Category: Development EN

PETALING JAYA: The proposed Malaysia-European Free Trade Association (Efta) Economic Partnership Agreement (Meepa) could have far-reaching consequences for public health, access to seeds, and farmers’ rights, says the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP). Health policy advisor Dr Lim Chee Han stated that the leaked intellectual property (IP) annexe of the deal contains “TRIPS-plus”...

The recently leaked Intellectual Property (IP) Annex of Malaysia’s trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, will have serious implications for public health and food security in Malaysia. This analysis examines the implications of the IP Annex of the Malaysia-EFTA Economic Partnership Agreement (MEEPA), as...

The best things in life aren’t things, and they can't be bought. Genuine happiness and fulfilment can be found in the simple joys of life, like smiles, hugs, kisses, family, friends, sleep, love and laughter. Material goods bring only temporary enjoyment. Lasting happiness often comes from intangible and freely available things. Experiences like love, friendship, and appreciating nature are...

Raise children who love nature and the unloved things, so that they will one day become a voice for the voiceless. That’s what the world needs. May our children – exposed to the perils and plight of nature today, and become inspired to lend a hand – grow up to be caring and concerned adults who dare to take a stand, and speak and act for those in need. (Pic: The Enlightened Consciousness)

(A true story) In 2014, a male elephant in West Bengal's Purulia district destroyed a house. But as it turned to leave, a sound stopped it in its tracks – the cry of a baby trapped beneath the rubble. According to the Times of India, the elephant turned back and “carefully removed every last bit of stone, brick and mortar from the infant’s body before heading back to the forest”. The...

AI MIMICS HUMAN SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Researchers have discovered that artificial intelligence doesn’t just imitate human language – it also mimics human social behaviour. A recent study published in Science Advances shows that when large language models interact in groups, they naturally organise themselves much like human societies do, developing their own shared norms and biases. Ariel Flint...

Children today spend significantly less time outdoors compared to previous generations. Increased screen time, advent of social media and urbanisation all contribute to this. The sun, mud, and made-up games in the backyard – the average child is missing out on all that today. They are living in a physically sterile and emotionally toxic virtual bubble instead, says an article in Screen Strong....

Japan's education system follows a unique approach by postponing formal exams until 4th grade, around age 10. Instead of focusing on academic performance in the early years, schools emphasise character development, social skills, and emotional intelligence. The first 3 years are dedicated to teaching children values such as respect, empathy, and discipline, fostering a strong moral foundation....

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) calls on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation to revoke the appointment of Abdul Kadir Din, who was recently appointed as chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), due to concerns over the possibility of conflicts of interest, given his connection to private water and waste management-related companies....

Humility is a virtue encouraged in most world cultures. Confucius, a 5th-century BCE Chinese thinker, one of the world’s greatest philosophers, taught that: “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues." Distinguished world poet T.S. Eliot once said, "The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility." What does it take to be humble? Humility is a lack of pride, arrogance,...