Latest news with #PrinciplesforDealingwiththeChangingWorldOrder
Focus Malaysia
11 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Tariffs, taxes, and talent: why Malaysia needs education-led reform
LET'S be honest—Malaysians are going through challenging times. From July 1, the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) will come into effect. Electricity tariffs have been adjusted, and although RON95 subsidy restructuring has been put on hold for now, public anxiety remains. As an elected representative, I understand the government's aim of rebuilding the economy and making it more sustainable. Measures such as subsidy rationalisation and broader tax reforms are necessary in the long run. But reforms must be phased carefully, with clear communication and support for those affected. Sudden or poorly timed moves risk unsettling ordinary families and businesses. More importantly, reform should ultimately benefit the people. Education: the foundation of lasting reform So far, much of the public's attention on reforms by the unity government is on fiscal adjustments: taxes, subsidies, revenue. But economic strength comes not only from budgets, but from the skills, knowledge, and resilience of the people. Recently, I read Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio. It reinforced a key principle: education must lead national progress. Only when people are well equipped can innovation, productivity, and growth follow. In Malaysia's current path, I do see much room for improvements in this regard. The weight of rising costs First of all, let's address the elephant in the room: public concern is growing over the impact of some of the initiatives the Madani administration has or will put in place. For example, while the government has assured the public that 85% of Tenaga Nasional Bhd users will not see higher electricity bills, many are still anxious about potential knock-on effects on businesses, services, and ultimately, prices. In my constituency in Jementah, many businesses are taking a cautious, look-and-see attitude as they brace for rising costs. Some shop owners have told me they are delaying expansion or hiring plans until they better understand how new taxes and higher operating expenses will affect demand. The 6% SST expansion will affect many educational services. For families balancing rising living costs, this may mean cutting back on tuition, enrichment activities, or delaying plans for higher education or opting for cheaper, but not necessarily better, alternatives. Meanwhile, Malaysia already faces shortages in key skilled sectors—healthcare, for example. Without stronger education pathways and support, we risk falling further behind. Families choosing quality—but at a cost More and more young parents, across all communities, are deeply focused on giving their children a strong education. Many now choose to have fewer children in order to invest more in each child's future and to manage rising living costs. This trend is happening across all ethnic groups. At the higher end, elite families can still afford the best private options, widening the education gap. For the average household, choices are harder. I also hear concerns from the M40, many of whom have traditionally supported Pakatan Harapan. They now feel caught in the middle: ineligible for many forms of government aid, yet facing real financial pressures. Their voice must not be overlooked in the reform process. A better way forward If new tax revenue is to be channelled back to the people, education must be a clear priority. We should: Ringfence part of the SST revenue or savings from subsidies rationalisation, for education; Incentivise investment in STEM, healthcare, and vocational education; Develop a clear, phased education reform roadmap tied to national economic goals; and Ensure support schemes also reach the M40, not just the B40. Real reform begins with people. If Malaysia is to rise in this changing world, we must first strengthen our education system. If we neglect this, we risk falling into the cycle of decline that Ray Dalio warns about. But if we place education at the heart of our national strategy, we can build a stronger, more competitive future for all Malaysians. ‒ June 25, 2025 Ng Kor Sim is the State Assemblywoman for Jementah, Johor. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3 Books Tony Robbins Has Recommended — and What You Can Learn From Them
Tony Robbins is a world-famous life coach who's best known for his live events and motivational speaking tours. But as a best-selling author, he also knows a thing or two about the power of a good book. Robbins frequently stresses the value of reading and claimed in an interview to have devoured 700 books before he turned 18. Discover More: Check Out: A literary resume like that is too vast to chronicle concisely, so GOBankingRates highlighted the top three books that Robbins recommends for their ability to teach ordinary people extraordinary skills for success. Although Tony Robbins is not known for his athletic endeavors, one of his most recommended books is from none other than — sorry, Joe Montana fans — the undisputed greatest quarterback of all time: Tom Brady. On his Facebook page, which was linked to an endorsement of the book 'The TB12 Method,' Robbins referred to Brady as his 'dear friend.' On his YouTube channel, Robbins revealed why he doesn't think it matters that Brady's specialty is football because his true skill is winning. 'Now in his 40s and still considered one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, Tom Brady knows a thing or two about performing at an elite level,' Robbins wrote. 'In this book, Tom Brady discusses his strategies for succeeding on and off the field.' Read Next: 'As A Man Thinketh' is a classic that delves into the art of thinking. It reveals how — when pursued as a skill and a science — critical thinking can solve every problem a person encounters. Robbins wrote on his Facebook page, ''As a Man Thinketh' by James Allen is a book everyone should read. I've read it more than a dozen times and I often gift it because it's concise, easy to read, but also deeply profound. For anyone who wants to understand how your thoughts really, truly shape everything in your life that you feel and experience, this book is a must-read.' Like Tom Brady, Ray Dalio's niche is not one that most people aspire to — but as the founder of Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund in the world, his true specialty is success. Also like Brady, Robbins believes ordinary people can apply the lessons of Dalio's book 'Principles' to any endeavor they pursue. On the book's official page, Amazon quotes Robbins as saying, 'Ray Dalio has an uncanny capacity to understand what is happening in the world and develop principles that allow him to prepare for what's ahead. 'Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order' is a must-read full of insights into where the world is today and where it's going.' More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying 4 Affordable Car Brands You Won't Regret Buying in 2025 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth This article originally appeared on 3 Books Tony Robbins Has Recommended — and What You Can Learn From Them
