Latest news with #Inti
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Private educational institutions automatically qualify for HRD levy exemption from Jan 1
KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning Jan 1 next year, all private educational institutions will automatically be eligible for human resources development (HRD) levy payments, says Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp). It said the levy exemption was automatically applicable to all such institutions with 10 or more Malaysian employees. "The levy exemption is automatically applicable to all private educational institutions with 10 or more Malaysian employees legally mandated to pay HRD levy, from Jan 1 to Jan 31 2026," it said in a statement to the New Straits Times. Private educational institutions lauded the move which could help them channel funds to more academic innovation and infrastructure development, among others. Inti International University & Colleges chief executive officer Dr Chong Kok Wai said the one-year exemption offers short-term relief, particularly in alleviating operational costs and pressures. He said the HRD levy represented a significant annual outlay for Inti as it had to contribute one per cent of its monthly wage bill to HRD Corp, creating a recurring expense that needed to be accounted for each year. "While we value the importance of workforce training, this obligation often restricts our flexibility in reallocating funds towards areas such as academic innovation, infrastructure development, or strategic hiring," he said. He added that in order to maximise the value of the levy, their training programmes had to align with HRD Corp's claimable schemes, which sometimes limited their ability to pursue international or specialised training not covered by the system. "Furthermore, managing the administrative requirements of claims and compliance increased the workload of our HR and finance teams," he said. He said, with the exemption, institutions could increase flexibility to direct resources towards professional development that aligns more closely with their institutional goals, whether in teaching excellence, digital transformation, or leadership development. However, Chong said to truly ensure the sustainability of institutions such as Inti, a more long-term and structured approach is necessary, ideally one that acknowledges the evolving cost demands of delivering quality higher education. He said they hoped to see sustained government support in the form of structured research grant programmes, funding for digital transformation, and incentives that promote research and industry collaboration. "We would also welcome incentives for cooperation between private institutions and industry partners, such as co-funding schemes. "These measures would enhance institutional resilience and ensure that Malaysian private universities, including Inti, remain globally competitive," he said. He proposed targeted tax incentives and a more favourable tax scheme tailored to the education industry to help the sector remain agile, accessible, and globally competitive in an increasingly challenging landscape. Meanwhile, Chong said, as a private higher education institute, Inti continues to face challenges that extend beyond operational costs. He said with the rise of digital transformation, their facilities must be consistently updated to provide an up-to-date curriculum, enabling them to meet the industry's evolving demands. These internal pressures are exacerbated by increasing competition, both locally and regionally. "Beyond levy exemptions, we look forward to ongoing support from the government through targeted funding in various areas, clarity in regulations and hopefully, strategic partnerships that can help elevate the Malaysian private higher education ecosystem," he said. On June 14, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced a one-year exemption on human resources development levy payments for all private educational institutions, effective Jan 1 next year. He said the move was aimed at reducing the financial burden faced by private institutions across all levels, including preschools, primary and secondary schools, vocational colleges, and institutions of higher learning. Meanwhile, Sunway Education chief resources officer Betty Lai also expressed her appreciation for the move. "This timely relief eases financial pressures and allows private educational institutions to reinvest in digital infrastructure, learning resources, and student-focused initiatives. "While the exemption offers welcome support, we passionately believe that people's development should never be compromised. "Sunway Education remains committed to investing in our employees, who are the catalyst to delivering exceptional educational experiences to our nation and beyond," she said.
India Today
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Festivals around the world you've never heard of but should experience once
While millions flock to popular festivals like La Tomatina, Holi, and Coachella, the true magic of travel often lies in the lesser-known, the festivals that haven't yet hit every influencer's grid but remain rich with local flavor, tradition, and unforgettable experiences. If you're seeking immersive cultural adventures and brag-worthy stories, these under-the-radar festivals around the globe are your beauty of these hidden festivals lies in their authenticity: They're not tailored for tourists but proudly preserved by communities. Whether it's a flaming Viking ship in Scotland or a river of lanterns in Korea, these offbeat cultural treasures offer unforgettable stories and genuine connections. So before you book that ticket to a mega-event, consider traveling off the beaten festival path, and let the world surprise Jinju Lantern Festival – South Korea Each October, the Nam River in Jinju is transformed into a glowing wonderland during the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. Originally held to honor the souls lost in a 16th-century battle, this lantern festival now invites visitors to float messages of peace and hope down the river in thousands of handmade OctoberWhere: Jinju, South KoreaWhy Go: Picture-perfect visuals and deep emotional resonance.2. Boryeong Mud Festival – South KoreaIt may sound messy, and it is, but that's the charm. Held every July on Daecheon Beach, this gloriously mucky event attracts thrill-seekers who flock to mud wrestling pits, slides, obstacle courses, and live K-pop concerts, all in the name of fun and skincare (yes, the mud is mineral-rich).When: JulyWhere: Boryeong, South KoreaWhy Go: Equal parts chaotic, therapeutic, and Surva Festival – BulgariaIn the small town of Pernik, Bulgaria, ancient pagan rituals come alive during the Surva Festival. Locals don fur costumes and eerie masks as they perform dances to scare away evil spirits and welcome a prosperous new year. It's as haunting as it is Late JanuaryWhere: Pernik, BulgariaWhy Go: A portal into Europe's pagan past and raw cultural storytelling.4. Monkey Buffet Festival – ThailandYes, it's exactly what it sounds like. In Lopburi, Thailand, thousands of monkeys are honored with a lavish vegetarian buffet spread laid out on temple grounds. This bizarre-yet-charming event celebrates the animals that draw tourists year-round and are seen as spiritual Last Sunday of NovemberWhere: Lopburi, ThailandWhy Go: Surreal and joyfully chaotic, with monkeys stealing the show.5. Inti Raymi – PeruDating back to the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi is the Festival of the Sun celebrated in Cusco with dramatic reenactments, traditional music, colorful parades, and ancient rituals that honor Inti, the sun god. It's a deeply spiritual and theatrical June 24Where: Cusco, PeruWhy Go: Step back in time and witness living history in the Andes.6. Fete de l'Escalade – SwitzerlandGeneva's quiet streets explode with medieval pageantry during this December festival, commemorating a 1602 victory over invaders. Locals don period costumes, pour molten chocolate 'cauldrons,' and march with torches through the Old Mid-DecemberWhere: Geneva, SwitzerlandWhy Go: A blend of history, chocolate, and Swiss spirit.7. Hadaka Matsuri – JapanOne of Japan's wildest festivals, the Hadaka Matsuri sees thousands of men wearing only loincloths scrambling to catch sacred sticks thrown by priests. It's a spiritual test of endurance and a bid for good FebruaryWhere: Okayama, JapanWhy Go: A raw and intense cultural spectacle unlike any other.8. Gion Matsuri – JapanWhile this is well-known in Japan, Gion Matsuri often slips under the radar for international travelers. This month-long Kyoto festival features massive wooden floats, ancient rituals, and street food galore, a UNESCO-recognised living JulyWhere: Kyoto, JapanWhy Go: Japan's most elaborate festival that somehow still feels local.9. Up Helly Aa – ScotlandMove over Viking cosplay, this is the real deal. In Shetland, fiery processions and full Viking regalia honor Norse heritage during this epic fire festival. The climax? The burning of a giant Viking Last Tuesday in JanuaryWhere: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, ScotlandWhy Go: A dramatic blend of fire, folklore, and fierce community Cheung Chau Bun Festival – Hong KongThis quirky Taoist festival features tower-climbing contests on bamboo structures covered in buns, parades with giant papier-mache deities, and martial arts performances. It's whimsical, spiritual, and completely May (aligned with Buddha's birthday)Where: Cheung Chau Island, Hong KongWhy Go: A photogenic oddity with spiritual roots and carnival energy.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Summer Solstice 2025: Longest day of the year is today. What it means, rituals, its spiritual significance, and link to Stonehenge
The Northern Hemisphere will mark the summer solstice on Saturday, 21 June — the day with the longest duration of daylight in the year. The solstice signals the beginning of astronomical summer and is observed when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. This moment occurs when the Earth's northern half tilts most directly toward the Sun, causing longer days and shorter nights. What is the summer solstice? The summer solstice is the point in the Earth's orbit when the Sun appears at its highest position in the sky for the Northern Hemisphere. It typically falls between 20 and 22 June each year. The word "solstice" comes from Latin — sol meaning Sun and sistere meaning to stand still — referring to the Sun's apparent pause before reversing direction in the sky. Summer Solstice meaning? The solstice date shifts slightly every year due to the way our calendar aligns with Earth's orbit. A calendar year is 365 days, but Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to complete one orbit around the Sun. The extra time accumulates, and a leap day is added every four years to keep the calendar in sync. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Summer Solstice spiritual meaning Celebration of light and renewal: The summer solstice is often seen as a symbol of light, vitality, and growth. Many traditions consider this the peak of the Sun's power — a time to honour nature's energy and the fullness of life. It is a moment to celebrate abundance and renewal. Inner transformation and reflection: Spiritually, the solstice also marks a turning point. As daylight begins to gradually shorten after this day, it reminds people of life's cycles — growth followed by release. Some use this time to pause, reflect, and set intentions, seeing it as an opportunity for inner clarity and spiritual alignment. Live Events Ancient rituals and connections: Across cultures, the solstice has inspired rituals, gatherings, and ceremonies. From sunrise meditations to bonfires, these practices often aim to connect people with the natural world, the changing seasons, and their own inner journey. Summer Solstice: Ancient Rituals and link to Stonehenge Cultures such as the Druids, Native Americans, and ancient Egyptians held ceremonies during the solstice. Stonehenge in England is aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice. In ancient Egypt, the solstice was connected to the rising of the Nile and the goddess Isis. Inti Raymi, the Sun Festival of the Inca, celebrated the Sun god Inti during the solstice. Summer Solstice: When is sunset? Although the solstice is the longest day, it does not always have the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. The timing of sunrises and sunsets varies slightly due to Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt. Early sunrises tend to happen before the solstice, while the latest sunsets occur after. The summer solstice has long held cultural and scientific significance. For many, it represents a turning point in the calendar — the beginning of summer and a reminder of the relationship between Earth and the Sun. How does it affect daylight? During the solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight for longer hours. The amount of daylight varies depending on how far north a location is. Regions closer to the Arctic Circle may experience continuous daylight — a phenomenon known as the midnight Sun — while places nearer the equator see less variation. Is it the hottest day of the year? Although the summer solstice has the most daylight, it is not usually the hottest day. Peak summer temperatures tend to arrive later in the season, after the land and air have absorbed more heat. The hottest days typically occur in July or August in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. What marks the start of summer? There are two ways to define the start of summer. Meteorologists use fixed dates, beginning summer on 1 June and ending on 31 August. Astronomically, however, summer starts with the solstice and ends with the autumnal equinox in late September. Why does the Earth have seasons? Seasons occur because Earth's axis is tilted by about 23.5 degrees. As Earth orbits the Sun, this tilt causes different parts of the planet to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. Without this tilt, there would be no significant seasonal changes.
