Latest news with #MediaPrima
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Media Prima hosts Malaysian Advertisers Association for industry dialogue
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Bhd today welcomed council members of the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA) for a corporate visit to strengthen industry ties and explore collaboration. Led by MAA president Navin Stanislaus, the delegation met with Media Prima's senior leadership to discuss integrated media solutions, shifting audience behaviours and the role of local content in resonating with Malaysian consumers. "The ecosystem has changed. The challenges we face as an industry and as a nation are very real, and collectively we need to work together towards a better, more fruitful outcome," said Navin. He said the visit gave the association a clearer view of how a local media brand like Media Prima was focused on meeting local needs and supporting brands in meaningful ways, rather than chasing superficial metrics or digital gimmicks. "Media Prima is addressing real issues and creating content that resonates with our Malaysian audiences. "From an industry standpoint, this was about getting everyone on the same page regardless of company or brand so we can move our Malaysian ecosystem forward, for both brands to thrive and consumers to benefit," he said. Navin also pushed back on the notion that television was obsolete, saying that while platforms may change, consumer resonance remains key. "TV never ended. The ecosystem is evolving. It's not just about numbers all the time — sometimes it's about the heartstrings and TV still has that opportunity," he said. Navin added that Malaysian content had a unique value that cut across race and language, and warned against relying too heavily on foreign content at the expense of local identity. "Yes, foreign content is great, but it doesn't say 'Malaysian'. It doesn't touch our heartstrings. "We have something unique to us, something that resonates and brings a smile — like the mention of pantun or makaret. Those are Malaysian nuances we must not lose," he said. Among the Media Prima leadership present were group managing director Rafiq Razali, News and Current Affairs group managing editor Jasbant Singh, and deputy group managing editor Farrah Naz Karim, who also serves as group editor of the New Straits Times.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor plans bigger KJH next year with Tourism, Majestic Johor
JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government plans to collaborate with Tourism Johor and Majestic Johor to expand the scale and reach of the Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) next year. State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the initiative aims to provide a broader and more impactful platform for local young entrepreneurs. Speaking at the KJH X National Pineapple Day event at Angsana Johor Baru Mall, Mohd Hairi said that the three-day programme had already attracted more than 250,000 visitors as of yesterday. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to Media Prima for organising this programme, which serves as a stepping stone for emerging entrepreneurs. "We can see many Johorean entrepreneurs, particularly among the younger generation, raising their profiles and becoming more competitive in the market. "God willing, we hope to organise an even bigger programme next year. Today, visitors were already arriving early in the morning. I, along with the Tourism Johor director, may begin early planning, potentially in partnership with Majestic Johor. "I also hope that next year's edition will feature Johor-born artistes," he told reporters during his visit to the KJH X National Pineapple Day booths, accompanied by Media Prima chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar. Yesterday, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup was reported as saying that the ministry was confident of achieving its 500,000-visitor target for KJH X National Pineapple Day. As of yesterday, he said, 50 per cent of that target had already been achieved.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- 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.
