
Some alternative therapies owners are using for their pets
By CNA/Lim Li Ting
Some pet owners in Singapore are opting for acupuncture to treat their furry friend's mobility problems or offer them pain relief.
Needles are inserted into acupuncture points, releasing endorphins for relaxation.
Pet owner Kenneth Chng said he saw large improvements in his cat's mobility after the acupuncture treatments.
Massage is another form of treatment for pain relief.
It also serves as a form of examination, to see if there are any lumps that could require medical attention.
Next Story
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Private health insurance premiums on the rise: Should I relook my portfolio?
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says there is a need to set the private healthcare financing system on a more sustainable footing. With the costs of private health insurance and healthcare rising, is it time to relook at one's portfolio? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Chuin Ting Weber, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at MoneyOwl, to find out more.


CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
An institution that nurtures creative explorers, not just achievers
As Taylor's University continues to strengthen its standing in the QS World University Rankings, its vice-chancellor and president, Professor Barry Winn, is looking well beyond short-term gains. Core to his vision is a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at transforming the Malaysian private university into a future-ready institution of global standing. A key part of this transformation is a RM1.2 billion (S$364.8 million) investment to further develop the institution, including revitalising its lakeside campus in Subang Jaya. Planned upgrades include new sports facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories and student residences designed to meet the needs of its multicultural community. Beyond infrastructure, the plan outlines strategic pillars to prepare Taylor's students for a fast-paced, tech-driven world. These include a focus on transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, as well as addressing global challenges like sustainability and an ageing population. Prof Winn highlighted that the university's focus is on nurturing students to become 'creative explorers, not just achievers'. 'These days, you can pull out your phone and find answers instantly,' he said. 'Our job is to help students think critically about challenges and apply knowledge in innovative ways – to create new ideas, not just recycle existing ones.' Ranked the top private non-government-linked university in Southeast Asia, Taylor's is currently placed at No 253 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, positioning it among the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide. CHARTING NEW GROWTH Prof Winn shared that Taylor's growth in the years ahead will be driven by five strategic thrusts: delivering an exceptional student experience, advancing innovative teaching, producing impactful research, strengthening partnerships and pursuing quality-driven growth. One example is its well-established medical school. In response to Malaysia's ageing population, the university plans to introduce more allied health programmes, such as physiotherapy. 'As the population ages, we'll see more cases of strokes and dementia,' said Prof Winn. 'We'll need not just doctors, but also specialists like dietitians and advanced practice nurses to provide holistic care.' Taylor's also operates 11 Impact Labs, where students collaborate with faculty, industry professionals and corporate partners to create solutions to real-world problems – all guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2023, these labs have delivered 230 projects with 210 partners, tackling issues in areas such as sustainable tourism, clean energy and community well-being. Among them is Project BacaBaca, a literacy programme for underserved communities led by Ms Hema Letchamanan, senior lecturer at Taylor's School of Education. Since 2021, the initiative has supported over 500 students across Malaysia and was awarded the 2024 Asia-Pacific SDG Initiative of the Year at the Triple E Awards. Another project, – led by Professor Anindita Dasgupta of Taylor's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences – provides women from marginalised communities with entrepreneurship training. To date, 110 women have completed the programme. DRIVING MEANINGFUL IMPACT THROUGH COLLABORATION To meet rising demand for research expertise, Prof Winn said Taylor's is exploring the launch of more postgraduate programmes and is actively recruiting academics from around the world to teach them. The university also aims to strengthen international collaborations to provide students with a truly global perspective. Prof Winn explained: 'How small-and medium-size enterprises operate in Kuala Lumpur is very different from how they function in cities like Manchester or Boston. To truly understand international trade, you often need local partners who can help you grasp the unique business dynamics of each region. Many business owners are especially interested in Southeast Asia, and Taylor's is pleased to support this mutual learning and exchange.' He added: 'We want to harness technology to offer joint courses that bring students from different regions together, enriching the learning experience across borders.' PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST To better equip its students for the workforce, Taylor's is developing immersive avatar-based simulations that allow learners to practise real-world scenarios in a safe environment. 'Clinical psychology students, for instance, could interact with an avatar exhibiting a mental health disorder,' explained Prof Winn. 'Or hospitality students might be placed at a virtual hotel reception. Our goal is to go beyond virtual reality – we want to be better than reality.' The university's growing emphasis on research is also driven by its goal to serve students. 'We want students to be taught by people who wrote the book, not just read it,' said Prof Winn. 'Our research isn't just about publishing more papers – it's about creating a rich learning environment led by engaged, knowledgeable academics.' Prof Winn said his proudest achievement thus far has been to improve staff engagement and giving educators a voice in shaping Taylor's academic culture. This people-first philosophy is reflected in Taylor's strong global rankings. 'If we do the right things, the rankings will follow,' Prof Winn said. 'They provide external validation and inspire confidence among employers, students and parents. Ultimately, we want to be known as a university that puts students first and gives every student the chance to improve their lives.'


CNA
17 hours ago
- CNA
Certis says the way its sick leave policy was ‘perceived' has caused ‘concern and discomfort'
SINGAPORE: Certis, in an internal memo sent to staff members on Wednesday (Jul 2), said it recognised that the way its 'care visit' policy was perceived had caused concern and discomfort. The memo, seen by CNA on Thursday, was in response to backlash from its medical leave policy. The policy requires officers to remain at home if on sick leave. Managers may also check in on them, particularly those on extended medical leave, including visiting the employee's home with "small care gestures", Certis previously said in response to CNA queries. Certis also previously required employees on medical leave to share their "live" location if they were not at home. The security firm, following consultation with the Union of Security Employees (USE), has since agreed to stop location tracking of officers on medical leave. In the memo, Chief Human Resources Officer Jaclyn Lee said the care visit policy was meant to be a way to check in on employees when they are unwell. 'It was to ensure our officers are safe and to offer support, especially during extended periods of medical leave,' Dr Lee said. 'But we now recognise that the way it was rolled out, communicated, and perceived caused concern and discomfort.' Dr Lee also reiterated that termination would only be considered in serious cases, such as proven dishonesty, and will always follow a 'thorough and fair' process. Referencing the decision to stop location tracking of officers on sick leave, Dr Lee noted it was a key area of concern. 'This step reflects our commitment to protecting your privacy while keeping lines of care open,' she said. Certis is also working closely with USE to review its approach to care visits, and to improve how it supports its employees going forward, Dr Lee said. USE previously said it is discussing with the Certis management on ways to strengthen their internal communications with their officers, so that policies and practices are clearly explained and their officers' concerns can be addressed early. 'USE and Certis has agreed to co-organise regular monthly engagement sessions with Certis officers, providing a platform for ongoing dialogue and feedback," USE executive secretary Shirley Loo had said. Acknowledging that frontline roles are demanding "in every sense", Dr Lee thanked employees for their hard work, resilience and service. 'We're committed to learning from this, and to building a workplace where trust, support, and respect are not just values, but lived experiences," she said.