Latest news with #MFA
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
YelaoShr's franchise leap marks new chapter in Malaysia's early childhood education
MALAYSIA'S education sector reached a meaningful turning point today as YelaoShr marked its transition into a licensed franchise brand through the onboarding of 66 new franchisees from across the country. This significant development reflects the company's evolution from a homegrown early childhood education provider into a structured, scalable business model that empowers wider participation in early childhood education in Malaysia. Officiated by the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan, the ceremony highlighted YelaoShr's readiness to grow through a nationwide franchise network. With its framework now aligned under Malaysian franchise law, the brand is opening new pathways for aspiring edupreneurs to deliver high-quality, child-focused learning within their own communities. This expansion effort is supported by a dynamic group of franchise partners comprising educators, parents, and first-time entrepreneurs, each committed to making personalised education more accessible. Their involvement not only signals strong market confidence in YelaoShr's model but also lays the groundwork for sustainable grassroots growth driven by local ownership and standardised support. Driving this next chapter are four core entities that anchor YelaoShr's ecosystem. YelaoShr Education Group Sdn Bhd delivers language and communication programmes recognised by the Education Ministry; YelaoShr Education Academy Sdn Bhd leads teacher training and TVET initiatives; Sribhagawan Innovation Group Sdn Bhd develops proprietary education technologies; and ClassOne Elearning Education Sdn Bhd enables scalable, cross-border digital learning. Together, these entities support YelaoShr's ambition to operate 300 learning centres nationwide by 2028 while setting its sight on regional expansion to countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. Central to this growth strategy is the franchise model itself, a platform that blends educational purpose with entrepreneurial opportunity, enabling communities to take ownership of meaningful, high-quality learning experiences. 'Franchising, when done right, can unlock social impact at scale. When we franchise a good idea, we multiply its benefits, not just in profits, but in reach, accessibility, and opportunity,' remarked Radzali. 'And that is exactly what YelaoShr is doing today,' he added. To commemorate the occasion, the EdTech outfit unveiled Finnish Education is What Malaysian Children Need the Most, a book that draws on the strengths of Finland's renowned education model and Malaysia's Madani Education Framework 2025–2035 to present a unified vision for child-centric learning. It captures the essence of YelaoShr's approach, an ecosystem where educators, students, and families co-create learning environments that balance structure with imagination, and academic rigour with emotional intelligence. 'We're building an ecosystem where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive regardless of where they come from,' expressed co-founder Carol Yap Yee Yee. Meanwhile, co-founder and chief executive officer, David Yap Wing Fai, said in his speech, that franchising is not just a business model, but a mission of empowerment. 'Our goal is to make it easier for more Malaysians, especially women, educators, and young professionals, to own and operate education centres with a proven system, with real support, and with meaningful impact. "As YelaoShr embarks on nationwide expansion, we want to grow to 300 centres across Malaysia by 2028; not just for numbers, but to see 300 success stories of transformation.' To ensure a strong talent pipeline supports this growth, YelaoShr signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HELP University. The collaboration allows HELP students to undergo internships at YelaoShr centres and offers high-performing graduates a transition pathway into the brand's franchise development programme complete with mentorship, training, and startup support. The partnership also includes annual sponsored awards to help outstanding graduates launch their own YelaoShr centres, reflecting the group's commitment to nurturing future edupreneurs from the ground up. Founded by David and Carol, YelaoShr has grown from a modest home-based language enrichment programme into a national education platform with over 60 centres across Malaysia. Anchored in principles of equitable access, sustainability, and innovation, the company's evolution has been driven by a clear mission: to bridge learning gaps, nurture potential, and create pathways for students regardless of their background. With its initiatives aligned to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, YelaoShr has also embedded gender equality and inclusive education as core pillars of its work. The ceremony concluded with a proud moment for the brand, as YelaoShr was honoured with two recognitions from the Asean Records. The accolades acknowledged the company's achievement in producing the highest number of graduates from Malaysia's first trilingual one-on-one formative age personalised learning programme, as well as for sealing the most franchise memoranda of agreement in a single day by a Malaysian personalised education brand recognised by HundrED for global scalability. To learn more visit To know about franchise opportunities with YelaoShr, log on to
Focus Malaysia
5 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Singapore urges calm as border tensions rise between Cambodia, Thailand
IN LIGHT of recent clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, Singapore has urged both nations to exercise restraint and resolve the situation through diplomatic means, stressing the importance of civilian safety. A spokesperson from Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed the nation's concern over the incident, calling on both governments to halt further hostilities. So far, there have been no reports of any Singaporeans harmed in the border skirmish. However, the MFA has advised citizens to postpone non-essential travel to affected border regions. In a statement, the ministry encouraged Singaporeans currently in Cambodia or Thailand to remain alert, follow local news updates, and comply with instructions from local authorities to safeguard their wellbeing. The armed exchange, which took place early Thursday, occurred in a contested border zone. Both Cambodian and Thai military forces have accused each other of initiating the confrontation. Tensions between the two countries have been steadily intensifying since a deadly incident near Preah Vihear on 28 May, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. —July 25, 2025 Main image: Al Jazeera
AsiaOne
5 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Singapore urges 'restraint' in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute; calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Singapore News
Singapore has urged both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint and cease hostilities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Thursday (July 24). "Singapore is deeply concerned by the clashes… We call on them to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means and ensure the safety of all civilians," an MFA spokesperson said. Thailand and Cambodia have been in conflict for decades over jurisdiction of multiple points along their 817km border, specifically regarding the ownership of ancient temples Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear, Reuters reported on Friday. Both sides have blamed each other for starting the most recent clash on Thursday, which has escalated from gunfire to heavy shelling. Thailand has since bombed targets in Cambodia using an F-16 fighter jet following artillery volleys that have killed at least 11 civilians, according to Reuters. As at Friday morning, there are no reports of Singaporeans injured from the border clashes, the MFA spokesperson stated. "Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to the border regions," the spokesperson added. "Singaporeans in Cambodia and Thailand are advised to monitor the news closely, heed the local government's advice and remain vigilant for personal safety." The ministry also advised Singaporeans travelling to Cambodia or Thailand to e-register with MFA if they have not already done so. Those in need of consular assistance should contact respective Singapore embassies in Phnom Penh or Bangkok. [[nid:720588]] 'Unconscionable' suffering in Gaza MFA also released a statement on the conflict in Gaza on Thursday, calling for an immediate ceasefire. "The prolonged suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza arising from the excessive Israeli military reaction to the terror attacks of Hamas since Oct 7, 2023 is unconscionable," an MFA spokesperson said. "Israel must comply with its international humanitarian obligations." The spokesperson also explained that the denial of humanitarian aid has caused mass starvation and a lack of medical services. Additionally, reports of people being shot while trying to access food are "shocking", the spokesperson said. "This is a violation of international humanitarian law. The Israeli government must immediately lift all restrictions on the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance." The ministry also called for the resumption of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East as mandated by the UN. "All civilians must be protected, especially those accessing humanitarian supplies," the MFA spokesperson asserted. "Permanent forced displacement is a further violation of international humanitarian law. "Hamas must release all the remaining hostages — immediately and unconditionally." MFA also stressed that a negotiated two-state solution is the "only viable path" for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace. "The current trajectory of events will only make this eventual goal even more difficult to achieve, and condemn both Israelis and Palestinians to an endless cycle of mutual hatred and violence." [[nid:720593]] khooyihang@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71; S'poreans urged to defer travel to Thailand-Cambodia border: Singapore live news
Hulk Hogan, the icon of professional wrestling who turned the sport into a massive business and stretched his influence into TV, pop culture and conservative politics, has died. He passed on Thursday (24 July) in Florida in the US at age 71. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital less than 90 minutes after medics in Clearwater arrived at his home to answer a morning call about a cardiac arrest, police reportedly said in an AP report. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has urged Singaporeans to defer all travel to the Thailand-Cambodia border regions. MFA added that there are no reports of Singaporeans injured arising from the border clashes. Singapore urged all parties to exercise restraint and to de-escalate tensions. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates:
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Singapore calls on Cambodia, Thailand to de-escalate tensions
SINGAPORE: Singapore has called on Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means and ensure the safety of all civilians following latest clashes on Thursday. "Singapore is deeply concerned by the clashes and calls on both countries to exercise restraint and cease hostilities," the Foreign Ministry (MFA) spokesperson said in response to media queries late Thursday. MFA said there are no reports of Singaporeans injured arising from the incident and advised them to defer all travel to the border regions. "Singaporeans in Cambodia and Thailand are advised to monitor the news closely, heed the local government's advice and remain vigilant for personal safety," the statement added. Thai and Cambodian troops reportedly clashed early Thursday in a disputed area along their shared border, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours have been rising since May 28, following a deadly border clash near the Preah Vihear area that left one Cambodian soldier dead. – BERNAMA
