THIS Mothers Day, my second without my mother, her absence weighs heavily, yet her presence lingers in every corner of my life. Two years have passed since she left us and the grief remains a quiet companion, not fading but settling in as part of our daily lives. There is a saying: God cannot be everywhere, hence, He created mothers, and it rings true as I meander through every important occasion, feeling lost and yet happy that she is in a better place. Letting her go was an act of love ..

IF you grew up in a typical household, especially in Asian culture, you have probably heard this phrase more times than you can count: What will people think? It is a familiar refrain, often used as a warning, a means of control or a tool for silence. It comes not just from parents but from aunties, uncles and even strangers on the street all united by a common mission: to keep you in line for the sake of appearances. We are taught to behave in a certain way, to dress modestly, to keep our ..

MOST presidents of the United States seek to build. Donald Trump seeks only to do the opposite ironically, given his history as a prominent property developer. In the circumstances, announcing a series of devastating differential reciprocal tariffs on the USs major trading partners in the charming environs of the White House Rose Garden seemed rather incongruous. Then again, as the true enormity of what is at hand became clear, the wind got up and there was a sense of a storm coming. That was ..

THE recent disturbing deepfake incident in Johor that made headlines is a serious concern, especially alarming for parents. As both a parent and an educator, I find myself asking urgent questions about how to address this issue. We have a vital duty of care to protect our children, particularly in a world increasingly shaped by advanced technologies. As the internet continues to evolve, the responsibilities of users, especially young people, are expanding beyond just navigating digital tools to ..

WHEN fear whispers, it rarely does so dramatically. More often, it shows up as a quiet hesitation a soft inner voice questioning whether you might look foolish, whether people might talk or whether it is safer to remain silent. In these moments, many of us hide behind the excuse of not wanting to show off or complicate matters. We convince ourselves that retreat is wisdom. Yet, beneath the surface, it is often not humility but fear that holds us back fear of judgement, fear of rejection and ..

UNDER a moonlit sky, close to midnight on Aug 13, 2022, the soft whispers of waves greeted a nesting marine turtle. She was a green turtle, one listed as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. Pok Jamil, one of our dedicated local turtle guardians, watched as she emerged from the sea, dragging her heavy shell onto the sands of Telaga Papan Beach in Setiu, Terengganu. Her turtle tag read MY(TGG)1030 MY for Malaysia, TGG for ..

SMALL and medium enterprises (SME) in Malaysia comprise approximately 97% of the economy, contributing nearly 40% to the nations total GDP. As such, empowering SME with digital capabilities is not just a nice to have; it is essential for economic sustainability and growth. Malaysian businesses today have an opportunity to adopt emerging technologies that can streamline their operations and enhance productivity. Initiatives such as MyDigital, the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the SME ..

MAYBE , the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know, he said, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally. Jane Mayer, a reporter with The New Yorker, called it Trumps Marie Antoinette moment. With US President Donald Trump and his team of economic and trade advisers hogging the news daily with twists and turns on the implementation of the most beautiful word in Trumps vocabulary, pundits around the world have begun to assess the impact ..

AS Malaysia joined the annual global celebration of World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations on May 3, the nation stood at a pivotal moment for media freedom, ethical journalism and reform. This years theme, Reporting in the Brave New World The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media, resonates in a country where the struggle for press independence and ethical journalism has spanned generations, now reshaped by the disruptive power of artificial intelligence (AI). ..

AS tensions over how to manage the stray dog population in Negeri Sembilan reach a boiling point, we urge all state assemblymen to adopt a humane and compassionate approach to address the growing number of these innocent animals, which have reportedly become increasingly unmanageable in certain areas. More than 300 million dogs live on the streets across Asia, with most of them battling hunger, disease and the need for shelter. In the most distressing cases, authorities resort to culling stray ..

WHEN Bill OReilly doubled down on his mockery of Malaysia scoffing that Malaysians cant even buy a little hat and citing a household income figure of US$5,731 (RM24,400) versus US$42,220 in the US he was not just being flippant. He was showcasing the danger of lazy statistics. By cherry-picking figures without context, he painted a distorted picture of economic despair and in doing so, revealed a worldview still steeped in colonialist condescension. Like many such soundbites, the truth lies ..

IN a complex and demanding time for public policy and government funding, very few investments offer returns as far-reaching as early childhood education. By prioritising quality early childhood education programmes, the long-term benefits may come in different ways depending on the curriculum and target population especially for children from low-income groups and children who are at risk. These benefits may include reduced learning difficulties, higher secondary school graduation rates, ..

TIME! It is the one currency we all chase yet it slips through our fingers like sand. Just the other day I found myself tangled in a conversation about why time feels like it is sprinting away from us. Monday dawns and before you can blink it is Friday, with the weekend vanishing in a blur. It is as if time has a personal vendetta, refusing to pause for anyone. This was not a one-off chat the same lament surfaced over coffee with colleagues in Penang. We are all caught in this relentless race ..

THE alarming rise in bankruptcy among Malaysian youths is a critical issue, with 877 cases reported in 2024 and over 5,000 since 2020. This trend highlights the significant financial challenges facing the younger population and calls for immediate action to address the underlying causes. Multiple factors contribute to this phenomenon including personal loans, business loans, housing and vehicle loans compounded by a lack of financial literacy. Tackling youth bankruptcy requires a collaborative ..

Q: My wife and I have been married for almost three years but we are both unhappy, and honestly, we have had plenty of other options. What is your suggestion before we make a decision to split up? Focus on the Family Malaysia: The fact that you are even asking this question, instead of just divorcing, is a good sign. It means there is still something worth examining, and perhaps, preserving. Consider this: research has showed that two-thirds of unhappy couples who chose to stay together ..

EVERY year, as Labour Day rolls around, we pause to honour the contributions of workers and reflect on the struggles that shaped todays workplace. It is a tradition built on the fight for fair hours, safe working conditions and the right to a decent living victories earned by generations before us. But heres a question worth asking in 2025: In a world where our jobs follow us home pinging our phones, spilling into our evenings and encroaching on our weekends what exactly are we celebrating? ..

MORE than half of Southeast Asians rank aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea as their top geopolitical concern, surpassing the Israel-Hamas conflict. This is as it should be as the South China Sea is our backyard. However, the same respondents in a State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025 (reported in theSun on April 4) regard climate change and extreme weather events as the regions biggest challenge. The irony is that in the Philippines, a frontline country in the path of strong typhoons, ..

A PICTURE paints a thousand words. The photo of President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in conversation while attending the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis in Rome is the strongest indication that the US president may be close to fulfilling his first presidential promise: brokering a peace agreement to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. Although details of the agreement are still being negotiated for now, it is simply a truce pause it will likely end with Russia ..

I HAVE noticed that many airline passengers, especially young women, are opting for tight jeans and leggings that accentuate the contours of their legs, in line with modern fashion trends. I have spoken to some passengers during flights and they mentioned that these outfits are not only comfortable but also enhance mobility. However, they seem unaware that while these garments may be attractive and comfortable, they can pose significant dangers. This is especially true if the pants are tight ..

IN January 2025, chief executive of Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy Azrul Mohd Khalib highlighted that an estimated 70% of private hospital charges remain unregulated. This means that hospitals have the liberty to set arbitrary prices for a range of items and services, including essential medical equipment such as wheelchairs, heart monitors and even emesis basins. Only 30% of hospital bills are regulated, primarily covering specialist fees and medication. This lack of oversight has ..

IN 2006, former US Vice President Al Gore released An Inconvenient Truth , a gripping visual and literary presentation that opened millions of eyes to the growing threat of global warming. It was more than just a book; it was a wake- up call. For me, it held a personal weight. My late father owned a copy, its pages worn and corners folded from repeated readings. He used to say: The planet speaks we just need to listen. Once upon a time, the world was worried about the thinning ozone layer. ..

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful force in modern healthcare, particularly in the field of immunisation. One of its most promising roles is in personalising vaccine recommendations. By analysing a persons medical history, age, lifestyle and overall health, AI can help doctors make smarter, sa

THIS morning I watched a skit by Ronny Chieng, a Malaysian-born American comedian. He was joking about how the US needs an Asian president and along with that came anecdotes about how all Asian parents beat their children. It was narrated in jest. I have heard this joke and the dismissive attitude countless times in comedies and conversations with friends and family. If the topic got slightly serious, I would hear: Aiyah, we all kena whack what! Rotan, slipper, belt, slap, hanger; you name it, ..

Q: Im a single adult who is deeply concerned about the plight of orphans in this country and around the world, and I would like to do my part by adopting a child who needs a home. What is your advice? Focus on the Family Malaysia : We applaud your selfless attitude and your willingness to welcome a needy child into your home. The need for more adoptive parents is huge. That said, Focus on the Family Malaysia remains committed to the belief that the ideal environment for every child is a ..

FOR many 17-year-olds across the country, this will be a day to remember. For some, it would be the best day of their lives finally seeing the fruits of their sleepless nights, tuition marathons and the prayers of hopeful parents. For others, it may feel like the end of the world. I have seen both sides and have been in both. My SPM results came out in 1992. That was 33 years ago. Yet, I still remember the pressure not so much about the grades but what came after. The pressure to choose the ..

CONFIDENCE is often mis-understood. People chase it, lose it and sometimes fake it believing it is a fixed state, something we either have or dont. But, real confidence is not about always feeling bold or certain. It is about cultivating a presence that is stable, adaptable and sustainable, no matter the circumstances. One of the first things to understand about self-confidence is that it is not about force; it is about energy. When you enter a room, people react to you before you even say a ..

IN an age where attention spans flicker and digital screens dominate, there remains a quiet, enduring magic in the printed word the crisp turn of a page, the whisper of paper and the rich scent of ink. On World Book Day, observed annually on April 23, Malaysians are reminded that books are not merely objects; they are companions, teachers and doorways into different times, cultures and dimensions. This global celebration invites us to pause, unplug and return to the joy of reading a joy ..

BARELY 100 days into his new term, President Donald Trump is deeply embroiled in battles on multiple fronts in his Maga (Make America Great Again) mission. In the critical domestic battleground, he has met with rebuff after rebuff and significant opposition across key areas. Some relate to: 0 Immigration Trumps policies on stricter immigration enforcement and attempts at selective deportation have faced strong legal challenges and opposition from those who argue that the policies are ..

FAKE it till you make it this is the kind of phrase you would expect from a self-help seminar or a motivational Instagram post. However, this could actually be a solid approach to life, especially when you are feeling stuck, lost or unsure of what you want to be. The world today is moving fast trends come and go, opinions shift overnight and the pressure to have it all figured out can feel overwhelming. Everyone seems to be an expert at something, trying to live their best life while you are ..

THE recent gas pipeline explosion at Putra Heights on April 1 has raised pressing legal questions about Malaysias preparedness, accountability structures and regulatory safeguards when industrial disasters occur. With over 227 houses and 365 vehicles affected, and 87 homes reportedly written off as total losses, victims now face a long, complex journey towards compensation and recovery. Gaps in protection It is commonly assumed that homeowners can recover compensation through fire insurance ..

IN todays rapidly evolving world, knowledge acquisition is no longer about passive absorption, it is about active engagement, critical thinking and application. Yet, many educational practices remain anchored in traditional content delivery, assuming that information alone equates to learning. The reality, however, is far more complex. Consider the experience of many educators a well-planned lesson, rich in content and structure met with disengaged students of bored expressions, distracted ..

PRESIDENT Donald Trump wants to be a modern Stupor Mundi or wonder of the world. The last Stupor Mundi was the celebrated German Holy Roman Emperor and crusader, Federick II, known as Barbarossa. It appears that Trump seems determined to become the most important and commented upon person on earth. So far, he has succeeded brilliantly. So far, that is. As of this writing, Trumps tariff crusade has become a debacle, making him and the US the objects of hatred and fury around the planet except ..

Retirement is a milestone that looms for every worker, whether it arrives at 60, 70, or beyond. Its a phase as inevitable as it is transformative, yet it often arrives with a mix of anticipation and unease. A former colleague of mine worked tirelessly until nearly 80, his mind sharp and his passion for challenges undimmed. He saw every obstacle as a chance to grow. But when a family tragedy struck, followed swiftly by an incurable diagnosis, his vast earnings could not buy back time. Ill drop ..

WHO we are at work is deeply tied to how we see ourselves. Our identity is shaped by what we do, where we work, and how well we perform. These factors influence our job satisfaction, motivation, and overall well-being. When we feel aligned with our work, we thrive. But when our professional identity is challenged, we risk losing our sense of purpose. Today, the creative industry is undergoing a transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital collaboration tools. ..

THE power of words, whether spoken or written, is undeniable in todays world of communication. Language is a formidable force in uniting people, sparking movements and instigating transformative change. Words shape beliefs, actions and societal trajectory. In todays digital age, the potency of social narratives is magnified by social media. Any contentious rhetorics can lead to harmful consequences, including mental health struggles and societal discord. Historically, political speeches were ..

SOME years ago, when I was living in Singapore, I returned home one evening and noticed policemen gathered on the lower ground floor. When I reached my flat, I saw my neighbours Indonesian maid standing at her gate. I asked if she knew why the police were around. She said someone had jumped and that she had seen the body fall. I could feel the weight of her shock. A few days later, after speaking to other neighbours in the block, it came to light that the person who had jumped was an elderly ..

THE reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2 what he referred to as Liberation Day hit Southeast Asian economies particularly hard. While they and others received a brief respite in the form of a 90-day pause, with a universal lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%, tariffs on goods from China spiked to 145%. The increasingly inconsistent and erratic policymaking from the Trump administration will ultimately push Southeast Asia away from making deals with the US, an ..

HE is the only prime minister I have ever shaken hands with. It was 2004, and I was a young lecturer ambitious, uncertain and just beginning to find my footing in academia. I had volunteered to help organise an international conference, more for the experience than anything else. On the day of the opening ceremony, as the guest of honour arrived, there he was: Malaysias fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He stepped out of the car with a calm presence, gentle smile and the kind of ..

IN conversations about food safety, the spotlight often falls on hygiene, contamination and expiry dates. These are undoubtedly important but there is another aspect that deserves attention, for example, the physical design of food: its texture, structure and shape. Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in food products, particularly snacks, designed to appeal to children. These snacks are often small, vibrantly coloured and jelly-like in texture, making them soft, smooth and fun to ..

Q: My son and daughter are 15 and 13, and I am trying to cover all the bases in preparing them for adulthood. Are there any important topics that parents often forget or overlook? Focus on the Family Malaysia: Parents rightly want their teenagers to learn important life lessons like managing finances, developing a strong work et