Latest news with #Ooi
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Last call at the PTC track to mark the end of a 161-year legacy
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Turf Club (PTC), Malaysia's oldest horse racing institution, has hosted its final race, marking the end of a 161-year legacy. A large crowd of spectators and punters turned up yesterday at the grandstand located in the 81.75ha site in Batu Gantong. Among them was Penangite Ooi Chee Chong, 43, who stepped into the PTC grounds for the first time on what would be its last official race day. 'I've heard stories from my friends and older colleagues about the races here. They used to come here in the 1960s and '70s, dressed in their Sunday best. It wasn't just about the betting for them; it was a big social outing and people came to see and be seen. 'I never had much interest in horse racing until recently. To be honest, I always thought of the turf club as something from the past, something for older people. 'But when I heard it was closing, I felt a strange sense of urgency as I didn't want to let it disappear without seeing it for myself,' he said. Ooi, who works as a factory purchaser, described the atmosphere as unexpectedly moving. 'Even though it's my first time here, you can feel the emotion in the air. You look around and see old timers saying their goodbyes silently and taking selfies at the grandstand. It hits you because this place means a lot to a lot of people. 'It's a bittersweet moment. There's excitement, but also a sense of loss. It's like closing a chapter of our local heritage. 'Once this land is redeveloped, the entire experience will vanish – the turf, the track, the energy, the stories,' he said. A punter, who wanted to be known only as Cheah, 67, said even if horse racing is revived elsewhere in Penang, it would not be the same. 'This place, with its colonial-era clubhouse and old trees, has a certain soul. You can't recreate that in a new venue. 'I'm glad I came here as it feels like I've touched a part of Penang's past, just before it disappears forever,' he added. Seven races were staged as part of the farewell, including the RM250,000 PTC Farewell Trophy (1,300m race), the RM150,000 PTC Memorial Trophy (1,100m race), and the RM100,000 Jockey Club of Turkey Trophy for the 1,400m race. As the sun sets on PTC, the echoes of cheering crowds and thundering hooves will give way to new developments. PTC president Datuk Ong Eng Khuan said, 'It is with a heavy heart that we had to resort to this measure of ceasing racing operations as we have been incurring losses for many years. 'The club has been struggling with fallen attendance, a drastic drop in racing revenue, lack of participation and interest in horse ownership over the years. 'Horse racing, unfortunately, is no longer attracting the big crowds like it did in the 1950s,' he said in a statement. Ong added that although PTC will cease its racing operations, the entity of Penang Turf Club will remain until its full closure. In June last year, PTC members voted overwhelmingly to dissolve the club and sell its prime land. On April 20 this year, the PTC voted unanimously to close following a Special General Meeting. It confirmed the resolutions passed at the First Special General Meeting on June 10, 2024, to dissolve. The land, adjacent to the upscale Taman Jesselton, is estimated to be worth between RM2bil and RM3bil upon conversion to commercial status. However, the transition from recreational to mixed development use is projected to cost about RM1bil. An initial open tender for the entire property concluded without any qualified bids. The club plans to subdivide the land into smaller parcels to attract a broader range of potential buyers. Civil society groups have raised concerns about the proposed rezoning of the PTC land from a green recreational space to a commercial and mixed development area. They said it could lead to irreversible negative impacts on Penang's environment and infrastructure. Established in 1864, the PTC began its journey on a modest parcel of land, granted free, along Macalister Road (now St George's Girls' School), for the purpose of horse racing. It relocated to its present site in 1939. Die-hard racing fans can look to the Perak Turf Club, established in 1886, and the Selangor Turf Club, founded a decade later in 1896, both of which continue to host regular meets for now.
Leaders
5 days ago
- Science
- Leaders
KAUST, KACST Set New Benchmark in Data Security with Quantum Innovation
A collaborative team of scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in data security. The researchers have developed the world's fastest quantum random number generator (QRNG), according to international performance standards. QRNG In a statement from KAUST, the university announced that their QRNG successfully passed the rigorous randomness tests set by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The device generates random numbers at speeds nearly 1,000 times faster than existing QRNGs. 'This marks a major breakthrough for industries that rely on robust data security,' said Professor Boon Ooi of KAUST, lead author of the study published in Optics Express . Random number generators are essential for secure applications in sectors like healthcare, finance, and defense. However, conventional systems often rely on 'pseudo-random' algorithms — complex but ultimately predictable computations. In contrast, QRNGs use quantum mechanics to generate truly random numbers, making them inherently more secure. 'Unlike traditional systems, quantum random number generators don't just appear random — they are fundamentally unpredictable due to their quantum basis,' explained Professor Ooi. The team's record-setting performance was made possible by innovative advances in both device fabrication and post-processing algorithms. Their QRNG utilizes ultra-small micro-LEDs — only a few micrometers in size — which significantly lower power consumption and enhance portability, enabling broader deployment across various technologies. Dr. Abdullah Almogbel, a contributing researcher from KACST's Microelectronics and Semiconductors Institute and Director of the Center of Excellence for Solid-State Lighting, emphasized the project's alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. KAUST 'KACST is dedicated to advancing applied research that supports national goals, especially in positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in strategic fields like quantum-enabled technologies,' said Almogbel. 'Research like this has the potential to deliver high value across multiple industries and enhance Saudi Arabia's global competitiveness.' National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), an internationally recognized authority in measurement standards, sets the benchmarks used to validate the quality and integrity of random number generators. Related Topics: Higher Education: Saudi Arabia's Emergence as Global Destination Saudi Students Organize Qur'an Competitions in UK Saudi Women in the Workforce: How Does the Kingdom achieve real Empowerment? International Mining Conference to Host Global Geological Survey Leaders in Jan. Short link : Post Views: 8
Vogue Singapore
22-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue Singapore
Filtering mental health advice online, according to a psychologist
These days, a startling phenomenon has been observed: chronically online young adults often find themselves giving more weight to the words of a TikTok influencer than actual advice from a mental health professional. As one of them, it's safe to say that it's not that we don't value real expertise, but rather, it's a natural consequence of living in an echo chamber where buzzwords like 'trauma response' and 'attachment style' are thrown around in casual conversation—which, thus, pressures individuals to parrot complex concepts without fully processing them. And it's not just influencers we turn to for mental health advice. AI tools like ChatGPT have become informal companions during moments of emotional need. With their ability to respond empathetically and offer instant feedback, these tools can feel like accessible stand-ins for professional support, especially during late-night spirals or times when reaching out feels too daunting. However, relying on AI as a substitute for therapy risks oversimplifying complex emotional experiences and may encourage self-diagnosis without the nuance that trained professionals provide. In a world where mental health advice is only a tap away, the thought of turning to a professional can feel like more effort than it's worth. This is why Vogue Singapore has reached out to Dr. Ooi Sze Jin, registered psychologist and founder of A Kind Place, a Singapore-based mental health service. Drawing from her experience, Dr. Ooi offers clear, actionable ways to filter the digital noise, below. Wisdom for free—expertise not included 'Mental health content is everywhere, but credibility isn't,' Dr. Ooi points out. TikTok creators and even AI tools like ChatGPT are often turned to for emotional support, but they are not substitutes for trained professionals. Dr. Ooi outlines several red flags to watch for when consuming mental health advice online: The source—whether a person or an AI—is not a licensed mental health professional. Excessive sharing of personal struggles (A tendency common among influencers, but less so with AI tools.) Advice so generic it could apply to anyone, regardless of their situation. Symptoms of mental disorders, described so broadly that they seem applicable to everyone. 'No algorithm or social media post can fully provide professional guidance and personalised care. It is crucial to approach online advice with curiosity, tempered by caution and critical thinking. Never hesitate to seek out the expertise that can make all the difference,' she continues. The language of healing, distorted The line between genuine emotional responses and everyday discomfort progressively blurs with every mental health term that gets subsumed into everyday speech. On the topic of misused buzzwords, or what's commonly referred to as therapy speak, Dr Ooi elucidates: 'Individuals may internalise labels without proper understanding, causing undue anxiety or misinterpreting their own experiences.' Platforms like TikTok are turning into the WebMD of mental health. A few months ago, I went through a pivotal moment in my early adulthood—a friendship breakup. During that time, someone I once trusted labelled me narcissistic—a charge that echoed far beyond the moment and quietly reshaped my mental health and self-perception. Later, I came across a TikTok titled 'Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder' and realised I exhibited a couple of them. Alarmed, I brought my concerns to my therapist, who offered a reframing that eased my anxiety: the very fact that I was worried about being narcissistic was, paradoxically, evidence that I wasn't. This subtle distinction reveals how misused labels can fracture one's sense of self and heighten distress. @katimorton 3 signs of narcissistic personality disorder #narcissism #narcissistic #narcissisticrelationship ♬ original sound – Kati Morton, LMFT As Dr. Ooi points out, when clinical terms become buzzwords, they risk losing their precise meaning, making it easy for anyone to misapply them to everyday conflicts or insecurities. The consequence? A cycle of self-doubt fueled by fragmented information. When self-understanding becomes self-misunderstanding Dr. Ooi clarifies, 'Many people choose to self-diagnose or label themselves to feel like there's an explanation for what they are going through or that they want to fit in with a certain group.' Phrases like 'Oh, I'm so depressed,' or 'This is giving me PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder),' have slipped into everyday conversation, often stripped of their clinical weight. The language we adopt to explain ourselves often shapes how we experience our emotions. When we prematurely categorise our discomfort as a trauma response or pathologise fleeting feelings as symptoms of a disorder, we risk flattening the complexity of our inner worlds. Not everything needs a label. Just give yourself space to feel and process, without immediately assigning it a clinical term. When therapy terms hurt more than they heal Educating yourself on mental health can be beneficial because it leads to self-awareness, but when you get it wrong, more harm than good will come. When someone says 'you're just projecting' to shut down a conversation with a person explaining their hurt, they misuse mental health terms to deflect emotions or manipulate. Dr. Ooi asserts, 'It is dismissive and invalidating of the other person's feelings.' Dr. Ooi advises, 'Use 'I' statements, and also talk about how you feel. Try to lower your walls before approaching the other person, listen to them, and also validate how they feel. Make sure both parties recognise the conversation isn't to hurt either party and talk about facts and actions, not attack their character.' Ultimately, reclaiming the language of mental health means wielding it with care and authenticity. It's less about perfect terminology and more about creating space for honest connection, where vulnerability is met with empathy, not judgment. The true power of these words lies in their ability to foster understanding, not to divide. In a digital world overflowing with noise, mindful communication might just be the healing we need most.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Man on the run for 12 years charged with nightclub bouncer murder
BUTTERWORTH: A car accessories worker who had been on the run for 12 years was charged in the magistrate's court yesterday with the murder of a nightclub bouncer in 2013. Ooi Chin Leng, 38, nodded in acknowledgement as the charge was read to him in Mandarin before magistrate Aini Adilah Faizal. However, no plea was recorded, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Ooi, along with an accomplice who is still at large, is accused of murdering Fouzi Hussen, 24, at Taman Desa Murni in Sungai Dua at 5.25am on Jan 24, 2013, Buletin Utama reported. The charge against Ooi was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years upon conviction. If not sentenced to death, the offender may also receive a minimum of 12 strokes of the rotan. Deputy public prosecutor Nurameera Shahrul Azrin appeared for the prosecution, while Ooi was not represented. Nurameera requested the court to set a date for Ooi's DNA profiling, citing the long gap between the crime and his recent arrest. Magistrate Aini Adilah set July 23 for mention.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia emerging as attractive diversification market for global investors
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is steadily gaining traction as an attractive diversification market for global investors seeking opportunities beyond traditional hubs, with Japan, South Korea, and Australia continuing to lead capital flows into the Asia-Pacific region. Knight Frank Malaysia group managing director Keith Ooi said there are early indicators of renewed cross-border investor interest, particularly among those re-evaluating the long-term potential of Southeast Asia. "Malaysia offers improving fundamentals, an evolving real estate investment trust (REIT) market, and increasingly transparent regulations. While investor caution remains, the region's overall momentum offers reasons for optimism," he said. Knight Frank's latest Asia-Pacific Capital Markets Insights report revealed that cross-border investment in the region's commercial real estate sector surged to US$9.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), more than doubling year on year. Although Malaysia was not among the top cross-border capital destinations this quarter, Ooi noted a steady increase in investor enquiries—especially targeting Kuala Lumpur, Penang's industrial corridors, and Johor's logistics and residential markets. He said Malaysia's strengths lie in its strong logistics and manufacturing foundation, affordability, and strategic regional location. However, challenges such as currency volatility, evolving regulatory environments, and sector-specific oversupply—particularly in retail and residential—still warrant careful navigation. Knight Frank expects investment momentum to pick up in the second half of 2025, contingent upon economic stability and clearer government policy direction. With US$5.6 billion in deals already captured at the onset of Q2 2025, the market shows promising signs of growth, the firm said. Shifting investment landscape across Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific's total transaction volume remained resilient at US$33.4 billion in Q1 2025, registering a marginal 0.8 per cent dip compared to the same period last year. However, it marked a 17.1 per cent decline from the strong deal flow seen in Q4 2024. The reduced investment volume in Q1 2025 comes as a contrast to the elevated investment activity witnessed in Q4 2024, where interest rate cuts had prompted investors, who had been cautiously awaiting opportunities, to actively deploy their capital. This surge in investment activity created a high baseline that was difficult to match, leading to the comparatively weaker performance observed in Q1 2025. Despite this, investment momentum persisted, driven by several substantial transactions materialising during the quarter Cross-border capital remains active, accounting for 28.4 per cent of all real estate transactions—the highest proportion since Q3 2023. Knight Frank anticipates stronger activity in the second half of 2025, contingent on stable economic conditions and clearer government policy signals. James Buckley, executive director of Capital Markets – Investments at Knight Frank Malaysia, observed that international investors, previously focused on core markets, are cautiously shifting their gaze towards Malaysia. "We are seeing exploratory interest that could translate into transactions if key policy and macroeconomic indicators stabilise," he said. Buckley believes that these early signs of interest could translate into deal activity, provided Malaysia maintains macroeconomic stability and delivers clearer policy guidance. Regional strength bolstered by resilient office and industrial sectors Craig Shute, the chief executive officer of Asia-Pacific, Knight Frank, said that despite a volatile global backdrop, the region's real estate market showed encouraging performance in early 2025. "Stabilising asset prices and the clear signal that interest rates have peaked encourage investors to support renewed capital deployment. As investors gravitate toward office, industrial, and retail assets that offer resilient income and long-term growth potential, improved financing conditions and clearer valuation floors are helping to restore confidence across key markets," he said. Shute noted that improved financing conditions and clearer asset valuations are helping to restore investor confidence across key markets such as Japan, Australia, and South Korea. By early Q2 2025, the region had already logged US$5.6 billion in deals, pointing to a positive growth trajectory. However, Shute also flagged caution, citing uncertainty surrounding tariffs. "While we anticipate this positive momentum to gather pace, the on-again, off-again tariffs are muddying the outlook for further recovery in the investment landscape. Should tariffs lead to a sustained increase in inflation, the Fed would likely raise interest rates, exerting upward pressure on long-term interest rates and cap rates, potentially dampening capital markets activity globally. "If implemented in full force, the industrial and retail sectors are likely to bear the brunt, with decreasing consumer spending and shifting goods movement directly influencing demand," Shute said. Tariffs could disrupt industrial and retail recovery Christine Li, head of research, Asia-Pacific, Knight Frank, said, should tariffs take full effect, sectors like industrial and retail may bear the brunt. Reduced consumer spending and shifting trade flows would directly impact demand in these segments, she said. Despite these headwinds, Li highlighted the continued strength of the office sector across the region, which demonstrates notable stability, protected by a unique combination of structural advantages and positive market cycles. Cities in Japan and Australia are seeing high occupancy rates and stable rental growth, underpinned by structural advantages and favourable local cycles, she said. "While we anticipate this positive momentum to gather pace, the on-again, off-again tariffs are muddying the outlook for further recovery in the investment landscape." Knight Frank concluded that, while global uncertainties persist, investor confidence across Asia-Pacific real estate markets remains firm—bolstered by selective opportunities, policy shifts, and a growing appetite for diversification into emerging markets like Malaysia.
