Latest news with #RM11
The Star
a day ago
- General
- The Star
Good homes not just for the rich
Proud moment: Chan receiving the valedictorian award from UCSI chancellor Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin. A PASSIONATE advocate for community architecture, sustainability and grassroots impact, Joanne Chan Wen Hui is on a mission to make life better for the marginalised. Addressing the Class of 2025 as valedictorian at UCSI University's first convocation ceremony of the year, Chan spoke about her mission to serve underprivileged rural communities through architecture. These families often have to live in environments that lack dignity and are poorly designed because they can't afford better, more comfortable spaces, she said. Good design should not be a luxury reserved only for the rich, she said, when delivering her speech at the varsity in Kuala Lumpur on May 10. That belief guided her tertiary education journey as she actively volunteered and contributed to various causes – serving people, communities and even animals over the past three and a half years at UCSI. In her first semester, Chan joined COLLAB, a student-led initiative advocating for architecture's civic responsibility. Through COLLAB, she helped build a kindergarten for refugee children. 'The children wanted to learn so badly despite their underprivileged circumstances. Seeing them affirmed my desire to use architecture to drive meaningful change for those in need,' she said. Since then, the aspiring architect has spent every semester break on COLLAB projects, including building affordable homes in remote highlands. She also collaborated with Paw's Eden, a local NGO and animal shelter housing over 200 stray cats and dogs. Through crowdfunding, she and her team raised over RM11,000 to customise wheelchairs for 20 mobility-impaired dogs. They also built a bamboo hut and improved the shelter's outdoor playground. Apart from dedicating herself to volunteer work, Chan also initiated the Study Buddy system to foster peer mentorship, cross-year collaboration and student-led workshops. She also served as president of Makelab, UCSI's architecture student society. 'My experiences as a student affirmed what I have always believed – that everyone deserves access to thoughtful, inclusive spaces. It is a necessity, not a privilege.' Driven by this ethos, Chan turned down higher-paying offers to work as an assistant architect at a local startup focused on sustainable and socially conscious design. She plans to pursue her master's degree, sit for the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia III Examination and eventually establish her own firm to revitalise rural and educational spaces through culturally sensitive, sustainable design. Moved by Chan's choices and desire to make a change, UCSI vice-chancellor and president Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said, 'I'm proud to share that today, she is doing the work she believes in.' The university's 38th convocation ceremony also marked the installation of Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz as UCSI's second chancellor, following his tenure as pro-chancellor since 2021. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 898 graduates in the presence of UCSI University council chairman and founder Datuk Peter Ng and UCSI Healthcare Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Scrabble buffs square off in Penang showdown
DRAWING the Q, X or Z tiles in a game of Scrabble is a blessing, if you are a maestro at it. These rare tiles can help you form words that rake in high scores in this generations-old game first created in 1938. To help you score seven-letter bingos, use special websites and apps to make your mind adept at playing with anagrams. These and many more tips came from Scrabble buffs at the Penang Open Scrabble Tournament here. Out of 465 participants, 200 made it into the grand finals in the primary and secondary school categories and the open category. 'Of the rare tiles, my favourite is Z. It is a more versatile letter and you can make more words with it compared with others like Q or X,' said Leon Ng, 18. That said, his proudest Scrabble move came when he scored a whopping 307 points with the word 'bouquets'. 'I love Scrabble. I've played thousands of rounds online over many hours for the past six years, with people from all over the world. 'It is more than just a game, it's a way for me to connect with others and, at the same time, challenge myself,' said Leon, a finalist in the open category this year after dominating the tournament in the secondary school category last year. He honed his skills by using online tools, word study apps, and Scrabble quizzes. (From left) Malaysia Scrabble Association acting president Mohammad Ali Ismail, Penang Scrabble Club former president Tan Khee Chiang, Ong, Jagdeep, Penang STEM chief executive officer Datuk Chung Chok Yin, Flextronics learning and development manager Sanjeet Mohan, PSDC senior technologist Tham Kok Kee and CKC representative Cheong Vi Hua after the tournament opening. His personal best was a score of 740 points in official tournaments while online, he once raked in 900 points. Another seasoned player, retiree Ng Chee Eng, 64, sees the game as the perfect mental workout. 'It keeps my mind alert. Scrabble isn't just for the young,' he added. Held at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) Bayan Lepas, the two-day grand final was organised by the Penang Math Platform (PMP) with support from Malaysia Scrabble Association (MSA). Event sponsors were CKC Food Industries Sdn Bhd and Flextronics Technology Penang that contributed RM11,000 to cover prizes, meals, workshops and logistical costs. PMP general manager Johnny Ong said the tournament grew significantly even with it just in its second year. 'Last year, we had 340 participants. This year, we have 465,' he said. Ong said players from Sabah, Pahang, Melaka, Selangor and Perak took part in the finals too. More than just a battle of vocabulary, the tournament reflected Penang's unique approach of blending language mastery with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the pursuit of a future-ready generation. Winners walked away with cash prizes, trophies and medals. Ong said the MSA confirmed a new national participation record in this year's tournament. He said the event highlighted Penang's broader vision of leveraging education to drive future economic growth. 'Penang STEM, a state-level initiative, has been instrumental in providing synergistic support for students through platforms like the PMP, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Science Cluster. 'Together, these centres have delivered hundreds of STEM-related programmes reaching hundreds of thousands of students and educators nationwide,' he said. Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who launched the tournament, said English proficiency was critical for students as it was the global language of STEM. 'This aligns with recent calls from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to strengthen English language proficiency in schools,' he said. 'The state government continues to champion education as a core pillar of its Penang2030 vision to become a family-focused, green and smart state. 'Events like this tournament not only inspire young minds but also reflect the state's commitment to preparing its youth for careers in key industries such as electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and food innovation.' Scrabble was invented by Alfred Mosher Butts, an American architect who loved word games. The game gained popularity after entrepreneur James Brunot bought the rights in the late 1940s and made minor changes. In the early 1950s, Scrabble became a household name.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Police cripple two drug syndicates, seize drugs worth RM7.121mil in Gombak
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have crippled two drug syndicates in separate raids in Gombak, following the arrest of a local man and woman, as well as a foreign man, with drug seizures amounting to RM7,121,015.20, recently. Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Noor Ariffin Mohamad Nasir said the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division of the Gombak district police headquarters (IPD) seized 212 plastic packets, believed to contain syabu (methamphetamine), weighing 222.331kg, from a sedan which had been left at a storage facility, at 9.30pm on May 14. He said that further investigation led to the arrest of a 25-year-old local man, who works as a used car salesman. The man has been remanded for 12 days, until Friday (May 30). "The drugs seized in the first case are valued at RM7,114,592, and are believed to have been intended for distribution in the Klang Valley. "Action was also taken under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, with the seizure of a gold chain, worth RM11,348.86," he said, in a press conference at the Gombak IPD on Thursday (May 29). In the second case, Noor Ariffin said that police arrested a 34-year-old foreign man, believed to be a private college student, and a 47-year-old local woman, believed to be working as an insurance executive for a private company, in a car at around 6am last Tuesday (May 27). He added that the two suspects, believed to be a couple, have been remanded for seven days, until June 3. "A search of the vehicle uncovered two packets containing compressed dried leaves, believed to be cannabis, weighing 2.072kg, which is estimated to be worth RM6,423.20. "The drug seized in this case is believed to have been intended for distribution in the Gombak area. Also seized was RM500 in cash," he said. He said all three suspects have no prior criminal record, and they also tested negative for drugs. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
HHRG to inject RM10m to revive stalled Terengganu mixed development
HHRG Bhd is stepping in to revive a stalled mixed development project in Kuala Terengganu, committing up to RM10 million through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Open Road (East Coast) Sdn Bhd (OREC), under a newly signed joint venture agreement. According to a Bursa Malaysia filing today, OREC has entered into an unincorporated joint venture agreement (UJVA) with Udaran Sdn Bhd and Tregon Construction Sdn Bhd to take over and complete the existing project, which features two 25-storey towers with 372 serviced apartments, nine retail units, and six levels of parking. The project sits on land owned by Lembaga Tabung Amanah Warisan Negeri Terengganu (Lembaga) and has been delayed past its original completion target. Under the UJVA, OREC will hold 51% of the project profits and will take full management and operational control. Importantly, the agreement includes conditions such as securing an extension of the completion deadline to August 2028 and obtaining waivers of prior penalties from Lembaga before the RM10 million funding is fully unlocked. As part of the broader deal, OREC has also agreed to acquire two pieces of adjacent leasehold land in Marang from Tregon for a total of RM13 million. Land 1, priced at RM11 million, spans approximately 19,543 square metres, while Land 2, priced at RM2 million, covers 2,042 square metres. Both parcels are classified for 'building' use, positioning HHRG for future development expansions in the area. Adding a strategic option for future growth, HHRG has secured a three-year call option agreement to acquire up to a 51% equity stake in Udaran at an exercise price of RM770,606, further embedding itself in the Marang mixed-development pipeline. HHRG said that none of its directors, major shareholders, or connected parties have any direct or indirect interests in the joint venture, land acquisitions, or call option deal. — TMR
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pistachio dessert fair hits Bukit Bintang with sourdough croissant, kunafa pan suisse & cronelle — worth the queue?
When it comes to pastries and desserts in KL, picking just one spot feels like a chore (at least to me). If you're anything like that, you'll want to swing by Salon Du Pain, a pistachio-themed pastry fair happening now until 8 June at Lot 10's Concourse Level. The space may be small, but the offerings are anything but. You'll find pop-ups from big names like Kenny Hills Bakers, Doña Bakehouse, BASK, and Universal Bakehouse, among others. Expect an enticing spread of baked goods, both pistachio-infused and not: from rustic sourdough loaves to delicate shortcakes, flaky croissants, pillowy bombolonis, and more. My colleague and I couldn't resist picking out 3 of the most eye-catching pistachio treats. First up: the Charcoal Pistachio Pomegranate Flan (RM20) from Kona Bakehouse. Crisp and light coal-coloured pastry that crumbled at the slightest touch, paired with a creamy custard-like pistachio centre and a jammy pomegranate layer that leaned more strawberry in taste. A lovely bite, even if the pistachio taste was subtle. Next, we tried the Pistachio Cronelle (RM11) from Lapisan Patisserie — a croissant-canele hybrid with beautifully flaky layers and soft, custardy core. The pistachio filling, though aromatic, reminded me unexpectedly of passionfruit. Not my favourite! Finally, the Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Pan Suisse (RM12.90) from Etre Patisserie: generous in size, masterfully crafted to form intricate flaky layers, and lightly filled with milk chocolate and pistachio. The crisp kunafa topping added just the right amount of crunch without overwhelming sweetness. If I were to rank them, I'd say Kona Bakehouse is a clear winner! Followed by Etre Patisserie, and lastly — Lapisan Patisserie. However, it's worth mentioning that all of these spots were above average to me. So, is Salon Du Pain worth a visit? Absolutely! Just go early to avoid the crowds and snag your picks before they're sold out. New in town: Hae! Mee — 25-year-old Bai Nian 2nd-gen sells prawn noodles with palm-sized prawns The post Pistachio dessert fair hits Bukit Bintang with sourdough croissant, kunafa pan suisse & cronelle — worth the queue? appeared first on
