Latest news with #Khairuddin
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
UTS, PTTEP ink scholarship deal to boost engineering talent
SIBU (July 12): University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has signed a landmark scholarship agreement with PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited, marking another significant milestone in the university's development journey. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the UTS campus by Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid on behalf of the university, while PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited was represented its Country Manager for Malaysia Asset, Padsakorn Suwanruji. Speaking at UTS-PTTEP Scholarship Agreement Exchange Ceremony, Khairuddin expressed his appreciation for PTTEP's trust and partnership, which he described as being founded on shared values, mutual trust, and a collective mission to empower Sarawak's youth. 'On behalf of UTS, I extend our deepest gratitude to PTTEP for selecting us as the sole institution in East Malaysia to implement this exclusive scholarship programme,' he said. 'This decision reflects a strong vote of confidence in our academic excellence, our dedication to student development, and our commitment to nurturing engineering talent for the region.' The PTTEP Scholarship, he said, goes beyond a typical financial aid package. It offers a comprehensive five-year development pathway – starting from the Foundation in Science (FIS) programme through to a full undergraduate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, with full financial support. 'What sets this initiative apart is PTTEP's commitment to prioritising scholars for job placements across its global operations – an exceptional incentive that will inspire our young talents to pursue their studies with determination and focus,' Khairuddin added. As part of PTTEP's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the scholarship is aimed at students enrolled in the FIS programme at UTS, offering them a fully funded opportunity to pursue engineering education and careers. The initiative also aligns with the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) by the Sarawak government, starting in 2026, which will waive tuition fees for Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes. 'This bold move will significantly ease access to higher education,' said Khairuddin, who also briefed attendees on UTS's background and growth trajectory. Meanwhile, Padsakorn noted that the agreement symbolised PTTEP's commitment to supporting Sarawak's youth and opening doors to a brighter future. 'PTTEP believes in investing in local talents and supporting them with world-class training and global exposure,' he said. He emphasised that the scholarship reflects PTTEP's broader CSR goals, ensuring that deserving students, especially from underserved communities, have access to quality education and life-changing opportunities. 'As our presence in Sarawak grows, we are not only focusing on energy resources; we are also focusing on people,' Padsakorn added. The ceremony was attended by several key stakeholders, including UTS Deputy Vice-Cchancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shahril Osman, Registrar Jimmy De Rozario @ Abdul Rahman, Student Development & Services Centre (SDSC) director Lu Yew King, PTTEP head of Malaysia Sarawak Asset Thakerngchai Sangvaree, head of GRC and Public Affairs Section Tengku Saifuzzaman, head of Human Resource Section Ratanawadee Bansit, and head of Capability Development and Employee Relations Anita Gomez.
News18
04-07-2025
- News18
Spoke Hindi, But No Bengali Accent: How Passenger With Fake Passport Was Caught At Delhi Airport
Last Updated: According to immigration officials, it was the man's use of Hindi - not the fact that he spoke it, but how he spoke it that raised eyebrows What started as a routine immigration check at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport turned into a dramatic bust involving forged documents, a fake identity, and a foreign national posing as an Indian citizen. The trigger? A few suspicious sentences in Hindi. The startling episode unfolded at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport when a passenger scheduled to fly to Kabul on Afghan Airlines flight FG-312 approached the Bureau of Immigration counter after completing his baggage check-in. Presenting an Indian passport that identified him as 'Khairuddin" from Murshidabad, West Bengal, the man appeared calm and cooperative, until he spoke. According to immigration officials, it was the man's use of Hindi; not the fact that he spoke it, but how he spoke it that raised eyebrows. Officers expected a hint of Bengali cadence typical of someone from West Bengal. Instead, what they heard was heavily accented Hindi, unusual enough to spark immediate suspicion. Protocol required further questioning, and biometric verification quickly revealed the truth – the man was not an Indian national at all. He was identified as Wafa Malik Din, an Afghan citizen who had allegedly entered India in August 2019 using a genuine Afghan passport. Further investigation uncovered that Wafa had never returned to Afghanistan after his arrival. Instead, over the years, he managed to illegally obtain Indian identity documents with the help of local contacts. Using those forged documents, he successfully applied for and received an Indian passport, the same one he attempted to use to fly back to Kabul. The deception unravelled entirely at the airport counter, where the man's inability to convincingly impersonate an Indian, linguistically and legally, led to his downfall. Authorities recovered both the forged Indian passport and a copy of his original Afghan passport during the enquiry. Following his confession, Wafa was arrested by the IGI Airport Police and has since been remanded to judicial custody. The incident has triggered a review by security and immigration agencies, with officials now re-examining procedures for verifying identity and language cues, particularly in high-risk international sectors. First Published: July 04, 2025, 17:44 IST
The Star
20-05-2025
- The Star
Families in Kudat face eviction from long-established community
KOTA KINABALU: Over ten families in Kg. Landong Ayang, Kudat, must vacate their homes within 14 days following an eviction notice from the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, sparking public outcry. The notice, dated May 19 and seen by The Star, was issued under Sections 166 and 173(1)(h) of the Sabah Land Ordinance. It stated that the families had built homes on state reserve land without approval, making them trespassers. Residents must demolish their houses or face forced eviction, a fine of up to RM100,000, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. The department also stated it would not be responsible for any damage or loss during enforcement. Wira Warisan (Youth) P167 Kudat head Khairuddin Daud condemned the move as inhumane and unjust. He said Kg. Landong Ayang is not a squatter area but a longstanding community established since the 1970s. "There are basic public facilities here—a school, mosque, Tadika KEMAS, and futsal court—which proves this is not a temporary settlement, but a functioning community," he said on Tuesday (May 20). Khairuddin said that the affected residents are low-income Sabahans who have lived in the area for decades. "What's puzzling is that the houses marked for eviction are right in the middle of an established kampung. They've been there for many years—so why is the eviction happening only now?" he questioned. He added that the eviction notice was issued without any relocation plan, compensation, or alternative housing. "This is traumatising, especially for the elderly and children. It's not the action of a government that claims to champion the people," he said. He also criticised the inconsistency in land management, noting that while families are being evicted from land they've occupied for decades, large parcels allocated to federal agencies remain idle. Khairuddin said residents had sought help from the village chief and Tanjong Kapor assemblyman Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin but have yet to receive any response or solution. He urged the state government to immediately withdraw the eviction notice and hold an open dialogue with residents, relevant agencies, and grassroots leaders to find a fair and humane resolution. "We will not remain silent. Kg. Landong Ayang is not just land—it is home, dignity, and the future of our people," he said. Sr Caley Jousie Amin, assistant land revenue collector in Kudat, signed the eviction notice.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
US Tariffs: Malaysia's proactive strategies come at critical time
Charts that show the reciprocal tariffs the US seeks to charge other countries are displayed at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. — AFP photo KUCHING (May 19): The Malaysian government's six-pronged strategy to ensure economic stability in the face of retaliatory tariffs from the United States has been lauded as proactive and timely. Announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a Special Session of the Dewan Rakyat on May 5, the government's plan addresses both short- and medium-term economic stability and national interests. Key components include close monitoring of economic indicators, continued negotiations, support for affected exporters (particularly SMEs), and the cultivation of stronger regional ties and the pursuit of new markets. The strategy also involves accelerating development project implementation and approvals, alongside ongoing economic reforms under the Madani agenda. Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid emphasised that these measures are a considered response, not a knee-jerk reaction. 'If these six strategies are implemented swiftly and effectively, I believe the economic impact of the US tariffs will be minimal,' he stated. Khairuddin noted the significance of electrical and electronic equipment and components in US-Malaysia trade. However, he expressed confidence that this sector could weather the tariffs, provided global demand remains robust. 'As long as global demand for these goods remains high, demand from other countries will persist, and these industries will not be severely affected,' he explained. To shield SMEs from the brunt of the tariffs, Khairuddin stressed the importance of exploring new market opportunities for Malaysian products. He advocated leveraging Malaysia's 2025 Asean chairmanship to expand market access within the Asean bloc. 'We cannot rely solely on traditional markets; the exploration of new markets is essential,' he added. Dr Yii Kwang Jing Meanwhile, Dr Yii Kwang Jing, associate dean of Accreditation and Curriculum Enhancement and Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, offered a similarly optimistic outlook, suggesting that the tariffs need not spell disaster for Malaysian exporters. Yii highlighted Malaysia's strategic position as 2025 Asean chair, with access to a 660-million-consumer market, poised to absorb trade as US markets potentially contract. He pointed to the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga) and its zero-tariff schedule as a crucial safety net. 'From vehicle spare parts in Penang to cocoa products in Sabah, shipments can now move across regional borders with minimal paperwork and near-zero duties,' he stated. He further emphasised the role of the Madani Government's digital trade portal in facilitating SME access to these regional trade routes, reducing transaction times from months to days. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) (Asean+3) also provides a platform to expand trade, with simplified rules enabling tariff-free entry for Malaysian semiconductors into China, Japan, and South Korea. 'Halal food producers, green technology suppliers, and chip manufacturers suddenly find three large and readily accessible customer bases,' Yii noted. The upcoming Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa) is expected to be a 'game-changer,' streamlining compliance for e-commerce-focused fintech startups through harmonised regulations on data, e-payments, and cybersecurity. 'Consultant estimates suggest the digital economy could contribute US$1 trillion to Asean's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for Malaysian digital firms,' Yii explained. He also underscored the political advantage conferred by Malaysia's 2025 Asean chairmanship, emphasising the collective bargaining power it provides. 'This Chairmanship enables us to align standards that benefit Malaysian businesses while amplifying our voice in global trade discussions,' he stated. 'In essence, diversification is not merely an option but a strategic imperative. By capitalising on Asean tariff reductions, the broader reach of RCEP, and the forthcoming digital agreement, Malaysia can pivot from a US-centric trade environment to a regionally focused one,' he argued. Addressing concerns about Malaysia's leverage in negotiations with the US, Yii acknowledged the US' historically firm stance on trade. However, he pointed out Malaysia's past successes in securing concessions by highlighting areas of mutual economic benefit. He cited the 2020-2023 palm oil dispute, where the US initially considered anti-dumping duties. Malaysia countered by presenting audited data from the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification scheme, detailing US companies' reliance on palm oil, and signaling its willingness to pursue legal action at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 'Ultimately, the US abandoned the proposed tariffs in the face of widespread opposition from various stakeholders, including US importers,' Yii said. He also highlighted Malaysia's recent success in mitigating the impact of US export controls on its semiconductor industry, initially targeted at China. By emphasising Malaysia's 13 per cent share of global chip packaging and testing and Intel's substantial investments in Penang, the government successfully argued that broad restrictions would harm US competitiveness. 'These instances demonstrate that 'smaller' economies can influence outcomes when they occupy strategic positions within global value chains, such as in advanced packaging, nitrile gloves, or sustainable palm oil,' Yii concluded. 'Malaysia must continue to leverage robust data, build coalitions with diverse stakeholders, and be prepared to pursue WTO litigation when necessary.' Khairuddin Abdul Hamid lead US Tariffs Yii Kwang Jing
The Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
No surprises expected at BAM election as Khairuddin steps aside
PETALING JAYA: The upcoming Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) presidential election on Saturday is expected to be a calm affair with no contest, following Datuk Seri Khairuddin Samad's confirmation that he will not be vying for the top post. Khairuddin, who is also the president of the Putrajaya Badminton Association, had previously expressed interest in running for the presidency but has since decided against it. Instead, he is expected to retain his current position as one of BAM's vice-presidents. 'There were no candidates earlier, so when I was asked in January whether I was interested in contesting for the BAM presidency, I put my name forward. 'It's because I genuinely love badminton and care deeply about our players. 'But once the BAM council members unanimously agreed to nominate Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz as the new presidential candidate, I respected the decision and chose not to contest,' said Khairuddin, who previously served as team manager of the Malaysian squad at the 2021 Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland. At that time, the young Malaysian side made history by ending a 12-year medal drought to bring home the bronze from the prestigious team event. According to the BAM constitution, nominations for the presidency and other posts remain open until election day, and anyone can still be nominated. Despite this, no other challenges are expected, and the current executive line-up is set to remain unchanged. With Khairuddin stepping aside, Tengku Zafrul is set to win unopposed and be confirmed as BAM's new president for the 2025–2029 term. Acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam will continue as deputy president alongside Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohd Yunoos. Tengku Zafrul had previously been proposed as a candidate to succeed Tan Sri Norza Zakaria as BAM president, after Norza initially expressed his intention to step down. However, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh urged Norza to reconsider and continue leading the association until the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following the conclusion of the Games, BAM appointed Subramaniam as acting president until the annual general meeting in May.
