BFM

Coaches and training providers wax lyrical about the life transforming benefits of reading a self help book, or attending a motivational course. But is it all feel good fluff or does it actually work? And if so, are the results short lived? We speak to those who have tried and tested some of these concepts or courses to get insights on the experience and effects of personal development. 

The UN recently highlighted the link between freedom of information and sustainable development, while emphasising the need for nations to prioritise the safety of journalists who are operating within their borders. How does Malaysia compare to other countries in the region, when it comes to press freedom? BFM takes a closer look at our report card on this subject.

This is a report by Azlyn Balqis, Yuen Yuen Tan, Sonia Naidu, and Lyn Mak.

Factory activity in Singapore declined for the 10th straight month in April, with the Purchasing Managers' Index -- an early indicator of manufacturing activity -- remaining in contraction territory. Thu Tun Yin, dealer at Phillip Futures shares her outlook on the manufacturing sector, while also weighing in on the volatility in the oil and gas industry.

The husband and wife team started BumiSains in 1976 as a supplier of scientific apparatus to schools throughout the country. Since its inception, supporting education and research has been at the core of their business. They began setting up research plants in the area of biotechnology for private colleges and research institutes. However, sustaining a business for 40 years is not an easy task as they have survived through three recessions and now, the weak currency. Shaman Gaspar, the second generation of the business talks about their future plans. 

Australia's ASX 200 yesterday broke through 5400 points for the first time since August and is on a clear upward trajectory. But what risks are there to this rally? We ask Ben LeBrun, Market Analyst at OptionsXpress in Sydney.

The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement brings about various changes to our IP laws, from copyrights, trademarks and patents, right down to the methods of valuing our IP. Listen to MyIPO's Deputy Director General, En Abdul Aziz Ismail and the Director of Ella Cheong Malaysia, Mr. Soh Kar Liang break down the complicated issues surrounding the IP laws in relation to the TPP.

Mahu tak mahu, kita perlu akui terdapat perbezaan kelas di dalam masyarakat kita. Antara golongan atasan yang elit, dan golongan bawahan, yang biasanya dianggotai golongan pekerja. Bagaimanakah nasib mereka? Dan adakah perjuangan mereka didokong masyarakat? Minggu ini, kami akan merungkai cerita dan pemahaman tentang nasib mereka. Selain itu, Haniff dan Najman Maliki juga akan membincangkan topik "artificial intelligence" serta makanan dan daerah.

What one sister does, the other does it just as good. Anuja Ananthan is the twin of former Miss World Malaysia, Thanuja Ananthan, but she follows her own path. Her background in business transcends into her work as the host of teaching normal people Business 101 on TV, basically. Also, she loves yoga to bits so if you plan to be more flexible in the foreseeable future, do contact her and she will do wonders for you.

If you enjoyed what you’ve heard, then head on over to our website! That Time Of Night

This week on Untitled, Ezra and Uma listen to the second album by the Damon Albarn/Jamie Hewlett experiment Gorillaz. It's called Demon Days and don't let this undisciplined mix of dub, rock, afro-pop and rap confuse you, it is actually a masterpiece in music-making.

Kopitiam, the award-winning Malaysian sitcom which ran for seven seasons, brought laughs to the local audience with the joys and struggles shared by six friends who work together to run a coffee shop. This month on Finding The Funny, we feature Ng Ping Ho, creator of Kopitiam, the TV series. Ezra Zaid also speaks to the cast members about their experience of shooting the Malaysian favourite sitcom.