Latest news with #UniversityofMalaya
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
WUG 2025: Badminton Squad To Keep Team Spirit Flying
From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Bin Mohamad Arif MULHEIM AN DER RUHR (Germany), July 16 (Bernama) -- The national badminton squad is all geared up for its medal-hunting mission at the 2025 World University Games (WUG) in Rhine-Ruhr here. Men's singles player Jacky Kok Jing Hong said the close relationship among the players that has been established since the previous central training camp is one of the main strengths of the team. bootstrap slideshow The University of Malaya (UM) student said that the harmonious atmosphere and high team spirit among the players would give them an advantage, especially in the mixed team event that will open at Westenergie Sporthalle, this Friday. "All the teammates are ready to go and we are spending a lot of time together, everywhere. We have been building this camaraderie from the central training camp. I think this is something very good for future team events. "If we can bring out the best in the game, anything can happen, especially since the competition point format is only 15 points. We just have to do our best and support each other,' he said when met by Bernama at an official training session here, today. For the mixed team event, Malaysia were drawn in Group D with only Canada. Meanwhile, badminton squad head coach Datuk Rashid Sidek said his men have no excuse for failing to beat Canada. 'We have to win against Canada to become group champions so that we can have an easy passage to the knockout round. No matter what, we have to play our best, don't underestimate us and play as usual," he said.
Sinar Daily
09-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Trump's tariffs on Asean may drive Southeast Asia's trade with China, India
On Monday, Trump began sending out trade letters to foreign countries, outlining tariff rates on imports to the US. 09 Jul 2025 09:05am A cargo ship arrives at the international cargo terminal at the port of Tokyo on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) MOSCOW - Tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on imports from ASEAN member countries are likely to strengthen their trade ties with other nations, such as China and India. They will undermine the United States' credibility as a reliable economic partner in the region, according to Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor of International Relations and Human Rights at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, in an interview with RIA Novosti. A cargo ship docks at the quay of the international cargo terminal at the port of Tokyo on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) On Monday, Trump began sending out trade letters to foreign countries, outlining tariff rates on imports to the US. Among ASEAN states, Indonesia was subjected to a 32 per cent tariff, Thailand and Cambodia faced a 36 per cent tariff, while Malaysia will pay the tariff of 25 per cent. The highest tariff rate of 40 per cent was introduced for Laos and Myanmar. "In many ways, this process [of reorienting ASEAN exports to countries other than the US] has already begun. We've seen ASEAN countries deepen trade ties with other partners through multilateral arrangements, such as RCEP [Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership] and CPTPP [Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership]. "China is likely to emerge as a major substitute for ASEAN exports affected by the tariffs, although this comes with its own geopolitical complications. India is another potential partner, given its large market and regional ambitions," Khoo said. Moreover, the bloc's trade strategy has long been "about diversification and hedging," and the US tariffs are expected to accelerate that trend, the expert added. "In the long run, [the tariffs] may undermine US influence in the region by pushing ASEAN further toward other economic poles ... They will strain US-ASEAN economic ties and may drive Southeast Asia further into the orbit of China and other alternative partners. In the long term, the US risks losing its credibility as a stable and predictable economic partner in the region," the professor said. At the same time, while the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia may provide a "quiet platform for discussion," any renegotiation is unlikely at this stage, as "Trump's tariffs are often politically driven and intended to appeal to domestic constituencies," Khoo noted, adding that there will be "little incentive" for the US president to reverse trade course unless he is influenced by allied lawmakers or domestic businesses. "Countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, who have strategic dialogues with the US, might use bilateral meetings on the sidelines to voice concern and seek clarifications. But ASEAN as a bloc doesn't have much leverage over US trade policy, particularly under an administration that prefers unilateral action over multilateral negotiation," the expert said. After returning to the White House, Trump began to tighten trade policy: he introduced duties on imports from Mexico and Canada, raised them for China, and then announced tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars. The culmination was the announcement on April 2 of a 10 per cent base import rate and increased "reciprocal" duties for individual countries. However, a week later, tariff increases were put on hold, and the US began trade negotiations with many trading partners. Earlier on Tuesday, the US president extended the suspension of increased tariffs on foreign goods until August 1. - BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI More Like This
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Yousef M. Aljamal Visit To Aotearoa New Zealand
PSNA is delighted to announce the visit to Aotearoa New Zealand by Palestinian journalist and author Yousef Aljamal. Yousef will address public meetings across the country as well as talking with faith communities, trade union representatives and media organisations. Yousef will be here from 16 to 30 June and will have public events in Whangarei, Waitangi, Ngāmotu/New Plymouth, Whanganui, Tauranga-Moana, Thames, Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. 'This is an opportunity for New Zealanders to hear directly from a key Palestinian journalist and author at a time when Palestinian voices are almost totally absent from our mainstream media' says PSNA Co-national Chair Maher Nazzal. 'For 18 months our media has been flooded with Israeli narratives, Israeli explanations, Israeli justifications and Israeli spokespeople. Israeli propaganda points are relentlessly covered while Palestinians – as the victims of 77 years of brutal oppression, ethnic cleansing and apartheid polices – have been rendered all but invisible'. If they are shown, it is a incoherent victims of overwhelming suffering. They rarely have the opportunity for their humanity to shine. 'New Zealanders need to hear from Yousef Aljamal and our mainstream media has a responsibility to report his visit and what he has to say' 'Palestinians face the most horrendous conditions imaginable with the genocidal attacks on Gaza; the blockade on food, water, fuel and medical supplies to 2 million people; the pogroms against Palestinian towns and villages in the Occupied West Bank; complicit silence from Western governments, New Zealand included, and western media indifference' Yousef's biographical details: Yousef is a Palestinian journalist and author. He holds an MA degree from the Department of International and Strategic Studies at the University of Malaya in Malaysia. He was awarded his PhD from the Middle East Institute at Sakarya University in Turkey. In addition to his research interests in diaspora, security, and indigenous studies, Yousef Aljamal has been involved on a number of book projects including translations of books on Palestinian prisoners, among them Dreaming of Freedom: Palestinian Child Prisoners Speak (2016), and a collection of stories about the shared struggle of Palestinian and Irish Hunger Strikers. Most recently he edited If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose by the recently assassinated Refaat Alareer. Yousef Aljamal has published a number of journal articles on topics that include Palestinians in the diaspora, travel restrictions imposed on Palestinians, and struggles for liberation. He is also the Gaza Coordinator of the American Friends Service Committee. Yousef has visited Aotearoa New Zealand before and is familiar with our political landscape.
Malay Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
UM dental students provide care and support to former drug addicts — Nor Azlida Mohd Nor and Mia Izrina Izzuddin
JUNE 13 — A team of passionate students from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya (UM), recently embarked on a meaningful community service initiative to support the overall well-being of former drug addicts currently undergoing rehabilitation. This outreach project was conducted as part of their undergraduate service-learning course. Former drug addicts are among the vulnerable groups who often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, including oral health services. Prolong substance abuse has a detrimental impact on oral health due to a combination of biological, behavioural, and lifestyle factors. Studies show that long-term use of substances such as methamphetamines, heroin, and cocaine can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth, which significantly increases the risk of dental caries, gum disease, and oral infections. According to the World Drug Report, an estimated 13.8 million individuals aged 15 to 16 years (5.6 per cent) are users of cannabis-type substances. In Malaysia, national data from 2010 indicated that approximately 2,138 adolescents, or 9.25 per cent, were involved in drug abuse, with the highest prevalence among youths aged 19–39 years, followed by those aged 13–18 years. Dentistry students from UM during a community outreach programme with residents of Rumah Sahabat in Hulu Langat, Selangor between April and May 2025. — Picture courtesy of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya In addition, former drug users often face poor access to healthcare due to stigma and discrimination, which discourages them from seeking help, including dental treatment. This lack of access further exacerbates their oral health conditions and presents challenges to their social reintegration. Poor oral health not only affects physical well-being but also has a profound impact on self-confidence, speech, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Recognising these challenges, UM dental students designed a community project focused on oral health promotion, basic dental screenings, and preventive care. According to the student leader Mia Izrina Izzuddin, 'This project aimed not only to improve oral health outcomes but also to empower individuals in recovery by treating them with respect and compassion'. The students visited the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (Rumah Sahabat) in Hulu Langat on four occasions (April-May 2025), beginning with a needs assessment, followed by the implementation of various oral health activities. The team conducted educational talks, designed fun activities, and created educational posters and videos. Muhamad Akif and Dayang mentioned 'we developed a training module and reminder materials for trainers, incorporating Islamic values related to oral care, to help sustain the program beyond the duration of our project'. In addition, dental and HIV screenings were conducted in collaboration with the Hulu Langat District Health Office. Reflecting on their experiences, students Nur Syafiqah, Shelby, and Tan Xuen Yue shared that the project inspired them to give back to marginalised communities. Muhammad Shafiq, Low Zhe Hsien and Jaskiran also said they gained valuable real-world experience by assisting lecturers during dental treatments and developed a deeper understanding of the various social determinants that influence individuals' well-being. Other group members, Wong Xin Ning, Rachel and Derrica Ladius highlighted the importance of negotiation skills and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, including the National Anti-Drugs Agency, Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (PEMADAM) and medical personnel from the Hulu Langat District Health Office for a meaningful intervention. The management of Rumah Sahabat Asyraf Amri and team expressed their gratitude for the initiative, noting that this was the first time many residents had received any form of oral care since entering the program. Several residents shared that they felt hopeful after interacting with the UM students, who treated them with kindness and respect. A short term project evaluation indicated positive improvement of oral health knowledge among the residents. This initiative highlights the essential role that students and academic institutions can play in bridging the gap between education and underserved communities. The experience also shaped students' professional development, cultivating empathy and social responsibility. * Further details of the program may be acquired from the Project Advisor, Assoc Prof Dr Nor Azlida Mohd Nor from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya. She may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu still needs RM134,000 for life-saving second liver transplant in China
Gonzalez is currently being monitored at PPUM in Kuala Lumpur. BINTULU (June 12): Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu, who is battling Type II autoimmune hepatitis and end-stage liver disease, urgently needs an additional RM134,896.89 to undergo a second transplant in China. His mother Viviana Thomas, 28, said the family has been desperately trying to raise RM231,930 in total for the life-saving surgery at Shanghai's Renji Hospital. 'As of June 11, we've managed to raise RM97,033.11,' she said when contacted today. Viviana said she hopes the remaining amount could be raised soon as Gonzalez's second birthday will fall on July 7. 'We're not even planning a birthday celebration anymore; we just want him to stay alive,' she said, adding that Gonzalez has been fighting the illness since he was six months old. She explained that apart from the cost of the surgery and treatment, they also need to purchase a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine worth RM6,930 to help Gonzalez before and after surgery. 'We initially hoped to borrow the machine from another patient, but it was already sold to someone else in need,' she explained. Gonzalez is currently under close observation at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) in Kuala Lumpur, while awaiting full funding and assistance from the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association for documentation and ethical approval. Donations can be channelled to Yayasan Nanyang Press (OCBC Bank account 701-120679-6) with the reference Gonzalez Yiu. Those requiring tax exemption receipts can fill the online form and upload proof of payment via In a previous report by Utusan Borneo on May 22, Viviana had said public donations were a last resort as the family had depleted its savings to cover medical needs, basic necessities, and travel costs. In March last year, Gonzalez, the second of two children, underwent a liver transplant but suffered serious complications when the liver donated by his mother began to fail. For the second transplant, Gonzalez's father Yiu Kuok Ling, 30, will donate part of his liver. Viviana can be contacted on 010-7661816. end-stage liver disease Gonzalez Yiu lead Renji Hospital Viviana Thomas
