Latest news with #RM290
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Asia number one target of Trump's tariff letters
TOKYO: Donald Trump sent letters to 14 countries, mainly in Asia, informing them that higher import tariffs will come into effect on Aug 1 unless they reach a deal with the US. It is the second time the US president has set a deadline after he postponed tariffs on almost all countries in April for 90 days. Countries that have large trade imbalances with the US have been key targets including Japan (US$68.5 billion (RM290 billion) surplus in 2024), South Korea (US$66 billion), Thailand (US$45.6 billion) and Indonesia (US$17.9 billion). Here is a summary of what Trump's letters mean for these countries: South Korea: Optimistic for a deal South Korea, already burdened by sector-specific levies on steel and automobiles, is facing a 25% tariff hike on its remaining exports to the US, but is cautiously optimistic of brokering a deal. South Korea, one of the world's biggest shipbuilders, agreed to 'coordinate closely' with Washington on the industry to achieve 'tangible and mutually beneficial outcomes', he said. Japan: Elections, rice and autos A close US ally and the largest source of foreign investment in the country, Japan also has to deal with a 25% levy on its key auto industry. Trump has criticised Japan for not opening its market to American rice and vehicles enough. Rice imports is a taboo topic for the Japanese government, which claims to defend local farmers' interests and has taken a hardline approach to talks ahead of an upper house parliamentary election on July 20. Indonesia: Boost US wheat imports Jakarta, facing 32% tariffs, plans to increase its agricultural and energy imports from the US to finalise an agreement, Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto recently told AFP. Indonesia had already announced Monday it had signed an agreement to import at least one million tons of American wheat annually for the next five years, worth US$1.25 billion. Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos: China allies face heavy levies Trump announced 49% tariffs on Cambodia in April, representing one of the highest in his blitz. Monday's letter to the country that hosts many Chinese owned factories, reduces this rate to 36%. Myanmar and Laos, which both face 40% tolls, rely heavily on Chinese investments, while their supply chains are closely intertwined with Asia's largest economy. Thailand, Malaysia: Making pledges Thailand was told it faces 36% levies in its letter. Bangkok is offering more access to its market for American agricultural and industrial products, increasing its energy purchases, and boosting orders for Boeing airplanes. Malaysia faces a 25% tariff and the trade ministry said yesterday it will continue negotiations to reach a 'a balanced, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive trade agreement'. Bangladesh: Textiles at risk The world's second-largest textile manufacturer is looking at a 35% tariff on its goods but was hoping to sign an agreement by early July. Textile and garment production accounts for about 80% of the country's exports, and US firms that source products from there include Fruit of the Loom, Levi Strauss and VF Corp – whose brands include Vans, Timberland and The North Face. Dhaka has proposed to buy Boeing planes and boost imports of US wheat, cotton and oil. Other targeted countries Kazakhstan (25%), South Africa (30%), Tunisia (25%), Serbia (35%), and Bosnia (30%) are among the other recipients of the letters made public by Trump on Monday.
Sinar Daily
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Ex-flight attendant turns balloon art into business
KUALA LUMPUR - In just two minutes, Syed Shahrizal Syed Othman, 44, better known as Abang Belon Cakewhat, can transform ordinary balloons into a strikingly lifelike hibiscus flower. Former AirAsia X chief flight attendant Syed Shahrizal Syed Othman, from Ipoh, Perak, skilfully transforms round and elongated balloons into delicate petals and stamens-crafted entirely from balloons. Syed Shahrizal Syed Othman - Bernama photo "It looks easy, doesn't it? But it's not. It took me nearly six months to master it,' he told Bernama during a recent interview at his office in Cheras. Having spent 17 years in the aviation industry, Syed Shahrizal said his travels around the world opened his eyes to the creative potential of balloon art. "In countries like Venezuela, balloon art is incredibly imaginative. I was fascinated by it and felt inspired to bring the idea back home-where such art is still relatively uncommon,' he said. "I learned the 'distortion flower' technique online and drew heavily from international designs before adapting them to reflect my own style and local sensibilities,' he said. His remarkably lifelike flower creations began gaining traction among local and international balloon art communities after he showcased them in live streams on his TikTok account, @abangbeloncakewhat, which now boasts over 70,000 followers. Apart from hibiscus, Syed Shahrizal also creates a wide range of designs such as daisies, sunflowers, roses, tulips, handbags, and balloon tunnels for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events-making these creations his signature in the world of balloon art. "The challenge, however, lies in the short lifespan of balloons… sometimes they deflate within a day or two. That's why I developed Absolute Balloon Care, a protective formula that extends balloon life up to 14 days,' he explained. Having dabbled in balloon art for over a decade, Syed Shahrizal became active during the pandemic when the aviation industry was crippled. What began as a hobby eventually shifted the direction of his life. "During the Covid-19 lockdowns, everyone was confined at home and many customers started requesting surprise deliveries. That's when the business really took off, and I began to see its true potential,' said the former part-time cake entrepreneur. In addition to fulfilling orders, Syed Shahrizal actively offers in-person balloon art classes in collaboration with both government and private agencies, including the Community Development Department (Kemas), with fees starting at RM290. "The classes are divided into three levels-covering both theory and practice. We teach from scratch, starting with balloon types, basic tools, flower-forming techniques… all the way until participants can create their own decorations,' he said, adding that he also conducts classes in Jakarta, Indonesia. He hopes to see local talent in balloon art gain international recognition, especially given the encouraging response from his overseas followers on social media. To support this growth, he urges the government to invest in the industry's development-through the establishment of a dedicated association and the introduction of vocational training focused on balloon art. "Balloon decoration has become a staple at many events. It requires minimal startup capital but offers high returns. It would be a missed opportunity not to explore its full potential,' he said, suggesting that Malaysia look to regional models like Singapore's Balloon Expo for inspiration. Recognising the industry's potential, Syed Shahrizal also hopes to launch his own local balloon product brand, Frolatex, within the next five years. - BERNAMA
Barnama
13-06-2025
- Barnama
UUM Student Council Raises Nearly RM300,000 For UPSI Bus Accident Victims
ALOR SETAR, June 13 (Bernama) -- Universiti Utara Malaysia's Student Representative Council (UUM MPP) has raised RM290,651 to be donated to the victims of the bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Gerik, Perak. It said in an official Facebook post that the collection through the Emergency Accident Fund, launched by UUM MPP, was the result of 18,927 contributors. "The UUM MPP expresses its highest appreciation to all Malaysians for the extraordinary solidarity and concern shown. This reflects an extraordinary spirit of togetherness in times of sorrow and challenge.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- The Sun
UUM student council raises nearly RM300,000 for UPSI bus accident victims
ALOR SETAR: Universiti Utara Malaysia's Student Representative Council (UUM MPP) has raised RM290,651 to be donated to the victims of the bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Gerik, Perak. It said in an official Facebook post that the collection through the Emergency Accident Fund, launched by UUM MPP, was the result of 18,927 contributors. 'The UUM MPP expresses its highest appreciation to all Malaysians for the extraordinary solidarity and concern shown. This reflects an extraordinary spirit of togetherness in times of sorrow and challenge. 'The official handover of this contribution will be announced later. Thank you all for your support, and may all this goodness be a source of blessings for us,' said the statement. On Monday, a bus carrying 42 UPSI students on its way from Jertih, Terengganu to the university's main in Tanjung Malim, Perak was involved in an accident with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) carrying a family of four at KM53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) in Gerik.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- The Sun
UUM Raises RM290,651 for UPSI Bus Crash Victims
ALOR SETAR: Universiti Utara Malaysia's Student Representative Council (UUM MPP) has raised RM290,651 to be donated to the victims of the bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Gerik, Perak. It said in an official Facebook post that the collection through the Emergency Accident Fund, launched by UUM MPP, was the result of 18,927 contributors. 'The UUM MPP expresses its highest appreciation to all Malaysians for the extraordinary solidarity and concern shown. This reflects an extraordinary spirit of togetherness in times of sorrow and challenge. 'The official handover of this contribution will be announced later. Thank you all for your support, and may all this goodness be a source of blessings for us,' said the statement. On Monday, a bus carrying 42 UPSI students on its way from Jertih, Terengganu to the university's main in Tanjung Malim, Perak was involved in an accident with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) carrying a family of four at KM53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) in Gerik.
