Latest news with #Heng
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Hiking group maintaining Penang Hill trail marks 29th anniversary
(From right) Choong, Koay and Ong presenting a mock cheque for RM5,000 to Tan (third from left) and Khor (second from left) while Heng (centre) looks on during Moon Gate No. 5 Hiking Group's 29th anniversary event in Penang. A LIVELY reunion dinner celebrating decades of hiking, bonding and trail maintenance was held by the Moon Gate No. 5 Hiking Group in Penang to mark its 29th anniversary. The hiking club is known for its free refreshments and volunteer-driven upkeep of the famous Moon Gate trail on Penang Hill. In his opening speech at the dinner, the group's honorary advisor Datuk Seri Benny Khor said the club provided free coffee, water and biscuits to hikers. 'The hiking club focuses on maintaining and improving the trail's condition to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. 'Our mission has always been to bring people together to enhance and care for the Moon Gate No. 5 trail that is now a must-visit for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. 'The group relies on donations, surplus funds from the annual dinner and contributions from its committee members to sustain its operations. 'This is because there are no membership fees or public fundraising initiatives,' he said. Representing Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai, was vice-chairman Datuk Heng Yak Hoi who said the hiking club promoted both hiking and humanitarian values. 'The stories are truly touching as members and volunteers tirelessly carry gas cylinders uphill, prepare hot drinks and serve hikers come rain or shine. 'This selfless spirit aligns with the Penang2030 vision of fostering an inclusive, healthy and resilient community,' he said. Heng added that the importance of hiking as a form of physical and mental exercise should be emphasised to encourage people to embrace outdoor activities for a balanced lifestyle. During the dinner, TG Ocean Health Food Industries Sdn Bhd directors Datuk Ong Thor Guan, Koay Kai Bin and Choong Jin Koi presented RM5,000 to club chairman Tan Chee Yeong to support its efforts. More than 1,000 people attended the dinner at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Macalister Road, George Town. Many of the diners took home prizes such as hiking shoes, electrical goods and motorcycles. Moon Gate No. 5, is a colonial- era stone archway. The hiking group's upkeep of this historic path has helped the trail become a popular destination. At the dinner, members and supporters reaffirmed their goal of keeping the trail accessible and well-maintained to ensure that Moon Gate No. 5 remains a symbol of Penang's community-driven conservation efforts.
AsiaOne
28-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Fewer private university grads find full-time jobs in 2024, compared to 2023, Singapore News
Fewer private university graduates found full-time jobs within six months of graduating in 2024 than in the previous year. According to the 2024 Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey, 74.8 per cent of 2,300 fresh graduates from private education institutions (PEIs) in the labour force found permanent, freelance or part-time jobs within six months of graduating, a decrease from 83.2 per cent in 2023. Less than half or 46.4 per cent of them found full-time work within six months in 2024 as compared to 58.7 per cent in 2023. The survey results, which were released by SkillsFuture Singapore on Tuesday (May 26), also showed that more PEI graduates were in part-time or temporary jobs (24.2 per cent, up from 18.9 per cent in 2023), while fewer took on freelance work (4.2 per cent, down from 5.7 per cent in 2023) within the same period. A total of 3,500 graduates across 27 PEIs took part in the survey. The statistics appear to signal a weaker overall hiring demand than previous years amid slowing economic growth. However, the median gross monthly salaries of those in full-time work were found to have risen to $3,500 in 2024, from $3,400 in 2023. Graduates from the Parkway College of Nursing and Allied Health as well as ERC Institute, which offers degree courses in business and technology among others, took home the highest pay with a median gross monthly salary of $4,000, followed by graduates from the Singapore Institute of Management who earned a median salary of $3,600. A graduating student from Curtin University, who wished to be known as Heng, told AsiaOne that she was able to secure a job in February, within a month of finishing her classes. "I do feel glad I managed to secure my job that soon, but I realise it is more important to source for jobs which are aligned with my goals and needs as well," she said. Heng stated that her starting pay was around the median salary of $3,281 for graduates from her university, but declined to reveal the exact number. The 23-year-old, who studied Accounting and Finance, eventually left her first full-time job as an accountant at a local firm after two months, as she felt it was not aligned with her learning and development goals. She then pivoted to working as a financial advisor at the insurance arm of a bank. The private education survey, conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, recorded responses from about 3,500 fresh graduates of full-time bachelor's degree programmes across 27 private institutions, including James Cook University, PSB Academy and Management Development Institute of Singapore. The poll findings focused on employment outcomes of those who graduated between May 2023 and April 2024 from full-time bachelor's-level external degree programmes. The survey also found that those from information and digital technologies commanded the highest median gross monthly salary at $4,080, followed by humanities and social sciences at $3,500. Graduates from engineering courses in private institutions had the highest proportion in full-time permanent jobs at 55.3 per cent, followed closely by those in the sciences, at 51.8 per cent. Out of the survey respondents, 28.3 per cent were either unemployed and looking for jobs, or in involuntary part-time or temporary employment. [[nid:714878]]
The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Local photographer celebrates birthday by showcasing Malaysia to the world
For Heng Mok Zung, better known as Zung Ninja Photographer, turning 47 was about doing something different; he wanted to show his friends from all over the world his hometown and where he grew up. So Heng invited over 20 friends from 12 countries – Switzerland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Egypt, Tanzania, Mongolia, China, South Korea, Australia, Dominican Republic, USA and Canada. All of them self-sponsored their trips, drawn by Heng's vision of exploring a side of Malaysia often overlooked by tourists. The itinerary included the usual must-sees, like a welcome dinner with breathtaking views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, a vibrant city tour of Kuala Lumpur, a cultural journey to Batu Caves, and a cultural performance followed by a nostalgic, pedal-powered trishaw ride through the historic streets of Melaka. But beyond these postcard-perfect scenes, Heng's real mission was to introduce his friends to Malaysia's lesser-known treasures. Heng's friends at his hometown Sekinchan. Photo: The Photoz Their journey soon took them off the beaten path to Sekinchan, the small fishing and farming village where Heng grew up. Here, luxury was traded for authenticity, as guests lodged in what he refers to as 'simple, no-star accommodations' that showcase the raw beauty and warmth of rural Malaysia. They ate fresh, succulent crabs at his family's seafood restaurant, and learnt the art of cracking shells by hand. They sipped refreshing coconut juice at a stall – a quintessentially Malaysian experience – and visited the local vegetable market, where the colours, sounds and smells of rural Malaysia came to life. Later, he brought them to the outskirts where they watched the sun dip below golden paddy fields in a serene sunset picnic – a moment that, for many, encapsulated the natural beauty of the country. Nurturing the next generation As a gesture of welcome, the students at SMJK Yoke Kuan handed out flowers to Heng's friends. Photo: The Photoz Heng also made sure his guests felt the heartbeat of his hometown by bringing them to visit his alma mater, SMJK Yoke Kuan. Here, the students greeted them with a spirited lion dance and band performance, and even handed out flowers as a gesture of welcome. Heng and his friends contributed several drum sets to the school, sparking joy and appreciation in the young performers. He says it's important to cultivate the next generation and often gives talks to children in schools. 'It's vital to encourage children to dream big. Instead of having an 'I can't' mentality, why not say 'I can'?' he says. 'If you never try, you'll never know how far you can go.' These are not just words but a lived reality for the internationally-known photographer who came from humble beginnings. 'I was born and raised in this small fishing village of Sekinchan and come from a poor family. My father was a fisherman, and I'm the youngest of seven siblings; one who passed away because of cancer,' he reveals. Unable to complete his education (he was studying engineering) due to his family's financial restrictions, Heng started working as a photographer to earn an income. A couple sign the drum they sponsored for SMJK Yoke Kuan. Photo: The Photoz 'The turning point in my life came because instead of feeling sorry for myself and blaming anyone, I just decided to pick myself up and do something about it,' he says. 'It's vital to teach children the importance of being resilient and having tenacity,' he adds. Today, Heng travels to hundreds of locations each year for various engagements. Not only has he been the personal photographer of American author and life coach Anthony Robbins since 2009, he has also photographed many personalities including three United States presidents (Donald Trump, George Bush and Bill Clinton), British businessman Richard Branson, the Dalai Lama, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and British zoologist Dr Jane Goodall. Heng (centre) invited children from the Jing Sun Welfare Society for his birthday party. Photo: The Photoz Back in Kuala Lumpur, the celebrations continued with a birthday party that he ensured was inclusive. Heng invited children from the Jing Sun Welfare Society, each receiving ang pows and a hearty meal. One of the talented children even performed the mesmerising Sichuan face-changing dance. True to his artistic spirit, Zung's birthday party also served as a stage for Malaysia's non-mainstream talents. Guests were treated to the soulful sounds of Evan Lee, a Sape player from Sarawak, and the nostalgic golden classics of Yudi Yap, a singer known for her Shanghai-style performances. Reflecting on his birthday, Zung says, 'Our country has so much talent, and I wanted my birthday to be a platform to showcase the off-the-beaten-track talents that it has.' For this photographer who has travelled extensively across the globe, there is nothing quite like Malaysia. 'While every country has its own uniqueness, when you're away so much, you always look forward to coming back home,' he concludes.
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
The Chic Home: Ex-architectural associate designs dog-friendly dream apartment
Built in the 1970s, this revamped HUDC unit is home to a former architectural associate and his dog. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA SINGAPORE – Nestled beside the forests around MacRitchie Reservoir is a three-block development by the Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) dating back to 1977. Despite its age, Mr Augustine Heng, who runs a tuition centre, was able to spot the untapped potential in his 1,615 sq ft, three-bedroom unit in Upper Thomson Road. 'The existing layout felt constrained, but I knew that by reconfiguring the walls and rethinking the flow, I could create a more open and seamless living environment,' says the 41-year-old bachelo r. As a former architectural associate, he decided to undertake the design himself. 'For years, I had been imagining my ideal home, and this was the perfect opportunity to bring those ideas to life. 'The chance to shape every detail according to my vision was something I could not pass up , especially in a setting as unique as this, with views that played a major role in the design decisions .' Mr Heng wanted the flat's look to combine Scandinavian chic and the aesthetic of Japanese brand Muji, guided by the principles of simplicity, comfort and openness. It was important to him that the space be warm and welcoming, and every decision was made with the natural beauty right outside his windows in mind. The main door originally opened to a full view of the apartment. Mr Heng introduced a partition that creates privacy and a sense of separation without blocking the view, along with a bench seat for putting on and removing shoes. The former balcony next to the living area is now a dining space. A partition and bench seat screen off the rest of the unit from view. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The spacious living area is minimalist and uncluttered, with an L-shaped sofa and a small wooden coffee table. The television console almost blends into the floor. By keeping the colour and material palettes neutral, the space has a sense of ease and lightness. The former balcony next to the living area is now a dining space that comfortably accommodates a table for eight. It is up against windows that span the width of the room, with an unblocked view of the reservoir and the surrounding forest. The large kitchen island is perfect for Mr Heng to entertain. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA With the existing kitchen walls removed, the kitchen and the former dining room are one large open space. Instead of separate wet and dry kitchens, Mr Heng created a single dry kitchen centred on an island. The large windows and absence of cabinets above the counter reinforce the feeling of openness . By removing two perpendicular walls, what used to be a dead space outside the common bathroom has been transformed into an open courtyard of sorts, featuring more greenery. A canine wall design demarcates the dedicated area in the backyard where Mr Heng's dog goes for a drink of water. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA For the master bedroom, Mr Heng opted for a platform bed that would allow his pet dog to sleep beside him. The light wood and white walls and ceiling are consistent with the rest of the home. Mr Heng opted for a platform bed that would allow his pet dog to sleep beside him. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The attached master bathroom features a built-in bathtub with views of the reservoir, elevating the space into a sanctuary of relaxation. The master bathroom's beige and white hues match the rest of the home. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA One of the two remaining bedrooms is now a hobby-cum-movie room where Mr Heng displays his Bearbrick collection. The third bedroom is a study with a Murphy bed system that allows it to double as a guest room. The home owner's Bearbrick collection is on display in the hobby-cum-movie room. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The unit was overhauled to the tune of about $120,000, excluding furnishings. Given its age, it was in a state of significant disrepair, which led to numerous complications during the renovation. Mr Heng says: 'Compounding these issues, I unfortunately hired an inept project manager whose lack of oversight and coordination resulted in multiple mistakes. For instance, the bathroom tiling had to be redone three times.' These setbacks prolonged the renovation to around four months. Mr Heng moved into the home in mid-June 2024. But he is pleased with the result. 'The light wood accents complemented by crisp white walls evoke a sense of calm and serenity, harmonising with the lush greenery visible from almost every room.' This article first appeared in Home & Decor Singapore. Go to for more beautiful homes, space-saving ideas and interior inspiration. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Of e-waste and 'importers'
When it comes to e-waste, we have been hearing one refrain for the longest time: container importers are misrepresenting their contents. Yet we do not hear of fraudulent importers being severely punished. So long as this leniency persists, expect the importers to continue to falsely declare the contents of the containers and get away with it. Most of them are not importers but members of global smuggling syndicates. We appreciate the government's desire to ensure that Malaysia doesn't become a dumping ground for developed nations' e-waste. But desire must be followed by right actions. The first right action is to begin at home by making fraudulent importers pay heavily for their crime. Such crooks of commerce must have their licence revoked. Period. We will be glad to be proved wrong, but we have yet to hear any importer's licence being revoked after all these years of "importers misrepresenting their containers' contents". Why are we so coy when it comes to punishing people who practise such crass commerce? The next right action is to send the container back to where it came from. Here, our authorities deserve applause aplenty. We have been repeatedly told that all seized containers were sent back to the countries of origin. But we must remember, not all e-waste containers were seized. Many have gotten away, with their "importers" coming for repeat business. Blame it on less-than-robust enforcement. Puzzlingly, there are some Malaysians who are advocating the import of e-waste, arguing that such a move would put us on a "green" path. Little do they realise that not all of the e-waste can be processed; most of it is dumped, causing environmental damage of the dangerous kind. E-waste is toxic. Ask China why they banned e-waste imports in 2018. Not because of some peculiar ideology, but because of sane concerns about the health of its people and the environment. Our actions must reflect such sane concerns for our people and the environment. However, returning e-waste containers is after the fact. Malaysia must act before the illegal e-waste lands here. Now that we know that most of the e-waste is from Japan and the United States, there must be serious government-to-government discussions to get the countries to keep their waste at home. After all, such a move will be very much in line with international law and shipping regulations, the Basel Convention being one. Greenpeace Malaysia's campaign lead, Heng Kiah Chun, put it best to this newspaper on Tuesday: "No country should be treated as a dumping ground. Each country must take responsibility for managing its own waste." Malaysia has enough of its own e-waste to manage without bearing the burden of others. As pointed out by Heng, our post-consumer e-waste management system is in its infancy. For a nation that produces tonnes of e-waste, that is too early a stage to be in. Finally, Malaysia must join the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia to push for global e-waste accountability of electronic manufacturers. Their responsibility doesn't end with the sale of their equipment, but extends to collection, repair and reuse, says Greenpeace Malaysia. We agree.
