15 women among 70 candidates to vie for 30 posts in DAP polls KUALA LUMPUR: 15 women are among 70 candidates vying for the 30 central executive committee (CEC) positions in DAP polls to be held on 16 March. The DAP national congress, attended by 4,203 delegates from 1,650 branches, will take place at Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam. DAP party constitution has allocated a gender quota of 30 per cent, or nine seats, for female candidates to ensure female representation in the CEC. In other ..

KASHGAR: Review of archaeological discoveries helps deepen understanding of history, report Fang Aiqing and Mao Weihua in Urumqi. Archaeological surveys and excavations in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region over the past year have yielded a new understanding of the regions rich history as well as of the legacy of the ancient Silk Road. Last year, the regions institute of cultural relics and archaeology undertook 135 projects involving archaeological surveys, explorations and excavations ahead ..

Thailand boosts Muay Thai trainer certification to meet global demand The Department of Skill Development (DSD) is ramping up efforts to certify professional Muay Thai trainers, following a directive from Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. This initiative aims to elevate the global standing of Muay Thai and attract foreign investment. Decha Prukpattanarak, director general of the DSD, disclosed that Ratchakitprakarn recently visited Santichai Fitness, a facility in Thailand that provides ..

Hands-free luggage service allows visitors to Japan to travel light, decrease congestion on trains NAGOYA: Hands-free luggage services that allow foreign visitors to Japan to travel light have begun to spread, with luggage being checked in at airports and train stations and delivered to their accommodations or destinations the same day. The number of foreign visitors to Japan reached a record high of an estimated 36.87 million last year. This increase has caused problems such as tourists ..

More than 70 candidates vying to be one of 30 central executive committee in DAP polls (Kuala Lumpur) More than 70 candidates are contesting for a post of central executive committee (CEC) in DAPs party election on 16 Mac. It is an intense fight among the 70 candidates to be elected as the CEC, which is made up of 30 members. National organising secretary Steven Sim will announce the list of contestants on 3 Mac (Monday). A total of 4,200 delegates will vote during the national congress held at ..

Over RM40m lost to scams in Johor in less than two months JOHOR BAHRU: Less than two months into 2025, scam cases in Johor have already resulted in losses exceeding RM40 million, marking a 55 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, says Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar. From January to 14 February, the commercial crime division of Johor police opened file for a total of 1,126 fraud cases, a surge of 399 cases or 55 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. ..

Philippine missionary schools looking for Chinese language teachers from Sabah KOTA KINABALU: Missionary schools in Manila and Palawan are inviting Chinese language teachers from Sabah to teach the language at primary and secondary schools there. Church-affiliated primary and secondary schools in the Philippines are promoting the Chinese language, and they plan to recruit Chinese language teachers from Sabah. Representatives from missionary schools in Manila visited Pei Tsin High School in ..

No quick fix solution for medical inflation, says Dr Dzulkefly KUALA LUMPUR: There is no quick fix formula for medical inflation, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. We can only request for a more transparent method called DRG (diagnostic related group) to list the prices, he said. DRG is a system payment used to regulate private hospital bills and curb healthcare costs. Dr Dzulkefly said this at Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, in reply to points raised on the Ministry of Health when ..

Poll: More than half of insurers plan to surrender their policies despite making successful claims, insurance premiums on the rise A health insurance policy eases ones financial burden on medical bills, but insurers are likely to surrender their health insurance policies despite making successful claims due to the spike in premiums. In a poll conducted by _Sin Chew Daily_ on the spike of insurance premiums, more than half of those who were successful in making insurance claims were financially ..

Mainland Chinese escaping stress set up home in Malaysia via MM2H scheme KUALA LUMPUR/PENANG: In her video posted on social networking platform Xiaohongshu, Shanghai-born Lauren Dai patiently explains in Mandarin how to order standard Malaysian fare like_ teh tarik_, _roti tisu_ (a thinner, crispier version of the traditional _roti canai_ or _roti prata_) and _mee goreng_ like the locals, while seated in a bustling mamak restaurant in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Ms Dai has been living in the ..

Will Singapores new Large Families Scheme spur more couples to have baby number 3 or more? SINGAPORE: Many older Singaporeans would remember the famous 1970s family planning slogan Girl or boy, two is enough. Almost 40 years after the campaign to get couples to stop at two children ended, successive generations of Singaporeans have somehow taken this slogan to heart but perhaps for different reasons. While financial considerations might have been a key factor for couples in the stop-at-two era ..

650,000 jobs likely affected by AI in next three to five years, says Gobind Singh PETALING JAYA: About 650,000 jobs are likely to be affected by AI in the next three to five years, says Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo. However, he said this does not mean that 650,000 jobs would be lost but the ministry is working closely with Human Resources Ministry to plan ahead by converting those affected to other sectors for new jobs. AI or artificial intelligence will replace jobs, but due to new and ..

As North Korea re-opens for tourism, visitors, including those from Singapore, are raring to go SEOUL: When Mr Rowan Beard stepped into North Korea recently, his very presence sparked a buzz. At first, the North Korean immigration official was like, You Russian? and I replied, No, Im Australian, and handed him my passport, said the tour manager, who has travelled to North Korea more than 100 times since 2012. The immigration officer immediately shouted to his colleagues, who then gathered ..

European troops, US support are part of an emerging plan for Ukraine. But it faces many hurdles Starmer, who will visit Thursday, has stressed that the force wont work without U.S. military might to back it up. Persuading Trump to provide it could be a tall order. In the absence of NATO membership, Zelenskyy has said that more than 100,000 European troops could be needed in Ukraine to guarantee the conflict does not flare up again after a ceasefire. But Western officials say whats being ..

Key sectors in China to welcome more foreign capital China encourages foreign businesses to expand investment in sectors including advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech industries and energy conservation, further advancing its economic openness and innovation-driven growth, government officials said on Thursday. Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, they said that China will soon introduce the 2025 edition of its industry catalog encouraging foreign investment. The new catalog ..

Vietnam overtakes Malaysia in the number of students studying in Taiwan universities KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam and Indonesia have overtaken Malaysia in the number of students studying in Taiwan universities. Based on the figures in 2023, 18,930 Vietnamese students were studying in Taiwan, followed by 10,100 Indonesians and 10,097 Malaysian students, according to Ministry of Education of Taiwan. For students pursuing non-degree programmes, Vietnamese ranked first with 27,491 students, followed by ..

South Korean adolescents spend over 11 hours a day sitting: report SEOUL: South Korean middle and high schoolers spend an average of more than 11 hours a day sitting, a study showed Monday, raising alarms about their severe lack of physical activity. A report published by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed that Korean adolescents aged 13 to 19 remained seated for an average of 11.02 hours a day on weekdays and 9.21 hours a day on weekends in 2023. In 2017, the figures ..

Why Korean society is so unforgiving to celebrities **Kim Sae-rons death latest example of South Koreas harsh treatment, judgment of celebrities** The death of former child actor Kim Sae-ron has once again reignited debate over South Koreas harsh and unforgiving nature toward public figures, particularly celebrities. Experts point to the nations deep-seated culture of relative deprivation as a root cause, fueling intense societal pressure on celebrities to maintain an image of perfection and ..

Live with a purpose: Formula for Tan Sri Dr T Deveraj to reach 100 years PENANG: _Ikigai_, a Japanese term which means live life with a purpose, is the formula for Tan Sri Dr T Deveraj to be a centenarian. You have a purpose in life, then life will take care of you, he said. A founding member of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and once the associations elected president, and Chairman of Penang Hospice Society he founded in 1992, Dr Deveraj turned 100 years old on 21 June last year. MMA ..

Surge of non-Chinese pupils at Chinese primary schools KANGAR: The surge in the number of non-Chinese pupils studying at Chinese primary schools is now becoming a unique trend turning schools into the best platform for national integration. Perils education director Roze Aza Che Ariffin said school is the best place for inter-racial integration and harmony for pupils to have friends from various ethnic groups, and a great help in interpersonal skills later in life. He believes non-Chinese ..

MAI to launch direct flight from Yangon to Penang in April Myanmar Airways International (MAI) has announced the launch of its direct flight from Yangon to Penang, scheduled to begin in April. Penang shares a historic cultural connection with Myanmar. George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Penang, is renowned for Malaysias best-restored and re-adaptive traditional architecture, as well as a multitude of heritage trades and arts. In addition to expanding its flight network, MAI has ..

Six months jail for Malaysian influencer turned money mule in Taiwan TAIPEI: A 31-year-old influencer from Malaysia has been sentenced to six months jail by Changhua District Court for working as a scam syndicate runner in Taiwan. Ady Hu, from Bentong, pleaded guilty to the charge, and was ordered to be deported after completing his sentence. Hu went missing in Taiwan on 11 December last year. His parents lodged a police report and sought help from Bilut state assemblyman Lee Chin Chen to look ..

JENJAROM: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shahs presence at Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple for the Selangor Chinese New Year celebration has received positive comments from various sectors. The Sultan of Selangors action has eased anxiety over remarks made by religious extremists recently. The Sultan of Selangor graced the Selangor Chinese New Year celebration held at Dong Zen Temple, attesting to his unwavering stand in defending multi-culturalism and religious diversity in Malaysia. Venerable Jue ..

Sin Chew Daily presents front cover on diversity to SultanSelangor KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah was presented a commemorative front cover as a token of appreciation from _Sin Chew Daily_ for his unwavering stand in defending multi-culturalism and religious diversity in Malaysia. Sultan Sharafuddin walked the talk by launching the state-level Chinese New Year celebration at Dong Zen Temple to deliver the message of inclusiveness and the importance of religious ..

Over 50 Malaysians seek help from Thai Embassy to rescue loved ones trapped in Myanmar KUALA LUMPUR: More than 50 Malaysians gathered at the Thai Embassy here in a petition seeking Thailands help to rescue their loved ones trapped in the infamous KK Park, the base of scam syndicates operating in Myanmar. Accompanied by Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, public relations Daniel Khoo and several others, about 30 families gathered in ..

Sandakan MP Vivian Wong to tie the knot on Valentines Day Sandakan : The Member of Parliament of Sandakan Vivian Wong Shir Yee is tying the knot with her childhood friend Lu King Chiew on Valentines Day. The elected representative posted on her Facebook a photo with the Chinese word indicating wedding as the backdrop and wedding gifts on the table with the message counting down 5 days. Lu, 36, is an accountant who runs his accounting firm in Sandakan while Wong, 36, the Sandakan MP since 2019. ..

Malaysian law minister discusses legal reforms with Cambodian justice minister The Law Minister of Malaysia met her Cambodian counterpart to discuss international legal cooperation and law reforms. Minister of Justice Koeut Rith held bilateral discussions with Dato Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Law & Institutional Reform), on February 10, during the latters one day visit to Cambodia. Discussions centred on strengthening legal cooperation and exploring ..

PETALING JAYA: The shortage of flu vaccines may ease in March as the number of people going for vaccination has spiked recently. _Sin Chew Daily_ learns that members of the public have complained about difficulty in getting influenza vaccination and many clinics are unable to ensure supply of the vaccine. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told _The Star_ that new supply of flu vaccines is expected to arrive in March and there is no need for panic. Many have turned to social media in ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is likely to declare a dividend rate of not more than 6 per cent for 2024. In an interview with _Sin Chew Daily_, local economic analyst Datuk Chua Tia Guan said the dividend rate is expected to be between 5.5 and 6 per cent. Although EPFs return of total investment increased by 20 per cent in the first nine month of 2024, Chua said the dividend rate is unlikely to exceed 6 per cent. Figures show that EPFs investment asset increased from RM1.09 ..

ASEAN tour groups granted 6-day visa-free to Xishuangbanna China's National Immigration Administration on Monday announced a visa-free policy for tourist groups from ASEAN countries visiting Xishuangbanna in Southwest China's Yunnan province. Such tourist groups, made up of at least two ordinary passport holders from the 10 ASEAN countries, can enter and leave China visa-free through the Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port and Mohan Highway port in Yunnan province, the ..

Singaporean non-profit helps parents in prison bond with their kids SINGAPORE: Ten men sat in a circle inside a room in Changi Prison Complex. Their hardened exteriors belied the nervous looks in their eyes. All of them were waiting for their children to pass through the many security gates of the prison, to finally walk through the doors of the room, in December 2024. One man looked especially anxious his son was one of the youngest among the children visiting. He was afraid his son would not ..

920 pigs infected with African swine fever culled in Selangor SHAH ALAM: A total of 920 pigs were culled by the Department of Veterinary Services in Selangor on Wednesday after they were found to have been infected with African swine fever (ASF). The source of infection is believed to be from other states. This is the first time raw pigs in Selangor have been infected with ASF. Prior to this, pigs in Penang, Perak and Sarawak tested positive for African swine fever, said Selangor infrastructure ..

Halal Yee Sang for Muslim teachers to celebrate CNY at Chinese school IPOH: Having spent 24 years teaching in vernacular secondary school SMJK Poi Lam, the school has a special spot in Roziah @ Nariah Yahayas heart. Hence, she is more than happy to accept a request from school principal Oh Eng Hwa to prepare halal _yee sang_ for the school again, even though she retired last year. When she received a call from Oh asking whether she would help prepare the halal _yee sang_, Roziah did not have ..

For 25 years, lion dance performance at Indian restaurant to celebrate CNY KOTA KINABALU: For the past 25 years, Restoran Salim, an Indian restaurant, has arranged for lion dance performances during Chinese New Year without fail. This year, the restaurant located at Lintas Plaza even extended the lion dance performance to entertain its patrons of all ethnic groups, especially the Chinese. The lion dance performance also included a lions enjoy eating roti canai session at the restaurant. Besides ..

Scam call centres crisis on agenda as Thai PM Paetongtarn heads to China BANGKOK Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will make a landmark official visit to China from February 5-8, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Her meetings with President Xi Jinping are expected to strengthen ties with focus on greater cooperation, including addressing a growing issue that has become a major challenge for the Thai government: call-centre scams. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and ..