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Malaysian Reserve
23-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Resilience in the fields: A farmer's story of grit and growth
Behind every grain of rice is a battle with weather, rising costs and a system farmers must fight to survive by SHAUQI WAHAB WHILE most Malaysians gathered for festive meals this Hari Raya, rice farmer Mohd. Izuan Zainal Abidin was tending to his seven hectares of paddy in Selangor — safeguarding the harvest his family depends on. A part-time farmer and full-time factory technician, Mohd. Izuan's bond with rice farming began as a boy, working alongside his late father. 'My father used to say rice doesn't grow in fields, it grows in hands,' he recalls. That wisdom continues to shape his relationship with the land. Though he now works weekdays in a factory, Mohd. Izuan spends weekends fully immersed in paddy farming. His seven hectares may be modest, but they carry a legacy he holds dear. Determined to produce high-quality fragrant rice, Mohd. Izuan invested in a lightweight harvester, avoiding damage to plants and earning consistently low paddy deductions by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS). 'Most people see rice as just food, but for some of us, it is our livelihood,' he shared. Farming has never been easy. Mohd. Izuan has battled floods, crop diseases, and volatile markets. A five-day flood last season destroyed his young seedlings, forcing him to replant by hand. 'I nearly gave up,' he admits. 'My returns weren't enough to cover the costs. It was the Covid-19 EPF withdrawal that helped me stay afloat.' Today, Mohd. Izuan adapts his planting to weather forecasts and field conditions, managing pests and adjusting his sowing cycles. His ambition is to expand his land and improve yields through mechanisation and smarter farming practices. Mohd. Izuan says most people see rice as just food, but for farmers, it is a livelihood Support That Matters What keeps him going, he says, is the steady support from the government and BERNAS. Through subsidies, drone services, affordable machinery rentals, and fertiliser assistance, Mohd. Izuan has been able to improve his harvest and income. A key initiative is the Large-Scale Smart Paddy Field (SMART SBB) programme, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with BERNAS' operational support. It consolidates small farms for more efficient land use and provides shared resources, technology and training The programme aims to significantly boost domestic rice production and support the country's self-sufficiency level (SSL) targets for rice. This is achieved through the consolidation of smaller rice fields within an area under a centralised farm management system, allowing for more effective use of resources, optimising land usage and adoption of best agricultural practices. BERNAS also provides training and education programmes, incentives for improved yields and projects to reduce the threat of rice field rats, among others, for farmers. This support, though not always seen or heard, plays an important background role in stabilising the system. 'BERNAS has made a real difference,' Mohd. Izuan says. 'From rental of machines to technical advice — they've been with us when it matters.' Earlier this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced additional special assistance totalled at RM90 million through BERNAS, providing farmers like Mohd. Izuan with crucial tools and inputs during a difficult season. Feeding a Nation, One Harvest at a Time This Hari Raya Haji, as the fields fall silent and the day's work yields to celebration, Mohd. Izuan joins his kampung's korban ceremony with profound gratitude. He savours moments with loved ones — his children's laughter echoing through the rice stalks — and reflects on a year of challenges overcome. Each grain on our festive table carries the sweat, skill and spirit of a resilient farmer whose journey from a schoolboy apprentice to a visionary steward of Selangor's paddy lands embodies hope against the odds. Each grain on our festive table carries the sweat, skill and spirit of a resilient farmer whose journey from a schoolboy apprentice to a visionary steward of Selangor's paddy lands embodies hope against the odds. For Mohd. Izuan, rice farming isn't just a livelihood — it's a legacy. 'When I see people enjoying rice at restaurants, I feel proud,' he says. 'It's the result of our hard work.' As Malaysia strengthens its food security efforts, farmers like Mohd. Izuan remains central to that mission — quietly, steadily and with hands in the soil. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Malaysian Reserve
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Zeekr appoints Carro as Malaysian partner, eyes 10 outlets by end-2025
by SHAUQI WAHAB ZEEKR Group International has officially partnered Carro Retail Sdn Bhd to strengthen its presence in Malaysia, making Carro its authorised dealer. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Zeekr Group International South-East Asia (SE Asia) Region MD Alex Bao said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Carro signifies a shared commitment to growing Zeekr's customer reach and after-sales capabilities in the country. 'In the coming months, we are opening new showrooms in Bandar Sunway and in Kuala Lumpur and beyond Klang Valley, we are bringing Zeekr into Penang and Johor Bahru — two dynamic markets with growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs),' he said during the MOU signing ceremony today. By the end of 2025, the company aims to establish a total of 10 outlets nationwide, with further expansion into Sabah and Sarawak already in the pipeline. Zeekr's first official service centre is scheduled to open in Bandar Sunway in July, with additional facilities planned for Johor Bahru and Penang. 'Together, we are opening new doors, not only for Zeekr, but for every customer who is ready to embrace the future of mobility,' Bao added. Meanwhile, Carro CFO Ernest Chew said the company will kick off with two Zeekr showrooms — expanding soon to four — but stressed that the group's sales strategy goes beyond traditional dealerships. 'We are not confined within the traditional brick and mortar. Our job is to deliver nationwide, whether it's used or new cars while delivering a very good customer experience,' he said. Chew revealed that Carro's approach to sales is supported by data-driven insights and long-term customer care, even beyond the warranty period — aiming to boost Zeekr's branding through high-quality service. On expansion prospects, he said Carro is actively exploring new markets in SE Asia and beyond, including East Malaysia if the business case supports it. Chew also mentioned Carro's success in markets like Hong Kong, which shows the scalability of its model. Carro will also be handling sales for Zeekr's upcoming 7X SUV, which Chew described as a highly competitive alternative to traditional luxury MPVs, highlighting its advanced features, comfort and impressive 600km range per charge. Current Zeekr Space showrooms are in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and IOI Mall Puchong. While in the pipeline are Juru Autocity; Klang Valley; and Seremban, Negri Sembilan; coupled with three new authorised Carro Care workshops. The partnership is expected to accelerate Zeekr's reach in Malaysia, leveraging Carro's established tech-driven retail model and customer-focused operations.
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Youth leaders chart a future-ready ASEAN at youth dialogue
by SHAUQI WAHAB THE fourth ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025 brings together a dynamic cohort of youth delegates from across South-East Asia (SE Asia), each representing their nation's next generation of changemakers. These young leaders, chosen for their dedication to community development, sustainability, digital innovation and diplomacy, gathered in Kuala Lumpur (KL) to exchange ideas, share experiences and shape a collective vision for a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready ASEAN. Timor-Leste: ASEAN Membership Offers Path to Shared Growth As Timor-Leste continues its journey toward full ASEAN membership, its youth representatives are expressing strong optimism about the regional bloc's potential to support national development and entrepreneurship. Speaking during the ASEAN Summit week in KL, Timor-Leste youth delegate Francisca Freitas Sang highlighted the importance of joining ASEAN as a milestone for her nation. 'We try to put all of our efforts to be with this community, because we believe that ASEAN will help us as a new nation to become better, to develop,' she said between sessions during the dialogue. She added that Timor-Leste is prioritising infrastructure development and youth entrepreneurship as key areas to strengthen its economic foundation before full accession. Local businesses, especially those led by young people, are being empowered to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. Timor-Leste has also received capacity-building support and technical assistance from existing ASEAN members, which she said has been crucial to national preparations. The country hopes to contribute to ASEAN in areas such as culture, eco-tourism and the globally recognised coffee industry. Reflecting on Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN chair, Sang praised the summit's organisation and said it offered valuable lessons. 'Now that I'm here, I see the reason why, and I'm so glad. I think we are still far behind Malaysia, and we can learn so much,' she added. As the only remaining SE Asian nation outside ASEAN, Timor-Leste was granted observer status in 2022 and continues to progress through the membership roadmap. Sang believed that becoming part of ASEAN is not just a political goal, but a shared aspiration to grow together with the region. Singapore Calls For ASEAN-wide Youth Partnerships on Climate and Digital Literacy Youth delegate from Singapore, Khairul Hilmi, called for stronger ASEAN youth collaboration on critical issues such as climate change, sustainability and digital literacy, highlighting the power of cross-border friendships and shared learning to shape the region's future. He said young people play a pivotal role in charting the region's path forward. 'When all these friendships develop over time, I think that's when you get good partnerships and collaborations,' he said. Representing Singapore on a regional platform, Khairul also mentioned the importance of using this opportunity to understand the diversity within ASEAN and the different societal challenges that exist. While countries like Singapore are leading in digital and financial literacy, they too are constantly adapting to emerging challenges such as misinformation and digital ethics. On environmental action, he praised the active participation of Singapore's youth through ground-up initiatives and government partnerships like youth panels focused on recycling and sustainability policy. Reflecting on his experience in Malaysia during the summit, Khairul expressed admiration for the high standards of hospitality and the relevance of the summit's theme. 'Malaysia is top class when it comes to hosting events — they walk the talk,' he said. Khairul also hoped that youth-led efforts on climate action and digital inclusivity would be further expanded across ASEAN, driven by a collective desire to do good and make tangible changes in their societies. Indonesia Champions Inclusivity and Digital Equity Indonesian delegate Ibnu Alif Daffa Gymnastiar brought a passionate voice to the regional conversation, placing a spotlight on inclusive education, equitable digital transformation and youth collaboration. A member of the Indonesian Youth Diplomacy, a prominent NGO focused on global issues, he said his mission is to ensure that knowledge regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global issues are localised and accessible to all Indonesian youth, especially those in eastern Indonesia. Coming from the easternmost part of Indonesia, Ibnu views his participation in the ASEAN Summit as a personal commitment to inclusivity and representation. 'I stand up not only for Indonesia as a whole, but also for Eastern Indonesian youth,' he said. He touched on the disparities in access to education and digital tools between the western and eastern parts of his country. The lack of digital infrastructure is a serious concern and many youths in remote areas do not even know how to use Microsoft Word. In addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and misinformation, Ibnu mentioned the need for ASEAN governments to provide tailored digital literacy programmes. 'We are the ones who decide which information from AI can be used. It is not AI that regulates us, but it is us that regulate AI,' he added. He also welcomed Malaysia's warm hosting and praised the proposal to establish the ASEAN Youth Dialogue (AYD) Alumni Network, saying it would help sustain meaningful collaborations long after the event. Through this summit, he hopes to return to Indonesia not only with renewed optimism but with a stronger mandate to advocate for policy reforms that prioritise inclusivity and youth empowerment across ASEAN. Vietnam Calls for Inclusive Education and Regional Unity Representing the voice of Vietnamese youth at the ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025, Nguyen Nam Bao Ngoc brought forward a powerful message of unity, innovation and inclusive development. A student of international relations and international commercial law, Nam is also a central committee member of the Vietnam Youth Federation, deeply engaged in issues of youth empowerment and education. At the summit, she stressed the critical role young people must play in shaping ASEAN's future. 'Our generation holds the power to drive innovation, promote inclusive growth and safeguard sustainability in ASEAN,' she said. For her, the youths are not just participants, but architects of regional transformation. Nam highlighted education equity as a top concern, showing the need for equal learning opportunities regardless of socioeconomic background. For this, she believes regional collaboration must extend to digital innovation and sustainability, and she called for initiatives like start-up incubators, hackathons and cross-border upskilling programmes to help ASEAN youths thrive in the digital age. She also expressed support for the creation of a regional green youth fund and stronger youth inclusion in policy-making, while stressing the importance of cultural understanding. 'Peace is not the only absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding,' she added. For that to materialise, people-to-people ties among ASEAN youth are vital for long-term harmony and prosperity. With a clear voice and collaborative spirit, her vision reflects a broader aspiration among ASEAN youth: To build a region that is green, inclusive, and future-ready — together.
Malaysian Reserve
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia steers ASEAN Community Vision 2045 toward global relevance
It is supported by 4 strategic plans: Political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity by SHAUQI WAHAB MALAYSIA is expected to direct ASEAN's engagement on peace, cooperation and resilience under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 toward greater involvement in global affairs while reinforcing its foundational principle of neutrality during the 46th ASEAN Summit. This year marks Malaysia's fifth tenure as ASEAN chair, drawing around 20,000 participants, including delegates, staff and support personnel, to discuss regional cooperation and strategic initiatives. The Asean Community Vision 2045 is supported by four strategic plans: Political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity. These plans aim to deepen regional integration, enhance economic resilience and address various challenges. Focusing on ASEAN centrality and global neutrality, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia's priorities go beyond trade and economy. While Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had stressed economic matters as a priority, Azmi believes the broader objective is strengthening ASEAN centrality and its global relevance. 'I think ASEAN centrality will be the main focus. Anwar as the chairman wants ASEAN to be more involved in what is happening not only within ASEAN, but outside of it,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). This ambition has already been evident in Anwar's diplomatic engagements, such as offering Malaysia's mediator role in international conflicts like the India-Pakistan dispute and expressing concern over crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Anwar (right) meets Xi to uphold Malaysia's and ASEAN's neutrality, despite external pressure (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Respectable Organisation Azmi said this represents Malaysia's intent to elevate ASEAN's status as a very respectable organisation, capable of constructive engagement in global issues. However, the Myanmar conflict remains a sore point for the bloc. Despite Anwar's meeting with the Myanmar military junta during a visit to Thailand and receiving verbal assurances of a ceasefire, the continued aggression by the junta has undermined ASEAN's collective peace efforts. 'So, I would say that this issue will not be a priority, because the junta will not be present. Whatever ASEAN decided, for example the Five-Point Consensus for Myanmar to return to democracy a few years ago, was never respected,' he added. On the economic front, Azmi pointed to trade concerns with the US, particularly surrounding tariff tensions, as a dominant theme of ASEAN-level discussions. According to Azmi, Malaysia as chairman wants to broaden up the market not only for Malaysia, but also for ASEAN While member states are expected to maintain individual trade strategies, Malaysia is looking to strengthen partnerships through multilateral platforms. He highlighted the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit — which may include China, Japan and South Korea — as a crucial diplomatic and economic opportunity. According to Azmi, this is a win-win situation. For ASEAN and China, it is a gateway to the lucrative GCC market. 'Malaysia as chairman wants to broaden up the market not only for Malaysia, but also for ASEAN,' he said. He said this approach shows ASEAN's adherence to neutrality despite pressures from global superpowers. Azmi also noted Anwar's recent visit to Moscow and engagement with President Vladimir Putin, along with openness toward Chinese President Xi Jinping, as deliberate diplomatic balancing acts. 'Even though there are pressures not to entertain Xi Ji and also not to visit Moscow, Anwar made a decision to move forward to extend Malaysia's and also ASEAN's neutrality,' he said. Equitable Global Economic Landscape Additionally, Azmi opined that Malaysia and other ASEAN nations' potential alignment with BRICS is not an ideological shift, but a platform to advocate for a more equitable global economic landscape and a level playing field for the Global South. Meanwhile, Global Asia Consulting senior consultant Samirul Ariff Othman said Malaysia's unique blend of non-alignment, moderate diplomacy and strategic geography has positioned it as a vital player in shaping the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. With rising geopolitical competition, ASEAN faces mounting pressure to choose sides, particularly amid US-China rivalry and expanding security pacts in the Indo-Pacific, but he argued that Malaysia can guide the region toward a posture of neutrality and resilience through credible, balanced leadership. 'Malaysia is uniquely positioned to shape ASEAN Vision 2045 due to its tradition of non-alignment, multilateral engagement and its central geography in the region. 'It can play a pivotal role in ensuring that regional stability, neutrality and unity remain at the core of the Vision 2045,' he told TMR. This includes promoting ASEAN Neutral Corridors in critical areas like digital infrastructure, cyberspace and maritime routes, which are increasingly caught in a geostrategic tug-of-war. Samirul Ariff suggested that Malaysia's current initiatives in local currency settlements — such as cross-currency trade with China, Indonesia and Thailand — offer a model of economic autonomy that could inspire broader regional adoption. Samirul Ariff says Malaysia's influence on ASEAN Vision 2045 will rely on its ability to balance ambition with credibility Malaysia's credibility on the global stage is not accidental. Its legacy as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its history of mediating complex regional conflicts — from the Mindanao peace process to dialogues involving Myanmar and Palestine — has earned it the reputation of a neutral broker in South-East Asia. This perception, according to Samirul Ariff, enhances Malaysia's ability to influence ASEAN policy from within. Malaysia's influence on ASEAN Vision 2045 will rely on its ability to balance ambition with credibility. 'By leveraging its legacy of moderation, institutional presence in ASEAN mechanisms and emerging leadership under Anwar's foreign policy recalibration, Malaysia can help steer the region toward a more autonomous, resilient and unified future.' Samirul Ariff then pointed to Malaysia's recent push for ASEAN-wide reforms in security and diplomacy. Among these are efforts to upgrade the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) to include cyber security and pandemic simulations, revive regional preventive diplomacy tools and proposing a maritime neutrality charter to depoliticise key sea lanes. He believes that Malaysia's strength lies in its midpoint diplomacy — engaging simultaneously with China, the US, India and the European Union (EU) — without being drawn into bloc politics. This strategy should be institutionalised in ASEAN Vision 2045 as a model for navigating an increasingly multipolar world. Samirul Ariff added that Malaysia's refusal to host foreign bases or join exclusive security alliances such as the Australia, the UK and US (AUKUS) security partnership reflects its commitment to ASEAN's neutral posture. 'These are political and diplomatic values that can be translated into regional norms,' he said. Key Ministries Shaping ASEAN 2025 Agenda Malaysia's leadership in hosting the ASEAN Summit 2025 is strongly supported by key ministries and government figures, each playing a strategic role in advancing the summit's diplomatic, economic and security agenda. Supporting PM's diplomatic objectives is Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra), which is tasked with coordinating multilateral relations, engaging with ASEAN counterparts and shaping the country's official positions on political and security issues. With geopolitical tensions intensifying in the Indo-Pacific, Samirul Ariff said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has adopted a firm yet non-confrontational approach at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN centrality and non-alignment. At the heart of his strategy is the vision to transform ASEAN into a convener rather than a proxy battleground, pushing for the revitalisation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with concrete pipelines in green infrastructure, maritime cooperation and disaster resilience. On the South China Sea, Samirul Ariff noted that Mohamad has proposed timeline-based negotiations for a binding code of conduct and convening ASEANChina maritime workshops involving coast guards and environmental agencies. He has also maintained Malaysia's sovereign claims while keeping diplomatic lines open with China. Mohamad is advancing institutional reforms in line with the Asean Community Vision 2045, including a Digital ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Portal and People-Centred Foreign Policy Dialogue — initiatives meant to modernise diplomacy and amplify grassroots voices. Furthermore, he also supports elevating non-traditional security concerns like cyber threats and AI governance within ASEAN's defence dialogue. 'Mohamad's chairmanship signals a confident pivot in Malaysian diplomacy — one that reinforces ASEAN unity while staying agile amid great power rivalries,' Samirul Ariff said. Meanwhile, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), led by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, is leading deliberations on regional trade policies, industrial cooperation, digital economy frameworks and response to global tariff tensions. MITI's involvement is crucial in reinforcing Malaysia's push for equitable trade growth and deeper economic integration within ASEAN and beyond. Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is providing essential policy input on sustainable development, digital connectivity and long-term economic planning to align Malaysia's economic strategies with ASEAN's broader ambitions. Defence Ministry also plays a vital role in the summit's security and defence-related agenda. Through platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), the ministry contributes to shaping confidence-building measures, peacekeeping cooperation and regional stability, particularly in the face of emerging non-traditional threats such as cybersecurity and maritime security. With deliverables such as the ASEAN Cyber Peace Table and a regional risk monitoring framework on the horizon, Malaysia is asserting itself as a principled middle power shaping ASEAN's future. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from May 26-27, the 46th ASEAN Summit also features the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit, focusing on themes of inclusivity and sustainability. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia charts research-driven path to youth empowerment
by SHAUQI WAHAB MALAYSIA is taking a structured and research-backed approach to youth empowerment through the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES), focusing on evidence-based policies that address mental health, economic inclusion and civic engagement. IYRES senior research executive Asnida Arshad shared Malaysia's evolving youth development framework, listing major findings from recent studies and the implementation of comprehensive strategies to empower youth at the national level. One of the key concerns raised was the growing mental health challenges among Malaysian youth, exacerbated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and increased exposure to online stressors. In response, IYRES conducted the Youth Mental Health Index in collaboration with Unicef, covering seven domains and 28 indicators such as lifestyle, personal characteristics, social support and coping mechanisms. She said the score received was moderately satisfactory with an index score of 79.71 out of 100. 'While life experience scored high, mental resilience and environmental pressures need further support. 'These insights must be factored into future development programmes,' she said in her presentation on the overview of youth development in Malaysia during the Fourth ASEAN Youth Dialogue today. While life experience scored high, mental resilience and environmental pressures need further support, says Asnida (pic: SHAIQI WAHAB/TMR) Building on these insights, IYRES developed the Youth Socio-economic Empowerment Plan (Y-SET), which outlines 10 strategies and 24 initiatives focused on strengthening youth wellbeing, promoting economic participation and ensuring sustainability. This plan draws from national policy frameworks and includes programmes such as job matching, career guidance, cultural events and youth leadership development. 'This is not just about research — we are shaping national strategies,' Asnida said. According to her, the Y-SET is guided by four core pillars: User-based planning, strategic partnerships, impact assessment and digital monitoring. A recurring issue in the IYRES research was the low level of youth engagement in political discourse, with young people expressing scepticism and distrust toward political leadership. She explained that many youths perceive politics as unclean or irrelevant to their daily lives. Furthermore, many of them vote without fully understanding the political context. They rely on social media or their parents' views. 'The score for political participation in our Youth Index remains low because of such internal and external influences,' she said. While IYRES does not implement political advocacy programmes directly — given its role as a research body — it continues to provide data and policy suggestions to relevant government agencies. Asnida stressed that creating meaningful political engagement among youth would require stronger cross-sectoral collaboration, especially in education and civic awareness. Currently, IYRES operates with a staff of 40, half of whom are researchers conducting nationwide studies, including an ongoing survey on youth not in employment, education or training (NEET). The findings from this study are expected to be released later this year and will further inform Malaysia's youth policy direction. 'Through structured policy, digital tools and collaborative action, we aim to empower them to thrive locally and compete globally,' she said.
