Latest news with #UUM
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
UUM inks MoU with 6 Japanese institutions
SINTOK: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with six Japanese institutions as part of its participation in the Osaka Expo 2025 held in conjunction with Japan's Higher Education Week. The MoUs were inked with Kansai University of International Studies, Kyoto Sangyo University, University of Tsukuba, Okayama University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and the Japan Da'wah Centre. UUM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan said the agreements reflected a strong commitment from the Japanese institutions to explore various academic and research collaborations with UUM. "The UUM delegation also visited Hiroshima University and Hiroshima City University to explore further strategic partnerships with Japanese universities. "These strategic partnerships will cover student and staff mobility programmes, joint research, academic publications, as well as collaboration in applying for research grants," he said in a statement today. Kansai University of International Studies' assistant president (International Affairs) Dr Yasuo Kawawaki said a delegation from the university would be making an official visit to UUM on Aug 20 for the Asean Cooperative Programme International Field Study 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and research. Meanwhile, Japan Da'wah Centre president Zulkarnain Hasan Basri said the centre aims to collaborate with UUM to develop an application that connects mosque functions with Muslim communities in Japan, in line with efforts to enhance the role of mosques in local community development. Today, UUM researchers participated in the Pocket Talk @ OSAKA Expo 2025 forum on the theme of 'Halal and Food Security', and held business-matching sessions with 15 Japanese organisations comprising universities and private firms.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MACC warns leakages erode trust in government institutions
GEORGE TOWN: Leakages and misappropriation of public funds not only harm national financial management but also weaken public confidence in government institutions, warns the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki emphasized that public funds, crucial for national development, must be managed with full accountability. 'Misuse and weak internal controls lead to power abuse, wastage, and public burden,' he said. Among major cases highlighted were Op Water Sabah, involving a RM3.3 billion water supply project embezzlement, and a former Youth and Sports Ministry senior officer convicted of 96 charges related to forgery and money laundering. 'The MACC has seized luxury assets worth over RM3.5 billion and forfeited nearly RM28 billion in the past five years,' Azam stated. 'This shows our commitment to reclaiming stolen public funds.' He spoke at the closing of the 2025 Public Sector Finance and Auditing Seminar (SKPSA) in Teluk Bahang, themed 'Financial Integrity: Enforcing Compliance and Preventing Misappropriation in the Public Service.' Azam also noted the upcoming Government Procurement Bill, aimed at enhancing transparency in government procurement. He urged accountants and auditors to report irregularities fearlessly to uphold integrity. Additionally, he called for stronger whistleblower protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and advocated for digital transformation in financial systems using AI and blockchain to detect fraud early. The seminar was organized by Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy (TISSA) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), with MACC's Financial Analysis Division. Attendees included UUM officials and nationwide participants. - Bernama
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Push ahead with BRICS, economists say, despite Trump's threat
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on the right track by embracing multilateralism and strengthening ties with rising economic powers like BRICS, as global trade tensions and geopolitical shifts continue to unfold, economists said. They said Malaysia should deepen its engagement with the Global South and move quickly towards full BRICS membership, despite warnings from the United States of possible penalties for backing the bloc. "Malaysia, for now, is doing the right thing, that is, to focus on multilateralism," said Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Associate Professor Dr Irwan Shah Zainal Abidin. "With the US, Malaysia should continue engaging with them through mutual respect and inclusivity without compromising our own interest," he told Business Times. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that any country supporting the "anti-American policies" of the BRICS alliance will face an additional 10 per cent tariff. In a post on Truth Social, a platform owned by Trump Media and Technology Group, the former president said the policy would apply "without exception". Irwan said Malaysia will likely be hit with the additional 10 per cent tariff, with the impact of the reciprocal tariffs remaining uncertain. "Already, our exports fell 1.1 per cent on a yearly basis in May this year. An additional 10 per cent on top of the reciprocal tariffs will not be good for the development of the Malaysian economy. "It might impact Malaysia's gross domestic product growth forecast this year, and I think a reduction of 25 basis points for the overnight policy rate in the near future is warranted," he added. Irwan said that while global supply chains may face disruptions, no party has a genuine interest in dismantling them entirely. "For Malaysia, it is actually a blessing in disguise, if we know how to manoeuvre it well. Malaysia must play its role as a middle power, not taking sides and stay neutral," he said. Associate Professor Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School said a 10 per cent tariff by a potential Trump administration would impact Malaysia's exports. He said semiconductors, which make up about 60 per cent of Malaysia's exports to the US, would be the most affected. "Other exports like gloves, furniture and machinery will be more expensive in the US. However, whether Malaysia's products will be less competitive than other countries will only be known when other countries also completed their trade negotiations with the US. "The customers in the US eventually will have to pay more unless they find alternative sources of production," he said. Aimi said that as a trading nation, Malaysia must remain highly adaptable and strike a careful balance between its political and economic interests on the global stage. "Malaysia also needs to collaborate in a group like Asean in order to continue to be significant in multi lateral trades with all nations," he said. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the Malaysian government has carried out due diligence and scenario planning. Afzanizam said since the Trump tariff is beyond its control, the government must take a pragmatic approach in addressing the issue. "In essence, the government is still practicing non-partisan but at the same time, they are also exploring other opportunities. They need to be tactful as it is quite a fine line in respect to foreign and trade policy," he added. On whether the tariff regime would impact investor confidence, Afzanizam said foreign investors evaluate countries based on various factors. He said ultimately, they invest where they believe their capital will generate returns that exceed their initial investment. "My take is that the Malaysian government would just need to be clear on their narratives and execute them accordingly. "We have various policy documents such as Ekonomi Madani framework, New Industrial Master Plan 2030, National Energy Transition Roadmap, National Semiconductor Strategy and soon, the 13th Malaysian Plans to be tabled at the end of July," he added. Malaysia's engagement with BRICS Malaysia's involvement with BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has gradually evolved from informal alignment to formal participation. In June 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed Malaysia's interest in joining BRICS during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This move marked a shift in Malaysia's foreign policy posture, positioning the country more actively within the Global South. Anwar later reinforced this intent during a working visit to Russia in September, where he met with President Vladimir Putin and discussed Malaysia's aspirations to strengthen cooperation through BRICS. Malaysia's momentum was acknowledged at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. In January 2025, the country was welcomed as one of 13 new "partner countries," a designation that allows for greater engagement in trade, investment, and policy dialogues within the bloc, though without full membership status. In April 2025, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan represented Malaysia at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. There, he called for stronger Asean–BRICS linkages and emphasised Malaysia's position as a regional bridge advocating for sustainable growth, resilient supply chains, and inclusive multilateralism. Currently, Anwar is attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7, 2025, as part of his working visit to Brazil. His presence underscores Malaysia's increasing involvement in BRICS, particularly as it seeks to advance Global South interests while maintaining pragmatic ties with traditional economic partners.
Malay Mail
05-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mohe instructs universities to assess SST expansion's impact on students amid concerns of rising costs
SUNGAI PETANI, July 5 — The Ministry of Higher Education (Mohe) has instructed university vice-chancellors to conduct a detailed study to assess the impact of the expanded scope of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on their students. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the objective of the study is to determine whether the SST expansion, which came into effect on July 1, has directly or indirectly contributed to higher learning costs. 'We will examine in detail what is meant by the alleged increase in costs. What has been announced by the government relates to higher fees for international students coming to study in Malaysia due to increased tariffs or taxes on their education,' he said. 'We've already communicated this matter and gathered feedback. However, there may be other elements, either directly or indirectly, affecting local students as well,' said Zambry, who is also Barisan Nasional secretary-general and Umno Supreme Council member, to reporters after officiating the Umno Merbok Division meeting here today. Expanding on the matter, Zambry said the study would cover all aspects related to student learning, including utility costs such as electricity for those living in rental housing. Previously, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Student Representative Council president Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain was reported as saying that the expanded scope of SST, effective since Tuesday, was believed to have financial implications for students. According to Mohamad Amar Aidid, the inclusion of digital subscriptions, electronic repairs, laundry services and online purchases under the SST has had a direct impact on students' cost of living. Meanwhile, Zambry said the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025–2035, developed by the ministry, has been finalised and is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this November. On reports of university students being diagnosed with HIV, Zambry said the ministry is leaving it to the respective institutions to monitor the situation and take appropriate action. — Bernama
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia's Iran Stand Upholds Global Justice Principles
WORLD KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's stance in supporting Iran's right to defend its sovereignty following attacks by Israel is seen as appropriate and consistent with the principles of universal justice and international law. International affairs and political analyst from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, said Iran's retaliation against Israel's attacks is justified under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises the right to self-defence. 'Iran's act of self-defence is legitimate under international law, whereas Israel's attacks clearly violate that law. Therefore, Malaysia's position in supporting Iran in this context is appropriate and grounded in the principles of global justice,' he said. He was speaking as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme on the topic, 'Iran-Israel (Rogue State) Conflict: A Spark for World War? aired tonight. Malaysia had earlier expressed concern over the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterating that violence is not a viable solution. However, within the framework of universal justice, Malaysia recognises Iran's right to respond to any form of aggression that violates its sovereignty. Meanwhile, Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) president Badlishah Sham Baharin stressed that Malaysia's position on this matter stems from its long-standing commitment to defending the rights of oppressed Palestinians. 'Malaysia has consistently defended the rights of the oppressed. For example, we have long been one of the strongest voices on the global stage advocating for the Palestinian cause. 'When this (attack) happened to Iran, Malaysia once again stood up to condemn Israel's unwarranted aggression, as there is no international law that allows one country to attack another sovereign state under any pretext,' he said.
