FROM Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo, violence against children in conflict zones reached unprecedented levels in 2024, according to a United Nations (UN) annual report recently. In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 25% surge in the number of grave violations in comparison with 2023, according to a report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The report verified 41,370 grave violations against children in 2024, ..

PEOPLE call them big companies or even giants Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta and Netflix and these names literally dominate our digital world. They have become so woven into our daily lives that we often forget just how much we rely on them. At the touch of our fingertips, we send messages, stream videos, search for answers, shop and socialise. The phrase theres an app for that came from their inventions. In many ways, these companies have built the modern digital landscape. Thanks to ..

IT is difficult to discern exactly what the big stuff was that prompted President Donald Trump to leave the G7 summit and return to Washington a day early. While he did not provide specific details, he did advise the nine million residents of Tehran to immediately evacuate their homes causing mass panic. Any lingering hopes that the president was returning to the White House to work full time on a ceasefirewere dashed when Trump dismissed suggestions to that effect made by the president of ..

AFTER spending an evening watching comedy clips featuring Ellen DeGeneres, the late Robin Williams and local talents like Douglas Lim and Jason Leong, I found myself sighing with contentment and giggling at the memories. This simple pleasure made me reflect on the saying, laughter is the best medicine. As it turns out, researchers worldwide are discovering that this simple human response holds remarkable healing power. Far from being just a form of entertainment, scientific evidence shows that ..

PUBLIC transport is meant to make life easier. Buses, in particular, should offer a safe and affordable way to get around. But do bus drivers truly understand the responsibility they carry? Recently, I had a harrowing experience on my way to the MRT station from home. While waiting by the roadside for a RapidKL bus, I signalled for the driver to stop but he nearly hit me and an elderly woman who was also waiting to board. As the bus approached the stop, the driver swerved dangerously close to ..

Q: MY elderly mother still lives independently but it is becoming clear that she will soon need help managing her finances and other important matters. My siblings and I want to start preparing for this transition. What steps would you recommend to ensure everything is handled smoothly? Focus on the Family Malaysia: You are wise to begin thinking about this now while your mother is still able to participate in planning for her future. First, make sure she is comfortable sharing personal ..

EACH year, thousands of students across Malaysia receive their UPU placement results, marking a milestone that is often met with a complex mix of emotions. For some, there is excitement and relief. For others, there is confusion, doubt or even quiet disappointment. What makes this period particularly difficult is the pressure to feel certain about ones course, ones future and ones direction in life. As a lecturer working with foundation students, I often hear the same concern voiced in ..

As Malaysias economy navigates an uncertain global environment, domestic consumption continues to stand out as a reliable driver of growth. In the first quarter of 2025, private consumption remained buoyant, supported by stable employment conditions, real wage growth, and subdued inflation. With Bank Negara Malaysia holding its policy rate steady, and with the improved market sentiment, the domestic consumption outlook is underpinned by both macroeconomic stability and sustained consumer ..

MUTZIG, FRANCE: First stop on my annual visit to Frances mighty Maginot Line forts is this lovely Alsatian town. Mutzig was built by the Germans 1893-1916 to defend against enemy approaches to the important city of Strasbourg. It was and remains the largest modern fortress in Europe. The vast fortress, which covers over 800 acres, was never attacked during World War I by the Germans or French. But as Europes first important fortress made of concrete and fully electrified, it was eagerly ..

THE East-West Highway is a marvel of its era, serving to block off communist insurgency in the thick jungles and to shorten the distance between the northern east and west coast states. While it has served the nation for over four decades, the highway also has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous roads to drive on due to the hilly terrain, eerie darkness at night and frequent encounters with wildlife. The government has made efforts to improve safety along the highway but serious ..

THERES something comforting about going with the flow. It makes life easier, decisions quicker and approval more likely. But every now and then, something deep within us stirs, a quiet nudge asking: Is this really the way I want to live? In todays fast-moving world, many of us are doing our best. We recycle. We post awareness messages. We support sustainability when we can. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we find ourselves caught in the wave of whats trending rather than whats ..

WHAT if the future of our education is no longer confined within classroom walls but embedded in the seamless scroll of a mobile screen? Once perceived merely as a platform for dance routines and viral entertainment, TikTok has evolved into an emergent space for digital learning. With billions of views under educational hashtags and creators simplifying complex subjects into concise, one-minute content, the platform is redefining how knowledge is delivered and consumed in real time. In both ..

THE official statements from the United States and China that emerged from their trade talks in London recently were notable for the absence of direct mention to the rare earths issue which appears increasingly the subject of most concern to the Trump administration in what is turning out to be a protracted negotiation process. It was left to President Donald Trump to articulate this in his social media platform where he provided his assessment of the two-day marathon discussions designed, in ..

DATA centres are extremely resource intensive. According to the International Energy Agency (2025), electricity consumption by data centres was estimated to be 1.5% of global electricity usage in 2024 amounting to 415 terawatt hours (TWh). However, experts suggest that electricity consumption in accelerated servers primarily used for artificial intelligence (AI) purposes could grow by 30% annually. While 1.5% of global electricity consumption may seem insignificant, it is important to note ..

THE alarm bells have been ringing for years. From the concerned voices of the public and dedicated NGOs to internal discussions within enforcement agencies, theres a shared understanding: commercial vehicle safety on our roads remains a critical issue. Weve seen countless articles, heard numerous opinions and watched authorities report on their efforts. Yet, the question that haunts us is not if the problem exists, but why it remains so stubbornly difficult to address. Its a situation that ..

LET us get one thing straight being Malaysian these days feels like being stuck in a game of Survivor: Inflation Edition. You wake up, stretch, brush your teeth, check your phone and bam! Another notification that something else is going to cost more. First it was eggs. Then American goods. Now, insurance premiums are climbing too. Whats next? Even this makcik is cringing in dread! Ah, the humble egg. Or, as every Malaysian mother affectionately calls it, makanan penyelamat hujung bulan the ..

I took a sophomore philosophy course in formal logic from a professor who was an enthusiastic admirer of Socrates, as all are. He did not give many formal lectures. We could read the assigned texts just as well and at a time or place of our choosing, as was his excuse. As such, his class was lively with discussions and rebuttals as well as questions and answers. One of his early exercises was to pretend that we were facing a real-life decision. Should I buy a new car or fix the present one? Or ..

THE adoption of hybrid workplaces has changed the practice and performance of leadership as well as teamwork. This is particularly true when it comes to considering the effects of various leadership styles on performance. Within this emerging framework, leadership is not limited to a fixed area as it now involves remote work, self-governance and digital mediation. Leadership styles of empowering, democratic, autocratic and laissez-faire are said to not only affect motivation at personal and ..

IN recent years, the concept of a circular economy has captured the imagination of policymakers, businesses and environmentalists worldwide. It promises a world where products are designed to last, materials are reused and waste is minimised a refreshing alternative to the extractive, waste-heavy systems that have dominated for decades. But while much of the conversation revolves around high-tech recycling innovations and sophisticated industrial systems, there lies a compelling, often ..

FATHERS Day often invites us to reflect on the men who shaped us. As a 46-year-old researcher, a professional in the world of science and academia, my life has been a tapestry woven with precision and unpredictability. I come from a large family 10 siblings, each with our own stories but all sharing the same foundation: a father who is, in many ways, the archetype of the old Malay tradition but carries with him a progressive wisdom. He is a man of few words his presence steady but understated ..

I AM a father of three and a grandfather of six just the right number to remember all their names! With that, I believe I have earned a bit of credibility to speak about fatherhood, at least for the younger dads. Being a good father is a work in progress and is something we can also learn from one another. A fathers role goes beyond simply being a provider. It is not just about financial security but also about creating emotional security, stability, peace, harmony and joy within the family. ..

MALAYSIA is transitioning into an ageing society. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), by 2030, 15% of the population will be aged 60 and above, officially classifying the country as an aged nation. As of 2024, over 10% of the population fell into this category, with those above 70 forming a steadily increasing portion of the national demographic. That said, the trend of senior citizens continuing to work past 70 is becoming more visible as Malaysia slowly transforms into ..

WHAT happened to Fahmi Reza is, unfortunately, nothing new. Many have gone through the same, including myself. After the 2018 general election, when there was a change of government, and after I retired from public service, I found myself barred from travelling abroad. My applications to perform Umrah were denied twice. To my shock, checks with the Immigration Department revealed that the restriction was requested by MACC an agency I once led as Chief Commissioner. The travel ban was only ..

AS a coastal nation, Malaysia relies significantly on its marine ecosystems to support millions of livelihoods, ensure food security and drive economic growth. The maritime zones that stretch from the Straits of Malacca to the South China Sea are biodiversity hot spots and economic engines, generating billions annually through fisheries, shipping, marine tourism and oil and gas. However, pressing issues like as overfishing, marine pollution, degradation of habitat and climate change are posing ..

EVER notice how certain things that seem off at first gradually fade into the background? Like someone jaywalking across a busy road even though there is a perfectly good pedestrian bridge just a few steps away. Or that small crack in the pavement you just stepped over without a second thought. It happens all the time, doesnt it? But what if these seemingly normal little compromises are quietly piling up gradually making things less safe for all of us? That is something I have been thinking ..

HOLLYWOOD could not have produced a more riveting movie, playing out to audiences in the United States and around the world accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Just days after praising Elon Musk as one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced and crediting him with a leading role in the most sweeping and consequential government reform effort in generations, President Donald Trump is now engaged in a no-holds- barred fight with his First Buddy. Although ..

THERE are days when language fails us. Today is one of them. No clever line can soften what happened in the early hours of Monday. A bus carrying students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris was making its way from Jerteh back to campus in Tanjung Malim a route many had travelled before. Quiet. Long. Lined with trees and darkness. But this time, something went terribly wrong. We now know the basic facts the location, the time the emergency call was made and the name of the highway. We know ..

THE incident involving a bus carrying Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students and an MPV along the East-West Highway is deeply painful to note. This is a heartbreaking loss of lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones. As a lecturer, I know what it is like to watch young students come of age stepping into university life, full of hope and preparing for the future. We can speak at length but no words will bring back those who are gone forever. I have long ..

WE now come to one of the three biggest sources of ecological destruction that almost no Malaysian on the peninsula recognises certainly no politician nor civil administrator. It is the hardened racial consciousness of Malays, Chinese and Indians. Surprised? We are led to think that our racial identity defines us, making us who we are. Last year, lawyer and writer Ivanpal S. Grewal commented: Almost everything is looked at through racial lenses. People are not interested in taking the common ..

IN a span of days, Malaysia bore silent witness to three deeply unsettling episodes separate in detail but unified in a pattern of human dominance over the voiceless. From the state-sanctioned killing of stray dogs in Negeri Sembilan to a captured monkey drenched in blue paint, and now, to bulldozers flattening green sanctuaries in the heart of Putrajaya all speak of a society slowly forgetting its moral contract with the creatures that share its space. In Negeri Sembilan, all state assembly ..

DISCUSSION around the consequences of President Donald Trumps economic policies most notably the increased tariffs on all countries, especially China has centred on economic costs. These costs affect both businesses and consumers, manifesting as higher prices for traded goods, a shift in production to less efficient locations and reduced consumer choices when goods are no longer produced or traded. The focus on economic costs neglects a more impactful and troubling development: a shift in ..

TO be frank, this makcik is clueless about Labubu and barely spares a side glance at the snaking queues outside a Pop Mart store in one of the countrys many malls. If you are just as lost as this makcik, fret not you are not alone. Apparently, Labubu is popular. Yes, people, these wide-eyed, wild- haired goblins with rabbit-like ears collectively known as Labubu have taken Malaysia by storm. Why? Why not. This scruffy little vinyl figure, with a thousand-yard stare and teeth that look like ..

NURSES are the backbone of healthcare worldwide and Malaysia is no exception. They serve on the frontlines in hospitals, clinics and community care settings, often working long hours to ensure patients receive timely and compassionate care. Their importance was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic when Malaysian nurses risked their health to care for thousands of patients. Despite their indispensable role, the government is considering increasing nurses weekly work hours to 45 hours. This ..

THE Alliance for a Safe Community fully supports His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in his heartfelt call for unity described by His Majesty as the greatest gift the rakyat can offer him. His words are timely and deeply significant in the context of our multiracial nation. Unity is the cornerstone of our nations harmony, peace, progress and prosperity. It transcends political affiliations, religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds. As Malaysians, we must never take for granted the ..

MOTHERS Day reigns supreme, officially crowned by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 after Anna Jarvis tireless campaign. Fathers Day, on the other hand, was a definite latecomer. Despite Sonora Smart Dodd championing dads since 1910, it only got President Richard Nixons official nod in 1972. A 58-year lag! Talk about being fashionably late to the party. This delay may suggest Fathers Day was an afterthought a belated: Oh right, dads deserve love too! moment. But does it truly mean dads have ..

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW once said: There is no love more sincere than the love of food. As a food lover, I could not agree more. I am not exactly a foodie I dont travel miles in search of a specific food or have the urge to visit a particular restaurant. But I do love eating. I enjoy the taste, the smell and the texture of whatever I am consuming. That said, when hunger strikes and there is nothing else to eat at home, good old instant noodles will suffice. I must have some vegetables with it, so ..

AS global economic uncertainties continue to mount, Southeast Asia stands at a strategic crossroads. The recent surge in trade tensions, particularly those stemming from the USs tariff policies and restrictive trade measures, has reignited discussions across Asean nations about the need for greater financial and monetary integration. One idea, long debated but never realised, has resurfaced with renewed urgency the adoption of a single Asean currency. The US has increasingly adopted ..

WE frequently read alarming statistics about road crashes involving heavy vehicles an issue that demands immediate action. While long-term solutions will require time and funding, there are critical strategies that can be implemented immediately. Stronger enforcement measures, for example, could significantly improve safety on our highways and roads overnight. The authorities must prioritise the safety and well-being of taxpayers. The tragic FRU crash that claimed the lives of nine police ..

THERE comes a time in every professional journey where circumstances will test the core of our values. When faced with difficult decisions, the temptation to shift perspectives, adapt narratives or compromise principles can be overwhelming, especially when survival in an organisation depends on it. The question then becomes: Are we shaping our identity or are we merely responding to the pressures around us? I witnessed this firsthand when someone who had once spoken with conviction about a ..

NOTHNG new came out from the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore recently. This comes as no surprise as the event, touted as a platform for bringing together defence ministers, heads of ministries and military leaders from Asia-Pacific states, has achieved little since its inception more than 20 years ago. Initiated by a think-tank and wannabe influencer in regional geopolitics with an Anglo-Saxon lens, its stated objective to cultivate a sense of community among the most important ..