Critically endangered langur spotted with infant in Sarawak forest
Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: The critically endangered three-coloured langur. - Pic Dr Ahmad Ampeng KUCHING: A critically endangered three-coloured langur and its infant have been sighted in the wild, confirming that the species is still reproducing naturally, the New Straits Times reported. Sarawak Forestry Department (JHS) senior researcher Dr Ahmad Ampeng said the sighting offers signs of population recovery, likely supported by state-led conservation efforts. He credited the gazettement of an 845-hectare area in Sungai Selai Inah, Jemoreng, as a Permanent Forest Reserve for helping preserve the species' habitat. Ahmad said the langurs are highly sensitive to human scent and sound, prompting researchers to wear the same unwashed clothing for months and use silent camera traps. Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, the species was last recorded in Maludam Forest Reserve in 1832, with its recent rediscovery confirmed via camera footage collected since July 2022. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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To infinity and beyond
Malaysia's efforts to boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education may soon reach new heights through the potential of space exploration. Pointing to data from the Education Ministry, National STEM Association president and founder Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Noraini Idris noted that interest in STEM at the secondary level remains below the national goal of 60%. Prof Ahmad According to ministry data, some 50.83% students enrolled for STEM streams last year. One reason for this shortfall, according to Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim of the UCSI University Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, is the perception that STEM subjects are highly technical and difficult. 'People see STEM as something difficult and complex, so students are not so keen,' he said. Space exploration, both experts noted, could help change this perception by sparking students' curiosity and making STEM more relatable. 'STEM education is something that has to be made exciting, and space is one tool that can be used to spark interest,' Prof Ahmad said. Agreeing, Prof Noraini said space can uniquely inspire awe and motivate students to pursue STEM fields. Pioneering steps Nonee Ashirin Building on this vision, momentum gathered at the recent Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima' 25), where Ocullospace Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) formalised a landmark partnership to prepare Malaysia's youth for a future in space. This collaboration aims to transform how Malaysian students engage with space – starting in classrooms and collaborative global projects. MYSA director general Datuk Azlikamil Napiah underscored the importance of strengthening space education for Malaysia's ambitions in the sector. 'Space education is important to ensure the sustainability and enhancement of the country's capacity and capability in the space sector,' he said. He added that investing in education is also key to developing local talent and keeping pace with rapid advancements in space technology. 'It is significant to establish human capital development and synchronise with fast advancement in the space technology ecosystem. Azlikamil 'By 2030, we hope our efforts will develop expertise and cultivate highly skilled young talent to help Malaysia achieve high-tech nation status,' he said. At the heart of this initiative is the upcoming National Space Education Academy, envisioned as a central hub for advanced learning and public engagement in satellite technology, Earth observation, space exploration and data analytics. To bring science to life, the partnership will also launch national competitions such as nanosatellite design challenges and satellite coding contests, giving students hands-on experience to hone problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Malaysia will also adopt world-renowned programmes such as NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) and DreamUp – exposing students to real-world space projects and collaboration with global experts. Azlikamil said these initiatives support Malaysia's vision to become a regional hub for space technology and innovation, with aspirations for the space sector to contribute at least 1% (RM10bil) to the country's gross domestic product by 2030 and create 5,000 jobs. Malaysia's first Young Cosmonaut School Mazlan In addition, come 2027, Malaysia's first Young Cosmonaut School – officially known as the International Youth Space Academy (IYSA) – will open its doors to its first batch of students. The academy is a joint effort between the Nonee Ashirin Foundation (NAF) – a non-profit organisation empowering young people to explore space careers – and Singapore-based international research and education organisation CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd. 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The IYSA, said Nonee Ashirin, aligns closely with national education goals to strengthen STEM and cultivate a future-ready workforce. 'This academy supports national frameworks like the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE) Framework and the Malaysia Education Blueprint, which aims to increase STEM enrolment to 60% this year,' she explained. She added that while Malaysia has made significant strides in building STEM capabilities, bringing space education into the mix makes STEM more engaging and aspirational for young minds. 'By nurturing interest in space science, we are equipping students with the mindset and skills to lead in high-value, high-tech sectors that are key to our country's economic transformation,' she said. Weighing in, Prof Noraini noted that Malaysia has long recognised space and aerospace as critical drivers for high-tech growth under the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the MySTIE Framework. 'Programmes like the IYSA provide a direct channel to develop interest, capability, and eventual workforce readiness in these areas,' she said. Beyond meeting national targets, Nonee Ashirin views the IYSA as a platform to help Malaysian youth see space as a real and attainable future. 'From mission simulations and robotics labs to mentorship from global astronauts and engineers, students will be immersed in a world that fosters innovation, resilience and vision,' she said. The IYSA, said Prof Noraini, will not only strengthen STEM content knowledge but also build critical 21st-century skills. 'Such programmes are vital for creating sustained interest in STEM, especially when integrated with Malaysia's school curriculum and co-curricular ecosystems. More importantly, space-based projects promote interdisciplinary thinking, which is critical for cultivating innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,' she added. More than skills Egorov Meanwhile, Russian cosmonaut trainer Timofey Egorov stressed the importance of character in space training. 'For space flights, the level of ethics of a person will be especially important for future space missions because these missions will probably be long-term and connected with long isolation in a closed volume of a spaceship (space station),' he said. Such conditions, he noted, can trigger profound psychological challenges that require strong ethical grounding to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment among crew members. As a pioneer of the Angkasawan programme that sent Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie Sheikh Mustapha to the International Space Station, Malaysia's first astrophysicist Mazlan emphasised that aspiring astronauts must possess exceptional human qualities. 'If you look at the competition in the United States, for instance – when you read their CVs, they have multiple PhDs, they've been to flying school, skydiving, ocean diving. 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Daily Express
21-07-2025
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Daily Express columnist receives Nepal award
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki presents the prestigious award to Dr T Selva at the conference in Nepal. Dr Lokraj is looking on. DHANKUTA: (Nepal): Daily Express Vasthu Sastra columnist Dr T Selva was conferred the prestigious Vasthu Star Award at the International Astro Vasthu and Tantra Conference held at Bhedetar, Dhankuta. Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki presented the honour for his outstanding global contribution to Vasthu Sastra and ancient pearls of wisdom. Advertisement Dr Selva has played a key role in popularising this ancient Indian science of architecture and harmony through his extensive writings, international lectures, and media outreach. World Astro Federation Chairman Dr Lokraj Poudel described Dr Selva's impact as 'pivotal' in reviving interest in Vasthu Sastra worldwide. 'His efforts have helped countless individuals apply these time-tested principles to modern living for enhanced well-being and prosperity,' he said. Dr Selva expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award: 'To be recognised in such a spiritually rich and intricate science is deeply humbling. 'This award is not just a personal milestone, but a tribute to the enduring power and relevance of ancient knowledge in today's world.' The Vasthu Star Award is among the World Astro Federation's highest accolades. It honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and global outreach in astrology, Vasthu Sastra, and Tantra sciences. Dr Selva's recognition marks a significant moment for Vasthu Sastra's growing acceptance and relevance in contemporary lifestyles, as more people turn to traditional sciences for holistic living. At the event, Dr Selva delivered a talk exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) threatens ancient wisdom traditions. He said traditional systems like astrology and Vasthu Sastra are intensely rooted in culture, intuition, and spiritual dimensions. AI still lacks the depth and human nuance to fully engage with them. 'Rather than replacing practitioners, AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool, offering quick calculations, visualisations, and interpretations that enhance accuracy and save time,' he said. He emphasised that experts in metaphysical sciences often act as spiritual guides and counsellors, listening to their clients' concerns, offering emotional reassurance, and providing personalised advice informed by experience and subtle human cues. 'AI lacks empathy, intuition, and the capacity for meaningful spiritual connection. People seeking comfort, reassurance, or karmic insight will likely continue to prefer the human touch,' he said. 'While AI tools may serve the masses by offering easy access to information, they may fall short for those seeking a deeper, spiritually resonant experience. 'Serious followers are likely to view AI-generated results as superficial, unless a seasoned expert validates them,' he added. Dr Selva said the future will likely see a hybrid model in which astrologers and Vasthu Sastra practitioners work together. 'AI is much like how doctors use diagnostic technology to support, but not replace, their clinical judgment. 'AI should not be seen as a threat, but as an evolving system that will complement age-old knowledge and traditions.' He said the future belongs to those who embrace technology while preserving the sacred, intuitive, and human elements of these ancient sciences and wisdom. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
20-07-2025
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Chris Martin jokes about kiss cam chaos at Wisconsin show
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