Rightways

Human judgment still matters in real estate

2026-07-15T18:50:20.036+08:00

AI speeds and eases workload but not infallible

Contributed by Sulaiman Saheh

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way professionals across various industries access information, analyse data and make decisions. In Malaysia, the government is entering a new phase of its AI agenda by shifting its focus from building digital infrastructure to accelerating AI adoption across businesses, public services and everyday professional practice. This national push is aimed at strengthening productivity, enhancing economic competitiveness and increasing the digital economy's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).

With the National AI Office set to be institutionalised as the central body coordinating AI strategy and governance in July 2026, AI is expected to become increasingly embedded across industries, including real estate. From property valuation and investment analysis to customer engagement and management of buildings, AI is offering new levels of speed, efficiency and analytical capability. While these technological advancements present significant opportunities, it is also important to appreciate the intrinsic workings of AI-generated solutions and the different contexts where it flourishes and where caution is due, especially with the early stages of AI adoption in uncharted territories. This is where one has to closely examine the continuing role of human expertise, professional judgment and critical thinking, particularly when it comes to deriving decisions for implementation in the reality of real estate investments and developments.

Why the excitement?

One of the reasons AI has generated so much excitement is its ability to process vast amounts of information in a fraction of the time required by humans. The real estate sector produces enormous volumes of data every day. Transaction records, rental rates, occupancy levels, demographic trends, economic indicators and development pipelines all contribute to a complex and constantly evolving market environment. AI systems can rapidly analyse these datasets, identify patterns and generate insights that would otherwise require considerable time and effort. For real estate professionals, this translates into greater efficiency, faster decision-making and improved productivity.

AI can also help reduce human errors in repetitive administrative tasks. Data entry, report generation, document review and customer enquiries can be streamlined through AI-powered tools. In a market where speed often matters, such efficiency gains can enhance service quality and allow practitioners to focus on higher-value activities. Property agencies can use AI-driven chatbots to respond to customer enquiries around the clock while researchers and analysts can leverage AI to identify emerging market trends and produce preliminary assessments more quickly than before.

AI's greatest weakness

Despite its impressive capabilities, AI is far from infallible. One of its greatest weaknesses lies in its dependence on data quality, programming transparency and user instructions or prompters. An AI system can only produce results based on the information it is given. If the data is incomplete, outdated, inaccurate or biased, the resulting analysis may also be flawed. This is particularly relevant in the real estate industry where data quality varies significantly across locations and market segments. In Malaysia, while transparency has improved over the years, certain market information remains fragmented or unavailable. Not all property transactions, buyer motivations or local market dynamics can be fully captured in databases. As a result, AI-generated conclusions may not always reflect the realities on the ground.

Furthermore, real estate is not solely a numbers-driven industry. Property decisions are influenced by factors that are often difficult to quantify. Human emotions, cultural preferences, community perceptions, lifestyle considerations and personal circumstances frequently shape purchasing decisions. A neighbourhood's reputation, the quality of nearby schools, accessibility to places of worship, future infrastructure developments and local community characteristics may significantly affect property values and buyer behaviour. While AI can identify statistical correlations, it may struggle to understand the nuances that experienced practitioners recognise through years of market exposure and local knowledge.

Challenges in diversity

This limitation is particularly relevant in Malaysia's diverse property landscape. Market behaviour in central Kuala Lumpur may differ substantially from Johor Bahru, Chemor or other cities and towns across the nation. Even within the same city, two seemingly similar developments may perform differently due to factors that are not immediately visible in historical datasets. Local market sentiment, developer reputation, community demographics and buyer confidence often play a larger role than many analytical models can adequately capture. Though there had been increased efforts for data gathering and quantification of sociological parameters, human professionals are often needed to interpret these subtleties and place data within its proper context.

Another concern that deserves attention is the growing tendency to place excessive trust in AI-generated outputs. Modern AI systems are capable of producing reports, analyses and recommendations that appear highly convincing. However, confidence should not be mistaken for accuracy. AI can generate information that sounds plausible but is factually inaccurate, incomplete or unsupported by reliable evidence. In recent years, this phenomenon has become widely recognised as one of the major limitations of generative AI technologies. If users fail to verify the information provided, there is a risk that inaccurate assumptions may be incorporated into important business decisions.

Perhaps the more subtle and potentially dangerous consequence of heavy AI reliance is its impact on human critical thinking. Professional competence is built not only on knowledge but also on the ability to question, evaluate and challenge information. In the practice of real estate professional advisory services, practitioners are expected to assess the reliability of data, identify anomalies and consider alternative interpretations before arriving at conclusions. When AI becomes the primary source of analysis, there is a risk that practitioners may gradually become less inclined to exercise independent judgments.

Over time, excessive dependence on AI may encourage a culture of passive acceptance rather than active inquiry. Instead of asking whether the data is complete, whether assumptions are reasonable or whether alternative explanations exist, individuals may simply accept AI-generated outputs at face value. This phenomenon can lead to what may be described as automation bias or even an epistemic complacency where users consciously or unconsciously choose not to scrutinise information because doing so requires additional effort. In such situations, errors may go undetected not because the technology failed but because humans failed to critically evaluate the technology's conclusions.

The human touch

The human element remains one of the most valuable aspects of professional real estate practice. Property transactions are among the most significant financial decisions many individuals will make during their lifetime. Buyers, sellers, investors and occupiers often seek more than just information; they seek reassurance, guidance and professional judgment. Trust is built through relationships, communication and credibility. These qualities cannot be replicated by algorithms alone.

A professional – be it in real estate or any other industry - does more than analyse data. They interpret market conditions, assess risks, consider broader economic implications and provide recommendations that account for unique circumstances. Experience enables professionals to recognise emerging patterns before they become visible in historical datasets. Judgment allows them to balance quantitative analysis with qualitative considerations. Ethics guide them in acting responsibly when data alone may not provide clear answers. These are inherently human capabilities that remain essential and relevant while being complemented by the technological advancements seen in AI and other technologies.

There is little doubt that AI will continue to evolve and become more sophisticated in the years ahead. But as the real estate industry embraces digital transformation, we must remain mindful that technology is a tool, not a substitute for expertise and the responsibility for making informed decisions must continue to rest with qualified and trained professionals who must continue to learn, unlearn and relearn as technology evolves, rather than blindly relying solely on artificial intelligence programmes.

Sulaiman Saheh is the senior director of research and consultancy services at Rahim & Co Chestertons, a global real estate agency.

Here's how to dine on durian wisely

2026-07-15T18:48:48.097+08:00

It’s hard to stop at just a few pieces of durian, but if you keep going, it can easily add up to another entire meal’s worth of calories. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

Two durian pieces fine, 15 equal to a meal, says dietitian

When durian season arrives, many Malaysians do not eat durian like fruit, they consume it like a feast.

If six apples were placed on the table, most people would not finish all six at one sitting.

The same goes for eight oranges or 10 bananas, for example.

But when it comes to durian, “just one more piece” can easily become 10, 15, or even 20 pieces (or seeds), before anyone realises it.

The issue is not that durian is “bad”. The real issue is portion size.

After 15 pieces

A recent personal observation using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) showed how much portion size can matter.

A CGM is a small sensor that tracks glucose levels throughout the day.

Before eating the durian, the glucose reading was 4.9 mmol/L.

After consuming 15 pieces of durian, the reading rose to 8.0 mmol/L within an hour.

It peaked at 9.1 mmol/L after about 90 minutes before gradually coming down over the next few hours.

If blood glucose had only been checked before eating and two hours after eating, the result may not have looked alarming.

But the CGM showed the full journey: how high the glucose climbed, how long it stayed elevated, and how much work the body had to do to bring it back down.

This was only an individual observation, not a clinical study, and glucose response can differ from person to person.

However, it is a useful reminder that blood glucose response is not only about the type of food we eat, but also about the total portion we consume.

The glucose did not rise because of one piece; every extra piece contributed to the total glucose load the body had to manage.

Each piece of durian adds more carbohydrate for the body to process.

The body then releases insulin to help move glucose from the bloodstream into the muscles and liver to be used or stored as energy.

When calorie intake repeatedly exceeds what the body needs, the excess energy may contribute to weight gain over time.

Every additional piece means more glucose to manage, more insulin to release and more calories to handle.

Durian nutrients

An average piece of durian, weighing about 27g, contains approximately 45 kcal and 8g of carbohydrate.

At the same time, durian also provides dietary fibre, potassium, vitamins B and C, and beneficial antioxidants.

In other words, durian is still a fruit that provides good nutrients.

Like every other fruit, it has a recommended serving size.

Malaysians are generally encouraged to consume two servings of fruit daily, and durian can fit into this recommendation when eaten in the right portion.

For example, one serving of fruit looks like this:

One medium apple
One small banana
One medium orange
One slice of papaya
Two average-sized pieces of durian.

Two average-sized pieces of durian provide about 90 kcal and 16g of carbohydrates.

This can still be considered a moderate-sized snack portion.

That is why two average-sized pieces of durian can be considered one serving of fruit.

‘Just one more piece’

The current cheaper prices of durian makes it even harder to limit consumption for durian lovers. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

The problem is not consuming the two pieces of durian; the problem is that durian is rarely limited to just two pieces.

Below are the amount of calories and carbohydrates for different amounts of durian:

One piece: 45 kcal and 8g
Five pieces: 225 kcal and 40g
10 pieces: 450 kcal and 80g
15 pieces: 675 kcal and 120g.

For comparison, a typical Malaysian lunch or dinner may provide around 500 kcal and 60g of carbohydrate, depending on food choices and portion size.

Now, imagine enjoying 10, or even 15, pieces of durian.

Without realising it, those “just one more piece” moments can quietly add another entire meal’s worth of calories and carbohydrates to your daily food intake.

Durian is generally considered a low to medium glycaemic index (GI) fruit.

Because of this, some people may assume it can be eaten freely.

ALSO READ: Understanding the glycaemic index

However, the glycaemic index of a food is only one part of the picture.

The bigger concern during durian season is glycaemic load, which refers to the total amount of carbohydrates consumed.

One or two pieces may be manageable for many people.

But 10 or 15 pieces create a much higher glucose load for the body to manage.

This is especially important for people living with diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, weight concerns or a family history of diabetes.

Eat wisely

Still, Malaysians do not need to avoid durian completely.

Food should not be about fear; durian can still be enjoyed.

The key is to enjoy it with better awareness and a more mindful portion, especially when it is eaten after a full meal:

Keep to about two average- sized pieces as one fruit serving.
Avoid eating a large amount of durian immediately after a heavy rice-based meal.
Share with family or friends instead of finishing one box or fruit alone.
Eat slowly and enjoy the taste, instead of turning it into a challenge.

For people with diabetes, prediabetes or other health concerns, monitoring your blood glucose response and seeking personalised advice from a dietitian or healthcare professional can help support better food choices.

Durian season is something many Malaysians look forward to.

The goal is not to stop people from enjoying durian, but to help everyone enjoy it with better awareness.

Khoo Wei Jin is a dietitian at Alpro Pharmacy. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

S’pore is world’s most expensive city for the rich

2026-07-09T14:51:01.446+08:00

Island republic gets the nod for the fourth year running

Premium destination: Pedestrians walk along the promenade near the financial business district of Singapore. The country ranked third most expensive for healthcare in 2025, but fell to 23rd in 2026. — AFP

SINGAPORE: Singapore has retained its position as the world’s most expensive city for the affluent for the fourth year running, reflecting the premium that global investors place on stability, a strong currency and a safe haven for capital.

As the wealthy assess their lifestyles and financial longevity, their focus has shifted from cost to value, seeking cities that offer the best mix of stability, quality of life, and balance between income and expenses, said the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 released on July 7.

Tan Yee Kim, Julius Baer’s Singapore branch manager, said Singapore continues to stand out as a “natural choice” as the wealthy consider what assets to hold and where these assets should sit.

“It is valued for its stability, strong rule of law, and the sense of security it offers when planning for the long term. For many families, it forms part of a broader, deliberate allocation across regions, alongside Europe and the Americas,” he said.

ingapore’s rank at the top of the Swiss Bank’s Lifestyle Index reflects the high prices of residential property and cars – the two items that carry the heaviest weightings – as well as the strength of the Singapore dollar against the US dollar.

The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index tracks the price of a basket of 20 luxury goods and services – ranging from private school fees, healthcare and residential property to watches, jewellery and cars – across 25 cities globally. The data was gathered in two rounds between November 2025 and March 2026.

The republic continues to rank as the most expensive place in the world to buy a car and third, for residential property.

Singapore, along with Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Jakarta, Mumbai and Manila took joint first position globally for the most expensive region to get an MBA. The report said the Asia Pacific has become the most expensive region to get an MBA.

But while Singapore ranked third most expensive for healthcare in 2025, it fell to 23rd in 2026; Sao Paulo, Zurich and London took the top three spots, respectively.

Zurich, long considered one of the world’s most expensive cities, climbed from its fifth spot in 2025 to displace London as the world’s second-most expensive city.

This was propelled by the Swiss franc’s appreciation against the US dollar. The currency’s strength is driven by Switzerland’s political and financial stability, which sees the franc acting as a store of value in unpredictable times, the report said.

Monaco entered the top three for the first time, pushing Hong Kong into fourth place, primarily due to a stronger euro elevating total costs in US-dollar terms, but also due to higher residential property prices.

Currencies were not the only force driving this year’s index, with rising raw material costs – particularly gold, which has more than doubled since 2024 – pushing up prices of luxury goods such as jewellery and watches.

Despite higher prices, demand from wealthy consumers remains resilient, allowing luxury brands to keep raising prices to maintain exclusivity and align global pricing with shifts in currencies, logistics and tariffs.

As wealth becomes more global and complex, ultra-rich families are placing greater emphasis on how and where their assets and structures are set up, particularly for tax, succession and governance purposes.

Mobility – both physical and financial – “is becoming a defining feature of wealth in 2026”, the report said. Not only do the wealthy choose where to live and spend, but they also allocate their assets across markets to benefit from currency trends and opportunities and hedge geopolitical risks.

The report said Asia-Pacific investors have stepped up portfolio adjustments amid geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, with more than 70% increasing diversification over the past year.

Many have turned to precious metals as a hedge, while also expanding geographic exposure. Beyond gold, platinum has gained traction in China, and silver has seen renewed demand in India, both in physical markets and exchange-traded products.

Asia-Pacific investors are also showing higher risk tolerance and take a longer-term view than their global peers, with many increasing both investment and spending.

While some are taking a more disciplined approach by boosting investments and cutting spending, overall appetite remains firm. Equities continue to be the preferred asset class, with cash rising to second place ahead of real estate.

Asia Pacific and the Middle East saw the highest proportion of wealthy respondents reporting higher luxury spending in the past 12 months, with hotel suites, fine dining, business class flights and smart phones among the top five categories of increased spending for both regions.

Chua Jen-Ai, research analyst at Julius Baer’s equities research Asia, said high-tech artificial intelligence and semiconductor-driven growth, wealth flows and migration are fuelling fresh growth in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney.

But in cities where traditional legacy industries, commodities and consumption are still the mainstay of economic activity, change has been more gradual.

Asia as a whole remains the fastest-growing region on Julius Baer’s economic projections, with gross domestic product growth of 4.5% in 2026 that is well above the global average of 2.9%, Chua said. — The Straits Times/ANN

The incredible star power rising from the East

2026-07-09T14:49:08.219+08:00

Zhang Linghe

CAN a man be so handsome that millions of women, young and old, around the world have become obsessed with him?

That seems to be the case with Chinese actor Zhang Linghe, who has shot to international stardom with the costume drama, Pursuit of Jade. Just mention his name and the eyes of all my female friends will widen with giddy delight and enthusiastic nods and squeals of “He’s soooo handsome!” What follows will be breathless dissecting of his best scenes in the 40-episode drama that aired in March.

There are, of course, many extremely good-looking and popular actors from other East Asian countries like Japan - Yokohama Ryusei, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Yamashita Tomohisa - and from South Korea - Cha Eun Woo, Hyun Bin, Park Bo Gum - and lots more. But none has struck the popularity stakes globally like Zhang.

I, too, am quite smitten by him, but as a long-time consumer of Asian entertainment, I have also seen other actors becoming extremely popular after a hit drama only to fade as new dramas take over.

It's quite unusual that four months on, Zhang is still holding pole position, and it's thanks to the drama and him spreading westward.

That is what I find most interesting: how Western audiences, or rather non-Asian Western women, have become enamoured of Zhang, too. This is especially so when in the not-so-distant past, Asian male good looks, especially of K-pop idols, were ridiculed as effeminate with slanted eyes, too much plastic surgery and make-up.

Well, what do you know? Thanks to streaming sites like Netflix, audiences everywhere have become exposed to Asian entertainment like never before, and bam! the scales have fallen off their eyes.

By Asian, I am referring to East Asians, not people from the Indian subcontinent, because the latter’s good looks differ greatly with their larger, widely set eyes, thick eyebrows, prominent noses, and they are more hirsute; hence, they look a bit more like Caucasians.

Through the dramas and movies, Western audiences are not just exposed to handsome Asian men but also to how the stories are told, especially romance that focuses on character development that slowly builds up the relationship between the couple before their first kiss.

This is unlike Western romances that often have the couple getting physically intimate almost immediately.

And the Asian male protagonists are usually packaged like Prince Charming – tall, smart, educated, respectful of women and of course good looks with floppy hair and perfect skin.

Singapore aesthetic doctor Siew Tuck Wah explains why Zhang’s face has wowed so many. First are his large and well-proportioned, youthful and alert eyes. Next, his well-defined and structured jawline that signals masculinity. Thirdly, clear and blemish-free skin that signals health.

Dr Siew adds that Zhang’s is not overly rugged or soft, meaning his face has structure and refinement, a balance that makes him universally appealing. He suspects Zhang might have had treatments done to his skin but notes if so, it was done very naturally.

One more standout facial feature not raised by Dr Siew is Zhang's lips that are naturally rosy red. Dr Siew says Zhang looks best in period dramas because the hair is styled to show all his best features.

Well, I think Zhang is also very dishy in the modern drama, The Best Thing, in which he played a traditional medicine doctor, but it’s true he was sensational in Pursuit of Jade. My mak datin friend who rarely watches Chinese dramas only wants to watch him in his next historical drama, The Road to Glory, hoping to relive those good looks with old-fashioned hair and clothes that he carries off so well.

Zhang, who is 29, is admired not just for his beauty but his brains, too. He graduated from Nanjing Normal University with a degree in electrical engineering. He fronted a well-received documentary series, The Answer Is Earth, that is said to be a personal project because of his engineering background as it explores China's low-carbon transition and renewable energy sector.

While many Korean actors have long been popular, Chinese dudes are pretty much on par now with the likes of Zhang, Xiao Zhan, Wu Lei, Yang Yang, Chen Xingxu, Li Yunrui... I really could go on.

There are also many East Asian actresses who have become well known, and that’s evident from how both male and female actors and celebrities have become ambassadors for many brands.

And that is another cultural phenomenon that is worth noting. Until the turn of the century, we in Asia would usually see famous white people paid to promote all sorts of goods to us.

I am reminded of the 2003 movie, Lost in Translation, that starred Bill Murray as a washed-out American movie star who travels to Tokyo to promote Suntory whiskey. Even then, when most Asians were still in awe of the West’s hard and soft power, especially the United States, it struck me as ironic that the film was premised on a fading white actor being regarded as an effective salesman for an Asian product.

Then there was Brad Pitt's Heineken’s 2005 commercial showing him trying to buy beer while being chased by the paparazzi. It was a huge hit.

Twenty years on, Kim Taehyung, better known as V, a member of the South Korean superstar group BTS, is the global ambassador of the most iconic US drink, Coca-Cola, for its Zero campaign.

Back in 2021, Vogue Business, in an article, "Forget Hollywood. There’s a new global brand ambassador", stated that “As brands create content across more diverse ad channels, they’re moving away from traditional Hollywood stars in favour of multifaceted, digitally savvy entertainers such as BTS.”

In 1980, it was actress Brooke Shields who starred in the Calvin Klein Jeans campaign delivering the controversial tagline: "You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.”

In 2026, another BTS member, Jungkook, is the global ambassador. His limited-edition, Jung Kook for Calvin Klein (CKJK) capsule line, which features underwear and apparel, sold out in minutes across multiple global markets.

Indeed, Jungkook is widely acknowledged as an “elite brand multiplier” because his endorsement of any brand dramatically increases visibility, prestige and most importantly, sky-rocketing sales.

That’s why the highly prestigious watch brand, Hublot, chased him for 18 months before he agreed to sign on as its global ambassador.

Many other Asian stars, including from Thailand, have been appointed ambassadors of high fashion and retail labels.

Thai actor Metawin Opas‑iamkajorn represents Prada; Chinese actor Song Weilong (whose good looks and rosy lips are said to be on par with Zhang) is a Gucci and Omega ambassador; Korean actor Cha Eun-woo signed for Saint Laurent and jewellery brand Chaumet. The list goes on, including many top female actresses and artistes like Blackpink members, Yang Mi, Dilraba Dilmurat, Song Hye-kyo and IU.

No surprises that Zhang is ambassador for a slew of diverse brands too, including Bulgari, Puma, Lenovo, Motorola and, with his perfect face, Gucci Beauty and Lancome.

This is truly the Asian century in so many ways. The flow of influence is being reversed or is at last becoming a two-way traffic. We are no longer in thrall of the West that held sway post-colonialism.

I do not deny there was and still is much good coming from the West. But as Prof Amitav Acharya from American University, Washington, DC, writes on Chathamhouse.org, “Globalisation is not disappearing, but taking a new, eastern turn.”

What we are seeing is a definitive shift from Western dominance to a multipolar world. Experts have nicely described it as not merely a "decline of the West" but rather the rise of Asia's own confidence in its soft power as well as its economic and scientific capabilities.

And who's the poster boy for it? Zhang Linghe!

June H.L. Wong The views expressed here are the writer's own.

😭 Tian Xiwei's Emotional Confession About Zhang Linghe Leaves Fans in Tears 💔 
Tian Xiwei has captured fans' hearts once again after sharing an  motional message about fellow Chinese actor Zhang Linghe. Her  heartfelt words about their experience working together and the appreciation she feels for his professionalism have sparked an utpouring of reac …  

Penang on track to deliver 220,000 homes by 2030

2026-07-03T13:47:58.644+08:00

Sundarajoo (left) with Tah Wah Group managing director Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah during a visit to RMKu Foreshore Residence in George Town. The affordable housing project was developed by a subsidiary of the group. Sundarajoo (left) with Tah Wah Group managing director Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah during a visit to RMKu Foreshore Residence in George Town. The affordable housing project was developed by a subsidiary of the group. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Exco: Over 60% of residents in state could benefit from Rumah MutiaraKu units

MORE housing developments are expected following implementation of the Penang Mutiara Line LRT project, says state housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo.

He said the project would help Penang deliver 220,000 Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) homes by 2030, with about 180,000 units already completed or under construction.

The 29.67km LRT line is expected to commence operations in December 2031, based on the current schedule.

Sundarajoo said the 220,000-unit target would provide housing for about 1.1 million people, based on an average household size of five.

“Penang’s population is about 1.8 million, which means more than 60% of residents could benefit from Rumah MutiaraKu homes across various price categories.

“With the LRT in place, we expect more housing developments to come on stream.

“I am confident we can achieve the target,” he said after a site visit to the RMKu Foreshore Residence project in Jalan CY Choy, George Town.

RMKu is Penang’s flagship affordable housing initiative, rebranded in January 2025 to replace the previous Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) programme.

The scheme aims to increase home ownership among eligible Penang residents by offering price-controlled units, zoned allocations, along with a clearer eligibility and delivery framework.

Under the scheme, price-controlled categories remain in place across all zones – Type A, B and C units, as well as the newly introduced Type D category.

Price ceilings range from RM42,000 for Type A units and RM72,500 for Type B units to between RM150,000 and RM300,000 for Type C1 to C3 units, depending on size and location.

The Type D category, with a price ceiling of RM400,000, is aimed at households earning up to RM15,000 a month.

These units cannot be resold on the open market.

On claims that affordable housing development was focused only on the island, Sundarajoo said the projects were being developed across both the island and mainland.

However, he said higher land prices on the island meant most projects there were concentrated in the Type B and C categories, particularly C3 units with a ceiling price of RM300,000 each.

He said affordable homes priced from RM72,500 were still available on the island, particularly in Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau.

Sundarajoo said lower land costs on the mainland enabled developers to offer more affordable housing, including high-rise units priced between RM42,000 and RM250,000, while some landed homes in north and south Seberang Perai districts were still available below RM450,000.

He added that some developers helped first-time house buyers by absorbing the 10% down payment.

On the RMKu Foreshore Residence, Sundarajoo said 482 affordable homes would soon be handed over to the buyers after issues delaying the project were resolved.

The development comprises 80 RMKu C2 units priced up to RM200,000 and 402 RMKu C3 units priced up to RM300,000.

Sundarajoo said 51 residents from the area had each been allocated a unit under the development.

“The value of the homes they are receiving surpasses the amount of rental they have been paying,” he said.

By LO TERN CHERN

M’sia in good position to adopt AI

2026-07-01T22:25:46.979+08:00

Zetrix co-founder Datuk Fadzli Shah Anuar

PETALING JAYA: With its own recent ambitious foray into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, Zetrix AI Bhd believes Malaysia is well-positioned to adopt and adapt to the fast-moving world of AI technology, and potentially reap economic benefits from the evolution.

Datuk Fadzli Shah Anuar, co-founder of Zetrix, the group's layer-1 blockchain platform, believes the country’s way forward lies not directly from its influx of its data centre (DC) pipeline, but more in how it enables its current workforce to improve productivity as the adoption of AI and high-level technology becomes more prevalent.

The issue is all the more relevant, given Malaysia’s seemingly continuous grapple with the issue of stagnating wages and increasingly higher cost of living.

In an exclusive interview, Fadzli acknowledged that while the government’s sanctioning of the DC influx represents its willingness to get on the tech bandwagon, the presence of DCs themselves will not translate into significant employment opportunities, especially given its highly skilled barrier of entry.

“In fact, while the adoption of AI and blockchain as a whole will mean jobs will be created, we see tasks will also be taken by non-humans, particularly a large portion of repetitive tasks that need to be done reliably and transparently,” he said.

Fadzli further explained why the group has forged several government-backed partnerships with Chinese entities, primarily focusing on AI innovation, blockchain interoperability, cross-border trade facilitation, digital identity and data trading.

With China being a significant economic and trade partner for Malaysia, he reiterated that Zetrix AI’s belief that much of China’s industrial and end-user behaviour will translate to some form of variant in this country, remarking: “Malaysia will follow similar growth and adoption cycles.”

Citing the recent trend of one-person companies or OPCs in China, with a single entrepreneur utilising multiple AI agents in delivering a service, Fadzli expects more tech-savvy youths adopting this business model.

He observed this as a form of job creation, commenting that Malaysia is well positioned to embrace this approach.

“This example will show that the current workforce can use AI and technology to become even more effective within its current roles, and perhaps we will see a tectonic shift of job roles.

“Businesses will move dynamically, a simple but huge departure from how things were previously, and we see Malaysia adopting such technology addictively,” he noted.

Nevertheless, Fadzli recognised the trust challenges that come with widespread AI and tech adoption, especially in maintaining service dependency and data privacy trust.

He believes there are three facets to building digital trust, namely, the reliability of the service rendered, data protection and the assurance that there will be no leakage of information, and the certainty that the parties dealing with each other know exactly who they are transacting with.

“We see that with the use of AI agents, not only can everything be done very accurately but also securely, because it will all be based on data packets. So for that, we believe that over the long term (AI), the agent-to-agent economy will be a commonplace occurrence,” said Fadzli.

As to how reality plays out this adoption, he is betting that it will change the way the public consume everyday services, from booking a car, ordering products online to even eCommerce, with AI agents securely matching orders to personal profiles.

Furthermore, he feels as applications become simpler for higher utilisation among the public, due to faster iteration cycles, there also needs to be user acceptance and awareness, and the necessity to marry digital identities (such as Malaysia’s MyDigital ID) with ever-growing technologies to ensure better data privacy and prevent scams.

With China and Asean being economies with somewhat different profiles, Fadzli conceded that there is no straightforward answer to this question.

He emphasised that China, due to the sheer size of its population and economy, can set standards, but it does not represent cluster economies which are interdependent as a trading bloc such as Asean.

“In our view, Asean is opportunistically a good showcase of how independent countries can work together and we are in a position to adopt certain standards that could be carried through an entire bloc, which can then be mirrored by the Gulf Cooperation Council or South American nations,” he explained.

On the differences between China and Asean notwithstanding, Fadzli believes that certain major economies (such as China or the United States) will lead in certain standards and cluster nation groups will then adopt these standards.

He says Asean state leaderships believe in digitalisation as a serious economic lever, as there is concerted effort to take this conversation seriously.

“Governance, however, is not keeping pace with the adoption or the onboarding of technology.

“What we can do to add value to what China is doing, using QR codes as an example, is to enable cross-border transactions and tech adoption more efficiently. Can governance keep up with such innovation?”

In addition, Fadzli said a more widespread usage of stablecoins such as the JMYR, a Malaysian ringgit-pegged stablecoin, would mean trades can be analysed with data more efficiently, while financing and remittances can be made instant.

JMYR is a fully backed, 1:1 digital token representing the Malaysian ringgit, designed for fast, programmable payments, settlements, remittances, and on/off-ramp functionality on Zetrix’s blockchain.

“It is essential to construct a stablecoin infrastructure, as this can create a transparent yet secure, efficient and competitive marketplace,” said Fadzli.

By KEITH HIEW

Penang primed to prosper

2026-06-28T15:59:43.498+08:00

State leads the way in manufacturing, services sectors

The state is strategically positioned to capitalise on long-term growth drivers such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and global supply-chain diversification.

PETALING JAYA: Penang has continued punching above its weight economically, contributing 7.6% of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024.

Anchored by its manufacturing (46.1%) and services sectors (48.1%), its growth has outpaced Malaysia over the long-term and continues to remain resilient.

As Malaysia’s premier semiconductor and electrical and electronics (E&E) hub, the state is strategically positioned to capitalise on long-term growth drivers such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and global supply-chain diversification.

In 2024, Penang’s E&E segment contributed RM41.7bil to the state’s GDP.

RHB Banking Group recently hosted the Penang Economic Forum 2026 which brought together various stakeholders from across the board.

During the forum, multiple panel sessions were held which discussed topics surrounding Penang’s transition towards a higher-value economy, small and medium enterprise (SME) competitiveness, sustainable growth and funding accessibility.

“Panellists emphasised the need to move beyond the traditional low-cost manufacturing model towards higher value activities centred on 4T’s – talent, technology, things (product and services), and trademarks,” RHB Research said.

It added that supply chain diversification and geopolitical tensions have created opportunities for a technology transfer, collaboration and business relocation.

Another key topic discussed was how the state can unlock growth capital beyond just bank financing.

“Alternative funding channels such as venture capital, private equity and capital markets can support businesses at different cycles, so efforts to strengthen the funding ecosystem is important,” it noted.

As for SMEs and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the panellists acknowledged that they remained a vital pillar of the economy, and have accounted for 96.1% of total business establishments while contributing RM652.4bil to the country’s GDP in 2024.

“Supported by more than 350 multinationals and over 6,500 manufacturing-related SMEs, Penang has developed one of Malaysia’s deepest industrial ecosystems, fostering technology transfers, capability upgrading, and innovation.

“Moving forward, SMEs are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting higher value-added and innovation-driven industries.”

It’s worth noting that Penang ranks among the top four states in Malaysia for MSME employment, supporting approximately 469,900 jobs.

RHB Research said the state also generated RM91.5bil in MSME gross output, accounting for 7.2% of the country’s total MSME output.

The state has also continued to attract foreign direct investment despite global uncertainties – approved foreign direct investment (FDI) hit RM15.2bil in the first nine months of 2025, driven primarily by the the E&E, machinery and equipment and chemicals sectors.

“The United States remained the largest source of FDI, followed by China and the Cayman Islands.

“Subsequently, increasing investments in transport equipment and fabricated metal products are reflecting the broadening depth of the state’s manufacturing ecosystem,” RHB Research said.

Penang is also one of the main logistics hubs in the country, anchored by the Penang International Airport (PIA) and North Butterworth Container Terminal.

The state has continued to see an increase in tourists, supported by its diversity in offerings.

RHB Research said passenger traffic at PIA went up 10.5% in the first half of 2025 while cruise arrivals at Swettenham Pier grew 39.7% in 2024, reflecting improving travel demand and connectivity.

“Supported by Visit Malaysia 2026 initiatives, expanding international flight networks and the Malaysia-China mutual visa-free regime, Penang is well positioned to benefit from higher visitor arrivals and tourism spending, reinforcing the sector’s contribution to the state’s services economy,” the research house said.

Meanwhile, the Penang Economic Forum 2026 also highlighted how businesses need to be adaptive and resilient so that productivity and cash flows can be managed.

RHB Banking Group laid out potential key beneficiaries, among them included Pentamaster Corp Bhd , Cnergenz Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd and QES Group Bhd .

Firms shift operations from singapore to improve efficiency
Firms shift to Malaysia Crossing over for growth Firms shift operations from singapore to improve efficiency 25 Jun 2026 PETALING JAYA...

Ills of having no will, Never too late to write a will

2026-05-28T14:11:42.190+08:00

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Ignorance, cultural attitudes cause many to overlook estate planning

by ALLISON LAI

The total amount in frozen inheritance assets and unclaimed money has surged past the Rm100bil mark, with possessions of the deceased not distributed smoothly due to a lack of estate planning. As for uncollected funds, amounts range from small sums up to thousands of ringgit and more.

KUALA LUMPUR: Frozen inheritance assets has reached a staggering RM90bil, with experts attributing this to a lack of estate planning among Malaysians.

According to official statistics, the frozen assets include properties, shares, investments, and other capital belonging to deceased persons that cannot be distributed yet due to unresolved legal or administrative matters.

And if this does not pose a big enough headache, there is also the total in unclaimed money which stands at RM13bil.

ALSO READ: Planning ahead will save family the stress

The Accountant-General’s Department listed unclaimed money to include salaries, dormant bank accounts, insurance payouts, and deposits yet to be claimed by the rightful individuals; amounts range from several ringgit up to thousands of ringgit and more.

While frozen inheritance assets involve the estates of the deceased, unclaimed money can also entail living individuals.

Financial Planning Association of Malaysia general manager Alice Wong said many younger professionals and middle-income earners in the country still believe that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or elderly.

With such a mindset, many do not consider writing a will, she said.

“The reality is, if you have assets and dependants and a wish for how things should be handled after you are gone, a will is relevant,” she said in a recent interview.

Wong said cultural attitudes also play a role, as many families remain uncomfortable discussing death and inheritance matters.

She said many mistakenly believe that assets will automatically go to the “right people”.

“If you die without a will, your estate is distributed according to the Distribution Act for non-Muslims, which follows a fixed legal formula that may have nothing to do with what you actually want,” Wong pointed out.

She said another common misconception is that a will alone will allow families immediate access to assets.

“In practice, assets are often frozen upon death, and the will still needs to go through the courts to obtain a Grant of Probate before anything can be distributed,” she said.

A Grant of Probate is a court document that gives an executor – usually a trusted family member, friend or named lawyer – the authority to manage and distribute a deceased person’s estate according to the will.

Wong said some people also wrongly assume verbal promises or informal notes to be sufficient

“Spoken instructions and casual, unwitnessed writings carry no legal weight and are one of the biggest causes of family disputes after someone passes away,” she said.

Wong advised Malaysians to start with a legally valid will, review their Employees Provi-dent Fund and insurance or takaful nominations regularly, and keep proper records of assets and liabilities.

“Estate planning does not have to be overwhelming. Getting proper guidance early can save your family a great deal of stress and complications down the road,” she said.

Lawyer Joshua Kong said a common legal problem families face when someone dies without proper estate planning is disagreements over how inherited properties should be handled.

“The root of the problem is that a property suddenly has multiple new legal owners after the death, and these new owners disagree on whether it should be sold, or for how much,” he said.

Kong said a properly considered and drafted will could potentially prevent years of legal disputes among surviving family members.

“A will can dictate how the deceased’s properties are to be dealt with, including how it should be sold and who gets the proceeds of the sale,” he said.

If there is no will, Kong said distribution of assets for non- Muslims will instead follow the Distribution Act, which determines how an estate is divided among surviving family members.

He said disputes involving inherited properties could become increasingly complicated over time, especially when beneficiaries themselves die and their shares are transferred to the next generation of heirs.

“Those next of kin may have different ideas on how to deal with the property, and the cycle continues,” he said.

Enhance fraud detection, checking banking fraud

2026-05-25T14:33:58.305+08:00

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Calls for improvements in detecting suspicious banking transactions

The issue has come under renewed focus following a Sessions Court ruling ordering a bank to compensate a customer RM166,000 over suspicious online transactions that went undetected.

As scams evolve, banks are facing heightened urgency to identify unusual transaction patterns and act fast, particularly as fraudsters exploit human behaviour and then move in to breach banking systems.

At a Bank Negara workshop on consumer protection and fair conduct reforms, its officers said existing laws protect the confidentiality of customer information and personal data in the financial sector.

“Financial institutions are robust but there is always room for improvements,” the officers said yesterday.

They said enforcement actions had been taken in instances where breaches were identified, including requiring the institutions involved to implement corrective action plans.

The officers also said Bank Negara continued to monitor banks on consumer protection and compliance matters.

In its latest annual report, the central bank stressed the need to strengthen fraud detection systems and reinforce internal safeguards to combat sophisticated online scams.

The central bank said banks and non-bank financial institutions were required to adopt advanced fraud detection measures and strengthen internal safeguards to quickly intercept suspicious transactions.

It also stressed for a proactive approach to prevent fraudulent transactions from escalating.

The central bank said that in recent years, financial institutions had strengthened various security measures including tighter fraud detection rules and triggers, cooling-off periods for new device registrations and stronger authentication methods.

These measures contributed to a 52% decline in unauthorised fraudulent transactions involving malware and phishing reported in 2024, and prevented over Rm399mil in attempted fraudulent transactions, it said.

However, Bank Negara also acknowledged that fraud patterns were becoming increasingly complex and harder to distinguish from genuine customer activity.

Bank Negara said banks and consumers shared responsibility for safeguarding digital banking security, but reiterated that financial institutions had to determine whether weaknesses in their internal controls contributed to fraud incidents.

It also introduced the Selfcompensation Framework for Fraud Transactions (SEFT) under its Policy Document on Ensuring Fair Treatment for Victims of Unauthorised e-banking Transactions.

SEFT outlines how banks should assess fraud cases and determine compensation based on the responsibilities of both financial institutions and customers.

According to Bank Negara, more than 95% of online fraud cases in Malaysia involved authorised transactions – where victims were manipulated into willingly transferring money to scammers.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham agreed that banks should adopt more proactive intervention measures when transactions appear inconsistent with a customer’s normal behaviour.

“Banks are clearly not doing enough. Fraudsters now exploit human behaviour more than banking systems,” she said.

“Banks must transition from passive logging to active, pre-emptive intervention.”

https://www.thestar.com.my › nation › 2026/05/22 › sle...

Sleek scams call for both banks, customers to play their part

The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my › nation › 2026/05/22 › sle...

Harsh reality about estate planning in Malaysia

2026-05-05T23:41:24.154+08:00

Filepic

OVER Rm90bil of wealth in Malaysia is currently frozen – not lost, not spent, just inaccessible.

Behind this staggering figure are families waiting months, sometimes years, to access money that could otherwise be used for mortgage payments, children’s education or medical bills.

This is the uncomfortable reality of estate planning in Malaysia. While many Malaysians work hard to build wealth through property, savings and investments, far fewer take the final step of ensuring that this wealth can be effectively passed on to their beneficiaries.

Estimates suggest that frozen estates in Malaysia have risen from Rm42bil in 2011 to as high as Rm90bil in recent years. According to a Bernama report in May last year, Rm13.3bil in unclaimed money was recorded by the Accountant General’s Department as of April 2025.

In news reports last year, Amanah Raya Berhad group managing director Ahmad Feizal Sulaiman Khan was quoted as saying that Rm65bil in assets, including real estate and cash belonging to deceased individuals, remain unclaimed due to lack of estate planning.

At the household level, this translates into delays, disputes and financial strain. At the national level, it represents idle capital that could otherwise contribute to economic activity.

Another reality that many overlook is that debts do not end when life does. Before any inheritance can be distributed, all of the deceased’s outstanding liabilities must be settled. This includes mortgages, personal loans, credit card balances and taxes.

In many cases, what appears to be a substantial estate might be reduced significantly after debts are cleared, leaving some families with far less than expected. In extreme cases, there may be nothing left at all.

Estate planning is often misunderstood as something complex or only relevant to the wealthy. In truth, it is a practical step that applies to anyone with dependents or assets.

From a practitioner’s perspective, three elements are critical.

First, legal clarity: A clear will or estate plan ensures that assets are distributed according to intention and reduces delays and disputes.

Second, debt awareness: Managing liabilities ensures that more of the estate can be preserved for beneficiaries rather than being consumed by obligations.

Third, liquidity planning: For families who need immediate access to funds, instruments such as insurance or structured arrangements can provide cash flow when it matters most without being tied up in legal processes.

These are not complicated strategies. They are basic safeguards that determine whether wealth can actually serve its purpose.

One of the biggest barriers to estate planning in Malaysia is attitude. Many people avoid the topic because it feels uncomfortable or premature while others assume they will get their assets without any complications.

But the evidence tells a different story. Failing to plan does not remove risk; it shifts the burden to the family often when emotions are high and urgent decisions must be made.

Estate planning should be viewed as a practical extension of responsible financial planning instead of a morbid exercise.

Ultimately, the true value of wealth lies not in how much we accumulate but in how effectively it protects the people we care about.

ASSOC PROF CHONG WEI YING Taylor’s Business School Taylor’s University

Drugstores not immune to fraud, Beware of cheap fake meds online

2026-05-04T17:04:48.811+08:00

Cases of stolen identity, couterfeit products

PETALING JAYA: What was first a mere question from a friend about discounted products quickly turned into a worrying discovery for pharmacist Rachel Gan May Shiang.

Someone was using her pharmacy’s identity to sell doubtful products.

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“I was sent a screenshot and that was when I knew our pharmacy was being impersonated online.

“The store looked almost identical. The only difference was that one of the letters bore a small alphabet as opposed to mine.

“Unregistered products in the Malaysian market were also sold on that site,” said Gan, who founded a pharmacy in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam.

This led to complaints being made to the said e-commerce platform. Several of the product postings were then removed.

Days later, however, more fake accounts emerged.

“What’s even more worrying is that these products are being purchased.

“Besides the impersonation, there are wider public health concerns,” she said.

Gan, who is honorary secretary of the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild, questioned how the said platform vets its sellers, especially for those related to sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

Her case is not an isolated one, as even chain pharmacies are being targeted by fraudulent operators.

“Over the past year, we noticed this becoming increasingly rampant.

“At first, we received customer enquiries, with many also checking the authenticity of the products at our physical stores.

“So we checked the sites daily and lodged reports with the relevant authorities every time our brand name is misused to sell health and supplement products,” said Alpro Pharmacy professional care and development manager Ng Yi Ling.

These stores impersonate the Alpro brand, logo and images, she said.

The only difference was in the capitalisation of the letters in the brand name.

“Our biggest concern is how consuming these products will impact the health of consumers. We do not know the contents of these products,” she said.

Du Kiat Seng and Ng Seng Wei, who are the brand owners and sole distributor of a supplement product in Malaysia, said they have received complaints about counterfeit products as recently as March.

“We tried ordering the product ourselves and found that it was clearly a counterfeit.”

The giveaway was the absence of mandatory hologram tags.

The registration number was also a duplicated one, they said.

Both of them found that posts of doubtful products would be taken down following complaints but they would reappear the next day on the same online store.

“There should be some sense of responsibility from platforms to do their due diligence before allowing anyone to list health products for sale online.”

Brego Life Sciences marketing manager Claris Wong said they discovered such issues happening since 2024.

“We received complaints online. The prices were between 30% and 40% cheaper.

“We purchased the products and saw that they were almost identical with our products, although there were subtle differences in the printing.

“There was even a hologram printed on it. But when we scanned it, we found the product was not registered,” she said.

Sh said there was an instance where a customer was hospitalised after consuming a counterfeit product.

“Counterfeit products are dangerous.

“Our tests revealed that they do not have any of the active ingredients as claimed and may also contain unknown or harmful substances,” she said.

Save a dime, risk a life? Beware of cheap fake meds online

PETALING JAYA: It may seem like a good bargain online. But it comes with serious risks, as counterfeit medicines and supplements are still being sold on e-commerce platforms despite ongoing crackdowns.

TikTok Shop Malaysia said medicines and supplements are subject to requirements, including the need for a MAL number or notification from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), before being listed.

“Through our Intellectual Property Protection Centre, brands or authorised representatives can submit takedown requests for products and monitor their st

“There is no finish line when it comes to safety. Users are encouraged to report these products, content and sellers through the in-app reporting channel,” said a spokesperson.

TikTok Shop Malaysia is working with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and Health Ministry to address evolving forms of circumvention.

The spokesperson said continuous investments are made to improve safety tools, technology and personnel, with more than US$1bil committed globally to protect users from fraudulent and dangerous activities.

Automated systems are also used to detect potential fraud, infringement, unsafe content or violative product listings, both before and after products or content are uploaded.

“Sellers must submit official documentation during registration, which is then verified against business and banking details to ensure authenticity.

“Store names are subject to strict guidelines to prevent misrepresentation, including restrictions on terms such as ‘official’, ‘flagship’ or ‘authorised’,” the spokesperson said.

Once approved, new sellers undergo a probationary period where daily orders and product listings are capped as they familiarise themselves with platform policies.

Between January and June this year, it said more than 70 million product listing attempts were rejected globally for policy violations, with a proactive removal rate exceeding 99.5%.

Some 1.4 million seller account registration applications that failed to meet its standards were declined, with more than 700,000 sellers removed during the same period due to shop-level violations.

“More than 900,000 reports from users viewing TikTok Shop videos or live streams were also reviewed,” the spokesperson said.

Shopee strictly prohibits the sale of counterfeit and prohibited items too, requiring all sellers to comply with local regulations and platform policies.

A spokesperson said the platform works closely with the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) to verify pharmacies and actively remove listings that violate its rules.

“We are committed to building a safe and trusted platform where shoppers can transact with confidence.

“We also use proactive monitoring and work with brands, law enforcement and the Health Ministry to detect and take action against sellers breaching our policies, including account suspension, permanent bans and, where appropriate, legal action.

“Users are encouraged to report suspicious or counterfeit products via the ‘Report this Product’ option.”

Complaints can also be made to the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA), which is used to manage public complaints, including reports of fake or unregistered medicines.

MPS president Amrahi Buang said all pharmaceutical products sold online must be registered with the Health Ministry and comply with laws including the Poisons Act, Sale of Drugs Act and the Medicines (Advertisement & Sale) Act and Regulations.

“Legitimate products have the Health Ministry hologram tag and the MAL number,” he said, adding that the number can be checked at the NPRA website.

He said MPS also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an e-commerce platform to curb the sale of counterfeit drugs online.

There are several conditions to be fulfilled when applying to open an online store as per the MOU, including having a licensed pharmacist, ensuring the products sold online can be tied to a physical store and confirming that the pharmacist is an MPS member.

“Pharmacists can check if the product is legitimate and advise you.

“We don’t just sell drugs. We want the best for our customers,” he said

Mixed property outlook amid higher oil prices

2026-04-23T16:32:34.337+08:00

High-rise and luxury segments seen most vulnerable

PPC International MD Datuk Siders Sittampalam

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s property market remains an appealing investment avenue despite increasing global uncertainties, according to industry experts.

PPC International Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Siders Sittampalam said the local property market remains attractive to investors despite the ongoing West Asia crisis.

“However, the appeal is likely to be selective rather than broad-based, with investment decisions increasingly adopting a sector-led approach.

“It is important to recognise that Malaysia’s property market continues to be driven largely by domestic fundamentals, rather than direct exposure to the Middle East,” he told StarBiz.

An analyst said investing in property during global economic uncertainty “still makes sense,” adding, however, that it is “no longer about riding a broad market upswing”.

“It’s about selectivity, resilience, and long-term thinking. Property remains attractive because it’s a tangible, income-generating asset.”

Amid uncertain times, he said investors often value “stability.”

“Real estate can provide relatively predictable rental income and act as a partial hedge against inflation. Compared to more volatile assets like equities, it tends to be less reactive to short-term global shocks.”

However, he said the current environment has changed the investment outlook.

“Higher construction costs, cautious lending and more price-sensitive buyers mean that not all properties will perform well. Oversupply in certain segments, especially high-density developments, can limit both rental yields and capital appreciation.

“At the same time, global uncertainties can affect job markets and consumer confidence, indirectly impacting demand,” he said.

Compared with many countries in the region, Siders noted that Malaysia’s political neutrality provides a degree of stability.

“As such, the crisis is expected to affect the market only indirectly, primarily through higher oil prices, inflationary pressures and shifts in investor sentiment.

“One key reason the market remains attractive is that, during periods of geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to rotate away from volatile equities into hard assets such as real estate.”

Siders emphasised that property, particularly income-producing assets, is generally less sensitive to short-term volatility affecting equities and other financial instruments.

“That said, the principal risk lies in a prolonged period of elevated oil prices, which could translate into higher domestic transportation costs, increased steel and concrete prices, pressure on rental affordability and slower take-up rates for high-end residential properties.”

Collectively, Siders said these factors may erode household disposable income and temper overall market momentum.

“In my view, investment strategies should now be anchored on income generation and strong underlying fundamentals, rather than expectations of capital appreciation or speculative gains.”

One market observer said that in times of uncertainty, the key question isn’t whether to invest, but rather “how to invest.”

“Investors should focus on properties with strong fundamentals – good locations, access to infrastructure, proximity to employment hubs and realistic pricing.

“Rental demand is especially important now, as steady income can offset slower price growth. A longer investment horizon also becomes critical, since quick gains are less likely in a cautious market cycle.”

Amid current economic uncertainties, a property analyst said there would be an impact on the market should things escalate further or be prolonged.

In such a situation, he said the impact would vary depending on the property segment. He said high-rise condominiums, especially in Kuala Lumpur, would be the most vulnerable segment.

“This segment would be the hardest hit because buyers here are often investors or middle- to upper-income earners.”

He noted that this segment also tends to be more sensitive to economic uncertainty, rental yields and short-term sentiment.

“Should oil prices spike, investors here will likely pull back and there will be fewer speculative purchases.

“The number of expatriates would also shrink if the global economy slows. Moreover, rental demand for these types of properties could also soften.”

Ultimately, this could lead to slower price growth or stagnation for high-rise condominiums.

“There would be higher unsold inventory. This is already an issue for condominiums within the Klang Valley,” he said.

Similarly, luxury and high-end properties are also at high risk, he noted.

“This segment is highly dependent on foreign buyers and investor sentiment.

“Oil price spikes often come with global uncertainty, which reduces foreign inflows and makes buyers more cautious. In such situations, transactions within this segment could drop significantly and prices may stagnate or correct.”

On the flip side, he said affordable houses (or mass-market properties) would be the most resilient if global economic conditions continue to worsen.

“This segment holds up better because it is driven by genuine need for owner occupation rather than investment.

“It is also often supported by government schemes and financing access. Even if oil prices push up living costs, people still need homes.

“Demand may slow slightly, but the segment still remains relatively stable. Prices may still inch up, albeit more slowly.”

Nevertheless, higher oil prices equals higher fuel costs, he noted. “Therefore, commuting can become more expensive.

“In such cases, locations far from city centres may see reduced appeal, while well-connected areas (especially ones near mass rapid transits and light rail transits) will hold their value better.”

By EUGENE MAHALINGAM eugenicz@thestar.com.my

Why nitric oxide is important for our health

2026-04-07T21:47:00.002+08:00

Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, allowing for more blood to pass through when needed. — Wikimedia Commons

Nitric oxide (NO

) is a vital signaling molecule produced naturally by the body that acts as a vasodilator, relaxing and widening blood vessels to increase blood flow, improve oxygen delivery, and lower blood pressure. It is essential for cardiovascular health, erectile function, immune system strength, and regulating neurotransmission in the brain.

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Many of the chronic health challenges we face as adults in Malaysia now – like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, fatigue, brain fog and sexual health conditions – are often treated as separate problems.

But from a health and long-term perspective of functional medicine and ageing, these problems that can apparently be separated from one another often seem to have a common denominator: declining blood vessel health.

Central to this process is the naturally-occurring molecule nitric oxide, which is responsible for circulation, metabolism, immune balance and healthy ageing.

Nitric oxide is a gas formed in the body that relaxes and widens the channels of blood vessels within the body – a process called vasodilation.

This basic action helps to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to all tissues in the body.

Even in very small amounts, nitric oxide has a huge impact on health.

It is typically considered in functional medicine to be a marker of vascular age as healthy blood vessels are crucial for determining how well the body functions over time.

Here is why nitric oxide matters to our health:

> Heart disease and high blood pressure

Heart disease remains a major cause of death in Malaysia.

Many people assume that high blood pressure or heart disease are just a consequence of advancing age or genetic fate.

In fact, one major contributor to these conditions is endothelial dysfunction, in which the lining of a blood vessel loses its ability to produce adequate nitric oxide.

When nitric oxide levels are low, our blood vessels become stiff and inflamed, causing the heart to work harder and blood pressure to eventually rise.

The longer this goes on, the more likely you are to experience complications like heart attack and stroke.

> Diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Nitric oxide also contributes to metabolic health, which has become an increasingly serious issue in Malaysia.

A sufficient level of nitric oxide assists in increasing cellular insulin sensitivity and aiding glucose to enter the muscles more effectively.

With decreased production of nitric oxide, insulin resistance and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes increases.

This vascular-metabolic connection explains why people with diabetes are at much higher risk for heart disease, and why the health of blood vessels is critical in long-term diabetes management.

> Ageing brains

Nitric oxide is crucial for brain health and cognitive longevity.

Reduced availability of nitric oxide is associated with impaired cerebral blood flow and a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease.

The brain is exceptionally sensitive to changes in blood flow, and even small decreases in circulation can threaten memory, concentration and mental clarity.

From a lifelong perspective, sustaining healthy blood flow to the brain is the most critical means of preserving cognitive function and independence in old age.

> Energy and stamina

Nitric oxide is closely related to a person’s energy level and physical stamina.

A lot of middle-aged and elder Malaysians say that they are easily fatigued, have low exercise resistance or take longer to recover after playing sports.

Although such symptoms are frequently ascribed to ageing, they often indicate diminished nitric oxide generation instead.

When blood vessels do not dilate properly, muscles get less oxygen for activity, leading to mild tiredness and slower recovery.

Supporting pathways through nitric oxide helps to preserve mobility, strength and vitality – key elements of healthy ageing.

> Sexual health

Another important insight into nitric oxide status comes from sexual health.

Early indicators of the ageing of the vascular system often occur in men via erectile dysfunction and women via impaired sexual responsiveness.

Nitric oxide is critical for genital blood flow and normal sexual function, so trouble in that area often shows up years before more significant cardiovascular symptoms come about.

Thus, sexual health in functional medicine is conceptualised not just as an individual problem, but also as a window into overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.

> Living longer

Nitric oxide production naturally decreases with age due to several key factors.

Sadly, Malaysia’s modern lifestyle aspects – i.e. physical inactivity, consumption of refined carbohydrates and ultra-process-ed foods, chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, and chronic metabolic disease – only exacerbate this decline.

When the amount of nitric oxide drops, blood vessels become stiffer, inflammation rises and the body’s capacity for coping with stress decreases.

This accelerates biological ageing and raises the risk of various chronic diseases.

From a functional medicine and longevity standpoint, the idea is to not just treat disease once it starts, but also preserve nitric oxide levels over the course of a lifetime by promoting early and consistent production.

It requires that the body’s natural nitric oxide pathways be supported by lifestyle and nutritional approaches, rather than relying only on drugs for the treatment of late stage disease.

Some examples of nitrate-containing vegetables in Malaysia include:

Spinach (bayam)
Water spinach (kangkung)
Mustard greens (sawi)
Lettuce
Beetroot
Ulam-ulam (pegaga, selom, daun ketumbar).

These vegetables help to fuel the nitrate to nitrite to nitric oxide pathway, which depends on healthful oral bacteria.

This pathway may be blocked by excessive use of antiseptic mouthwash.

Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management and so on are also important to reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which quickly destroy nitric oxide and decrease blood vessel function.

> Ageing healthily

Nitric oxide, in the context of healthy ageing, is much more than a cardiovascular molecule.

It says everything about health as a healthy circulatory system serves all organs in the body.

Sufficient nitric oxide is related to higher energy metabolism, higher cognitive function, better metabolic control, healthier sexual function and resilience with ageing.

By boosting nitric oxide production, people aren’t just adding years to life, but are maximising the quality of those years.

Clinically, nitric oxide provides a valuable model of why many co-existing chronic diseases are often clustered in the same individual.

High blood pressure, diabetes, fatigue, erectile dysfunction and cognitive complaints are often treated independent of one another, but tend to stem from the same underlying problem: vascular dysfunction with a reduced availability of nitric oxide.

In a clinical setting, signs such as low exercise tolerance, chronic fatigue or sexual dysfunction should not be dismissed as standard ageing.

These findings are frequently early indicators of compromised endothelial function and increased risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Early intervention in nitric oxide pathways can help clinicians to prevent irreversible damage before it happens.

Do note however, that functional medicine does not replace medical treatment; it is an answer to root causes, not a substitute for clinical care.

Medications are often needed when necessary and life-saving, but improved long-term health happens when lifestyle problems, nutrition, metabolic state, sleep and stress are treated in parallel with pharmacological treatment.

Providing interventions to support nitric oxide production and utilisation by vascular systems provide an opportunity to enhance vascular resilience and potentially reduce the burden of future disease.

For patients, the real message is empowerment.

The many factors that affect nitric oxide – physical activity, diet, gut and oral health, sleep quality and stress – can be changed.

Even modest and consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in circulation, vitality and overall health.

Preserving nitric oxide is ultimately about protecting the body’s internal highways that connect oxygen, nutrients and signals to every cell.

When these are kept open and flexible, the body ages more slowly, recovers more efficiently and stays in use for longer.

This is what longevity-led, preventive care is about.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Informa-tion published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

SEIZING AGENTIC AI OPPORTUNITY IN M’SIA

2026-04-02T01:28:00.001+08:00

Leading companies are moving beyond experimentation as a third of “AI future-built” firms have deployed agentic solutions and are demonstrating measurable value.

MALAYSIA stands at a critical inflection point in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race.

After the surge of generative AI, a new wave is emerging in the form of agentic AI.

Agentic AI are AI execution models involving autonomous agents that coordinate across workflows, tools and systems with minimal human input.

While it stops short of true autonomous decision-making, agentic AI’s ability to make actionable decisions within predefined parameters is a game changer.

Malaysia has a solid foundation to build on.

According to Boston Consultant Group’s AI Maturity Matrix, which benchmarks 73 economies globally on AI exposure and AI readiness, Malaysia is classified as a “steady contender”.

It places the nation just one tier behind AI pioneers such as the United States, the United Kingdom and China.

This position reflects Malaysia’s significant exposure to AI, particularly in large sectors like retail and wholesale, telecommunication and financial services.

At the same time, it indicates a solid level of AI readiness, supported by forward-looking ambitions, policies and regulatory frameworks on AI.

An evolving AI landscape

AI is rapidly becoming a critical national infrastructure that empowers wider opportunities.

As a result, geopolitical shifts, compute access and sovereign capability increasingly determine economic outcomes and geopolitical influence.

The US and China lead the global AI race.

Tech companies from these two superpowers created 59% and 26%, respectively, of top-performing large language models (LLM).

This presents a conundrum for competing nations.

Relying solely on external technology providers poses challenges for corporate leaders and governments, especially since local regulations, data requirements and model availability are subject to shifting policies.

Against this backdrop, a small group of “GenAI middle powers” is emerging across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Each has distinct strengths that might allow it to compete as a regional or global technology supplier.

This race now expands beyond software to encompass hardware, infrastructure and technology adoption.

Malaysia must actively build its domestic AI capabilities to avoid high technology sovereignty risks as it looks to the future of agentic AI.

Execution speed and scale will dictate whether Malaysia leads in Asean or falls behind.

Encouragingly, the Digital Ministry, through the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO), is driving a coordinated national AI agenda – spanning governance frameworks, cross-sector adoption and ecosystem development.

These efforts lay the critical foundations for more advanced applications, including the next wave of agentic AI.

Productivity multiplier

Globally, the shift is already underway and early signs indicate that the rise of agentic AI will be rapid.

BCG’s Build for the Future 2025 study shows that agentic AI’s share of AI-driven value is expected to nearly double from 17% in 2025 to 29% by 2028.

Leading companies are moving beyond experimentation – one-third of “AI future-built” firms have deployed agentic solutions and are demonstrating measurable value.

Early adopters are already unlocking tangible benefits. BCG’s study shows that while companies are exploring agentic AI across operations, support functions and innovation, customer experience is emerging as the top priority.

Leading use cases include deploying intelligent agents to autonomously handle Level 1 and Level 2 customer support, as well as optimising digital marketing campaigns – continuously adjusting bids to maximise returns, reallocating spend to high-performing channels and testing creatives in real time.

AI undoubtedly represents a powerful productivity multiplier for Malaysia.

It can strengthen key economic sectors such as manufacturing, financial services and many other industries. For SMEs, agentic AI can lower the cost of sophistication, providing access to capabilities once reserved for large enterprises.

Beyond the private sector, agentic AI can modernise public services and improve policy-making decisions and delivery in healthcare, education and justice.

It can help bridge urban-rural divides by expanding access to digital services and decision support.

In a nation balancing growth ambitions with demographic and fiscal constraints, agentic AI is not merely a technology upgrade – it is a lever for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Four strategic priorities

To compete effectively in this next phase of AI, Malaysia must act with clarity and intent across four priorities.

> Build sovereign AI capabilities. Malaysia could strategically build sovereign AI capabilities in areas where it has natural strengths and where risk mitigation matters most.

This includes expanding reliable access to compute, leveraging its growing data centre ecosystem.

A pragmatic and technology-neutral approach that combines global technology partnerships with targeted domestic capability-building will be more effective than pursuing full-stack independence.

Technology partnerships could focus on leveraging leading AI innovations from both Western and Eastern ecosystems in a neutral manner.

Open-source AI models offer a practical pathway to reduce dependency risks, accelerate adoption and support local customisation.

At the same time, efforts could focus on enabling responsible use of high-quality local datasets.

> Invest aggressively in talent. Malaysia must pair global talent attraction with sustained local capability development to build the AI workforce needed to compete at scale.

It could aggressively attract top global AI talent through competitive incentives, strong research ecosystems and vibrant innovation hubs, while simultaneously building a deep domestic pipeline of AI talent.

This requires strengthening STEM education, expanding university–industry collaboration, embedding AI in technical and vocational training and accelerating workforce upskilling across sectors.

> Scale national platforms. Malaysia must move from fragmented pilots to scaled national platforms, anchored on high-impact use cases – such as a unified government interface linked to MyDigitalID.

This platform provides a common foundation to embed AI agents that deliver personalised public services.

Scaling up such platforms will catalyse greater private-sector participation and ensure sustainable adoption of agentic AI.

In addition, Malaysia could strengthen exchange platforms that bring together the government, industry and academia to accelerate collaboration, capability-building and use case development.

Associations such as AI Malaysia (AIM), Malaysian Autonomous Intelligence & Robotics Association (MyAIRA), along with other industry associations, can play a critical role in sharing best practices, mobilising talent and aligning stakeholders to drive ecosystem-wide adoption of agentic AI.

> Implement pro-innovation regulation. Malaysia needs regulations that protect users but also preserve competition.

Policymakers could favour a flexible model over rigid frameworks, particularly in a fast-evolving technological landscape.

Malaysia could pursue a balanced approach – combining principle-based guidelines, regulatory sandboxes and sector-specific standards that can evolve alongside the technology.

Priming Malaysia for growth is critical, but it is essential that this is done through a forward-looking and ethical approach.

Malaysia has the opportunity to differentiate itself by championing ethical, inclusive AI.

This is a core foundation of effective AI adoption, and should align with national values, ensuring that trust and confidence underpin the next wave of innovation in agentic AI.

Defining the future

The stakes are clear. AI investment compounds rapidly. Early movers attract capital, talent and vibrant ecosystems.

The choice is not whether AI will reshape the Malaysian economy.

The choice is whether Malaysia will shape that transformation with speed, clarity and ambition while remaining anchored to core Malaysian values.

CF Ong is managing director and senior partner in Boston Consulting Group.

New Year of Fire Horse brings ‘rapid change’ in 2026

2026-02-14T02:03:00.002+08:00

The Fire Horse Effect—Why Powerful Women Are Still Labeled ‘Too Much’

PETALING JAYA: The Year of the Fire Horse is expected to bring fast-moving opportunities, stiff competition and rapid change, with success favouring those who act boldly but think clearly, according to feng shui and metaphysics practitioners.

They said 2026 carries strong forward momentum, but warn that impulsive decisions and reactive thinking could lead to missteps in a year defined by speed, intensity and transformation.

In Chinese metaphysics, they added, each year is governed by a combination of a zodiac animal and one of the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – which rotate in cyclical patterns.

2026 is classified as a Fire Horse year because it combines the Horse zodiac with the Fire element – a pairing associated with movement, ambition, visibility and acceleration, they said.

“The horse symbolises momentum and forward drive, while fire represents intensity, leadership and transformation.

“Together, they form a high-energy cycle often linked to rapid shifts, heightened competition and expanding opportunities but also greater risks when decisions are made impulsively,” said feng shui and geomancy consultant Prof Joe Choo Sook Lin.

Choo said the Fire Horse year reflects a period where growth potential builds steadily rather than explosively.

She described 2026 as a phase where opportunities emerge gradually, with momentum strengthening over time rather than arriving instantly.

Metaphysics expert Desmond Chun Yew Leong said personal grounding remains just as important as external action.

He encouraged Malaysians to return to basics, starting with family, intention and mindset.

“When nothing seems to move smoothly, start at home. Spend time with your parents or elderly family members, not just during Chinese New Year but regularly. Maintaining that bond often has a grounding effect that goes beyond symbolism,” he said.

“It’s not about rituals. When you reconnect with your parents, your heart settles. When your heart is steady, your decisions become clearer,” he added, describing parents as a form of gui ren (noble support).

Chun also encouraged charity and good deeds, stressing intention over expectation.

“Charity is about the cultivation of the heart. If you expect returns, the purpose is lost. When you feel adequate and at peace, you act with steadiness, which helps you navigate challenges,” he said.

He added that character plays a crucial role in both life and career.

“Being kind and responsible builds trust, reputation and relationships, which in metaphysical terms attracts supportive energy from those around you,” he said.

Chun also suggests spending time in positive environments, such as morning visits to temples, as a way to refresh energy and maintain balance.

“Before trying to change fate, take care of the heart. Many answers start at home,” he said.

Chinese New Year elements gain momentum overseas as ...

People's Daily

http://en.people.cn › ...

In simple terms, Vogue summarized the symbolism as "rapid change, fresh opportunities, personal growth, and a faster pace of life."Read more

Penang dazzles for Chinese New Year

The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my › metro-news › 2026/02/11

PENANG'S streets have turned a striking shade of red this Chinese New Year, as lanterns, temple lights, and modern projections combine to ...Read more

Penang to pay out i-Sejahtera aid starting Saturday

2026-02-08T00:33:00.003+08:00

Great benefits: Chow (second from left), deputy state finance officer Khairusany Mohamed Yusof (third from left) and Lim (fourth from right) at the press conference in Komtar. — K.T. GOH/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will spend RM50.93mil on 281,135 recipients under Phase One of this year’s i-Sejahtera aid programme.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the aid will be disbursed via electronic fund transfer starting Feb 7.

He said the allocation would benefit 211,471 senior citizens, 16,694 persons with disabilities, 10,296 single mothers and 42,674 recipients under the golden housewife scheme.

“This programme is the state government’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers and housewives,” he said during a press conference in Komtar yesterday.

Chow said the allocation, which amounted to about 5% of the state’s revenue, is slightly lower than in 2025 due to a more targeted and focused approach.

Last year, the state government spent RM56.76mil on 290,629 recipients under various i-Sejahtera programmes.

Chow said the adjustment reflected updated recipient data and stricter eligibility screening to ensure aid reaches those who are genuinely in need.

He said the initiative went beyond financial assistance, serving as recognition of the contributions made by these groups to the state’s social and economic development.

Applications submitted after Jan 10 will be processed for payment under Phase Two of the 2026 programme, he added.

Also present was Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.

Registration can be carried out via the official i-Sejahtera website at https://isejahtera.penang.gov.my.

Applicants are encouraged to update their bank account details to ensure smooth payment processing.

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Australia Day marked by 'Invasion Day' rallies, anti-immigration protests

2026-01-28T00:43:00.005+08:00

Protestors hold signs as they gather for an "Invasion Day" rally on Australia's national day, Australia Day, in Melbourne, Australia January 26, 2026. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

SYDNEY, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Thousands marked Australia's ‌national day on Monday by attending "Invasion Day" rallies in support of Indigenous Australians ‌and calling for unity,while separate anti-immigration protests also drew crowds.

Australia Day commemorates the day ‌Britain established the state of New South Wales as a penal colony, with the arrival in Sydney of ships bringing colonists and convicts.

However, for many Indigenous Australians, who make up about 4% of the country's 27 million people, ‍the holiday is known as "Invasion Day" and marks the destruction ‍of their cultures by European settlers.

At Sydney's ‌Hyde Park, the annual "Invasion Day" rally started at 10 a.m. (2300 GMT) with a tribute to ‍those killed by a gunman in a NSW rural town last week.

Indigenous speakers also talked about land repatriation, the high number of deaths of Aboriginal people in police custody and ⁠the need to stay united against increasing nationalism with the ‌right-wing opposition in disarray and Pauline Hanson's populist One Nation party rising in the polls.

Australia - where one in two ⁠people is either ‍born overseas or has a parent born overseas - has seen record-high immigration in recent years, fuelling discontent among some voters amid soaring costs of living and a housing shortage.

"We need a coalition of all new ‍Australians because if it wasn't for immigrants, Australia would ‌have perished," Aboriginal woman Gwenda Stanley told the rally, as she condemned Hanson.

"So don't just stand with us today. Stand with us every day."

Every year on January 26, protesters rally against the mistreatment of Indigenous people, demanding the government drop the Australia Day celebrations or move the date. However, a survey by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Sunday showed a record number of Australians wanting to maintain the holiday on the same date.

Nearby, anti-immigration demonstrations began at noon as protesters, ‌estimated in the hundreds by local media, arrived carrying Australian flags on poles. March for Australia, which has been criticised for alleged links to neo-Nazi groups, organised the demonstration.

Similar events - "Invasion Day" rallies and March for Australia protests - are being held across the country.

Earlier in the day, in a speech as he presidedover an Australia Day citizenship ceremony, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for unity, not division.

View the ‘shocking’ university ranking with composure

2026-01-22T02:22:00.002+08:00

Photo: VCG

The newly released "Leiden Rankings" from the Netherlands has recently drawn widespread attention. Eight of the world's top ten universities on the list are from China, with Zhejiang University ranking first, while Harvard University of the US - long a fixture at the top - fell to third place. The results sparked intense discussion. The New York Times published an in-depth analysis under the headline Chinese Universities Surge in Global Rankings as US Schools Slip, while France's Le Monde reported on January 20 that the ranking had triggered widespread shock, noting that the rise of Chinese universities has made the West less certain of itself. How should one view this "shocking" ranking? Our answer is simple: with composure.

First, the ranking does reflect, to a considerable extent, China's advances in education and science and technology. The Centre for Science and Technology Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, which publishes the ranking, is highly respected in the global field of scientometrics. The ranking focuses primarily on research output in high-impact international academic journals. Chinese scholars have ranked first globally for years in both the volume of SCI-indexed papers and citation counts. Judged by these criteria, it is hardly accidental that Chinese universities occupy eight of the top ten positions. In 2025, China's research and development (R&D) spending intensity reached 2.8 percent, surpassing the average of economies in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for the first time. The rise of many Chinese universities in the rankings is therefore a natural outcome of China's long-standing commitment to the strategy of invigorating China through science and education, coupled with sustained increases in research investment.

Most of the Chinese universities ranked in the top ten are research-oriented institutions with strengths in science and engineering, such as Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. What the ranking effectively "captures" is the growing competitiveness of China in fields such as electronic communication, materials science, physics, and chemistry. From Huawei's 5G technologies to the Tianhe supercomputers, and to the quantum satellite "Micius," Chinese university research teams have played a direct, critical, and in-depth role behind these achievements. The continuous flow of innovation generated by Chinese universities has been a powerful driver of China's transition from a major manufacturing country to a major science and technology power.

However, it is important to remain clear-eyed about the limitations of this ranking, which has a distinct focus - or preference. It places greater emphasis on universities' performance in academic research publications, reflecting only part of the picture rather than the whole. Judged by more comprehensive indicators, the more widely recognized global university rankings remain the QS World University Rankings, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities. In these rankings, universities from the US and the UK continue to dominate the top tiers. In terms of research originality, global talent attraction, and employer reputation, established Western universities still enjoy advantages. These gaps also serve as a reminder that the overall strength of Chinese universities - particularly their capacity to translate integrated technologies into real-world applications and their models for cultivating innovative talent - still has room for further improvement.

Even so, in early 2000, the same Leiden Ranking still had seven US universities among the top 10, while Zhejiang University only made it into the top 25. Today, although Harvard produces even more research than it did back then, it has slipped to the third place. Given the progress made by Chinese universities over the past two decades, it is hardly difficult to understand why Western media might feel "shocked." This ranking has overturned many long-held perceptions. In fact, Chinese universities did not seize the spotlight "overnight." In recent years, from advances in basic research and breakthroughs in frontier technologies to leaps in strategic industries, China's scientific and technological rise has long been visible to the world. As universities serve as a "reservoir" for scientific and technological development, it is only natural that higher education institutions have made corresponding gains.

As for some Western media outlets linking the Leiden Ranking to narratives of "shifting power" or even a "new world order," this is an overreaction. Behind such "shock" lies Western anxiety over the erosion of technological hegemony. In reality, the progress of Chinese universities does not imply the failure of the West; rather, it represents a "collective increment" in humanity's overall creation of knowledge. From Harvard's liberal education to Stanford's entrepreneurial incubation, drawing on advanced educational philosophies from developed countries has itself been part of the progress of Chinese universities. At a time when global knowledge cooperation is becoming ever more closely intertwined, only by breaking free from zero-sum thinking can humanity's scientific enterprise advance together.

In a sense, the Leiden Ranking is like a mirror, reflecting both our achievements and our shortcomings. Every year, many Chinese students cross oceans to pursue their studies, with venerable Western institutions such as Harvard and Oxford remaining their "dream schools." We also hope that in the future, more international students will come to regard Chinese universities as their own "dream schools" and choose to study in China. That would be a far more persuasive kind of "ranking."

- Global Times editorial

Mandarin, a good lesson for the future

2026-01-13T23:28:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: It’s a common wish list for non-Chinese parents who send their children to Chinese schools.

“I want her to learn and converse in Mandarin,” said Megat Azri Hakim Sazali of his daughter Puteri Humaira Rose, seven, who is enrolled at SJK(C) Ladang Regent, Elmina, here.

In fact, he had been preparing her for the past three years by sending her to a Mandarin-medium kindergarten.

“This means that she would not face a ‘culture shock’ when attending school.

“The kindergarten prepared her well. She was given a lot of homework even then!”

Exam review: Fadhlina says the ministry will consider parents’ views on the abolition of UPSR and PT3, as well as Classroom-Based Assessment performance levels, in its review on reinstating the two national exams. — Bernama

Another parent, Mohd Azwan Mohd Noor, said it was important for him that his three daughters – nine-year-old twins and an eight-year-old – could converse in Mandarin.

“China is now a powerful economy in the world. Being able to converse in Mandarin would be an advantage,” he said.

Another important factor is that Chinese schools attract a mix of students from different races, he added.

For Shakilla Khoriri, the chance to educate her daughter in Mandarin was too good to pass up.

She wanted her daughter Nurul Ameena Sofia Muhd Hafizudin, seven, to embrace the discipline practised in Chinese schools.

“Children nowadays are growing up in a different world, one where if we as parents are not careful, they will get ‘lost’,” she said.

First-day nerves: A pupil crying on the first day of school at SJK(C) Ladang Regent, Elmina. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

“I want my daughter to interact and pick up the good habits of the students in Chinese schools.

“At the same time, she would be able to converse in Mandarin with them.”

Shakilla had earlier intended to send her daughter to a private school, which was further away from their home.

“But when I heard that a Chinese school was opening up here, I immediately enrolled (her),” she said.

Another parent, Krishnaveni Janardanan, said it was her husband who suggested that their daughter attend a Chinese school.

She said the ability to speak fluent Mandarin opens up numerous opportunities in today’s working world.

“Lucky for us, the government had opened a Chinese school here in Elmina where I live,” she said.

Happy tummies: Pupils posing as they finish their breakfast during recess at SJK(C) Ladang Regent, Elmina. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

For these children, their first day of school saw them attending Year One classes where the teachers gave out instructions purely in Mandarin.

But they seemed to have no trouble following the classes, as most of them had been learning Mandarin since kindergarten.

Yesterday marked not only the first day of the 2026 school year but also the launch of SJK(C) Ladang Regent, Elmina.

Its board of directors chairman Datuk Dr Azman Ching said there are around 300 students enrolled at the school, which was relocated from Gemencheh, Negri Sembilan.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who was present at the launch, said all stakeholders will soon be required to sign the Child Protection Policy as a pledge to safeguard children.

“We are not going to compromise on this matter. It is our shared responsibility to ensure our schools are safe and our children are protected,” she said.

The ministry will also be distributing a Safe Schools book to students and parents, she added.

Fadhlina also said the ministry is taking into account all views from parents regarding the abolishment of the Ujian Pentaksiran Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Penilaian Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) examinations, as well as the performance levels for the Classroom-Based Assessments, when they begin reviewing the reinstatement of the two national examinations.

“The review will be held this year and we will announce (the results) as soon as possible,” she said.

Last week, the minister said that she had reactivated the National Education Advisory Council to study the need to revive the two examinations.

UPSR was abolished in 2021, followed by PT3 in 2022, and both were replaced with School-Based Assessment.

More than five million students began the 2026 school year nationwide since Sunday.

China says it cannot accept countries acting as 'world judge' after US captures Maduro; China's Strategic Victory in Venezuela: The End of US Dominance?

2026-01-09T00:51:00.874+08:00

US Department of Justice federal officers stand guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is being held, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, on January 4, 2026. Venezuela's deposed president Nicolas Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York at noon on January 5, to be formally notified about the charges against him, the court said. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized by US forces during a pre-dawn raid on January 3 in Caracas and brought to New York to face charges of "narcoterrorism" tied to alleged trafficking of tons of cocaine into the United States. - AFP

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing cannot accept any country acting as the "world's judge" after the United States captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

"We have never believed that any country can act as ‌the world's police, nor do we accept that any nation can ⁠claim to be the world's judge," Wang told his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar during a meeting in Beijing on Sunday (Jan 4), referring to "sudden developments in Venezuela" without directly mentioning the US.

"The sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law," China's top diplomat added, in his first remarks since images of the 63-year-old Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed on Saturday stunned Venezuelans.

Maduro is in a New York detention centre awaiting a Monday court appearance on drug charges.

Beijing has ambition to become a diplomatic heavyweight, a goal it articulated most clearly after brokering a surprise rapprochement between ‍Saudi Arabia and Iran ⁠in 2023, pledging ‍to "play a constructive role in global hotspot issues."

Analysts say Beijing's success in going ⁠toe-to-toe with the US in trade negotiations has only reinforced China's confidence.

However, President Donald Trump's assertion that the US will oversee Venezuela's government for the time being poses a stern test to the "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership" Beijing and Caracas ‍struck in 2023, marking almost 50 years ‍of diplomatic ties

"It was a big blow to China, we wanted to look like a dependable friend ‌to Venezuela," said a Chinese government official briefed on a meeting between Maduro and China's special representative for Latin American ⁠and Caribbean affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, hours before his capture.

Maduro's son visited China's top-ranking Peking University in 2024, where he enrolled in 2016, they said, adding they were unsure whether he would return despite years of diplomatic engagement with Caracas ⁠around his education and ties to China.

The world's second-largest economy has provided Venezuela with an economic lifeline since the US and its allies ramped up sanctions in 2017, purchasing roughly US$1.6  billion worth of goods in 2024, the most recent full-year data available.

Almost half of China's purchases were crude oil, customs data ‍shows, while its state-owned oil giants had invested around US$4.6 billion in Venezuela by 2018, according ⁠to data from the American Enterprise Institute think tank, which tracks Chinese overseas corporate investment. - Reuters

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing cannot accept any country acting as the "world's judge" after the United States captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro is in a New York detention centre awaiting a Monday court appearance on drug charges.

Analysts say Beijing's success in going ⁠toe-to-toe with the US in trade negotiations has only reinforced China's confidence.

GT investigates: Unveiling US' long-standing geopolitical, economic and ideological intrigues in Latin America

China racing ahead in Britain

2026-01-04T00:26:00.001+08:00

Keith’s BYD car dealership in Leeds, England. In the last year, Chinese-made vehicles have doubled their share of new car registrations in Britain. — Owen Richards/The New York Times

ON a recent Monday in Leeds, Dougal Keith drove a Chinese-made BYD Seal Excellence out of his dealership and hit the accelerator.

The car can reach 100kph in 3.8 seconds – a key selling point – and comes with a £48,000 price tag, roughly 20% cheaper than a top-range Tesla Model 3.

Keith, a car salesman for more than 40 years, said customers were sceptical of buying Chinese vehicles when he opened a showroom for BYD in 2023.

Now, he runs six dealerships devoted to the brand.

“Some people think because it’s Chinese it’s made cheaply,” he said. “But then I ask, ‘Where do you think your iphone is assembled?’”

Chinese cars are gaining ground in Britain for a mix of reasons.

There are no steep tariffs on Chinese EVS – unlike in the EU or the US – allowing lower prices. British buyers are also less brand-loyal, with no major domestic mass-market automaker to defend.

Roughly a dozen Chinese brands, including BYD, Chery and Geely, made up 13% of new car registrations in Britain in November, double their share a year ago, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

“The pace is like nothing the market has ever seen,” said Ian Plummer, chief commercial officer of Autotrader.

BYD and Chery, selling Jaecoo and Omoda models, are gaining market share five or six times faster than Tesla a decade ago or South Korea’s Kia in the 1990s.

Britain’s domestic auto industry has been shrinking, producing about 600,000 cars in 2025, roughly half of the output at the end of the last decade.

Major producers include Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Mini.

Meanwhile, China is now the world’s largest car exporter and leads in EV production, exporting to markets from Mexico to South Africa.

Chinese automakers have mastered shifting regulations and consumer demand, particularly for hybrids.

Beijing encourages exports to manage domestic overcapacity, sometimes leading to heavy losses and triggering pushback in Western countries.

The US has imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese EVS, the EU up to 45%, while Britain charges 10% on all imported cars.

About two million new cars are sold in Britain each year.

Since 2019, the number of brands registering sales has nearly doubled to over 70.

No single brand commands loyalty like Volkswagen in Germany or Renault in France, giving newcomers room to grow.

Chinese brands first gained a foothold with SAIC Motor’s acquisition of MG.

Production gradually moved to China, and the UK MG factory closed in 2016.

MG now accounts for over 4% of new registrations – the largest share for a Chinese-owned brand – while BYD holds just over 2%, similar to Tesla.

Keith sold his first car in 1980 at 16 and later expanded his family business.

By the early 2020s, he noticed BYD and,

“Some people think because it’s Chinese it’s made cheaply. But then I ask, ‘Where do you think your iphone is assembled?’”

Dougal Keith

with other independent dealers, secured one of the first UK franchises.

Initially, sales were slow, with only an all-electric model available.

As more models arrived, particularly plug-in hybrids, sales surged.

Dealers highlighted tech features: rotatable touch screens, wireless chargers, voice controls, even karaoke.

“Customers are beginning to understand it’s not a budget brand,” said Fozia Siddique, who has worked with BYD since the Leeds showroom opened.

She recently sold a BYD plug-in hybrid SUV to Steve Vine, 55, who drives more than 480km from Leeds to Cornwall and wanted a long-range EV.

Roger Lyons, 60, in Derbyshire, chose a £48,000 BYD Seal Excellence after testing Audi, Hyundai and Porsche models.

“It’s almost as nice to drive as a Porsche, and it’s got more toys than any of the others,” he said, adding that switching to electric would help cut fuel costs.

Encouraged by the success of BYD, Keith opened two more dealerships selling Changan vehicles.

His group, which runs 28 dealerships selling global brands, expects £500mil in sales for 2025, over 50% higher than 2024.

In September, the Leeds BYD showroom outsold all his other local locations.

By ESHE NELSON This article originally appeared in The New York Times

3 Jan 2026

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Malaysia PM Anwar makes sweeping Cabinet changes, including new trade and economy ministers

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The premier announced more than 25 changes to his Cabinet af

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THE STAR, Wednesday 17 december 2025. 6 Nation. MINISTERS. DEPUTY MINISTERS. THE UNITY CABINET 2025. Datuk Seri. Anwar Ibrahim. PH-PKR (TAMBUN).Read more

The premier announced more than 25 changes to his Cabinet after previously saying that a major reshuffle was not on the cards.

Anwar Announces 28 Appointments, Portfolio Changes

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shows a list of his Cabinet appointments after announcing a reshuffle on Dec 16, 2025. (Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia/Afiq Hambali)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced sweeping changes to his Cabinet on Tuesday (Dec 16), ending weeks of speculation over ministerial vacancies.

Notable changes - among more than 25 announced - include the appointments of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) stalwart Johari Ghani as the new Investment, Trade and Industry Minister and Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Akmal Nasir as Economy Minister. There are 65 Cabinet posts in total.

Johari was previously Minister for Plantations and Commodities while Akmal was Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.

A composite image of newly-appointed investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani (left) and economy minister Akmal Nasir (right). (Photos: Facebook/Johari Abdul Ghani, Facebook/Akmal Nasir)

During the internal PKR polls in May, Akmal was seen as closely aligned to Rafizi Ramli, who resigned as Economy Minister after he was defeated by Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah in a contest to be the party’s deputy president.

UMNO is an ally of Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling coalition, and the investment, trade and industry portfolio was previously held by Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who was an UMNO member before leaving the party to join the prime minister’s PKR.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting with Malaysian king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at Istana Bukit Tunku in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 16, 2025. (Photo: Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar)

Speaking at the start of the press conference before he announced the changes, Anwar said: “There is a need to make some changes so that we have a Cabinet that works as a team, to focus on achieving higher economic growth and solving people's problems.”

He had met the king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Tuesday morning, and said in a Facebook post in the afternoon that he would make an announcement on the Cabinet at 3.30pm that day.

Among the changes he announced, Arthur Josep Kurup of the United Sabah People’s Party was appointed Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, PKR vice-president R Ramanan was appointed Human Resources Minister while head of UMNO women’s wing Noraini Ahmad was appointed Minister for Plantations and Commodities.

Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) Hannah Yeoh was reassigned from her Minister for Youth and Sports portfolio to be Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), with PKR’s Taufiq Johari taking her place.

PKR’s Mustapha Mohd Yunus Sakmud was appointed Minister for Sabah and Sarawak while DAP’s Steven Sim was reassigned from his Human Resources portfolio to be Minister for Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.

Senator and Islamic scholar Zulkifli Hasan was appointed Minister for Religious Affairs.

The changes to Anwar’s Cabinet - including full minister and deputy minister positions - saw some members being reassigned while others were new appointments.

Full ministers who were dropped completely from the line-up included PKR’s Zaliha Mustafa who was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) and Minister for Religious Affairs Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

Na'im's exclusion was a surprise as he was sworn in as a senator for a second term on Dec 3.

Notably, Malaysia's Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek retained her post despite facing criticism for her perceived lack of action and slow response on serious school issues like bullying, with student deaths triggering public outcry for her to resign.

Earlier this month, three ministers were also sworn in as senators for a second term. Besides Na'im, they included Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.

A minister in Malaysia must be an elected member of parliament (MP) in the lower house or an appointed senator in the upper house.

On Dec 1, Anwar had said that a major reshuffle of his Cabinet is not on the cards, noting that his administration will “only function for a year plus” as Malaysia’s next general election is due by February 2028.

However, there was speculation that changes to his Cabinet were imminent, with Tengku Zafrul stepping down from his Investment, Trade and Industry Minister portfolio earlier this month, creating a fourth ministerial vacancy.

Tengku Zafrul had served for two terms as a senator since 2020. He held the trade minister post throughout his term in the Senate, which is the maximum period allowed.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had resigned as the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister in May, while Ewon Benedick resigned as the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister in November, ahead of the Sabah state elections.

Ewon had resigned over disagreements with the federal government on issues related to Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement of federal net revenue derived from the state.

Former trade minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz on his last day in the Dewan Rakyat. (Photo: Instagram/@tzafrul_aziz)

Meanwhile, like Rafizi, Nik Nazmi had resigned following defeat in party elections within PKR.

Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah took over the economy portfolio in the interim while Johari Ghani helped to handle natural resources and environment sustainability.

Ewon’s former portfolio was being managed by works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi starting Dec 3, local media reported.

Malaysia PM Anwar says no major Cabinet reshuffle on the cards, but still ‘need to fill vacancies’

As Cabinet vacancies in Malaysia pile up, reshuffle seen as unavoi

ter previously saying that a major reshuffle was not on the cards.