Latest news with #JamesChai
Malaysiakini
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Changing demography a challenge and lifeline for SJKCs
The changing student demography at Chinese national-type schools (SJKCs) in Malaysia is a lifeline for such institutions as student enrolments dwindle, but this also poses existential questions for the Chinese community in the country. This is according to a paper by Singapore-based Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute published on Tuesday, where the think tank's visiting fellow James Chai presented findings based on a survey and data compiled from multiple sources. The paper argued that while the student population in SJKCs are shrinking...
Malaysiakini
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Changing demography a challenge and lifeline for SJKCs
The changing student demography at Chinese national-type schools (SJKCs) in Malaysia is a lifeline for such institutions as student enrolments dwindle, but this also poses existential questions for the Chinese community in the country. This is according to a paper by Singapore-based Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute published on Tuesday, where the think tank's visiting fellow James Chai presented findings based on a survey and data compiled from multiple sources. The paper argued that while the student population in SJKCs are shrinking...
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
More Malay parents choose Chinese schools for academic edge, survey finds
The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute survey found that academic reputation outweighed language, proximity, and school facilities among Malay parents. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A growing number of Malay parents are enrolling their children in vernacular Chinese primary schools (SJKCs) due to the schools' strong academic reputation, according to a recent study by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Based on a targeted in-app survey involving 929 respondents, primarily from middle-class Malay families, the study found that 69% of respondents cited academic performance as their top reason for choosing SJKCs. James Chai. 'Parents ranked 'academic reputation' as the most important factor when choosing a school for their children, whereas the least important factor was the language of instruction,' said political analyst and visiting fellow James Chai, who authored the report. 'Location and discipline factored more importantly than school facilities,' he said. Chai added that even when SJKCs offered only basic amenities, two-thirds of parents still preferred them over national schools. 'This preference likely indicates a declining perception of academic quality in national schools among Malay parents.' The study also found that many parents would choose a national school if it had a better academic reputation than an SJKC, 'even though the latter may have better discipline, facilities, and is closer to home' . This shift in preference among Malay parents, Chai said, reflected the rising enrolment of non-Chinese students in SJKCs, which reportedly jumped from just 3%-6% in the 1990s to nearly 20% by 2020. In February, it was reported that a Chinese school in Arau, Perlis, raised eyebrows with an 'all non-Chinese' pupil enrolment for Year One this year. He said as Chinese pupil numbers continued to decline, partly due to demographic changes and the growth of private international schools, many SJKCs were adapting to remain relevant. These adjustments included offering halal food, Islamic religious classes and bilingual communication to cater to their more diverse student base, Chai said. With more Malays attending SJKCs, Chai said calls to abolish vernacular schools might lose momentum, with the strong academic reputation of SJKCs acting as a buffer against criticism. 'However, this will bring us to a larger existential question for the Chinese community. This concerns whether preserving vernacular schools at the expense of their core cultural mission represents a genuine victory or a hidden loss,' he concluded. The full ISEAS report, titled 'The Malay Turn to Vernacular Chinese Schools in Malaysia: Causes and Consequences', was published today.
Malaysiakini
06-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Malaysia and Arm host industry briefing to accelerate IC design capabilities
PUCHONG, 6 May 2025 — The Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, in collaboration with Arm, today hosted an Industry Briefing and Engagement Session aimed at advancing Malaysia's ambitions in front-end semiconductor design and innovation. Held at Four Points by Sheraton, the event brought together policymakers, global industry leaders, and local semiconductor stakeholders for a day of strategic discussions, knowledge sharing, and ecosystem-building. The landmark partnership between Malaysia and Arm, announced in March 2025, is a key pillar of Malaysia's broader strategy to transition from traditional manufacturing towards an IP-driven innovation economy. Anchored by initiatives such as the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, the collaboration seeks to catalyze talent development, stimulate high-value research and development, and position Malaysia as a globally competitive hub for next-generation technologies. The event was officiated with opening remarks by Mr. Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), followed by special remarks from Mr Alex Lee, Strategic Business Development Director ARM. Participants gained valuable insights into the government's initiatives for the semiconductor industry through a session led by James Chai, Special Officer (Policy) representing the Ministry of Economy Malaysia. The session highlighted the government's commitment to supporting local design firms and elevating Malaysia's position within the global semiconductor value chain. Additionally, this session also outlined the application process and qualifying criteria for companies to participate in this high-impact initiative, ensuring industry players are well-informed on how to engage with and benefit from the program. James Chai, Special Officer (Policy) representing the Ministry of Economy Malaysia A key highlight of the session was a session of Arm's Flexible Access (AFA) program and Compute Subsystem (CSS) solutions, showcasing how Malaysian IC design companies can leverage Arm's cutting-edge intellectual property, including high-performing Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and advanced system interconnects. Arm's emphasis on common software standards and customizable hardware architectures offers Malaysian companies a trusted platform to innovate and differentiate in a rapidly evolving global semiconductor landscape. This engagement forms part of Malaysia's national strategy under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, which identifies the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) sector as a critical engine of future economic growth. By focusing on research, development, and system-on-chip (SoC) design, Malaysia aims to move up the value chain and retain a greater share of value creation within its borders. "The Malaysia–Arm partnership is a catalyst for developing a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem where local innovators can thrive," said Mr. Yong Kai Ping. "Through access to world-class technology platforms and global best practices, we are empowering Malaysian companies to take ownership of their future in the global semiconductor industry." The session concluded with Arm engaging in discussions with several Malaysian IC design companies to explore collaboration opportunities, further reinforcing the Government's commitment to accelerating industry transformation and building a resilient, future-ready semiconductor sector. This content is provided by SIDEC The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
