JB team-up for the books
Retailer's outlets in the city raising funds for university college via sale of publications, artworks
A LOCAL bookstore chain has started a year-long initiative in Johor Baru to support a tertiary institution's 50th anniversary.
The collaboration between Popular Bookstore and Southern University College (SUC) kicked off in conjunction with World Book Day.
Since April 1, all Popular outlets in the city have been selling SUC publications and up to 180 titles donated by affiliated authors.
Customers have also been offered RM10 sets of five bookmarks featuring scenes from SUC's campus which was established in Skudai in 1990.
Sale proceeds have been set aside to fund book purchases and literary activities of the university's Malaysian Chinese Literature Centre (MCLC).
SUC president Prof Chuah Joon Huang said the institute was honoured to work with Popular.
'This partnership has allowed us to promote the world of reading, by showcasing SUC's publications, academic programmes and student artworks.
'I extend my gratitude for the sponsorship from the calligraphy and art communities, and the business sector.'
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 13-month cultural event celebrating SUC's 50th anniversary at a Johor Baru mall, Prof Chuah said, 'This is our first large-scale joint cultural event of its kind.
'It is a significant collaboration between our library, MCLC, Faculty of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Art and Design and industry partners.'
He hopes this will inspire excellence in the city's art scene and become a model of cross-sector collaboration.
'Let us work hand in hand to enrich the arts scene of Johor Baru and Malaysia.'
Comprising cultural performances and book sales until April 30, 2026, the event has been designed to attract public interest.
Popular Malaysia general manager (business development) Siew Sheue Liang said, 'At Popular, we believe books are powerful tools for learning and cultural growth.
'In Johor Baru, we have promoted reading by giving back to the community through knowledge and culture.'
Siew said Popular was proud to mark SUC's golden jubilee by launching a reading project titled 'Celebrating the Art of Calligraphy and Cultural Heritage – A New Chapter Begins'.
He said Popular had raised RM16,100 for SUC and thanked contributors who helped to keep cultural heritage strong in Johor.
The opening ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of Chao Foon literary magazine, the oldest Chinese literary publication in Malaysia and Singapore, and is currently issued bi‑annually by MCLC.
Meanwhile, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she was happy to see publishers and universities teaming up to bring local stories, books and campuses closer to the public.
The Kulai MP said the ministry had long promoted reading and aimed to build a stronger reading culture through programmes such as the Madani Malaysia book voucher.
She said the programme offered RM50 and RM100 book vouchers to those from primary school to university levels.
'This year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the programme will include 400,000 teachers.
'We are also driving the 2025 Book Loving Nation Voucher Programme through the National Library.
'Under this programme, RM1mil has been allocated to support local publishers,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
![[Watch] RM10 Buffet In Amcorp Mall: When Food Becomes A Bridge Of Love](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therakyatpost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2FUntitled41-3.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Watch] RM10 Buffet In Amcorp Mall: When Food Becomes A Bridge Of Love](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
an hour ago
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] RM10 Buffet In Amcorp Mall: When Food Becomes A Bridge Of Love
Subscribe to our FREE Amidst the bustling Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, a small stall on the lower ground floor serves something truly special. Not just ordinary mixed rice, but a mission born from a mother's heart. 'This idea came from my late mama,' says the operator known as Atiqah while arranging dishes on the buffet tray. Mama wanted to see many people able to afford a proper, filling meal. Faridah Kitchenz offers a complete mixed rice buffet with dessert and drinks at an almost unbelievable price: just RM10. 'If They Don't Refill, I Get Worried' What's touching is that Atiqah admits she gets concerned when customers don't go for seconds. 'I'm happy when I see people refill their plates. If they don't refill, I worry – is the food not good?' she says with a genuine smile. For her, every time customers fill their plates for the second or third time, it's not a loss; it's a gain. Instead, it's a blessing. 'When people eat until they're full, I see that as a blessing for my business too. Sustenance comes when we're sincere about helping others,' she explains in an Home-Style Cooking in the Heart of the City Every Monday to Friday, starting from noon, Atiqah and her family prepare various 'home-style' dishes – cooking that reminds customers of the flavours from their own homes. The strategic location at Amcorp Mall provides easy access to a diverse range of individuals, including office workers and students. 'We only hope for prayers and blessings in life,' says Atiqah. We're very happy to be able to help a little with our cooking. This small stall proves that food can also save lives – not medically, but by providing access to quality meals at affordable prices. For Atiqah and her family, every customer who leaves with a full stomach is a success. Every satisfied smile is a reward. Faridah Kitchenz operates at LG Amcorp Mall, Monday-Friday starting 12 noon. RM10 buffet includes all dishes, dessert and drinks. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
IOI's upstream earnings to ride on strong CPO prices
PETALING JAYA: IOI Corp Bhd is expected to deliver stronger earnings in the coming financial years as it benefits from elevated crude palm oil (CPO) prices while pursuing fresh income streams through new ventures and mergers and acquisitions. The group is also targeting fresh fruit bunches (FFB) output growth and cost containment measures that could support margins going forward. According to RHB Research, which met with IOI Corp's management recently, the outlook remains positive as upstream earnings will continue doing well on strong CPO prices. This is further supported by the group's embarking on new ventures to diversify its income streams. The brokerage said the group's valuation was still appealing, trading at 17.5 times its forecast price-earnings ratio for 2026, at the lower end of the 17 to 22 times range of peers. On production, RHB Research noted that IOI achieved FFB growth of 1.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) in the financial year (FY) ended June 30, 2025, below its initial 3% target. 'While output saw a mini peak in April, IOI expects production to pick up again in July, with a bigger peak in August-September,' it said. For FY26, the group was targeting FFB output growth of 3-5% on the back of better weather conditions, in line with RHB Research's 4% forecast. The company was also expected to keep unit costs in check. 'IOI expects FY25 costs to come in at around RM2,000-RM2,100 per tonne (flattish y-o-y),' RHB Research said, adding that it had already secured fertiliser requirements for the first half of FY26 at flat prices y-o-y. However, a 2-3% rise in costs could result from minimum wage adjustments and Employees Provident Fund contribution requirements. On regulatory risks, RHB Research said IOI would face minimal impact from the government's sales and service tax (SST) and US tariffs. The group had obtained SST exemptions for its oleochemicals operations and over 90% of its trading volumes comprised CPO and palm olein, which were not subjected to the tax. 'There is no significant impact to IOI as 90% of Malaysian CPO production is exported to the European Union as certified products, with less than 2% exported to the United States,' it added. Looking ahead, IOI Corp was actively seeking brownfield upstream landbanks in Malaysia and Indonesia and opportunities in specialty oleochemicals for the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. It also expressed excitement over its 33% stake in a pulp and paper joint venture with Nextgreen Global Bhd to turn oil palm empty fruit bunches into renewable products. 'The first phase of the plant (150,000 tonnes) should be operational by 2028, with potential earnings before interest and tax (ebit) contribution of RM30mil-RM50mil,' RHB Research said. The group's diversification efforts extended to coconut plantations, where 3,500 hectares had already been planted, targeting 4,600 hectares in total. This business could bring in RM60mil-RM70mil in ebit at full maturity. RHB Research reiterated its 'buy' call on IOI, maintaining a sum-of-parts-based target price of RM4.30 with a 2% environmental, social and governance premium.
Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Daily Express
‘Many still unaware about State-funded insurance scheme'
Published on: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: George (center) during the visit to the insurance office in Sandakan. SANDAKAN: The people of Sabah are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the accident insurance plan fully covered by the state government, to ensure they do not miss out on the benefits of protection in the event of an accident. Karamunting State Assemblyman, Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin, stated that this plan has been in effect since May 1, yet many people are still unaware of its existence. This plan really matters, especially for those with lower incomes. They are not required to pay anything, yet they are still covered. 'However, many people are still unaware of this insurance,' he said. He made the statement after visiting the Sandakan branch office of Progressive Insurance Bhd, the insurance company appointed to manage the scheme. George also sought clarification on the application and claims process to assist in facilitating the affairs of heirs eligible to make claims. This plan covers all local residents of Sabah aged between one month and 80 years, with a maximum compensation of RM10,000 for cases of death or permanent disability due to accidents. It also provides a funeral condolence payment of RM500. This scheme will run for three years until April 30, 2028. Compensation should be paid out as soon as 14 days, and no later than 30 days after all the paperwork is submitted. George stated that his service team has recently received several cases indicating that the victims' heirs were unaware of their eligibility to make claims. Therefore, heirs or eligible individuals may visit the Progressive Insurance Bhd office here with complete documents, such as a police report or death certificate, to apply accordingly. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
