By Qin Feng in Xi'an and Chen Meiling / China Daily / ANN By Qin Feng in Xi'an and Chen Meiling / China Daily / ANN A patient with liver failure remains in stable condition two days after receiving a novel therapy using gene-edited pig livera treatment doctors at the Xijing Hospital in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, have heralded as a global medical first. The procedure, known as extracorporeal perfusion, involves connecting a patient's circulatory system to a pig's liver placed in a mechanical ..

Voters using AI to choose candidates in Japans upcoming general election TOKYO: An increasing number of people are using generative artificial intelligence to help choose which candidates or parties to vote for in the upcoming House of Representatives election. Although the technology has enabled voters to obtain information conveniently and efficiently, caution is needed, as AI-generated answers may be incorrect. People need to confirm whether the source of their information is trustworthy ..

Chinese nationals top the list in house purchase under MM2H, says Tiong KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,381 foreigners participate in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program so far. In reply to Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa at Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said Chinese formed the largest group, followed by Taiwanese and Singaporeans. Among them, 744, including 304 from China, purchased properties under the program, Tiong said, adding ..

Inside the blind box economy: Why we cant stop unboxing JAKARTA: After losing a couple of hours to doomscrolling through social media, I realized one of the most sought-after items in life today isnt a fancy car or a luxury handbag. Its an impossibly rare fidget toy: a glitter dumpling. I dont know where its sold, how it found its way into my algorithm, or why I couldnt scroll away from creators opening box after box of squishy toy buns. What I do know is that theyve spent thousands of dollars ..

Matang village welcomes spring with egg-balancing event TAIPING: To celebrate the arrival of spring, Matang New Village residents gathered for a traditional egg-balancing event on the first day of spring at Lorong Madani. The event aims to usher in the arrival of spring, known as _Li Chun _in Chinese, with abundance of luck and prosperity for the whole year. In 2026, Li Chun arrived on February 4 according to the lunar calendar. Led by village head Goh Siak Pheow, village committee members and ..

Ringgit breaks 3.09 ceiling to hit 4-year high against Singapore dollar KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian ringgit surged past the 3.09 mark against Singapore dollar on Wednesday, reaching a peak of 3.0873its strongest level since March 2022. According to Bloomberg data, the ringgit initially opened lower at 3.0949 before rebounding strongly. By 2 pm, the currency hovered at 3.0920, maintaining its momentum from Tuesdays close of 3.0924. Since the start of 2026, the ringgit has demonstrated a strong ..

Extractive-led economic growth fuels Indonesias environmental crisis JAKARTA: The ambition from President Prabowo Subiantos administration to increase the countrys economic growth to 8 percent through expanding extractive business may risk accelerating environmental degradation and widening social injustice, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has warned. Since taking office in October 2024, Prabowo has boasted the goal for the 8-percent gross domestic product growth by the end of ..

How Singapores radiation detectives ensure safety as Southeast Asia explores nuclear energy SINGAPORE: A tub of soil, a container full of crushed vegetation and a bottle of clear liquid were part of a package of items sent by the UN atomic watchdog to Singapore in 2025. These items had arrived in Singapore in July 2025 as part of an annual test conducted by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to assess national labs abilities to detect even trace amounts of radiation and ..

Koon Yew Yin: The renowned investor and philanthropist who blogged until the end IPOH: Prominent businessman and philanthropist Koon Yew Yin, who passed away on Monday noon at the age of 93, was more than just a corporate titan; he was a prolific blogger on the investment portal i3investor. Even in his final months, Koonpopularly known as "KYY" among the investment communityremained active. His final post, dated January 5, was a reflective piece titled: How to live a happy life without regrets. ..

Renowned investor and philanthropist Koon Yew Yin passes away at 93 IPOH: Prominent businessman and philanthropist Koon Yew Yin passed away on Monday afternoon. He was 93. It is learned that he just celebrated 93rd birthday in early January. Koon was a titan in the construction industry, best known as the co-founder of three major listed companies: Gamuda Bhd, IJM Corporation Bhd, and Mudajaya Group Bhd. Beyond the corporate world, he established the Koon Yew Yin Foundation, which offered ..

How Singapores radiation detectives ensure safety as Southeast Asia explores nuclear energy SINGAPORE: A tub of soil, a container full of crushed vegetation and a bottle of clear liquid were part of a package of items sent by the UN atomic watchdog to Singapore in 2025. These items had arrived in Singapore in July 2025 as part of an annual test conducted by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to assess national labs abilities to detect even trace amounts of radiation and ..

Chinese devotees perform body-piercing rituals to fulfil vows on Thaipusam PENANG: The presence of Chinese devotees among the throngs of worshippers fulfilling their vows on Thaipusam remains a significant and recurring sight. Joining Hindu devotees in a profound display of faith, they began their barefoot journey from the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple at Lorong Kulit, trekking toward the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Waterfall Hilltop Temple). Much like their Hindu counterparts, these ..

A sea of yellow: Devotees and tourists flood Batu Caves for a vibrant Thaipusam SELAYANG: Thousands of devotees, joined by local and foreign tourists, climbed the iconic colorful steps of Batu Caves barefoot in the early hours of the morning. The annual Thaipusam celebration was held on a grand scale, marked by a massive turnout and an atmosphere that was both solemn and electric. Hindu devotees from across the country and international tourists began gathering as early as midnight. A long, ..

SEOUL: Fan club presales for BTS upcoming Arirang world tour kicked off Thursday, and within moments more than 100,000 fans flooded into the online waiting queue. All seats for three concerts in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, in April sold out almost instantly, with anticipation high for the groups first such tour in nearly four years. With competition fierce, even among official fan club members, many BTS fans found themselves edged out by fractions of a second. While some secured tickets, others ..

Perikatan to form committee to study constitutional amendments, including proposal to abolish chairman post KUALA LUMPUR Three component party heads of Perikatan Nasional have reached a consensus to form a committee to study proposed amendments to the constitution of Perikatan, including a proposal to abolish the chairman of Perikatan. Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia president Datuk Dominic Lau said the committee, comprising four secretary-generals of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) , ..

Rising from the ashes: 81-year-old tailor reopens stall under an umbrella after fire KAMPAR: Despite his stall being one of the 10 in a bazaar completely ravaged by a fire last December, 81-year-old tailor Loo Kam Woon does not call it a day. He has chosen to return to the site of his former livelihood for half a century, setting up a table under a sunshade to continue his craft. His son would be carrying a large beach umbrella, a stool and a sewing machine to the vacant lot where the bazaar ..

Too old to dance? Not for these Korean Dancing Grandmas SEOUL:You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen, the famous Abba song goes. But for Jun Jum-re, 78, and Jung Yoo-ok, 76, the lyric needs revision. On stages across the world, they have offered a gentle rebuttal. With hair silvered and bodies marked by time, they became dancing queens well into their 70sand they are having the time of their lives. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the two women traveled the world, performing to ..

No UEC recognition but breakthrough for students with option to study in local universities: Dong Zong PUTRAJAYA: It is a breakthrough for Chinese independent school students to have an option to study in local universities, says the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) Chairman Datuk Tan Yew Sing. While acknowledging that recognizing the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) sat by Chinese independent school students after six years of secondary school education ..

But researchers recently found that another cave painting found on Muna Island in Southeast Sulawesi, around 300 kilometers from the 2024 discovered painting, might be made even earlier, at least 67,800 years ago. The latest painting, a hand stencil found at the Liang Metanduno cave, is one of dozens of rock arts found across Muna Island and neighboring Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi. Adhi later found some hand stencils, including one in Metanduno which was relatively hidden under newer ..

The moving story of young couple behind the Beacon Hospital burger stall PETALING JAYA: Like many ordinary couples, Kenji and Shi Ying work tirelessly to earn a living. They sell sandwiches for breakfast near Beacon Hospital in the mornings and produce handmade soap in the afternoons to sell online. Little did they know that a Facebook post by a patient visiting the hospital would significantly boost their morning business. After reading the post by Datuk Liew Bin, the deputy president of the ..

Paraplegic agriculturist builds regenerative food forest for KL community KUALA LUMPUR: For years, an empty plot of land sat unused behind an apartment complex in Kuala Lumpur. Its soil remains waterlogged after heavy rain and its barrenness noticeable, save for a few shady trees dotting the edges and brown patches where grass refuses to grow. The land was neither useful nor a lost cause. It was just there, doing nothing. In a city where life moves quickly and space is constantly filled with ..

No UEC recognition but breakthrough for students with option to study in local universities: Dong Zong PUTRAJAYA: It is a breakthrough for Chinese independent school students to have an option to study in local universities, says the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) Chairman Datuk Tan Yew Sing. While acknowledging that recognizing the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) sat by Chinese independent school students after six years of secondary school education ..

Food allergy no longer just a childhood 'phase': Doctors PETALING JAYA: Going by the numbers, the picture isnt pretty. An estimated 33 million Americans have to put up with at least one food allergy, says the American Pharmacists Association. Closer to home, Singapore has found that food allergies in children are on the rise, with more cases of adverse reactions to food such as egg and peanut. The National University Hospital attended to an increasing number of children with food allergiesfrom ..

PETALING JAYA: An insurance activist has questioned the execution of the White Paper on Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) Plan recently released by the government. Ng Kian Nam, a lawyer and legal advisor to the Campaign to Protect the Rights of Insurance Consumers Malaysia, stated that the primary issue lies not with the schemes philosophy, but its execution. Who will be responsible for the implementation? he asked. Speaking to _Sin Chew Daily_, Ng noted that while the scheme is ..

Legendary shuttler passes away in his sleep a month after his wife IPOH: The late legendary shuttler Datuk Tan Yee Khan passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday morning, one month after his wife passed on in her sleep at home. Tans daughter Yin Mei said the family did not inform the father, who was in a nursing home, that her mother passed away on Christmas Day last year. "We didn't let him know that my mother had passed. We never expected him to follow her so soon. Perhaps there was a strong ..

PETALING JAYA: An insurance activist has questioned the execution of the White Paper on Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) Plan recently released by the government. Ng Kian Nam, a lawyer and legal advisor to the Campaign to Protect the Rights of Insurance Consumers Malaysia, stated that the primary issue lies not with the schemes philosophy, but its execution. Who will be responsible for the implementation? he asked. Speaking to _Sin Chew Daily_, Ng noted that while the scheme is ..

IPOH: Badminton legend Datuk Tan Yee Khan, a key player in winning Thomas Cup for Malaysia in 1967, passed away this morning. He was 86. He was a renowned badminton player in the 1960s, partnering with the late Datuk Ng Boon Bee to win the Thomas Cup in 1967. The mens doubles pair also won the title in All England in 1965 and 1966, known as the most powerful mens doubles in the world in the 1960s after winning a series of international tournaments. Tan was also the chief coach for the national ..

Cambodian citizenship available to $3M donors; $1M investors PHNOM PENH: Foreigners who spend 4 billion riel (US$1 million) of their own capital on a legitimate investment project in the Kingdom can apply for Cambodian citizenship. The same is true for those who make a cash donation to the national budget or humanitarian sector which totals 12 billion riel ($3 million), according to a December 1 sub-decree on the implementation of the Law on Nationality. According to Article 29, any foreigner ..

SPM Malay and history papers only for UEC holders applying to local universities, says Loke MELAKA: Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders who plan to study in local universities need to have a credit in Malay and a pass in history papers in SPM, says Loke Siew Fook. The DAP Secretary-General said the conditions announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier are for UEC holders from Chinese independent schools to apply to local universities. Loke, who is also Transport ..

From a medical negligence victim to a young artist, 18-year-old Klang girl Yok Shan redraws her life with art KLANG: Eighteen years ago, a medical negligence case at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang captured the nations attention when infant Lai Yok Shan lost her left forearm. Yok Shan was only five weeks old when her story was carried in newspapers across the country. Today, that baby has grown into a resilient 18-year-old young woman. Currently pursuing a Diploma in ..

MCA president Wee Ka Siong focuses on recovery in hospital BATU PAHAT: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who has been hospitalized since January 19 for a lung infection, expresses gratitude to well-wishes from all sectors. Taking a break from Dewan Rakyat sitting, the Ayer Hitam member of parliament states that he is taking time to recuperate. During this period of recovery, I am sincerely grateful for the support and care shown by every one of my friends, he wrote on Facebook. He also ..

Affordable medical insurance for all Malaysians in the works KUALA LUMPUR: A new, affordable medical insurance plan is in the works for all Malaysians. They could be paying a monthly premium of as low as RM50 with the Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) plan, which will be rolled out in early 2027. According to the MHIT White Paper released on Thursday, there are two plans, namely the Standard Plan and the more affordable Standard Plus Plan. The monthly premiums for the Standard ..

Seniors checking in on neighbors: How groups are preventing lonely deaths among Singapores elderly SINGAPORE: In Jurong East, a social service agency is turning to volunteers to keep a closer watch on their elderly neighbors who live alone, and prevent undetected deaths. Loving Heart Multi-Service Center plans to pay some of these trained volunteers S$10 (RM31.50) an hour to befriend vulnerable seniors, refer them to the help they need, and work with Loving Heart to see to their well-being. It ..

Dong Zong agrees with SPM BM as a condition to recognise UEC, says Datuk Tan Yew Sing KUALA LUMPUR: The United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) agrees with BM paper result in SPM as a condition to recognise Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), says chairman Datuk Tan Yew Sing. Dong Zong recognizes the importance of Malaysians mastering Malay language and the language should be a prerequisite to recognise UEC. Tan said Dong Zong agrees with Prime Minister Datuk ..

More than 10,000 students from Chinese primary schools drop out of secondary school due to language barriers, says former Dong Zong chief BATU PAHAT: A total of 11,421 students from Chinese primary schools dropped out from national secondary schools in 2024 where language barrier was cited as the main factor. Tan Tai Kim, chairman of the Persatuan Pengurus dan Guru Sekolah Cina Negeri Johor, who is also a former chairman of the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia ( Dong ..

Meeting to be held on Muar slaughterhouse, closure not state government directive, Ling Tian Soon clarifies Ling Tian Soon, Chairman of the Johor Health and Environment Committee, clarified the closure of the slaughterhouse in Muar. He explained that although the land belongs to the state government, it is reserved for the use and management of the Veterinary Services Department. The department had not briefed the state government on the termination or the lease, and the state government had ..

Retirement benchmark feels like distant goal for most Malaysians PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Funds (EPF) revised benchmark of RM1.3 million in order to enjoy a comfortable retirement has raised concerns as to whether most Malaysians can achieve adequate savings. For operations manager, Samantha Khor, 47, the higher target feels like a wake-up call rather than a shock. At my age, you start looking seriously at your EPF balance and realizing how fast time moves. Im more than halfway ..

Badminton romance: Former world champion Yang Yangs daughter ties the knot with Malaysian from Kuching KUCHING: Former badminton world champion Yang Yangs daughter Angie Yang and her Malaysian husband Jasper Tan held a wedding banquet at Sheraton Kuching Hotel on Sunday night. Their cross-border romance, which blossomed through a shared love for badminton, began in Australia, where Tans family migrated to when he was a child. While the couple officially registered their wedding in Perth last ..

Muar slaughterhouse granted temporary reprieve until after CNY MUAR: The only pig slaughterhouse in Muar has been granted a temporary reprieve to continue operation until after Chinese New Year. Johor Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon told _Sin Chew Daily_ after a coordination meeting at the Johor Veterinary Services Department (DVS) headquarters in Johor Bahru that the slaughterhouse is allowed to operate until February 28, after which it has to relocate. Also attending ..

Local market near 'suffocation' from foreign influx, govt urged to review entry regulation PETALING JAYA: Massive influx of foreign businesses into the Malaysian market has caused unprecedented impact and damage to local SMEs, warns Datuk Liew Bin, deputy president of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA). The overall business environment is now reaching a "suffocation point," he said. Liew pointed out that the main issue for local SMEs currently is the near-total lack of barriers for ..