Latest news with #Ooi
The Star
36 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Voices of Palestine to feature at Penang's literary festival
Narrative power: (From left) Omar Siddiq, Ooi, Koay and festival manager co-curator Julia Tan posing for the photo after mock cheque presentation at the Penang Institute. —CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: For the first time, the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) 2025 will showcase a poet and a writer from Palestine, bringing with them powerful narratives of memory, identity and their stories to the international platform. Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng said Palestinian historian and academic Nur Masalha, along with writer and theatre director Dr Ahmed Masoud are among the featured speakers. 'This year's theme, Urban Myths and Memories, will take on an even richer dimension with their presence,' he said during a press conference at the Penang Institute yesterday. Ooi said the inclusion of the Palestinian perspective aligns with the festival's ethos of challenging narratives and exploring the role of literature in times of political and social upheaval. Another highlight of the event will be a unique music heritage exhibition curated by Paul Augustin and created especially for the festival to explore the urban soundscapes and cultural legacies that have shaped Malaysia's musical identity. This year's programme will feature international and regional collaborations through partnerships with organisations such as Tim Promosi Sastera Indonesia and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. Ooi said the 15th edition of GTLF will be held from Nov 28 to 30, featuring a line-up of regional and international authors, translators, artists and thinkers. Among the literary voices from around the world will be Belgian author Lize Spit, Canadian novelist Madeleine Thien, Dutch author Reggie Baay, French author Wilfried N'Sondé, Indian writer Nirmala Lakshman, Bornean-Australian poet and performer Omar Musa, Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-Zi and Singaporean writers Amanda Lee Koe, Ng Yi-Sheng and Shivram Gopinath. From Indonesia are acclaimed writers Cyntha Hariadi, Ramayda Akmal and Ratih Kumala, whose works span poetry, fiction and screenwriting. They will be joined by celebrated Malaysian authors such as Bernice Chauly, Tunku Halim Tunku Abdullah and Malachi Edwin Vethamani. Other distinguished writers are from India, Taiwan and the United States, bringing together voices from at least 12 countries. Audiences and visitors to GTLF can expect a dynamic programme featuring panel discussions, readings, workshops, book launches, a film screening and an exhibition, all designed to breathe life into this year's theme and connect readers, writers and thinkers from around the world. The full programme will be available from September via GLTF's website. Festival events are free and open to the public, with registration details to be announced with the full programme. During the press conference, Ooi received mock cheques from HSBC chief executive officer Datuk Omar Siddiq and Greatech International chief financial officer Koay Lin Lin. HSBC and Greatech International are the main sponsors for this year's edition of GTLF. Ooi said this year, Penang Institute has also run a short-story competition and the interest has been enormous. 'So far, we have received 63 entries from around the world,' he said, adding that the institute would still be accepting entries until its deadline on July 31.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Mersing's seaweed beds to be mapped
Pulau Setindan in Mersing, Johor, has become the starting point for initial efforts to map the increasingly threatened seaweed beds in the area. It will facilitate subsequent efforts in preserving the marine ecosystem. Seaweed Exploration Programme chief researcher Assoc Prof Dr Jilian Ooi said mapping activities of the seaweed fields on the island were being initiated to assess changes in the area. She said the location was chosen because the seaweed was easily accessible without a boat, unlike other areas such as Sungai Pulai and Sungai Johor. 'No one has mapped this before, so we don't know whether this area is experiencing a decline. 'We also want to examine how the seaweed roots grow, whether they are in a healthy condition,' she told Bernama at the launch of the programme at Kampungstay Teluk Buih, Air Papan. Ooi, who is with the Geography Department in Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said the programme also emphasised the importance of conserving seaweed as a crucial habitat for dugong, a marine mammal which has become increasingly rare since 2005. 'Villagers say that seaweed quantity has been decreasing because of poorer water quality (among other factors). 'Some said dugongs were abundant in 2005, but now they are hard to spot, possibly because of less seaweed,' said Ooi. 'The reduction of this marine plant indirectly affects the dugong's natural habitat,' she added. JCorp Foundation chief executive officer Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman said it remained committed to preserving Johor's marine ecosystem through the organisation of the two-day programme in the waters off Mersing. She said the initiative was a continuation of marine conservation efforts by JCorp Foundation that began in 2023 through a coral reef rehabilitation project. The foundation is now expanding its focus to seaweed areas since it recognises that marine ecosystem sustainability can only be achieved by preserving their habitats. 'While coral reefs often receive attention in conservation efforts, seaweed plays a quietly important role in supporting marine biodiversity. 'It serves as a breeding ground for fish and other marine life, helps protect coastal areas from erosion and plays a role in carbon absorption,' said Zaidatul.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
TAR UMT student to take on global tax challenge
One for the album: (From left) Hisham, Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd tax leader (Asia East) Yeo Eng Ping, Farah, Ooi and Shaharrudy. Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) student Ooi Wei Xuen will represent Malaysia at the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (YTPY) global finals, where he will compete against national level winners from other nations early next year. The 22-year-old, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting and Finance at the varsity, was announced national champion of the YTPY 2025 competition on July 3, paving the way for him to make the country proud in the international round of the competition. For his effort, Ooi took home a cash prize of RM8,000 and the opportunity for a paid internship or a conditional offer of employment in Tax Services with Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd. Commenting on his win, Ooi said it was an 'incredible' feeling. 'Competing against top university talents and presenting in front of HASiL directors and EY tax partners was a true honour. 'This recognition motivates me to keep growing and to aim even higher,' he said in a press release. The first and second runners-up were Erdina Mysarah and Idris Fadli Ambok Dalek, respectively. Both are aged 23, and pursuing their Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) at International Islamic University Malaysia. Erdina received a cash prize of RM6,000 while Idris Fadli took home RM3,000. They also received offers for either a paid internship or a conditional employment position at the company. In his address, Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (HASiL) deputy chief executive officer (Tax Operation) Shaharrudy Othman said the programme aligns with HASiL's vision as a leading tax administrator by enhancing its commitment to providing excellent tax services through an integrated and transparent taxation system. 'As we work to build a competent workforce and nurture talent through various initiatives, the EY YTPY programme not only reinforces this mission but also encourages participants to explore the rewarding career opportunities available in the field of tax.' Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) tax managing partner Farah Rosley said unlike conventional undergraduate programmes, the YTPY competition is a global initiative that inspires young talents to break free from the limitations of their academic environment, engage with real-world challenges and grow their network with business leaders and industry champions. 'This competition provides a unique platform for undergraduates to tackle genuine business issues while collaborating with industry leaders to address problems that span across borders and cultures. 'Such invaluable exposure equips our future workforce with the skills and insights needed to stand out in the competitive job market,' she said. Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd partner and YTPY (Malaysia) programme director Hisham Halim said the challenge offers students a unique platform to explore the pivotal role of taxation in shaping today's global economies, and to discover how they can create meaningful impact as future tax professionals. 'This prestigious competition encourages diverse perspectives and challenges participants to creatively analyse complex issues facing global businesses. 'With an international panel of judges assessing both innovation and practical skills, participants are required to integrate critical thinking, business acumen and technical tax knowledge to solve real-world challenges. 'We are confident that this year, Ooi will rise to the occasion and shine on the global stage,' he said.
The Star
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sales tax not the sole cause behind bitter hit
Strong pull: Ooi preparing coffee for customers at his shop in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: It is not just the sales tax; the prices of meals are rising because of surging rental rates, logistics charges and rising wage demands. A check with many food sellers revealed that prices on the menus are rising even though the 5% sales tax since July 1 on imported premium foodstuff like salmon, cod and tuna, plus mushrooms, avocados and berries, is being absorbed by either importers or distributors. Restaurant owner Frankie Tan, 38, said: 'It is a combination of factors: the cost of ingredients that might have the sales tax embedded, foreign worker permits, rentals and transport costs for special items we need.' 'Deboned chicken thighs for chicken chop used to be RM10.50 per kg in 2022. It's now RM17.50 per kg,' he said yesterday. He added: 'Legally bringing in a foreign worker through an agent costs about RM10,000, not including renewal fees and other charges imposed by local authorities. Then we must provide proper housing, meals and uniforms. 'These processes, along with licensing requirements, have significantly increased the cost of doing business. So we must raise our prices,' he said. Coffee shop owner Micah Ooi, 40, said he recently had to increase the prices of several beverages. 'The price of coffee powder increased from around RM400 to RM500 per 30kg last year. 'Both of my workers are requesting higher pay, and I now pay them about RM2,000 each per month.' His 'kopi peng' now costs RM2.40, up from RM2.20, while 'Milo ais' has gone from RM3 to RM3.20. 'I have not increased the prices of simpler drinks. We make less profit just to keep them affordable for customers,' he added. Rice stall operator R. Kesavan, 45, said he had not increased prices yet but might be forced to make adjustments soon. 'Since 2020, the daily cost of supplies like meat, vegetables, spices and other ingredients has gone up by RM100 to RM300.' Despite slimmer profit margins, Kesavan said he was committed to continuing the business, which was started by his mother about 30 years ago. 'I'm trying to keep prices affordable for my customers, but I see that 30% of them have stopped coming or choose simpler foodstuff.' With the cost of living continuing to rise, fancy restaurants and cafes are struggling to keep up, said Seberang Perai Coffee Shop and Eatery Owners Association chairman Lee Kok Yong. Lee's association, which represents nearly 400 members, noted that some eateries increased prices only after they were hit by higher rental costs or the need to hire extra workers. He said the situation is worse for newer restaurants. 'The older generation of eateries are more stable because they own their premises and operate on their own. 'But the newer generation, some of whom are facing over RM10,000 in monthly rent, are struggling. 'We see that about 40% of the newer restaurants are on the verge of shutting down because they cannot sustain operations,' he said.
Sunday World
26-06-2025
- Sunday World
Sale agreed: See inside stunning mansion at centre of armed stand-off
Elegant property was listed at half the €5.5m sale price reported in 2005 Dromin House, which is set on 10.9 acres of land in Delgany, Co Wicklow, was advertised with a guide price of €2.45m – less than half the reported €5.5m it was sold to businessman Brian McDonagh for in 2005. Lisney Sotheby's International Realty, the estate agent handling the sale of the property, had opened an online bidding platform for interested buyers. Last week, Lisney posted an advert for the house on Instagram, describing Dromin House as 'an elegant country residence set on over 10 acres of secluded, landscaped grounds with panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains'. However, all online listings for the property have now been removed. Sitting room in the luxurious Dromin house A source with knowledge of the deal said a sale is due to close within the next couple of weeks. Last February 24, Mr McDonagh was involved in a stand-off with a sheriff and armed gardaí during the repossession of the property by Blackwater Asset Management. He was subsequently charged with producing a shotgun likely to unlawfully intimidate another person during a dispute at Dromin House. He was further charged with wilfully obstructing or interfering with an officer of the court on the same date. Following the incident, Mr McDonagh's long-time partner, Yeoksee Ooi, issued High Court proceedings against the Attorney General, the court services of county Wicklow, Promontoria Scariff Designated Activity Company, Blackwater Asset Management and the county registrar of Wicklow. In her statement of claim, Ms Ooi sought an order permitting the re-entry of her and her family into Dromin House and damages for 'unlawful entry, acts of trespass, misrepresentation and violation' of her constitutional rights. Dromin House in Co Wicklow. The property boasts more than 10 acres of land News in 90 Seconds - June 26th She is arguing that the warrant issued for the repossession was in breach of article 40.5 of the Constitution, which relates to the inviolability of the home. It is understood the claims are denied. The matter is listed for hearing tomorrow. Mr McDonagh had been given 18 months to find alternative accommodation A possession order for Dromin House was granted at Bray Circuit Court on January 18, 2023. Mr McDonagh had been given 18 months to find alternative accommodation. Instead, he chose to fight the civil possession bill and appealed the decision. Ms Ooi brought a separate case challenging the constitutionality of the possession order. The High Court previously heard how Ms Ooi, who has three children with Mr McDonagh, was not a named party on the 2005 mortgage or 2007 remortgage and had no legal interest in the property. After their efforts were unsuccessful and the appeal was dismissed, the go-ahead was granted to enforce the order. Mr McDonagh fell into significant debt after borrowing money to build a data centre on an 82-acre site in Kilpedder. The data centre never materialised and this led to decade-long litigation battles over the failure of he and his two brothers, Kenneth McDonagh and Maurice McDonagh, to repay millions of euro to Ulster Bank.
