Latest news with #Yam
CairoScene
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Zamalek's Yam is Egypt's First Yemeni Café
The new coffee shop makes the coffee that was once made illegal for making people "have too much fun". Jul 07, 2025 When we think of Arab coffee, our minds usually picture the classic cup of Turkish coffee with a familiar Egyptian coffee house backdrop, but Turkish coffee is actually not the original Arab coffee. In the sixth century, Yemenis were the first to adapt coffee cherries into the drink we so heavily depend on today – well, a variation of it, anyway. In Yemen, coffee trees are grown over 8,000 feet above sea level. Instead of peeling open the cherries and drying the coffee beans naked (which is what the Turks did after occupying Yemen in the 19th century), Yemenis left whole coffee cherries for four weeks on their rooftops, then broke them open to get their precious beans. The result was a drink that constantly surprised, playing with a variety of notes. Coffee fanatics say that the beauty of Yemeni coffee is in the fact that an air of mystery surrounds each cup, some are more chocolate-y, while others carry notes of various fruits or earthy spices. It is this thrilling variety that popularised Yemeni coffee across the Middle East, and even led to some Arab leaders outlawing the drink in the 1500s, based on the claim that 'people were having too much fun in coffeehouses'. Today, Yemeni coffee is no longer outlawed, and is instead wildly sought after. People all over the globe seek the unexpected twist of these meticulously-prepared beans, and they've finally made their way to Cairo (again), with Yam Speciality Coffee, the first fully Yemeni café in Egypt. Yam abandons the usual (now redundant) minimalism of your average Cairo coffee house for a more distinct look. They offer several blends, each with its own unique set of notes, hailing from different Yemeni cities: Harazi, Hamadi, Hawari and Haimi. Which makes Yam the perfect spot to explore coffee as our generation has never experienced it before.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Construction sector supports Malaysia's economic rise: Michael Yam
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's surge in the world's competitiveness ranking offers crucial insights into areas within the local construction sector that demand continued focus and strategic enhancement, a top industry executive said. Datuk Seri Michael Yam Kong Choy, champion of the Construction and Built Environment Productivity Nexus (COBEPN), said the ranking improvement reflects more than just progress - it validates Malaysia's commitment to reform, invest and innovate. "This is not merely a numbers game, it is a validation of Malaysia's resolve to reform, invest, and innovate," Yam said in a statement today, when commenting on the country's competitiveness ranking. Malaysia surged to 23rd place from 34th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, marking its strongest global standing since 2020. Yam noted that the construction sector recorded a strong turnover of RM17.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, cementing its status as a key contributor to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP). Malaysia's climb in competitiveness, he said, has been bolstered by strategic infrastructure investments and the construction sector's adoption of digital technologies that have redefined productivity and project delivery efficiency. "These bold initiatives, supported by forward-thinking government policies and our growing skilled workforce, significantly amplify Malaysia's competitive edge on the global stage", he added. While the positive shift merits celebration, the ranking also offers crucial insights into areas within the construction sector that demand continued focus and strategic enhancement. Yam also emphasised that sustained improvement in productivity through advanced technology adoption, such as Building Information Modelling, modern methods of construction and Design for Manufacture and Assembly approach remains paramount. He highlighted the urgency of intensifying efforts to embrace sustainability practices, circular economy principles, and secure green building certifications, integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to align with evolving global environmental, social and governance standards. "Streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing efficiency will also prove crucial in attracting further foreign direct investments and stimulating local innovation," he added. Meanwhile, Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) - through COBEPN - said it is committed to spearheading initiatives designed to elevate the construction sector's productivity and overall competitiveness. It urged every industry player, policymaker and member of the workforce within the construction sector to seize the momentum and leverage by boldly embracing innovation and championing sustainable practices. This collaborative effort is essential to forge a more resilient, productive, and globally competitive Malaysian economy, driving relentlessly towards the nation's shared national target of being among the world's top 12 most competitive economies by 2033.
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Giants sign highly touted international guard
Goldfields Giants' push for a maiden playoffs berth this year in the women's NBL1 West division was boosted last weekend with the acquisition of Filipino guard Hazelle Yam. The 27-year-old, from Quezon City, joins a squad that sits in ninth position, with a 2-4 win-loss record. 'Yam, renowned for her speed and playmaking abilities, brings a wealth of experience from both collegiate and international basketball arenas,' the club said in a statement. 'A stand-out at Ateneo de Manila University, Yam was celebrated for her lightning-quick drives and leadership on the court. 'Her transition to international play saw her represent the Philippines in the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series, where she showcased her skills against top-tier global competition. 'Yam's addition is expected to bolster the Giants' back court — her versatility and experience are anticipated to be pivotal as the team aims to improve on previous season performances.' Goldfields currently sit two games outside the top-eight.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
MCKL duo eye SEA Games
WITH the South-East Asian (SEA) Games set to take place in Thailand in December, a current student and a recent graduate of Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) are not taking their chances of representing Malaysia in their respective sports lightly. Yam Yi Jien Ethan, 19, an A-Level student, is gearing up for the National Fencing Championships in June, which will determine his ranking and opportunity to compete in the Games. Khor Jing Hong, 20, who completed his A-Level studies last February, is focused on continuous improvement, having recently qualified for the Games by ranking ninth in Asia in the men's 20km racewalking event at the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan. Even as the duo aim for excellence in their sports, they have not neglected their academics. Balancing sports and studies, they say, is key to excelling holistically as students. Yam achieved full distinctions in both the International General Certificate of Secondary Education 2023 and AS-Level 2024 exams, while Khor was a straight-A student in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2022 and A-Level 2024 exams. Both also won medals at the 2024 Sukma Games. 'It's really not difficult. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day; it's just how we manage it. When I need more time to study or train, I don't cut out important things like sleep – I just spend less time on activities like scrolling and playing video games,' Yam told StarEdu. Khor, who is in the midst of applying to universities, said making yearly, monthly and weekly plans in advance helps. 'Knowing my priorities ensures I don't waste time on mindless activities. 'Not having social media is one reason I can still find extra time despite my packed schedule. It's not that I don't acknowledge the benefits of social media – I just see it as a double-edged sword,' he said, adding that setting the right expectations also helps prevent burnout. While they are driven by success, both are focused on the long game. Yam aspires to be an Olympian and an Ivy League graduate, and sees taking part in competitions as 'part of my long journey'. 'I keep an open mind, accepting whatever God has planned for me. 'When I lose in a competition, I don't get irritated or angry; I simply accept that I wasn't meant to win that day, because I know I always train as hard as I can. Then, I analyse what went wrong and make sure the same mistake doesn't happen again,' he said. He shared that he fell in love with fencing after he 'stumbled upon it' at age 10. 'I'd never seen something so unique – being in combat with another individual with a sword,' he recalled. Urging students to actively participate in sports, he said it gives them 'a new way to think, to activate their minds in ways they can never do in any other field of education'. Khor, who plans to study applied geoscience for his bachelor's degree and specialise in geothermal energy engineering for his master's, said he sees competitions as opportunities for personal growth. 'Being the best athlete in any sport does not make one a better person. What matters is not the medals and trophies, but knowing that I did my best and learnt something through the journey. 'It is not just about strengthening the physical body, but also nurturing the mind and building a mindset and attitude that are resilient, determined, self- disciplined, humble and mature,' he said. Khor's racewalking journey began at age 11 when his primary school track and field teacher introduced him to the sport. He went on to train under Bukit Jalil Sports School racewalking coach Teoh Boon Lim at age 14 and under current national coach Lo Choon Sieng after completing high school. 'Racewalking is a sport that puts one's willpower and endurance to the test. It's the sport that truly builds my character. One way to know how far I can push is to keep testing my limits,' he said. To students, Khor had this to say: 'Make sports a habit. Find serenity and joy through exercising, and discover which sport intrigues you the most. 'There are limitless options to choose from – you can even invent one on your own. There is no right or wrong, just what's right for you.' Li Zhen, 21, a student in the United Kingdom, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to
New Paper
25-04-2025
- Business
- New Paper
GE2025: 'Views must be grounded in reality' - PAP's Alex Yam on opposition proposals to reduce GST
While the opposition is free to offer counter narratives and alternative proposals to combat the rising cost of living, many parties do not address how future needs may be funded, said PAP candidate for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC Alex Yam in response to calls by opposition parties to roll back the goods and services tax hike. Mr Yam was speaking to the media on April 25, after a two-hour walkabout with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in the vicinity of Yew Tee MRT station where the duo visited nearby malls and a senior care centre. At rallies on April 24, opposition parties had criticised the Government's decision to raise GST rates from 7 per cent to 9 per cent in two stages in 2023 and 2024, despite inflationary pressures. The Workers' Party, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) had said that the tax increase has impacted cost of living, with PSP and SDP calling for a reduction in GST rates. Mr Yam said that while the Government hears a lot of demands from the opposition, they don't hear enough of how much the alternative proposals would cost. "Very often, even when they provide some sort of alternative, it does not come with actual numbers and calculations that make sense," said the North West District mayor. "The Government has always been prepared to listen to other views and take them on board, but they must be grounded in reality, not made purely (made) as political statements." Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC will see a face-off between a PAP team led by PM Wong, and a SDP team led by party organising secretary Mr Jufri Salim. The PAP team is an unchanged slate from the 2020 elections comprising Mr Yam, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad and Ms Hany Soh. The SDP line-up comprises alternative news site founder Mr Ariffin Sha, theatre director Alec Tok and former entrepreneur Gigene Wong. Mr Yam also weighed in on SDP secretary-general Dr Chee Soon Juan's decision to contest in Sembawang West SMC against Ms Poh Li San from the PAP, instead of Bukit Batok, where he had contested in the 2020 General Election and 2016 by-election. At the PAP rally on April 24, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said Dr Chee had not given Bukit Batok residents a good reason for why they were "abandoned" and cautioned voters to be careful of politicians who are not honest about their intentions. Countering that, SDP chairman Paul Tambyah drew a parallel to significant slate changes made at the last minute to the PAP's Punggol and Chua Chu Kang GRC teams. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong was deployed to Punggol GRC in a surprise last-minute switch on Nomination Day, while Manpower Minister Tan See Leng was moved from Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC to lead the PAP team in Chua Chu Kang. In response, Mr Yam said the PAP had explained why the slate changes were made, as Punggol needed a good heavyweight minister like DPM Gan who can carry the ground there. "The difference is that Dr Chee made a public pledge not to abandon Bukit Batok," he said. "Here you have an individual who made a promise, but yet changed his mind. That's the point Mr Ong (Ye Kung) was trying to make," added Mr Yam. He was referring to Dr Chee's pledge to contest in Bukit Batok SMC in the upcoming polls, which he declared in a Facebook video in mid-February before the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee Report. It was later announced that Bukit Batok SMC would be absorbed by Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. On the SDP's 'northern strategy' in this election, Mr Yam added that the PAP does not "have a choice of a northern campaign, or a southern campaign or a central campaign." "Our responsibility is to every Singaporean. We run (for) every single seat with the hope of being able to secure representation in Parliament so we can do our best for Singaporeans." Mr Yam also addressed an assertion by Mr Sha a smaller margin of victory for the PAP would push the ruling party to work harder. Mr Sha had said that a PAP that wins with 80 per cent of the vote is very different from a PAP that wins by 60 per cent of the vote. Mr Yam said the PAP has always worked on the basis that every vote counts. "After the election results are out, regardless of the margin, if we have the opportunity to become the Government, we must make sure that we deliver on our promises," said Mr Yam. Describing this election as a watershed one in light of the global climate, Mr Yam added that the PAP's Marsiling-Yew Tee team has received lot of support and encouragement from residents. "This is, of course, a good sign but we shouldn't rest on our laurels. It does mean that we must continue to work hard to secure every vote, not just in our GRC, but across Singapore," he said.
