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New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
#NST180years: From Jalan Riong and beyond
THE semester break of 1977 was unlike any other for me and three other journalism undergraduates from the then Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM). We stepped nervously into the building on Jalan Riong — Balai Berita — ready to begin our internship at the New Straits Times. It was a mixed bag of nerves and excitement. At last, we were about to put into practice the Five Ws and One H we'd drilled into our heads during our journalism class. Even more thrilling was the chance to meet the people behind the bylines whom we used to admire in the broadsheet editions of the NST — copies of which I used to fight over with my late father at breakfast. Each morning began at the desk of the late Pak Cik Dahari Ali, a stalwart figure whose big assignment book dictated the order of the day. If you were lucky, you'd be sent out with a photographer to cover a press conference or a human interest story. On slower days, you'd stay behind chasing follow-ups on the phone — or scour for "fillers", those small but vital stories that filled the blank corners of the newspaper. This was the pre-Google, pre-artificial intelligence. Before any assignment, for research, we had to sift through thick files bulging with newspaper clippings we had to pre-order from the library. The newsroom had its own pulse. Deadlines loomed large — stories had to be filed by 4pm as the subs prepared to "put the paper to bed." Around this hour, the atmosphere on the third floor often turned electric, sometimes even tense enough to make the air turn blue. One afternoon, returning from an assignment, I searched for a typewriter — a rare commodity in a newsroom teeming with deadlines. I spotted one and was midway through pounding out my intro when a booming voice shouted across the room: "So you're the one who &^! my typewriter!" That was the voice of Allington Kennard, one of the last of the English senior writers at the NST. It was both terrifying and hilarious in hindsight — a true newsroom baptism. That internship would become a rite of passage. By the time I did my second practical stint, I was relieved to find that NST had acquired new high-tech terminals called Atex — a forerunner to the laptops we now take for granted. Stories typed on Atex were sent directly to editors, sparing us the red-pencil fury of Pak Cik Dahari — or worse, the indignity of having your story skewered on the metal spike atop his desk. It's worth remembering that NST was a pioneer in newsroom technology. In fact, it was among the first media organisations in the region to implement Atex, and even The Telegraph in the United Kingdom reportedly requested to learn from its newsroom systems. That, undoubtedly, was a feather in NST's cap. A byline was a badge of honour. And true to NST tradition, when a reporter earned their first byline, the entire editorial floor had to be treated to a round of teh tarik. Mine was a shared byline — with the late Ishak Nengah and Kek Soo Beng — but it was a proud moment all the same. After graduation, we returned to NST, this time as full-time staffers. I was posted to the Penang bureau, located in a small, charming building along Light Street. Thanks to the strong ties between NST and the School of Mass Communications at ITM, many of us were fortunate to secure positions immediately after completing our studies. We had been well-prepared by an impressive roster of guest lecturers: NST's Chief Sub Editor Chandra Putra Laxsana taught us Layout and Design; Saad Hashim from Berita Harian trained us in Translation in Journalism; and Wan Hamid from the photo department guided us through the principles of photojournalism. Sadly, we missed out on sessions by the late Tan Sri Samad Ismail, who taught our seniors before his arrest under the Internal Security Act. The Penang bureau was a world of its own. In that tiny office, we'd queue behind the teleprinter, waiting for our turn for the operator, Cheng Kui, to punch in stories destined for the printing press. It was there I first encountered the word "flong" — the moulds used in printing — which were flown by Cessna across the channel to the factory in Seberang Prai. If one was lucky, there'd be a seat on the Cessna on its flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Court reporting in Penang was among the most exhilarating parts of the job. The courthouse was just a stone's throw away, and it had some of the most interesting cases mostly involving drug trafficking and murder. The court was considered the best training ground for any journalist. You had to capture every word, every nuance, without the help of a tape recorder. All you had were your ears, your shorthand and instincts. And if you are lucky, the court clerk would lend you the fact sheets. I usually looked forward to courtroom showdowns whenever deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Shafee Abdullah (now Tan Sri) and the late Karpal Singh made their appearance — their wit and sharp legal minds often lit up the proceedings. Their verbal sparring was riveting, sometimes bordering on theatrical. Those early court assignments in Penang proved invaluable training for trials far beyond Malaysian shores. Years later, I found myself reporting on high-profile cases such as the match fixing case in Stratford, a gruesome murder case in London's Old Bailey and Southwark Crown Court, and even further ashore from a court in Stockholm. My move to London happened during the NST's heyday — not as a journalist initially, but as the wife of a journalist. My husband, Wan Ahmad Hulaimi, had been tasked with opening the NST's London bureau. I was on no-pay leave, but journalism wasn't about to let me go that easily. This was another milestone for the NST — the opening of the London bureau marked a final separation from the Singapore Straits Times. The two media offices, under the same roof, was managed by Harry Miller until 1979. It was for 11 years that I was with the BBC Malay Service of the World Service, broadcasting live via shortwave to Malaysia until the service was eventually shut down. While radio brought its own thrill, my heart remained with print. Eventually, I joined the small but close-knit Malaysian press corps in London during the 1990s, a time when most major Malaysian media had correspondents based there. I returned to my first love, contributing regularly to the NST and was especially proud to be entrusted with columns like London Buzz, I Am Every Woman, and Postcard from Zaharah — each with a different lens into life abroad and life as a woman in journalism. As a correspondent, the job took me across the UK and beyond — not only covering official visits by ministers and royalty, but also pursuing deeply human stories: the aftermath of the MH17 tragedy, the achievements of Malaysians abroad and the shifting pulse of our diaspora. The NST had always given me that opportunity to seek out stories and share. But challenges abound. Working to tight deadlines — especially with the time difference — was just one. The digital revolution brought new tools, but also new pressures. As social media surged and ministers began tweeting their own stories, the role of the foreign correspondent changed dramatically. Journalism became a race against algorithms. The industry that had once relied on trust and legwork now demanded speed and virality. Post-Covid 19, financial constraints added another hurdle. For someone who'd spent nearly five decades in the profession, fighting to stay relevant became harder. All in all, from the days of cradling a phone between my shoulder and ear while pounding away at a clunky Remington taking stories from stringers, to filing stories on a smartphone still destined for the newsroom at Jalan Riong, it has been quite a journey worth cherishing.
Daily Express
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tourism creates over 380,000 jobs: CM
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 Text Size: Liew officiates the event while others look on. KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said tourism continues to be Sabah's main economic driver, contributing more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors. He said, in a speech delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, that the sector accounted for around 15 per cent of the state's GDP in 2023, generating RM13.1 billion in revenue. Advertisement Community-based tourism alone brought in RM7 million last year from 18 active districts, with more rural initiatives in the pipeline. The State Government is investing in infrastructure upgrades, including the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and rural access roads, alongside digital platforms to enhance tourism services. Hajiji said hosting Asean Travel Exchange (Atex) 2025 is a key milestone in positioning Sabah as a regional tourism partner, while also highlighting the sector's potential for sustainable and inclusive growth. * 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
ME Construction
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- ME Construction
WEG supports delivery of ADNOC's 300km crude oil pipeline project
WEG announced its support for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s 300km crude oil pipeline project, along with pumping and booster stations in the UAE capital to maintain flow efficiency. The project is being set up at an investment of US $3bn and will carry around 1.5m barrels of crude oil per day. The company aims to deliver the drive packages by September; its scope of work involves supply of integrated drive package, including flameproof electric motors, variable speed drives (VSDs) and transformers to help maximise the efficiency, reliability and safety of the horizontal centrifugal pumps underpinning the infrastructure. According to the group, 20 medium-voltage flameproof motors will be core for this project. These motors include nine W22Xdb 3.3kV, 50Hz units in frame sizes 500-560, with power rating between 850kW and 990kW, and eleven 900-frame 6.6kV M-Line motors with power rating between 6,710kW and 6,980kW. Other benefits include high energy efficiency and customisable configurations, with multiple mounting options and terminal box designs, ideal for applications demanding flexible installation like oil pipelines, it stated. Designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the Arabian desert, these motors can handle extreme temperatures of up to 55-degrees Celsius and are certified IP55 against dust and water. WEG's solutions will drive multiple horizontal centrifugal pumps designed for heavy-duty industrial applications. The W22Xdb flameproof motors prioritise safety and efficiency in hazardous environments, adhering to global standards like Atex and IECEx. These motors boast robust construction using cast iron or welded steel frames, complemented by advanced cooling options and thermal and vibration monitoring for optimal reliability.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
WEG lands supply contract for $3bln Adnoc infrastructure project
UAE - WEG, a leading electric motor, variable frequency drives and gearbox manufacturer, has announced that it will support the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) set up a 300-km crude oil pipeline project along with pumping and booster stations in the UAE capital to maintain flow efficiency. The project, being set up at an investment of $3 billion, will carry around 1.5 million barrels of crude oil per day. WEG's scope of work involves supply of integrated drive package, including flameproof electric motors, variable speed drives (VSDs) and transformers, to help maximise the efficiency, reliability and safety of the horizontal centrifugal pumps underpinning the infrastructure. The company aims to deliver the drive packages by September. According to the Brazilian group, 20 medium-voltage flameproof motors will be core to this project. These motors include nine W22Xdb 3.3kV, 50Hz units in frame sizes 500-560, with power rating between 850kW and 990kW, and eleven 900-frame 6.6 kV M-Line motors with power rating between 6,710kW and 6,980kW. Designed for the Arabian desert's harsh environmental conditions, these motors can withstand extreme heat of up to 55°C and are IP55-certified against dust and waterm, it stated. WEG said its solutions will help drive multiple horizontal centrifugal pumps designed for heavy-duty industrial applications. The W22Xdb flameproof motors maximise safety and efficiency in hazardous environments, meeting global standards such as Atex and IECEx. These motors feature robust construction with cast iron or welded steel frames and advanced cooling options combined with thermal and vibration monitoring for optimal reliability. Other core benefits include high energy efficiency and customisable configurations, with multiple mounting options and terminal box designs, ideal for applications demanding flexible installation like oil pipelines, it stated. "This $3 billion infrastructure will boost the UAE's energy export and security, transporting crude oil from Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi to the Fujairah oil terminal on the eastern coast," said a company spokesman. The WEG M-Line (Master Line) comprises highly versatile and customisable three-phase induction motors designed for the most demanding industrial applications. The motor's optimal design and high-quality materials minimise losses while maximising efficiency. In addition, the motor's structural rigidity provides low vibration levels, enhancing durability and reliability in demanding applications, it stated. Kiran Kumar, the HVS Development Sales Manager for HVS Motors & Drives, said: "The fact the OEM supplying the centrifugal pumps for this critical pipeline project turned to us is a testament to WEG's reputation for highly reliable customised drive solutions designed to minimise downtime and costs." "Our integrated solution team worked closely with all stakeholders to meet the stringent requirements of this demanding application, including flame and arc resistance. Our ability to design an integrated drive package promptly was instrumental in enabling us to secure this important $22 million project," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Autofuel develops groundbreaking tech for warm conditions, now Atex certified for 60°C
Since its establishment in Denmark in 2014, Autofuel has redefined petrol station convenience with fully automated and robotic refueling and EV charging systems. With clear advantages that address drivers' biggest pain points, the company has made the experience more accessible and streamlined, transforming necessary and arduous fuel stops into a few minutes of convenience. After entrenching its name across Europe and beyond, Autofuel developed a new technology, which has recently been granted an Atex certification for temperatures as high as 60°C. 'Our new technology operates seamlessly in all weather conditions. After refining it, we are now Atex-certified for warm conditions up to 60°C,' shares co-founder and CEO Jonas Thor Olsen. 'With that, the new tech is suitable for flammable, explosive environments like petrol stations. This explosion-proof technology also lets us operate hydrogen, which is expected to play a large role in the green transition, especially in heavy transports.' Constantly refined, the firm's technology eradicates the risk of explosion in high-temperature environments, which can be ignited momentarily with static electricity, cigarette smoke, and even mobile phones. Additionally, in the Middle East, for instance, Autofuel's potential integrates seamlessly with the region's focus on convenience. As illustrated in a recent PwC survey, the region's customer behavior continues to prioritise tech-savviness, eagerly embracing what digital transformation has to offer. With plans to revolutionize refueling globally, the Middle East — as well as other hot-weather places — will experience Autofuel's benefits in the near future. On a mission to champion convenience and mobility across all petrol stations, the technology accommodates all fuel and vehicle types without requiring facilities to replace existing structures. With that, Autofuel presents a cost-effective solution that elevates a stagnant industry without disrupting it from the ground up. Throughout years of refining the product, Autofuel enriched its offering with an EV charging solution that, just like the refueling system, can operate multiple vehicles simultaneously by moving along a rail. Fully automated, with actioning and payment conveniently done from a proprietary app, Autofuel is dedicated to meeting the needs of all consumers, including the often-overlooked mobility challenges of people with disabilities or seniors. 'No one wants to get out of the car on a scorching 50°C day to handle burning hot equipment just to refuel. In the Middle East's society of convenience, you don't have to do that even now. Every petrol station hires attendants who do it all for you. Despite that, there is room for innovation,' Jonas adds. According to the co-founder, it would require three attendants over a 24-hour cycle to match the productivity of one Autofuel machine. Similar benefits will be available to all EV owners. 'Imagine arriving at the mall, walking straight in, and a robotic arm is plugging your car into the charger in the background—you don't even have to think about it,' explains Jonas. Currently, since the charging must be permitted by the car's software through an app, full-service would require sharing the app access with attendants. However, with Autofuel, the technology is integrated into the software, alerting the owner of the charging's progress or completion through real-time notifications. On the other hand, Autofuel will give attendants the time and opportunity to upskill and move into other departments— like handling food and beverages from an air-conditioned in-house cafe, where the only time spent outside is to deliver orders to the car. This is especially important with society's constant efforts to eliminate economic and cultural disparities. Research suggests that the global middle-class population will rapidly increase in Asia-Pacific and parts of Africa. Demanding and low-paying jobs — like fuel service attendants — will be at risk of workforce shortages. Beyond the Middle East, policy changes offer a glimpse into that future, with Oregon ending a self-service fuelling ban after over 70 years, partially due to labour shortages. 'This will become a global problem, and agility, combined with tech advancements, is crucial to stay ahead of the curve,' adds Jonas. He poses a thought-provoking question: When you think of the future, will there be more or less automation? 'The answer is simple. Why not start now?' he muses. While similar technology has been tested in the region, Autofuel aims for a rapid and expansive rollout through its patented, ready-to-implement solution. Ultimately, the company offers more than convenience; it provides peace of mind, ensuring that every fueling experience is enjoyable. 'Technology changed everything, and customer expectations are higher than ever before. To succeed in this competitive world, petrol stations need to be more than just that,' says Jonas. 'They need to become hubs of mobility and hospitality, offering nothing short of excellence.'
