I had one big question after taking on this review: How relevant is this book with the advent of large language models (LLMs)? In the past two years, the launches of OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s Gemma, amongst others, have severely disrupted the study of natural language

The mathematics requirements for computer science (CS) students have been debated for decades. I began teaching in a CS program in 1983, and I recall similar discussions at that time. The debate has continued in one form or another

The study shows that artificial intelligence (AI) has become highly important in contemporary computing because of its capacity to efficiently tackle intricate jobs that were typically carried out by people. The authors provide scientific literature that analyzes and

Money is a representation of wealth. A US dollar represents a fraction of the total wealth of the country. This definition underlies any discussion of currency, whether physical cash or digital tokens. Gold and silver have traditionally been used to represent a store of value that is intrinsic to a coin minted from

BBC Sport takes a look at the players interim boss Lee Carsley has fast-tracked into the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Chancellor Scholz’s three-party coalition government has fallen apart

Under cross-examination on Wednesday, Urfan Sharif unexpectedly said: “She died because of me.”

President-Elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the Second Amendment by announcing his push for national concealed carry reciprocity.

If you have read any of the NRA’s magazines, watch American Rifleman, or have seen some shows on The Outdoor Channel or The History Channel, you have seen Mark Keefe for years.

PSA Classic 5.56 AR15 Rifle with Carry Handle at the lowest price this year. Now, just $579.99 with FREE shipping to your FFL.

Federal District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn has ordered a permanent injunction against enforcement of the Illinois "assault weapon" and magazine ban on November 8, 2024. The order will probably be appealed to the Seventh Circuit.

Can we at least have some time for public input on something that can profoundly affect us all before sneaking this through?

Imagine a rifle that doesn't just shoot; it speaks to the soul of the hunter, the adventurer, the collector. Enter the Nosler Limited Edition M21 Carbon Rifle.

GETTING tired of ordering the same food for delivery, week after week? Tiger Beer, the champion of Asian street food, has the answer. Spice up your mealtimes by pre-ordering the Tiger Street Food Box – featuring exclusive, bold collaborations between classic street food favourites and some of KL’s hottest modern restaurants – and get it delivered right to your door!

Choose from a range of innovative new collaborations based on authentic street food flavours, with mash-up dishes from Devi’s Corner, Yut Kee, myBurgerLab, Ticklish Ribs & ‘Wiches, Megah Taiwan Sausage, Mama Manta, LI, Fifty Tales and Choon Prawn Mee House. Fancy Ticklish Ribs & ‘Wiches legendary BBQ chicken wings with Devi’s Corner’s famous mango chutney? You got it – the Tiger Street Food Box has you covered! And of course – what would street food be without an ice-cold Tiger to pair it with? Each box comes with Tiger Beer or Tiger Crystal, the perfect partner to Asian street food.

From the myBurgerLab x Mama Manta ‘Flamin’ Hot Sambal Burger’ – a chicken patty in a bun slathered with a creamy lime sauce, paired with Mama Manta’s Grill Fish Sambal, perfected over 18 years; to Fifty Tales x Choon Prawn Mee House ‘Smoked Oil with Prawn Mee Broth Braised Pork’ – pork shoulder braised in prawn mee broth to soak up the flavour and served on noodles paired with a housemade smoked oil: one thing’s for certain – this isn’t your normal, boring food delivery.

Available for pre-order from today at www.tigerstreetfood.my, the Tiger Street Food Box will be delivered on the day of your choosing according to your location – so you can plan your perfect day or night in to go along with it. Priced at RM28 for a one-person box, or RM48 for a two-person box, quantities are limited for each delivery day – so pre-order early to avoid disappointment. You won’t be able to find these exclusive collaboration dishes anywhere else, so be sure to try them before they’re gone for good!

The Tiger Street Food Box will be available over the next three weekends in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru respectively, before returning to the Klang Valley again for the final week of the campaign. Each two-person box comes with two choices of mains, one choice of large side dish, and two 320ml cans of either Tiger Beer or Tiger Crystal. Each one-person box comes with one choice of main, one choice of side dish, and one 320ml can of either Tiger Beer or Tiger Crystal. Every order also comes complete with a limited edition Tiger Street Food chopstick set.

SAMSUNG MALAYSIA ELECTRONICS recently announced a new initiative – “A Rising Star” – to inspire and unite Malaysian youth, our rising stars, through a memorable one-of-a-kind experience. As a global leader in mobile technologies, A Rising Star demonstrates Samsung Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing the local art and music industry by providing an avenue for today’s youth to truly enjoy art and music – leveraging the unique features of the Galaxy A32, Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72.

Arts and music, in particular, is at the core of youth culture and plays an important role in advancing their socialisation and creative self-expression. Not only does this campaign aim to bring together young people in Malaysia through their shared passion and appreciation for local art and music, it also draws forth youth’s potential and unite people from all walks of life.

“Youth today are influencing trends we are seeing in culture and those trends are ideated, inspired and created with their smartphones. Their drive to create never stops and Samsung’s innovative technologies are the perfect companion for young people in Malaysia and around the world, encouraging them to channel their creativity and pursue their passions and dreams,” said Elaine Soh, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.

Through this initiative, Samsung will mobilise a range of activities that will happen in efforts to allow youths to capture and experience exceptional moments.

Encouraging local music with Universal Music Malaysia

Universal Music Malaysia and Samsung are ecstatic to announce the launch of a music video (MV) by an up-and-coming local artist – Raya-themed MV titled Raya Raya Raya by Malaysian heartthrob girl group DOLLA.

Raya Raya Raya MV touches on the contrast of traditional and modern styles celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri where the rapid technology innovations of today have shaped how the important day is celebrated, especially the significance of social media tools and platforms in influencing interactions between family and friends. With that spirit in mind, Samsung also launched a DOLLA TikTok Challenge – to participate, simply dance to DOLLA’s new Raya song and stand a chance to win total of nine units of the brand new Galaxy A32 Samsung is giving away!

Additionally, Samsung and Universal Music will also be working together on activations that will empower youth in achieving their dreams in the music industry, one involving another rising local artistes, Jeii Pong and Gaston Pong, also known as “PongPong”.

KL City takeover powered by Samsung Galaxy A

As part of Samsung’s effort to brighten up the city, Samsung partnered with talented mural artists to, quite literally, paint the town.

Several iconic buildings across KL City have gone through a massively fun makeover. Murals painted on buildings such as the REX KL building in Chinatown no longer sport old and dull grey paint. It is now covered in bright murals featuring fun characters and colors that accurately represent the culture of Malaysia from renowned artist, Orkibal. As for the magical transformation of Drop Inn Lodge at Jalan Tun HS Lee, it is the brainchild of an outstanding graffiti whiz, Lowkey.

Another iconic architecture, the Zhongshan Art Building will also go through the same beautification by well-known mural artist, Bono Stellar and is scheduled to be completed by end of May 2021.

COFFEE lovers in Malaysia will have something to look forward to as Nescafe Ready-to-Drink brings all things Malaysian with the rebranding of its local coffee drinks to the Nescafe Kopitiam Series and the introduction of two new variants, the Nescafe Kopi-C, and Nesaafe Kopi Cham.

The new Nescafe Kopi Cham is a combination of tea and coffee, while Nescafe Kopi-C has a smoother blend of coffee and milk. These two flavours are recognised as popular coffee choices in the local coffee shops.

CLOSE to one million youths have successfully claimed their eBelia credit via ShopeePay. As of June 7, the programme has succeeded in generating sales amounting to 120% of the total amount disbursed by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) through ShopeePay. Additionally, some 140,000 sellers and traders that accept ShopeePay have already benefited from the eBelia programme.

Head of ShopeePay Malaysia Alain Yee said: ”As one of the newest mobile wallets to enter a crowded space, it is indeed humbling to receive the resounding support from eligible eBelia participants. When compared against MOF’s announcement, the bulk of the 1.7 million successful applicants have chosen ShopeePay. This is possibly because our e-wallet can be used both online and offline nationwide, with a reach as far and wide as Semporna, Sabah; Miri, Sarawak; Kemaman and Gong Badak in Terengganu and Bachok, Kelantan.”

Yee added that based on the preliminary data from June 1 till 7, user behaviour amongst eBelia recipients suggest that the programme has driven adoption of e-wallets and is likely going to lead to long term usage.

“Of the total successful eBelia applicants via our mobile wallet, about 40% are new ShopeePay users that activated their e-wallet just for eBelia. Additionally, we are positive that customer retention rate amongst these new users will be high as over 20% have already topped up their e-wallet at least once within the first week of using ShopeePay,” he explained.

On what the recipients have been spending on, Yee shared that many were seen to be using the eBelia credit on very practical purchases: daily necessities, food and beverages, books, as well as home and living items, among others. A closer look into the spending pattern of these eBelia youths for the past week reveals the following (Observations are made based on top 100 merchants by transactions recorded offline, online (merchants’ webstores and Apps), and on Shopee.

SINCE it was founded in 1994, aviation has always been a passion for Bell & Ross. Over the years, the watch brand has become a leading benchmark in the instrument watch field.

In 2011, the brand launched the eye-catching Red Radar. This year marks the return of this watchmaking UFO. The style of the new BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic version is as modern as ever, and brings its own innovative reinterpretation to the watch display. Its display breaks the traditional watchmaking codes by revisiting the graphics of an aircraft control radar.

The time can be read via a system of rotating discs, combined with an analogue hand. The dial is topped with a red sapphire crystal. The newcomer adopts the BR 03 case, which is 42 mm in diameter.

In constant pursuit of innovation and performance, on this occasion Bell & Ross has chosen to use ceramic. This high-tech material is scratch-resistant, yet soft to the touch.

THERE is good news for close to 15,000 University Malaya [UM] undergraduates returning to campus this October – homegrown retailer MR DIY will be distributing RM300 to each student to help them purchase essential supplies to facilitate their return to campus.

Dubbed #DIY4UM, the RM4.5 million cash aid distribution programme is being implemented in partnership with Touch ‘n Go via its eWallet platform.

The cash aid will be made to students on their Touch ‘n Go eWallets in three equal payments of RM100 each on Nov 1 and 30, and Dec 30.

Announcing the #DIY4UM aid programme, MR DIY CEO Adrian Ong said the programme was aimed at helping students make the back-to-campus transition as smooth and worry-free as possible.

He said: “The reopening of campuses is a major milestone for university students. After many months of lockdown, they will finally be able to reconvene on campus to fully benefit from the in-person learning experience and enjoy the academic social interaction with lecturers and fellow students alike.

“We believe it’s important that they are well equipped with protective and learning essentials to keep themselves safe while staying focused on their studies, which is why we are distributing this cash aid to undergraduates at University Malaya.”

He said students will be able to easily equip themselves with everyday student essentials, Covid-19 protective equipment and a wide range of stationery items at MR DIY retail stores as well as its online platform using the cash credit given.

In addition, the first 11,000 students who utilise the funds will be entitled to RM10 cashback when they spend a minimum of RM20 using the Touch ‘n Go Wallet.

The promotion applies at MR DIY Group stores, MR DIY Online, as well as the MR DIY mini programme available on Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

The programme is part of a strategic collaboration between MR DIY and Touch ‘n Go which was inked in July this year.

Commenting on the aid programme, Touch ‘n Go group chief executive officer Effendy Shahul Hamid said: “We are extremely pleased that the partnership between our companies has been extended into a benefit for society, in this case, students of University Malaya.

“We stand ready to support this initiative and we commend MR DIY for stepping up during these challenging times.”

All active Malaysian undergraduates at University Malaya are eligible for the aid. They are required to register online via Portal Maya UM by Oct 3, and ensure they have a valid Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

The initiative was lauded by Universiti Malaya’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Syukor who said: “We are confident this initiative will be of great help to students as they return to campus.”

The #DIY4UM initiative is the latest in a series of collaborations between MR DIY and University Malaysia. MR DIY has for the past four years joined hands with UM and the Ministry of Education to organise the “DIY Made Simple” competition for schools with UM’s Community and Sustainability Center (UMCares).

The competition is a CSR initiative to cultivate awareness of sustainability among schoolchildren.

Visit MR DIY’s website at www.mrdiy.com, e-commerce platform at www.mrdiy.com.my, and social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) acknowledges the efforts of the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in presenting Budget 2025.

The initiatives aimed at equitable economic growth, fiscal responsibility and governance reforms are commendable.

While the budget reflects positive steps in Malaysia’s fiscal policy and development, it falls short in addressing critical human rights concerns, especially in areas affecting marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Suhakam welcomes the government’s focus on children, including incentives for special needs children and tax breaks for parents of children with autism.

Efforts to tackle child malnutrition in public housing and the increased allocation to agencies dealing with online safety, child pornography and cyberbullying are positive.

The strengthening of relevant laws to address scams and cybercrimes targeting children as well as the introduction of new legal frameworks represent a proactive step towards protecting children in the digital age.

Despite these improvements, Suhakam stresses that the budget lacks clear plans to safeguard the rights of migrant workers, refugees and stateless individuals. These communities continue to face exploitation, with limited access to healthcare, education and legal protection.

Stronger frameworks are needed to prevent human trafficking and exploitation, ensuring these groups can access justice and basic services, in line with Malaysia’s international obligations.

The budget mentions infrastructure projects for rural and indigenous communities but fails to address the protection of indigenous peoples’ land rights.

Their participation in decision-making on development projects remains limited, often resulting in displacement and loss of traditional lands.

Suhakam emphasises the importance of the principle of free, prior and informed consent in all development activities to preserve their rights and cultural heritage.

On gender equality, Budget 2025’s focus on gender-based violence remains inadequate.

The absence of specific allocations for strengthening legal frameworks and support services for victims is alarming.

Suhakam urges the government to prioritise protection for women, particularly in addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.

Malaysia’s ageing population continues to grow, yet their specific needs remain largely unaddressed. Access to healthcare, social protection and protection from abuse are essential human rights that cannot be overlooked. Suhakam calls for a comprehensive national ageing policy that guarantees the dignity and rights of elderly citizens.

In addition, while poverty alleviation is a government focus, the budget lacks a human rights-based approach to economic and social rights.

Marginalised communities continue to struggle with inadequate housing, food security and fair wages. Suhakam stresses the need for legal protections that ensure equitable access to resources, affordable housing and decent work for all, especially low-income families.

Mental health services, especially post-pandemic, remain critically underfunded.

While economic recovery is emphasised, there is limited attention to community-based mental healthcare.

Additionally, the budget does not sufficiently address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities (PwD). The lack of focus on accessibility, inclusive education and employment opportunities is concerning.

Suhakam urges the government to align its policies with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring equal access to public services and economic opportunities for all PwD.

While institutional reforms are mentioned, Budget 2025 falls short in addressing access to justice for vulnerable groups.

Suhakam advocates for comprehensive legal reforms to ensure marginalised communities can access justice and hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.

On a positive note, Suhakam recognises the increased budget for the judiciary, the boost to the National Cyber Security Agency in tackling online safety issues, including for children, and the anticipated Online Safety Bill.

The increase in cash aid under Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and the allocations for combatting child malnutrition in public housing areas are steps in the right direction.

Despite these initiatives, the minimum wage still does not reflect the actual cost of living, as evidenced by reports from Employees Provident Fund, Bank Negara Malaysia and Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency.

Additionally, the Baitul Mahabbah programme continues with no expansion to cover all children below 18 years, nor an indication of family or community placement.

Suhakam acknowledges the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and governance reforms.

However, we urge the government to ensure that its economic growth strategies are inclusive.

A budget must address not only fiscal concerns but also the protection of fundamental rights for all.

Suhakam

I WRITE this letter with a heavy heart. After nearly three decades of loyalty to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), it pains me to say that our national carrier, once a symbol of pride and prestige, is rapidly losing its appeal.

As a frequent traveller since my 30s and 40s – flying MAS monthly for work across the globe – my commitment to our national airline has remained steadfast. Even in the face of criticisms, I stood by MAS, altering flights and routes just to support it.

Today, in my late 50s, I still travel monthly to Sarawak and take an annual trip abroad to Mecca. However, I now find myself questioning whether this loyalty is justified.

Sarawak is a gem waiting to be discovered, with immense tourism potential. However, with the current airfares, especially on MAS, many potential travellers are priced out, severely hampering the state’s tourism growth.

The recent prices to Kuching are, to put it plainly, shocking. Last-minute bookings are unavoidable at times, but I was appalled to be charged nearly RM4,700 for a return business ticket to Kuching. Even my staff, flying economy, paid close to RM3,000 for the same route.

Planning ahead does not seem to help much either; even when booked a month in advance, return tickets are close to RM3,000 for business class and over RM1,300 for economy. This level of pricing is absurd, especially for a domestic route.

I believe, as many do, that with premium prices should come a premium experience. Unfortunately, MAS no longer delivers on this. The business lounge, once a place to relax before flights, has deteriorated.

As I write this on Oct 30, the restrooms in the lounge are still under renovation – a situation I encountered throughout September as well.

The dining experience in the lounge has lost its lustre.

Recently, while attempting to enjoy a simple nasi lemak, I was served boiled eggs still in their shell. When I requested help to remove the shell, the response from the staff was, “we don’t do that”, which was disappointing and telling of how far standards have dropped.

Onboard, the situation does not improve. In business class, we now deal with seats that do not recline properly.

The food, an essential part of any long-haul experience, has worsened. On two recent occasions, the in-flight meals were barely edible, bordering on “off”. In one instance, the lack of quality even made me hesitate to eat.

The lack of comfort in facilities and amenities makes each flight less enjoyable than the last. Even my annual long-haul flights to Mecca on MAS, which I look forward to each year, have not been immune to these setbacks.

Travelling such distances should bring an experience that feels seamless and comfortable, but MAS has started to fall short even here.

Adding to this is the cumbersome process of booking tickets online. With ticket sales exclusively digital, resolving booking issues becomes frustratingly difficult.

Customer service, once a proud element of MAS’s offering, is increasingly subpar, with representatives often unable to assist adequately.

The only saving grace, as many loyal customers like myself would agree, are the cabin crew. Their friendliness and dedication are a testament to the heart and spirit MAS was once known for – they are MAS’s real assets.

If MAS continues along this trajectory, it will lose the loyalty of not only long-standing customers like myself but also the new generation of travellers.

Competing airlines like Emirates and Saudi Airlines are waiting in the wings, ready to welcome disillusioned MAS customers with open arms.

As I reluctantly contemplate flying with them, I realise how close MAS is to losing the competitive edge it once had. My hope is that MAS’s management and its owners take heed of these issues
and recognise the urgent need for improvement.

This is not just about ticket prices or outdated lounges; it is about restoring pride in our national airline and ensuring it represents Malaysia as it once did – with quality, excellence and care.

MAS has a legacy worth fighting
for, but only if the commitment to improvement is genuine. For the sake of all who continue to fly MAS out of loyalty and pride, I urge the airline’s leadership to act swiftly and decisively to bring MAS back to its roots as a serious and reliable airline worthy of our national identity.

Prof (Haji) Said Bani CM Din

Loyal (but concerned)
MAS traveller

CLIMATE change is no longer a distant or abstract phenomenon relegated to the icy extremities of the Arctic, nor a cause celebre championed by a select few.

Its impacts are now felt in the streets of Kuala Lumpur and in the homes of everyday Malaysians. With a recent Unicef analysis highlighting a fourfold increase in heatwaves and the devastating floods of 2021 and 2022 still fresh in memory, it is clear that Malaysia is at a critical juncture.

The public is eager to confront this existential crisis, but a significant question remains: Can we afford it?

This question goes beyond financial concerns and touches on the structural barriers that hinder our collective action. The obstacles to sustainable living – whether financial, infrastructural or attitudinal – risk undermining the will of the rakyat to take meaningful steps forward.

A recent study focusing on climate literacy in Malaysia paints a revealing portrait of this struggle. The survey, whose respondents majorly consisted of youths aged 15 to 24, found that 68% reported strong engagement in energy conservation practices while 51% demonstrated recycling habits, reflecting a promising commitment to environmentally friendly values.

However, this willingness often collides with systemic barriers, making it difficult for these efforts to translate into large-scale change.

At the heart of the issue is the ongoing tug-of-war between convenience and climate action. The dichotomy is evident in the behaviours of the younger generation; around 51% of respondents aged 15 to 24 regularly use
public transport. This is largely due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility.

However, gaps in coverage and inefficiencies limit its potential as a comprehensive solution. Similarly, many young people are reducing their energy consumption at home – an encouraging sign of eco-consciousness. However, are these actions driven by genuine environmental concern or are they primarily a response to rising electricity costs?

When it comes to more significant lifestyle changes, such as reducing plastic consumption or choosing eco-friendly products, cost and convenience still play decisive roles.

Sustainable options often come with higher price tags or are harder to find, which can discourage even the most committed individuals. This underscores the gap between good intentions and real action.

The solution is not simply about individual willpower. It is about creating a system where sustainable living becomes the easier, more affordable choice for all Malaysians.

Sustainability, unfortunately, often comes with a price tag that is unaffordable to many. The idea of “going green” is frequently associated with buying organic, reducing plastic use or adopting renewable energy – all commendable but often out of reach for the average person.

This financial burden extends beyond individual consumption. Many Malaysians are already under pressure to meet basic living standards, making it difficult to prioritise sustainable choices without substantial support.

Here, the role of the government becomes crucial. As living costs rise, achieving widespread adoption of green practices requires thoughtful financial support.

By introducing subsidies, tax incentives and rebates for eco-friendly products and renewable energy, the government can make sustainability more accessible to a wider population. These policy tools can empower Malaysians to make greener choices without feeling the pinch in their wallets.

Malaysia has already demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change through international agreements and targets. The country has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, a significant step towards mitigating its environmental impact.

Additionally, as a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Malaysia is part of a global effort to tackle climate change. These commitments lay the foundation for more ambitious domestic policies and actions.

The government’s efforts should not stop at encouraging individual responsibility; they must also create conditions where sustainable living is the default. This requires a multifaceted approach, from stricter regulations on high-polluting industries to investing in green infrastructure. These steps would ensure that sustainable choices are not just available but also convenient and affordable for all.

While individual actions are vital in tackling climate change, they must be complemented by broader systemic shifts. The power of individual behaviours, when multiplied, can create a ripple effect, but lasting impact requires governments, industries and communities working in harmony.

It is important to recognise that sustainability cannot simply be a consumer choice, it must become a societal norm.

The current model, which places the burden on individuals while allowing industries to continue with “business as usual” is not just unsustainable, it is profoundly unjust.

The time has come for a shift in perspective, where systemic change is seen not as a luxury but as a necessity. Malaysia needs bold and decisive action, not just from individuals but also from the government and industries.

Policies that make green living the default choice – such as subsidies for eco-friendly products, stricter regulations on corporate polluters and robust investments in infrastructure – are key steps towards building a more sustainable future.

Moreover, a cultural shift is necessary in how we view sustainability. The responsibility of addressing climate change should not disproportionately fall on individuals, particularly those already struggling financially. Corporations and industries, as the wealthiest and most influential players, have a greater obligation to lead the charge toward sustainability.

As Malaysia confronts the realities of climate change, it is imperative that we shift the narrative away from individual action as the sole remedy for environmental degradation.

The rakyat are ready to do their part but systemic support is essential for real progress. It is time for the government and industries to take responsibility, ensuring that sustainable living is accessible and affordable.

Half-measures are no longer enough. What Malaysia needs now is bold and decisive actions that connect individual behaviours, corporate responsibility and government policies into a cohesive, collective effort. It is time for the system to catch up.

The writers are from the Department of
Science and Technology Studies,
Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

PERHAPS one of the highlights of my career was when I was made a chief in a small village in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1986.

After that, a series of events brought me back down to earth.

It was on a normal afternoon during a visit to the plantation and the natural palm groves that I was led to the village by the river Kwenge.

This village was near the town of Kikwit, about 500km east of Kinshasa. Unilever had started its first palm oil mill there in 1911 to supply the soap factories in Liverpool.

In later years, the supplies increased from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Although the business had lost its role as an exporter, it was still an important supplier for the country.

Certainly, the community benefited from Unilever’s presence, employing a population that had experienced not only poverty but also diseases and epidemics such as AIDS and malaria.

Probably even Dr Steve Watson, the director of that region for Unilever Plantations, did not know that I would be installed that day as chief of the village.

It was likely the work of the chef de personnel, an ambitious person from the area.

The people were waiting around an open circle with a stool placed in the middle of the sandy floor.

I was invited to sit on the stool and as soon as the drums began to beat, the chief stepped up with gifts, including three arrows, a drum made of antelope skin and, to top it all, a fly whisk that he placed in my hand.

It was a symbol of power.

The chief’s hands shook slightly.

“You are the chief of this whole village and we are your people now. In your absence, I will be your assistant chief and I will take care of all affairs until your return.”

This was said in the Kikongo language, translated into French by the chef de personnel in a loud and unnecessarily lengthy manner to impress everyone, as I looked around me, and then translated into English by Dr Watson.

He was a Scot who had worked with me in Pamol Sabah and was now in charge of areas extending to the Kasai River.

For the next few days, I travelled with him to see the other plantations, at Mapangu and Bongimba, and I was warned in advance to take my pills against malaria.

In Kikwit, I was reminded of the real risk when I visited a young Belgian engineer at the company rest-house. He lay in bed, shivering.

A transport was arranged to take him to Kinshasa.

But soon after I returned home to Cobham in Surrey, I developed a fever and my body shook. It went on for a few days.

When I became delirious, Maznah took me back to the clinic and suggested to the young doctor: “It could be malaria treatment that he needs.”

The young doctor changed the medicine.

Probably malaria cases were rare in that small town before.

I stopped shivering but still felt feeble when I returned to the office.

Waiting for me were a few messages.

The first, with regret, informed me that the young engineer had died before he arrived in Brussels.

The others concerned changes in top management.

In Malaysia, Pamol had a new chairman who came from Unilever’s factories side and had not previously seen a plantation.

It was a time when many businesses were struggling.

This was a period that followed diversification – a mantra that didn’t always work – ending with the cutting off of parts that were considered non-core. The heroes of the day were directors who boasted about the number of managers they had laid off.

In Unilever’s case, the company decided to slot excess managers where it could and Pamol was not excluded.

The process had shifted from selecting people experienced in plantations.

This shift confirmed the fears that deterred managers from accepting overseas assignments, uncertain if they could return.

In my case, I had been based in London for three years.

Leslie Davidson had asked the personnel department to send me an offer letter for the position of managing director in Cameroon.

Barry Mack, who was there, had resigned for health reasons.

I had discussed this with Maznah and her answer was simple: “When you were sick, I sat by your bed each day, thinking how I might have to pull the children out of school and bring your body home in a box. I don’t want that stress anymore.” I had to refuse the job.

The next offer was to be the director of personnel in DR Congo for Unilever, with its vast business there.

The significant hardship allowance was tempting.

I was to take over the role from Colin Bewick.

I remembered supporting John Dodd, the plantations director, who had insisted on Colin’s departure. I had no idea that one day I’d be in this situation.

Maznah’s response was the same: “Let’s go home and you can look for another job.”

I spoke to Leslie Davidson. We remained close friends, but I knew that with the way head office operated, the decisions weren’t his alone.

“Go with Maznah and the children and stay for a month in Kuala Lumpur. See if you can find a job there. I’ll see what I can do.”

On the long flight back, I had much to think about.

The three children were on school holiday and although glad to be on a plane, they didn’t fully understand what was happening.

Soon I would be jobless. I felt powerless.

Even the fly whisk I kept at home couldn’t help me now.

The writer has extensive experience in the management of oil palm plantations.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

BEIRUT: The Israeli military carried out at least five airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday, after Israel’s defence minister ruled out any ceasefire in Lebanon until Israel’s goals had been met.

Smoke rose over Beirut as blasts shook the capital around mid-morning. The explosions followed an Israeli military warning posted on social media identifying 12 sites in the southern suburbs and saying it would take action against them soon. It warned residents they were located near Hezbollah facilities.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the latest strikes. Residents have largely fled the southern suburbs since Israel began bombing the area in September.

In Israel, air raid sirens sounded in parts of the north, sending residents running for shelter, and the military said a number of “suspicious aerial targets” were launched from Lebanon. There were no reports of injuries.

Ignited by the Gaza war, the conflict at the Lebanese-Israeli border had been rumbling on for a year before Israel went on the offensive in September, pounding wide areas of Lebanon with airstrikes and sending troops into the south.

Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah over the last seven weeks, killing many of its top leaders including Hassan Nasrallah, flattening parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, and causing vast destruction in border villages in south Lebanon.

Meeting with Israel’s general staff for the first time, Israel’s newly appointed Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday there would be no ceasefire in Lebanon until Israel achieves its goals.

“Israel will not agree to any arrangement that does not guarantee Israel’s right to enforce and prevent terrorism on its own, and meet the goals of the war in Lebanon - disarming Hezbollah and its withdrawal beyond the Litani River and returning the residents of the north safely to their homes.”

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar had said earlier on Monday there had been “a certain progress” in ceasefire talks, whilst adding the war against Hezbollah was not yet over.

The main challenge facing any ceasefire deal would be enforcement, he said.

Hezbollah has said it is ready for a long war against Israel and has kept up rocket fire.

SOUTH OF THE LITANI

The Lebanese government, which includes Hezbollah, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire based on the full implementation of a U.N. Resolution that ended a war between the group and Israel in 2006.

The resolution calls for the area south of the Litani to be free of all weapons other than those of the Lebanese state. Lebanon and Israel have accused each other of violating the resolution.

Israel’s offensive has driven more than 1 million people from their homes in Lebanon in the last seven weeks. Since hostilities erupted a year ago, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 3,243 people and injured 14,134, the Lebanese health ministry said. Its figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Hezbollah attacks have killed roughly 100 civilians and soldiers in northern Israel, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon over the last year.

ZHUHAI: A hit-and-run attack at a sports centre in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai killed 35 people and severely injured 43, local police said on Tuesday.

The incident happened at 7:48 p.m. (1148 GMT) on Monday, when a small off-road vehicle was driven into a large group of people exercising outside the sports centre.

Zhuhai police said in a statement that the suspect, a 62-year-old man surnamed Fan, was being treated at a hospital after hurting himself with a knife in his car.

A Reuters reporter at the scene on Tuesday evening said people had begun leaving wreaths, counting 18 laid in front of a sign for the Zhuhai People’s Fitness Square. Others lit candles and incense. The police presence was low.

A video, verified by Reuters, of the scene on Monday following the attack had shown at least 20 people lying on the ground. Cries of “terrorist” could be heard as ambulances arrived to take the injured to hospital.

Hundreds of rescue personnel from Zhuhai city and Guangdong province were deployed to provide emergency treatment, and more than 300 healthcare workers from five hospitals worked around the clock to save lives, state media Beijing Daily reported.

Fan was apprehended by police at the scene after attempting to flee, police said, adding that he had self-harmed using a knife, causing severe neck injuries.

Police said their preliminary investigation suggested the incident was triggered by Fan’s discontent following a divorce.

President Xi Jinping, cited by Chinese state television CCTV, ordered all-out efforts to treat the injured and demanded severe punishment for the perpetrator. The central government has dispatched a team to provide guidance on handling of the case, CCTV said.

The attack sparked thousands of angry comments on Chinese social media, many of which were quickly censored after the police reported the high death toll.

“Zhuhai is one of the most relaxed, peaceful, and liveable cities in the country, and this tragic incident has left a painful memory that will be hard to erase for many years to come,“ one user of the Weibo platform said.

Violent crime is rare in China due to tight security and strict gun laws. However, a rise in reports of knife attacks in large cities has drawn public attention to safety in public spaces.

In October, a knife attack in Beijing left five people wounded outside one of the city’s top primary schools. A month earlier, a Japanese student was fatally stabbed outside his school in Shenzhen.

Zhuhai is hosting China’s biggest annual air show this week where a new stealth jet fighter will be on display for the first time.

NEW YORK: The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal hush money case has put off ruling on whether the president-elect’s conviction should be thrown out on immunity grounds, enabling prosecutors to weigh next steps following his Nov. 5 election victory.

Justice Juan Merchan had been due to rule on Tuesday on Trump’s argument that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in July that presidents are immune from prosecution involving their official acts meant the New York state case should be dismissed.

Instead, Merchan granted a request by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office to have until Nov. 19 to consider how to approach the case in light of Trump’s looming inauguration in January 2025, email correspondence made public on Tuesday showed.

Trump’s scheduled Nov. 26 sentencing is now widely expected to be postponed.

Trump in May became the first U.S. president - former or sitting - convicted of a crime when a jury in Manhattan found him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a potential sex scandal shortly before his first election win in 2016. Trump, who pleaded not guilty, has vowed to appeal the verdict after sentencing.

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo wrote there were “competing interests” between ensuring a criminal case proceeds as usual and protecting the office of the president.

“The People agree that these are unprecedented circumstances,“ Colangelo wrote.

Trump is set to be the first felon inaugurated as president after his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

At issue in the six-week Manhattan trial was a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about a sexual encounter she said she had with him in 2006 but which he has denied.

Trump’s defense lawyer Emil Bove wrote that the case ultimately needed to be dismissed to avoid interfering with Trump’s presidential duties.

“The stay, and dismissal, are necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern,“ Bove wrote.

TRUMP FACED FOUR CRIMINAL CASES

Trump, 78, is hoping to enter office unencumbered by any of four criminal cases he has faced and which once were thought to have threatened to derail his 2024 candidacy to return to the White House after having served from 2017-2021.

The Republican Trump has portrayed the hush money case brought by Bragg, a Democrat, and the three other state and federal criminal indictments brought in 2023 as politically motivated attempts to harm his presidential campaign. He pleaded not guilty in all four cases.

“It is now abundantly clear that Americans want an immediate end to the weaponization of our justice system,“ Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement on Tuesday.

Special Counsel Jack Smith brought two of the cases against Trump, one involving classified documents he kept after leaving office and the other involving his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. A Florida-based federal judge in July dismissed the documents case. The Justice Department is now evaluating how to wind down Smith’s election-related case.

Trump also faces state criminal charges in Georgia over his bid to reverse his 2020 loss in that state, but the case remains in limbo.

The Supreme Court, in a decision arising from one of Smith’s two cases against Trump, decided that presidents are immune from prosecution involving their official acts and that juries cannot be presented evidence of official acts in trials over personal conduct. It marked the first time that the court recognized any degree of presidential immunity from prosecution.

In making the case for immunity, Trump’s lawyers said the jury that convicted Trump in the hush money case was shown evidence by prosecutors of his social media posts as president and heard testimony from his former aides about conversations that occurred in the White House during his 2017-2021 term.

Bragg’s office countered that the Supreme Court’s ruling has no bearing on the case, which they said concerned “wholly unofficial conduct.” The Supreme Court in its ruling found no immunity for a president’s unofficial acts.

JAKARTA: Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday and offered his congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump by phone during an official visit to Washington.

“I will work very hard to strengthen Indonesian-United States relationship, and I would like to work towards this end that we have a strong cooperation,“ said Prabowo.

Prabowo, who has said he will pursue a non-aligned foreign policy, met with Biden in the Oval Office after posting a video of his call to Trump.

He arrived in Washington straight from China, where he had met with President Xi Jinping on his first overseas trip since taking office last month.

Washington sees Indonesia, the most populous country in Southeast Asia, as an important partner in a region where its rival Beijing has deep trade and investment ties. Indonesia is also the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

While China is a key economic partner for Indonesia, Jakarta has also become a big buyer of U.S. arms, and it wants to sell the West more metals from its mines.

At the White House, Biden said the two leaders were discussing climate, conflict in the Middle East and the South China Sea.

Indonesia said on Monday it does not recognize China's claims over the vast majority of the South China Sea, despite signing a maritime development deal with Beijing.

“We continue to encourage Indonesia to work with their legal experts to make sure any agreement they make with (the People’s Republic of China) is in accordance with international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,“ said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre at a press briefing.

TRUMP CALL

Prabowo's office said he made the call to Trump on Monday after arriving in Washington. It did not immediately respond when asked if he is scheduled to meet Trump in person.

“Wherever you are, I’m willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir,“ Prabowo said in the video of the call posted on his social media accounts.

“We’ll do that, anytime you want,“ Trump replied.

Trump described his own election victory as amazing, and said it gave him a big mandate.

He also said the Indonesian president was “very respected,“ and praised his English, to which Prabowo, a former special forces commander, replied: “All my training is American, sir.”

Prabowo also met with several U.S. company representatives in Washington, his office said, including from Freeport McMoRan and energy company Chevron, and urged the companies to invest in Indonesia. (Reporting by Stanley Widianto in Jakarta and Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by John Mair, David Gregorio and Rosalba O'Brien)

MADRID: Schools in flood-hit towns in eastern Spain will be closed on Wednesday as the region braces for more torrential rains, officials said.

National weather office AEMET on Tuesday placed parts of Valencia as well as Catalonia in the northeast and Andalusia in the south and the Balearic Islands on orange alert -- the second highest level -- for strong or torrential rains until Thursday.

The alert comes two weeks after an exceptional Mediterranean storm caused Spain's deadliest floods in decades.

The October 29 storm killed 223 people, the bulk of them in the Valencia region, according to the latest official tally.

Dozens of town halls in Valencia, including Chiva, one of the worst-hit sites, suspended classes and closed public gyms because of the threats of more heavy rain.

“In response to the information provided by the emergency services, school and sports activities will be SUSPENDED from tomorrow until further notice,“ Chiva town hall wrote on X.

A military vehicle drove through towns in Valencia using a megaphone to warn of the expected storms and urge people not to make “unnecessary trips,“ images broadcast on Spanish public television TVE showed,

While the amount of rain that is forecast to fall in Valencia is less than what fell two weeks ago, local officials warned sewage systems are clogged with mud and could struggle to cope with significant precipitation making more flooding possible.

Outrage at the authorities for their perceived mismanagement before and after the floods triggered mass protests on Saturday, the largest in Valencia city which drew 130,000 people.

Classes were also suspended on Wednesday in parts of southern Catalonia as well as some towns and cities in Andalusia, inclusing Malaga.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency, rewarding two of Trump’s well known supporters from the private sector.

Musk and Ramaswamy “will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies,“ Trump said in a statement.

Trump said the new department “will provide advice and guidance from outside of government,“ signaling the entity would operate outside the confines of government.

However, it would work with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach” to government never seen before.

Trump said their work would conclude by July 4, 2026, making it a “gift” to the country on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Musk, ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world, already stood to benefit from Trump’s victory, with the billionaire entrepreneur expected to wield extraordinary influence to help his companies and secure favorable government treatment.

Musk gave millions of dollars to support Trump’s presidential campaign and made public appearances with him. Trump had said he would offer Musk a role in his administration promoting government efficiency.

He has many links to Washington, opens new tab and his lineup of companies includes electric car company Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab, social media platform X and rocket company SpaceX.

“This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in government waste, which is a lot of people!” Musk said, according to Trump’s statement, which called the new government initiative “potentially ‘The Manhattan Project’ of our time,“ referring to the U.S. plan to build the atomic bomb that helped end World War Two.

Ramaswamy is the founder of a pharmaceutical company who ran for the Republican presidential nomination against Trump and then threw his support behind the former president after dropping out.

“We will not go gently, @elonmusk,“ Ramaswamy said on X.

Musk reposted the announcement from Trump on his X account and added comments such as that, “The merch will be (fire),“ using three fire emojis, and, “People have no idea how much this will move the needle!”

He also posted: “Threat to democracy? Nope, threat to BUREAUCRACY!!!”

The acronym of the new department - DOGE - coincides with the name of the cryptocurrency dogecoin that Musk promotes.

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NEW DELHI: A toxic haze enveloped India’s national capital on Wednesday morning as temperatures dropped and pollution surged, reducing visibility in some parts and prompting a warning from airport authorities that flights may be affected.

Delhi overtook Pakistan’s Lahore as the world’s most polluted city in Swiss group IQAir’s live rankings, with an air quality index (AQI) score of more than 1,000, considered “hazardous”, but India’s pollution authority said the AQI was around 350.

Officials were not immediately available to explain the variation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the pollution had reduced visibility to 100 metres (328 feet) in some places by around 8 a.m. (0230 GMT).

“Low visibility procedures” were initiated at the city’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, operator Delhi International Airport Limited said in a post on social media platform X.

“While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected,“ the authority said.

CAT III is a navigation system that enables aircraft to land even when visibility is low.

The IMD said the city’s temperature dropped to 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday morning from 17.9C on Tuesday, and may fall further as sunlight remains cut off due to the smog.

Delhi battles severe pollution every winter as cold, heavy air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from farm fires set off illegally in the adjoining, farming states of Punjab and Haryana.

Previously, authorities have closed schools, placed restrictions on private vehicles, and stopped some building work to curb the problem.

The city’s environment minister said last week that the government was keen to use artificial rain to cut the smog.

Pakistan’s Punjab province, which shares a border with India, has also banned outdoor activities, closed schools, and ordered shops, markets and malls to close early in some parts in an effort to protect its citizens from the toxic air.

NEW DELHI: Residents of India’s capital New Delhi choked in a blanketing toxic smog Wednesday as worsening air pollution surged past 50 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum.

Many in the city cannot afford air filters, nor do they have homes they can effectively seal from the misery of foul smelling air blamed for thousands of premature deaths.

Cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds trap deadly pollutants each winter, stretching from mid-October until at least January.

At dawn on Wednesday, “hazardous” pollutant levels in parts of the sprawling urban area of more than 30 million people topped 806 micrograms per cubic metre, according to monitoring firm IQAir.

That is more than 53 times the World Health Organization recommended daily maximum of fine particulate matter -- dangerous cancer-causing microparticles known as PM2.5 pollutants that enter the bloodstream through the lungs.

By midday, when air usually is at its best, it eased to about 25-35 times above danger levels, depending on different districts.

The city is blanketed in acrid smog each year, primarily blamed on stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring regions to clear their fields for ploughing, as well as factories and traffic fumes.

‘Alarming’

But a report by The New York Times this month, based on air and soil samples it collected over five years, revealed the dangerous fumes also spewing from a power plant incinerating the city’s landfill garbage mountains.

Experts the newspaper spoke to said that the levels of heavy metals found were “alarming”.

Swirling white clouds of smog also delayed several flights across northern India.

The India Meteorological Department said that at least 18 regional airports had a visibility lower than 1,000 metres (1,093 yards) -- dropping below 500 metres in Delhi.

India’s Supreme Court last month ruled that clean air was a fundamental human right, ordering both the central government and state-level authorities to take action.

But critics say arguments between rival politicians heading neighbouring states -- as well as between central and state-level authorities -- have compounded the problem.

Politicians are accused of not wanting to anger key figures in their constituencies, particularly powerful farming groups.

City authorities have launched several initiatives to tackle pollution, which have done little in practice.

Government trucks are regularly used to spray water to briefly dampen the pollution.

A new scheme unveiled earlier this month to use three small drones to spray water mist was derided by critics as another “band-aid” solution to a public health crisis.

The WHO says that air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

It is particularly punishing for babies, children and the elderly.

A study in The Lancet medical journal attributed 1.67 million premature deaths to air pollution in the world’s most populous country in 2019.

TOY manufacturer Mattel have removed thousands of its ‘Wicked’-branded dolls off the shelves after discovering a x-rated printing error on the packaging.

The dolls were made in collaboration with the movie adaptation of the award-winning musical ‘Wicked’, fashioned after the characters.

CNBC reported that the website link printed on the dolls’ packaging lead to a pornographic website instead of the ‘Wicked’ movie adaptation’s official website.

Quoting Mattel’s apology statement, the company stated it was “aware” of a misprint on the doll’s packaging, mainly sold in US, intended to direct consumers to the movie’s landing page.

ALSO READ: M’sian netizens mock local uni for spelling ‘exercise’ as ‘eksesais’ in congratulatory post

“We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children,” Mattel was quoted as saying.

The company also advised consumers who have already purchased the dolls with the misprint to throw away the packaging or “obsure”, as quoted, the website link.

Following the misprint revelation, several online retailers across the US have pulled the dolls off their shelves as of Monday (Nov 11).

However, it is unclear if the toy manufacturing company will release the dolls with the correct print details or provide stickers to cover the mistakenly printed link.

ALSO READ: ‘Rail My Life’: KTM’s free ride campaign poster leaves netizens amused at mistaken wording

SINGAPORE: Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain called on Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday as part of his three-day introductory visit to the island republic.

The Singapore Defence Ministry (Mindef) said during the meeting at Mindef, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong ties between the navies of the two countries and discussed regional security developments.

“Zulhelmy’s visit underscores the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia,” Mindef said in a statement.

The Malaysian navy chief also called on the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) chief Rear-Admiral Sean Wat where they discussed opportunities to strengthen the relationship between the two navies.

Meanwhile, Zulhelmy will visit RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on Thursday as part of his programme here.

He will also visit the Information Fusion Centre, a regional Maritime Security centre situated at the Changi Command and Control Centre (CC2C), which is hosted by the RSN.

Zulhelmy, together with Wat, will also attend the opening ceremony of Exercise Malapura 2024 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the flagship bilateral exercise between the RSN and RMN.

Exercise Malapura 2024 will be conducted from Nov 13 to 24.

The RSN and RMN interact regularly through bilateral exercises, visits and professional exchanges.

Beyond collaborative efforts to safeguard regional maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol, the two navies also engage through exercises held under multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and the ADMM-Plus.

Mindef said these interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and professional ties between the two navies.

PUTRAJAYA: Active collaboration from industry players is needed for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution to offer programmes that are of a higher quality and more relevant to market needs.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said strong cooperation between the industry players and the TVET institution was crucial to ensure the comprehensive matching of demand and supply.

He said consistent input from the industry players on the workforce skills and needs was also needed by the TVET institution to develop suitable curricula and programmes.

“Forging close cooperation with industry players can create a new skilled workforce to master the latest technology, which will have a spillover effect on encouraging economic growth.

“I call for the active involvement of industry players in Malaysia to collaborate with the government in supporting the agenda to empower TVET,” he said at the 2024 Prime Minister’s Gold Hand Award and Skilled Person Award ceremony here today.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said the government is aware that the TVET stream in Malaysia needs to be improved for it to be more systematic and effective.

He said the organisation of skills competitions was one of the government’s efforts to promote and ensure the quality of delivery of TVET training in Malaysia is in line with international standards.

“I call on all TVET agencies to hold skills competitions at institutional levels so that we can pick the best talent for national and international-level competitions,” he said.

In his speech, Fadillah also thanked and congratulated the national contingent which made sure the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted proudly at the WorldSkills Competition Lyon 2024 at the Euroexpo Lyon in France from Sept 10-15.

In the competition, Malaysia, represented by 15 participants across 14 categories, captured five medals - one bronze medal in the Beauty Therapy category through Wong Hsun Wei and four Medallion for Excellence.

The four Medallion for Excellence recipients were Muhammad Nasran Ahmad in the Hairdressing category; Ahmad Muizuddin Mohd Razi in the Bricklaying category; Muhammad Hakimi Abu Bakar in Electrical Installations; and Stephen Sim Shan Siong in the IT Software Solutions for Business category.

KUALA LUMPUR: The PriceCatcher app will continue to be improved with data-sharing on prices through the collaboration between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and two supermarket chains, Mydin and Redtick, said Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said that this commitment is an initiative that reflects transparency in transactions and business ethics to avoid price manipulation or profiteering at the expense of consumers.

“Previously, the price data displayed in the PriceCatcher app was entirely sourced from field price monitoring officers, which limited the coverage area and the number of premises uploaded to the app.

“...the signing of this MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) marks a pioneering effort to improve the app by enabling automated data sharing from the involved supermarkets to be displayed in the ‘Supermarket Price Sharing’ section,“ he told reporters after the MoU signing ceremony on price data sharing in Subang Jaya today.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd, managing director Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, and KPDN secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohd Sayuthi Bakar were also present.

Armizan said that this collaboration will serve as a benchmark for expanding the data-sharing initiative to other supermarkets and premises.

According to Armizan, the PriceCatcher app previously displayed price information for 480 consumer goods, with daily updates for 186 items, weekly updates for 220 items, and monthly updates for 74 items.

“Up until Nov 7, 459,998 users nationwide uploaded the app, however, the active usage rate is 10,00 per week.

“We are taking an additional approach to add more information in the app without adding more price monitoring officers by adopting a self-reporting system or data sharing from retail sector players,“ he said, adding that the app serves as a reference for users and fosters the habit of checking prices of items before buying.

What gets you going? From the moment Alison von During set up her Airbnb in the studio apartment and private, leafy patio of her newly-acquired house in Vredehoek, on the slopes of Table Mountain, this was the question that drove...

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s government is monitoring developments in the United States for potential changes in policies as a new administration prepares to take office in Washington, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.

He said that given the influence the US has on the global economy, any country in the world would conduct some level of due diligence on the impacts a change in the US administration might bring.

“That is part and parcel of planning. While we await the next few announcements, we will observe how the Trump administration will impact the global economy and ours,” he told reporters after the Sesi Libat Urus Industri Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13 today.

Rafizi said Malaysia must be nimble and agile to react and respond to any geopolitical and international developments that may arise from a change in administration, not only in the US but in any of its large trading partners. “And the US is a very large trading partner for us,” he pointed out.

However, Rafizi noted that many of Malaysia’s plans concerning semiconductors and energy transition are driven by domestic needs and are largely structural. “That means it’s something we have to go through to prepare our industry and economy to be more robust. So in that sense, I think all the key reforms that need to be done still have to be done.”

Additionally, he said, Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan will include initiatives to position the country as a global provider of a comprehensive artificial intelligence-driven data centre ecosystem. “The government’s focus has always been to tap into the opportunities presented by the data centre boom.”

Rafizi emphasised that Malaysia aims to avoid simply attracting data centre without integrating into the data centre value chain and supply chain. “We have been working on a few catalytic interventions to create the ecosystem.”

Rafizi said that by the end of this decade, Malaysia aims to participate in the entire data centre value chain, first benefiting from existing and future data centers in the country. “But more importantly, for us to begin exporting our own data centers around the world.”

For the 13th Malaysia Plan that is being prepared, Rafizi said, the Ministry of Economy is not only holding engagement sessions with state governments but also ensuring that it includes input from key strategic industries.

The sessions focus on the electronics, aerospace and automotive industries, and the process will continue to align government and industry planning. “The main goal is to transition our industries from assembly-based to innovation and creation-based industries,” Rafizi said.

CYBERJAYA: Pure play enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider SMRT Holdings Bhd (SHB) posted a net profit of RM7.04 million for the first quarter (Q1) ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 0.82% from RM6.99 million posted in the same quarter last year.

The increase was due to a higher-margin revenue mix, realisations of economies of scale from the higher number of managed sites and reduced administrative expenses.

Revenue for Q1 decreased 10.4% to RM16.5 million compared to RM18.42 million posted in Q1 last year.

SHB group managing director Maha Palan said the company’s key markets in Malaysia and Indonesia continue to show growth trajectory.

“Our previous strategic entry into the Philippines’ financial services sector has laid the foundation for further growth, and we are now actively exploring new opportunities in the country,“ he said.

On the venture into new verticals, Palan said the group’s IoT deployments for the water utility sector are delivering positive results and will tangibly contribute to results in this financial year.

Meanwhile, SHB has appointed Au Wong Lian (Kit) as its new group CEO, effective November 8, 2024.

Au brings over 30 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industries, during which he has held leadership positions in various leading companies, including TimeDotCom and Microsoft Malaysia.

“Given Au’s extensive experience, deep domain expertise, and proven track record in driving growth and profitability, I am confident he will help lead SHB to the next level.

“More importantly, there is a strong alignment in corporate culture and core values between Au and our team, ensuring a smooth integration that will support our shared vision of leading the provision of IoT services across the Asean region,“ Palan said.

BATU KAWAN: US-based medical devices company Dexcom Inc has officially opened its manufacturing facility, also its first offshore manufacturing site outside the United States, in Batu Kawan, Penang.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the RM2.83 billion strategic investment will bring more than 3,000 jobs to the state, contributing to a workforce set to positively impact the lives of over three million people worldwide.

Dexcom, founded in 1999, is a global leader in continuous glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology for individuals living with diabetes.

“The establishment of this new facility highlights Dexcom’s continued commitment to take control of health through innovative CGM systems. It also reaffirms Penang’s reputation as a global hub for advanced technological industries, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for high-quality manufacturing and innovation,” the chief minister said in his speech at the opening ceremony here today.

Chow said Penang is on the right path towards becoming the medical technology (medtech) hub of Southeast Asia by leveraging on the state’s over 50 years of industry excellence.

“Housing the largest number of medtech companies nationally and regionally, Penang remains a highly attractive location for its infrastructure availability and ecosystem that meet the needs of the medtech industry.

“For the past five years (2019-2023), Penang garnered a total of RM5.8 billion worth of investments in the scientific and measuring equipment sector, representing 45% of the nation’s total investments in this sector, involving 33 projects and generating an estimated 4,630 employment opportunities,” he said.

Dubbed the Silicon Valley of the East, Penang has the highest concentration of medical technology companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to date. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s goal of reaching 50% electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2040 and 80% by 2050 in terms of total industry volume (TIV) is within reach, according to Deputy Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.

Liew said that the target – in accordance with the National Energy Transition Roadmap – aligns with the global shift towards sustainable transport.

“According to the International Energy Agency in the Global EV Outlook, globally in 2018, only 2% of total global sales was from EV, but by 2022, it was 14%, and by 2023, 18% of total global sales of cars comes from electric vehicles. In China this year, there were several months that EV overtook internal combustion cars, ICE cars. So these are all possible,” he told reporters at E-Mobility Asia 2024 (EMA 2024) today.

To achieve the target, Liew said that Malaysia needs to work together to develop a national effort to electrify its vehicles as much as possible.

He added that this is necessary to reduce national oil consumption and create more opportunities for various forms of manufacturing, including crossings of semiconductor and automotive industries.

Additionally, he said that the government is hoping that Malaysia will not just manufacture parts of the cars, but it is hoping that there will be horizontal crossing between the automotive industry and the semiconductor industry.

“So that one day, we are also known for designing chips for the automotive industry. That is one of our aspirations,” he remarked.

Liew said that another aspiration is to take advantage of the electrification of mobility, so that through this transition, Malaysia can reduce its overall national petroleum consumption.

“In most of our discussions, we are talking about shifting the burden of who pays for the petroleum consumption in this country. To address the question of the RON95 subsidy, I think E-Mobility has a big role to play. Electrification has a big role to play,” he added.

The event, EMA 2024 unveils electromobility and sustainable solutions as the way forward to reduce global emissions and tackle climate change.

China’s electric car manufacturers BYD, Chery and GWM are showcasing their latest models at the event, while Malaysia’s Eclimo is unveiling its new bikes.

EMA 2024 comes as EV demand surges in Southeast Asia and amid the global outlook that more than one in four vehicles on the road will be electric by 2035 according to the International Energy Agency.

Liew officiated the opening of the event that has drawn stakeholder and industry support including the state-owned Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute, and Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia as strategic partners.

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar today despite the US Dollar Index’s (DXY) strengthening, which should accelerate demand for the greenback.

At 8 am, the local note traded slightly better at 4.4330/4465 against the greenback compared with Tuesday’s close of 4.4365/4400.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said higher demand for the US dollar is expected as comments from US Federal Reserve (Fed) officials indicated that the prospect of an interest rate cut highly depends on upcoming economic data.

“Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari suggested that he will look at the upcoming inflation data before making any decision on the interest rate.

“As such, ringgit and other emerging market currencies will likely stay weak in the near term,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama.

He added investors will monitor the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) print tonight, with consensus pencilling in a 2.6 per cent rise in October from 2.4 per cent previously, while Core CPI may be sustained at 3.3 per cent.

At the opening, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies.

It was higher against the British pound at 5.6463/6635 from 5.6889/6934 at Tuesday’s close, better against the euro to 4.7061/7204 from 4.7111/7148 and firmer against the Japanese yen to 2.8661/8752 from 2.8788/8812.

The ringgit also traded higher against ASEAN currencies.

Against the Thai baht, it rose to 12.7162/7637 from 12.7456/7608 at Tuesday’s close and strengthened against the Singapore dollar at 3.3107/3210 from 3.3143/3174.

The local unit marginally increased vis-a-vis the Philippine peso to 7.53/7.56 from 7.54/7.55 and was slightly higher against the Indonesian rupiah to 280.8/281.9 from 281.0/281.5 previously.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Egypt has bolstered Malaysia-Egypt bilateral relations, unlocking RM4.8 billion (US$1.1 billion) in potential export opportunities for Malaysia, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

MITI stated that this export potential was largely generated through a roundtable meeting attended by 60 industry and business leaders from 47 Egyptian firms and key business associations, as well as 40 representatives from 20 Malaysian companies.

“During the session, productive discussions between Malaysian and Egyptian companies identified export potential worth RM4.8 billion (US$1.1 billion), particularly in high-value sectors such as automotive, chemicals, oleochemicals and renewable energy,” MITI said in a statement.

Egyptian companies also expressed interest in investment opportunities in Malaysia, particularly in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, MITI added.

The official visit took place from Nov 10-12, 2024.

In a bilateral meeting during the visit, MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Egypt’s Minister of Investment and International Trade Hassan El Khatib agreed to reactivate the Malaysia-Egypt Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC).

Malaysia will host the second JTIC Meeting in early 2025, focusing on collaboration in the semiconductor sector, renewable energy, the halal industry and digital transformation.

The two ministers further agreed that Malaysia’s Investment Development Board (MIDA) and Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) should sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral investment relations.

To support Malaysian exporters’ access to North African and Arab markets, MITI noted that Malaysia’s trade office in Cairo, managed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), was upgraded in January 2024, offering improved market access and export support services.

Meanwhile, national carmaker Proton has expanded into the Egyptian market with a local assembly plant.

Assembly activities began with the first delivery of Proton’s completely knocked down (CKD) vehicles in September 2024, and sales are expected to start in January 2025, with a target of 16,000 units for the period 2024–2026, MITI reported.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Egypt from January to September 2024 rose 21.4% year-on-year to RM3.0 billion (US$648 million), compared to RM2.4 billion (US$545.5 million) in the same period last year.

Egypt was Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner in Africa in 2023.

Tengku Zafrul said MITI is confident this bilateral relationship will continue to grow, positively impacting the economy and supporting the objectives of the New Malaysian Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) by 2030.

“MITI and its agencies will take prompt follow-up action to ensure that all agreed initiatives are implemented efficiently,” he added.

KUALA LUMPUR: A group of planters and stakeholders in the East West One Group (EWOG) schemes urgently calls on Pacific Trustees Bhd (PTB) to release the funds necessary for the company’s approved rehabilitation and restructuring (R&R) exercise.

The majority of EWOG’s investors, represented by Thirunavukarasu Illamurugan, Yong Chin Koi, and Mahadevan Kathirgamathamby, are concerned that PTB’s continued withholding of these funds could further damage the company’s financial health, potentially leading to irreversible losses.

To recap, EWOG obtained planters’ approval of the company’s R&R exercise across all three schemes: East West One Planter’s Scheme (EWOP), East West Horizon Planter’s Scheme, and East-West Planter Scheme 1.

EWOG, in a statement, said the past few years have seen significant challenges that have severely impacted plantation operations, including the global Covid-19 pandemic, La Niña weather phenomena, industry-wide labour shortages, land disputes with landowners, and repeated injunctions that prevented timely convening of planters’ meetings from addressing these issues.

These cumulative challenges have compounded the company’s cash flow problems, resulting in an inability to meet payment obligations.

According to a statement by EWOG, despite the overwhelming support for the R&R plan from planters and stakeholders at the August 12 Planters’ Meeting, critical rehabilitation work on EWOG’s plantation assets remains stalled due to this delay.

For over a year, the plantation palms have relied solely on natural soil fertility, with no structured fertilisation or agronomic practices.

Prompt initiation of the R&R program is essential to restoring the plantation’s productivity.

This program leverages enhanced agronomic practices and inputs to increase fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production.

With crude palm oil (CPO) prices currently above RM4,000 per ton and projected to hold through 2025, the company has a unique window to capitalise on these favourable market conditions.

Proceeds from FFB sales could also partially offset ongoing rehabilitation costs, creating a sustainable pathway to recovery.

“Every day of delay further impacts our ability to restore the plantation and diminishes potential returns for all investors,” said Thirunavukarasu in the statement.

“These funds, specifically held in trust for the plantation’s rehabilitation, need to be released without further delay,“ he said in the statement.

According to a recent court filing by East West Horizon Plantation Bhd, the management continues to face challenges due to PTB’s reluctance to finalise necessary trust deeds despite ongoing efforts from EWOG’s management and legal team.

This impasse prevents the release of funds crucial for the R&R efforts, posing increased risks to the plantation assets and investor returns.

The investors’ representatives stressed that “a swift resolution is essential to launch the rehabilitation efforts and generate returns for all stakeholders.”

“It is time to move past the standstill and allow the EWOG group to implement the R&R plan for the benefit of all involved.”

PETALING JAYA: The Cisco 2024 AI Readiness Index revealed that only 14% of organisations in Malaysia are fully prepared to deploy and leverage artificial intelligence-powered technologies, up slightly from 13% a year ago.

This underscores the challenges companies face in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. Given the rapid market evolution and the significant impact AI is anticipated to have on business operations, this readiness gap is especially critical.

The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 3,660 senior business leaders from organisations with 500 or more employees across 14 markets in Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC). These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organisations. The AI readiness index is measured across six pillars – strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture.

AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In Malaysia, 98% of companies report an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year, driven primarily by the CEO and leadership team. Additionally, companies are committing a significant amount of resources towards AI, with 55% reporting that as much as 10% to 30% of their information technology (IT) budget is being allocated to AI deployment.

Despite significant AI investments in strategic areas such as cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and data analytics and management, many companies report that returns on these investments are not meeting their expectations.

“As companies accelerate their AI journeys, it’s critical they adopt a comprehensive approach to implementation and connect the dots to link AI ambition with readiness,” said Cisco Malaysia managing director Hana Raja.

“This year's AI Readiness Index reveals that to fully leverage the potential of AI, companies need a modern digital infrastructure capable of meeting evolving power needs and network latency requirements from growing AI workloads. This must be supported with the right visibility to achieve their business objectives.”

Anupam Trehan, vice-president, people and communities APJC, at Cisco, said: “As the race to adopt AI picks up pace, talent will be a key differentiator for companies. There is already a shortage of skilled talent across various aspects of AI. This means companies will need to invest in their existing talent pool to meet the growing demand. At the same time, it is crucial that all stakeholders – the private and public sectors, educational institutions, and governments – work together to develop local talent so that the entire ecosystem can benefit from the immense potential that AI offers.”

Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hyundai Group, has announced a pioneering development for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army: a hydrogen-powered K3 main battle tank. Set to be among the most advanced military vehicles in the world, the K3 aims to redefine future warfare by leveraging eco-friendly fuel cells, autonomous technologies, and advanced firepower.

Hyundai Rotem’s K3 project is a collaborative effort with South Korea’s Agency for Defence Development and other national research institutions, with production tentatively scheduled to begin by 2040. The shift to hydrogen marks a historic step in South Korea’s commitment to reduce reliance on traditional combustion engines in defence equipment. The K3’s hydrogen fuel cell will eventually replace the diesel engines of the ROK’s K-series tanks, beginning with hybrid prototypes that combine hydrogen and diesel power.

In an online statement, Hyundai Rotem described the K3 as “a next-generation main battle tank that surpasses all capabilities of today’s MBTs (main battle tanks), optimised for evolving battlefield demands.” Key enhancements to the K3 include autonomous driving, AI-based fire control, and a 130-mm smoothbore main gun for increased preemptive strike capabilities. Additionally, the tank will feature improved stealth capabilities, a reduced heat signature, and the deployment of slave drones to enhance reconnaissance and support combat operations.

Fuel cell technology offers multiple advantages, including quieter operation, faster acceleration, superior fuel efficiency, and reduced maintenance due to fewer moving parts. With minimal heat output and sound, the tank achieves heightened stealth, making it less detectable in combat scenarios. Mobility is also improved, allowing the K3 to maneuver through steep and rugged terrains more effectively.

Designed to operate with a streamlined crew of three—a driver, commander, and gunner—the crew will be secured within a reinforced armoured capsule at the front of the tank. This layout ensures enhanced protection and operational efficiency.

The hydrogen-powered K3 demonstrates South Korea’s commitment to integrating sustainable, high-performance technologies into its military arsenal, setting a benchmark for modern warfare with cleaner and more capable military assets.