Beyond ‘Adolescence’: Parental Engagement in Navigating the Digital Divide
The Netflix show ‘Adolescence’ recently sparked conversations about the impact of technology and social media on children’s wellbeing and the growing challenges parents face in monitoring their children’s digital lives. Today, it’s common to see young children owning a smartphone, spending hours online, either on social media, playing online games, or chatting with friends. In fact, research shows that adolescents engage with digital...
The Power of Legacy: Mastering Heritage Branding to Build a Timeless Business
In the modern marketplace, consumers are overwhelmed with choices, making brand differentiation more critical than ever. One of the most powerful branding tools a company can leverage is its heritage and legacy, particularly in family-owned businesses. Through generations, these brands have built trust, authenticity, and emotional connections with their audiences. Nowhere is this more evident than in Royal Selangor, Malaysia’s most...
Beyond the EPF Dividend: A Call for Proactive Financial Management
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) recently announced a 6.3% dividend for both Conventional and Syariah savings for 2024. While this offers some relief to contributors, it should serve as a reminder of the need for proactive financial planning. Relying solely on EPF savings is no longer sufficient for long-term financial security. Individuals must take a hands-on approach to wealth management to stay resilient against economic...
Exploring the Environmental Impact of Hybrid Working
Remote working has become one of the most significant developments in the modern workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption, and both employees and businesses have been quick to highlight the benefits. Employees cite improved work-life balance, time saved from commuting, and the convenience of a home-based workspace. Companies, on the other hand, enjoy reduced overhead costs associated with maintaining physical office...
Bonus Payouts: Motivating or Demotivating Your Workforce?
When an employee opens an email titled ‘Your Bonus Statement’, anticipation runs high. However, does the actual bonus match the reward envisioned? Bonuses are often seen as a recognition for hard work and commitment, a tangible acknowledgment of effort. While bonuses can boost morale and motivation, they also carry a psychological catch: expectations versus reality. Research shows that bonuses can catalyse increased effort, but when...
Food Security in the Face of Climate Change
Agriculture remains both the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and a critical element of our national identity. However, as the climate crisis escalates, this vital sector faces mounting threats that jeopardise our ability to feed the nation. The unpredictable nature of climate factors, from rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and droughts are threatening food production and distribution. These accelerating changes underscores...
Circular Economy: A Transformative Path Toward Malaysia’s Sustainable Future
Malaysia stands at a critical juncture in its journey toward sustainable development. Facing escalating environmental challenges and evolving economic demands, the nation must ask: How can growth be made resilient, inclusive, and sustainable? To this, the Malaysia MADANI framework emphasises sustainability, innovation, and prosperity—values aligned with the principles of the circular economy (CE). The CE model, which prioritises...
2025 Travel Cheat Sheet: 5 Trips with Only 5 Days of Annual Leave!
Maximize Malaysia’s 2025 public holidays with five long weekends by taking just one day of annual leave per holiday. Explore exciting destinations like Pahang, Johor, Batam, Sabah, Sarawak, and Genting Highlands for enriching getaways. 3 December 2024 – With a calendar full of public holidays, 2025 is the year to tick off your travel bucket list. This guide is your cheat sheet to get 5 long weekends with minimal effort. Take one...
World AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) Awareness Week: Community and Global Action for a Healthier Future
Celebrated annually from 18 to 24 November, World AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) Awareness Week is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise global awareness about antimicrobial resistance and encourage best practices to curb its spread. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist the effects of medications designed to kill them, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and...
Finding the Right Balance: Modernising and Conserving Kuala Lumpur’s River of Life
Urban settlements often reflect both fears and hopes. While many cities trace their origins to defence, trade, or agriculture, cities like Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur (KL) began with valuable minerals found by early pioneers. Malaysia used to be the world’s top tin producer, and this ‘white gold’ attracted our ancestors from near and far to settle in many far-flung corners of our country. This started our process of urbanisation...
