Taylor’s College to reward five of the nation’s inspiring educators with RM10,000

Tuan Hj Mat Jusoh bin Che Ngah, Headmaster of SMK Kuala Krau (fourth from left), Josephine Tan, Campus Director, Taylor’s College (fifth from left), Tuan Saufie Bin Abdul Manaf, Temerloh District Education Officer (fourth from right) and Cikgu Mohammad Hazeem Azemi, RISE Educator of the Year 2022 winner (third from right) with the teachers of SMK Kuala Krau in front of the multimedia studio

RISE Educator Award is back again to celebrate and honour some of the nation’s most inspiring educators. Now in its third year, the RISE Educator Award organised by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers, look to reward RM10,000 each to the Top Five Finalists who are making a difference in the nation’s education ecosystem to support students in attaining quality and equitable education across various communities.

An acronym for Remarkable Impact in Student Education, the RISE Educator Award is now open for nomination from 1 to 31 March 2023. Nomination is open to all participants through a 100-word story submission describing the inspiring deeds their teachers have done to impact their students’ education particularly in attaining quality and accessible education.

With over 180 submissions garnered last year for RISE Educator Award, the campaign received many compelling and moving stories of selfless and passionate teachers who go above and beyond their line of duty to ensure their students are protected for their rights to quality and accessible education.

Understanding the importance of education in shaping the minds of future leaders, innovators and citizens, Taylor’s College will be awarding RM10,000 each to the awards Top 5 finalists including the RISE Educator of the Year and RISE Educator Award winners to support these teachers in their endeavours to create a positive impact on Malaysia’s education ecosystem in ensuring quality education for all children in the nation.

Taylor’s College Campus Director, Josephine Tan

“As an education institution, we believe that we play a pivotal role in supporting various stakeholders with the country’s nation-building agenda especially in ensuring equitable and quality access to education for all students. To this, Taylor’s College is committed to optimising and supporting the nation’s education ecosystem to build better infrastructure and facilities for their schools,” said Josephine Tan, the Taylor’s College Campus Director.

She further shared that the RISE Educator Award, which is an initiative under The Risers’ ‘Engage, Equip and Empower’ movement, is aligned with the institution’s mission to be the best university for the world. “We will continue with our focus to build positive school culture, community, and identity by promoting positive values, skills, and knowledge outlined in the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education, and it is through the efforts of our exceptional teachers that we can make this a reality. That’s why we are committed to supporting and celebrating these dedicated educators through the RISE Educator Award and offer them the necessities they need to support their endeavours.”

Last year’s RISE Educator of the Year winner, Cikgu Hazeem Azemi, made an outstanding contribution to education by bridging the digital knowledge divide between rural and urban students. As a teacher in a rural school, Cikgu Hazeem observed the disparity and took action to create SMK Kuala Krau’s OKU Multimedia Studio, the first multimedia studio in Malaysia specifically designed for specially-abled and Orang Asli students. The lab, equipped with gaming chairs and tables, computers, and accessories, provides a fun and motivating environment for students to learn essential IT skills such as video and photo editing, gaming-based learning, and broadcasting. Cikgu Hazeem’s innovative approach to education showcases his commitment to quality education for all and has inspired other educators to follow in his footsteps.

The multimedia studio is enhanced with added facilities such as PC computers, video lighting and more for students to hone their IT skills

The award recognises inspiring educators with the RISE Educator Award where the public can nominate the most inspiring story of teachers in national, private and international pre-, primary and secondary schools in the nation. Five finalists will be chosen from the entries and have their stories posted up on Taylor’s College and Taylor’s University social media platforms, for the public to vote for the winners. The teacher of the winning entry will walk away with RM2,000 while the nominator will also take home RM500 in cash prize. The award’s panel of judges will choose the grand champion for the RISE Educator of the Year title – where the winner will be awarded RM5,000 for the teacher and RM500 for the nominator.

Winners of the RISE Educator Award will be announced in May in celebration of the country’s national Teacher’s Day. For more information, please visit Taylor’s College website here.

 

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Number of flood victims in Sarawak rises to 282, relief centres double to six

Flood victims are seen at the Kampung Mundai multipurpose hall. — Civil Defence Force photo.

KUCHING (March 1): The number of flood victims in Sarawak as of 7am today has risen to 282 from 67 families here, in Bau and Siburan.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the number of flood relief centres have doubled to six from three yesterday, with SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa, Batu Kitang Jaya multipurpose hall, and Kampung Mundai multipurpose hall opening their doors.

At Surau Nur Hidayah, Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya, the number of flood victims remains unchanged from yesterday at 26 families involving 124 individuals; while at SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa there are 19 families involving 80 individuals).

The other flood victims are at the Batu Kitang Jaya multipurpose hall (five families – 22 individuals); Dewan Dato Sri TS Mohammad Hamdan at the Bau Fire and Rescue Department (eight families involving 20 individuals); Kampung Opar community hall (two families involving nine individuals); and Kampung Mundai multipurpose hall (seven families involving 27 individuals).

Heavy continuous rain over the last few days has caused flooding in many areas in the Kuching and Serian divisions.

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Dr Sim eyes S’wak having own trade, tourism office in China

Dr Sim. – Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (March 1): Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian hopes that a Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (Stato) would be established in China in the near future.

In a Facebook post uploaded on Monday night, he said this should follow the success of the Singapore Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (Statos), which had become a platform to market Sarawak-made products to foreign countries.

He said since the transformation in the political landscape in 2018, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had always emphasised on the ‘Sarawak First’ agenda.

“One of the products of the ‘Sarawak First’ policy is Statos, which began operations in 2019.

“Statos has since been helping numerous Sarawakians not only in marketing our tourism, agriculture and investment products to Singapore and beyond, but also attracting Singaporeans to come to Sarawak,” he said, adding that recently, the Brunei government had agreed to establish a Stato in the sultanate.

“Stato’s next location would be in Kalimantan, and hopefully, in China in the near future,” he wrote.

Stato, said Dr Sim, would not only open opportunities for the importers and tourist offices, but also for the local people eyeing to export their products.

“It is also for investors to invest in both of Sarawak’s blue carbon and green carbon, as well as in renewable energy,” he added.

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Hong Kong scraps one of world’s last Covid mask mandates

A man rides on a tram wearing a mask in Hong Kong on February 27, 2023. — AFP photo

HONG KONG (Feb 28): Hongkongers will finally be able to leave home without a face mask from Wednesday, nearly 1,000 days after the pandemic mandate was imposed.

Face coverings will no longer be required indoors, outdoors or on public transport, the government announced, ending a measure that has become a relic globally as the world adjusts to living alongside the coronavirus.

Hong Kong was one of the last places on Earth to enforce mask-wearing outside, with violators facing hefty fines.

“I’m ready to get rid of this,” Tiffany, a finance industry employee in her 20s, told AFP. “It costs money to buy masks, and I have had Covid myself.”

The end of masking restrictions comes as the government tries to woo back tourists and overseas talent to revive the recession-hit economy.

“With the masking requirement removed, we are starting (to resume) normalcy… And that will be very beneficial to economic development,” Chief Executive John Lee said at a Tuesday morning press conference.

Speaking at the same event, Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said starting March 1, “everyone can show their smiling faces”.

Many in the city were increasingly chafing under the mandate.

Lawmakers called it harmful to schoolchildren. Tourism experts and business groups warned it was undercutting the city’s global image. And public health experts questioned the necessity against an endemic virus.

“We have got a high level of hybrid immunity and a relatively low case fatality rate –- the latter at a level similar to flu,” said Kwok Kin-on, an associate professor of public health at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, calling masking unneeded.

The policy also appeared at odds with Lee’s recently announced “Hello, Hong Kong” campaign to welcome travellers with “no isolation, no quarantine and no restrictions”.

Maskless dancers in the campaign’s promotional video attracted criticism online for distorting the reality of a city where face coverings were ubiquitous and enforced with fines of up to HK$10,000 ($1,275).

Official data shows that by the end of 2022, Hong Kong had issued more than 22,000 tickets for mask violations and collected HK$111.56 million in fines.

Hong Kong was one of the world’s last masking holdouts.

By last year, most European countries that had imposed mask rules had scaled them back everywhere except on planes and some metros.

Hong Kong’s Asian rival Singapore scrapped indoor face coverings in August, while South Korea did the same in January this year.

In Taiwan, people could breathe unfiltered air again in most areas as of February 20, and Macau became the most recent addition after dropping its mandate on Monday.

Lee said he would leave high-risk venues like hospitals and elderly care homes to make their own masking policies.

Shortly after his announcement, the public hospitals operator said patients, visitors and staff would still need to don surgical masks before entering government-run health facilities.

Until the end of last year, Hong Kong had one of the world’s strictest pandemic approaches.

It hewed to a version of China’s zero-Covid model until Beijing’s abrupt pivot from the hallmark containment policy in December.

In Hong Kong, the nearly three-year pandemic isolation and virus restrictions further dented an economy already reeling from massive democracy protests in 2019 followed by a crackdown on the opposition.

Still, not everyone in the city is ready to rip off their masks.

“Despite the mask mandate being lifted, I’ll continue wearing it in the short term,” said Chan, a retiree.

He said he would wait to make sure there was no rebound of infections after Hong Kong restored travel across its border with mainland China this month.

“The mask is like a part of my body,” he said. “If I stop wearing it, it’ll take a bit of getting used to.” — AFP

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PM Anwar attends dinner function with Sabah state leaders

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shakes hands with members of the Sabah state Cabinet of Ministers when he attends the Dinner with the Sabah Cabinet of Ministers in Kota Kinabalu, February 28, 2023. — Bernama photo

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 28): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended a dinner function with Sabah state leaders at a hotel here tonight.

The prime minister and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrived at around 8.16pm, accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife, Datin Seri Julia Salag.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and the Sabah Cabinet members were also in attendance.

Dinner guests were entertained with live performances of nostalgic songs, including Hati Lebur Jadi Debu and Madu dan Racun.

The prime minister had performed Maghrib congregational prayers together with Hajiji and the local Muslim community at the State Mosque in Sembulan here prior to attending the dinner.

Anwar arrived in Sabah this afternoon to attend a gathering with federal and Sabah civil servants here in conjunction with his two-day visit to Sabah today.

He is scheduled to have an audience with Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Seri Kinabalu here before departing for the Philippines for his two-day official visit. — Bernama

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Bank Negara Malaysia urged to act faster in solving online banking scam cases

Dr John Chew

KUCHING (Feb 28): Human Rights Commissioner for Sarawak Dr John Chew has urged Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to act faster in solving online banking scam cases, following the latest case of a Sarawakian businessman who allegedly lost RM1 million within 14 seconds after answering a phone call.

He said although there was inadequate information provided in respect to the latest case, the authorities still need to work fast to get to the bottom of this matter.

“Just at face value, it’s not possible (for such a big amount to be transferred), as the maximum amount transferrable online is capped at RM50,000, and I think the default is RM5,000 which you have to actively change if you want a different amount. Bigger sums need a different level of authorisation,” he said when contacted.

Dr Chew opined that the people’s fundamental rights to property as enshrined in the Federal Constitution have been breached if all the online banking scam cases are genuine.

“Trust in our institutions which are the banks, PDRM (police), BNM and MCMC (Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission) is essential for the digital world, or we will keep our money under our pillow cases,” Dr Chew said.

Yesterday the complainant, a 39-year-old businessman known as Mr Lee, claimed that after picking up a call from an unknown number two days ago, he ended up losing the RM1 million to an alleged online banking scam in just 14 seconds.

Lee said the caller had claimed that he was  from Poslaju and requesting him to give his One Time Password (OTP).

After sensing was something was wrong, thus he hung up the call and checked his account, only to find out that a withdrawal of the RM1 million had been made from his bank’s savings account without his authorisation.

He then immediately called the bank to lodge a complaint and make a police report and became the latest victims to seek help from the Sarawak DAP over online banking scams.

According to the special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong, based on Mr Lee’s online bank transfer records, the money was transferred to an account by the name ‘Celcom Sdn Bhd’ and that, no OTP or notification was sent to Lee.

Meanwhile, netizens on the social media have reacted to the matter, with some of them advising the victims to immediately call 997 (anti online scam police hot line number) in order to trace their missing money before it is too late.

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Youth involvement in TVET, reform agenda among issues to be raised in Parliament today

A general view of the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur on March 29, 2018. — Malay Mail photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Youth involvement in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, as well as reform of the country’s system and institution, are among issues to be raised at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

According to the Order Paper published on the Parliament website, these questions will be answered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Minister’s Question Time.

Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong) will ask the prime minister to state the government’s new strategy and policy to improve the effectiveness of TVET programmes, while Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) wants to know whether the government will propose an inclusive consultation process to implement the reform agenda.

Also, Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu) will pose a question on measures to improve the quality of the country’s healthcare services as overcrowding at government hospitals is becoming more worrying.

For the Questions for Oral Answers session, there will be a question from Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian) to the Finance Minister on whether the Goods and Services Tax will be re-introduced.

After the session concludes, Dewan Rakyat will continue with the debate session on the Supply Bill 2023 at the policy level. – Bernama

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World’s largest mass microalgae biomass production plant to open in Sarawak this April

Hoshino with the some of the products processed from microalgae biomass.

KUCHING (Feb 28): The world’s largest mass microalgae biomass production facility known as Chitose Carbon Capture Central (C4), utilising flat-panel photo-bioreactor technology, is set for official opening here in April this year.

According to Chitose Laboratory Corp executive officer and chief bioengineer Takanori Hoshino, the project is funded by the Japanese government and involves collaboration with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) and ENEOS Corporation.

“This project is being funded by the Japanese government for five years until the end of fiscal year 2024 and after that, we will use the C4 for commercial production of various products from the microalgae biomass,” he said in an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post here yesterday.

Hoshino said the project is funded by the Japanese government to the tune of approximately 2.5 billion yen (more than RM80 million) to demonstrate the mass production of microalgae biomass throughout the year.

Microalgae biomass can be processed for various commercial applications such as jet fuel, plastic, paints, surfactants, truck fuel, proteins, feed and food products, as well as for pharmaceutical and cosmetics purposes.

“For example, starting from 2027, it is going to be mandatory for all airline companies globally to have certain percentage of their jet fuels to be mixed with biofuel and there is currently not enough supply of bio-jet fuel,” he said.

Hoshino added that once bio-jet fuel – otherwise known as ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ – could be mass produced from microalgae biomass, they would eye exporting the product not only to Southeast Asian countries, but also to the United States and Europe.

According to him, the existing microalgae cultivation farm at C4 spans about five hectares and there is a plan to expand the farm to 100 hectares in three years, and 2,000 hectares towards 2030.

Moreover, Hoshino highlighted that Sarawak was selected as a preferred location for the microalgae farm due to the ideal temperature throughout the year, abundance of fresh water, and the state being safe from major natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes.

“Sarawak is also strategically located to access major international markets such as Japan, Taiwan, China, and Singapore, as well as having the availability of qualified and skilled local workforce.”

The C4 is located next to the Sejingkat power station and SEB is supplying exhausted gas containing carbon dioxide for the microalgae cultivation.

The SBC, meanwhile, provides qualified researchers and manpower for the project.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony for the C4 this April 4.

A delegation of industry experts and potential investors from Japan, as well as Sarawak government officials, will also attend the event.

The physical construction of C4 has reached completion, and it would take about two years for the completion of the planned demonstration.

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Shifting from ‘backyard’ to ‘front yard’ in the digital era

The rise of affordable smartphones and data plans has allowed digital platforms to provide a variety of services in Tarakan city, creating new sources of income for the people. (Photo credit: The Jakarta Post)

I WAS in Tawau last month, taking a Grab from the airport to the town. It was just too convenient – I am now so used to e-hailing services and e-wallets.

Listening to my driver sharing his adventures in Nunukan and Tarakan, I recalled an article about internet penetration and digital literacy in The Jakarta Post two years ago.

The reporter of this article, Josa Lukman, illustrated how the digital revolution had changed Tarakan, the largest city in North Kalimantan. With the rise of affordable smartphones and data plans, digital platforms like Grab have been able to provide a variety of services in the city, creating new sources of income for the people.

Interestingly, it also revealed that the e-hailing services somehow solved the issue of public transportation in Tarakan. The city, occupied by close to 250,000 inhabitants, is nestled in complex valleys, making it difficult for buses to navigate. But, with e-hailing services, residents can now get around easier.

The e-wallet service is probably the most revolutionary function. One interviewee in the article pointed out that it has substantially transformed the way people perceive and managetheir money.

In places like Tarakan, many do not have bank accounts due to limited access to financial services.The e-wallet is a game changer – no more having to worry about the costs, time, and security issues associated with handling cash, making business transactions much more convenient. From the government’s perspective, digital payment also allows better monitoring of the informal economy, potentially curtailing the prevalence of illegal activities.

North Kalimantan was once widely considered Indonesia’s ‘backyard’ (teras belakang) and suffered from marginalisation. It was not until 2011 when the term ‘front yard’ (teras depan) was officially used by the government to change the policy perspective on the borderland.

The region has received constant attention from the government since President Joko Widodo took office in 2014, setting ‘to develop Indonesia from the periphery’ as one of his major development goals. Various (mega) projects were introduced and proposed for the province, including a ‘green’ industrial park in Tanah Kuning and hydropower plants in Kayan and Mentarang Induk, as described in some of the articles in last year’s column.

Tarakan, the largest city and also an island in North Kalimantan, is located close to Tanjung Selor, the capital of the North Kalimantan province. ‘Tarakan’ is a combination of ‘tarak’ and ‘ngakan’ in the Tidung language, meaning the place to meet and eat, respectively. The name is probably given by fishermen who went there to rest, meet, and barter their catch in the past.

Today, it has become a transportation hub that connects Sabah and Kalimantan, operating 3-hour ferry services to and from Tawau. The sea route has been busy with formal and informal exchanges of goods and flows of people.

The city has a history of oil and gas production, but now the economy mainly relies on fisheries and processing. Tawau has been importing large quantities of marine products from Tarakan. Goods from Tawau also enter Tarakan through various channels. Meanwhile, many Indonesians travel to Tawau from time to time as migrant workers via Tarakan or Nunukan. However, the rapid development in Kalimantan in recent years may have significantly altered the labour force supply dynamics.

In the past decade, the Tarakan city has seen rapid progress in digital infrastructure. According to a study on digital competitiveness by East Ventures, North Kalimantan was ranked the 17th most competitive province in Indonesia in 2022 among the 34 provinces. The pandemic probably played a role in driving and accelerating digital transformation. It is more than just the hardware, as people were forced to adjust their mindsets, lifestyles, and ways of doing business in order to survive.

For example, the arrival of digital platforms has enormous implications for the local women in Tarakan. Traditionally, women in this part of the world have to bear multiple responsibilities. Many are both a housewife and a breadwinner. The availability of flexible-hour income opportunities brought by digital transformation like e-hailing provides them with alternatives to re-organise their daily schedule, potentially reducing unnecessary waste of time in commuting.

Tourism sector is another area that will directly benefit from the digital revolution. Notably, Tarakan is a gateway to one of the most gorgeous places in Borneo, the Derawan Archipelago. This place has beenon my list for a while, but I haven’t had a chance to go.

Besides the beautiful seascape, what attracts me most is the existence of stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake. The lake is one of the two places on Earth where one can swim with the lake jellies (another one is Palau in Micronesia). Imagine the local small and medium operators being able to tap into that potential and promote it to a wider audience through digital platforms – it’s exciting to think about!

Another area worth mentioning is probably waste management. In developing regions like Tarakan, waste collection and recycling can be extremely challenging.

One compelling example is the case of ‘WeCycler’ in Lagos, Nigeria. A mobile app was created to connect ‘subscribers’, i.e., residents who sign up for the programme, with waste collectors and handling hubs. The app is equipped with features to streamline the whole process. And get this – the ‘subscribers’ can actually earn ‘points’ from recycling the waste, which they can then use to buy everyday items.

It seems that such a system can also be seamlessly integrated into the e-hailing and e-wallet systems mentioned earlier. Coupled with creative little perks like bonus points and gamification, digital tools may significantly change people’s behaviours.

It is inspiring to learn how digital transformation has changed lives in this region – but I will say these are just the beginning.

In November 2022, the Central Banks of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand agreed to accelerate cross-border payments, making them faster, cheaper, and more accessible, including through QR codes and fast payment methods. New opportunities may emerge for micro, small, and medium businesses in border regions like Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan. Governments can also better monitor and manage informal cross-border trade, reducing unwanted illegal activities.

These will lead to a more integrated and prosperous border economy. Hopefully, the digital revolution can provide breakthroughs to some of the difficult development challenges and steer the trajectories to more sustainable ones.

Dr Goh Chun Sheng is a researcher at Sunway University and Harvard University. He is interested in exploring sustainable development in both Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo.

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Petronas FutureTech 3.0 expands to Asian Pacific region

Arni is seen delivering her welcoming remarks during the Petronas FutureTech 3.0 welcoming reception.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Petronas FutureTech 3.0, an accelerator programme to nurture technology startups, is now open to applicants in the Asia Pacific region, the first time the programme is expanding beyond Malaysian shores.

Co-organised by Petronas Ventures and Singapore-based innovation, venture and startup enabler, StartupX, FutureTech 3.0 is a platform to uncover innovations and game-changing technologies, and to? accelerate these transformative ideas into real business solutions.

With seven new corporate partners on board – Gentari Sdn Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, DRB-HICOM Bhd, Sembcorp Industries Ltd, Hyundai Motor Company, Vitol and Khazanah Nasional Bhd – the third edition of the programme is expected to impart industry best practices while providing startups greater market access for growth and scalability across the region.

Head of Petronas Ventures, Arni Laily Anwarrudin said, “Petronas is excited to expand its strategic partnership regionally, allowing participants to tap into the vast entrepreneurial experience and C-Suite mentorship as well as access to the right tools, support, resources and the possibility for startups to test-bed their solutions. We are anticipating impactful solutions and positive outcomes from FutureTech 3.0 to its pool of cross-functional partners, promoting sustainability and growth globally.”

Arni added, “In an industry where it is constantly evolving, recent world events and the pace of energy transition have pushed us to adopt a future-first approach for the energy industry.

“Hence, Petronas believes that we have to pivot ourselves towards developing technology-driven sustainable solutions that will establish ourselves as leaders in the industry for the future.”

The third installment will focus on solutions in the Future of Industry and Work, Future of Chemical and Materials, Future of Energy and Mobility and Frontier Technology, with an emphasis on Sustainability-related technology solutions.

Twenty shortlisted startups in FutureTech 3.0 will undergo a 12-to-16 week hybrid programme from May 2023, that include masterclasses, workshops and coaching by Corporate Partners and industry mentors as well as global entrepreneurs.

The programme will culminate into a Demo Day at the end of August 2023, where the shortlisted startups will get to pitch their solutions to the C-suites of PETRONAS and its Corporate Partners, investors, potential collaborators, among others.

FutureTech 3.0 will also be supported by Cradle, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), SG Innovate, Leave a Nest Group, National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), MyStartup and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Applications are open until March 31, 2023. Interested startups can get more details on the programme and apply via petronasft.thestartupx.com/

Arni (middle) alongside FutureTech 3.0 corporate partners.

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Abg Jo: S’wak to promote silat on the global stage

Abang Johari (third left) chewing betel leaf during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship. Also seen is Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (second left) and other officials. – Photo by Matthew Umpang

KUCHING (Feb 27): Sarawak will help promote silat as a professional sport so the martial art can be included in the world agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said silat is no longer a sport at the kampung level nor is it only a game in Southeast Asian countries but a martial art recognised at the international level.

“People from countries in Europe and the Americas, for example, already recognise what the martial art is – hence, silat has become a global sport,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship at Stadium Perpaduan here tonight.

Commenting on the championship, he said that it has become the state government’s policy to reinvigorate sports activities for Sarawakians.

“Of course, silat is a sports event that the Sarawak government will continue to encourage – just like other sports activities.

“Therefore, we will always work with silat associations and schools to further fuel training and bring out the athletes who are international athletes born from Malaysia and Sarawak in this event,” he said.

Sarawak welcomes a total of 500 exponents from 11 countries and 10 local contingents in the championships which are being held now until Mar 5.

Among the countries that have confirmed their participation in the maiden competition are Brunei Darussalam, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and the United States of America.

“I would like to extend my welcome to all silat exponents from all over the world, particularly the 11 countries that have come all the way to Sarawak to perform and compete in this silat competition.

“Of course, there will be winners and losers but what is important is that the spirit of silat and discipline is there. Therefore, we can nurture this disciplinary culture in ourselves so we can pursue other human endeavours.

“While competing in this championship, do visit interesting places in Sarawak here and hopefully, it can strengthen the relationship of teacher and student,” he said.

Abang Johari also took the opportunity to congratulate the silat teachers, particularly those in Sarawak, who have made sacrifices to continue the culture of silat in the country.

He also expressed his hopes that those involved in silat will maintain the culture professionally and practise so they can become a champion at the international level, as silat is similar to other martial arts such as taekwondo, wushu and others.

“Let us all focus our attention on sports which are good for our endurance and also our culture,” he said.

The championship will also tie up with the Sarawak Arts Council to feature various interesting programmmes to light up the event, such as food and cultural festivals.

A total prize money of US$20,000 will be conferred to the overall team champion of the tournament.

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Zambry withdraws from Umno vice-president contest

Zambry speaks during a press conference in Putrajaya on Jan 7, 2023. – Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 27): Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has withdrawn from contesting for Umno vice-president post in the party election next month.

Zambry announced the decision in a Facebook post last night after taking into consideration his official duty as the Foreign Minister in the government.

“There are many foreign affairs and matters that have to be managed to uphold Malaysia in the international stage. It also brings the image of Umno which I represent in the Unity Government,” he said.

According to Zambry, he also wanted to give priority to strengthen inter-party ties within BN and  between parties in the Unity Government.

Nonetheless, Zambry said he is offering himself to defend his post as a member of Umno Supreme Council in the Umno 2023-2026 Term election.

“I express my gratitude and appreciation to my friends in the divisions which have expressed their support for me,” he said.

On February 24, Zambry announced that he was offering to run for the vice-presidency in the party’s election.

The Umno annual delegates conference at branch level and elections for Wanita, Youth and Puteri branch wings were held from February 1 to 26.

The Wanita, Youth and Puteri division elections will be held nationwide simultaneously on March 11.

The Umno division delegates meetings and elections of Umno Supreme Council members will be held simultaneously throughout the country on March 18. – Bernama

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Nusantara: Sabah, Sarawak to prepare for border devt, explore business opportunities

Fadillah speaks during an interview with Bernama at the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 25, 2023. – Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 27): The shifting of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan, neighbouring Sabah and Sarawak, will require both regions to prepare themselves, especially in the development of borders and exploring bilateral business-to-business (B2B) opportunities.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said border developments they intend to focus on include upgrading the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes along the main border between Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan, following the establishment and construction of Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city in East Kalimantan.

“Development of towns along the Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak need to be sped up, especially for the CIQ improvements, roads leading to CIQs along the main border between Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan,” he said in a recent exclusive interview with Bernama.

The Finance Ministry had previously approved an additional RM1 billion for upgrading projects and to construct better infrastructure along the 1,881-kilometre border separating Sarawak and Sabah from Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Fadillah, who is also Plantations and Commodities Minister, said other aspects of focus include exploring B2B opportunities and cross-border economic interactions that can fulfil the needs of both countries.

Fadillah cited Sarawak as an example, saying that thanks to good relations, the region had exported electricity to West Kalimantan since several years ago, and was given the opportunity to construct a hydroelectric dam in the country.

“Indonesia wants to have hydropower, four dams in Kalimantan and one packages has been agreed to be given to Sarawak. Sarawak Energy will be the implementor as they have experience in building four hydroelectric dams in Sarawak,” he said.

He added that he had focused on discussions about opportunities to tap the upstream and downstream industry, especially for the palm oil sector, during his recent visit to Indonesia, the largest producer of palm oil in the world.

“Kalimantan has the most plantations due to its large land mass, so the opportunities won’t be just downstream but upstream, and how we can strengthen bilateral ties in this context, including logistics. This is something we’re discussing with Indonesia currently,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said Malaysia and Indonesia could jointly plan to develop a railway network at the border of Sarawak and Kalimantan to transport goods from Kalimantan to Bintulu and utilise its port facilities.

“Maybe the federal government could assist the Sarawak government in negotiating with Indonesia to prepare a railway line to transport goods from Kalimantan to Bintulu Port.

“The sea route is quite far, so this will help Indonesia in exporting as Kalimantan has many resources, so if we can tap them….we can develop them together with Indonesia,” he added. – Bernama

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US agency says Covid likely emerged from China lab leak

The coronavirus pandemic likely arose from a Chinese laboratory leak, the US Department of Energy now says according to media, although the White House maintained yesterday that American intelligence remained divided on the issue. – Malay Mail photo

WASHINGTON (Feb 27): The coronavirus pandemic likely arose from a Chinese laboratory leak, the US Department of Energy now says according to media, although the White House maintained yesterday that American intelligence remained divided on the issue.

The determination — noted in a classified report by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines’s office, The Wall Street Journal reported — marks a shift by the Energy department, which had previously said it was undecided on how the virus emerged.

People who read the classified report were quoted in the Journal and The New York Times as saying the department made its judgment with “low confidence,” highlighting how different agencies remain divided over the origins of Covid-19 and the pandemic that swept the globe in early 2020.

The conclusion, reportedly the result of new intelligence, is nevertheless significant because the department oversees a network of national laboratories, including some that do advanced biological research.

The department now joins the Federal Bureau of Investigation in believing that the pandemic, which has left nearly seven million people dead, was the result of a mishap in a Chinese laboratory.

Four US intelligence agencies believe Covid occurred through natural transmission, while two others remain undecided, the Journal reported.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stressed a “variety of views” on the matter remain.

“Right now, there is not a definitive answer that has emerged from the intelligence community on this question,” he told CNN Sunday.

In mid-February, the World Health Organisation pledged to do everything possible “until we get the answer” on Covid’s origins, denying a report suggesting the agency had abandoned its investigation.

The scientific community sees it as crucial to determine the origins of the pandemic in order to better fight or even prevent the next one. — AFP

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RM5.6 billion for Sarawak in Budget 2023 insufficient, says SUPP sec-gen

Datuk Sebastian Ting

MIRI (Feb 27): The RM388.1 billion announced in Budget 2023 may have been the largest budget in the history of the country, but the development funds allocated to Sarawak is a disappointment to many, says Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting.

He said the increase of RM1 billion from the RM4.6 billion in Budget 2022 was just a ‘drop in the bucket’ when considering Sarawak’s overall development needs.

“If we look at the development needs in the rural areas, especially roads, water, electricity, telecommunication needs and medical care – the allocation of RM5.6 billion is insignificant.

“The federal government must continue to assist and pay attention to development in Sarawak. The allocation must include a continuation of support for the development agenda in Sarawak through other methods and channels to narrow the development gap between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Nevertheless, he said it is still early to comment on how much Sarawak can benefit from the 2023 Budget as the details have not been unveiled on how much allocations are for different projects and future new projects.

Ting, who is Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said he was pleased to note that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had similarly stated that the RM5.6 billion was insufficient for Sarawak’s needs, and that the state government would continue to implement various development plans using its own funds.

“This is important as the development of highways and infrastructures ensures the livelihood of Sarawakians,” he added.

He also said the prioritisation of the Pan Borneo Highway and Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) in the budget was welcome news indeed.

“The Prime Minister emphasised that these two projects must be completed as soon as possible. He does not want to see the Pan Borneo Highway mentioned in the annual budget in future as this has been brought up over many years.

“For the people of Sarawak, the Pan Borneo Highway is an especially important infrastructure project and the key for future development. We hope that the federal government will do everything in its power to ensure that this project will be completed as soon as possible to drive development in both urban and rural areas, and especially to improve the lives of people in rural areas.”

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Aaron: Reciting Rukun Negara evokes patriotism, instils love for country

Aaron presents a Bakul Rahmah box to a recipient during the state-level Harmony Programme 2023. – Bernama photo

KUCHING (Feb 27): The practice of reciting the Rukun Negara pledge would exert greater influence on Malaysians to better appreciate, understand and celebrate diversity in the country, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

According to him, the recitation of the pledge is practised as suggested by the Conference of Rulers, and should be a norm at formal events as it helps evoke the spirit of patriotism and instil greater love for the country.

“You see, sometimes people don’t see, when we sing Negaraku and recite our Rukun Negara at an event, it actually helps to instil patriotism and reminds us of the need to love our own country which means it also helps to cultivate individual values.

“When we rarely recite the pledge, we might forget the five pillars of the pledge,” he said to the media when met at the state-level Harmony Programme 2023 held at the State Legislative Building here yesterday.

He also said elements of the pledge need to be explained to the community from time to time for the goal of unity to be realised.

“The concept of Rukun Negara not only needs to be read and heard but also needs to be implemented by the ruling government through emphasising the elements of it (the pledge).

“The Ministry of Unity will continue to prioritise Rukun Negara as the foundation and guide for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that the recitation of the pledge should not only be practised by children but to include all.

The Harmony Programme 2023 was held in conjunction with the World Interfaith Harmony Week, and was organised by the Ministry of National Unity through state Department of National Unity and National Integration, and Sarawak government through Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) under the Sarawak Premier’s Department.

Themed ‘Malaysia Madani in Religious Diversity’, the programme which was held throughout the country from Feb 18 to 26 benefitted more than 1,500 disadvantaged groups from selected welfare institutions.

During the programme, a total of 260 Bakul Rahmah boxes were distributed to senior citizens of various religions.

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Keen Umno contests healthy sign for democracy, says Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (right) attends a briefing on the development of the South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR), in Gua Musang. February 26, 2023. — Bernama photo

GUA MUSANG (Feb 26): The high number of candidates contesting in the Umno 2023 elections shows that democracy is alive and well in the party, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this also showed that the candidates believed that Umno had a bright future.

“The fact that many people are interested to vie for posts this time shows that democracy is growing healthily in Umno.

“This is different from the situation in 2018 when members seemed to lack interest and some incumbents did not want to defend their posts after Umno and BN had lost for the first time (in general election),” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, told reporters this after making a working visit to Gua Musang Kesedar today.

Umno elections will run from Feb 1 until March 18, with the branch annual delegates meetings and Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri branch committee elections being held from Feb 1 to 26.

The Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri Umno division delegates meetings and committee elections as well as the central Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri Umno Exco elections will be held simultaneously throughout the country on March 11.

The Umno division delegates and committee elections, and the Umno supreme council elections will be held simultaneously throughout the country on March 18.

Ahmad Zahid also said the Registrar of Societies (RoS) was expected to give an official reply by the end of next week on the no-contest motion for the top two Umno posts which was approved at the Umno 2022 general assembly.

RoS had given Umno 60 days from Jan 20 to furnish the necessary information following complaints filed by two party members regarding the additional motion barring contests for the posts of president and deputy president. — Bernama

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