Deep dive into water safety
THINKING about water safety in our fast-developing, flood-prone cities?
Wondering what really makes a swim teacher qualified, and what could happen if they aren't?
In Episode 9 of the Life & The City podcast, hosts Aida Ahmad and Farid Wahab make waves with a conversation on aquatic education and safety.
Joining them is Wong Foong Inn, founder of Swimming Teachers Association of Malaysia (STAM) and Aquatic Star Academy.
Together, they do a deep dive into the often overlooked responsibilities of swim instructors, from the legal duty of care to the need for certification in a highly unregulated landscape.
Wong also shares the emotional journey that drove her to champion water safety for everyone and how STAM is setting the standards by emphasising the need to obtain certifications in CPR and live-saving techniques.
Also discussed is Malaysia's drowning statistics and why water literacy is a public health issue and not just a personal skill.
From policy reform to parental advice, this episode is a must-listen for educators, parents and anyone who has ever stepped near a swimming pool.
The Life & The City podcast series airs fortnightly, spot- lighting issues that matter to urbanites.
Catch the full episode on www.youtube.com/@thestaronline/podcasts or www.thestar.com.my/metro
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sincere friendships and the true spirit of Merdeka
I RECENTLY picked up my wife from a shopping mall after she spent the day with her best friend — someone she had not seen in years. Her friend works abroad and was back in Malaysia for a short holiday. Even in the car, their conversation continued, overflowing with stories and laughter. I could sense the sincerity in their bond. It reminded me of my friendships that have stood the test of time — how they shape not just who we are, but how we see the world around us. On the way to sending her home, I pointed out the Merdeka 118 tower and mentioned a recent meeting I had on its 91st floor. Her friend responded by saying the building's spire resembled the outstretched hand of Tunku Abdul Rahman during the declaration of independence. That sparked a lively exchange in the car. My second daughter shared that her school would be celebrating Merdeka soon — and that there might not be any lessons that day, so she hoped to skip it. My eldest quickly teased her, saying that she was not being patriotic. That conversation during the car ride brought me back to my youth. I thought of Wong, my close schoolmate, whom I had not met in over 20 years. He, too, lives abroad. I still remember one afternoon during our secondary school days when I told him I could not attend our school's Merdeka activity preparation because my bicycle had broken down. Without hesitation, he offered to pick me up — even though it meant a 30-minute ride through hilly roads, followed by another 20 minutes to school. Not to mention an extra 50 minutes for him to send me home after. I was reluctant, but he insisted. We ended up going together, with me riding on the back of his bicycle. That simple act of kindness has stayed with me. Another memory that stands out is a weekend camping trip organised by our Red Crescent Association. It was the first time Wong and I were attending. Kumaran, another close friend, initially said he could not join us but did not explain why. We persuaded him to come, believing his presence would make it more fun. On the day of the camp, while most of us arrived with camping bags, Kumaran came carrying a few red plastic grocery bags filled with his clothes and supplies. Seeing that, I immediately felt regret for persuading him. If I had known, I would have offered him a proper bag. Still, we had fun — and that weekend remains one of my most cherished memories of sincere friendship. While pursuing my studies in Germany, I met Kelvin and Vishnu, fellow Malaysians. We clicked instantly and became close friends. Sincerity came naturally. We supported each other, respected our cultural and religious differences, and extended that same understanding to our international classmates. Although we haven't met in person for some time, we had an online chat last year, and the bond remains strong. As Malaysia prepares to celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day, I reflect on what these occasions truly mean to me. Beyond sovereignty and unity, they symbolise the power of sincere friendships — connections that transcend background, race and beliefs. If more of us can nurture such bonds in our lives, then perhaps Malaysia will achieve its truest form of Merdeka.
Borneo Post
31-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Chinese community leader James Wong Hua Kiong passes away at age 71
James Wong Hua Kiong KUCHING (July 31): Sarawak Chinese community leader James Wong Hua Kiong passed away at 7am yesterday. The 71-year-old is survived by widow Chew Hong Tiang, three sons, one daughter, and grandchildren. The wake will be held at Lot 7771, Lorong Stampin 7 here, while his funeral service will be on Saturday (Aug 2) at 9am. His final resting place will be at Mile 17, Machpelah Estate, Kuching-Serian Road. Wong was passionate about Chinese community affairs and education development in Sarawak, leaving behind lasting contributions and setting examples for many. He previously served as Sarawak Chiang Hsia Huang Clan Association president, Malaysia Hu Kiu Clan Council president, Sarikei Commerce and Industry Association deputy president, and Sarikei Chinese Association executive advisor, actively promoting unity within the Chinese community and engaging in social welfare services. Over the years, he personally donated over RM300,000 to support Chinese independent secondary schools, primary schools, rural schools, as well as projects related to arts and culture. He also participated in various education-related programmes to firmly support Chinese education. Wong completed his primary and secondary education in Sarikei and then enrolled for teacher training, after which he taught at SMK Lundu for six years. Although he would later change careers to become a businessman, he remained committed to his aspirations for education by fulfilling his social responsibility and giving back to society. james wong hua kiong lead
New Straits Times
30-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Schools see return of 4,758 dropouts
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 4,758 dropout students returned to school between Feb 10 this year and today — a more than 75 per cent increase compared with 2,708 students last year. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said this was aided through the Student Tracking System (SiPKPM) which helps analyse dropout cases. He said the main factors contributing to student dropouts include lack of interest in school, expulsion, work, family problems and chronic illness. "This system includes data on all school-aged children from Year 1 to Form 5, including those in private educational institutions and religious education institutions. "The system helps analyse dropout cases and allows for more accurate data downloads, visualisation of dropout locations through heat maps and identification of the schools involved so that intervention can be carried out to return these students to school. "In addition, students at risk of dropping out can be given targeted interventions to prevent them from leaving school and to keep them enrolled. "The effectiveness of the SiPKPM is evident, with 4,758 dropout students returning to school between Feb 10 and today, compared with 2,708 students last year," he said in the Dewan Rakyat. Wong added that this proves a data-driven and continuous monitoring approach can improve the re-enrolment rate of students into the education system. He said recently, SiPKPM has been integrated with artificial intelligence applications that can predict the learning and career pathways of at-risk students and dropouts enrolled in Education Ministry schools, up to Form 5. "These predictions will help retain at-risk and dropout students so that they continue their education until the completion of Form 5." He was responding to a question from Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baru) on the effectiveness of the SiPKPM.
