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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Mighty Mazwin: She beat cancer twice — then ran 42km for a cause
"CANCER taught me how to live," Mazwin Mohd Radli tells me matter-of-factly. It sounds like a contradiction; that something so deadly could breathe new life into a person. But Mazwin is living proof that even in the shadow of illness, life not only goes on — it can thrive. For her, that new life came with a pair of running shoes and the feeling of wind against her face. On July 13, with a time of 6 hours, 7 minutes and 40 seconds — and surrounded by cheering friends, fellow survivors and members of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), including its president Kim Lim and secretary Liew Swee Lee, both breast cancer survivors themselves — the 45-year-old crossed the finish line of the SCORE KL Marathon, completing the full 42 kilometres. For Mazwin, this wasn't just a marathon; it was a deeply personal celebration of 10 years since her breast cancer diagnosis, and a tribute to the strength, faith and resilience that carried her through. But even a milestone like that comes with caution. In the world of cancer, "remission" doesn't always mean the danger is gone. Clear scans offer hope, but never certainty — not when rogue microscopic cells could still be hiding, silent and unseen. It's a shadow Mazwin has learnt to live with. Just as she was preparing to mark a decade since her breast cancer diagnosis, another blow came. A routine check-up meant to celebrate 10 years of survival instead revealed thyroid cancer. She underwent a total thyroidectomy — surgery to remove the entire thyroid gland, which plays a key role in regulating the body's metabolism, heart rate and temperature. The procedure means Mazwin now relies on daily hormone medication for the rest of her life. Still, she refused to let the diagnosis derail her. "Healing after surgery and getting ready for the marathon was really hard," she admits, adding: "But I told myself I had to keep going… for me, for everyone fighting like I did and for the cause that means so much to me." She ran anyway — and raised over RM17,500 for the Breast Cancer Welfare Association through her campaign, Mighty Mazwin's Marathon. It's the same organisation where she now volunteers, continuing to give back with the same grit that carried her across the finish line. The mother of three, wearing a simple tudung and glasses, smiles at me. But there's something behind that smile — a tenacity, like someone who's been through a lot and come out stronger. She watches me keenly for a moment, before remarking: "When I was diagnosed with cancer, I remember my boss telling me, 'Mazwin… I'm glad it was you who got it. You're strong enough to fight this.'" She chuckles at the memory and adds dryly: "I was a bit shocked. I said, 'Wait, are you actually happy I got cancer?' But I think what she meant was, if anyone could face this head-on and fight this disease, it'd be me. Still, I never let her forget she said that!" That strength, she says, comes from her family — from a childhood shaped by hardship and resilience. Mazwin grew up in northeastern Selangor, near Tanjung Malim, Perak. Her father took on whatever jobs he could find, while her mother worked as a rubber tapper. As the seventh of 11 children, she remembers how tight money was and how everyone had to pitch in just to get by. "I remember my father working at the kapal korek (the tin dredge) for a while, and later as a security guard. He had to travel all the way to Kuala Lumpur for work," she recalls. People often assume Mazwin used to run in school — a fair guess, she admits, given how much she runs now. But she shakes her head. "I loved running. But no, I never joined any sports. It would've meant asking my parents for money to buy sports shoes and I didn't want to burden them." Schooling was basic, limited to the essentials with no room for extras. "I avoided anything that would cost money," she says, adding: "Whether it was school trips, activities or anything outside the classroom… if it wasn't compulsory, I didn't go." That same consideration guided her decisions after school. Confides Mazwin: "I wanted to study medicine. I got a place to do Foundation in Science, but I knew my father couldn't afford it, so I turned it down." Instead, she looked for opportunities that came with financial support. She landed a spot at Pantai Hospital, which offered her a job and sponsored her diploma in Pharmacy. It was a practical choice that allowed her to work, learn and ease the financial burden on her family all at once. FIRST DIAGNOSIS Life carried on. She worked, got married, had children. It seemed ordinary, even uneventful. Then one day, as she absentmindedly ran her hand across her left breast, she felt a lump. Everything changed. "I couldn't sleep the whole night," shares Mazwin, adding: "The next day, during my lunch break, I went to see the doctor. After the ultrasound and mammogram showed a suspicious shadow, I went for a biopsy the following week." The call came a week later. When the doctor asked her to bring her husband, Mazwin knew it could only mean bad news. "My husband couldn't make it, so I brought a friend instead," she says. The news was devastating — it was cancer. She needed to schedule an operation immediately. The moment she stepped out of the consultation room, Mazwin broke down in tears. She recalls: "All I could think about were my children. My youngest was only two." The operation was set for the following week. "It was frightening," she admits, adding: "But I'm grateful my friend — the same nurse who came with me to hear the diagnosis — was there in the operating theatre. Just knowing she was nearby gave me strength." The operation was a success. The cancer hadn't spread to her lymph nodes, and the doctor told her they'd managed to remove everything. It was a huge relief, but the road ahead was still daunting. Mazwin would have to go through both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. "I tried to stay strong, but inside, I was terrified," she admits, adding: "I kept thinking about my children and whether I'd be there to watch them grow up. That scared me the most." PAINFUL RECOVERY Her first chemotherapy session was especially difficult. It fell around the same time as her children's sports day. "My children were so young, and I was missing out on memories," she says wistfully. She'd hoped to be there, to cheer them on from the sidelines. But the doctor advised against it. With her immune system weakened, the crowd and the heat would have been too much. The same friend who had sat beside her in the doctor's office when she first received the diagnosis, and stood by her in the operating theatre, was also there during her first cycle of chemotherapy — quietly offering support just by being present. The side effects of chemotherapy hit her hard. The nausea was debilitating and relentless. Remembers Mazwin: "It was difficult. Just as I'd start to recover from one cycle, it would be time for the next, and the whole wave of discomfort and extreme nausea would start all over again." By the third cycle, Mazwin was at her breaking point. "I remember hiding under the blanket and crying," she recalls quietly. "I felt like giving up." Soon, her hair began to fall. But it wasn't just the hair loss that was difficult; it was the pain that came with it. "Every strand felt like needles poking through my scalp. It was hot and painful," she recalls, adding: "Eventually, I shaved it all off." The side effects didn't stop there. Swallowing became painful, her muscles and joints ached constantly. Shares Mazwin: "There were days I just couldn't sit up or even get out of bed. My body felt like it had given up." ROAD TO HEALING Mazwin soon realised that recovery was not just about medicine and treatment. It required a different kind of strength — one that had to come from within. "I had no appetite, but I had to force myself to eat," she says, adding: "Even when the food made me feel sick, I knew my body needed it to heal." She started taking food she never liked before. Milk, protein powder and nutritional supplements became part of her daily routine. "I couldn't be fussy. I had to make myself eat, even when I didn't feel like it. I told myself this was part of the fight." Learning to care for herself was one of the hardest lessons. For someone who'd always put others first, it felt unfamiliar and difficult. But her health struggles were far from over. A year after completing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Mazwin was diagnosed with tuberculosis in her lymph nodes. She explains: "My body was still weak after all the treatments. That made it easier for me to fall sick." She had a lingering fever and noticed a painful lump under her armpit that kept growing. By the time she saw the doctor, it had reached the size of a tennis ball. "I had to take TB medication for a whole year," she shares. Surgery was needed to remove the infected lymph node. Afterwards, she experienced restricted movement in her arms — another challenge to adapt to in her already demanding recovery. Just when she thought the worst was behind her, another scare came. During a routine check-up, doctors spotted a shadow in her right breast. Her heart sank. Once again, she had to undergo a mammogram and biopsy — the same painful process that had first confirmed her cancer a few years ago. "It felt like history was repeating itself," she sighs. The waiting was the hardest part. But this time, the news was different. "It wasn't cancer," she says, exhaling with relief. "I was so thankful. I don't think I could have gone through it all over again." Despite everything she's been through, Mazwin remains remarkably unfazed. There's a quiet strength in her voice and even moments of humour. It was her oncologist who first encouraged her to stay active. "He told me, if you're feeling a little better during chemotherapy, try to exercise. Even light movement helps." Smiling wryly, she adds: "It was only after I got cancer and started chemo that I discovered my neighbourhood even had a park!" Once she moved on to radiotherapy, Mazwin began rebuilding her stamina, one step at a time. "I started running," she says with a laugh. "Then I got a bit ambitious and signed up for a 10-kilometre run!" From there, there was no turning back. In 2022, she completed her first half-marathon and raised funds for the National Cancer Society Malaysia. By 2024, she pushed herself even further — tackling a 30-kilometre run. "I almost mati (died) lah!" she jokes, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I finished it!" Despite a recent thyroid cancer diagnosis, another operation and rounds of radiotherapy earlier this year, Mazwin remains steadfast in her outlook. She chooses not to dwell on the pain, but on the lessons it brought. "Cancer gave me a new lease on life," she says gently, adding: "It taught me to take better care of myself. And it changed me — from someone who didn't know how to ask for help, to someone who now helps others." But perhaps what speaks loudest of her resilience is the sound of her feet hitting the pavement. "Running reminds me that I'm still here. That my body, though scarred, is strong. And that every step forward is a gift," she asserts, smiling. As a little girl, she couldn't afford proper shoes and never had the chance to join school sports. Running was a distant dream then. Today, she runs not just for herself, but for every woman who's ever been told they couldn't. And for as long as her legs will carry her, "mighty" Mazwin will keep running — one stride at a time, chasing hope, healing and life itself.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Nvidia is the first US$4 trillion company. Here are three things to know
Nvidia is already the world's most valuable company being one of the biggest beneficiaries of the global artificial intelligence boom. This week, the Santa Clara, California-based chip maker got another windfall. The Jensen Huang-led technology giant on Monday received approval from the US government to sell some of its AI chips in China, boosting Nvidia's stock price by 4% to US$170.70 (RM724) a share on Tuesday. Rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc has received similar assurances from the government. Nvidia's valuation has risen dramatically over the last two years since generative artificial intelligence became a mainstream topic. Last week, the 32-year-old company became the first publicly traded firm to reach US$4 trillion (RM17 trillion) in market capitalisation, beating tech titans including Microsoft and Apple. Though it's a largely symbolic moment, the milestone raised the stakes for competition in the AI space, which has attracted enormous amounts of capital from established tech players and start-up investors. "Once you reach that level of market cap, everybody and their brother wants to be you," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst with advisory services firm Enderle Group. "So that means that there's going to be a huge focus on creating competitive technologies to Nvidia because it looks incredibly lucrative." Nvidia has become a primary force in the growth of AI technology, as many applications are built with Nvidia's chips. Prior to the AI boom, Nvidia was mostly known for creating premium graphics cards that were attractive to gamers in rendering high-speed visuals. Most recently, the company is known for selling powerful chips that help chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and self-driving cars process information quickly enough to make the technology useful. Nvidia said in its 2025 annual report that it powers more than 75% of the supercomputers on the TOP500 list, which ranks the 500 most powerful computer systems in the world. What is powering Nvidia's rise? Founded in 1993, Nvidia has ridden many technology waves, including the crypto frenzy. But lately, Nvidia has seen tremendous growth thanks to worldwide investor interest – and competition for dominance – in artificial intelligence. Companies are eager to explore how AI can make processes more efficient and figure out complex problems. But getting the computing power behind AI can be expensive if companies are building hardware on their own. That's where Nvidia comes in. Nvidia's sales increased 69% to US$44.1bil (RM187.20bil) in its fiscal first quarter compared to a year ago. Net income was nearly US$18.8bil (RM80bil), up 26% from a year ago. In its fiscal year 2025, the company's revenue more than doubled to about US$130.5bi (RM554bil) compared to a year earlier, and net income increased 145% to nearly US$72.9bil (RM309bil) compared to fiscal year 2024. In the last 12 months, Nvidia's shares have increased more than 30%. Since five years ago, the stock has risen more than 16-fold. "It is clear AI is going to change the world and people want to get on that train, and Nvidia is the easiest entry point," wrote Berna Barshay, a partner at online investment platform Wall Street Beats, in an email. Over time, new winners and formidable rivals may emerge, Barshay said. "But during this foundational period of infrastructure creation, Nvidia has certainly been king." Other companies were slower to innovate in AI, including Apple and Intel, and underestimated how quickly AI technology would advance, analysts said. Who is Jensen Huang? Huang, a former microprocessor designer, discussed the idea behind Nvidia inside a Denny's in San Jose with fellow entrepreneurs Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem. The company's name is partly based on the Latin word "invidia" – which means envy, according to the Wall Street Journal . Many businesses are certainly jealous of Nvidia's success now, but in the 1990s, the company almost went out of business when its first chip, NV1, failed, according to media reports. Huang has said in public comments, including commencement speeches, that adversity can help people become better leaders. Born in Tainan, Taiwan, in 1963, the onetime Denny's dishwasher has become one of the industry's most recognisable names, on par with Apple chief Tim Cook and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg. Thousands of people watch Huang's keynote at Nvidia's developer conference, as his vision could provide a road map for companies eager to expand investments in AI. Some analysts regularly refer to him as the "godfather of AI." What challenges lie ahead? The biggest challenges facing Nvidia are trade wars and competition, analysts say. Tariffs in the semiconductor industry could hurt companies like Nvidia, which manufacture and sell countless chips abroad. The company said in its annual report that 53% of its revenue in its 2025 fiscal year came from outside the US. The company said that worldwide geopolitical tensions and conflicts in countries like China, Hong Kong, Israel, Korea and Taiwan, where the manufacturing of its product components and final assembly are concentrated, could disrupt its operations, product demand and profitability. Nvidia has worked with its production partners to increase US manufacturing of its chips. Several years ago, the US restricted Nvidia's sales of its chips in China due to concerns that its AI technology could be used to help the Chinese military. Huang has said that since the US government could choose to apply restrictions, he didn't think policymakers needed to be concerned about that and warned that allowing Nvidia to lose market share in China would cede a major advantage to Chinese tech company Huawei, according to Bloomberg. While many analysts say Nvidia has a significant lead on competitors, it is possible over time they could catch up. OpenAI, which uses Nvidia products for ChatGPT, is developing its own chip design, according to Reuters. There's also the question of whether the power grid is robust enough to support the infrastructure needs of the fast-growing technology, which could slow down not just Nvidia but the larger AI ecosystem. Despite the challenges, Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at is bullish on Nvidia, saying it is possible that the company could reach US$5 trillion (RM21 trillion) in market cap during the next 18 months. "The world's still catching up and the thing is, it's going to take years for them to catch up," he said. "As long as we're looking at the AI revolution as a multidecade transformation, it's going to be really hard to take Nvidia out of that position." – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Meta Bright sells Australian unit for RM25.37 mln, enters JV for EV charging infrastructure
KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd (MBGB) has sold its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Meta Bright Australia Pty Ltd (MBA), for RM25.37 million as part of a strategic shift towards strengthening domestic operations. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, MBGB said the disposal to Amber International Sdn Bhd is expected to result in a gain of about RM324,000 for the group. It said proceeds from the disposal will be used to repay RM17 million in bank borrowings and for working capital needs of RM8.37 million within 36 months. "The proposed disposal allows MBGB and its subsidiaries to mitigate exposure to cross-border operational risks, including increased uncertainties arising from global tariffs, foreign exchange volatility, and geopolitical developments associated with operating business in Australia. "It also enables the group to reallocate capital towards its core business segments within Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region, where the group has an established operational base and competitive advantage," it said. Meanwhile, in another filing with Bursa Malaysia, MBGB said it has entered into a joint venture (JV) with ChargeHere EV Solution Sdn Bhd to develop and operate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Malaysia. MBGB said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Meta Bright Energy Sdn Bhd, will hold a 51 per cent stake in the new entity, while ChargeHere EV Solution Sdn Bhd will hold 49 per cent. "The JV is in line with MBGB group's long-term strategy to broaden its presence in the renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency sectors, and specifically, to support the advancement of EV infrastructure in Malaysia," it said. In a separate statement, MBGB executive director of corporate and strategic planning Derek Phang said the joint venture with ChargeHere will allow the group to build its presence in renewable energy and take part in the development of EV infrastructure. "Our immediate and planned installations will substantially broaden our operational footprint in key urban areas, supporting national goals and meeting rising consumer demand for accessible EV charging solutions," he said.
The Star
06-07-2025
- The Star
Tribunal orders JB woman to refund client RM15,776 for cancelled Japan holiday
Tribunal staff attending to queries at Menara Ansar in Johor Baru. A HUMAN resources executive and her three relatives had been looking forward to a holiday in Japan this year, but the trip did not materialise. Koh Ching Ting said the eight-day vacation to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka was supposed to have taken place from March 24 to 31, leaving from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). 'We had been attracted to a package promoted by a woman who had claimed to be the person in charge of the trip,' Koh said when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru. 'All together, we paid RM17,776 for four persons,' said the 36-year-old claimant. 'We were attracted to the packages after listening to my mother's friends who had gone on vacations arranged by the respondent,' said Koh, adding that the previous groups had only praises for the respondent who had arranged their trips to Vietnam in October 2024 and February 2025 'However, the woman contacted us on March 21, three days before our departure saying that there was a change of plans,' she added. Koh and her family were told by the respondent that instead of flying to Japan from KLIA, they would have to depart from Singapore's Changi Airport on May 25, and the tour of the three Japanese cities would be extended to April 1. The claimant said they agreed to the new departure date and flight arrangements. However, on March 23, the respondent called Koh to cancel the trip altogether. 'The respondent claimed that the Japanese ground agents were against the idea of Malaysians and Singaporeans, numbering about 30 people, travelling as a group,' Koh said. The respondent promised to refund Koh on April 1. 'I received RM2,000 from her on April 4, and she promised to settle the RM15,776 on May 6. 'However, by May 2, she was not reachable,' said the claimant. Koh said some of the affected holidaymakers received full refund, the others got only partial refund. Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund RM15,776 to the claimant within two weeks. Those who need assistance in regard to Tribunal matters can call 07-227 1755/1766, or visit the Tribunal office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru, during office hours.
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching youth among participants of Young Creator Fellowship 2025
Telford hopes to use the fellowship to amplify rural voices and push for more inclusive national narratives. KUCHING (July 5): Telford Engan Tan, a 19-year-old youth advocate and law student from Kuching, has been selected as one of the Top 10 Malaysians to participate in the Malaysiakini Young Creator Fellowship 2025. According to The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI), Tan earned his spot in the fully funded programme following a rigorous two-day media training workshop in Kuala Lumpur and a storytelling video pitch titled 'Young Change-Maker'. 'The highly competitive national programme, aimed at nurturing the next generation of journalist-influencers and content creators, received over 120 entries from across Malaysia,' said TSI in a statement. Tan, who serves as an 'Aspiring Leader with TSI', said he hoped to use the fellowship to amplify rural voices and push for more inclusive national narratives. 'My pitch is focused on unity, cultural heritage, and indigenous identity, told through the lens of Sarawak.' In this aspect, TSI said: 'More than just storytelling, youth participation in journalism empowers us to question, reflect, and shape the narratives that define our future. We need more young Sarawakians to be aware and involved. The fellowship, to be running from July 16 to 18, will include visits to national media outlets such as Media Prima, RTM, Astro Awani and Bernama. Participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship from award-winning journalists. Tan is expected to present his video project at Monash University Malaysia before senior editors and policymakers, and will compete for a share of RM17,000 in awards. The Young Creator Fellowship, which is endorsed by the Ministry of Communications, aims to elevate youth voices in building a more inclusive and responsible media landscape. TSI is a civil society organisation for the people of Sarawak, committed to laying the foundation for a progressive and modern society. lead Malaysiakini Young Creator Fellowship Telford Engan Tan
