#NST180years: From straits to strides - NST's legacy of unwavering journalism
The roots of this publication trace back to July 15, 1845, with the launch of The Straits Times and Singapore Journal of Commerce from its first office at No. 7 Commercial Square (present-day Raffles Place) in Singapore.
This laid the groundwork for decades of journalistic excellence, enriched by committed professionals. Notably, Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee and Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail were leading figures in the New Straits Times following its inception and separation from Singapore's Straits Times in 1974, crucially shaping its Malaysian focus.
Since then, countless other dedicated individuals — insightful editors, tenacious journalists, gifted photographers and talented illustrators — have poured their hearts into ensuring the NST's voice resonated through the ages. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the digital age, the NST has not only survived but thrived, embracing digital transformation with boldness.
This successful transition is largely due to the continuous output of outstanding, award-winning content and the editorial team's commitment to excellence under the guidance of Media Prima Bhd Group Managing Editor Jasbant Singh and NST Group Editor Farrah Naz Karim, who is also MPB deputy group managing editor. My heartiest congratulations to everyone at the NST for preserving this invaluable legacy.
This remarkable journey wouldn't be possible without the steadfast support of the NST readers. As we look ahead, the NST, alongside its sister publications Berita Harian and Harian Metro — already the two leading digital news brands in the country — continues to enhance its digital platforms, promising an even more exciting media product for all.
The NST's 180-year legacy is more than just history; it's the bedrock upon which its vital voice, influence and innovation will continue to build for the future.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
US EV policy rollback fuels China's rise in Malaysia, dims Tesla's edge
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) market may be on the cusp of a turning point as shifting global tides, particularly the United States' rollback of EV incentives, reshape the competitive landscape and weaken Tesla's global momentum. The US' move to end its US$7,500 federal EV tax credit and phase out emissions-related regulatory credits, signed into law on July 4, is expected to weigh on Tesla's future earnings and competitiveness, especially in price-sensitive markets. The incentives, which expire after Sept 30, had been instrumental in fueling EV adoption in the US and supporting Tesla's dominance. The company has already posted its weakest quarterly profit in over a decade, hit by falling deliveries and lower vehicle prices. With that safety net set to disappear, analysts say the door is now open for rival brands, particularly from China, to gain ground in emerging markets like Malaysia. "Brands like BYD, Great Wall Motor (ORA), and Chery are expanding aggressively through competitive pricing, faster product rollouts, and local partnerships," said automotive analyst Rosli Khan. He added that Tesla's lack of local manufacturing or assembly, along with its premium positioning, leaves it vulnerable in a price-sensitive and infrastructure-dependent market like Malaysia. "With Tesla's expansion slowing, Chinese brands can now accelerate their market dominance through local assembly and better after-sales support—areas where Tesla has been relatively absent," Rosli said. He also pointed out that Malaysian buyers are increasingly gravitating toward mid-range, functional EVs rather than high-tech, premium models, a trend that plays directly into the hands of Chinese players with localised strategies. Amid growing demand in this mid-market segment, another analyst Hezeri Samsuri said Malaysia's own EV tax incentives, set to expire at the end of 2025, could tip the scales against premium players like Tesla. "Tesla might be a strong global brand, but in Malaysia, they can be replaced by other EV brands. Once the incentives end, the gap they leave will likely be filled by various other players," said Hezeri. He also said the government must look beyond attracting EV brands and focus on ensuring a robust after-sales ecosystem, especially if foreign players begin to retreat once the tax holidays expire. Malaysia's EV tax incentives currently include full import and excise duty exemptions for fully imported EVs, road tax exemptions for EV owners and tax breaks for locally assembled models. However, with the exemptions for imported EVs and road tax set to expire at end-December, EV prices, particularly for premium imported brands like Tesla, are expected to rise significantly, weakening their competitiveness in the local market. Meanwhile, despite efforts to position Malaysia as an EV hub, both analysts agreed that the country continues to trail behind regional pacesetters like Thailand and Indonesia. "Malaysia has political stability, a strong manufacturing base, and solid port infrastructure, but delays in EV charging infrastructure, slow regulatory approvals, and inconsistent coordination between federal and state governments remain significant bottlenecks," Hezeri said. "Thailand and Indonesia offer better EV policy execution, clearer investment roadmaps, and more complete supply chain ecosystems." Even so, Rosli said Malaysia can still carve out a niche as a Tier-2 or Tier-3 manufacturing hub, especially for Chinese EV makers seeking to hedge against Western geopolitical risks, if structural reforms are implemented decisively. Looking past showrooms and into the supply chain, they said Malaysia could evolve from a passive EV consumer to a strategic contributor in the regional EV manufacturing network, particularly in high-value areas like battery systems, software integration, and electronics. Electronikar editor and analyst Shamsul Yunos said national automakers Proton and Perodua would be better served by partnering with Chinese players rather than trying to outpace them. "Malaysian automakers can forge strategic partnerships with Chinese manufacturers and focus on niche market development by leveraging their technology and supply chain," he said. Shamsul added that Malaysia's automotive policy must shift away from low-value assembly towards high-value activities such as research and development, especially in battery packaging, battery management systems and power electronics. "Regardless of the US policy shift, the last 40 years show Malaysia needs to move beyond export substitution and develop deeper technical capabilities," he said. Rosli echoed this sentiment, noting that Malaysia's mature semiconductor industry gives it a head start in EV component production, particularly in sensors, power electronics, and control systems. "The government should align investment incentives with local capability-building through talent development and supply chain localisation. "If this alignment is achieved, Malaysia could integrate more deeply into the EV manufacturing network, not just with Chinese brands but also with Japanese and Korean Tier-1 suppliers," he said, adding that such a move could position Malaysia as a strategic springboard into the Asean EV market.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Powering progress: Digital finance is redefining car ownership in Malaysia
In Malaysia, car ownership is more than a milestone, it is a necessity. From school runs to side hustles, the car remains a vital utility, especially in areas underserved by public transport. But even as the need endures, the ability to own is becoming harder to grasp, it continues to be a big financial decision, compounded by rising living costs, subsidy reforms, and tightening credit conditions, have placed affordability under increasing pressure. Yet just as policy challenges mount, so too does innovation. Digital banks and fintech players are reimagining how Malaysians access financing. No longer tethered to branch offices, limited by payslips or traditional credit scores, a new wave of mobility financing is emerging – one that lowers barriers, expands access, creates a frictionless experience, and brings a broader spectrum of Malaysians into the driver's seat. The credit divide: Who gets left behind Traditional vehicle loans in Malaysia remain the standard route to ownership. Offered by banks and financial institutions, these loans typically stretch up to nine years, covering up to 90% of the car's price. Lenders structure repayment to keep upfront costs low, making car ownership more accessible for middle-income earners. But access is uneven. Eligibility often depends on fixed employment, duration of service (often a minimum of three to six months), minimum income thresholds, and formal documentation. Broadly speaking, a standard debt-servicing ratio of 60% applies, meaning your total monthly repayments, including the car loan, cannot exceed 60% of your income. Additionally, requirements can vary depending on a multitude of factors, including whether applicants work in the public or private sector, where private-sector borrowers need to earn at least RM3,000 monthly. For salaried professionals with stable income, this system works. But for Malaysia's growing base of gig workers, micro-entrepreneurs, and informal sector earners, the door is often closed. No payslip, no access. Imagine needing a car to get to a new job but not having the payslip or documentation to get a loan to finance the purchase, many find themselves in such a difficult situation. Fintech steps in: Rethinking creditworthiness Much like other sectors it has disrupted, technology is reshaping finance and digital banks are at the centre of this shift, playing a transformative role in democratising access to financial services by lowering traditional entry barriers for communities previously underserved by brick-and-mortar banks. A large proportion of Malaysian adults are still outside the system, with about 15% having no bank account and around 40% considered underbanked, i.e. may have bank accounts but lack access to credit, insurance, or other essential financial tools. Digital banks are stepping in to close this gap by offering app-based services with fewer requirements, faster onboarding, and less physical documentation. For someone who has never had a formal bank loan, being able to apply for credit using just their smartphone is not only empowering, it can be life changing. Digital banks are redefining creditworthiness, with shifts from traditional indicators to behavioural data beginning to emerge. Across the globe, behavioural data like e-wallet activity, phone top-ups, and payment histories, are becoming credible proxies for creditworthiness. Even in the US, Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) usage can now be factored into FICO credit scores, similar to CTOS in Malaysia, signalling a shift away from legacy models toward more dynamic assessments, opening up a host of new approaches and possibilities, better reflecting the dynamic lives we lead, and the technological advancements made. In Malaysia, BNPL has had a compounded annual growth rate of 24% from 2021 to 2024, with no signs of slowing down, whilst full of potential, is fraught, too, with risks if not supported by a robust regulatory framework. For someone like a freelance graphic designer or a food delivery rider, consistent GrabPay or DuitNow activity could one day become a proxy for credit reliability and worthiness. Used responsibly, users build credibility step-by-step through microloans and short-term financial products, instead of waiting years to accumulate formal credit history. These early financial footprints open the door to bigger-ticket financing, including vehicle loans. Regulatory support has been pivotal. Fortunately, Bank Negara has been at the forefront with recognition of the transformative power and potential fintech has, has issued digital banking licenses and catalysed the sector, whilst cautiously protected us with the proposed Consumer Credit Act to foster transparency and enact consumer protections. Players like GXBank, AEON Bank, and Boost Bank are not just digitising banking – they're localising it for underserved communities. As the world of tech continues to permeate our lives, the tech we use to fund it is becoming the norm, and tools of creditworthiness must keep pace to accurately assess, not to restrict. Personal loans and lifecycle financing Beyond vehicle purchases, fintech is expanding credit across the entire ownership journey. Platforms like Touch 'n Go and Direct Lending offer solutions like personal loans for everything from down payments to car repairs and used vehicle purchases, at consumer fingertips. These tools open the doors to new users, providing the promise of mobility for all, supporting every stage of the journey, from purchase to maintenance, insurance to urgent repairs. TNG CashLoan, for example, provides loans ranging from RM100 to RM150,000, with income requirements as low as RM1,400 and approvals in under 24 hours. Direct Lending supports borrowers with monthly incomes as low as RM1,200 (in East Malaysia), offering syariah-compliant options, takaful instalments, and car service financing, in as little as two working days. These offerings are particularly vital for lower-income groups and first-time buyers, who may be stretched, and a large outlay can be beyond their means. More importantly, they enable continuity of ownership, because the financial pain points often come after the car is bought – repairs, renewals, servicing, insurance – and traditional financing rarely covers these. Fintech platforms are now stepping into those cracks. Some are even bundling services like predictive maintenance alerts, resale value tracking, and vehicle buyback programmes – adding value beyond the loan. Insurance gets smart: Telematics and behaviour-based pricing Insurance, long a cost burden for many, is also being redefined. With connected vehicles and telematics becoming more common, usage-based insurance is gaining traction. Instead of paying a flat premium, drivers now have access to 'pay-as-you-drive' models, where premiums are adjusted based on actual mileage and driving behaviour. Companies like AXA and Grab in Singapore have trialled devices that monitor braking, acceleration, and distance driven – offering lower rates for safer, low-mileage drivers. For cautious drivers or those who drive infrequently, this model feels fairer. For insurers, it improves risk prediction and lowers exposure. And for the financially stretched, it can be the difference between staying covered and going without. With telematics, dashcams, and increasingly as software-defined tech-forward vehicles become the mainstay, insurers can increasingly trust and be confident in consumers' behaviour, reducing informational asymmetry. When bundled into digital finance ecosystems, this kind of insurance integration helps cement long-term vehicle access. It turns risk management into a seamless part of the ownership experience. Mobility isn't just about cars – it's about opportunity. And in today's landscape, access to finance is access to opportunity. As Malaysia rationalises subsidies and rethinks its mobility incentives, digital banks and fintech's data and tech-driven financial instruments have the potential to soften shocks, close credit gaps, and unlock access, including to car ownership, for thousands previously excluded. The financial rails behind our mobility are being rebuilt. And in that rebuild lies a bigger truth: affordability is not just about price tags, but about systems. The future of mobility in Malaysia depends not just on the vehicles we drive, but on the ecosystems that enable us to own, run, and safeguard them. Because in the end, progress isn't powered by engines alone – it's powered by access. The views expressed here are the writer's own.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Pandai's vision for smarter learning
Nazatul: AI-powered features work together to make Pandai not just a learning app, but a smart educational assistant. Photo: Pandai IN most of Asia, examinations play a vital and consequential role in education systems. Here, strong academic results often open doors to scholarships, higher education and better career opportunities. For this reason, Malaysian edtech (education technology) company Pandai Education has made it its mission to harness technology to create learning solutions that help students improve their academic performance.
