General

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has agreed to return the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit, or Mitra, to the Prime Minister’s Department, and has announced an RM2 million allocation for Indian students from poor households. We discuss this development, and how to ensure this initiative will be carried out well.

MITRA KPN, Facebook

Every mental health issue undeniably has an impact on the individual with the struggles, but there is also another burden that is often hidden from sight - the burden that is borne by the caregivers. While it is both a rewarding and central role, caregivers are also at higher risk of physical and mental health illnesses, financial issues, and work-related challenges. In our conversation with Amalina Davis, Head of Strategy & Advocacy at Thrive Well, and psychology professor Dr Alvin Ng, Advisor to Thrive Well, we highlight the experience of caregivers and what kind of support systems they need.

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Clean air is a basic human right, but air pollution has become one of the greatest environmental risk factors for human health. Exposure to air pollution is a leading global health risk which causes ill health and millions of premature deaths each year worldwide. A recent report titled “Different Air Under One Sky: The Inequity Air Research” published by Greenpeace India, estimates that 100% of the population in Malaysia live in areas with air pollution levels that are above the World Health Organisation’s guidelines for safe air quality. Risks are not evenly distributed amongst the population, with some groups of people at greater risk of harm. We discuss this and other key findings from the report, including the need to have real-time information about the quality of the air we breathe, with Heng Kiah Chun, a Greenpeace Malaysia Campaigner, and Yung-Jen Chen, a Greenpeace Global Air Pollution Unit Senior Campaigner.

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『上海合作组织成员国元首理事会会议（上合组织峰会）』于乌兹别克斯坦撒马尔罕古城举行，除了迎来中国国家主席习近平时隔持续了两年多近三年的冠病疫情后首度境外国事访问；更上演了台海紧张气息、俄乌硝烟弥漫之际的「习普会」。

综合外媒评论：这场「习普会」可说是各怀肚肠，下个月将拉开帷幔的『二十大』让习近平即谨慎；又希望重铸国际政治家的声望；至于日前在俄乌战场吃了亏的普丁，亚洲强国的并肩支持，显然是在国际舞台上不被孤立的重要象征。

Sheril Bustaman is a documentary filmmaker, writer and mother of three. On this episode, Sheril joins us to talk about why she dropped out of college to pursue filmmaking, how she ensures stability while pursuing an unpredictable career path and the challenges she faces as a woman in the industry. 

Image credit: Facebook / Sheril A. Bustaman

Most countries within the Southeast Asian region have begun reopening with further easing of restrictions. This means the runway is once again open for the tourism and travel industry to chart a course for recovery. We hear from Hannah Pearson, founder of Pear Anderson as she gives us the latest update on this sector that’s an important part of many SEA countries’ GDP numbers and how she sees the industry faring in the next few months.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Maridav

在2020年疫情刚爆发期间，马来西亚陷入了“全民炒股”狂潮，马来西亚交易所甚至成为股民的“ATM提款机”。然而在2年后的今天，疯狂炒股的行为已经不复存在，取而代之的是股民们对市场的恐慌。目前，股民们对普遍对市场抱持着悲观的情绪，认为全球股市在未来半年的表现都不佳。这一集，我们将从南洋商报的专题进行探讨。

Everyone is different, but because of that, sometimes in work and in life you have to learn how to navigate conflict. How do you balance and compromise for different points of view, and how can opposing values come together for a common purpose? Xiao Cheng Wong, fellowship manager of Acumen Academy Malaysia, explains the concept of polarity and how it pertains to improving communication and resolving conflict.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Iconic Bestiary

Are you a person who loves to work from home but sometimes home might not be the suitable environment for you to concentrate in? A coworking space might be a better choice for you. Sandbox is a coworking space that aims to create an environment for all entrepreneurs who are seeking for a place to work. Casper Foo and Yu Min Lye, the founders of Sandbox, share their business journey with us.

Image Credit: Sandbox Space Facebook Page

In the run up to Malaysia Day this year, we saw headlines regarding a push for Sabah and Sarawak to be given 35% representation in the Dewan Rakyat. The Special Council on MA63 endorsed this proposal recently, paving the way for the East Malaysian states to gain up to 78 seats in the lower house. Will this ensure greater political representation for East Malaysia in our parliamentary democracy? Political scientist Dr. Wong Chin Huat weighs in.

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