Here’s a good thing you need to know: Malaysia just made it into the Royal Society’s history books! Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi has become the first Malaysian scientist to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society - a 364-year-old institution that’s honoured some of the greatest minds in science, including Darwin, Newton and Einstein, just to name a few. Her groundbreaking work in oil palm biochemistry and genomics is behind this milestone, proving that world-class science is thriving right here in our region. She joins us to share more about this historic honour, the science behind her success, and why collaboration is at the heart of every breakthrough.

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Here's a good thing you need to know: We're getting better at understanding how the brain works and how disorders in the brain lead to changes in moods, emotions and behaviours. This World Brain Day, which was observed on 22 July, we speak to a neuroscientist to explore the mysteries of the brain, and to celebrate what makes every person’s brain unique.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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Is there still hope to course-correct for Earth, when everything seems to be heading the wrong way? This generation of youths definitely think so, especially when they come together to fight for a better future for us all. That’s what Youths United for Earth is doing, as they rally youths - and everyone else - to do their part in environmental advocacy. So in conjunction with World Youth Skills Day, celebrated annually on the 15th of July, we speak to Max Han and Nurfatin Hamzah, both co-founders of Youths United for Earth to learn more about their work and how they’re empowering the next generation of youths in Malaysia.

Image Credit: Youths United For Earth (YUFE)

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What does it mean to grow up without a birth certificate, access to school, or even a sense of belonging? At Yayasan Chow Kit, Cikgu Rahayu works with children who are stateless—born and raised in Malaysia, but denied the right to call it home. She joins us to talk about what it means to grow up without papers, how the law is changing (and not changing), and why we all have a stake in this fight.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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Malaysian artist Khabir Roslan’s art, made out of household and kitchen waste transformed into compost, embodies both his identity as an artist, and his interest in the boundaries between body, soil and soul. We explore this with Khabir himself.

Image Credit: Khabir Roslan

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Here’s a good thing you need to know: In conjunction with World Refugee Day, NGOs Project Stand Up and Akar Umbi Society have come together to launch Xchange Xperiences. It’s an initiative focused on creating the space and opportunity for locals and refugees to meet, with the hopes of breaking barriers and fostering social cohesion. In this episode, we speak to some of the brains behind this initiative, refugee and youth leader, Abdulahi Abdi as well as Wong Chen Li, from PSU and Akar Umbi Society respectively.

Image Credit: Project Stand Up and Akar Umbi Society Facebook

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Here’s a good thing you need to know: Tara Foundation has been transforming the lives of underprivileged children, particularly in education. But it’s not just about teaching kids how to read and write - it’s about ensuring that children also have a safe space to learn and, ultimately, be kids. So on this episode of Good Things, we’re joined by Venothan Vimalanathan, Director of Academics & Operations at Tara Foundation, to share more about the work of the foundation and the future they want to see for the children they support.

Image Credit: Tara Foundation

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Here’s a good thing you need to know: Anson Thomas has rescued over 800 women and children from human trafficking, and he’s not done yet. Once a national-level hockey goalkeeper and a customs officer in India, Anson has spent the last 30 years rescuing women and children from brothels, often putting his own safety at risk. Today, we hear his story - what drove him to take on this mission, what those rescues really involve, and how he helps survivors rebuild their lives.

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Here’s a good thing you need to know: 40 years ago, a number of activists and champions for women’s rights decided that serious social problems faced by women, such as rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the negative portrayal of women in the media, could no longer be hidden in the shadows. With this historic step, the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) was formed, along with other women’s rights organisations. We speak to Ho Yock Lin, President of AWAM, to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of key achievements in women’s rights that AWAM has contributed to.

Image Credit: AWAM Official Website

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The Dignity for Children Foundation has been providing education to children from low-income households as well as from refugee families. After 16 years, they have rebranded the event calling it The Dignity Cup. It continues the legacy of the Faisal Cup while increasing inclusivity and ensuring no child misses the joy of football.

Image Credit: Dignity for Children Foundation Official Facebook

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