Latest news with #Asean2025
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Do not neglect our well-being'
KUALA LUMPUR: As women shoulder growing responsibilities in the workplace and at home, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is calling for focus on mental health and work-life balance to avoid burnout. Speaking at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) Asean 2025, the Prime Minister's wife and former deputy prime minister stressed that true progress means not just economic empowerment, but also shared family duties and emotional well-being – areas often overlooked in the push for gender equality. 'Despite our hectic work schedules, we must not neglect our well-being, including mental health, in the pursuit of work-life balance. 'Achieving this balance involves dedication to personal growth and development to enhance professional skills while nurturing spiritual and emotional well-being,' she said in her opening speech at the event yesterday, which was attended by women leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers from across the region. Dr Wan Azizah, who is the Bandar Tun Razak MP, noted that work-life balance, however, remains a challenge for working parents who lack the extra support to afford living costs, manage careers and maintain good parenting. 'Yes, we want more women to contribute to the economy, yet we must also remind ourselves that caring for the family is a shared responsibility. 'Both parents should actively participate in the emotional, physical and logistical aspects of raising children and sharing household duties,' she said, adding that the balance may not always be equal but should be based on mutual understanding and tolerance. Speaking from her experience, Dr Wan Azizah called on parents not to take for granted the responsibility of taking care of our families. 'This responsibility extends beyond the visible and direct expenses. Unpaid care work, household management and emotional support have substantial economic value, but they are not quantifiable. 'Whether we realise it or not, the 'profits' can only be 'sown' in perhaps 20 years' time,' she said. In her address, Dr Wan Azizah said the concept of the 'SHEconomy' is a testament to the growing influence of women in shaping economic narratives. She said the forum's theme, 'Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of Asean SHEconomy', resonated deeply with her vision of leadership, inclusivity and cross-border collaboration. 'I believe this forum can highlight women's roles in advancing technology, sustainability, trade, and governance,' she said, expressing her hope that the dialogues will translate into actionable commitments and partnerships. 'Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to building a world where gender ceases to be a barrier to success and where every woman has the opportunity to shine,' she added. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, who was at the event, called for urgent measures to enhance female participation in Malaysia's economy. He said there is a need for equal opportunities for women across all aspects of life, noting a discrepancy between women's educational attainment and their workforce participation. 'Although 65% of our public university students are women, the female labour participation rate lags at 56%, compared to 82.9% for men. This is a challenge we must overcome for Malaysia to thrive,' he said. Despite successes like women holding 58% of civil service jobs and 42% of decision-making positions, Liew identified barriers such as reliance on cheap foreign labour and inadequate childcare services. 'We need to change this. By moving our economy up the value chain, we can attract more skilled women into the formal labour market,' he said. The opening ceremony also saw several notable awards presented to deserving leaders and entrepreneurs. Among the awards presented were the Women of the Decade, Leaders of the Decade, Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All, and Exceptional Women of Excellence. Taking place until June 21, the three-day WEF Asean 2025 is organised by Yayasan Bina Kesejahteraan with the support of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. The forum focuses on efforts to create a cross-border economic ecosystem, emphasising dignity, inclusivity and data-driven policies, with gender equality as a core principle. Fireside chats, plenary sessions, workshops, roundtable meetings and WEF Awards will take place throughout the days before culminating in a closing ceremony tomorrow.
The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Changing the world with robots
Building a better tomorrow: (From left) Siow and Ling having a discussion with fellow participant Ting Chang Yik during the IYRC Asean 2025 held at the EduCity Sports Complex in Iskandar Puteri. — THOMAS YONG/The Star ISKANDAR PUTERI: What started as a love for animated science fiction has evolved to passion for robotics for 14-year-old Ethan Ling. The SMJK Nan Hwa student from Sitiawan, Perak said when he was younger, he would watch science fiction movies that have robots in them. 'I have always liked watching robot-themed animations because that is how I see the world will look like in the future. 'Since I am passionate about robots, my school teachers and family really encouraged me to try robotics when I was 11, and since then I have learned so much,' he said when met during the International Youth Robot Competition (IYRC) Asean 2025 at the EduCity Sports Complex here yesterday. The competition saw over 800 young innovators from seven Asean countries taking part in the two-day event. He added that he saw IYRC Asean 2025 as more than just a competition among fellow robotics enthusiasts from around the region, but a glimpse into a future he hopes to help build one day. 'Robots are already changing the world. I believe that they can be used to bring benefit to humans. 'I want to be part of that change, maybe as a programmer, but if that does not work out, I would love to be a 3D animator creating robot-themed animation,' he said. Another participant is 13-year-old Abrielle Siow, from SMK Convent Teluk Intan, Perak, where creating a robot from scratch was a fun challenge for her. 'Learning how to build and code robots is fun. But sometimes it is really hard, especially when the coding part does not go right. 'Now, whenever I go to a bookshop, I will buy some books to learn more about programming, including for this competition where I spent two months in training as part of my preparation,' she said. Abrielle added that she was looking forward to face other programmers in the competition as it was her first time competing at an Asean-level robotics event. She said that this was her fourth robotics competition and had participated in several state-level competitions before. 'My dream is to become a doctor like my parents. But maybe one day, I can create robotic technology to help treat people, which would be really cool,' she added. Meanwhile, IYRC Asean 2025 organising chairwoman Olivia Ooi said the competition was a celebration of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and talents across borders. 'IYRC Asean 2025 is more than just a contest as it ignites the imagination, nurtures friendships and shapes the region's future through collaboration and creativity,' she added. Ooi also thanked the Johor government, sponsors, educators and parents for their unwavering support in making the event possible. She said such cooperation has helped shaped future global citizens, where their unwavering commitment to youth development and innovation help drives such initiative forward. 'As Asean continues to emerge as a global hub for innovation and talent, IYRC Asean 2025 stands as a testament to the region's commitment to cross-border collaboration, digital readiness and investment in the next generation of problem-solvers,' she added.
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Local media card holders to get 50pct discount on AirAsia to Asean countries
Local media practitioners who hold the Information Department media accreditation card will enjoy a one-off 50 percent discount on return airfares via AirAsia to 57 destinations in Asean. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said it was an initiative resulting from strategic collaboration between the Communications Ministry and low-cost airline AirAsia in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean 2025 Chairmanship. He said booking will open until...
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Local media card holders to get 50pct discount on AirAsia to Asean countries
Local media practitioners who hold the Information Department media accreditation card will enjoy a one-off 50 percent discount on return airfares via AirAsia to 57 destinations in Asean. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said it was an initiative resulting from strategic collaboration between the Communications Ministry and low-cost airline AirAsia in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean 2025 Chairmanship. He said booking will open until...
The Star
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Pakistan's Asean partnership bid to be discussed
Warm wishes: Anwar shaking hands with members of the public after attending the Aidiladha prayers at the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya. — Bernama PUTRAJAYA: Pakistan's bid to become a full dialogue partner with Asean will be discussed with leaders of the regional grouping, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'It will be brought up for discussion at the Asean leaders' conference,' he told reporters briefly after performing the Aidiladha prayers at the Putra Mosque here yesterday. He said this when asked to comment on Pakistan's renewed efforts to elevate its partnership status with Asean, Bernama reported. Yesterday, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah said that Islamabad is renewing its push to become a full dialogue partner, reflecting the country's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and deepening engagement with the bloc. Pakistan, which became Asean's first sectoral dialogue partner in 1993, values its cooperation with the regional grouping and aims to further expand the ties. In October last year, Anwar was quoted as saying that Malaysia fully supported Pakistan's efforts to become a full dialogue partner of Asean. When asked about Pakistan welcoming his offer to mediate in the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Anwar said Malaysia only hopes for a peaceful resolution. 'I have no role to play; I'm simply offering my opinion,' he said. Earlier, Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, performed the Aidiladha prayers alongside nearly 15,000 congregants at the Putra Mosque. Anwar, dressed in a light blue baju Melayu, arrived at 7.50am and was greeted by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan. The Prime Minister also joined the congregation to recite the takbir raya before performing the Aidiladha prayers, led by the Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque, Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali. He then listened to the Aidiladha sermon, which emphasised the importance of intention, proper conduct and sincerity in performing the sacrificial ritual. Before departing, he took time to mingle and shake hands with members of the congregation. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia supports the measures taken by Thailand and Cambodia in addressing the border dispute involving both countries. He said Malaysia, as the Chair of Asean 2025, will follow the development of the negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia through the Joint Boundary Commission scheduled for June 14 in Phnom Penh, in addition to providing the cooperation required for the talks. 'I spoke with both the prime ministers (of Thailand and Cambodia), and they have taken several measures that we support, namely the June 14 talks regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. 'I'm ready to follow and provide the cooperation (that is) required. So far, both governments have taken the stance of continuing negotiations amicably,' he told the media. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief skirmish in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, which reportedly resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand, meanwhile, has reportedly reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with international law, as well as existing agreements and memoranda with Cambodia.
