convenience – they are essential tools for today’s learner. The flexibility they provide makes it easier than ever to find what you need when you need it.

The Advantages of Online Libraries

The ability to access books at any time from anywhere is one of the greatest advantages offered by online libraries. No longer are readers limited by physical spaces or operating hours. With a device and internet connection anyone can enter this virtual world of learning.

For instance students researching history or science enthusiasts searching for detailed studies on nature can explore endless resources without stepping out of their homes.

Online libraries often offer various formats as well. From e-books to audiobooks and interactive PDFs the choices are wide. People with different learning preferences can find something that suits them. These platforms often feature works from multiple languages which means the barriers that might have existed before in accessing foreign publications are now erased.

Features and Types of Online Libraries

Not all online libraries serve the same purpose. Some focus on general reading while others target specific fields such as academic research or professional development. E-libraries can be public or private depending on their use case. Public e-libraries like national archives provide access to a wide array of materials for free. Private platforms may focus on niche topics and charge a membership fee in return for specialized content.

A key feature of these digital spaces is the search function. Online libraries are equipped with powerful search engines allowing readers to locate specific topics or even individual chapters quickly. Whether searching for rare books or niche research papers these libraries simplify the hunt for knowledge.

Beyond simple reading e-libraries also offer annotation features. You can take notes highlight passages or bookmark essential sections within the platform. This transforms the reading experience into an interactive process where users not only absorb information but also engage with it on a deeper level.

The Downsides to Consider

Despite all these advantages online libraries come with a few drawbacks. For example staring at screens for long periods may not be comfortable for everyone. Though e-books are convenient some readers still prefer the tactile experience of holding a physical book.

Additionally not all resources may be available in digital format yet.

Another issue is the need for a stable internet connection. In areas where internet access is limited or expensive using online libraries could pose a challenge. While offline reading modes exist not all platforms offer this feature making constant connectivity a requirement.

A World of Learning Awaits

Ultimately online libraries are reshaping how we interact with knowledge. They offer unparalleled access to a range of materials that physical libraries could never match. Zlibrary for instance allows readers to dive into worlds of fiction, history science and beyond with ease. As more people discover the benefits of these platforms it’s clear they will continue to grow in importance. Whether you are a student professional or casual reader these digital hubs hold the key to unlocking countless opportunities for learning.

The next time you need information, think about exploring an online library. It’s a step toward a more knowledgeable future – where learning knows no boundaries and information is always within reach.

We Must Not Confuse Resilience with Tolerating Abuse

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A wise person once said that abuse persists because some people allow themselves to be mistreated. Those who are taken advantage of and undervalued often accept being diminished, enabling the cycle to continue.

Take, for instance, our experiences with overloaded public transportation—buses, jeepneys, tricycles, etc. We shouldn’t tolerate drivers or conductors who prioritize profit over passenger safety and comfort. By accepting overcrowding, we empower these individuals to continue disregarding safety standards. Let’s stop riding vehicles where passengers are forced to stand in aisles or cram into spaces, causing discomfort and inconvenience to others.

Modernizing public transportation shouldn’t be limited to upgrading vehicles. We need to reform the behavior of drivers and operators who exploit passengers. Discipline and fairness must be part of this transformation.

Similarly, we should reject overpriced products, particularly in fast-food chains. By refusing to support greedy businesses, we send a clear message that we won’t tolerate exploitation in any form.

True resilience isn’t about enduring abuse; it's about standing up against it. Let’s demand better—not just from our transportation system but from all sectors that seek to take advantage of us.