Latest news with #AhmadFarhan
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
UPM ready to welcome students from Guinea-Bissau
SERDANG: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is ready to accept students from Guinea-Bissau, paving the way for strategic cooperation with African nations, which are seldom seen as development partners in the field of higher education. Its vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the university is always prepared to support its counterparts from the African continent, viewing the visit by Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to the UPM campus here today as a valuable opportunity to forge mutually beneficial bilateral ties. He said Guinea-Bissau, an agriculture-based nation, has chosen UPM as a strategic partner for education and skills training. 'The President himself expressed his intention to send students to UPM in agro-bio-related fields, particularly to the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, as these are their current primary needs,' he told Bernama and RTM. Ahmad Farhan noted that Guinea-Bissau is currently focused on undergraduate-level education to produce a skilled workforce capable of driving its economy. 'Usually, countries come to discuss sending PhD students, but Guinea-Bissau is still at an early stage. They need basic-level capacity development first,' he said. When asked about the implementation of the collaboration, he said it remains in the preliminary stage and no official decision has been made yet. Earlier, Embaló was briefed by Ahmad Farhan on the university's Food Security Plan, which outlines its key strategies in addressing food security challenges through biotechnology and innovation. The President is currently in Malaysia for a three-day official visit.
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Respect bridges all differences
AMIDST the country's vibrant diversity, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong stands not only as a constitutional monarch but also as a steadying force and symbol of unity for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. Known for championing harmony even during his reign as the Johor Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, continues to embody the spirit of unity on a national scale. For 31-year-old youth volunteer and entrepreneur T. Thashidaran, the King's call for racial unity resonates deeply. Inspired by His Majesty's words that unity is the greatest gift Malaysians can offer, Thashidaran has dedicated much of his time to helping the underprivileged, including the Orang Asli community. 'I also believe that sports is a powerful medium to unify people from different backgrounds. 'That is why I provide free football coaching to over 150 students from several schools in the Klang Valley twice a month,' he shared in an interview. Ho (left) and Ahmad Farhan both acknowledge the proactive role of the royal institution in building bridges among communities. Thashidaran, who won the Selangor-level National Prime Minister's Youth Award this year, said he is actively involved in various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including the Hindu Youth Organisation. He has also helped install solar panels in Orang Asli villages and offered free school transportation for students at risk of dropping out. Thashidaran credited the start of his active volunteerism with an incident a decade ago when his car tyre burst on an expressway in Kuala Lumpur. He didn't know how to replace a tyre at the time and his location meant complications with towing. 'Left with no choice, I stood by the roadside for about two hours in the drizzle. Thankfully, a kind Chinese uncle stopped his car and came to my rescue. Soon after, an elderly Malay motorcyclist also pulled over to help us. 'The experience changed my outlook on life. This camaraderie is one of the small things that happen daily in Malaysia and is something we often take for granted,' he said, adding that after fixing his car, he called the two generous men to thank them for their help. Thashidaran (right) and other volunteers preparing to distribute food to the needy in the Klang Valley. He added that the King has always emphasised unity and harmony, and he hopes Malaysians take that message to heart. Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) secretary-general Ahmad Farhan Rosli echoed this sentiment, highlighting the royal institution's vital role in safeguarding national harmony. 'The Agong is our symbol of unity and the umbrella that protects all Malaysians. 'His Majesty has the authority to speak up on issues that threaten peace and uses that voice wisely,' he added. The MBM represents over 40 youth-based NGOs as Malaysia's largest youth federation and recently launched its Harmony Committee. This initiative aims to enhance inter-racial and interfaith dialogue across the nation. Ahmad Farhan noted that the committee was officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who serves as the Bandar Tun Razak MP and is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's wife. 'Unity is a shared responsibility. We must go beyond tolerance as we must truly understand and get to know each other despite our differences. 'We need to actively seek understanding by engaging in dialogue and appreciating each other's cultures,' added Ahmad Farhan. Thashidaran helping to install solar power panels in an Orang Asli village in Cameron Highlands. Meanwhile, Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said Johor's deep-rooted multiracial harmony can serve as a model for the entire nation. 'The concept of Bangsa Johor was introduced by His Majesty's forefathers and reaffirmed by the Sultan himself. 'It shows how a multiracial society can thrive when built on mutual respect and cooperation,' he said. Ho pointed out that many in the younger generation are unaware of the long history of the Chinese community in Johor, which dates back to the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar in the 19th century. He said Sultan Abu Bakar personally invited the Chinese to settle in Johor and help develop the state's economy by planting pepper and gambier. The royal family also introduced the Kangchu system, under which the Chinese established riverine settlements known as kangkar across Johor. 'At one time, there were more than 20 kangkar settlements across the state, each led by a chieftain or Kangchu. 'The Chinese were not pendatang; they were invited guests of the Sultan. This sense of welcome and shared purpose laid the foundation for harmony,' he said, adding that the spirit continues to this day. The goodwill between the Johor royalty and the Chinese was further cemented when the Chinese community leaders gifted Sultan Abu Bakar the Dewan Cina, a hall within the Istana Besar grounds that still stands today. 'The hall was once used as a meeting place for the state assembly. Today, it is still known as the Chinese Hall and houses plaques, gifts, and royal collections of the Johor royal family. 'More than that, the building symbolises friendship, appreciation and cooperation between the Malays and the Chinese,' said Ho. Ho added that Sultan Ibrahim walks the talk as His Majesty is often seen mingling with the people at various cultural functions, including the annual Johor Chingay Festival organised by Ho's association. This serves as a reminder that Malaysia's strength has always come from its people – united in diversity, bonded by mutual respect and guided by a monarch who rises above politics to safeguard the nation's soul.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
UPM nod for The Star
Thank you: Sim (left) receiving the award from Prof Ahmad Farhan. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has acknowledged The Star for providing the highest English language media coverage of the institution. The recognition highlights the publication's continued support in consulting UPM experts on relevant issues — especially in the agriculture sector and promoting UPM's achievements and initiatives to a wider audience. Its deputy executive editor Sim Leoi Leoi received the award on behalf of Star Media Group during the UPM Media Visibility Awards 2024 in Serdang on May 8. Utusan Malaysia and China Press received nods for providing the highest Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin coverage, respectively, while Berita Harian was recognised for providing the highest media coverage overall. Awards were also presented in the highest radio, online, television, and research coverage categories. Separately, the event also acknowledged 16 academic and non-academic members from the varsity for their efforts in promoting UPM's expertise through various media platforms. Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, from the Faculty of Engineering, received the UPM Media Visibility Award 2024, the highest honour of the night. UPM vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the award was given as an appreciation to those who have contributed the most number of written expertise pieces shared in newspapers, television and radio. 'I would like to thank the media for its willingness to accept our views and opinions—not only to acknowledge our expertise, but more importantly, to give the relevant quarters access to the knowledge shared,' he said.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Child with heart disease receives financial aid from PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a contribution to ease the cost of treatment of a two-year-old child, Ayyash Waseem Mohd Fuad, who has been suffering from heart problems since birth. The contribution was presented by the Prime Minister's Political Secretary Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi to the child's father, Mohd Fuad Abd Malek, during a visit to the family home at Indera Mahkota 2, Kuantan, Pahang. Sharing the matter on Facebook today, Ahmad Farhan said the donation was a sign of concern for the tests the family was going through. "Hopefully, this small assistance can ease their burden, and may this child continue to be strong against the health tests she is facing," he said in a post that was also shared by the prime minister. Ahmad Farhan said Mohd Fuad cultivated kantan flowers to cover the cost of Ayyash Waseem's treatment which could reach up to RM600 per month, in addition to the needs of his two other children who are still in school. "I also understand that Ayyash had recently undergone a surgery procedure involving her heart. InsyaAllah, another surgery is scheduled when this child will be five years old," he said. – Bernama
The Star
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysia opens temporary medical centre in Myanmar to provide free treatment
The 69-member Malaysian team includes 16 officers, with the rest consisting of healthcare professionals, administrators, logisticians, engineers, and water and electricity technicians.- Markas ATM via Bernama YANGON: A temporary medical centre from Malaysia was officially opened on April 21 in the 700th Anniversary Field located in Parami Ward, Sagaing Region. The centre is offering free medical treatment to the public, according to reports. The facility, established by the Malaysia Field Hospital (MFH), is staffed by a 69-member team led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad. He told Daily Eleven that the mission is aimed at treating victims affected by the recent earthquake and will initially operate for two weeks, with the possibility of extension up to a month depending on the needs of the affected communities. 'Our team arrived in Sagaing on April 18. After setting up the facility, we launched operations on April 21. Previously, a Smart Team had come for rescue missions. This time, our team focuses solely on medical care — all of which is completely free of charge,' Dr Ahmad Farhan said. He explained that the 69-member team includes 16 officers, with the rest consisting of healthcare professionals, administrators, logisticians, engineers, and water and electricity technicians. To help bridge language barriers at the centre, the team is currently recruiting English-Myanmar volunteer translators. On the opening day, many local youths applied and began working after morning interviews. 'Since they called for volunteer translators, many young people came to apply. They were interviewed in the morning and immediately began their work if selected. For male volunteers, if needed, they are accommodated at the camp overnight, while arrangements are made to pick up female volunteers by 5 p.m.,' said a local parent from Sagaing. Commander Farhan expressed gratitude on behalf of the Malaysian government to the relevant organisations and departments in Myanmar for facilitating their mission. 'Our goal is first to assist those affected by the earthquake and second to help alleviate the burden on existing hospitals by taking care of patients who need continued treatment. We have general surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthopedic doctors, and even diagnostic imaging equipment. We are also coordinating closely with Sagaing General Hospital,' Dr Ahmad Farhan said. - Eleven Media/ANN
