Latest news with #HariRaya
The Star
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why cookies are every Malaysian kid's sweetest craving
Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 Who doesn't love cookies? These sweet, yummy treats come in different shapes, sizes and flavours. Some are round, some are square, and some are shaped like animals or cartoon characters! Cookies can be soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. One of the most popular cookie flavours is chocolate chip. But did you know there are many other flavours and types too? You can find peanut butter cookies, butter cookies and even colourful rainbow cookies. In Malaysia, some cookies are made for special occasions. Nor Aina Harris, 12 For Hari Raya, families bake kuih raya like cornflakes cookies and chocolate almond cookies. Chinese New Year is not complete without dragon biscuits and peanut cookies. Even Deepavali has its own tasty treats like murukku and coconut biscuits. Every celebration has its own special cookie to be enjoyed and shared. Cookies are great to eat with a glass of milk, share with your friends or give as gifts. They remind us of fun times in the kitchen, happy moments with family and the joy of sharing something sweet. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Cookies. 'Being a cookie fan, my cookie invention will come in a variety of flavours. On the menu will be delicious quadruple chocolate cookies, fruity filling cookies, and even vegetable cookies; there will be a type of cookie suitable for everyone, young and old,' writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, seven, says: 'I would like to come up with a type of Pokemon series cookies since many children and adults like Pokemon. The cookie will be colourful and it's in a secret rainbow flavour that you need to try to know how it tastes.' Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 7 'I love cookies – especially chocolate chip ones. Sometimes, my mum and I bake them together on weekends. I get to mix the dough and add lots of chocolate chips. The best part is smelling the cookies while they are baking in the oven,' writes Nor Aina Harris, 12. ITEM: Imagine if you had a superpower, like talking to animals or being in charge of the weather. What would you do to make the world happier? Maybe you'd chat with playful monkeys or make the sun shine every day so flowers bloom and butterflies dance. What if you could build a magical home just for animals? A cosy forest with ripe, sweet fruits and sparkling streams where every animal feels safe and free. You might even throw the biggest, happiest animal party ever! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 13. Please put 'STARCHILD: The Magic of Nature' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
New Paper
a day ago
- Politics
- New Paper
Former security officer surprises Halimah Yacob at walkathon
Former president Halimah Yacob was surprised by a special guest when she attended a community event on June 1. One of her former security officers, Ms Lim Hwee Yi, turned up at the Peace and Prosperity Singapura SG60 Walkathon, where Madam Halimah was the guest of honour. Speaking to The Straits Times after the flag-off at about 5.30pm, Madam Halimah said: "I didn't expect to see her, but I'm so happy that she can accompany me on the walk today." Ms Lim, 27, told ST that she was approached by the organisers to join the former president for the walk. She added: "I was very keen because that meant I could see Madam (Halimah) again. The last time I met her was when she invited some of us to her home for Hari Raya last year." Ms Lim resigned from her job as a security officer in the police force in May 2024 to help out at her parents' porridge stall at One Punggol Hawker Centre. Said Madam Halimah, who is now Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences: "I spoke to her about her porridge stall, and I'm really happy that she's supporting her parents' business and she's doing it well." The 5km walkathon, which started at Hong Lim Green, saw over 2,000 participants walking through the city, passing landmarks such as the Esplanade, the Singapore River and Gardens by the Bay. It was organised by social service organisation Tao One Care, together with the Singapore Wushu and Dragon Lion Dance Federation, the International Long Shi Trading Hub and film-maker Jack Neo's PaPaZao, a community initiative that encourages healthy living and social connection through leisurely walks, especially among seniors. Another highlight of the event was a display of 60 nine-metre tall flags, each bearing a Chinese blessing. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Also joining the event were Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Manpower, and Jurong East-Bukit Batok MP Lee Hong Chuang. The walk ended at Marina Barrage, where Madam Halimah was welcomed by lion dancers and traditional Malay kompang and Indian drum performers. Addressing participants at the end of the walkathon, she said: "It might look like a simple walk, but it's more than that. It is the spirit of Singapore and Singaporeans. We all come together to walk, to affirm our multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious society." Former president Halimah Yacob writing Chinese calligraphy at the Peace and Prosperity Singapura SG60 Walkathon at Marina Barrage on June 1. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI At Marina Barrage, the former president was invited to complete a Chinese calligraphy piece. She wrote the characters "tian fu", meaning peace and prosperity. Another highlight of the event was a display of 60 nine-metre tall flags, each bearing a Chinese blessing. The display earned a spot in the Singapore Book of Records for the largest flag display in Singapore.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Halimah Yacob's former security officer surprises her at walkathon
SINGAPORE - Former president Halimah Yacob was surprised by a special guest when she attended a community event on June 1. One of her former security officers, Ms Lim Hwee Yi, turned up at the Peace and Prosperity Singapura SG60 Walkathon, where Madam Halimah was the guest of honour. Speaking to The Straits Times after the flag-off at about 5.30pm, Madam Halimah said: 'I didn't expect to see her, but I'm so happy that she can accompany me on the walk today.' Ms Lim, 27, told ST that she was approached by the organisers to join the former president for the walk. She added: 'I was very keen because that meant I could see Madam (Halimah) again. The last time I met her was when she invited some of us to her home for Hari Raya last year.' Ms Lim resigned from her job as a security officer with the police force in May 2024 to help out at her parents' porridge stall at One Punggol Hawker Centre. Said Madam Halimah, who is now Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences : 'I spoke to her about her porridge stall, and I'm really happy that she's supporting her parents' business, and she's doing it well.' The 5km walkathon, which started at Hong Lim Green, saw over 2,000 participants walking through the city, passing landmarks such as the Esplanade, the Singapore River and Gardens by the Bay. It was organised by social service organisation Tao One Care, together with the Singapore Wushu and Dragon Lion Dance Federation, the International Long Shi Trading Hub and Jack Neo's PaPaZao. Also joining the event were Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Manpower, and Jurong East-Bukit Batok MP Lee Hong Chuang. The walk ended at Marina Barrage, where Madam Halimah was welcomed by lion dancers and traditional Malay kompang and Indian drum performers. Addressing participants at the end of the walkathon, she said: 'It might look like a simple walk, but it's more than that. It is the spirit of Singapore and Singaporeans. We all come together to walk, to affirm our multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious society.' At Marina Barrage, the former president was invited to complete a Chinese calligraphy piece . She wrote the characters 'tian fu', meaning peace and prosperity. Another highlight of the event was a display of 60 nine-metre tall flags, each bearing a Chinese blessing. The display earned a spot in the Singapore Book of Records for the largest flag display in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Unbroken spirit: Mazwan pursues degree despite rare disease
KUALA LUMPUR: No one would fault Nong Mazwan Fitri if he gave up on his dream of earning a psychology degree, given his rare condition, but quitting is the last thing on his mind. For the past 27 years, Mazwan has lived with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. The rare genetic condition causes bones to be very fragile and susceptible to fractures. Throughout his life, Mazwan has fractured over 100 bones, each one causing him excruciating pain. "The pain I experience is not ordinary. Even the slightest movement can break my bones," Mazwan told the New Straits Times. "I have faced many challenges while studying, but I keep pushing forward because I believe education is important," said Mazwan, who will graduate from Open University Malaysia next year. Mazwan has not received treatment for his condition since 2018, as his family cannot afford it. Despite the challenges, he refuses to let his condition break his spirit, especially during celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri. "I celebrate Hari Raya with my family as always, even though my condition makes it more difficult," he said. Subang Jaya Medical Centre orthopaedic surgeon Dr Roshan Gunalan said brittle bone disease was caused by a genetic mutation that led to a decrease in Type 1 collagen, making bones more brittle. "Brittle bone disease is not just about fragile bones. "It can impact the skin, teeth, and even the heart, making comprehensive medical care essential." While the disease poses challenges for people like Mazwan, support groups such as the Malaysian Rare Disease Society (MRDS) strive to offer help and resources. "MRDS will take them under our wing," said the organisation's vice-president, Allida Muhammad Said. "We offer daily help through WhatsApp chats. We have a large group with nearly 40 people and families affected by the disease." Allida said there was a shortage of genetic specialists and counsellors in Malaysia. She said that genetic counselling was crucial in helping people understand complex genetic disorders and inherited health conditions. "Malaysia has only about 15 genetic specialists and the same number of genetic counsellors nationwide, far too few to meet demand."
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Corporate Cakes That Make an Impression: Sweeten Every Milestone at Work
Corporate cakes have become more than just a sweet treat—they're a growing part of workplace culture, especially in companies that value employee experience and team spirit. Today, more offices are celebrating milestones like employee birthdays, promotions, and work anniversaries or wins such as successful project completions, client deals etc. The impact of these shared moments goes beyond sugar: Boosts morale: Employees feel appreciated and recognized Employees feel appreciated and recognized Builds culture: Creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie Creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie Strengthens bonds: Promotes informal interaction in team or hybrid setups Promotes informal interaction in team or hybrid setups Reinforces values: Thoughtful gestures reflect a company's attention to people and detail Whether in a remote, hybrid, or in-office setting, celebrating with a corporate cake is a small yet powerful way to connect and show appreciation. It's also a subtle form of branding—every slice is a reflection of how a company treats its people. Corporate cakes are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to match both internal and external company events: Internal celebrations: Employee birthdays Work anniversaries Team achievements and morale boosters External or brand-focused occasions: Client appreciation and milestone gifts Product or brand launches Holiday giveaways (e.g., Christmas, Mid-Autumn, Hari Raya) Media or influencer events Popular cake formats: Custom logo cakes: Large cakes with company branding or messages Large cakes with company branding or messages Cupcakes or mini cakes: Easy to distribute during team huddles or hybrid setups Easy to distribute during team huddles or hybrid setups Tiered cakes: Great for formal events or major celebrations Great for formal events or major celebrations Individual cake boxes: Perfect for remote staff or clients—personal, hygienic, and easy to deliver Key considerations when choosing corporate cakes: Flavor variety: Chocolate, vanilla, fruit, or local favorites Chocolate, vanilla, fruit, or local favorites Dietary needs: Gluten-free, halal-certified, nut-free options Gluten-free, halal-certified, nut-free options Presentation: Branded toppers, sleek packaging, or color-themed décor A thoughtful cake choice shows both professionalism and care—an easy yet meaningful way to celebrate the people behind your business. For companies looking to make every celebration count, Sweetest Moments located in Singapore offers customizable corporate cakes that reflect your brand and show genuine appreciation. Corporate cakes are a creative extension of your brand. With thoughtful customization, they can leave a lasting impression on employees, clients, and event guests. There are different ways to incorporate branding into corporate cakes like logo printing on cake toppers or icing. Or using branded colors that match your company's visual identity or maybe taglines or campaign slogans as edible text. Common use cases: Product launches or rebranding events Corporate gifting during holidays Welcome kits or onboarding celebrations Choosing the right cake vendor is just as important as choosing the cake itself. For a smooth and memorable experience, companies should consider: Reliability and punctual delivery —especially for timed celebrations —especially for timed celebrations Strict hygiene standards and food handling certifications and food handling certifications A solid portfolio with examples of previous corporate work with examples of previous corporate work Flexibility in handling bulk orders or customization requests Many businesses have spoken about working with established providers like Sweetest Moments because they offer tailored solutions for seasonal gifting, recurring events, or company milestones—without the stress of last-minute planning. Corporate cakes are more than sweet treats—they're meaningful tools for connection, appreciation, and celebration. Make every workplace milestone count with thoughtful, well-designed cake creations. Consider providers like Sweetest Moments, who are known for blending flavor, presentation, and branding in every box they produce. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
