Latest news with #Chuah
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Hooked on autoplay, infinite scrolling and dopamine hits
PETALING JAYA: Let's face it – social media isn't a wellness retreat; it's a business and your attention is the currency. Tech experts explained that social media platforms use variable reward schedules and features like autoplay and infinite scroll to hook users, exploiting our brain's craving for novelty and surprise. ALSO READ: When habit takes a toll on real life Universiti Malaysia Sarawak's senior lecturer Dr Chuah Kee Man said companies prioritise engagement metrics like daily active users and time spent on platform because these are easily monetised. 'Some platforms promote well-being features, but ironically, once you're in, they'll still lure you to stay longer than you intended,' he said yesterday. Chuah added that one reason people cannot stop scrolling lies in a psychological mechanism called variable reward schedule, where the next scroll might lead to something unexpectedly rewarding. Combined with autoplay and infinite scroll features, he said this creates a digital experience with no clear 'ending'. ALSO READ: Start intervention early to curb SVA, say experts 'You keep going because you don't know when the next interesting post will appear. Before you know it, hours have passed.' While some platforms used to show prompts like 'You're all caught up', such friction-based features are now rare. 'Proactive, ethical design is at odds with the business model of maximising attention,' he added. Chuah said screen time dashboards and app timers are helpful, but they're mostly reactive. 'What we need are smarter safeguards – systems that can detect mindless scrolling patterns and offer timely, gentle nudges to disengage,' he said. 'Maybe it's time we treat social media algorithms like we treat cars or medicine – with safety standards and independent audits.' President of AI Society, Dr Azree Shahrel Ahmad Nazri, said social media apps are tapping into users' brain chemistry to keep them hooked – and it's no accident. 'Apps like TikTok use autoplay, infinite scroll and high-speed content to trigger dopamine responses. It's a form of neuromarketing that hijacks the brain's reward system.' He explained that short videos designed to grab attention within the first three seconds, such as dance clips or pranks, are more likely to be promoted. 'These micro-rewards train users to crave fast, high-stimulation content, making it harder to disconnect,' he said. Instead of prioritising user well-being, tech companies focus on metrics like watch-through rate, likes and shares – signals that measure retention, not impact. 'These metrics guide A/B testing and algorithmic tweaks that make the platform more addictive.' He said ethical design could introduce friction, such as slow- loading transitions, time-limit reminders or cool-down breaks to interrupt compulsive scrolling. 'These features would disrupt the dopamine loop.' While platforms like TikTok and YouTube Kids offer screen-time dashboards and parental limits, Azree said that without default-on safeguards, the cycle continues unchecked.' Azree called for regulatory action inspired by models such as China's Douyin. 'Governments could mandate time restrictions, age-sensitive filters and cognitive impact assessments using the same principles as neuromarketing, but for user protection, not profit,' he added.
New Paper
16-07-2025
- New Paper
Man injured two in car crash, then found to be part of organised crime group
While driving an intoxicated friend home in June 2024, Chuah Kah Ting felt sleepy, and crashed into a van and a car, injuring two people. When the authorities searched Chuah's car, they discovered evidence for a second crime. It turned out that Chuah was involved in an organised crime group that had defrauded telcos of about $289,000. On July 14, Chuah, 23, was sentenced to 17 months' jail after he pleaded guilty to three offences, with six other charges taken into consideration for sentencing. He was also disqualified from driving for five years. The Malaysian admitted to one count of driving without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, one count of acting as a member of a locally linked organised criminal group, and another charge of facilitating the group's retention of benefits from criminal conduct. The accident happened on June 11, 2024, at about 6am at a traffic junction of Yishun Avenue 6 and Yishun Avenue 1. About two hours before, Chuah drank two to three cups of beer at a club in Orchard with his friend Benjamin Yong Dun Zheng, 29. Seeing that Yong was tired, Chuah decided to drive him home in his own car. On the way, Chuah also felt sleepy and his eyes began to close. He ran a red light at the junction, and crashed into a van and a car, which were both turning right. The collision caused the van to flip and land on its left side, its windscreen ripped off. The car had cracks and scratches on its rear. The van's driver, 60, and female passenger, 58, were sent to hospital. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Intan Suhaily Abu Bakar said Chuah caused grievous hurt to both individuals. The van passenger sustained a brain injury and bruises on her body. She was discharged four days later and given 34 days' hospitalisation leave. However, she is not expected to have any difficulties in the long run from the injury, DPP Intan said. Initial hospital scans showed the van driver's shoulder was fine, but he subsequently dislocated it while attempting to flex it forward during a doctor's review. He had to undergo surgery. Court documents did not state if the car driver was injured. After the accident, the police searched Chuah's car and found multiple SIM cards which did not belong to him. Investigations revealed he was involved in an organised crime group, where Yong was one of the ringleaders, along with two other men. The group posed as directors of companies by buying National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) particulars, and searching publicly available business data of companies linked to these individuals. They also forged particulars and documents in order to impersonate actual company directors. The group ordered mobile phones from telcos and arranged for mobile phones to be delivered to the company. Then, they would intercept the orders and sell the mobile phones for profit. The interception was done via runners who would collect mobile phones from deliverymen who were in on their scheme or from regular deliverymen, by using fake company stamps and letters of authorisation. This scheme caused two telcos to lose about $289,294 in total when they did not receive payment from the actual companies. Chuah was recruited by Yong and assisted the organised crime group between May and June 2024. He earned $500 in total before he was caught. DPP Intan said: "It was fortuitous that the accused's involvement came to an end when (he) was involved in a road traffic accident." Chuah's pro bono lawyer, Mr Yip Jian Yang, said in court that Chuah came to Singapore in 2022 to work in the food and beverage industry. When he was without work while in the midst of changing jobs, Yong asked him to assist with some errands, which resulted in him falling into crime. Of the traffic accident, Mr Yip said Chuah was deeply remorseful for what happened. Court records show that Yong has been charged but absconded. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Straits Times
Driver injures two in car crash, found to be part of organised crime group
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Chuah Kah Ting was sentenced to 17 months' jail after he pleaded guilty to three offences, with six other charges taken into consideration. SINGAPORE - While driving an intoxicated friend home in June 2024, Chuah Kah Ting felt sleepy and crashed into a van and a car, injuring two people. When the authorities searched Chuah's car, they discovered evidence for a second crime. It turned out that Chuah was involved in an organised crime group that had defrauded telcos of about $289,000. On July 14, Chuah, 23, was sentenced to 17 months' jail after he pleaded guilty to three offences, with six other charges taken into consideration for sentencing. He was also disqualified from driving for five years. The Malaysian admitted to one count of driving without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, one count of acting as a member of a locally-linked organised criminal group, and another charge of facilitating the group's retention of benefits from criminal conduct. The accident happened on June 11, 2024 at about 6am at a traffic junction of Yishun Avenue 6 and Yishun Avenue 1. About two hours before, Chuah drank two to three cups of beer at a club in Orchard with his friend Benjamin Yong Dun Zheng, 29. Seeing that Yong was tired, Chuah decided to drive him home in his own car. On the way, Chuah also felt sleepy and his eyes began to close. He ran a red light at the junction and crashed into a van and a car, which were both turning right. The collision caused the van to flip and land on its left side, its windscreen ripped off. The car had cracks and scratches on its rear. The van's driver, 60, and female passenger, 58, were sent to hospital. Deputy Public Prosecutor Intan Suhaily Abu Bakar said Chuah caused grievous hurt to both individuals. The van passenger sustained a brain injury and bruises on her body. She was discharged four days later and given 34 days' hospitalisation leave. However, she is not expected to have any difficulties in the long run from the injury, DPP Intan said. Initial hospital scans showed the van driver's shoulder was fine, but he subsequently dislocated it while attempting to flex it forward during a doctor's review. He had to undergo surgery. Court documents did not state if the car driver was injured. After the accident, police searched Chuah's car and found multiple SIM cards which did not belong to him. Investigations revealed he was involved in an organised crime group, where Yong was one of the ringleaders, along with two other men. The group posed as directors of companies by buying NRIC particulars, and searching publicly available business data of companies linked to these individuals. They also forged particulars and documents in order to impersonate actual company directors. The group ordered mobile phones from telcos and arranged for mobile phones to be delivered to the company. Then, they would intercept the orders and sell the mobile phones for profit. The interception was done via runners who would collect mobile phones from deliverymen who were in on their scheme or from regular deliverymen, by using fake company stamps and letters of authorisation. This scheme caused two telcos to lose about $289,294 in total when they did not receive payment from the actual companies. Chuah was recruited by Yong and assisted the organised crime group between May and June 2024. He earned $500 in total before he was caught. DPP Intan said: 'It was fortuitous that the accused's involvement came to an end when (he) was involved in a road traffic accident.' Chuah's pro bono lawyer, Mr Yip Jian Yang, said in court that Chuah came to Singapore in 2022 to work in the food and beverage industry. When he was without work while in the midst of changing jobs, Yong asked him to assist with some errands, which resulted in him falling into crime. Of the traffic accident, Mr Yip said Chuah was deeply remorseful for what happened. Court records show that Yong has been charged but absconded. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
JB team-up for the books
Teo (second from left) receiving a gift from Siew (left) and SUC board of governors chairman Mok Chek Hou during the launch of the reading project. With them is Prof Chuah (third from right). Retailer's outlets in the city raising funds for university college via sale of publications, artworks A LOCAL bookstore chain has started a year-long initiative in Johor Baru to support a tertiary institution's 50th anniversary. The collaboration between Popular Bookstore and Southern University College (SUC) kicked off in conjunction with World Book Day. Since April 1, all Popular outlets in the city have been selling SUC publications and up to 180 titles donated by affiliated authors. Customers have also been offered RM10 sets of five bookmarks featuring scenes from SUC's campus which was established in Skudai in 1990. Sale proceeds have been set aside to fund book purchases and literary activities of the university's Malaysian Chinese Literature Centre (MCLC). SUC president Prof Chuah Joon Huang said the institute was honoured to work with Popular. 'This partnership has allowed us to promote the world of reading, by showcasing SUC's publications, academic programmes and student artworks. 'I extend my gratitude for the sponsorship from the calligraphy and art communities, and the business sector.' Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 13-month cultural event celebrating SUC's 50th anniversary at a Johor Baru mall, Prof Chuah said, 'This is our first large-scale joint cultural event of its kind. 'It is a significant collaboration between our library, MCLC, Faculty of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Art and Design and industry partners.' He hopes this will inspire excellence in the city's art scene and become a model of cross-sector collaboration. 'Let us work hand in hand to enrich the arts scene of Johor Baru and Malaysia.' Comprising cultural performances and book sales until April 30, 2026, the event has been designed to attract public interest. Popular Malaysia general manager (business development) Siew Sheue Liang said, 'At Popular, we believe books are powerful tools for learning and cultural growth. 'In Johor Baru, we have promoted reading by giving back to the community through knowledge and culture.' Siew said Popular was proud to mark SUC's golden jubilee by launching a reading project titled 'Celebrating the Art of Calligraphy and Cultural Heritage – A New Chapter Begins'. He said Popular had raised RM16,100 for SUC and thanked contributors who helped to keep cultural heritage strong in Johor. The opening ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of Chao Foon literary magazine, the oldest Chinese literary publication in Malaysia and Singapore, and is currently issued bi‑annually by MCLC. Meanwhile, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she was happy to see publishers and universities teaming up to bring local stories, books and campuses closer to the public. The Kulai MP said the ministry had long promoted reading and aimed to build a stronger reading culture through programmes such as the Madani Malaysia book voucher. She said the programme offered RM50 and RM100 book vouchers to those from primary school to university levels. 'This year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the programme will include 400,000 teachers. 'We are also driving the 2025 Book Loving Nation Voucher Programme through the National Library. 'Under this programme, RM1mil has been allocated to support local publishers,' she said.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Wentel Engineering optimistic on revenue growth for 2026, eyes Singapore market
KUALA LUMPUR: Metal fabricator and assembler Wentel Engineering Holdings Bhd is optimistic that its revenue growth will be good in 2026, especially with its business operations remaining strong, particularly in Singapore. Group CEO Chuah Chong Syn said the company targets its products at the Singaporean market more than the local market in Malaysia. 'Singapore's electronic and electrical (E&E) sector is on a strong multiyear growth trajectory, supported by global semiconductor recovery, rising electronics exports and a robust ecosystem of manufacturing and R&D infrastructure,' he explained. In April 2025, Singapore's electronics manufacturing output surged 15.2% year-on-year, outperforming regional peers and this reflects strong global demand for semiconductors, test equipment, and high-precision components, Chuah said at a press conference when announcing the company's first quarter FY 2025 results today. He said Wentel remains committed to leveraging its competitive strengths and expanding the company's market presence as means to drive value creation for stakeholders. This commitment will be supported by an expansion of a new manufacturing plant in Johor Bahru, which is targeted to commence operations in the first half of 2026. 'The new plant is expected to substantially enhance our production capacity and operational efficiencies, positioning us to capitalise on the resurgence of global trade economies. As demand rises, we are confident to achieve satisfactory financial performance for the coming year,' Chuah said. Wentel Engineering registered a profit after tax of RM6.1 million in the first quarter ended March 30, 2025, on the back of RM31.2 million in revenue. The growth is primarily attributed to high demand of E&E products including capital equipment, advanced packaging and wire bonding. There was no dividend declared for the quarter under review. Security screening equipment remained Wentel Engineering's fundamental business as it contributed 64.7% of its total revenue for the quarter. However, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, the company's E&E segment, which produces semiconductors, is surging faster than its security screening equipment business, which falls under the semifinished and assembly segment. Financial controller Yap Yew Wei said this is because the semiconductor segment has large room to grow and they are starting off from a small base. 'We expect our security screening equipment business to make organic growth but no surge of revenue for now,' he said at the press conference. 'For the semiconductor segment there is room for us to pick up for both front end and back end customers,' he added. Yap said global semiconductor sales are projected to grow to US$697 billion (RM2.96 trillion) in 2025 from US$627 billion in 2024 (+11%), and Singapore contributes 11% of global chip output and 20% of chip equipment production.
