Latest news with #RM251
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian students abroad urged to embrace cultural exchange
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Malaysian students overseas to actively participate in local communities, emphasising the importance of cultural exchange beyond academic pursuits. Speaking at a gathering with over 250 Malaysian students and residents in New Zealand, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the value of learning from indigenous cultures, particularly the Maori community. 'Don't just learn from inside the lecture rooms, tutorials, or professors' offices. We should also introduce ourselves to the local communities and learn their cultures, especially the Maori culture here, which is rich with historical values and a spirit of resilience,' he said. The event was attended by Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, alongside official delegates and senior government officers. Ahmad Zahid praised the Maori community's ability to preserve their heritage while managing economic assets through trust agencies since the 19th century. 'We need to learn from their spirit and strength in fighting for their rights and adapt that to the Malaysian context, especially in empowering the Orang Asli communities,' he added. The deputy prime minister also commended students sponsored by agencies like JPA, MARA, GLCs, and GLICs for maintaining a positive image abroad. He stressed that social integration and cultural awareness are crucial in shaping competitive graduates ready to contribute to Malaysia's development. Addressing career prospects, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that salaries in Malaysia may be lower than in countries like New Zealand but urged students in critical fields such as engineering, law, and accounting to return home. 'East or west, home is best,' he remarked. To support the Malaysian diaspora, Ahmad Zahid announced a NZ$100,000 (RM251,000) allocation to Rumah Malaysia for National Day celebrations. - Bernama
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid calls on Malaysian professionals abroad to return and rebuild nation
WELLINGTON: Malaysians working abroad, especially engineers and other professionals, are being encouraged to return home and contribute to nation-building. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said low salaries in Malaysia have pushed many to seek opportunities overseas. During his visit to Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) yesterday, he said that he had received a letter from a Malaysian student in New Zealand requesting job opportunities upon graduation. "I received a paper proposing that all students studying abroad be offered employment when they return to Malaysia. "I replied, asking, who will give them jobs? The High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, said we would discuss it further," Zahid said. He said that while Malaysia needs about 60,000 engineers annually, the demand is not currently being met. "Therefore, I urge you to return to our country, especially those in engineering and other professional fields. "In law and accountancy too; come back to Malaysia," he said at a meet-and-greet event with more than 250 members of the Malaysian community here. Also present was High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki. At the event, Zahid announced a contribution of NZ$100,000 (RM251,379) to Rumah Malaysia, referring to the Malaysian Embassy in New Zealand. In his speech, Zahid advised Malaysian students not to rely solely on classroom learning. He encouraged them to assimilate with their surroundings and the local culture. "I am very proud of our youth here. "They represent Malaysia's best image. "What's important is that you don't only learn what is taught in class or lectures, learn from your surroundings. "Assimilate with the local community. "Understand their culture, particularly the Māori culture," he said.
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
South Korea sees sharp export rise as global buyers stockpile chips ahead of potential US tariffs
SEOUL, May 1 — South Korea's technology exports soared last month, trade data showed today, with experts pointing to stockpiling in anticipation of US President Donald Trump potentially imposing steep tariffs. Trump suspended 25-per cent levies on imports from South Korea — among other countries — but has threatened to reimpose them in July once a 90-day freeze ends. Shipments of chips, South Korea's biggest export, rose 17.2 per cent, the largest jump in four months and the highest ever for the month of April, according to the trade ministry. Also booming were wireless communication devices including smartphones and biopharmaceutical products, with increases of 26.5 per cent and 21.8 per cent, respectively. Overall exports by Asia's fourth largest economy, a key US trading partner that is also home to a major auto industry, rose 3.7 per cent to US$58.2 billion (RM251 billion), according to the Korea Customs Service. Last week South Korea's SK hynix, the world's second-largest memory chip maker, reported record quarterly profits, thanks to soaring global demand for artificial intelligence products. Local rival Samsung Electronics — a global chip and smartphone giant — yesterday posted a better-than-expected 21.7 per cent rise in first-quarter net profit, buoyed by strong smartphone sales. Experts say the figures partly reflect customers and companies buying large volumes of chips and smartphones before higher tariffs bite. 'Recognising the unpredictable future, many opted to buy and stockpile ahead of time. I view that decision as rational,' Cho Dong-geun, professor emeritus of economics at Myongji University, told AFP. People in the US 'also rushed to buy smartphones, fearing that potential tariffs would soon make them more expensive,' he added. Shipments of cosmetic and beauty products rose by 20.8 per cent, while exports of agri-food products also went up by 8.6 per cent. Exports to the European Union jumped 18.4 per cent to a monthly record high of US$6.7 billion, while those to China also rose 3.9 per cent. But shipments to the United States dropped by 6.8 per cent, while overall exports of automobiles also declined 3.8 per cent. Trade minister Ahn Duk-geun said the data — particularly with China and the EU — is 'evidence that the competitiveness of Korean exports remains solid despite external uncertainties'. Imports dropped by 2.7 per cent in April, resulting in a trade surplus of US$4.8 billion, down from US$4.98 billion in the previous month. — AFP
