BFM :: The Bigger Picture

A 2016 survey revealed the shocking vacuum in Malaysian teenagers’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. One-third of teenagers believe that first-time sex cannot lead to pregnancy, and one-fifth trust that wearing two condoms is better than one. What are the consequences of such misconceptions and how can we fill in the gaps?

In the run-up to the war in Iraq, Ann Wright, the then deputy chief of mission in Mongolia, publicly resigned from the U.S. State Department in direct protest of the 2003 invasion. Since resigning, Ann, who is also a retired Army colonel, has said patriotism meant being an anti-war activist. She recounts how her childhood in Arkansas led her towards a career in the military, talks about the problem of sexual harassment in the military, her transition from the Army to the foreign service, as well as her concern about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

We discuss the latest in health news. This week, we discovered  that Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump can agree on one thing: Pharma is “getting away with murder,” by inflating the prices of drugs in the US. We also talk all things food and bugs, which coincidently is right up Juliet Jacobs’ alley as the producer for Earth Matters. Find out what we learn about eating insects for protein, a superbug that killed an American woman in India, and whether Nutella really causes cancer.

Who would believe that we have Celts living among us playing this traditional music and tap dancing like the folks in Riverdance. The chief Celt introduces us to Meet The Plumber, the Celtic Asian 2.0 and F.A.T.  Band. With or without kilts, these Celtic asians are going to celebrate their International Uilleann Piping Day in the latter part of the week.  

Sweating about a new gym membership? Personal Trainer Karen Siah returns to talk about the evolution of the business of gyms from chain fitness centres to boutique gyms. Find out which one is best for you. 

Imam Khalid Latif is the Muslim Chaplain and Executive Director of the Islamic Center, New York University (ICNYU). He is also one of the principal subjects of Chelsea Clinton's 2014 documentary film "Of Many." Drawing from his experience as a young Muslim American community leader, he chronicles his efforts in interfaith leadership and guidance for his young students and will also discuss ways in which everyone can play a more active role in mending divisions among different groups.

We spoke to Antony Lynam of the Wildlife Conservation Society, who has more than 20 years of experience implementing and advising wildlife conservation projects in Asia. Based in Bangkok, Thailand he serves as Regional Technical Advisor for wildlife protection and applied conservation projects in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Russian Far East. He spoke to us about his work in the conservation field in Myanmar in particular, which included developing a National Tiger Action Plan for the country.

The Academy of Sciences Malaysia is organizing an international conference on science for peace next month. Explaining the need for such a dialogue is Nitia Samuel, Head of Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategic Studies at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Joining her is Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazlin Mokhtar, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who is also a member of the conference’s steering committee. Tune in for a panel discussion about the state of science education in Malaysia, how we can improve science literacy and the role science can play in forging global peace.

In this special year, the fourth production of a Shakespeare play but in our vernacular, and so it become ‘Tragedi Hamlet’. This staging is Faridah Merican’s fourth outing because she’s interested in the mother-and-son relationship. Find out what she thinks of this relationship which in Olivier’s version has the son kissing the mother Oedipus-like.

According to new data, an overwhelming number of vapers have managed to quit smoking or reduce  cigarette consumption, seeing a change for the better in general health, as well as improved breathing and capability for exercise since switching to e-cigarettes. How true is that? Dr Farsalinos returns with the latest on e-cigarette research.