Latest news with #UniversitiTeknologiMARA
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Volunteers share experiences in korban journey programme in Cambodia
KAMPOT (Cambodia): Nervous and relieved were among the feelings of a Bank Rakyat volunteer when he performed the sacrificial ritual (korban) for the first time during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration through the Kembara Korban Cambodia 2025 programme in Kampung Keh here. Muhammad Haziq Mohamad Fahmi, 21, however, said that the feeling of nervousness was overcome, thanks to the guidance of the Yayasan As-Shafiee staff who demonstrated the correct methods and techniques for slaughtering cows. The Diploma in Computer Science graduate from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) performed the sacrificial ritual on behalf of the depositors of the Bank Rakyat i-Qurban Savings Account and their families. 'I am happy to have had this is a special opportunity for me to practice this worship on my own, while also contributing to the Muslim community in Cambodia,' he told Bernama. Meanwhile, another volunteer, Aswadi Kamardin, 49, appeared nimble in handling the slaughtering duties due to his frequent involvement in that activity in his residential area during Aidiladha. Aswadi said the atmosphere during the sacrificial worship in Cambodia was very lively, with the involvement of the community. 'If in Malaysia most of the slaughtering programmes during Aidiladha are attended by mosque-goers, then here many residents come and compete to contribute their efforts from the slaughtering to the butchering process,' he said. They are among the 21 individuals involved in the programme aimed at serving the rural communities in Cambodia to fulfil the sacrificial rites and distribute aid to the Muslim community in the country. Previously, a delegation of Bank Rakyat volunteers, along with the residents, sacrificed 10 cows in Kampung Trapenh Pinh and 36 cows in Kampung Keh. After the sacrificial activities in both villages, volunteers with the help of the local residents distributed more than 3,500 kilogrammes of meat to the Muslim community in several villages in Kampot, including Kampung Samraong, Kampung Triek, Kampung Kandal and Kampung Prey Thnong.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Bank Rakyat volunteers join Aidiladha korban in Cambodia
KAMPOT (Cambodia): Nervous and relieved were among the feelings of a Bank Rakyat volunteer when he performed the sacrificial ritual (korban) for the first time during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration through the Kembara Korban Cambodia 2025 programme in Kampung Keh here. Muhammad Haziq Mohamad Fahmi, 21, however, said that the feeling of nervousness was overcome, thanks to the guidance of the Yayasan As-Shafiee staff who demonstrated the correct methods and techniques for slaughtering cows. The Diploma in Computer Science graduate from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) performed the sacrificial ritual on behalf of the depositors of the Bank Rakyat i-Qurban Savings Account and their families. 'I am happy to have had this is a special opportunity for me to practice this worship on my own, while also contributing to the Muslim community in Cambodia,' he told Bernama. Meanwhile, another volunteer, Aswadi Kamardin, 49, appeared nimble in handling the slaughtering duties due to his frequent involvement in that activity in his residential area during Aidiladha. Aswadi said the atmosphere during the sacrificial worship in Cambodia was very lively, with the involvement of the community. 'If in Malaysia most of the slaughtering programmes during Aidiladha are attended by mosque-goers, then here many residents come and compete to contribute their efforts from the slaughtering to the butchering process,' he said. They are among the 21 individuals involved in the programme aimed at serving the rural communities in Cambodia to fulfil the sacrificial rites and distribute aid to the Muslim community in the country. Previously, a delegation of Bank Rakyat volunteers, along with the residents, sacrificed 10 cows in Kampung Trapenh Pinh and 36 cows in Kampung Keh. After the sacrificial activities in both villages, volunteers with the help of the local residents distributed more than 3,500 kilogrammes of meat to the Muslim community in several villages in Kampot, including Kampung Samraong, Kampung Triek, Kampung Kandal and Kampung Prey Thnong.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
UiTM friends gift Ayam Gepuk, not flowers, in graduation surprise
UNLIKE the usual flower bouquets gifted during graduation, a group of friends decided to surprise their newly graduated friends from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) with something a little more satisfying to the tummy — Ayam Gepuk. In a TikTok video shared by @emieeyyyy, he and his friends presented Ayam Gepuk meal boxes instead of traditional flower bouquets to their friends during convocation day. To add a special touch, they placed the meal box in a flower-decorated tray and asked the recipient to open it for a surprise. The first graduate in the video gasped and covered his mouth in delight upon discovering the unexpected (and delicious) gift. The congratulatory post was captioned humorously: 'If you want extra rice, you can ask at the restaurant,' followed by a laughing emoji. Alongside the meal, the group also gifted large prints featuring collages of the graduates' faces, adding a dose of humour to the heartfelt moment. Netizens were quick to applaud the creative and amusing gesture, lighting up the comments section with laughter and admiration. 'I hope there's extra sambal in there,' joked @amewrs. User @haifsym said she had reposted the video so her friends could get the hint and recreate the moment for her graduation. 'This is the best gift, better than flowers,' said @rxjxsxfeaa. Agreeing with that, Emiey added that the graduates could dig into their meal straight after the long convocation ceremony — a welcome treat after hours of waiting.
Sinar Daily
26-05-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia should leverage US-China tariff pause to reposition itself
KUALA LUMPUR - The 90-day tariff pause between the United States (US) and China offers Malaysia a critical opportunity to reposition itself economically, according to economists. After their first round of talks in Switzerland over the weekend since US President Donald Trump initiated tariffs on April 2 on every country, the US and China have struck a deal to reduce reciprocal tariffs by 115 percentage points. Under the deal, the US will lower its tariff on Chinese imports from 145 per cent to 30 per cent and China will reduce its tariff on US goods from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak, a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA's department of economics and financial studies, told Bernama that Malaysia must capitalise on this period of relative stability to diversify its trade portfolio and strengthen its economic resilience. He said key strategies include deepening ASEAN-led partnerships through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to reduce reliance on US-China trade. "Malaysia should (also) enhance export competitiveness by attracting firms looking to diversify their supply chains, particularly in high-value sectors such as semiconductors and renewable energy, while also advancing domestic reforms to position itself as a regional production hub through improved business operations, digital infrastructure, and workforce development,' he said. He also stressed the importance of monitoring geopolitical risks and preparing for potential disruptions. He said firms need to develop contingency strategies to address possible US-China decoupling scenarios by exploring new export markets and creating supply chain buffers. "A proactive approach will help Malaysia manage trade uncertainties and seize emerging global opportunities,' he said. Commenting on the broader implications of the deal, Idham said the 90-day suspension offers temporary relief to global trade tensions and could revive activity in sectors like electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, he cautioned that the pause alone does not guarantee stability. Although the 90-day period provides an opportunity for dialogue, it fails to secure lasting peace without meaningful concessions, which could lead to a resumption of the trade war while at the same time expanding limitations on technology and investment. "Malaysia should remain vigilant, as the end of the truce could lead to renewed trade tensions, disrupting regional exports and investment flows,' Mohamad Idham said. Meanwhile, Center for Market Education chief executive officer Dr Carmelo Ferlito said Malaysia should respond to the development by actively pursuing new free trade agreements (FTAS) with global partners. "Malaysia should avoid taking sides in the ongoing trade tensions and instead focus on advocating clear, consumer-benefiting free trade policies that foster innovation. "This situation presents an opportunity for Malaysia to push for new FTAS, not just to lower tariffs, but also to tackle non-tariff barriers - such as regulations and quotas - that can hinder trade. He further emphasised that the 90-day pause represents a highly positive signal. "Trump shook the table and now the players are about to sit down for a new round of cards, trying to define new rules. "Trump was not aiming at tariffs per se but at pushing other countries to negotiate with him to reshape global trade,' he said. Lee Hwok Aun, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's Malaysia Studies Programme in Singapore, said the 30 per cent tariff on China remains substantial. "It is unclear whether this reprieve will avert a US recession and wider global contagion,' he said, adding that the truce reflects domestic pressures faced by the US and China. "Countries negotiating trade deals, especially Malaysia and its Southeast Asian neighbours caught in the US-China rivalry, should proceed tactfully and bide their time while awaiting greater clarity on the direction and substance of US-China negotiations,' he said. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Banished for love: A son forges strength from his mother's sacrifice
FROM the corner of the mirror, I catch a glimpse of him — a tall figure with streaks of blond woven through his hair, moving in quiet, deliberate rhythm. Dressed in a vibrant sweat top and a bandana knotted tightly around his head, he seems untouched by the growing trickle of students filing into the room. Their excited chatter floats around him like background static, but he continues to remain locked in his own private world, his athletic body swaying in slow gyrations as he works through the final touches of his choreography. The music clicks on, a pulsing beat permeating the cosy studio called Believe Fitness in Bandar Sri Damansara, and with a sudden turn, he snaps out of his trance. The crease of concentration melts into a broad, infectious grin. "Welcome everyone! Any newcomers to the class today?" he hollers, voice crackling with energy. The lights suddenly dim. A familiar medley hums to life. Azroz Mohd — or Roy, as he's better known — turns to face the mirror with a theatrical flourish. In an instant, the room shifts. The enthusiastic crowd — comprising predominantly ladies — falls into rhythm, feet stamping with gusto and bodies swaying in unison, following their instructor's every move like a tide drawn to the moon. FORGED IN FIRE The affable but intensely private Roy, a well-loved senior lecturer in the faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), hails from Sungai Petani, Kedah, a modest northern town where he grew up in a household shaped by resilience and unspoken affection. His father was a stern security company worker, his mother, Yong Rashidah, born Ng Bee Yong, known in town as a 'chef', catered for Chinese funerals — massive Chinese wakes, where mourners gather for days, where food fills the silence left by grief — a niche but vital role in a community where food often bridges life and death. Her name (and her sisters) was known in Sungai Petani and Alor Star. But theirs wasn't a typical family. "My mum converted to Islam to marry my father. When she did, her family cast her out," Roy confides quietly as we settle down over coffee at one of my favourite haunts, My Dear Patrick, located in Bandar Sri Damansara. In a small town like Sungai Petani, where religious and racial lines run deep and old prejudices die hard, such a decision wasn't just frowned upon — it was betrayal. No longer clad in his bright gym gear, the man sitting across from me feels more grounded — earnest, yet still quietly charismatic. He leans in a little and continues softly: "She had a tough life. But she never gave up." Despite the fracture, Roy's maternal grandmother, a traditional woman from China, lived just a door away. It was with Ahma that he sought refuge from the rigid expectations of his father and the volatile complexities of growing up between cultures. "I don't come from a 'lovey-dovey' or openly affectionate family. My dad was very garang (strict)," Roy confides, the corners of his lips curling into a small, wistful smile. Adding, he remembers: "I would sometimes get beaten up etc… This made me distance myself from early on." It was in these formative spaces — torn between filial duty, cultural divides and a fierce longing for creative expression — that Roy's identity quietly took root. The third of four siblings and the eldest son, Roy knew expectations sat heavily on his shoulders. But even early on, he'd already sensed that he was cut from a different cloth. If life were a straight road, the driven Taurus would have been an interior designer. That was his plan. Or so he thought. Asked to rewind back his early years, Roy remembers that secondary school was a battlefield. In the Kedah of "back then", it seems that racial lines weren't just drawn; they were fortified. "It was like, if you mixed with Chinese, you were betraying the Malays," he remembers. His eyes take on a faraway look when he shares that he had his fair share of bullying. "I even had eggs thrown at me in the mall. I had teachers warning me to stay away from my Chinese classmates. But what could I do? I'm half Chinese, what?" There was no Chinese secondary school that his family could afford to send him to. So, he navigated a Malay education system that sometimes made him feel foreign in his own skin. "But I always believed — they're human too." Slowly, with stubborn kindness and a refusal to shrink, he won people over. It wasn't easy. And it never fully left him. After sitting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), he "fled" to Kuala Lumpur to escape the nest and help his brother-in-law with his firm. The creative industry, admits Roy, wasn't something he'd originally set his sights on. "I've always loved painting, designing interiors and playing with Lego — building things with my hands," he recalls, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. His initial plan was to pursue interior design for his diploma. When the time came for him to choose courses via UPU, Roy listed acting as his fourth or fifth option, never imagining it would become his reality. Fate, however, had its own ideas. "I received a call from the performing arts faculty to come for an interview in Shah Alam," he remembers. On his way there, another call came through — this time from UiTM Kedah for an interview in interior design. Shares Roy: "I called my mum and told her I'd just grab whatever opportunity I had first, and if I didn't like it, I'd switch later." What he didn't anticipate was falling in love with the arts. "I'm not from a rich family," Roy admits, adding: "If I'd gone for art and design, I might not have been able to afford to finish it because of the high costs. So, I just proceeded with performing arts." Ironically, Roy confesses that neither dancing nor acting came naturally to him. "To be honest, I don't know how to dance and I'm bad at acting," he says, chuckling. What he did enjoy was everything behind the scenes. "For final year projects, every semester, I'd volunteer to help build the set or manage the lighting," he shares. That technical, artistic side of theatre spoke to something instinctive in him — the satisfaction of creating worlds from scratch. Later, his academic path took him further. "I have a diploma in theatre from UiTM, specifically in stage acting. For my degree, I took creative industry management — I was part of the first batch in UiTM to do it," says Roy, before sharing that opportunity knocked again when he received a scholarship offer. "I got a call saying I'd received a scholarship to go to the United States to do my master's in arts and cultural management. I completed it in 1½ years." The arts became his canvas, and slowly, a refuge from the expectations of being a good Malay son, a dutiful Muslim boy, a half-Chinese child in a town that didn't know what to do with him. STAYING GROUNDED His career unfolded like a restless tide. From events management to assistant directing, from Fadzil Manap's television dramas to the psychedelic depths of Pukau, Roy has made himself indispensable in a dozen fields. Zumba entered his life as an unexpected release valve. "You know how the creative industry can sometimes be stressful? I'd join classes where I could scream, shout and be funny." A teacher nudged him to get certified. Nine years later, it's still his escape. He calls himself a multi-hyphenate now, a chameleon in the creative world. Assistant director on Duyung: Legenda Aurora, wardrobe overseer for mermaid costumes, producer, Zumba instructor, lyricist even experimental artificial intelligence music creator. The throughline is not the titles, but the drive. "I want to be the go-to guy," he confides, adding: "Stage by stage. Learn, experience, contribute." But for all his outward bravado, Roy is, surprisingly, an introvert at heart. After events, he retreats into quiet. "It's like… you know how Beyonce becomes Sasha Fierce? Same," he exclaims, grinning. His sanctuary lies not in glittering cityscapes, but in islands, mountains, kampung. He builds miniature houses to soothe his restless mind. "While building, I compute what went wrong, what steps I missed. Then, I re-strategise." And always, there is his mother. At 69, Yong Rashidah remains his anchor. She never studied beyond Year 6, yet continues to self-educate, now with an iPad Roy bought her. "She says it's too bad there are no classes for old folks in Sungai Petani," shares Roy, pride lacing his tone. He texts her every morning and night, calls her every week. In the States, when it was too expensive to call, it was once a month — but never forgotten. "She's strict but loving. She never hit us. A slight change of tone, we already know something's wrong." Roy carries her voice (and that of his Ahma) in his head always: If you do something, do it wholeheartedly. Make the impossible possible. Meanwhile, his grandmother's absence continues to leave a quieter ache. A traditional woman, she might not have understood the world Roy has chosen for himself, but he continues to "involve" her in his life today. He visits her grave whenever he's home, sharing with her what he's up to, and regaling her with his small victories. The boy who once ran to her house after school for solace now brings his burdens — and achievements — to her resting place. His faith, taught strictly by his father — qhatam the Quran, know what's wajib, understand the consequences — remains a quiet, constant thread. "If I'm not doing it, it's my own fault. My dad used to say that to me when I was growing up," recalls Roy sombrely. There's no performance in his practice, just a tether to something that held steady when other things didn't. BUILDING A LEGACY As the last traces of my coffee settle into a heart-shaped foam at the bottom of the cup, I sit back, quietly sifting through the conversation that had stretched, unhurried, across two full hours. In Roy's world, ambition isn't measured in applause or fortune. It's etched into the invisible systems he leaves behind. Whether it's a meticulously organised storage unit in a New York factory, a budgeting spreadsheet in a bustling film studio, or a reporting protocol for a university newsroom, his fingerprints linger in the efficiencies he builds, in the spaces where others find their light because someone like him had once cleared the path. His dream sounds simple when spoken aloud, but it carries the weight of a thousand quiet battles: to be a multi-hyphenate in a world intent on reducing people to a single, convenient label. "Regardless where you put me," he says, steady conviction in his voice, "I'll adapt and thrive." And when posed what his mother is proudest of, his face softens. "She says, if there's another life, she'd want to be my mother again. And I'd wish to be her son too." In Roy's story, grief is repurposed, identities flow unbound, and every space — whether it's a funeral kitchen, a theatre stage, a film set, or a Zumba class —becomes a platform to build something lasting. In the layered, complicated tapestry of Malaysia's race and religion, his mere existence is a quietly defiant act. A refusal to be boxed in, a gentle but firm claiming of space. And somewhere in a modest corner of Sungai Petani, there's a mother scrolling through YouTube on her iPad, still believing in the boy she raised. For those who doubted, those who questioned his loyalties or hurled their eggs, Roy has no score left to settle. He's already at work, quietly building his legacy.
