General

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of specialists were thrust into the limelight for the important role that they played in the global health crisis - public health specialists. Though usually less visible compared to other medical professionals, public health specialists have always been unsung heroes in the wider picture of population health, using their knowledge and research to understand disease trends, study the socioeconomic determinants of health, or influence policy decisions. In the first episode of a new series aimed at uncovering potential healthcare careers for young graduates, we speak to Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Deputy Director (Non-Communicable Diseases), Ministry of Health Malaysia, about how to become a public health specialist, why he encourages this career choice, and what it means to serve in the Ministry of Health.

One of the age-old debates among linguists, philosophers and even psychologists is if language can shape the way we think. Well, Sandy Clarke, who’s an author and licensed counsellor suggests that not only can language impact one’s psychology, but also one’s perception of time can impact psychology, as well. But how exactly?

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Law and institutional reform minister Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman recently proposed that an independent commission be set up to safeguard the rights and well-being of children. How might this commission function differently to the Office of the Child Commissioner parked under SUHAKAM, which is currently held by Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal? What difference would it make for the landscape of children’s rights and well-being in Malaysia? We find out from Srividhya Ganapathy, Co-chairperson of CRIB Foundation (Child Rights Innovation & Betterment).

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China is reopening and we can expect an influx of Chinese tourists soon, especially this Chinese New Year and after. To get perspectives of tourism and travel business owners and the overall industry, today we’re speaking to Nigel Wong, Honorary Treasurer & Spokesperson, of MATTA - the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.

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What does it take to find success in venture capital and startup funding? Do you have to hand over a pitch deck, your P&L, and your valuation up front? How can you tell if an investor is the right fit for your startup? Fong Wai Hong from Storehub, which recently raised more than RM60 million in a pre-Series B round, shares his perspective on fundraising to give us “the truth” vs. “what we were all taught to think by VCs”. Here’s the real story on what VCs don’t want you to know.

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The past 2 years have not been easy for many industries especially for those involved in the travel and tourism sector. Universal Holidays Travel and Tourism has not only weathered the storm but continued to grow and function as a complete B2B Travel Management Company providing qualitative travel-related services and products consisting of hotels, furnished serviced apartments, transfers and tour packages for travellers globally. We speak to Zahira Tahir, founder and CEO of Universal Holidays Travel and Tourism to hear about her journey.

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支付「哔」一响，金额就能即时过账。不过，在背后的作业，其实繁琐而庞杂。那么，随着科技发达、支付选项愈发繁多，企业和商家是不是就需要一个统整平台，让支付流程无缝衔接呢？这个时候，支付网关（Payment Gateway）就能派上用场了！本期节目，雷蛇商户服务（Razer Merchant Services）就要为我们剖析「支付」背后的奥秘，并且谈谈支付要如何真正做到「无缝接轨」。

The palm oil industry is embracing ESG via various certifications such as The Indonesian Sustainable  Palm Oil Standard (ISPO), Malaysian Palm Oil Standard (MPSO) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RPSO). In spite of this, there are still a slew of accusations hurled against the sector. Can the industry shake this off and evolve to be a more sustainable industry? We speak to Khor Yu Leng, Principal at Segi Enam Advisors for answers.

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Share price gains for the Malaysian automotive sector have been decent in 2022 with most stocks showing gains led by Bermaz Auto which was up 35%. This is on the back of strong TIV sales for 11M22 which rose 45% yoy to 642,306 units underpinned by healthy backlog orders received prior to the sales and service tax (SST) holiday expiry on 30 June 2022. However, with a looming global recession and higher interest rates moving in 2023 coupled with the expiry of the SST holiday, how will the sector perform in 2023? For insights, we speak to Jim Lim Equity Analyst at RHB Investment Bank.

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Nothing is certain except death and taxes, famous last words by Benjamin Franklin which is a timely reminder to discuss what are the new taxes to be aware of in 2023. We check in with Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Institute of Accountants to find out whilst discussing tax reform that Malaysia needs as the tabling of Budget 2023 draws close.

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