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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar urges calm as Thai-Cambodian border tensions rise
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced concern over the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, saying that peace is the only option. He said he had already sent messages to both the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers and hopes to speak with them later this evening. "This development is concerning. They are important members of Asean and close to Malaysia. "I have sent messages to both prime ministers and look forward to speaking with them this evening. "At the very least, we hope they will stand down and try to negotiate. They have tried (to negotiate), but I still think peace is the only option," he told reporters after attending the Asean Semiconductor Summit here today. Present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. When asked how the dispute might affect trade within Asean, Anwar said it was premature to draw conclusions, saying the situation is temporary. He said both Thailand and Cambodia have their nations best interests at heart and are seeking a peaceful resolution. On whether there would be a stern warning issued in his capacity as Asean chair, Anwar said no, adding that Malaysia hoped to engage both leaders and express its views. On comments that no Asean country has stepped forward to mediate, Anwar said, "No, I had initial discussions with both prime ministers last month, and we've since sent messages to them. "I am looking forward to speaking with them again later," he said. Thailand launched air strikes while Cambodia fired rockets and artillery, killing a civilian, in an escalation of their border dispute. The clash centres around the Emerald Triangle, a border area shared by Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, which houses several ancient temples.
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar unveils three measures to boost Malaysia's semiconductor industry
PETALING JAYA: The government has announced three key measures to ensure Malaysia's semiconductor industry remains globally competitive. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is now ready to provide stronger support to the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), particularly in developing "10+100" national champions. The "10+100" initiative aims to build 10 Malaysian semiconductor and supply chain companies with revenues between RM1 billion and RM4.7 billion, and to nurture at least 100 more to approach the RM1 billion mark. "First, we will unlock more catalytic capital to support early-stage research and development, product development, and ecosystem scaling. "This includes a suite of targeted financing instruments, matching funds, and customised incentives, alongside continued investments by our government-linked investment companies (GLICs), all aimed at strengthening local semiconductor capabilities and advancing Malaysia's position in the global value chain," he said. He said this during his speech at the closing of the Asean Semiconductor Summit in Kuala Lumpur today. Present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. Anwar said Malaysia has so far received over RM2 billion in commitments from the government and crowd-in capital from stakeholders, including Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan, and Bank Negara Malaysia, as well as through partnerships with global players. "Second, we will elevate our semiconductor diplomacy through deeper government-to-government cooperation, expanding market access for Malaysian firms and forging trusted technology partnerships. "As Asean chair, Malaysia will lead efforts to strengthen regional collaboration, positioning Asean as a resilient and competitive hub in the global semiconductor value chain," he said. Anwar said that through the collaboration between Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (Crest) and Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the government will strengthen industry-academia partnerships to build a future-ready workforce. He said this will ensure Malaysia builds focused capabilities and remains competitive in a rapidly evolving, high-tech global landscape.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bengaluru techie gets warning from HR for sick leave. Netizens suggest 'self-respect comes before everything'
A fresh graduate recently stepped into the corporate world as a machine learning engineer at a startup in Bengaluru, filled with hope and enthusiasm. However, the experience turned sour sooner than expected. Instead of engaging in meaningful projects or skill-building tasks, the job devolved into a cycle of repetitive and uninspiring assignments. With no coherent workflow or clear objectives, each task felt more like a rushed patch job than a structured engineering challenge. The startup, which was supposed to be a launchpad for growth, instead became a place of stagnation. A Culture of Disregard and Disrespect The young professional's disappointment wasn't limited to the nature of the work. What made things worse was the culture within the organization. Constructive inputs and suggestions were frequently dismissed, leading to an atmosphere of indifference. There seemed to be little respect for fresh perspectives or creative contributions. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category The real tipping point came when the employee took a sick day. Instead of reaching out with concern or even a routine check-in, the manager bypassed direct communication and took the matter straight to Human Resources, framing the absence as unprofessional behavior. This experience deeply demoralized the techie, making them feel unvalued and unheard. At a Crossroads: Mental Health vs. Job Security Faced with this emotional strain, the engineer now stands at a critical juncture. The toxicity of the workplace is taking a toll on mental well-being, prompting serious thoughts of resignation. However, with no backup offer currently available, the decision isn't simple. While leaving might bring immediate relief, it also carries the risk of unemployment and potential financial instability. The dilemma lies in choosing between preserving one's peace of mind and maintaining a steady income while continuing the job search. Community Offers Support and Real-World Advice The post caught the attention of many on Reddit, especially those familiar with the challenges of navigating the Indian corporate landscape. One commenter shared their own experience of quitting a toxic job due to its damaging effect on mental health. They emphasized the importance of securing another offer before leaving, noting that being unemployed can lead to employers offering lower pay or rejecting resumes altogether due to employment gaps. However, they acknowledged that if a job erodes one's dignity and self-respect, no salary is worth staying for. Another user reflected on the broader mindset of some managers in startups who often hire freshers for mechanical tasks with no plans to invest in their growth. Such environments tend to treat employees as replaceable, with little regard for individual needs or feedback. They advised the techie to stay for now, use the time to build skills, understand workplace politics, and quietly look for better opportunities without burning bridges. Conclusion: A Difficult Decision in an Unkind System The situation reflects a harsh reality many young professionals face—being caught between ambition and the harsh truths of corporate culture. While financial practicality may demand patience, mental well-being remains a non-negotiable priority. For the techie, the path forward may lie in strategic endurance—learning from the present while preparing for a healthier future.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak backs union drive for private sector workers
IPOH: Perak has become the first state in the country to support private sector workers in forming unions at their workplaces. State Health, Human Resources, National Integration, and Indian Community Affairs Committee Chairman A. Sivanesan said the state government is also allocating a special provision of RM5,000 to assist workers in establishing unions. He said the initiative aims to promote industrial harmony, particularly with the development of at least five new industrial zones expected to generate over 30,000 job opportunities. "Unions are formed in workplaces to ensure industrial harmony. Through unions, workers can negotiate for salary adjustments every two years, as well as address issues related to health and leave entitlements. "Many employers still fear the presence of unions. I have instructed the Perak Union Affairs Department to represent the state government in assisting workers throughout the union formation process. "Any matters concerning union formation or legal issues under the Trade Unions Act 1959 will be handled directly by my office," he told reporters here today. Sivanesan said there are currently about 1.25 million workers in Perak, including civil servants. However, he said fewer than eight percent of private sector employees are union members. He added that the state government aims to increase this figure to at least 10 percent over the next three years. "With the influx of approximately 30,000 new workers expected from upcoming industrial projects in Proton City, Lumut Maritime Industrial City, and the Kinta Industrial Park, the importance of forming unions cannot be overstated," he said. Sivanesan also reassured employers that concerns about strikes are largely unfounded. "Strikes are extremely difficult to carry out due to the strict procedures outlined in the Industrial Relations Act 1967. "In fact, there have been no major strikes in the past 45 years," he added.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan activates haze and open burning response plan
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has activated its state-level response plan under the National Haze Action Plan and National Open Burning Action Plan following directives from the Department of Environment (DOE). State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan confirmed the move after the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpassed 150 for 24 consecutive hours. 'The state government will intensify patrols and enforcement against open burning activities, especially in high-risk agricultural and industrial areas. 'We will also assess the implementation of cloud seeding technology in collaboration with federal agencies should air pollution levels continue to rise,' he said in a statement. Veerapan urged residents to report open burning via the DOE complaint hotline and support sustainability efforts. According to the DOE's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), eight areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels as of 6 pm. Alor Gajah in Melaka recorded the highest reading at 157, followed by Seremban (155), Kemaman (153), Banting (152), Temerloh (152), Balok Baru (152), Nilai (146), and Johan Setia (140). An API between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, posing risks to vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions. – Bernama
