Latest news with #post-Covid-19
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kerala should leverage its rising brand value for industrial growth: Minister P Rajeeve
KOCHI: 'Kerala's rising brand value in the post-Covid-19 era must be effectively leveraged to drive industrial growth across the state', said Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Friday. He was speaking at a Kerala Brand Stakeholder workshop in Kochi, convened to expand the scope of the 'Kerala Brand' (Nanma) initiative. The 'Kerala Brand' initiative, designed to give a distinct identity to high-quality, ethically produced products from the state, has now been expanded to include ten additional products. In the food category, coffee, tea, honey, ghee, and packaged drinking water have been shortlisted. In the non-food category, plywood, footwear, PVC pipes, surgical rubber gloves, and cattle feed will be brought under the certification umbrella. Highlighting the government's broader vision, Rajeeve also said that the state aims to attract skilled professionals who have migrated abroad and build a smart, sustainable economy powered by local enterprise. The workshop was jointly organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP), Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), and KINFRA, under the Central government's Rising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme.
Business Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Thailand to pick rate-cut advocate Vitai Ratanakorn as central bank chief
Thailand is poised to name veteran banker Vitai Ratanakorn as the next governor of the central bank, sources familiar said, selecting an advocate of aggressive interest rate cuts to help revive the nation's faltering economy. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira picked Vitai, president of the Government Savings Bank (GSB), to run the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the sources said, confirming earlier reports in the Krungthep Turakij and Manager media outlets. Pichai declined to confirm if he is nominating Vitai as he headed into a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Jul 15) morning. The 54-year-old Vitai is widely seen as a proxy candidate for the Ministry of Finance, and the appointment may renew concerns about the independence of the BOT, which under governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput has resisted pressure for rate cuts and a higher inflation target. Similar tensions have been seen elsewhere, with US President Donald Trump having publicly derided Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and called for deeper rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The baht declined 0.4 per cent against the US dollar on Tuesday morning, while the yield on benchmark 10-year sovereign bonds dropped two basis points. While rates are decided by majority vote, as head of the policy panel Vitai is expected to have critical influence over their direction. The central bank last month left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75 per cent, citing the need to preserve limited policy space to respond to future shocks. The policy rate should be significantly lowered for a sustained period to revive the stagnant economy, Vitai told local media after applying for the governor's role. But more important than rate cuts is the need to ensure commercial banks pass on the reduction to customers. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up 'This is a deep and prolonged downturn, and while interest rate cuts are necessary, they are not enough,' Vitai said, according to a Bangkok Post report on Jun 23. 'Additional supportive measures are required.' The next BOT governor faces a challenging economic landscape, including the region's highest household debt, sluggish credit demand, negative inflation and weakening consumption. Despite a cumulative 75-basis point reduction in borrowing costs since October, growth remains subdued, further threatened by the prospect of a punitive US tariff on Thai exports and a slowdown in foreign tourist arrivals, both critical drivers of the economy. That's on top of domestic instability which earlier this month saw a court suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. Under Vitai, the GSB spearheaded efforts to provide financial relief to small businesses and households burdened by heavy debt in the post-Covid-19 era. The other finalist in the selection process, Roong Mallikamas, is a deputy governor at the central bank who was widely seen as a continuity candidate. The current governor, Sethaput, has repeatedly spoken of the importance of central bank independence, having repeatedly faced government calls to lower borrowing costs. A backlash from former BOT chiefs and economists last year also helped thwart a government bid to install its favoured nominee as BOT chairman, a separate role that's influential in appointments and other matters. Vitai has defended himself after being criticised by an ex-BOT governor who said the banker wouldn't be able to make independent decisions because of his ties to the government. 'My experience and strong self-identity offer the confidence that I can make decisions independently, based on principles,' he said in a Facebook post on Jul 8. 'Seeking the best interest of the country is important, without being influenced by any group.' Vitai's appointment needs to be officially confirmed, but is on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 10 am in Bangkok, Krungthep Turakij reported. BLOOMBERG
Business Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Thailand to name Vitai Ratanakorn as central bank chief, reports say
[BANGKOK] Thailand is poised to name veteran banker Vitai Ratanakorn as the next governor of the central bank, local media reported ahead of a Cabinet meeting likely to endorse the appointment. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has picked Vitai, president of the Government Savings Bank (GSB), to run the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the Thai-language newspaper Krungthep Turakij reported, citing unidentified government sources. The Thai-language outlet Manager also reported the appointment. The 54-year-old Vitai is widely seen as a proxy candidate for the Ministry of Finance, with the GSB having spearheaded efforts to provide financial relief to small businesses and households burdened by heavy debt in the post-Covid-19 era. The other finalist in the selection process, Roong Mallikamas, is a deputy governor at the central bank who was widely seen as a continuity candidate. Vitai's reported selection may renew concerns about the independence of the central bank, with incumbent governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput having resisted government pressure for interest rate cuts and a higher inflation target. The tensions echo similar pressures on central bankers elsewhere, including in the US, where US President Donald Trump has publicly called for deeper rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The baht declined 0.3 per cent against the US dollar early Tuesday (Jul 15), while the yield on benchmark 10-year sovereign bonds dropped two basis points. Sethaput has repeatedly spoken of the importance of central bank independence, and a backlash from former BOT chiefs and economists last year helped thwart a government bid to install its favoured nominee as BOT chairman, a separate role that's influential in appointments and other matters. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Vitai himself was recently criticised by an ex-BOT governor who said he would not be able to make independent decisions because of his ties to the government. The banker defended himself in a Facebook post on Jul 8: 'My experience and strong self-identify offer the confidence that I can make decisions independently, based on principles. Seeking the best interest of the country is important, without being influenced by any group.' The next BOT governor faces a challenging economic landscape, including the region's highest household debt, sluggish credit demand, negative inflation and weakening consumption. Despite a cumulative 75-basis point reduction in borrowing costs since October, growth remains subdued, further threatened by punitive US tariff on Thai exports and a slowdown in foreign tourist arrivals, both critical drivers of the economy. That's on top of domestic instability which earlier this month saw a court suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. Vitai's appointment needs to be officially confirmed, but is on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 10 am in Bangkok, Krungthep Turakij reported. Although interest rates are decided by majority vote, Vitai, as the head of the policy panel, is expected to have a critical influence over their direction. The central bank last month left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75 per cent, citing the need to preserve limited policy space to respond to future shocks. More important than central bank rate cuts is the need to ensure commercial banks pass on the reduction to customers, Vitai told local media after applying for the governor's role. He said the policy rate should be significantly lowered for a sustained period to revive the stagnant economy. 'This is a deep and prolonged downturn, and while interest rate cuts are necessary, they are not enough. Additional supportive measures are required,' the Bangkok Post reported, citing Vitai on Jun 23. BLOOMBERG
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Physician explains brain fog isn't just fatigue: Here's what post Covid 19 patients should know
Back in October 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, The New York Times reported that brain fog is defined by memory loss, confusion, difficulty focusing, dizziness, and even having trouble speaking everyday words. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anand Kalaskar, general physician, Apollo Clinic, Nigdi explained how brain fog can have detrimental impacts on everyday life. Also read | Say goodbye to brain fog: Diet plan for sharper focus, memory and mental clarity Brain fog is a common condition characterised by cognitive impairment such as difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and decreased mental clarity, among others. (Pexels) What is brain fog and what are its symptoms? Dr Kalaskar said, 'Brain fog is a nonprofessional term commonly used to describe a set of cognitive symptoms that include lapses in memory, difficulty with concentration, mental sluggishness, and reduced thought clarity.' This brain fog reportedly affects people who have had mild Covid-19 symptoms as well as those who experienced severe symptoms — it ranges. Dr Kalaskar added, 'In post-Covid-19 patients, brain fog is typically presented as forgetfulness, word-finding difficulty, slowing of processing speed, or persistent mental fatigue. The patients experience themselves as working in a fog and having difficulty focusing or getting things done effectively. The symptoms persist for weeks or months after recovery from acute infection.' Brain fog vs tiredness According to Dr Kalaskar, benign tiredness or fatigue usually resolves with rest, is not notably impairing cognition, and is generally nonspecific. Conversely, he said, neurological impairment from Covid-19 'usually includes objective cognitive impairments such as compromised memory, attentional impairment, disorientation, or executive dysfunction'. 'Clinically, if a patient presents with persistent cognitive impairment interfering with work or activities of daily living, particularly if these are accompanied by headache, dizziness, sleep, or mood change, neurological assessment is warranted. Even in patients with mild illness, brain fog can occur, and so complaints of cognition should not be written off as simple tiredness,' Dr Kalaskar said. Dr Kalaskar added that post-Covid-19, brain fog has been thought to be due to prolonged neuroinflammation provoked by a hyperimmune reaction to infection. 'Microvascular damage – micro clots or endothelial dysfunction – has also been thought to incapacitate oxygen and nutrient supply to brain tissue. Central nervous system invasion by the virus, blood-brain barrier disruption, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation have also been proposed. Mental issues like anxiety, depression, and post-viral fatigue also add to these symptoms,' he said. Can you get tested for brain fog? Dr Kalaskar shared that neurologists resort to 'a combination of clinical evaluation, cognitive screening tests, and imaging when necessary'. Routine tests are the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for memory, attention, and executive function, he said. 'In some cases, more detailed neuropsychological testing is indicated. MRI or functional MRI can be advised to exclude structural changes or vascular illness. Blood tests for inflammatory markers, thyroid function, vitamin B12, and D-dimer can be used to exclude other etiologies. Referral to a multidisciplinary long Covid-19 clinic may be indicated in severe or prolonged cases,' Dr Kalaskar said. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Need for more psychologists
MALAYSIA is in dire need of psychologists. The shortage of mental health professionals has been exacerbated by post-Covid-19 issues such as anxiety and stress, as well as a rise in bullying linked to increased social media use. Describing the situation as 'dismal', Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said the country, with a population of 35 million, only has 400 clinical psychologists. That is a ratio of one clinical psychologist for every 87,500 individuals. Prof Andrew 'Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of one clinical psychologist for every 5,000 individuals, Malaysia is far short of the global benchmark,' he told StarEdu. Sunway University School of Psychology Prof Alvin Ng Lai Oon said the shortage means there are fewer opportunities for people to seek mental health services. The problem, however, is not a lack of interest in the career, stakeholders say. They assert that a new generation of psychology students wants to fill that gap, but outdated systems and unfair expectations are stumbling blocks that have caused many to reconsider their options. Tough road Interest in psychology is high among students – but channeling that interest into real careers is not easy, said public health researcher Ellern Eng Hui. He said the challenge starts with the lack of basic protection for those working in the field. 'Despite working to support the mental health of others, we ourselves often lack access to health benefits and job security. 'It's a difficult contradiction, and one that needs to be addressed.' The heavy costs involved are another deterrent. For students like Liong Kah Yan, who is currently pursuing her Master's in Applied Behaviour Analysis, the cost of studying psychology is steep – and the return is not immediate. 'Internship pays little, if at all. And when you finally find a job, the salary is usually low,' she shared, adding that a postgraduate degree is essential for a stable, better-paying role in clinical practice. She pointed out that pursuing a master's degree can cost RM60,000 or more, depending on the course. 'Not many people can afford it, as it is expensive even with scholarships,' she said. The path to becoming a clinical psychologist, said Prof Ng, is also extremely competitive. Prof Ng 'There are only 12 clinical psychology programmes in Malaysia. 'Even if students get in, the lack of qualified clinical supervisors and practicum agencies makes it tough to gain enough hands-on experience,' he noted. He added that trainees often struggle to secure placements for their required internships. 'In Malaysia, postgraduate clinical psychology trainees almost need to beg to be accepted as a clinical intern to receive supervised training, and there's no guarantee that they'll get the experience they need at a public health service if a supervisor is not available, or if psychological tools are not adequate.' This bottleneck, he explained, limits trainees' readiness for real-world practice and narrows their career options. Still considered a young profession, many experienced clinical instructors are under the age of 40 – leaving a gap in mentorship, he added. To make matters worse, Liong said psychology students also have to contend with unfair expectations because of their vocation. 'When I tell people that I study psychology, they would pour their whole life story and expect solutions from me. 'This is very unhealthy. Many psychology students are expected to give 'free' therapy to relatives, friends or just random people we know,' she said. Ellern said many people still do not realise that simply holding a bachelor's degree does not make someone qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. 'Diagnosis is a complex process that should only be done by licensed clinical psychologists. 'It involves detailed assessments, careful observations, and often multiple sessions,' he explained, stressing that it's not something one can figure out from a five-minute chat. Fixing the shortfall Malaysia needs to think beyond traditional methods to close the demand and supply gap for clinical psychologists, Prof Ng said. Calling for reforms to ensure rigorous clinical training and more structured career pathways, he said competitive salaries and clear progression routes are a must. 'Our salary scale is still under the S-job scheme, when there has long been a call to switch it to the U-job scheme, which offers a higher salary and clinical allowances,' he said. The U-salary scheme, Prof Ng explained, is meant for clinicians within the healthcare sector like medical doctors, pharmacists and dietitians. However, clinical psychologists are still categorised under the S-salary scheme, which is meant for social services roles like psychology officers, youth and sports officers, librarians and religious officers. 'The U-salary scheme basically acknowledges that the professional provides services within the clinical and health sector, which is what clinical psychologists are trained to do,' he added. The confusion happens, he said, because many people do not realise that clinical psychology focuses on treating patients, while other branches of psychology like organisational psychology, focus on different areas such as workplaces. Moreover, he highlighted a system he thinks Malaysia could learn from the United Kingdom's system – where psychology trainees are automatically employed within the National Health Service, ensuring on-the-job learning while contributing to healthcare services. Beyond placement and training, Prof Ng said equipping trainees with broader knowledge is equally important. 'I'd also like to see more involvement of medico-legal collaborations so that trainees are also savvy about legal issues and the laws of the land in guiding their clinical decision-making,' he added. Additionally, he suggested adopting a stepped-care model inspired by the UK's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. Under this model, low-intensity therapists are trained in a shorter period – compared to traditional mental health professionals – to deliver basic psychological interventions. 'It's creating a new layer of professionals who are trained in low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy that can be used to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions. They are also easier to access and cheaper than the usual mental health professionals,' he explained. On the other hand, Master's in Counselling student Tan Xin Yi, suggested implementing initiatives at the school level to draw more young Malaysians into the field. 'Schools can invite counsellors or clinical psychologists to share their experiences and show students what the work really looks like. 'It breaks down misconceptions and inspires students to see psychology as a meaningful career,' she said. Ellern agreed, as he said that psychology as a field is still relatively new here, having gained traction only in the last 50 to 60 years. 'Public awareness of mental health is still growing, and until it becomes more widespread and better understood, the demand for mental health services (and by extension, careers) will remain limited,' he explained. Without stronger awareness, Ellern said many people will not seek help, which in turn reduces opportunities for new graduates. 'That lack of demand then feeds into the struggle many psychology graduates face when trying to enter the job market,' he said.
