logo
Companies donate laptops to school housing stateless kids

Companies donate laptops to school housing stateless kids

Borneo Post29-04-2025

Lau (front, second left) receives a laptop from a sponsor's representative. Looking on are (front ,from right) Tan, Ngui and Ting.
SIBU (April 29): JY One Stop Services & Co and Hilltop Engineering Sdn Bhd have contributed 10 units of laptop computers to Destiny For Children (DFC), a school that caters to undocumented children.
In her remarks, DFC treasurer Anne Lau expresses gratitude to Persatuan Kebajikan Bantuan Komuniti Terpinggir (Bantu Sarawak) for initiating the move to help find the donors for the centre.
'We are truly thankful to Bantu Sarawak and the donors. With these computers, we will embark on a journey to enhance our curriculum, engaging trainers to educate our teachers, who will in turn impart this knowledge to our students,' she said in her speech for the presentation event today.
The DFC currently have 10 teachers and 135 undocumented children.
Adding on, Lau said the students would not only learn basic IT skills, but also get into designs and even participate in social media activities.
'Education is evolving rapidly, with technology at its core. In this era of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial to equip our young learners with IT skills to navigate the competitive world awaiting them post-graduation.
'By bridging the digital divide, we aim to empower the children with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven society, ensuring their success as they transition into the workforce.
'So, let us all extend our heartfelt appreciation to Bantu Sarawak for their unwavering support and dedication to fostering a brighter future for these underserved children.'
Bantu Sarawak, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded by Jeffry Ngui, aims to raise funds, help and identify, and provide assistance to the neglected communities.
Ngui, in his brief address, said the programme for DFC was one of its Project Noah's Ark beneficiaries.
'We have already helped build a computer lab for DFC and hopefully, we could continue to look into areas at the DFC that need to be upgraded.'
Also attending the event were DFC advisor Ting Wei Ping and Bantu Sarawak Sibu coordinator Tan Leong Wee. donation laptop private company undocumented children

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Singapore's banking hub has a corner where cash is still king
Singapore's banking hub has a corner where cash is still king

Malaysian Reserve

time2 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Singapore's banking hub has a corner where cash is still king

IN the heart of Singapore, a financial hub where billions of dollars zip around the world over computer screens in nanoseconds, there's a crowded building where cash still reigns. Six days a week, hundreds of people line up in a rundown mall abutting Raffles Place square to buy and sell hard currency at one of around 30 money changer stalls. All manner of notes can be had in minutes: Singapore dollars for British pounds? Coming right up. Indonesian rupiah for Vietnamese dong? Icelandic króna? Maldivian rufiyaa? No problem. Some 150 currencies are available. 'Cash will remain forever,' said Abdul Haleem, 65, a veteran of the industry whose kiosk sits at the entrance to the narrow, three-story plaza called The Arcade. The towering offices of global banking giants JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of China Ltd. are just steps away. The number of licensed money changers in Singapore dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic when many people were unable to travel and retail shops struggled to pay rent. But there are close to 250 physical stalls still operating, and new ones continue to spring up across the city-state's 284 square miles of land. That's even though multi-currency payment apps such as YouTrip, Wise and Revolut have grown in popularity. To understand how so many cash dealers can survive the digital age, you need to know a bit about Singapore's place in the world. Though it's now among the richest countries — where financial titans from UBS Group AG to BlackRock Inc. manage more than $4 trillion and billionaires including James Dyson, Ray Dalio and Sergey Brin have set up family offices — the island nation remains a shipping and transit hub at its core. Hundreds of vessels anchor in Singapore's harbor each day, many waiting to load and unload cargo at one of the world's busiest maritime ports. For decades, that's made Raffles Place a prime location for money changers, just a few blocks from where the Singapore River empties into the Singapore Strait. Many sailors need to swap cash from their previous locations, and change money for their next destination. 'They get off the boat and come right here,' said Haleem, whose uncle Abdul Gaffoor, now 99, started City Money Changers on the Arcade's ground floor in 1980. Old-World Relic Many office workers also come in search of the best exchange rates — which are often better than what banks offer. It's an old-world relic resisting the bits and bytes revolution. Mobile phones and tablets have replaced newspapers, while emails and social media have supplanted faxes and letters. Now digital payments are coming for the ancient culture of coins and paper notes. Mohamed Rafik, 55, a partner at Arcade Money Changers, a stall opposite Haleem's, remains optimistic. His evidence is that there are new licensees entering the industry who wouldn't do it if they couldn't make a living. 'Money changers won't go out of business,' said Rafik, while handling cash and paper receipts on a busy afternoon. Digital payment wallets may seem attractive now, but the companies also have overheads and may try to increase rates in the long run, he predicted. Right now, a thriving tourism industry is driving demand during the summer school holidays. Singapore is close to Southeast Asian holiday hotspots like Phuket in Thailand, Vietnam's Ha Long Bay and Bali, Indonesia, where cash is still needed to pay for food at street stalls or small restaurants, or to offer tips. Travelers with cash also avoid the higher exchange rates and foreign transaction fees imposed by many credit cards. Life Lesson For Christina Ng, a teacher in her 40s who came to Haleem's stall for Korean won, cash gives a sense of security while traveling. Paying with notes and coins is also a lesson for her three children. 'I want them to learn how to use the cash and do the transaction, so they need to see the physical money,' she said. 'We don't want them to just tap, tap, tap without actually knowing what they're spending on.' The money changers are good leading indicators of travel trends. Whereas demand used to be strongest for US dollars and Malaysian ringgit, the Japanese yen is now most sought-after, along with Korean won and Taiwanese dollars, Haleem said. A record number of tourists have flocked to Japan to visit historic sites, dine on sushi and take advantage of the weakened currency. At the Arcade, the money changers carve out an existence on the fringes of the multi-trillion dollar global foreign-exchange market. Customers throng the narrow passages to scrutinize buy and sell rates at tightly packed stalls, which are required to post rates on electronic screens. Frugality gives them an edge against the financial institutions that occupy the opulent towers surrounding Raffles Place, according to Rafik at Arcade Money Changers. The changers will survive even if digital platforms cut their margins to zero to gain market share, he said. Congregating in one location attracts more customers, but it also pares margins to the bone. Foreign currency bought at a commercial bank can cost 1% to 4% or more once you factor in a poorer exchange rate and transaction fees. At City Money Changers, it's a high-volume, low-margin business where Haleem typically makes fractions of a penny on the dollar in a swap. 'Everybody wants to see the best price so they will shop around,' he said, while taking a break from his tiny kiosk. On Thursday afternoon, Haleem's stall was selling the greenback at S$1.2900, versus the S$1.2972 offered by DBS Group Holdings Ltd., Singapore's largest bank, on its retail app. The cash exchange rate wasn't as favorable as YouTrip's rate of S$1.2877 per US dollar. With all this cash on hand — some changers can turn over S$500,000 ($389,000) a day, he says — you'd expect to see armed guards all over the plaza. Not in Singapore, where violent crime is almost non-existent. Instead, the stall-holders rely on security cameras — there are some 90,000 across the city — to monitor activity. The dealers are the eyes and ears for each other, on the alert for any suspicious customers. Regulators have scrutinized the industry in the past, concerned about the potential for money laundering. In 2016, the Monetary Authority of Singapore cited a Raffles Place currency changer, along with other banks, for their roles in the scandal at 1MDB, the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. The probe revealed inadequate risk management practices at the changer, and failure to identify the beneficial owners of funds. Money changers are now required to conduct customer due diligence measures for cash transactions exceeding S$5,000, or for those topping S$20,000 where the money is funded from an identifiable source like a bank account. That includes verifying customers' identities and keeping proper transaction records. The industry poses a 'moderate level' of money-laundering threats due to its cash-intensive nature, said a spokesperson for the MAS, the country's financial regulator. Haleem, who's been at this trade for 40 years, concedes that the future isn't all bright for his industry. Business is about half that of pre-Covid levels, and the increased competition is eroding margins, while wild currency swings can leave him sitting on devalued cash overnight. He predicts the trend toward digital payments is only going to accelerate. 'It will become worse and worse,' he said, though he thinks there will always be a little room in people's wallets for cold hard cash. One floor up at Crown Exchange, Thamim A.K., a money changer in his 60s, is more sanguine. Sitting in a backroom surrounded by wads of Korean won and Indonesian rupiah, he says his 40 years of trading, with all its ups and downs, gives him hope for the future. 'I've seen everything, all the currencies, fluctuations,' Thamim said. 'The bank notes business is still there. It's growing, in fact. It's fighting with digital.' –BLOOMBERG

Chinese medium secondary schools receive RM10 mln annual grant from Sarawak government
Chinese medium secondary schools receive RM10 mln annual grant from Sarawak government

Borneo Post

time2 days ago

  • Borneo Post

Chinese medium secondary schools receive RM10 mln annual grant from Sarawak government

Abang Johari (right) presents the RM10 million cheque to Lau. Also seen are Dr Sim (second right) and Wee. KUCHING (June 20): The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board (Sha Dong Zong) received an RM10 million grant from the Sarawak government today. The annual funding is for the 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the state. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the cheque to association board members here today. Association chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming pointed out Chinese independent secondary schools have received such grants annually since 2014, when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was chief minister. The initial RM3 million grant increased yearly until five years ago when the association started to receive RM10 million each year. 'Over the past decade, the total cumulative funding has reached RM92 million. This long-term commitment has significantly alleviated the financial burden on school boards and provided a stable foundation for the sustainable development of all 14 Chinese independent secondary schools across Sarawak,' he said. Lau pointed out that the schools depended very much on public donations as they do not come under the Education Ministry. He thanked Abang Johari and the Sarawak government for their steadfast support. 'The continued allocation reflects the government's strong recognition of and commitment to the multi-stream education system in Sarawak, and serves as a testament to the enduring contributions and academic achievements of the Chinese independent school sector,' he stressed. 'In Chinese tradition, it is often said: 'To govern the nation well, one must first cultivate talent; and to cultivate talent, education must come first.' The Premier reaffirmed that enhancing the quality of local education remains a central pillar in Sarawak's strategic vision to become a high-income region by 2030.' Lau noted that the recently announced '2026 Free Higher Education Scheme for Outstanding Students' will also cover Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) candidates, reinforcing the Sarawak government's policy direction of nurturing home-grown talent. In alignment with the Premier's 'Third Language Policy', he said Chinese independent schools will continue to enhance their trilingual education model of Mandarin, Malay, and English, while actively advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Sha Dong Zong deputy chairman Datuk Richard Wee.

Azman Hashim: Scaling challenges, shaping finance
Azman Hashim: Scaling challenges, shaping finance

Malaysian Reserve

time7 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Azman Hashim: Scaling challenges, shaping finance

KUALA LUMPUR — With over 60 years of experience in the banking industry, Tan Sri Azman Hashim (picture) stands not only as an icon of Malaysian finance but also as a remarkable businessman, passionate sportsman, avid singer and dedicated philanthropist. Azman scaled Mount Kinabalu in 2023 at age 84, describing his achievement as both a physical and symbolic journey. 'Life, after all, is a series of mountains – some literal, others metaphorical,' he told Bernama. 'That climb reminded me that with preparation, determination and belief, we can still overcome great challenges regardless of age,' Azman added. That same mindset, he said, drove him to establish his accountancy firm, Azman & Co, later acquire Arab-Malaysian Merchant Bank and build AmBank Bhd. 'Age should never be a barrier to purpose. If you stay curious and committed, there's always another summit to reach,' he said. He emphasised that passion is what brings balance and perspective, which have profoundly shaped his approach to leadership, not merely as a business function, but as a responsibility to serve others. A Legacy of Recognition and Service Recently, Azman, who is chairman of the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chartered Banker Institute, UK. He noted the award reflected not only his journey, but the collective progress at AICB in raising the standards of professionalism and integrity in Malaysia's banking industry. 'Banking goes beyond just numbers. It is about trust, responsibility and our duty to serve society with purpose and integrity. 'This recognition is a tribute to the many incredible individuals I have had the privilege of working with over the past six decades, from regulators to industry peers, colleagues and partners,' he said. Azman hopes the recognition inspires others, especially the younger generation, to embrace lifelong learning, lead with strong values and contribute meaningfully to the future of the financial industry. Previously, he also received prestigious honours from Japan and Australia – most notably, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, from His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan (1987) and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, from the Japanese government (2021), along with the Medal of the Order of Australia from the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia in 2008. Charting the Financial Journey Azman began his career in 1955, studying in Perth, Australia, and qualifying as a chartered accountant and chartered secretary at Messrs O L Haines & Co. before the age of 21. In 1960, he joined Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), before starting his own company under the name Azman & Co in May 1964. The company later became known as Azman Wong Salleh & Co. He left the company in May 1971 to join Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) as executive director and later served at Kwong Yik Bank Bhd from December 1980 to March 1982. In 1982, Azman acquired Arab-Malaysian Merchant Bank and transformed it into the AmBank Group, where he served as chairman until his retirement in 2022. Azman has been a member of the Institute of Bankers Malaysia (IBBM) since 1983 and was elected as chairman in 2009. IBBM was later renamed AICB in 2014. Leadership Through Crisis The 1998 Asian financial crisis was one of Malaysia's most turbulent financial chapters. 'Currency speculation led to a sharp depreciation of the ringgit, the stock market collapsed, interest rates soared and liquidity dried up. Many businesses and individuals suffered, and AmBank was not spared,' he recalled. What carried AmBank through was a firm belief in resilience, composure under pressure and an unwavering commitment to doing what's right, he said. 'I've always believed that in a crisis, you need to lead with clarity, courage, and calm. 'These experiences reminded me that adversity builds character. It taught us to be prepared, prudent and to focus on long-term sustainability over short-term gains,' he said. AICB and the Future of Banking Since joining AICB in 1983 and becoming chairman in 2009, Azman has been instrumental in transforming AICB into a leading professional body with over 37,000 members across more than 20 countries in Asia. Under his leadership, AICB also strengthened its position as a key partner to BNM and financial institutions in driving industry-wide competency standards. 'AICB partnerships with respected global institutions are vital in raising the bar for Malaysian bankers. Aligning ourselves with institutions like the Chartered Banker Institute in the UK allows us to benchmark against the best in the world. 'It ensures our qualifications are internationally recognised and respected. This provides global opportunities for our bankers, enabling them to work, collaborate and compete on a wider stage,' he said. Since 1980, over 39,000 banking professionals have benefited from AICB's qualifications. Today, AICB counts over 800 Chartered Bankers in 13 countries, including Singapore, India, and the Maldives, a testament to the growing importance of ethics and future-readiness in banking. 'The Chartered Banker qualification is about more than acquiring technical expertise. It cultivates judgment, ethics, and a deep understanding of the trust we hold as financial professionals. 'It sets a gold standard – one that helps ensure that the people leading our financial institutions are competent, professional, and committed to reinforcing public trust in the profession. It's a foundation for building a more reputable, responsible and resilient financial future for Malaysia and beyond,' he said. Building the Workforce of Tomorrow Working alongside the Asian Institute of Insurance and the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia, AICB spearheaded the Future Skills Framework (FSF) to map out emerging job roles and in-demand skills across the financial sector. The framework identifies 161 relevant job roles and 157 in-demand skills for the next three years, potential career development pathways, and nearly 1,000 capacity-building programmes. 'My advice to young bankers is to stay curious, keep learning and always hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity. The financial world needs not just smart minds but principled professionals. 'The pace of change may be fast, but values remain timeless, which is why initiatives like AICB's Chartered Banker qualification are so vital. It is designed not only to equip professionals with knowledge but also to instil a deep respect for ethical standards,' he concluded. — BERNAMA

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store