Latest news with #MediaPrima
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Singapore officers visit Media Prima to learn about news operations
KUALA LUMPUR: A 27-member Singaporean delegation from the Third Advanced Communications and Engagement (ACE) programme visited Media Prima's News and Current Affairs Division today to gain insights into media operations and strategic communications. The group led by Government Communications chief, Foo Kok Jwee, was welcomed at Balai Berita, Bangsar by Media Prima News and Current Affairs Division Group Managing Editor Jasbant Singh and senior editors from its print and broadcast teams. The visit began with a dialogue session titled "Media Players in Malaysia: Media Prima" at the Samad Meeting Room, where Singapore officers engaged with senior Media Prima editors on Malaysia's media landscape, editorial strategies and public communications. Following the dialogue, the delegation was given a tour of Media Prima's television and print facilities, including the Command Centres of NCA TVN and NSTP, as well as a visit to the production studios. They were also introduced to the newsroom operations of the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) comprising the New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Harian Metro where they gained insights into the editorial processes and integration across platforms. The delegation included representatives from the Singapore Public Service and the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore. Present from Media Prima were group editor of Berita Harian Zulkifli Jalil, deputy group editors Thillinadan Muniandy (Berita Harian) and Sharanjit Singh (NST) and executive editor of Harian Metro Muhamad Safar Ahmad. The ACE programme is a training initiative for public service officers involved in strategic communications and public engagement across the Singapore government.
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mara students head to UK, Canada, Japan after US visa policy shift
KUALA LUMPUR: Almost all of 200 Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) scholars who were initially set to pursue their studies in the United States have now secured placements — or are in the final stages of admission — at top-ranked universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that none of the students were left behind, stressing that the agency worked swiftly to find alternative destinations following its decision to halt new placements in the US. The suspension was due to growing uncertainty surrounding proposed visa restrictions under the administration of US President Donald Trump. "These are among our brightest students who have completed over a year of intensive preparatory training. We ensured every one of them was placed appropriately," said Asyraf during a visit to the Media Prima headquarters on Friday. Asyraf, who recently returned from a working visit to the UK, said several British universities — including the University of Edinburgh, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge and University College London — had agreed to reduce tuition fees by up to 20 per cent. "We're looking at savings of between RM105,000 and RM110,000 per student. This represents significant financial and logistical relief," he said, adding that the UK had emerged as a more stable destination for scholars in the current climate. While future cohorts will be redirected from the US, Asyraf stressed that Mara scholars already there had been advised to avoid any activities — such as political demonstrations — that could endanger their visa status. "We understand their emotional attachment to global issues like the Palestinian cause, but they must remain focused on their studies. We cannot risk having them entangled in foreign political agendas," he said. Beyond short-term contingencies, Asyraf highlighted Mara's broader efforts to future-proof its education and sponsorship policies. The agency, he said, now prioritised fields of study that aligned with long-term national development needs and evolving labour market demands, rather than simply accommodating parental preferences or academic trends. "We're asking, will this field be relevant in 10 years? Will it provide the students with meaningful, dignified employment that matches their training?" he said during an interview on Berita Harian 's Borak Hari Ini podcast. He said Malaysia's core issue was not unemployment, but underemployment — where graduates end up in jobs that do not match their qualifications. To address this, Mara has intensified collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that its programmes remain closely tied to market demand. "Education must go hand in hand with national economic strategy. We don't want to produce aimless graduates. Our goal is to build career pathways with purpose," he said. This strategic approach, Asyraf added, was rooted in Mara's founding mission to uplift the Bumiputera community. That vision remains central today, not only for overseas scholars but also for the 125,000 students enrolled across Mara's 344 institutions nationwide. Addressing brain drain concerns, Asyraf said Mara had adopted a pragmatic policy that allowed scholars to gain international work experience for up to three years before returning to serve the country. "There's nothing wrong with letting our students work abroad. Most will eventually come home — it's in our nature to return to our roots, our families and our culture." He added that concerns about Mara-sponsored graduates failing to return were often overstated. The agency continues to monitor their progress and holds them accountable through a structured repayment scheme. "The key is responsibility. Even those working abroad must begin repaying their loans. Some contribute as little as 10 per cent, depending on academic performance," he said.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PAAB pushes water conservation and infrastructure upgrades
KUALA LUMPUR: Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) is intensifying efforts to restructure the nation's water services, with a focus on reducing non-revenue water (NRW), promoting water conservation, and securing sustainable supply systems. PAAB chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa said the agency is collaborating with stakeholders, including media, to raise awareness on water conservation's role in national development. "We're educating the public on valuing water, saving it and protecting catchment areas — key to our supply system." He spoke during a visit to Media Prima headquarters in Bangsar. He added that PAAB is investing in water infrastructure projects, particularly in states with high NRW rates. Kelantan, Kedah, Pahang, and Perlis are prioritised for pipe replacements and plant upgrades. "We've allocated RM1.5 billion to Kelantan, RM1.2 billion to Kedah and RM700 million to Pahang. "These investments are meant to help state water operators reduce NRW and improve treated water reserve margins." Jaseni said that Malaysia's national NRW average stands at 37 per cent, meaning only 63 litres out of every 100 litres of treated water reach consumers, "This loss translates into billions of ringgit in wasted investment. "Replacing ageing asbestos cement pipes, many beyond their lifespan, is critical. "There are about 39,000km of such pipes in the system. We aim to replace them within 25 years, aligning with our 2050 restructuring plan. "There's no point building new treatment plants if water continues to leak before it reaches consumers." He said PAAB is helping states achieve SPAN's 15 per cent treated water reserve margin to handle dry-season demand spikes. PAAB is also seeking collaboration with media organisations to push for a national water education campaign. "Our mission is to help Malaysians understand that water is a basic human right, tied directly to quality of life and economic progress. "Societies that solve their water issues tend to be healthier, more productive and even have higher mental health outcomes." He cited developed nations, such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, as examples of how effective water management contributes to national advancement. "We must develop a society that values and respects water. When people understand its importance, it leads to broader improvements in public health, productivity, and national wellbeing." He provided an update on one of PAAB's major infrastructure milestones: the completion of the Langat 2 Phase 1 water treatment plant. "The RM4.2 billion Langat 2 Phase 1, federally funded, is complete and has resolved Selangor's shortages. "We've written to invite the prime minister to officiate the project's launch, hopefully in August," he added. The corporate visit was attended by representatives from PAAB, including chief operating officer Abdul Samad Sulaiman and head of corporate services division Rozaifee Abu Zahari.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
NSTP photo editor with cancer receives aid under Tabung Kasih@Hawana
PUTRAJAYA: New Straits Times Press (NSTP) photo editor Ikhwan Munir, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, received financial aid under the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative today. The aid was presented by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil when he visited Ikhwan at Putrajaya Hospital today. Ikhwan, 50, is undergoing treatment at the hospital following his diagnosis in May. He has served with NSTP for 29 years. After the visit, Fahmi said the aid was part of the government's efforts to support media practitioners facing difficult circumstances. "Today, we visited Ikhwan to deliver a small contribution under the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative. "We hope the money and basic necessities will bring him some comfort and encouragement during this challenging time." Present were Media Prima News and Current Affairs group managing editor Jasbant Singh, Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, as well as representatives from Media Prima. Fahmi thanked Media Prima for its continued concern for the wellbeing of its staff. He said his ministry, together with Bernama, would continue to monitor Ikhwan's condition to determine whether further assistance would be needed. "His wife is no longer working and we have taken note of several matters. "There is a 16-year age gap between their two children and the eldest is helping to care for the youngest." On the aid programme, Fahmi said 405 media practitioners have benefited from the initiative since its launch in 2023. "We hope that when we celebrate Hawana (National Journalists Day) this Saturday, on June 14, we will not only be able to extend support to more individuals, but also review the needs of previous recipients and provide additional aid if necessary." Jasbant thanked the ministry and Bernama for the assistance. "This reflects the minister's deep concern for the welfare of members of the journalism community in our country. "The aid given is certainly meaningful to Ikhwan's family and will help ease their burden as they face this difficult time. "I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the hospital for the high-quality care provided, which has proven effective, as Ikhwan is gradually recovering."
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Media Prima recognised for leadership, learning and inclusive excellence
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's largest integrated media group, Media Prima Bhd, was honoured with three awards at the Employee Experience Awards 2025 Malaysia, hosted by Human Resources Online. The group secured two gold awards for Best Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in the leadership category, and another for Best Skilling Strategy in the learning category. It also received a bronze award for Best Hybrid Work Model under the engagement category, reflecting its strong commitment to employee engagement and well-being. "The awards were presented during a gala dinner held on May 23 and featured four key categories - leadership, engagement, learning, and talent acquisition. "The entries were evaluated by a panel of 22 human resources leaders, including senior professionals from leading companies," it said in a statement today. The group said these recognitions highlight Media Prima's ongoing efforts, led by its group human resources team, to create a supportive and progressive work environment and reinforce its position as a leading employer in the industry. Media Prima human resources director Nor Arzlin Redzwan said the award reflects the group's continuous dedication to building a vibrant and encouraging workplace where everyone can grow and succeed. "It energises us to consistently innovate and enhance our initiatives, solidifying Media Prima's position as a place where careers thrive and individuals reach their fullest potential," she said. Group managing director Rafiq Razali said the awards for leadership, learning, and engagement are a reflection of the company's dedication to its people. "This recognition is a direct reflection of their dedication. "We will leverage this momentum to continuously improve our work culture, ensuring it remains a workplace where talent thrives, inclusion is celebrated, and growth is fostered," he said.
