Latest news with #USM
The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
USM student body not taking part in July 26 rally, urges members to focus on final exams
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) student body has announced that it will not be involved in the 'Turun Anwar' rally scheduled to take place this Thursday (July 26), here. In a statement on Wednesday (July 23), the USM Student Representative Council reaffirmed its commitment to remaining 'an independent, neutral, and inclusive body that serves all USM students regardless of political affiliation.' ALSO READ: Chief Secretary reminds civil servants not to join 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' While acknowledging the open invitation extended to university students nationwide to join the protest, the council said it respects the diversity of opinions among students, including differing views on national leadership and policies. However, it urged that all expressions of opinion be carried out respectfully, peacefully and within the law. 'We uphold the principle that every student has the right to express their views, whether in support of or against any party, provided it is done respectfully, peacefully, and through legal and proper channels,' the statement read. ALSO READ: 2,000 police personnel to manage July 26 public rally The council also highlighted that USM is in the midst of its final examination period and called on students to prioritise their academic responsibilities. 'We urge all USM students to remain focused and committed to their ongoing exams,' it added. The rally is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (July 26).
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
MPPK stays neutral, won't join ‘Turun Anwar' rally
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Student Consultative Council (MPPK), as the official platform representing student representative bodies nationwide, will not be involved in any partisan gatherings, including the 'Turun Anwar' Rally scheduled for this Saturday in the federal capital. In a statement issued today, MPPK said it recognised the differing views held by students, including those related to the nation's leadership and current policies. 'MPPK will not be officially involved in any partisan gatherings, including the 'Turun Anwar' Rally. This decision is aimed at maintaining MPPK's role as an independent, neutral and open platform that represents all student voices without favouring any political ideology. 'We urge students to always uphold their ethics, conduct and identity as educated individuals who project a positive image of their institution in the eyes of society,' it said. Meanwhile, the Student Representative Council of Universiti Sains Malaysia (MPP USM) said it would also not be officially involved in any partisan gatherings, including this Saturday's rally. In a statement, MPP USM said the approach was taken to ensure it remained an independent, neutral and open body for all students, without being influenced by any political ideology. 'At the same time, we wish to emphasise that USM is currently in the final semester examination period. 'Therefore, we call on all USM students to concentrate fully on their final examinations,' the statement said. - Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
‘Offer engaging news to draw youths'
PETALING JAYA: As younger generations scroll past headlines in favour of snappy social media updates, an academic has called on traditional news outlets to rethink how they could connect with youths. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Communication faculty member Dr Chai Ming Hock said youth around the world are increasingly turning to social media for news, often preferring bite-size content over lengthy, in-depth articles. 'Social media platforms, with their rapid speed and interactive features, have proven to be a more attractive option for the youth, who tend to have shorter attention spans,' he said. He pointed to the education system as a contributing factor to the dwindling interest in in-depth news consumption, partly blaming it for the current situation. 'Children are taught to accept information without asking many questions. The result is a generation that doesn't necessarily engage with news on a deeper level,' he noted. To bridge this gap, Chai suggested that traditional news outlets should not attempt to compete with social media on its own terms such as chasing after clickbaits or viral trends. Instead, the former journalist said mainstream media should focus on providing in-depth analyses and investigative journalism that go beyond the surface level of events. 'Why would I pay for information that I can easily get for free on social media? Traditional media should differentiate itself by offering quality commentary and exclusive reports on serious issues, such as the performance of elected representatives.' However, he acknowledged the youth's preference for social media and recommended that traditional media outlets leverage these platforms to engage with younger audiences. 'Use social media to highlight news stories that matter. By reaching young people, traditional media can maintain a connection and attract their attention.' Despite that, news outlets should not be focused on competing with social media's pace or sensationalism, he added. 'Social media is perfect for quick consumption but traditional media has the opportunity to go deeper, offering context and analyses that are simply not possible in short, bite-size content,' he said. Chai also pointed out that traditional media must drop its arrogance and make more effort to engage with its readers. He recounted his own experience with a journalist from an English-language newspaper, whose response to an inquiry was dismissive: 'I have no time to entertain someone like you'. In another instance, a local Malay-language newspaper used the incorrect spelling of 'George Town' and defended it as a matter of 'house style'. Chia said this illustrates a broader issue of arrogance in some parts of the media industry. 'When readers take the time to write in with their concerns or corrections, it's a sign that they care about the publication. Media must be open to feedback and respond constructively.' He added that traditional media should create more reader-engaging initiatives such as talk shows, podcasts and forums for interactive discussions, which could be used to gather insights and feedback from readers while offering solutions to pressing social issues. 'Media outlets also need to invest in their journalists and encourage them to produce exclusive, investigative pieces that offer valuable insights to the public. This is where traditional media can truly excel.' He said while social media may provide the speed and accessibility that younger readers crave, traditional media outlets can continue to attract and engage readers by offering comprehensive analyses, engaging content and, most importantly, a commitment to respecting and engaging with their audience. 'Ultimately, the key to surviving in the digital age is not about competing with social media. It's about offering something that social media can't – which is in-depth, trustworthy journalism.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
King presents BYDPA scholarship
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, presented the 2025 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship (BYDPA) to 13 students from institutions of higher learning at Istana Negara. Ten recipients were awarded scholarships for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies and three received scholarships for Master's (research) programmes yesterday. Mohamad Fariz Haiqal Mohd Ruslan, who is pursuing a doctorate study in Pharmacology and Pharmacy at King's College London, United Kingdom and Karen Low Ka Ling from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) received PhD scholarships. Other PhD scholarship recipients were Muhammad Hamizan Zawawi (Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)), Muhamad Aiman Hakim Nor Khalid (Mathematics and Statistics, UKM), Sarah Dania Mohd Kahar (Commercial Law, Universiti Malaya (UM)), Teoh Shu Jou (Data Management, UM), Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Sukri (Biotechnology, USM), Nurul Angelyn Zulhairy Liong (Genetics and Heredity, UM), Nur Zakirah Jasni (Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Australia) and Nurfatima Azzahra Fadli (Biochemistry, UKM). BYDPA recipients pursuing studies at the Master's level are Fatini Nadiah Mohammad Zamzami (Biochemistry, UKM), Tiew Siew Jin (Biotechnology, UPM) and Yugashini P. Muhilan (Biomedical Materials, UKM). The BYDPA is a prestigious national scholarship, introduced in 2006, to sponsor Malaysian citizens who excel academically and are actively involved in co-curricular activities. To date, 20 scholarship cycles have been offered, benefiting 225 recipients – 117 at the PhD level and 108 at the Master's level. They received funding to pursue studies in fields such as Economics, Law, Science and Technology, Islamic Finance and Artificial Intelligence. Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the department will conduct an impact study on the scholarship. 'We feel it is necessary to review the current needs in terms of the approach and the fields of study granted to future students,' he said, Bernama reported. Wan Ahmad Dahlan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty for gracing the 2025 BYDPA presentation ceremony. Meanwhile, Low, who serves as a pharmacist at Melaka Hospital, extended her utmost gratitude to the King for the scholarship, adding that she is determined to complete her studies and serve the country. 'We hope to complete our PhD and Master's studies and contribute to our country, Malaysia,' Mohamad Fariz Haiqal added.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Penang plots climate of change with action plan
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island Climate Action Plan 2030 was handed over to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) today. The plan focuses on climate mitigation and adaptation measures. This plan provides a framework for the council to implement climate mitigation and adaptation actions. It aims to transform Penang into a low-carbon city by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan focuses on five themes: GREEN transportation and pedestrian prioritisation; PLANNING and managing green spaces; DEVELOPING resilient communities, and, DISASTER risk reduction and management. The document is supported by primary and secondary data, as well as international modelling tools such as the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model, which is recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This makes it a science-based and internationally credible reference. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the document is not merely a technical report. Rather, it the result of collaboration between researchers from USM, MBPP, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, under the Urban Studies Chair, School of Social Sciences. "This collaboration represents our commitment to building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and livable future for Penang. "As Malaysia's APEX university, USM plays a role not only in producing knowledge and technology but also in leading sustainable development initiatives that are evidence- and science-based. "Therefore, the Science to Action approach used in the development of this Climate Action Plan aligns with national aspirations and global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030) and the Paris Agreement. He said this at the handover ceremony. Mayor Datuk Rajendran P. Anthony, who received the doucment, said the council was more than just a city management entity. He said it was an institution that supported holistic, balanced and livable development. "The plan is not just a policy document but a manifestation of a shared commitment to make Penang a carbon-free state by 2050. "It outlines steps to address climate change challenges in a more systematic and holistic way. "MBPP's role in climate action in Penang is critical. "In the context of sustainable urban development, resource management, spatial planning and policy enforcement are key elements. "With the launch of this plan, the council's role in sustainable urban development will be boosted.
