Latest news with #LowBoonTat
The Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
BAM boss Zafrul solves first issue - powerbank poser at Malaysian Masters!
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz —Low Boon Tat / The Star PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Masters got off to a slightly bumpy start at the Axiata Arena on Tuesday (May 20) following confusion over the entry of powerbanks into the venue. Several badminton fans voiced their frustration after their powerbanks were confiscated at security checkpoints as they made their way in to watch the morning's qualifying matches. The mix-up caused concern, especially with the day's schedule expected to run into the night, with several high-profile matches only set to begin from 4pm. To address the issue, newly appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stepped in to provide clarification. 'There shouldn't be any issue bringing in powerbanks. I was informed that there was a misunderstanding at the initial screening stage, but everything has since been clarified. You should be able to bring powerbanks in without any problems now. Enjoy the games!' said Zafrul in a post on social media. Following that, fans were also allowed to retrieve their powerbanks that had earlier been held at the entrance counters.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
UM: Cost not the only reason to pick public varsities
Come one, come all: Fairgoers speaking to a UM representative during the Star Education Fair at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre in Putrajaya. (Inset) Prof Noor Azuan. — Low Boon Tat and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Amid Malaysia's wide array of tertiary options, public universities stand out for their adaptability, accessibility, affordability and industry-relevant education, says Universiti Malaya (UM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. 'Currently, we have about 1.1 to 1.2 million local students in Malaysia, with 600,000 to 650,000 attending 20 public universities. 'Another 350,000 students are studying at some 309 private universities,' he said at the Star Education Fair 2025 at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. He stressed that this trend is not due to a lack of quality in private institutions, which he praised for their excellence, but rather because public universities offer a balanced combination of affordability, relevance and modern infrastructure. He explained that public universities, including UM, are transforming to meet the expectations of a new generation of students. 'The new generation aren't like my generation. They need things fast, beautiful and simplified,' he said, adding that this has pushed public universities to modernise campuses with strong Wi-Fi access and futuristic classrooms. Beyond facilities, Prof Noor Azuan highlighted UM's three-pronged philosophy: community engagement, industry integration and international exposure. He said these integrated strengths make public universities a powerful choice – beyond just affordability. 'Three or four weeks out of the 14-week semester must be taught by an industry professional. 'These weeks are all about sharing their knowledge, experience, expertise and incorporating it into the course content,' he said, adding that students need real-world exposure to understand what is happening beyond the classroom. He also said UM and other public universities ensure their academic programmes – whether in engineering, social sciences or medicine – meet international accreditation standards. 'This means that when our students finish their studies, they can easily work not only in Malaysia but all over the world without question,' he said, adding that a university's core purpose is to create and share knowledge – knowledge that should benefit not only the country but also have global relevance and impact.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Improved rankings show country's commitment to journalistic reform, freedom, says union chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The improved standing of Malaysia in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is a testament to the country's commitment to media reforms and journalistic freedom, said National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) president Low Boon Tat. "Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, a day to honour the courage of journalists who speak truth to power. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a transparent society. "Congratulations to Malaysia for now ranking 88th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. This shows there is still room for improvement to ensure our media remains free and upholds integrity. "We stand with journalists and photojournalists not just today, but every day in pursuit of truth, justice and freedom of expression," he said. Malaysia rose 19 places to 88th in the latest index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a score of 56.09 — up from 52.07 last year when it ranked 107th. NUJ-NSTP branch chairman Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said the formation of the Malaysian Media Council had been instrumental in this progress. "This improvement is encouraging and shows that we are heading in the right direction. The formation of the Malaysian Media Council has contributed to this positive development," she said. However, she stressed that sustained improvement would require legislative reform. "There is still room for improvement, especially in reviewing legislation such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act. If we maintain this pace and reduce government interference, we can move toward greater press independence," she added. Malaysia now ranks second among Asean countries in the index, behind Thailand at 85th. Other regional rankings include Brunei (97th), the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th), and Vietnam (173rd). The index assesses 180 countries and territories across five key indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of journalists.
The Star
29-04-2025
- The Star
Cops seize over 2.1 tonnes of drugs from Latin America worth RM82mil
Photo: Low Boon Tat / The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Police have seized over 2.1 tonnes of drugs believed to be from Latin America here. Bukit Aman narcotics crime investigation department (NCID) acting director Deputy Comm Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali said the drugs were seized on April 24 and 25. Three local men, aged 27 and 39 were arrested during the first raid on a house in Taman Nadayu, Kajang. "They were caught packing drugs," he said. An inspection led to the discovery of 830 packages and 56 sacks of what is believed to be syabu. Follow-up raids were conducted the following day in Cheras Perdana, with more drugs seized. In total, 2.165 tonnes worth RM82.14mil were seized. Investigations showed that the drugs were intended for both local and international markets. "It is believed the drugs came in via Port Klang and hidden in sacks declared as plastic shards," he said. Notably, he said, the drugs did not come from the so-called "golden triangle" in South-East Asia but from Latin America instead. He added that police were cooperating with international partners on the matter, including the United States' Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
