WITH the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution advancing like a runaway train, it is imperative that we do some targeted evaluation to determine the upskilling and reskilling needs of our currently employed workforce while also addressing the educational needs of tomorrows leaders. In the face of the exponential challenges of the competitive global marketplace, it is critical that we equip our most gifted young minds at home to meet these challenges from day one. For Malaysia to be in an ..

IN Part Three , we saw how Malaysias global ecological crisis rating slipped down to -6 points, more than halfway to the absolute bottom of -10, which represents complete defeat by climate change. We need to raise ourselves up, and perhaps the geopolitical arena presents an opportunity. Humanity is more used to fighting us-versus-them wars, and all governments prefer to swing national budgets towards defence against neighbours rather than fight the climate war. Climate mitigation, which once ..

A FEW years ago, I attended a reunion with some old friends from primary school. As we caught up, I noticed something interesting: almost every conversation began with the same question So, buat apa sekarang (What do you do)? It was as if our jobs had become the default way to define ourselves, the shorthand for who we were. At first, of course, it seemed harmless. But as the evening went on, I could not help but wonder: Arent we not more than our job titles? What happens when the work we do ..

WORLD Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, is a United Nations initiative to promote understanding, inclusion and advocacy for autistic individuals. It serves as a global platform to support neurodiversity and foster a more accepting society. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, behaviour and sensory processing. Globally, the number of individuals diagnosed with ASD has been increasing, and Malaysia ..

Q: I struggle with Fathers Day because my dad never expressed love or pride in me. Eventually, my dad abandoned our family. He was never a positive influence in my life, so I do not feel the need to honour him. Is it wrong to feel this way? Focus on the Family Malaysia: We understand how painful this must be. In many Asian cultures, fathers do not often express their affection or pride for their children. Many focus on working hard to provide for their families, which can sometimes come at the ..

THE caregivers in an orphanage are truly people of compassion, love and affection. The children in orphanages are generally those whose parents have passed away or who have been abandoned. Some parents send their children to orphanages and visit them occasionally. However, as time goes by, these visits become less frequent and, eventually, cease altogether. Besides understanding the plight of these children, caregivers who genuinely treat them with love and dignity will be looked upon as ..

THERE are several old, dilapidated and unsightly buildings in urban areas that are also economically unfeasible. Abandoned buildings currently scattered across areas in Kuala Lumpur and Klang are an eyesore, often infested with rodents, and some are even occupied by drug addicts. The upcoming Urban Renewal Bill, set to be tabled in Parliament, aims to put an end to this situation, attracting new businesses and investors. It will also create jobs in construction and give a new lease of life to ..

IN todays fast-paced world, saying Im burned out has become a near badge of honour an unspoken proof of how hard we are working, how busy we are and how much we are juggling. However, burnout is not just tiredness. It is not a bad week or a rough patch at work. Burnout is a chronic, often invisible state of emotional, mental and even physical collapse that goes far deeper than exhaustion. It is what happens when we ignore the whispers of disconnection until they turn into screams. Burnout was ..

WHEN Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya noted in his welcoming speech at the trilateral summit meeting of Japan, China and South Korea on March 21 that the increasingly severe international situation may truly be a turning point in history, he was not simply expressing a personal opinion. He was also emphasising a position on current geopolitical dynamics which is reverberating and gaining traction throughout the Western world and its allies as well as in the East Asia and Asia Pacific ..

EVERY morning, as the sun rises over Malaysias roads, thousands of workers begin their daily journey. Some are on motorcycles, weaving through traffic and braving unpredictable weather. Others are in cars, inching forward in congested lanes, their minds already occupied with the demands of the day ahead. They leave home with a simple expectation, which is to return safely. But for 18 Malaysians every single day, that return never happens. In 2023 alone, 6,643 lives were lost to road accidents. ..

THROUGHOUT history, human ingenuity has been driven by a desire to make life easier. The discovery of fire allowed early humans to cook food, making it sa

MALAYSIA is losing billions of ringgit annually to economic crime involving acts that violate criminal law for financial gain. Economic crime also includes illegal business activities. Corruption The United Nations and World Economic Forum estimate the global cost of corruption at 5% of the worlds GDP. With a 2024 GDP of US$115 trillion (RM510 trillion), this equates to US$6 trillion per annum in global stolen funds surpassing the annual GDP of Japan, the worlds third-largest economy. The ..

RACIAL provocation and religious insults have been surfacing in the country lately, with several individuals making prejudicial statements that incite racial tension. Historically, racial conflicts have often led to significant national crises, causing substantial losses to a countrys social and economic fabric. While Malaysia is known for its harmonious multiracial society, unchecked racial provocation and religious insults can pose a serious threat to social stability and have severe economic ..

IT is amazing how often our decisions are made through faulty analysis or without much thought. In many instances, these may be excusable, especially if the potential consequences are self-limiting or carry a low cost. For example, deciding which restaurant to patronise falls into this category. Similarly, if we were to fall for a snake oil salesmans slick pitch, we could lose a few ringgit, unless, of course, his products were laced with arsenic or some other dangerous substances, which could ..

AS the global economy progresses through 2025, it is being reshaped by a fresh wave of uncertainty, driven by policy shifts in the US, escalating trade tensions and shifting geopolitical alliances. As a trade-dependent nation, Malaysia finds itself at a critical juncture where strategic adaptation is crucial to sustaining stability and growth. Trumps return to protectionism The inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan 20, 2025, marked a renewed focus on economic nationalism, with policies that could ..

THE 73rd Malaysia Civil Defence Day was celebrated yesterday, with the theme Volunteers and Civil Defence: The Core of National Well-being. This theme strongly reflects the dedicated work of the Civil Defence Force of Malaysia, who, alongside other Malaysian uniformed personnel, serve selflessly and without complaint. In light of this, I urge everyone to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of not only the Civil Defence Force but also all uniformed personnel who have ..

FOR some time now, Malaysians have watched in alarm as bags of smuggled wildlife evaded detection at two of its busiest airports, only to be discovered at destination airports across India. Just over a week ago, eight wild animals were discovered in the luggage of two passengers arriving in Chennai from Kuala Lumpur. Four of these animals were a rare species of gibbon, found only in Borneo. Tragically for the two endangered eastern grey gibbons, the rescue came too late they had already died ..

EVEN by Israels brutal, barbaric standards, the cruel and callous carnage carried out by its military in Gaza has come as a shock to the world. The carnage which occurred on March 18 killed 436 individuals, the majority of them children and women. What has exacerbated the tragedy is that the carnage happened as its victims were preparing for or partaking in their dawn meal just before beginning their daily fast during Ramadan, one of Islams most revered practices. It is important to note that a ..

DURING a recent lunch, our table topic veered towards our colleague, a young woman engineer who is known for her capabilities but with a reputation that isnt as favourable among her fellow colleagues. She is often described as rude, aggressive and aloof. I could not help but wonder: What is the basis for such superficial allegations? Is it her gender? In any professional environment, leadership requires a combination of confidence, skill and vision. However, for many women, the path to success ..

FROM the towering snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the rugged expanse of the Tianshan Mountains, glaciers melted at an unprecedented rate across Asia in 2024, the hottest year on record. If glacier retreat continues at this alarming speed, experts predict that at least half of the worlds glaciers will be completely lost by 2100, and the consequences of this will be dire. Accelerated glacier melt is already contributing to water shortages and destructive floods or typhoons in neighbouring ..

Q: My grandmother is in the final stages of cancer and her illness has dramatically altered her physical appearance. She has expressed a desire to see my two young children. Should I allow the children to visit her? Would they find the experience too upsetting? Focus on the Family Malaysia: This is a difficult decision. You are anxious to protect your children from fear and pain. At the same time, you want to honour your grandmothers wishes. Overall, we believe that death is a natural part of ..

AFTER a tumultuous week in which the Dow Jones (DJ) index entered correction territory a 10% drop from its previous high those heavily invested, especially US President Donald Trumps supporters, are hoping that the fall is temporary. Their dreaming has been buoyed by last Fridays rally, with stocks clawing back some of their steep losses as tariff-related headlines took second place to the Ukraine truce-agreement-dominated news. Was this a dead cat bounce or a signal that the worst is over ..

MANY young adults in their 30s and 40s are facing financial difficulties due to various factors. Some struggle to make ends meet because of reckless spending, peer pressure and living beyond their means. A lack of self- discipline in spending, prioritising wants over needs and poor financial management are among the most common causes. Additionally, limited financial literacy, combined with costly lifestyle choices, has pushed many young individuals into financial hardship. Credit cards have ..

THE nursing shortage in Malaysia has become a critical issue, with projections indicating that by 2030, the deficit could reach nearly 60%, as highlighted by Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in May 2024. This shortfall presents serious challenges to the healthcare system, affecting patient care quality, increasing workloads for existing staff and potentially hindering the countrys ability to meet growing healthcare demands. Despite various efforts to expand the nursing workforce, Malaysia ..

ASEANS digital economy stands at an inflection point. Its ascent driven by investment, competition and cross-border trade has transformed commerce, empowered over 20 million micro, small and medium enterprises, and redefined consumer access. This achievement was not incidental; it was the result of deliberate policy choices that prioritised openness, fostered competition and incentivised innovation. That foundation, once a source of strength, now faces pressures that could erode Aseans ..

IT is midnight in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. Ten-year-old Ameera finds herself surrounded by water. The floods have crept into the house that is built three feet above ground. Her father, Abe Ha, keeps watch as the levels rise. Outside, it reaches his chest. He urges Ameera, her sister and mother into a sampan. It is time to seek shelter. They push off leaving the monsoon rains to once again claim the familys belongings and home. Ameeras story is a stark reminder of the escalating climate ..

GLOBAL carbon emissions from fossil fuels surged to a record high last year, with no sign that the world has reached a peak. Burning fossil fuels resulted in CO (carbon dioxide) releases hitting 40 billion tonnes last year, pushing atmospheric CO levels 52% higher than they were in pre-industrial times. Emissions growth overall has slowed, fortunately, thanks to the global adoption of solar panels and electric vehicles. We saw in Part Two that Malaysia scored its first plus point with a ..

IMAGINE a child sitting at a table, staring at a single marshmallow. A researcher explains the rules: You can eat this now or if you wait 15 minutes, you will get two marshmallows instead. The child fidgets, looks away and even tries to distract themselves but the temptation is real. Will they give in to the immediate pleasure or hold out for the greater reward? This, of course, is the famous marshmallow experiment, published in 1970 by Stanford University psychologist Walter Mischel. The study ..

RETIREMENT is not just a phase of life; it is often seen as the pinnacle of a good life a reward for years of hard work. Yet, for many Malaysians, retirement remains a puzzling and uncertain prospect. In a society driven by the pursuit of more more gadgets, more vacations, more experiences preparing for the future often takes a backseat. But what if we shifted our focus from merely living for today to also planning for tomorrow? For most Malaysians, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) serves ..

ON March 5, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, marking a historic step in restoring Parliaments autonomy. Tabled by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Law and Institutional Reform), the bill underwent rigorous debate, with 36 MPs from both sides of the aisle weighing in before its eventual passage. Key amendments were introduced to refine its provisions, reinforcing the framework for parliamentary independence. The ..

DATUK Dr A. Jai Mohan, a dear friend and colleague, passed away in the early hours of March 13, in the presence of those who loved him. This tribute honours his extraordinary life and work, highlighting his profound influence on countless lives and his pivotal role in shaping our health services. Dr Jai, MBBS (Mal), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Lon), FAMM, served in the Health Ministry for 30 years (1971-2001), where he was a consultant paediatrician and led paediatrics at Hospitals Seremban, Ipoh and ..

ALEXANDER the Great of Macedonia, who reigned from 356 to 323 BC, was known to have said: I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. From ancient times, through the wisdom of Plato to Sun Tzu, the importance of leadership has been widely acknowledged. In todays modern world, leadership is no longer confined to government institutions or political figures. It permeates every level of society, from corporate boardrooms to academic ..

MALAYSIA is at a pivotal crossroads in its technological evolution. The recent launch of Malaysias Silicon Vision, a bold initiative unveiled by the Economy Ministry in collaboration with the architect behind the worlds most complex chips, signals a new era in semiconductor and AI chip-manufacturing. This event is not merely a product launch; it represents a strategic pivot toward building an end-to-end ecosystem that encompasses intellectual property (IP) creation, advanced integrated circuit ..

IN an ideal world, I would spend the first part of my morning sitting at a small outdoor cafe, drinking my espresso, reading the newspaper and enjoying a small cigar. At the end of such a stereotypical ritual, I would stand up, pay in cash and leave. That world existed, or at least, it manifested in good approximations but is now almost completely forgotten. While the ethical state is fighting hard to deprive us of tobacco pleasures, technological development has killed printed news and ..

MALAYSIA is facing a chilling reality candies and toys masquerading as harmless treats but designed to mimic vapes, syringes and cigarettes are infiltrating stores, targeting our most vulnerable: children. These products are not just a harmless gimmick; they are a gateway to addiction, subtly normalising dangerous habits that could shape a lifetime of dependency and health risks. Growing threat in our stores Shocking reports reveal a surge of candy vapes and toy syringes flooding local ..

IN a world saturated with digital noises, finding moments of genuine connection with ourselves can feel like a rare treasure. I recently rediscovered that treasure within the pages of Paulo Coelhos The Alchemist, a book that, in its simplicity, offers profound insights into navigating our lives. It has been a while since a book has held my attention so completely, a testament to how easily our minds can be scattered by the constant barrage of digital distractions. The story follows Santiago, a ..

SHORTLY now, if not already taking place, the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize selection committee will be examining nominations for this years winner. The result of this coveted and highly sought-after prize is expected to be announced in early October. This years winner will hold special significance amid hopes for the possible end of two of the bloodiest wars waged in recent times in Gaza and Ukraine. Should a temporary truce, if not a definitive and sustainable peace settlement, be negotiated ..

SLEEP is vital for our health, yet millions worldwide grapple with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard for treating OSA, oral appliance therapy offers a non-invasive option for those who find CPAP cumbersome or intolerable. Before delving into oral appliance therapy, it is essential to understand the basics of OSA. This occurs when throat muscles relax excessively during ..

METAS recent decision to remove independent fact-checking on its platforms, starting in the US, raises crucial concerns over the future of digital trust. Its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, introduced the community notes model as a replacement, allowing users to flag misleading or falsified content. Evaluating the decision, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil acknowledged that the move would have repercussions but would not affect Malaysias social media community anytime soon. While this shift may seem ..

WHILE sitting in a library one afternoon, I watched as people walked in and out, their faces focused on books, phones or lost in thought. They passed by the library counter without so much as a glance. There were no smiles, greetings or friendly nods, just silence. I found myself thinking back to a time when these simple gestures senyum, sapa and salam (3s) were second nature. A smile from a librarian, a polite hello from a passer-by or even a brief nod of acknowledgement used to make ..