Latest news with #SOBA
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Tackling current business issues
INDUSTRY experts gave tips at the recent Star Outstanding Business Awards 2025 LAB participants on how to navigate the challenging times wrought with geopolitical uncertainties. Then in the second session, the panel of experts explored different methods that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seek financing outside of the conventional practice of approaching normal financial institutions. The afternoon event, which was held at Menara Star to a packed audience, was attended by Star Media Group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and chief operating officer Lydia Wang. Similar to previous labs, there were two sessions that covered two distinct topics. The first topic explored the challenges that companies face in light of 'The Tariffs and Taxes Aftermath: What is Next for Malaysian Businesses?' Moderated by the Malaysia Entrepreneurs and Development Association president Datuk Teh Tai Yong, the topic was discussed by panel speakers past SOBA winner Mega Fortris Berhad group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Adrian Ng, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd chief operations officer Dr Jason Cheah and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) strategic planning division director Noor Hayati Abu Noh. The speakers discussed the different scenarios that businesses have to confront, from the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States to the expanded Sales and Service Tax from the government as well as instances of supply chain disruptions due to the civil unrest in the Middle East. Ng advised businesses to understand themselves and to draw back until the time is right to scale back up. Noor Hayati both touched on the importance of diversification, either in business or which country to trade with. Cheah urged SMEs that it is time to start looking into environment, social and governance matters as it has a profound impact. The second session, which was moderated by Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia treasurer Datuk Koong Lin Loong, gave SMEs enlightening information on 'Raising Funds and Accessing Capital for Business Growth'. Speakers in this session included RHB Bank Berhad SME banking, SME engagement head Sim Ee Chiew, Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia chief business officer Sean Tan, PEOPLElogy Berhad founder Allen Lee and Hernan Corporation founder and group CEO Datuk Anna Teo. The panel gave a lively session as Teo declared she rarely approached banks for financing. She asked businesses to be more flexible and explore other possibilities. While banks would be the first step for budding businesses, she said entrepreneurs should network and ask about other alternatives, such as private equities. Tan explained that CGC's job is to transfer the credit risks from a bank to CGC. In the event a business fails, and the SME is unable to pay, CGC will provide the necessary relief. Ng shared his experience of raising funds via the initial public offering route, which he said was 'more challenging because (Bursa Malaysia) wants the public to trust you (hence the need for) transparency.' Sim said that banks do much more than just provide loans, they help enhance cash flow and operation efficiency in order to eliminate idle cash, as well as digitalisation services. Besides the panel discussions, SOBA sponsors introduced their business models and some of their services to the participants. CGC's SME advisory and strategic alliances head Mike Wong talked about some of the services that are available to SMEs that are seeking ways to finance their companies. PKT Logistic's presentation was on the company's diversified range of services, from logistics and education to its own inland port, presented by Cheah. RHB Bank SME business development head Kelvin Chin and U Mobile Sdn Bhd commercial pre-sales section head Lim Swee Mei showcased the services that would benefit SMEs in their businesses. SOBA 2025 is organised by SMG with CGC, PKT Logistics, RHB Bank and U Mobile as main sponsors, Great Wall Motor Malaysia as co-sponsor, and Matrade as the official trade promotion partner. It is audited by BDO while radio stations 988 and Suria are official media partners. For details, call the SOBA hotline at 017-231 1789 or visit Look out for the announcement of the next SOBA LAB 2025, which will be held on Aug 14 at Iconic Hotel, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
7 Topics High-Level Gaslighters Usually Avoid, According to Psychologists
7 Topics High-Level Gaslighters Usually Avoid, According to Psychologists originally appeared on Parade. Unfortunately, you or someone you know has probably experienced gaslighting before. 'Gaslighting' is a manipulation tactic that makes people question themselves, their sanity or their reality. It happens not only in romantic relationships, but also between friends, family members and in workplaces. High-level gaslighters are extra skilled (for lack of a better word) at the tactic. High-level gaslighting habits include weaponizing empathy and twisting stories to fit their narrative, while high-level gaslighting phrases can look like 'You're overreacting' and 'That never happened.'Let's broaden our insight by sharing topics high-level gaslighters tend to avoid—and ones they love to talk about—so we can better understand what to look People who gaslight refuse to be accountable for their hurtful behavior when they're called out, so they definitely won't bring it up. Don't expect to hear about that time they hurt your feelings (or if it does come up, expect them to blame-shift).'High-level gaslighters avoid the past unless they're cherry-picking it to make themselves look like the victim,' says Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver, PsyD, a licensed psychologist who has expertise in emotional abuse, antagonistic relational dynamics, gaslighting and trauma. 'Owning mistakes means surrendering control, and that's their greatest fear.'a licensed clinical psychologist with SOBA New Jersey, points to this too. 'High-level gaslighters almost always dodge conversations where they might be held responsible,' she says. 'Owning up to mistakes threatens their need for control and opens the door for others to question their behavior.'If you raise this topic with them, Dr. Edwards-Hawver says they'll engage in DARVO: deny, attack, reverse victim and offender. This tactic is a multi-step approach to avoiding accountability and making you seem like the These Two Types of People Are the Most Likely to Experience Gaslighting—Here's Why and What to Do, According to Psychologists Gaslighters are often blame-shifters who don't want you to trust your intuition. For that reason, they aren't going to shed any light on or give any space for your emotional reality. They'll focus on what they say happened and how they feel.'If they acknowledge your emotions, it gives legitimacy to your perspective,' Dr. Estevez explains. 'Gaslighters thrive by making you question your reality.'If you bring up your feelings, Dr. Edwards-Hawver says they will sidestep, belittle or reframe them as irrational, dramatic or exaggerated. Basically, they'll say anything that causes you to doubt yourself, which is gaslighting's key. Because a gaslighter is 'never' in the wrong, you won't catch them apologizing—at least in a genuine way. 'A real apology involves acknowledgement, remorse and changed behavior—which dismantles the illusion of superiority or control,' Dr. Edwards-Hawver says. 'They avoid true repair because it levels the emotional playing field.'If they do 'apologize,' it'll be a fake one, she continues, and may sound something like 'I'm sorry you feel that way.' (Again, no accountability taken.)Related: 7 Things To Do When You Apologize, Because There's More to It Than Saying 'I'm Sorry' Since gaslighters want to trick you into believing them, they aren't going to give information that suggests otherwise. For example, if they're gaslighting you into thinking you're the one who started the argument, they won't admit to any part they played.'Whether it is a text message, a timeline or something they clearly stated before, they will sidestep the facts,' Dr. Estevez says. 'Confronting evidence puts cracks in the version of reality they are trying to control.' Clarity and mutual understanding are common goals in healthy relationships, but you won't get them from a gaslighter. 'Any in-depth discussion about the relationship's dynamics risks exposing an imbalance or emotional harm,' Dr. Estevez explains. 'They will change the subject, deflect or accuse you of 'creating drama.'' Setting boundaries is so important in relationships, and that's one reason why gaslighters hate it.'They tend to avoid any dialogue where you clearly define your needs or set firm boundaries,' Dr. Estevez says. 'Boundaries reduce their power.'If you do try to assert one, she continues, they may respond with something like 'You're overreacting' or 'I guess I am just the bad guy now.'Related: 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros People who gaslight may avoid making social plans with you and a group of people, and it's not because they're introverted or shy.'They prefer to operate one-on-one where they can manipulate perception without resistance,' Dr. Edwards-Hawver says. 'Group settings with emotionally intelligent people threaten their control, especially if others might affirm your version of reality.' On the flip side, what will you probably catch a high-level gaslighter talking about? Dr. Estevez and Dr. Edwards-Hawver mention the following topics: Your flaws, mistakes and insecurities (under the guise of 'just being honest') Their version of past events Moral, high-ground arguments or vague philosophical takes that derail conversations and help them avoid accountability How others have wronged you Ambiguous, circular conversations or 'gray' situations where they can more easily manipulate you How you should stay loyal to them and 'protect' them Their reputation, charm and credibility If you interact with someone who avoids the former topics or loves the latter, you may be in a gaslighter's territory. And a high-level one at that. Be on the lookout for other gaslighting signs, too, and if they look familiar, consider reaching out to a loved one for Next:Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver, PsyD, a licensed psychologist who has expertise in emotional abuse, antagonistic relational dynamics, gaslighting and trauma Dr. Carolina Estevez, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist 7 Topics High-Level Gaslighters Usually Avoid, According to Psychologists first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
SOBA council discusses ways to help businesses scale up
Knowledge bank: The SOBA Council before the roundtable discussion at Menara Star. Seated (from left) are Siti Noraini, Koong, Loo, Ramee, SMG senior general manager Jamie Ng, Rajesh, Chin and Chieng. Standing (from left) are Goh, Ong, Choo, Hah, Ang, Ng and Chong. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: The organisers and council members of the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2025 held a roundtable discussion to identify the growing challenges that Malaysian businesses face. The event was held on June 17 in Menara Star, Petaling Jaya. The sponsors who attended were Credit Guarantee Corp Bhd (CGC) chief business officer Sean Tan, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd corporate affairs and strategy head Corinne Chieng, RHB Bank Bhd SME business development head Kelvin Chin, U Mobile Sdn Bhd enterprise products head Rajesh Awat Ram, and the Malaysian External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) strategic planning division senior director Remee Yaakub. The judges attending were Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) treasurer Datuk Koong Lin Loong, Branding Association of Malaysia president Winnie Loo, vice-president Datuk Jennifer Ong, and Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) vice-president Datuk Vincent Choo. This year's SOBA ambassadors who attended the council were Nippon Sushi (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive office Siti Noraini Nuawi, Wynkids Education Group founder and chief executive Elwin Goh, Mega Fortris Group chief executive Datuk Adrian Ng, Fire Fighter Industry Sdn Bhd executive director Michelle Hah, Kanika Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief executive Vinnie Ang, and DC Healthcare Sdn Bhd director Dr TS Chong. Some of the topics that were discussed include helping SMEs scale their businesses and how to cultivate a high-impact culture in order to attract, empower and retain talent. Another topic that the council identified as relevant for businesses – especially those that have grown enough they can go public – is that they be advised on strategies on how to apply for initial public offerings. The discussion also touched on the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in order to ensure business resilience, and how to drive value using technology and AI for business adoption and digital marketing. The importance of cybersecurity and data analytics was also brought up. Other topics that the council members agree are important include financial literacy among entrepreneurs in order to master financial management, budgets and investments. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices were also raised as many businesses were aware of them but find it challenging to implement or adopt. Rather than saying how important ESG is for businesses, the experts suggested that more guidance on implementation was needed. This is was necessary so business owners could run lean operations and find innovative ways to ensure sustainable business growth. Tied to sustainability is how businesses can enhance their business resilience and competitiveness by expanding their business operations internationally. The experts also pointed out that many of the topics discussed require some form of mentorship for up and coming entrepreneurs along their journey to success. Such discussions held by the council help SOBA enhance the awards with more relevant and exciting workshops that benefit the SOBA 2025 participants and the Malaysian business community as a whole. SOBA 2025 is organised by SMG with CGC, PKT Logistics, RHB Bank and U Mobile as main sponsors, and Matrade as the official trade promotion partner. It is audited by BDO, with radio stations 988 and Suria as official media partners. For details, call the SOBA hotline at 017-231 1789 or visit Look out for the announcement of the first SOBA LAB 2025, which will be held on July 17 in Petaling Jaya.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Business awards launched to promote entrepreneurial excellence
PETALING JAYA: With the theme of 'Powering Tomorrow: Driving Sustainable Growth' the Star Outstanding Business Awards 2025 continues to recognise and honour businesses and entrepreneurs that have excelled in their quest for success and achievement. Launched at Menara Star on June 5, the event was attended by sponsors and partners, with Star Media Group (SMG) chief executive officer (CEO) Chan Seng Fatt at the helm, together with chief operating officer Lydia Wang. The event was also graced by SOBA 2025 sponsors Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia Bhd (CGC), PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd (PKT Logistics), RHB Bank Bhd (RHB Bank) and U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile), together with official trade promotion partner Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), as well as the awards' strategic and working partners. In his welcome speech Chan pointed out that since Malaysia officially assumed the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 this year, the country is at a strategic inflection point in its regional journey. 'This leadership role serves as a powerful springboard to strengthen regional integration, enhance market diversification and advance economic diplomacy,' he said. This presents local businesses the opportunity to venture into new markets on a global scale. 'At the same time, we are navigating a rapidly evolving business landscape – driven by technological disruption, shifting consumer expectations and the increasing imperative for sustainable practices. 'In this new era, agility, foresight and innovation will distinguish those who endure from those who lead,' he cautioned. In a statement, CGC president and CEO Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak emphasised that CGC is committed to empowering Malaysian micro SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and supporting platforms like SOBA 2025 reflects that mission. 'By recognising SME excellence, we highlight deserving businesses that may benefit from greater access to financing.' PKT Logistics chief revenue officer Kuan Eu Jin said: 'PKT is a homegrown company and was once an SME. Through ups and downs, we learnt a lot along the way and feel honoured to be able to share it on such a celebrated event like SOBA.' He advised that in times of uncertainty, SMEs should be able to flex and adapt to the situation, that they should stay close to the powers of the market and innovate a way out or adapt to changing needs. For RHB Bank, group corporate and business banking managing director Wendy Ting said: 'RHB's continued support for SOBA and similar platforms reflects our commitment to advancing SME excellence as a national economic priority'. She also shared that for businesses to stay competitive in the current economic climate, they should embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), invest in sustainability and green growth, enhance their cybersecurity and data resilience, prioritise human capital and upskilling and leverage government and private sector support. U Mobile chief information officer Neil Tomkinson said: 'SOBA is a timely platform to spotlight how SMEs are adapting to major shifts in tech and customer expectations.' He added that in 2025, trends like Al enablement, cybersecurity, and digital agility will determine business longevity and U Mobile is ready to lead businesses on their journey. Matrade senior director of Strategic Planning Division, Remee Yaakub noted that 'SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia's economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation and exports. 'By supporting platforms like SOBA, we not only recognise outstanding achievements but also inspire more SMEs to adopt best practices, strive for global competitiveness, and drive the nation's trade performance.' The launch revealed knowledge-sharing platforms, the SOBA LABs, will continue to offer insights from seasoned business leaders. Those interested can also look forward to SOBA Elevate, an initiative that presents actionable strategies, networking opportunities and more. The launch also announced six SOBA ambassador appointments for this year from business association experts and past winners. SOBA Awards 2025 will be presented in 18 categories, in two separate tiers: one for below RM25mil, and another for RM25mil and above. Also included is the Mikro SOBA Mikro Recognition Awards, which recognises local micro brands or businesses with annual turnover of less than RM300,000. SOBA 2025 is organised by SMG with CGC, PKT Logistics, RHB Bank and U Mobile as main sponsors, and Matrade as the official trade promotion partner. It is audited by BDO while radio stations 988 and Suria are official media partners. For details, call the SOBA hotline at 017-231 1789 or visit
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Gen Alpha Keeps Repeating Random Slang on Loop
I have two kids: one is Gen Z and the other is Gen Alpha. This means my house is filled with all kinds of slang that I don't understand at all. Thankfully, I have been spared the 'ballerina cappucina' talk (my condolences if you haven't). But there's a whole lot of other slang spoken around here. Current favorites seem to be 'six seven' and 'sus' and 'what the sigma?' I frequently have to ask my kids what the heck they are saying, because it basically sounds like gobbledygook to me. I'm not the only one who finds the whole thing incomprehensible. In fact, there's a name for the slang of our kids' generation: 'brain rot.' While I'm not sure I'd characterize it as something that could potentially rot kids' brains, I am struck by how absurd the slang sounds, and how kids seem to repeat these phrases over and over and over—compulsively, and seemingly completely out-of-context. I know I'm not the only one who's wondered if this generation's slang and its accompanying behaviors are normal. Did our slang words sound this nonsensical to our parents when we were kids? Why are kids obsessed with these nonsense-sounding words and saying them on seemingly endless loops? To answer my burning questions, I connected with two experts who helped me unpack our kids' slang, and some of the odd behaviors that go along with it. What is it about phrases like "what the helly," "Lebron," and "clock it" that kids seem to find so irresistible? 'Some phrases are just amusing to say,' says Carolina Estevez, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at SOBA New Jersey. 'They may have a rhythm or sound that sticks in your head, or be part of something funny or viral that everyone is talking about.' Many kids find repeating these phrases satisfying, or silly, or just plain fun to say, Estevez says. 'It is also a way to connect with what is trending or what their friends are into,' she adds. Often, kids don't even realize how often they are doing it, but they are just finding the experience enjoyable. Ryann Sutera, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming communication strategies and serves as managing partner at Support the Spectrum, says that viral phrases often have certain phonological features—like rhythm, prosody, and novelty—that make them rewarding to say. 'Repeating them can activate sensory-motor feedback loops involved in speech and self-regulation,' she shares. The short answer: because it's fun. Kids really enjoy playing and experimenting with language, Estevez says. 'Sometimes they shout a phrase out loud to make someone laugh, get a reaction, or entertain themselves,' she describes. 'It might not have a clear 'point,' but that does not mean it is not meaningful to them.' Repeating these phrases—yes, at seemingly random times—can be a kid's way of feeling seen, heard, or just passing the time. For many kids, this is about just expressing themselves, rather than strict communication, Estevez says. In other words, they aren't necessarily trying to talk to you, or even annoying you. Most of the time, they are simply enjoying the fun language they share with their peers. As a kid, I can remember repeating things I heard on TV or catchphrases my friends and I used to say. I bet you can too. Is that basically what 'brain rot' is all about? It's not new, says Estevez. 'Kids have always echoed what they hear—TV jingles, cartoon voices, movie lines,' she says. The difference now is that this type of content is more widespread, because of the internet. 'TikTok, YouTube, and memes are exposed to more language trends, making it easier for those phrases to catch on quickly,' she describes. Still, it's essentially the same behavior, just from different sources. Sutera agrees, saying that kids have always echoed things they hear in the media. 'For example, in my own family, we still jokingly say 'No soup for you!' from Seinfeld whenever someone steps out of line,' Sutera shares. 'What's changed today is not the behavior itself, but the speed, frequency, and global scale at which digital content is consumed and repeated.'"TikTok, YouTube, and memes are exposed to more language trends, making it easier for those phrases to catch on quickly."For the most part, these behaviors we are seeing in our kids are normal, even if we see them as completely bizarre. But are there any instances where the behaviors may actually be abnormal? For example, some parents may wonder if these behaviors are related to things like stimming (repetitive movement or sounds), echolalia (meaningless repetition of words), or self-regulation behaviors. They may wonder further if their child's behavior is a sign of a neurological disorder or a neurodivergence. In some cases, yes, it could be a sign of those things. 'Repeating phrases can be a way to self-soothe, focus, or manage big feelings, especially for neurodivergent kids,' Estevez says. 'If it is persistent and seems disconnected from social play, it could be related to echolalia or stimming.' However, you can have these behaviors and not experience any type of diagnosable condition. 'For many kids, it is just a fun, harmless way to engage with what they have seen or heard,' Estevez shares. The best way to know for sure what is going on with your child is to describe their symptoms to a trusted healthcare provider or child therapist. Okay, so what's the bottom line here? Should we be concerned about our kids' slang and behavior? Or is it just the type of thing that we have to 'grin and bear'? Most of the time, it's really nothing to worry about, assures Sutera. It's actually developmentally appropriate for most kids to experiment with language this way. It supports regulation, connection, and expression she says. 'Unless it's causing distress or significant interference, this behavior should be honored, not discouraged.' If you want to blame anything for 'brain rot,' you can blame pop culture and the proliferation of digital content. Repeating the slang kids hear online and at schoool is just how they engage with this content, Estevez says. And if your kid is walking around saying 'Tralero Tralala' on a loop—but it isn't interfering with your child's ability to interact with others or focus—it's likely just a sign they're growing up in a media-heavy world. At the same time, there are always exceptions and if your parental instinct says something more is going on, you should take action. 'If the repetition seems extreme or tied to anxiety or frustration, it is okay to be curious and talk to a pediatrician or therapist,' says Estevez. 'In general, though, it is a quirky kid behavior that usually passes with time.' Read the original article on Parents
