Autism: Stigma & Vulnerability

April 18, 2023

Kuala Lumpur, April 15 – The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) organized a roundtable in partnership with the Malaysian Council of Child Welfare (MKKM) to raise awareness of Autism. This event was carried out in conjunction with International Awareness Month of Autism, which falls in April every year. This event was also supported by MAHSA International School (MISKL). The theme for this year is “Light it Blue”.

The roundtable is organized with the aim of addressing the stigma and vulnerability of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It hopes to elevate the level of awareness and further dispel the misconception surrounding people with Autism.

Statistics of Autism

The roundtable brought together Associate Professor Dr. Kamal Kenny, Chairman, FRHAM: Datuk Dr. Raj Karim, President, MKKM and Mr Suresh Unnikrishnan, Autism Advocate to discuss and exchange views on various stigmas and vulnerabilities faced by people with Autism. The event was moderated by Ms Sharmilah Rajendran.

The latest annual figure for 2021 showed a total of 589 children aged 18 and below being diagnosed with ASD, up five per cent from 562 children in 2020. According to the wise voter, Malaysia’s total population with Autism ranked 50 and the children population with Autism ranked 57 globally.

According to Datuk Dr Raj Karim, President, MKKM, it is important to know more about Autism because it is a problem that is multifactorial and it affects every child differently. It is also very important for all the stakeholders to encourage all the agencies like NGOs and parents on how to support individuals with Autism, especially parents because they will be the primary caregivers for their children. So, it is very important for them to attend events and workshops on how to notice any changes and help their child. And it is also important for the healthcare system or caregivers to acknowledge that every autistic individual is affected differently because it is a spectrum, which is why they need to provide customized treatment accordingly.

According to Dr. Kamal Kenny, children living with Autism can be vulnerable to likely perpetrators who are aware of their condition. As such integrated programs on sex education should be in place involving people living with ASD. “Children in the higher spectrum are more likely to be non-verbal and may not communicate effectively, as such programs on safe touch must be instituted in schools to allow a safe place for children with ASD to get a proper education in school”. Dr Kamal Kenny also added that children with Autism are likely to be bullied and stigmatized because of their behavioural patterns. “Here teachers play an important role in educating other children of acceptance and behaving in a non-discriminatory way towards children living with Autism”. “Autism should be looked at holistically to ensure access, support and guidance is received by all people living with Autism,” added Dr Kamal Kenny.

According to Suresh Unnikrishnan, in conjunction with International Awareness on Autism Month “There needs to be a combined effort by all stakeholders to create awareness, it should not be done in the month of April alone. It should be a whole year’s effort. With more awareness, early screening can be done when the child is between 18 to 24 months. Thereon parents can put their special child into the Early Intervention Program. The sooner they do this, it will benefit their child.”

Another partner for this meaningful event was MAHSA International School (MISKL). A total of five students carried out podcasts discussing issues pertaining to Autism. According to Ms Sarah Fields, Principal of MISKL, “The need for inclusion in our education system is imperative. Children with ASD should not be singled out and discriminated because of the challenges they face.” She also added teachers play an integral role in paving the right part for children having ASD. According to Nuhad Bin Kabir, Head Boy of MISKL, “Children with ASD should be given proper guidance in their early education. With that, we are able to nurture non-discriminatory at school amongst children with ASD”. According to Avinesh Jay Kenny, “A blended approach that encourages inclusiveness where a typical child partakes in activities involving children with ASD will nurture an environment which is tolerant and absence of biasness in the school”.

The International Autism Awareness Month is celebrated throughout the month of April every year. Let’s put together to end discrimination towards people living with ASD.

For more details, please contact: [email protected]

Axiata Foundation launches Back To School Programme and All-Star Bestari Scholarship to promote equitable education

News Hub Asia Reporter

April 14, 2023

Axiata Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Axiata Group Berhad, has launched two programmes under its Axiata Equity-In-Education Fund (AEiEF) earlier today. In line with its mission to provide education support and financial assistance to top-performing students from low-income backgrounds, Axiata Foundation’s Back To School (BTS) 2023 Programme was unveiled in partnership with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and Sekolah Berasrama Penuh (SBP) as a means of widening the programme’s reach nationwide. In addition, Axiata Foundation announced the launch of its All-Star Bestari Scholarship Programme (ASBS) for high-potential students from underprivileged families (B40) who wish to pursue their pre-university and undergraduate studies in local public institutions.

Encik Mohamad Kamal Nawawi (Chief Executive Officer of the Axiata Foundation), Dr Norisah Binti Suhaili (Deputy Director General of Education Malaysia (Operation Sector Malaysia)), Datin Dr Norrizan Razali (Member of the Board of Trustees), and Encik Noor Azizan Bin Abd. Hadi (Deputy Director of Sekolah Berasrama Penuh) [L-R]

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

AXIATA FOUNDATION’S BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAMME

Axiata Foundation debuted its Back To School Programme in 2022, consisting of two phases. In phase one, Axiata Foundation spent RM250,000 to provide school supplies and cash assistance to 700 top- performing students from low-income families across 48 Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) schools nationwide. In phase two, Axiata Foundation invited these select students to join its School Leadership Development Programme, valued at RM160,000, in an effort to create greater value and longer-lasting impact for them.

This year, Axiata Foundation is more than doubling its pledge for the BTS 2023 Programme. In phase one, Axiata Foundation will distribute a total of RM490,000 to 700 MRSM students and 700 SBP students across the nation in the form of providing essential school supplies worth RM250 and cash assistance worth RM100 per beneficiary. Meanwhile, in phase two, the identified students will be invited to participate in Axiata Foundation’s School Leadership Development Programme (SLDP) and the Axiata Digital Leaders Programme (ADLP) later this year.

Both programmes, valued together at RM520,000, aim to equip the students with essential leadership skills and digital capabilities in order to develop them into effective leaders of the future and empower them as agents of positive change. Therefore, in 2023, Axiata Foundation’s commitment to provide quality education in an inclusive and equitable manner has amounted to above RM1 million.

AXIATA FOUNDATION’S ALL-STAR BESTARI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Axiata Foundation’s long-standing dedication to nurturing young scholars has seen a renewed, and expanded, commitment. Since 2011, the Foundation has provided scholarships to top-performing secondary students in partnership with Kolej Yayasan Saad (KYS). The Foundation’s support throughout these years will now be extended to pre-university and undergraduates with the launch of Axiata Foundation’s All-Star Bestari Scholarship Programme.

This scholarship programme provides financial aid to high potential students from B40 communities to empower them in their pursuit and completion of their pre-university and undergraduate studies at local public institutions in Malaysia. ASBS will also provide these beneficiaries with structured interventions to nurture their personal and professional development in the spirit of the programme’s motto “Scholarship Beyond Academics”.

This year’s instalment sees Axiata Foundation providing scholarships to 20 pre-university and 20 undergraduate beneficiaries. There will also be a reserve quota for specific marginalised groups such as Orang Asli and Persons with Disabilities (OKU), in line with the mission to provide inclusive and equitable education. Applications can be made through the Axiata Foundation website which will be open to the public on 10th May 2023.

FUTURE-PROOFING MALAYSIA THROUGH SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

In equipping future generations of Malaysians, the Foundation fulfils its ethos to move successive generations of Malaysians up the social ladder. Responding to the recent call of the Government to provide more initiatives and education opportunities through Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Axiata Foundation aims to broaden its scholarship programme in the near future by paving the way for scholars pursuing education in TVET. The Foundation will also provide increased opportunities for Professional Certificates in technology and digital-core subjects such as Data Analytics, Software Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others to develop future-ready digital leaders.

Axiata Foundation’s CEO, Mohamad Kamal Bin Nawawi said “Axiata Foundation intends to benefit more students this year through Back To School, All-Star Bestari Scholarship Programme and to increase the allocation for both programmes for the benefit of less fortunate students. At Axiata Foundation, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Ministry of Education, Majlis Amanah Rakyat, and the management of SBP and in providing assistance to these students in continuing their education.”

“Through the Education pillar, Axiata Foundation also aims to nurture young generations with critical thinking skills to develop them into future digital leaders.”

“Axiata Foundation is determined to continue playing an important role in the development of future corporate leaders and digital leaders of the country.”

In addition to the Ministry of Education, MARA, MRSM and BPSPB representatives, 100 beneficiaries from MRSM and SBP were present during the launch event and received a mock cheque for their schools and a token of appreciation from Axiata Foundation.”Thank you, Axiata Foundation, for the school supplies and for the valuable skills that I have gained from the leadership programme. Thank you for everything and I really hope that I can apply my learnings from the programme throughout my life journey,” shared one of the SBP beneficiaries of Back To School 2023.

Axiata Foundation: www.axiata-foundation.com

Source: Axiata Foundation

Malaysian female sellers uplift other women on Shopee

News Hub Asia Reporter

April 11, 2023

Shopee’s 2023 ShopeeSapotLokal Building Connected Communities study⁽¹⁾ finds that 100% of Malaysian women who achieve economic inclusion share their success by uplifting other women in B40 and rural areas. For 1,015 female sellers surveyed on the marketplace this Ramadan period: two-thirds hire single, rural, or impoverished women, or source directly from women-owned suppliers; a third facilitate networking opportunities and training programs.

Shopee Malaysian Female Sellers Uplift Other Women on Shopee

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

These findings demonstrate that Malaysian women in the digital economy are not only supporting household dependents during peak Ramadan e-commerce sales⁽²⁾, but are a driving force in giving back by lowering barriers to entry, widening access to customers, and providing more flexibility in time management to other women like themselves.

When asked ”How has Shopee opened up new opportunities for women sellers like yourself?” – eight in ten respondents value the benefits and freedom of starting an online storefront easily with minimal investments and scaling it for sustainable growth, whereas two in ten respondents value the time they get to support their family, pursue their own aspirations, and enhance their skills.

Having achieved success for themselves this Raya, women on Shopee have been able to save time and effort in establishing alternative revenue streams, build relationships with resellers, vendors, and infrastructure partners they have no prior contacts with, and figure out how to invest in attracting their first customer base, especially for marginalised or impoverished women in rural and B40 communities. Not to mention, juggling their careers on top of household responsibilities and raising children.

#ShopeeSapotLokal’s community of women sellers have a sense of purpose and are capitalising on opportunities to drive greater inclusion by appealing to younger generations of Malaysian shoppers who shop purposefully online⁽³⁾. When Generation Z choose to buy from women-owned stores, the survey helps them understand why these women think it’s important their business is supported: 60% of respondents are driven by career growth, financial empowerment, and long-term stability. 40% believe in making a positive impact with products that improve lives and by being role models for women and children.

Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia, said, “Our belief is that e-commerce should be accessible to all. With this survey, Shopee’s community of empowered business-women are getting their voices heard. They’re advocating for a multifaceted approach to uplift other women and encouraging online shoppers to support them. These women are playing a significant role in Malaysia’s digital economy, and we’re sitting up listening and giving them the platform to succeed.”

Their growing participation in e-commerce allows Malaysian women to give their point of view on how to upskill other women to unlock their growth potential. 70% of women surveyed identified understanding people and delivering on trust as critical to success — 30% prioritise marketing as important to improve store content and deliver on their brand story, 20% focus on engaging shopping experiences to increase orders, and 20% emphasise customer service for star ratings and positive reviews. Only a third think upskilling is needed in navigating the platform features or optimising operations.

When asked which Shopee marketplace feature they utilise most to grow given their specific needs and constraints as women entrepreneurs, 36% of women sellers want to become preferred sellers or achieve Shopee Mall status. 25% want to leverage influencers and Shopee Live for higher visibility, 23% seek Seller Education Hub and Shopee Bintang Komuniti support, and 18% would like to capitalise on Big Campaigns.

“Championing other women’s success means they can help each other define how Malaysian communities are built, communicated with, and how value-based businesses are run. 90% of women surveyed would recommend Shopee as a platform of choice to other women sellers promoting value-based shopping and inclusion,” Soh concluded.

Source: Shopee

Roundtable promotes positive sexual and psychosocial health

News Hub Asia Reporter

April 10, 2023

Dr. Kaarthig Ganesamoorthy, Director, DTAP Clinic during the opening speech at the Roundtable Discussion of Positive Sexual and Psychosocial Health.

The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) organised a roundtable discussion in collaboration with DTAP Clinic at KL Wellness City to raise awareness of positive sexual and psychosocial health. The significant forum was initiated by HealthForum360, supported by PT Foundation, and Emjay Communications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.

“The roundtable is part of DTAP Clinic’s efforts to raise concrete understanding of positive sexual health, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which has regrettably developed into a global burden.

The forum hopes to elevate the gravity of sexual diseases, consequences and the essential need to incorporate sexuality health in a structured and comprehensive manner in the education curriculum to avoid STIs and unintended pregnancy”, said Dr Kaarthig.

The roundtable brought together associate professor Dr Kamal Kenny, chairman of FRHAM, Dr Kaarthig Ganesamoorthy, director of DTAP Clinic, Ramesh Vadiveloo, the community health care manager of PT Foundation and Gunaprasath Bupalan, CEO of Emjay Communications to discuss and exchange views on positive sexual health, disease burden, access, support services and the media’s role in sexual wellbeing. The roundtable was moderated by Datin Dr Nor Hafizah Ismail, a senior educationist.

Panellists (From Left) Gunaprasath Bupalan, CEO of Emjay Communications, Ramesh Vadiveloo, Community Health Care Manager of PT Foundation, Dr. Kaarthig Ganesamoorthy, Director of DTAP Clinic and Associate Professor Dr. Kamal Kenny, Chairman of FRHAM discussing the issues of Sexual and Psychosocial Health with moderator Datin Dr. Nor Hafizah Ismail.

“The whole agenda of sexual health must be carefully scrutinized to ensure that in our plight to help no one is left behind in getting health access for all despite their medical diagnosis. “We need a holistic approach which involves various stakeholders in dealing with the issue of sexual health,” said Dr Kamal.

Gunaprasath said the mass media, including social networks, are imperative in creating awareness of good sexual health practices.

“To reduce sexually transmitted infections, behavioural change is required. That will only be possible through constant education and communication. As such the role of the media cannot be understated.

“Collectively, we must remove the stigma associated with sexual and reproductive health. These conversations need to be held in a safe zone that is culturally appropriate and based on the latest scientific facts. This is how we can empower individuals and build a resilient society,” he said.

“Thoughtful community-based social support groups are recognised as a key element that contributes to emotional and psychosocial health, including sexual health dilemmas. Strong support groups involve having a network of trusted professionals, friends and family a person in calamity can turn to in times of urgent need. Positive social integration is important to manage depression and loneliness,” said Ramesh.

The discussion brought forth many positive takeaways as well as hurdles that are being faced. DTAP Clinic, FHRAM, PT FOUNDATION and EMJAY COMMUNICATIONS believe that this topic should not end here and the takeaways should be addressed for positive improvement.

More than 1 million STIs are acquired every day. In 2020, WHO estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia (129 million), gonorrhoea (82 million), syphilis (7.1 million) and trichomoniasis (156 million).

Please visit #healthforum360 at the below handles for more information, tips, discussion and advice on Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Sexual Health.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088216045937

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthforum360/

Or visit www.dtapclinic.com.my for a discreet consult.

Lalamove Vietnam accompanies the Lotus Foundation to bring “Happy & Smile Rice Restaurant” to thousands of disadvantaged people and driver partners.

News Hub Asia Reporter

April 8, 2023

Lalamove Vietnam officially announced the cooperation with the Lotus Foundation in the project “Happy & Smile Restaurant“, with the spirit of DeliverCare – empowering the community to bring positive changes. Accordingly, Lalamove will continuously support the transportation of materials and food to shelters. Bong Sen Foundation can also proactively order free delivery vans through Lalamove platform in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with all types of transportation such as pickup trucks, trucks, vans up to 2, 5 tons.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

Lalamove understands the hardships of the transportation profession and wishes to add health and smiles to its driver partners to be ready for long journeys during the day. From 10am Monday to Saturday, or on certain days of the week, all drivers can come and enjoy a decent full lunch for only 2,000 VND at 6 Happy & Smile Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

This is also an opportunity for drivers who are not partners of Lalamove. By participating in Lalamove’s driver partner community, drivers can not only improve their income, but also contribute to this project. This cooperation will form a humane circle that brings good values to the Lotus Foundation, Driver Partners and the Community, working together to build a better society.

The representative of Lalamove Vietnam shared: “It is such an honor to be able to extend the 11-year journey of implementing the social meal project with the Foundation, together bringing thousands of delicious and warm meals to many people “

Address of the restaurant:

Ho Chi Minh City
Nụ Cười 1	385 CMT8 Ward 3 District 10	From 10h Monday – Sat
Nụ Cười 2	No. 170 Tan Son Nhi, Tan Son Nhi Ward, Tan Phu District
Nụ Cười 6	No. 11 Nguyen Huy Luong, Ward 14, Binh Thanh District
Nụ Cười 4	No. 148 Ben Van Don, Ward 6, District 4	From 10h Tue – Thu – Sat
Nụ Cười 9	No. 17A Tran Dinh Xu, Cau Kho Ward, District 1	From 10h Mon – Wed – Fri
Hanoi:
Yên vui Đống Đa	No. 136 Lane 88 Tran Quy Cap, Van Chuong Ward, Dong Da District	From 10h30 Mon – Fri

Source: Lalamove

UOB Malaysia unveils vibrant LRT wrap featuring local talent’s artwork

News Hub Asia Reporter

April 6, 2023

As part of UOB Malaysia’s initiative to bring art closer to the community, the Bank recently unveiled a vibrant light rail transit (LRT) wrap featuring an artwork by a winner of 2022 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) (POY (Malaysia)). From now until June 2023, commuters on Rapid KL’s Kelana Jaya LRT line will be visually treated to the creative expression of Mr Wooi Ki Xiong’s Mandi Bunga (or Flower Bath).

At the unveiling of the winning artwork LRT wrap (from left to right):
1. Mr Wooi Ki Xiong, the Most Promising Artist of the Year, Emerging Category, 2022 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia).
2. Ms Ann Lim, Head of Brand, Media and Communications, UOB Malaysia

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

As patron of the arts, UOB Malaysia believes in doing right by the community and supporting home-grown talents in their creative pursuits. The LRT wrap is one of the Bank’s efforts to showcase local artworks to a wider audience to increase art appreciation among Malaysians.

Mr Wooi was named the Most Promising Artist of the Year in the Emerging Artist Category at the 2022 UOB POY (Malaysia) competition. His artwork Mandi Bunga, received the highest votes and was selected to be adapted as a wrap on the LRT through a nationwide Facebook contest held by the Bank.

Mandi Bunga is inspired by a flower bath cleansing ritual practised across Southeast Asian countries and embodies the artist’s wish for the nation to prosper once again, after enduring a turbulent time during the pandemic.

Source: UOB

Enjoy a bigger boost of pure refreshment with Coway’s latest CORE PLUS water purifier this ramadan

News Hub Asia Reporter

March 28, 2023

Coway, the Best Life Solution Company wants Malaysians to savour the blessed month of Ramadan, with the help of its newly-launched Coway CORE PLUS water purifier, made to provide a steady flow of hot, cold, and room-temperature water with just a simple, soft touch on its digital display.

Coway CORE PLUS water purifier fits seamlessly into households, offices, gyms or public spaces to keep everyone hydrated.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

The CORE PLUS water purifier is an upgrade from the existing Coway CORE water purifier model, and has the largest tank capacity of 21.1 litres in Malaysia. So, whether you are breaking fast with your big family at home, or hosting a fast-breaking session with your colleagues in the office, the Coway CORE PLUS water purifier is the perfect solution for your drinking water needs.

It is also the first floor-standing Coway water purifier that comes with a 6-step filtration system with UV care. The ultraviolet-lit (UV-lit) interior keeps the flow of water free of mould growth and bacteria, providing safe pure drinking water for your everyday needs.

Kyle Choi, Managing Director of Coway Malaysia said, “At Coway, we operate on the principle of health and convenience. We want our fellow Malaysians to be able to have the best, truly pristine and crystal-clear water that is pure and free of germs and other harmful contaminants. Our latest CORE PLUS water purifier is delivering that promise to our customers, that they can have a peace of mind, be it for high usage in the workplace or households, that you will always have access to clean drinking water.”

The Coway CORE PLUS water purifier is available in oatmeal beige colour that blends with any office or home pantry, complete with a slim contemporary design to accommodate your kitchen environment. There is no need to bend to get your water, as the Coway CORE PLUS water purifier is designed ergonomically, so that you can dispense water from a comfortable position.

Get your Coway CORE PLUS water purifier from RM139 per month with regular maintenance services. For more information, kindly visit www.coway.com.my

Source: Coway

IWD 2023: Why gender equity in tech matters more than ever

News Hub Asia Reporter

March 21, 2023

Technology is moving at lightning speed. In my lifetime alone, the world as we know it has orbited into a completely different galaxy from the one, we inhabited before. We’re already reflecting on the last two decades as one of the most dramatic periods of transformation in centuries.

Kawal Preet_President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) FedEx Express

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

The evolution of tech is having an irreversible effect on some of the biggest issues of our day: societal structure; the global workplace; the future of our planet. But tech also has a major role to play in how diverse, equitable and inclusive our communities are. One subject very close to my heart is how to further opportunities for young women in tech, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. I’ve long believed that by being better, more vocal champions of females in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) from a very early age, we can transform these industries – and society at large – for the better.

My journey in STEM

As a young girl growing up in India, science became the pathway for me to find my passion and sharpen a set of skills that would equip me for the future. By the time I reached university, I was studying engineering. As a woman, I was without doubt in a minority set from the beginning. This could easily have been a disadvantage. Instead, being one of only a handful of women taught me to make sure that in a male-dominated environment, my voice could be heard. I had to make sure that the same doors that were open to my male classmates were also being held open for me.

This experience taught me something powerful: the importance of mentorship. Everyone benefits from diverse role models. If mentors in STEM are only male, chances are that stereotypes – especially at such a formative age – will be reinforced. If that happens, gender inequality and unconscious bias win again.

Women must champion – and mentor – women

Mentorship has been a key part of FedEx initiatives to champion women in business across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. At the height of the pandemic, we set up support systems for female entrepreneurs in India who were at risk of losing the businesses they had built and their ability to provide for their families. Teaming up with community NGO United Way Mumbai, we helped 700 women from low-income groups access the tools and essential support needed to re-start their enterprises and recover. Vulnerable female-led SMEs were among the hardest hit during the pandemic and continue to need help – especially those from low-income communities.

Recently, we’ve also developed a mentorship and professional skills development program for young female students in the Philippines who aspire to pursue careers in STEM.

Keeping pace with the speed of change

Of course, science and technology roles today are light years away from when I was young. Tech is filled with endless opportunities. Girls aspiring to study STEM fields don’t need to be an engineer, scientist, or educator. They can work in AI, robotics, 5G, future mobility, climate research and more. Increasingly, we’re seeing tech change lives for the better in sectors like healthcare, helping to cure diseases, increase lifespans and contribute to a healthier society. There’s room for blue sky thinking and creativity. There are opportunities to work with data sets that can truly transform how we live and how sustainable our future can be.

Start-ups – built by young founders who are digital natives – are at the forefront of this change. Two out of the four finalists from our 2022 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest – our annual competition to award the most innovative start-ups in Asia Pacific and beyond – were young women working in medtech and a healthcare services enablement platform. Both saw opportunities to launch something that didn’t yet exist in the healthcare space, improving lives of patients – and using tech to make the change.

Embracing equity for females everywhere

The tech sector is full of big predictions for our region. In 2023, digital spending is forecast to grow at 3.5x the size of the economy in APAC. With markets across the region competing to be at the forefront of tech product development. We need to be realistic. To make this prediction a reality, we need to address some of the barriers that exist. Digital upskilling. Sourcing the right talent. Identifying the best roadmap for innovation at scale. And the truth is, none of these areas can be brought to full potential if we are not mindful of the gender parity that may exist in our workplaces, schools, labs, and businesses.

One thing’s for sure: tech and innovation can be powerful tools to help women achieve gender equality. Technology as a tool or platform is by definition gender-agnostic. If data doesn’t discriminate, then nor should we. In a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive, the same opportunities must exist for all.

Source: FedEx Express

Maggi collaborates with Women’s Ministry & Tech Companies to boost women’s participation in the digital economy

News Hub Asia Reporter

March 21, 2023

MAGGI^® is strengthening its commitment to empowering women and small business owners through its Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI^® (‘PMWCBM’). On the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2023, MAGGI^® has announced its third edition of PMWCBM in collaboration with tech companies – Google, Meta, and TikTok. This collaboration offers a comprehensive upskilling workshop and masterclass focused on content creation for social media, personal growth and how to grow a food business. Since the programme’s inception in 2020, it has impacted over 3,500 women nationwide.

IMAGE 1_The official launch of Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023.jpg

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

At the launch event, YB Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM), said, “This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #EmbraceEquity, aligns with our ministry’s goal of promoting women’s active participation in the workforce. Upskilling women and marginalised communities with digital skills will provide new income opportunities, narrowing the gender equality gap. Gender equality requires the involvement, cooperation and support of various stakeholders. We’re pleased to be part of this encouraging collaboration between the private and public sector. MAGGI^® will work with the Ministry on grassroot community outreach with a key focus on the B40 community, offering upskilling workshops and engagement sessions to help them tap into the digital economy.”

For many years, Nestlé commemorates the International Women’s Day as an important milestone to celebrate women’s achievements around the world. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad said “We recognise the progress made in the journey so far, while we renew our commitment to continue making positive changes towards building diversity, equity and inclusivity in Malaysia, for women and for all. With the advent of digitalisation, Nestlé and MAGGI^® are embracing gender equity by upskilling and empowering women in the digital age, whilst building their confidence and helping them elevate their food businesses.”

With the rise of social media and the growth of the digital landscape, social media influencers and content creators play a critical role in a brand’s outreach. There is a vast opportunity for women in Malaysia to generate sustainable income from food content and level up their food businesses with digital skills and capabilities. MAGGI^® is taking a step further to elevate the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI^® to the next level by collaborating with renowned digital leaders such as Google, Meta, and TikTok.

This year’s Bengkel Online Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI^® introduces a brand-new online module for participants who want to start their journey as food-based content creators, either as individuals or business owners. Participants are also presented with the opportunity to attend a Masterclass: Food Influencer and Content Creator with MAGGI^®. Experts from Google, Meta and TikTok share guidance, advice and best practices on content creation, while successful influencers share their stories to inspire participants. After a rigorous selection process, 21 winners will be selected to receive a contract with MAGGI^® and be part of an exclusive mentorship program to become food content creators.

Geetha Balakrishna, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI^® of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad said “As we progress along to support women in their upskilling journey, it is important to remind all that we must always strive for progress and make a difference, no matter how small. So we should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Apa perubahan anda hari ini?’ (‘What changes did you make today?’). We are confident that through the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI^®, we can continue to encourage women to make a positive change as aligned with MAGGI^® CukupRasa’s ‘Tak Kenal, Tak Cinta’ (‘Never Try, Never Know’) spirit.”

For more information about the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI^® 2023, please log on to https://www.maggi.my/en/maggi-happenings/maggi-cukup-rasa/

Source: Maggi

Best Actress Michelle Yeoh in Moussaieff at Oscars 95th Academy Awards

News Hub Asia Reporter

March 14, 2023

Michelle Yeoh looked stunning in Moussaieff high jewellery at the Oscars, 95^th Academy Awards, where she accepted the award for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ for her performance in the film, Everything Everywhere All at Once.

She was adorned in a diamond hair ornament/necklace complemented by diamond earrings and a diamond ring.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Michelle Yeoh accepts the Best Actress award for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get a daily dose of business and lifestyle news from NHA – News Hub Asia!

1...789...145 Page 8 of 145