The Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) issue has recently dominated the news. Thus, there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding around these. It's interesting to think about the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms. Well, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have been a controversial topic since they were invented. While some people are vehemently opposed to GMOs, others believe GMOs are a necessary part of modern agriculture. Why not consider the different sides of the GMO debate?

Essentially, genetically modified organisms are created through genetic engineering. This is done by making specific changes to an organism's genome. GMOs are then used to develop plants, animals and microorganisms. We can interrogate the different aspects of GMOs and the advantages and downsides of this process. Many admit that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have advantages that make them appealing to countless farmers and food producers.

For one, GMOs are often resistant to pests and diseases; this can save farmers money used on pesticides and other treatments. Additionally, GMOs can be engineered to have higher yields, which helps farmers produce more food with fewer resources. Also, GMOs can be designed to have desirable traits, such as enhanced flavour or longer shelf life. Ultimately, GMOs offer a versatile tool that farmers and food producers use to improve their products and operations.

There are other advantages of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). One is that they can help us produce more food with fewer inputs. For example, through genetic engineering procedures, we can have crops that are resistant to pests and diseases. This means we use fewer pesticides and herbicides; ultimately, it saves money and reduces environmental pollution. Another benefit of GMOs is that we can use them to create products with superior characteristics. For example, we can develop crops that are more nutritious or that survive longer. Also, we can create animals that are more resistant to diseases. In this scenario, GMOs have the potential to solve most of the world's food and health problems.

We've already noted that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms with their genetic material artificially altered in a laboratory. These organisms are often created to resist herbicides or pests; they can produce desired traits- like promoting increased yield. Also, GMOs can help us produce more food inexpensively. Crops that have been genetically modified to be herbicide-resistant can be sprayed with herbicides to kill weeds- without damaging the crop. Obviously, all these can lead to increased yields and less soil erosion. In this scenario, we realize that GMOs can help us create more nutritious foods. For example, golden rice has been genetically modified to contain higher levels of vitamin A; this can help prevent blindness and other diseases. In this context, GMOs can significantly benefit developing countries.

That isn't all GMOs can help us to create more environmentally-friendly products. For example, crops that have been genetically modified to produce less methane can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Potentially, GMOs offer several other benefits. However, it's important to remember that they come with certain risks, which should be carefully considered before making any decisions. As you realize, there are significant disadvantages associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). First and foremost, GMOs can create a negative impact on the environment. For example, if a GMO plant is grown in an area where there are already non-GMO plants of the same species, the GMO plant could cross-pollinate with the other plants and contaminate the gene pool. Tragically, this might lead to the extinction of non-GMO plants.

Another concern is that GMOs could have a negative impact on human health. Some people believe consuming GMOs could lead to health problems such as allergies, cancer, and even infertility. There is also the possibility that GMOs could create "superbugs" or "superweeds" that are resistant to herbicides and pesticides. These organisms could then spread and wreak havoc on the environment and human health.

Thus, obvious risks associated with GMOs need to be considered before they are widely used. Keep in mind that GMO products are often expensive to produce. Some genetically modified foods have been found to contain toxins that can be harmful to humans. By and large, the long-term effects of consuming genetically modified foods are not yet known. And the debate rages on.

India International Insurance will be launching i-Journey, their latest travel insurance policy, this October. With the launch of i-Journey, Singaporeans or Singapore residents can look forward to their upcoming travel with peace of mind. I-Journey not only provides an extensive range of coverage, such as terrorism, travel delays, child protection, loss of baggage or passport, personal money, home contents and many others, but also offers higher claim benefits at affordable premiums. In addition, i-Journey includes Covid-19 extended coverage. The extended coverage will consist of Covid-19-related benefits, such as incurred medical expenses, repatriation of mortal remains to Singapore and Country of origin for non-Singaporeans, travel cancellation, postponement, curtailment, overseas hospital expenses, overseas quarantine allowance, as well as any follow-up treatment once back in Singapore.

As travel borders all over the world are gradually opening, Singapore residents, who have not been able to travel for the past two years, will be excited to travel as the end-of-year holidays are getting closer. More than ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, many international borders require travelers to provide proof of sufficient travel insurance to be granted a holiday visa or entry.

The global pandemic has increased traveler's need for adequate protection and health coverage. More individuals and families are looking for insurance policies, especially travelling packages, that provide comprehensive solutions for all their concerns. However, the main challenge is purchasing a travel insurance policy with maximum coverage at an affordable price.

India International Insurance (III) has provided insurance solutions in Singapore and surrounding nations since 1987. Specializing in non-life insurance solutions, III has been providing individuals, family, and corporate clients an extensive range of insurance solutions, such as travel insurance, comprehensive coverage motor insurance, motor fleet insurance, personal accident insurance, home insurance, maid bond package, marine insurance, property insurance, engineering insurance, liability insurance, and surety insurance, among others. India International Insurance ensures that they provide tailored solutions at an affordable premium.

You can expect comprehensive travelling solutions within your means at India International Insurance with their product launch, i-Journey, which will be available from 15th October onwards, including Covid-19 coverage.

MSIG Insurance and Klook are collaborating in a distribution partnership to exclusively offer TravelCare insurance as an add-on when Singapore-based customers book travel-related activities and services on Klook's mobile app and website.

With over 25 benefits and three different plans to choose from, TravelCare is underwritten by MSIG Singapore and offers a competitive option for travellers to protect themselves from unforeseen disruptions to their trips.

Steven Leong, Senior Vice President, Retail Distribution, MSIG Singapore said, "We are excited to expand our travel insurance offering through Klook and further strengthen MSIG's existing online presence in the local market. As travel continues to rebound, we share Klook's commitment to bring joyful experiences by empowering their customers to explore new adventures with peace of mind protection."

C.S. Soong, VP, Corporate Development, Klook added, "Travel insurance has become non-negotiable in this new age of travel as consumers seek additional safeguards. Klook is delighted to partner with MSIG to exclusively launch TravelCare on our platform for our Singapore-based customers. As Singapore's leading travel and leisure e-commerce platform, we will continue to enable our customers to discover, book and purchase all they need during their travels from travel-related insurance to experiences and more."

Travellers will be able to purchase TravelCare in a seamless and intuitive way on the platform. They will also be able to choose from three different plans to best match their needs. Additionally, saved profiles on the Klook platform will allow repeat customers to make subsequent purchases in a hassle-free manner.

A leading general insurer with a local presence of over 100 years, MSIG Singapore offers an extensive range of insurance solutions for commercial and personal risk protection, enabling the security and safety of individuals and businesses. MSIG Singapore holds an A+/Stable financial rating by Standard & Poor's.

MSIG is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd, and a member of the MS&AD Insurance Group – one of the largest general insurance groups in the world with presence in 50 countries and regions globally, 18 of which are in Asia Pacific including all ASEAN markets as well as in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and India. Headquartered in Japan, MS&AD is amongst the top non-life insurance groups in the world based on gross revenue.

Klook is the leading travel and leisure e-commerce platform for experiences and services anytime, anywhere. We curate the most joyful experiences so that users can satisfy their relentless curiosity for adventure and experiences at home and around the world. With our website and app, users can experience a world of joy, from attractions, tours to local transportation and stays. Founded in 2014, we are here to inspire and enable more moments of joy through over 490,000 activities in over 1,000 destinations.

On 16 July 2022, 20 teenagers from vulnerable and challenging backgrounds, together with members of the Youth Crime Prevention Centre of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), presented 20 fashion collections they designed in collaboration with 76 students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), at the "#WYWT - What You Wear Tomorrow- Fashion Show".

The 20 teenagers glammed themselves up for the runway presentation of the designs they had worked on together with the PolyU students. The event vividly showcased the creativity and confidence of the participants through their creations and aimed to encourage more of our young generation to stay true in life.

The Show was co-organised by the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), (formerly known as the Institute of Textiles and Clothing), the PolyU Service-learning and Leadership Office and HKFYG. The idea was to unleash the teenagers' creative potential and enhance their self-confidence. The programme also allowed the PolyU students to apply the practical skills they had acquired on their courses and enhance their sense of social responsibility through serving the community.

The Show was held at the HKFYG Building and Officiating Guests at the kick-off ceremony included Prof. Raymond WONG, Interim Dean of the SFT; Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Science; Mr Wilson CHAN, Deputy Executive Director of HKFYG; Dr Joe AU and Dr Joanne YIP, Associate Deans of the SFT.

The project leader, Dr Jin LAM, who is also SFT Assistant Professor, said, "Through #WYWT', we hope that the young generation can develop the strengths and talent within themselves and in others, and learn to appreciate and have confidence in themselves.

"While connecting the community with the positive, we believe that by using fashion as a medium, through the co-designed outfits, both the teenage participants and the PolyU students would be able to fully express their own unique values and potential and pluck up the courage to face life's challenges."

Mr Wilson CHAN, Deputy Executive Director of HKFYG remarked that, "I am a firm believer that everyone has talent, and I am so happy that this student-led project has given all the participants the opportunity to showcase their creativity and imagination. To participate in a process that encompasses every level of fashion production, from ideation to presentation, and by weaving art and fashion together to highlight their stories, both the PolyU students and the Federation's teenage participants have gained a greater understanding of their strengths, thoughts and feelings. This will go a long way in building up their confidence and creativity.

Yi, who had dreamed of being a teacher when she was young, had to contend with a difficult family environment, filled with misunderstandings, bickering and high expectations, which resulted in her becoming extremely stressed and exhibiting extreme behaviour. Joining the #WYWT programme, Yi was able to realise her innermost thoughts through textile art and incorporated her concepts into clothing design. In addition, by applying the calligraphy skills that she had learned, Yi also expressed her feelings in exquisite literary style by writing a chrysanthemum poem to convey her hopes of pursuing her goals.

Hong grew up with a single parent lacking financial and spiritual support, turning him into an introverted personality. However, with his talent in sports and in particular cycling, Hong had always wanted to become a professional cyclist and wear cycling outfits he had designed himself to represent Hong Kong in international competitions. He was unable to do this without adequate resources and support. However, working with his team in the #WYWT programme, Hong was able to integrate his ideas into the clothing design. Thus, he was able to demonstrate his determination by overcoming challenges and difficulties, and express himself boldly through his design and styling, while engaging in a unique experience that he says has enriched his life.