Latest news with #Phoon
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 8TV's Project Love Fund channels nearly RM200k to 24 underprivileged Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Chua Xiu Yi, 11, is finally able to jump for joy. Her treatment for the rare genetic disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, which affects only 1 in 15,000 people globally, is now under control. Her mother, Phoon Suet Chen, 49, explained that Xiu Yi, the youngest of her three children, was diagnosed with the illness at the age of two and required growth hormone treatment. "She used to be a very weak baby, and as she grew bigger, she began to feel hungry very often," said Phoon, whose family hails from Klang. Specialists at the University Malaya Medical Centre treated Xiu Yi two years ago, leading to a "considerable improvement" in her condition. "Xiu Yi also suffered from heart and lung problems as a result of her disorder," Phoon added. "The medicine gradually worked for her, and today she keeps herself focused and fit with Zumba lessons, which she absolutely loves." Meanwhile, Nor Alia Abdullah, 39, who assists her husband in selling cotton candy in the city, has been patiently caring for her four children, all born with heart disease. Her children — Adam Ali, 12, Salwa Ali, 9, Alia Damia, 6, and Husna, 2 — are now on the mend, having received the best medical care for their conditions. "Adam even underwent surgery at Gleneagles Hospital last year; he's a lot fitter and more energetic today," said Nor Alia, whose husband also suffers from cataracts. "Salwa will have surgery next month, and I'm optimistic it will do her good." Xiu Yi and Nor Alia's children are among 24 families who have benefited from the second season of 8TV Jasmine Project Love Season 2, which recently concluded its heartwarming journey. This initiative brings together Malaysians in need of medical help with various charitable organisations. It highlights the plight of the less fortunate, and its weekly human interest stories have moved viewers nationwide since last year. Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios Chief Executive Officer, Nini Yusof, said that Jasmine Project Love Season 2 had once again highlighted the incredible strength of community support. She noted that the 8TV Project Love Fund, an initiative under the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund, successfully garnered nearly RM200,000 in public donations, which went directly to aid the 24 families in need. "This provided much-needed relief to many families featured in the programme, with each beneficiary receiving RM8,000 for a total disbursement of RM192,000," Nini announced at a special luncheon held today at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Bangsar By IHG, marking the conclusion of the programme's second season. Nini further commented, "This popular documentary continues to connect with a broad audience, including younger Malaysians, underscoring the timeless power of storytelling across generations. As in the first season, our action-oriented co-hosts once again journeyed across the country to reveal deeply human stories reflecting the complexities of everyday life." She mentioned that the co-hosts — Owen Yap, Chan Wei Wei, Desmond Tey, Tan Chia Yong, Ong Ching Yee, Jan Chin, Soh Chin Chuan, and Charlotte Seow — expanded the programme's reach beyond the Klang Valley, visiting communities in Negri Sembilan, Perak, and Melaka. "From children battling rare diseases to families facing hardships, the programme highlighted real stories, inspiring empathy and support amongst viewers," she said. The luncheon was also attended by Media Prima Berhad Group Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid; Media Prima Berhad Group Managing Director, Rafiq Razali; Media Prima Berhad Group Chief Financial Officer, Rosli Sabarudin; and Big Tree and Media Prima Omnia Chief Operating Officer, Agency Solutions, Stephanie Wong. Other distinguished guests included Media Prima Television Networks Director, Sales Partnership, Crystal Lee; 8TV Film and Content Distribution Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Foo; Jasmine Food Chief Financial Officer, Alan Kwong; and Kawan Food Senior Marketing Manager, Aster Tan. Syed Hussian presented certificates to several charitable organisations that played a vital role in supporting the programme's outreach. These included the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia, Cleft Lips and Palate Association of Malaysia, Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia, Beacon Life Training Centre, National Stroke Association of Malaysia, Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Malaysia, Kelab Kebun Komuniti Anak Istimewa P3KU, Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia, Persatuan Penyakit Motor Neuron Malaysia, and Persatuan Amal Indah. "We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response to 8TV Jasmine Project Love," Nini said. "This programme not only shares heartfelt and inspiring stories but also fosters empathy and awareness amongst viewers about the real challenges faced by families in need. "Our sincere thanks go to Jasmine Food as the main sponsor and Kawan Food as co-sponsor for believing in our mission. "We hope this programme will continue to spark greater support and compassion within our community." Kwong concluded, "We are honoured to continue this meaningful collaboration with 8TV, which witnesses the positive impact on so many families. When businesses, organisations, and communities work together, we can achieve greater impact in the long term."
The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Reimagining the farm with youth
WITH agrotourism gaining momentum both globally and in Malaysia, now is the time to invest in strategic initiatives that enhance the country's competitiveness in this growing sector. Encouraging active youth participation, stakeholders say, should be high on the list of priorities, as it will not only ensure long-term sustainability, but also contribute to national food security. Phoon Farm in the City chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Allan Phoon said the younger generation can help the industry stay relevant by bringing fresh perspectives and ideas, and tapping into emerging trends that appeal to both current and future generations. 'With their skills and knowledge – especially in digital tools and technology – they can help modernise agrotourism, adopt more eco-friendly practices, and promote our local culture and heritage,' he told StarEdu. He added that youth stand to gain from the bright prospects of Malaysia's agrotourism sector, crediting it to the country's diverse cultures and communities, along with its rich tropical rainforests and island destinations. In its latest report, global management consulting firm Imarc Group stated that the global agrotourism market reached US$73.2bil (RM311.3bil) in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%, reaching US$205.6bil (RM874.3bil) by 2033. According to the report, agrotourism refers to a form of tourism that involves visiting agricultural areas to experience farming and enjoy a rural environment. It includes fruit picking, cow milking, vegetable harvesting, livestock rearing, horticulture, crop cultivation, farm tours, agricultural workshops, and demonstrations. The stakeholders' call to emphasise agrotourism also comes as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. As reported in the media, Malaysia is aiming to attract 45 million visitors and generate RM270bil in tourism revenue by next year. To foster young agrotourism entrepreneurs, Phoon – who is also the West Pahang Eco-Tourism and Leisure Farm Association president – recommended initiatives such as mentorship programmes, access to grants, funding or low-interest loans, and partnerships between universities and existing agrotourism businesses. 'Spreading awareness through education is key, where the younger generation is taught from an early age the benefits of farming, how agrotourism can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling career, and its vital role in food security. 'As for higher education, strengthening training programmes that focus on agriculture, tourism, and business management skills would help equip graduates to embark on this journey,' he said. Phoon shared that Farm in the City, an agrotourism provider in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, which offers a farm, petting zoo and cultural experiences, has supported initiatives that encourage youth participation – along with its sister company The Bentong Farm in Pahang, 'We offer internships and accept about 40 to 50 tertiary students every year from courses such as agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary care, biodiversity, landscaping and forestry. Many of them transition to full-time positions after graduation. We offer part-time work and volunteer programmes too. 'We also conduct programmes for children, such as our 'Junior Farm Rangers', 'Farm Ranger Experience' and career talks, to educate them about the environment, plant and animal responsibility, give them the experience of being a zookeeper for a day, and introduce them to potential careers in the industry,' he said. Lending expertise, funding Citing long-held perceptions that agriculture is dirty, dangerous and difficult work, Agrobank president and CEO Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said efforts must be made to promote agriculture – and by extension, agrotourism – as a viable career path for youth. 'We need more youth to participate in the agriculture business. With digitalisation and the Internet of Things (IoT), agriculture is becoming a tech-driven industry. 'Youth are more tech-savvy than the generations before them. They can adopt technologies and increase production,' he said. Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah added that Agrobank, through its Young Graduate Agropreneur Development Programme, has partnered with schools and universities to offer hands-on learning experiences such as farm visits, lab work, direct crop sales to the market, and business workshops. 'By giving students a 'combo' taste of what working in agriculture is like, it will not only spark their interest in the field, but also serve as a starting point for them to launch their businesses,' he said. He also said the Agrobank Centre of Excellence plays a vital role in moulding young talent into sustainable agropreneurs through a series of workshops, training sessions and group coaching focusing on entrepreneurship. 'These cover modules such as mindset transformation, business model canvas, basic financial management and digital marketing,' he shared. Noting the financial challenges young Malaysians face in entering the agrotourism sector, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said Agrobank – a Malaysian government-owned bank focused on agriculture – offers tailored financial schemes to support them. 'For example, our Program Agropreneur Muda offers financing of up to RM300,000 at a profit rate of 5.50% per annum with a tenure of seven years, to encourage and sustain youth participation,' he said. He added that the bank also offers microfinancing of up to RM500,000 for aspiring agrotourism entrepreneurs, which can be used to boost working capital and support capital investments in their businesses. 'We also provide small and medium enterprise financing at preferential rates. We usually charge a profit rate of 3% to 3.5% with a longer tenure of about eight to 10 years. 'Additionally, we support women empowerment through special financing schemes. These are offered at attractive rates, enabling women to promote their agrotourism businesses,' he said. Mohamad Zabawi Also addressing funding challenges, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said the government body helps young Malaysians enter agrotourism through the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's Agrotourism Grant. 'This grant offers up to RM200,000 in financial support to those who qualify. 'Young agropreneurs can also consider applying for financial aid from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, which provides support of up to RM250,000,' he said. He added that Mardi also offers expert assistance through its Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Development Centre and its Agropreneur and Market Development Centre, providing advice, guidance and support to help individuals start and grow successful agrotourism businesses. 'Mardi's training programmes focus on skills such as farm management, hospitality, marketing, and sustainable tourism practices. 'We also conduct workshops and certifications for young people in areas such as sustainable agriculture, ecotourism and customer service. This ensures the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to meet global tourism standards. 'Furthermore, we are involved in programmes like internships and mentorships, where young entrepreneurs are paired with researchers and agropreneur leaders to gain hands-on experience and guidance,' he said. More support needed Despite these efforts, the stakeholders say more government intervention is needed. Phoon said government support is essential in providing grants, financial assistance, and opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration. 'Streamlining regulations and standards would encourage the development and improvement of the industry, making it more accessible to startups. Providing incentives for sustainable practices – such as tax breaks or subsidies for similar projects – would also help. 'The government could further support agrotourism by promoting it through campaigns and forming collaborative partnerships with the tourism board to drive public interest,' he said. He also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between the government and industry players. Agreeing, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said successful strategies require collaboration. 'Infrastructure support is best provided by the government. Many agrotourism providers struggle with capital to develop proper infrastructure such as access roads and drainage systems, which are capital-intensive. 'They should work with local authorities; even a small grant from the government could help develop their agrotourism sites. 'We recommend the continuation and expansion of government-backed financial incentives, grants and tax breaks, specifically tailored for youth-led agrotourism ventures,' he said. He added that more comprehensive training programmes should be developed to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills required in agriculture, tourism management and digital marketing. 'Agrobank can partner with educational institutions to create specialised courses and workshops for youth in the agrotourism sector,' he said. Getting Gen Z on board Fiona My uncle is a farmer. Spending time on his farm taught me to value food and the people behind its production. Agrotourism is meaningful not only as income, but also as a way to reconnect with our roots. Creating immersive experiences like farm stays or community activities could attract more youth. Programmes that offer competitive wages, certifications or skills – like organic farming or ecotourism – could make these jobs appealing. Additionally, highlighting agrotourism's role in sustainability and food security would resonate with eco-conscious youth. -Fiona Flonika Joshman, 22 Navena The main issue discouraging youth from working in agriculture is the perception that it is low-status, low-paid and old-fashioned. By highlighting its role in food security and climate change, and investing in infrastructure, we could begin to break these barriers. Government- or NGO-backed programmes that offer certifications could also attract more youth. -Navena Viswam, 17 Li Zhen Agrotourism jobs are not widely known in cities. I would have considered them if such opportunities were closer to home. Youth are likely to be drawn to the CV-building benefits, hands-on experience and skill development that agrotourism offers. Partnerships with nonprofits, youth-led groups or schools could increase outreach. Youth today are motivated by purpose, so showcasing the societal impact of these programmes could boost participation. -Ong Li Zhen, 21 Daniel Compensation plays a crucial role in attracting creative talent to expand this sector. The government and industry players must provide better financial support, like subsidies for farmers and young talent in agrotourism. Promoting Malaysian products on both domestic and international platforms can also highlight the industry's appeal. With the right incentives, more youth will be encouraged to contribute to agrotourism. -Daniel Fadzlan Abdullah, 22 Isabel It's not enough to say, 'Come, farm.' Many see it as hard labour. To spark interest, schools could introduce farm visits and farm-to-table activities. These early exposures can ignite curiosity. Also, blend farming with what youth already love – host content creation camps on local farms, teach sustainable recipes, or run pop-up cafes using local produce. Offer more affordable 'day trips' and collaborate with local councils to promote farms as youth-friendly destinations or community hubs. Finally, integrate innovation. Youth love tech, so bring in smart farming, agritech tools, and sustainability challenges to make farming feel futuristic and fun. If we want youth to care about agrotourism, we need to show them its real opportunities, starting by presenting it as a platform for innovation and impact. -Isabel Lim, 14
The Star
19-05-2025
- The Star
Credit card application turns into a nightmare
Mysterious threats: Phoon (left) and Mok showing the police report lodged and a printout of messages from the scammer. JOHOR BARU: A simple credit card application turned Phoon Kin Fai's life upside down after his personal details fell into the wrong hands. The 41-year-old cook said he submitted his credit card application through a mobile app on May 8 and was later contacted by someone claiming to be a representative from the company. 'A person who claimed to be from the company sent me a message the next day, asking for my personal details, including my bank account number. 'Convinced that he was legitimately from the company, I provided the details thinking it was part of the process. 'It did not cross my mind that it could be a scam as it seemed too much of a coincidence for someone to know I was applying for a credit card from that particular company just a day later,' he said, adding that the person also used the company's logo as his profile photo. Phoon said this at a press conference arranged by Johor MCA Youth public services and complaints bureau chief Henry Mok at the Southern Johor Chinese Media Clubhouse here yesterday. He added that a few hours after the first exchange, the scammer deposited RM600 into his bank account. 'He claimed the money was a loan I had requested. I was shocked as I had never asked for such a loan. 'He then demanded that I pay back RM1,200, including interest and service charges, by May 12, which was just five days later. 'I paid him RM600 the next day but refused to give any more,' he said, adding that he lodged a police report at the Nusa Bestari police station on the same day. Phoon said he later blocked the scammer's number and several others linked to the individual, following police advice. 'They threatened to burn my house down and go after my family, including my elderly parents. 'They even sent videos of other houses they claimed to have been attacked, saying that the same would happen to me if I were to refuse to pay. After failing to reach me, they contacted my wife and continued the harassment. 'They accurately described my house and the car parked outside. It is terrifying, especially since my wife and our young children are at home,' he said. Meanwhile, Mok said he would be sending a letter to the company Phoon had first applied for the credit card to find out more. 'I will also engage with the police as I have been seeing a rise in scam cases, including those involving loan sharks, in the last few months. 'I receive no fewer than 10 such cases each month, and sometimes two to three cases in a single day,' he said, urging the government to impose heavier penalties for such crimes. When contacted, Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm M. Kumarasan confirmed that they received a report and the case was being investigated.
The Star
18-05-2025
- The Star
Credit card scam turns JB man's life upside down
JOHOR BARU: A simple credit card application has turned Phoon Kin Fai's life upside down after his personal details fell into the wrong hands. The 41-year-old cook said he submitted his credit card application through a mobile app on May 8 and was later contacted by someone claiming to be a representative from the company. "A person who claimed to be from the company sent me a message the next day, asking for my personal details, including my bank account number. "Convinced that he was legitimately from the company, I provided the details, thinking it was part of the process. "It did not cross my mind that it could be a scam as it seemed too much of a coincidence for someone to know I was applying for a credit card from that particular company just a day later," he said, adding that the person also used the company's logo as his profile photo. Phoon said this at a press conference arranged by Johor MCA Youth public services and complaints bureau chief Henry Mok at the Southern Johor Chinese Media Clubhouse here on Sunday (May 18). He added that a few hours after the first exchange, the scammer deposited RM600 into his bank account. "He claimed the money was a loan I had requested. I was shocked as I had never asked for such a loan. "He then demanded that I pay back RM1,200, including interest and service charges, by May 12, which was just five days later. "I paid him RM600 the next day but refused to give any more," he said, adding that he lodged a police report at the Nusa Bestari police station the same day. Phoon said he later blocked the scammer's number and several others linked to the individual, following police advice. "They threatened to burn my house down and go after my family, including my elderly parents. "They even sent videos of other houses they claimed to have attacked, saying that would happen to me if I refused to pay. After failing to reach me, they contacted my wife and continued the harassment. "They accurately described my house and the car parked outside. It is terrifying, especially since my wife and our one and seven-year-old children are at home," he said. Meanwhile, Mok said he would be sending a letter to the company Phoon had applied to for a credit card to find out more about the matter. "I will also engage with the police as I have been seeing a rise in scam cases, including those involving loan sharks, in the last few months. "I receive no fewer than 10 such cases each month, and sometimes two to three cases in a single day," he said, urging the government to impose heavier penalties for such crimes. When contacted, Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm M. Kumarasan confirmed that they have received a report and the case is under investigation.
