US-based Syntiant Corporation, a global provider of low-powered Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, gave Penang a boost with its decision to reinvest US$15 million (RM60.8 million) in manufacturing and research and development (R&D). It is a significant outlay by a tech company in AI, and despite concerns over the US import tariffs cascading over the manufacturing…
HEMA LETCHAMANAN The announcement that children may enter preschool at age five and Standard One at age six has understandably triggered debate. Much of it has focused on whether children are “too young”, and whether families are ready for the shift. Those questions matter. But the more consequential question is about the conditions under which…
MIC has confirmed that it will convene its central working committee (CWC) meeting soon to discuss its entry into the federal opposition, Perikatan Nasional (PN). Its president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran confirmed that he would chair the meeting but stopped short of stating when it would be held. “I will discuss the matter with the…
The Malaysian ringgit (RM) crossed the psychologically crucial 4-per-dollar level on Friday as strong economic fundamentals and attractive growth prospects buoyed optimism towards one of Asia’s strongest performing currencies. RM was at 3.990 to the US dollar. RM surged 1% to its highest level since January 2021, extending gains after Bank Negara Malaysia held rates…
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) questioned how long more would the Sedition Act be under review for amendment or would there be a new law replacing it. “If the said Act is indeed under review or is on the brink of being amended as claimed by Saifuddin, why is it still being used…
A Penang state assemblyman took the Indian community on social media to task for the continued decline of students in Tamil primary schools since there are quarters blaming political leaders and the government for the current imbroglio. Bagan Dalam assemblyman K Kumaran also said that it is wrong to blame political leaders and the government…
Dr Viji Ramamuruthy UNESCO champions the principle that no child should be left behind – every child deserves access to quality education regardless of gender and circumstances. As we celebrate International Education Day on 24 January and conversations around education equity continue, my story is a testament to the impact of parental support when it…
Teoh Beng Hock’s death has been classified as No Further Action (NFA) by the Attorney General due to lack of evidence. “The main legal basis for this decision is due to present evidence being insufficient to prosecute any individuals in the court on the basis of beyond reasonable doubt,” said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin…
A source within the opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional claimed that reports about MIC joining them was leaked out by MIC itself. “In policy we have accepted them on Dec 9 last year. They would now need to submit an application. “We believe this is being used by MIC as a bargaining chip as it is…
The International Monetary Fund has upped Malaysia’s real gross domestic product (GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points to 4.3% for 2026 and 2027. IMF also estimated Malaysia’s real GDP growth at 4.6% in 2025 compared to 5.1% in 2024, according to its January 2026 World Economic Outlook update. The report, “Global Economy: Steady Amid Divergent…
