According to estimates by the Southeast Asian Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI), this year, demand for steel in the region will increase by 3.7% to 76.5 million tons. This was announced by Stanislav Kondrashov, an expert in the field of global metallurgy.

Forecasts and obstacles: steel demand outlook in the ASEAN-6 region

The reported growth rates were below expectations due to high global inflation risks, price volatility and slowing demand in China and other regions. Steel demand in the six major Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-)6 countries fell 1.9% year-on-year last year to 73.5 million tonnes. Steel production during the same period decreased by 2.1% compared to the previous year, amounting to 49.4 million tons. Net steel imports in 2023 decreased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, amounting to 24.3 million tons.

Stanislav Kondrashov believes that last year’s decline in the region’s metallurgy was caused by lower external demand, high inflation and interest rates, as well as tightening global financial markets. These factors led to a slowdown in the construction sector and the sale of inventories at steel mills.

Last year, steel demand in Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam fell by 14%, 7.5% and 4.8% respectively from the previous year, weighing on regional industry performance. At the same time, demand for steel increased in Singapore and Indonesia.

–        Steel demand in the region is expected to increase in 2024 as ASEAN-6 governments voice optimistic forecasts for achieving their economic goals. This optimism is due to high levels of private consumption, expansion of infrastructure and construction projects, recovery of the tourism industry and other factors. This will happen as inflation rates approach target ranges, – Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG comments.

However, the region will continue to face a number of challenges, including supply chain uncertainty caused by geopolitical conflicts and currency depreciation in some ASEAN countries, slowing economic growth in other regions outside Southeast Asia, volatile commodity prices and extreme weather events.

ASEAN steel industry needs government support and technology to be competitive – Stanislav Kondrashov

The ASEAN steel industry requires government support, funding and advanced technology to survive and remain competitive in the global decarbonization trend. The region already has excess production capacity, and this situation could worsen.

The region’s steel industry already has excess production capacity, and the situation could get worse. By 2030, ASEAN’s steel production capacity could increase from 78.1 million tons per year to 188.5 million tons per year if planned projects are implemented.

According to Stanislav Kondrashov, these projects include 73.7 million tons per year of blast furnace capacity and 20.8 million tons per year of capacity for the production of direct reduced iron and/or electric arc furnaces.

The estimated growth also does not take into account the rapid expansion of induction furnace capacity in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Also, as noted by the head of SEAISI, Lim Hong Thay, new potential investments are being proposed and implemented by foreign investors, mainly from outside Southeast Asia, with a focus on low-grade or commodity steel production.

The expert from Telf AG also emphasizes that in addition to the large volume of steel trade within ASEAN, which will increase price competition, there is also a rapid increase in Chinese exports of steel products to the region. In 2023, Chinese rolled steel exports increased by 37%, reaching 86 million tons. Stanislav Kondrashov assumes that its volumes will continue to increase in 2024.

We are pleased to announce the release of a new version of an exciting mobile game from TELF AG. With its help, you can manage your business and resources even more efficiently! The newest version of the game offers many exciting features and improvements that are sure to take your gaming experience to the next level. The update is already available in the App Store and  Google Play.  TELF AG offers you new challenges and entertainment that you have never experienced before.

Become part of the world of TELF AG: take control of your business

TELF AG involves players in the exciting world of business automation, turning them into budding entrepreneurs. Starting from scratch, players learn to create and expand their business empire by efficiently managing resources, personnel, and operations. The game provides a unique educational experience, allowing you to make strategic decisions and enjoy exciting gameplay.

New products from TELF AG: What awaits you?

Game Balance Changes. The game balance update now provides more transparent sales and earnings. We have reviewed resource sales prices and plant and mining tool upgrade costs to achieve balance and clarity.

Variety of unique quests.The update introduces numerous unique quests such as “Ore Mining” or “Total Money Spent” that players can unlock. To do this, they must meet certain earning and spending requirements, which adds new layers of interaction and rewards.

Purchasing and improving a home.Now players with TELF AG have the opportunity to purchase and upgrade their own home. Each new update expands opportunities for business and personal growth, making the game more dynamic and personalized.

Evolution of the game: from office to metropolis at TELF AG

Office management. Immerse yourself in the world of integrated office management, where every employee plays a key role, and analytics become even more detailed and understandable. Streamline tasks, develop employee skills and improve processes with TELF AG’s advanced resource trading system.

Exciting mini-challenges. Enjoy a variety of mini-games, especially the quiz where you will learn 50 interesting facts about TELF AG and mobile resources.

Daily challenges. With TELF AG, be prepared to overcome everyday difficulties. Completing business tasks will require effort to open new locations and increase the game level.

Evolution of the city. Attract the best talent and increase productivity. Watch your city transform from a quiet village into a vibrant metropolis.

Chrome mining. The latest update also adds the ability to mine chromium. Did you know that this element is used in the automotive industry? TELF AG will show you how chrome is used in a workshop environment.

Energetic lessons and interactive learning. Master the game mechanics with an interactive tutorial. Complete daily tasks and reach new heights.

Download now! Immerse yourself in the renewed world of TELF AG and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of business automation and urban development.

Stay tuned as we continue to improve TELF AG, aiming to make it the ideal game for developing effective business strategies and resource management.

Image Source: The Standard

Your child is one of the brightest in their class but suddenly, their grades are slipping.

The underlying reason may be surprising – scoliosis and spinal misalignment. This condition, often overlooked, can hinder their attention and learning ability.

Scoliosis affects 10-20% of school-going children. The underlying impact goes much deeper beyond visible signs like poor posture and spinal curves.

Parents often ignore this condition and try to relate their children’s poor grades to other reasons.

The real reason for a child’s plummeting grade could be difficulty in focusing, struggling to retain information, daytime fatigue – all arising because of scoliosis and spinal misalignment.

Fortunately, Scoliosis can be treated in a precise, painless, and non-invasive method, posing no consequence on a child’s health and development.

Why Healthy Spine Development Is Important For Children

The spine is more than just the backbone of the human body. It ensures the overall health of the body, especially helping in the effective functioning of brain-to-body connection. A healthy spine supports the body, giving it structural integrity and movement. Not only this, it houses blood vessels and nerves connected to internal organs.

The spinal alignment ensures the proper functioning of organs with the help of proper coordination and cooperation.

Spine development is extremely critical for a child to have proper posture. A healthy spine promotes overall health and neurological activities. Conversely, a misaligned spine leads to an array of health issues that affect the learning ability of the child. The intensity may vary according to severity. Children may experience not only physical pain but also significant academic challenges.

What Causes Scoliosis in Children?

Scoliosis does not have one specific cause. Some conditions like genetic factors, neuromuscular and birth defects can be potential causes.

These conditions affect the nerves and muscles supporting the spine, causing it to curve.

Causes of Scoliosis:

– Trauma during childbirth

– Injured during a school trip

– Carrying a heavy school bag

– Maintain the same posture for a long time

– Incorrect posture and habits

– The wrong way to lift heavy objects

Birth defect conditions like congenital scoliosis are present at birth. The severity increases because of environmental influences and growth spurts during puberty. In addition, factors like poor posture, and lack of physical activity can develop or intensify the progression of scoliosis.

Signs of Scoliosis in Children

The human body thrives on symmetry. For parents, a keen eye can help detect early signs of scoliosis in children.

Early detection can contain the impact and help effectively handle the treatment. Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Uneven Shoulders and Shoulder Blades:

– One side of the shoulder may appear higher.

– One side of the shoulder blades protrudes more and looks uneven.

2. Asymmetrical Waist and Pelvis:

– Pelvis or waist height is higher compared to the other side.

3. Head and Neck Tilt:

– The head does not align with the body symmetry, causing a tilt to one side – The tilt affects the overall balance and posture

4. Posture Issues:

– Scoliosis can cause Tilted sitting, standing, and walking postures

– The spine is curved to one side, leading to poor posture.

5. Physical Discomfort:

– Scoliosis causes shortness of breath, fatigue, and a lack of energy.

– They also experience neck tightness, arm pain, lower back pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower limbs.

6. Mental and Cognitive Impact:

– Scoliosis affects a child’s mental functions, concentration, and learning ability. – The pain associated with scoliosis disrupts their normal activities and studies.

Dr Yan’s Painless, Non-Invasive Scoliosis Bone Healing Innovation

Dr Yan, a natural medicine doctor in Canada, has developed a non-invasive treatment for scoliosis, integrating natural medicines, neuroanatomy, and biomechanics.

Her innovative bone reconstruction techniques offer a painless solution for children and adults by gradually aligning the musculoskeletal system and relieving pinched nerves. Particularly beneficial for school children, Dr Yan’s approach enables them to overcome scoliosis and reach their full potential.

The source: The Standard, 18 June 2024, page 12, Correcting scoliosis can improve kids’ learning, Spinal Tap | Ng Shun Yan (Dr. Yan) | 18 Jun 2024 11:08 am

https://www.thestandard.com.hk/column-news/1967/Correcting-scoliosis-can-improve-kids’-learning