Latest news with #Tengku
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
#NST180years: Mastering English key to global relevance
"Speaking English does not mean we are forgetting our traditions, nor does it mean that we are leaving behind our identity. "One can still keep the important values and grow to be a global citizen that Malaysia can be proud of and, at the same time, be fluent in English. "Increasing English abilities would also open up more opportunities personally and professionally, which would enable a person to compete in this fast-changing global economy. "For Malaysia to prosper, we must communicate and engage with our neighbours. We can't be a closed society, nor would we ever want to be. We rightfully take enormous pride in our nation and our culture. "It is our duty to share our knowledge, customs and cultures with the wider world community. Learning and communicating in English enables us to do this." Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Oct 14, 2019 "Efforts to master English need to be implemented quickly as developed countries give emphasis on dual language proficiency. "On quality of education, Malay is the main language and must be mastered without compromise by all students, but we must try to think of new methods to improve the quality and mastery of the English language. "From next year, the quality of English language proficiency should be improved, in addition to maintaining the position of the Malay language. (On initiatives to enhance English language proficiency among students) "We need to choose how to implement this quickly. If we don't act fast, we will lose." Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Prime Minister Nov 23, 2023 "English is more than just a common language. "Proficiency in English is crucial for enabling Sarawakians to excel in high-growth industries, renewable energy and scientific fields. "A skilled workforce is also vital for Sarawak's future, ensuring that young Sarawakians have the language capabilities necessary to compete on the global stage. "If our children are well educated in English, their future is bright. But if we are confined to ourselves, we become 'syok sendiri' (full of ourselves) and become 'kampung' (village) champions. "Do we want 'kampung' champions or global champions?" Sarawak Premier July 23, 2024 "Having a strong command of the English language is a critical asset, whether to access knowledge, pursue higher education or thrive in the competitive workplace. "English is not just a subject to be studied, but a valuable tool that opens doors to a world of possibilities. "That is why we are firmly committed to equipping our students with this vital skill so that they can navigate the challenges of the 21st century with confidence, competence and success. "Meeting future demands requires us to be proficient in both Bahasa Melayu and English." Education Minister June 9, 2024
Focus Malaysia
09-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Tengku Zafrul mocked for his White House jog after US slaps Malaysia with 1% additional tariff
'CONGRATULATIONS YB Tengku Zafrul. Got a luxurious visit, finished jogging next to the White House but the outcome? Truly sad,' penned Malaysian Indian People Party national youth chief Justin Prabakaran Kalaichelvam on his Facebook page. 'At the end of the day, our tariff was raised from 24% to 25%. Other countries get discounts but we get (to pay) more. What was discussed there? Tariffs or teh tarik? 'Truly an extraordinary achievement. If this the case, it's better to just stay home. Save the rakyat's money.' Such and similar reactions can be found across all social media platforms as detractors poured scorn on Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz who made two trips to Washington for talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer between April 24 and June 19. During that period, some three to four rounds of trade negotiations were held to pacify the US to reduce reciprocal tariffs imposed on Malaysia ahead of the expiry of the then temporary exemption on July 8. Jerantut MP from PAS Khairil Nizam Khirudin took a swipe at the unfruitful trade mission of the former technocrat finance minister as a waste of taxpayers' money. 'Hellloooooo … Are you okay, Tengku Zafrul? Is the 1% tariff hike on Malaysia worth the cost of the Malaysian delegation's visit to the US?' teased the PAS lawmaker who is an engineer by training. 'P/S: PMX doesn't want to video call the US President to discuss? 👀?' Higher rate for BRICS involvement On a more serious note, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has expressed deep concern over the latest US move which will see a 25% blanket tariff imposed on all Malaysian products entering the US market effective Aug 1. 'The manufacturing sector is already reeling from the earlier 10% US tariff and escalating domestic cost pressures, including the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and electricity base tariff revisions which will most impact the high voltage customers,' lamented FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai. 'This latest escalation risks further de-stabilising an already fragile industrial landscape, severely impacting export competitiveness and placing additional strain on manufacturers.' The sore point insofar as Malaysia is concerned is that nine other ASEAN member countries either have their reciprocal tariffs reduced (Indonesia and Thailand) or have unchanged rates with Vietnam enjoying the biggest reduction to 20% from 46% previously. Tengku Zafrul aside, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also received fair share of shelling by economic-savvy Malaysians for his 'weak trade talks with the US. 'Despite diversification efforts with China & EU, Trump's trade deficit focus hit hard. On-going talks haven't eased the impact on Malaysia's exports.' Human resource practitioner/consultant David Wong (@davidwong27) warned that the 25% may eventually become 35% if Malaysia continues 'to support or being part of BRICS', alluding to PMX's keen interest in pursuing economics, trade and investment co-operation with BRICS economies which also feature Chins and India. While the Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will be holding a media conference at 6pm today (July 9) to address the 1% hike in Malaysia's reciprocal tariff rate, a mix of brickbats and applause for having tried his best have continued to fill PKR-bound Tengku Zafrul's Facebook wall. – July 9, 2025
Barnama
06-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Agrobank Allocates RM50 Mln To Financing Scheme AgroPintar For Microentrepreneurs
BUSINESS KOTA KINABALU, July 6 (Bernama) -- Agrobank has allocated RM50 million to facilitate microfinancing access through its Agro Pintar Niaga Programme (AgroPintar), alongside an additional RM5 million in i-TEKAD matching grants. Its group president Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said in a statement yesterday that the programme will support microenterprises through business and contract farming financing schemes to benefit more than 4,000 microentrepreneurs, particularly from the low-income communities. 'AgroPintar is a holistic programme that offers not just financing and i-TEKAD grant matching. It also has essential modules on entrepreneurship and business ethics,' he said at the programme's launch yesterday. 'It places strong emphasis on financial literacy, covering areas such as financial management, credit risk control and debt management,' he said. Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah, who is also Agrobank's chief executive officer, said the ultimate goal is to enhance the competitiveness and decision-making capabilities of microentrepreneurs and help them make more effective business decisions. Through structured guidance, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make sound financial and business decisions, ultimately improving their capacity to manage various aspects of their businesses efficiently. 'Furthermore, we will monitor the programme's impact and effectiveness six months later after the participants have joined,' he said. The programme aligns with the bank's mission to nurture resilient, forward-thinking and sustainable entrepreneurs over the long term, drive positive economic outcomes and foster social development among microentrepreneurs, the statement said. The programme was spearheaded by the bank's centre of excellence (ACE) and microfinance division, reflecting its ongoing commitment to empowering microentrepreneurs across Malaysia.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Pahang Sultan urges swift aid for Temerloh storm victims
TEMERLOH: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has urged the state government to accelerate the disbursement of financial aid to families affected by a storm that damaged over 200 homes here last weekend. The Sultan said only RM300 from the District Disaster Fund (TMD) had been distributed so far, with a remaining RM700 still pending. 'I hope this can be channelled soon. The RM5,000 repair assistance should also be expedited,' he said after visiting and extending aid to the affected residents today. The assistance was also delivered by Tengku Panglima Raja Brig Jen Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah and Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah. Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed sympathy to those affected, noting that the disaster struck just three days after Hari Raya Aidiladha. 'It is painful not to be able to celebrate Aidiladha properly, but this is Allah's will. Every hardship has its wisdom and we must remain patient,' he said. The storm damaged 210 homes across four mukims namely Perak 2, Bangau, Mentakab 1 and Mentakab 2. The Sultan also extended condolences to the families of two teenage girls killed in a road accident in Temerloh on June 11. In a separate remark, the Sultan warned against following teachings that have been declared deviant by the Pahang Mufti Department, particularly the Ahmadiah sect. 'Why are there still people trying to spread this? We must hold firm to the teachings of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. This is what we've inherited from our elders and what the majority of Malaysians believe in,' he said.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Pahang Sultan Urges Swift Aid for Storm Victims
TEMERLOH: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has urged the state government to accelerate the disbursement of financial aid to families affected by a storm that damaged over 200 homes here last weekend. The Sultan said only RM300 from the District Disaster Fund (TMD) had been distributed so far, with a remaining RM700 still pending. 'I hope this can be channelled soon. The RM5,000 repair assistance should also be expedited,' he said after visiting and extending aid to the affected residents today. The assistance was also delivered by Tengku Panglima Raja Brig Jen Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah and Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah. Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed sympathy to those affected, noting that the disaster struck just three days after Hari Raya Aidiladha. 'It is painful not to be able to celebrate Aidiladha properly, but this is Allah's will. Every hardship has its wisdom and we must remain patient,' he said. The storm damaged 210 homes across four mukims namely Perak 2, Bangau, Mentakab 1 and Mentakab 2. The Sultan also extended condolences to the families of two teenage girls killed in a road accident in Temerloh on June 11. In a separate remark, the Sultan warned against following teachings that have been declared deviant by the Pahang Mufti Department, particularly the Ahmadiah sect. 'Why are there still people trying to spread this? We must hold firm to the teachings of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. This is what we've inherited from our elders and what the majority of Malaysians believe in,' he said.
