We want to hear from you 🫵

The Kopitiam Briefing is your space to share what’s on your mind — a film you can’t stop thinking about 🎬, something wild you learned in class 🧠, a hobby you love ❤️, or a travel guide from your latest trip ✈️.

We’re looking for pieces that feel real and personal — your perspective as a Malaysian student living and learning in the US 🇲🇾🇺🇸.

Write whatever feels right:
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A note from the editors: Thank you for your continued support.

There’s a particular kind of warmth that comes from realizing people actually stayed. Not just clicked into an issue and scrolled past — stayed, read, felt something, and told us about it.

That’s what these past couple of months have felt like. You’ve sent us messages after articles that stuck with you, told us which pieces made you homesick in the best way, pointed out where we could do better, and kept showing up issue after issue. Like sitting down at the same kopitiam table without needing to think about it.

We don’t take that lightly. TKB exists because you keep making room for it in your day, and every note you’ve sent — the kind ones, the critical ones, the “this made me cry at 1am” ones — has genuinely shaped what this newsletter has become. So first and simplest: thank you. For reading, for sharing, for telling your friends, for caring enough to write back to us at all.

And since we’re asking for things anyway — we’d love your help with one more.

If TKB has meant something to you, chances are you know someone else it would mean something to too — your shy friend, who’s always got an opinion piece brewing, a friend who keeps a journal full of things they’ve never shown anyone, that one person who always explains Malaysian politics better than the news does.

Tell them to pull up a chair. There’s always a seat at the table here.

Thank you for being here — for the last issue, this one, and however many more we get to make together.

With love,

— The NAMSA 26/27 Editorial Team

Table of Content

📍 In our TKB August issue, we feature the following FOUR articles

“There was something about the condiment medley on this photo of ayam gepuk—an odd allure that made me pause. I wondered if my ChemE sailing friend felt it too; did the platter draw him in like his sailboat adventures do?”

"That Looks Fire"
— By Lily Awing Paul, Columbia University ‘26

Some of them can be kind, good-natured professors who help you pass and nothing else. Some of them couldn’t care less about you, and some of them would downright be the bane of your academic life. Some of them, if you’re lucky, could change your life entirely.

To All the Professors I’ve Loved Before: On the Lessons of the American College — By Huzaifah Fakhrul Anuar, Pennsylvania State University ‘26

Going home is shameful. It's as if plastering a sheet of paper on my forehead announcing to everyone that I have failed.

Chasing All That's Not Home
— By Anonymous, University of Wisconsin–Madison ‘26

It’s one of its clearest exposures — a stark demonstration of which pregnancies the state considers worth protecting, and which bodies it considers worth degrading.

Pregnant Behind Bars: When the State Decides Who Gets to Mother
— By Rae Zaid, University of Wisconsin–Madison ‘25

01. “That Looks Fire”

By Lily Awing Paul, Columbia University ‘26

The American sailor dude replied to my story. “That looks fire.” Of course it was—the two golden chunks of ayam goreng sat beside a happy pile of crispy tofu clouds tumbling towards a bubbling firebrick brook of sambal pedas. A giant green limau kasturi buoyed atop the chilli, oozing its tangy sap as another tributary fed in from the neighbouring sos gajus, pregnant with nutty sediments. The far rim met a rich forest of deep-fried spinach, its leaves crackling as much as the adjacent fried chicken. This ring of condiments encircled a centerpiece—the fluffy rice mound, held beneath a sprawling buttercup-yellow omelette sky. And over it all: a zigzag, obsidian drizzle of kicap manis.

One plate. Yet cradling such magnificent geomorphology. It’s like staring at a mini model. Honestly, I could see why my American sailing friend was captivated.

This nasi ayam gepuk photo was not his first exposure to Southeast Asian culinary delights. We had shared a class in chemical engineering while I was still in New York. “Yo, Lily, we’d love to try Malaysian food sometime” turned into a group subway ride to Chinatown during class hours to “work on the lab report while having lunch.” You’re right if you guessed that that lab report never materialized. But the trip was worth it: my lab mates slurped up the Penang prawn noodles, relished the char kway teow, gobbled up the kangkung belacan, and got knocked into a food coma after nasi lemak.

However, there was something about the condiment medley on this photo of ayam gepuk—an odd allure that made me pause. I wondered if my ChemE sailing friend felt it too; did the platter draw him in like his sailboat adventures do? When he scans the blue prairies glistening with promise. That ephemeral line where sky meets sea. When he catches a seabass, large as a fiddle, lifting it like a trophy, its glimmering scales rivalling his grin. (He sent me that photo recently.) Or does his awe resemble a different kind? One that comes from his IG feed filled with storms? When an eggshell crack of lightning rips apart a deeply eggplant sky. A supercell wall cloud pushes against the fragile web of normalcy. Did he see a similarly disquieting chaos reflected in the zigzag lines of kicap manis?

How about me? Where did my awe towards the photo stem from? Could it be in a similar vein as my wonder at wildlife? Does my social media feed provide any indication? Photos of beavers—did you know that while most animals enjoy water when they encounter it, beavers hurry to dam it up?

Ants—surely you jumped as I did upon realizing how demonic their faces look close up! Penguins—trying to resist the charm in that waddle is a lost cause. How different is each animal! They can inspire affection, fear, even curiosity. Perhaps I had encountered a similar delight in the mixed variety of the nasi gepuk’s condiments.

But, really? How can I expect a mere plate of nasi ayam gepuk to reflect the fullness of the natural world’s splendor? The churning ocean. The restless dome above my head. The remarkable creatures in biomes I’ve only seen via YouTube and reels. Of course, no metaphor or simile I employ can ever squeeze its all-encompassing awesomeness into a smaller vessel.

Indeed, the ayam gepuk was never meant to do that, was it? To reflect the fullness of the natural world. No—only point us towards it. The nutty sos gajus lake is certainly not a real lake; and yet, it awakens a wonder akin to when I stood atop the mountainsides of the Sierra Nevada during sophomore winter and gaped at the azure expanse of Lake Tahoe. Why, then, do both stir up the same emotion? One staggers before a vast, enveloping grandeur that has endured through the ages; the other delights in something on the table that is beautiful yet transient, and transient because it is about to be consumed.

One is rendered silent by a serene blue expanse, while the other is brought to praise by a platter of warm food. Hugely different contexts. Different color palettes. Different kinds of beauty. And somehow my attention is captured by both. Why do I even find them so attractive in the first place? Could it be the novelty of said objects? Do babies not widen their eyes at every new toy and follow it with laser focus into uncharted territory? Or perhaps there is a harmony at play. In the way things come together and seem to click. The right balance in combining rice, meat, vegetables, and sauces into a single dish. A pleasing blend in the blue of the lake and the grey of the mountains. A subtle order threading through animal ecosystems.

Why are humans capable of this emotion at all? Animals consume food, but do they pause to marvel at it? Deer drink from lakes, but is it not humans who write poetry about water in all its glorious forms?

Dare I suggest that the reason I can experience wonder at both things big and small is that every streak of nature’s beauty, majesty, and mystery points us toward something—or Someone—greater. Perhaps a wise and intelligent Maker, whose greatness cannot possibly be contained in any single created thing, but is hinted at through His creation.

I scooped the mashup of cashew paste and chili, poured it over the crispy chicken and sayur goreng, and partook. Harmony of the flavors brought me pleasure. Pleasure prodded me to consider our human capacity to enjoy things. A smile blossomed as I considered the Giver of these good gifts.

02. To All the Professors I’ve Loved Before: On the Lessons of the American College

By Huzaifah Fakhrul Anuar, Pennsylvania State University ‘26

The ritual for every semester goes like this: check the classes, survey the professors, and choose the best schedule (and hope for the best for every step). After asking people who have taken the class before on Reddit and in real life, you’re now down to the scariest part of it all—surveying the professors. Some of them can be kind, good-natured professors who help you pass and nothing else. Some of them couldn’t care less about you, and some of them would downright be the bane of your academic life.

Some of them, if you’re lucky, could change your life entirely. Although I’ve met professors who have caused me nervous breakdowns and insane chaos, I’m fortunate to have met some of these life-changing professors.

Chris, a lean middle-age white guy with balding hair, is one of them. I took him for a compulsory math class, and he was an absolute joy. He approaches math using an interdisciplinary lens, combining history, physics, math, and sometimes other subjects. In one class, he would talk about a long-standing beef between two opposing mathematicians while teaching a particularly difficult concept. In another, he would bring up a familiar physics topic to visualize some long and confusing formula.

His class structure was also unique: most of his assessments, including exams, could be done at home, though they were more difficult to ensure you could apply the in-class concepts directly. The way he taught the class made me enjoy math entirely, with all its complexity and the challenges it gave. His love for math was so contagious that I ended up taking a minor in math; he was truly an inspiration. He taught me that things could be difficult, but it could still be so much fun if you enjoy the journey. And in turn, he pushed me to start my arduous journey in my math minor.

Another professor that I enjoyed goes by the name of Jessie, a youthful, always bright and smiling Chinese woman who taught a tech-integrated art elective. What I love most about Jessie is how open she was to students’ ideas—no matter how insane your project could be, she would still be supportive of it. For my final project, which was open-ended, I opted to make a video game from scratch, which in hindsight was way too ambitious. I not only had to draw my own game art and assets, but I also had to write the code and script for the game. Jessie allowed me to do so but advised me to make sure that I arranged everything on my schedule carefully.

As the semester went on, my workload became almost impossible to carry, so much so that I was staying up for nights on end, accompanied by Celsius and my easily distracted mind. In the end, I had to ask for weeks after weeks of deadline extensions; Jessie, with full understanding and empathy for my plight as a student, approved my requests every single time, without fail. At the end of the semester, I successfully submitted a video game for the project, though the end result was a bit lacking, honestly speaking. But this project helped me to learn numerous skills that I’ve always wanted to learn, and without Jessie’s consistent support, I wouldn’t have been brave or confident enough to handle the project. Because of that, I got to truly experience the joys of picking up new skills and the process of learning, as well as being inspired to enter the field of game development.

There are so many other professors that have taught me things that have helped me in so many places and in so many ways, but all of them share the same trait: listening to students and sincerely helping them succeed. I haven’t talked about Kiwan, Seunghoon, Heather, or Eli, nor have I talked about the numerous brilliant people that have taught me more than just their class content—they taught me about life. I truly am appreciative of these professors, and without them, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today.

The American classroom is more than just what you learn in class; it’s also what you could bring with you out of it. To all the students out there, I hope you can gain as much as you can from these classes, and not just aim to pass them. And to all my lovely instructors, I hope you know how much wisdom and spirit you’ve imparted to your students—and I pray you’ll never lose your shine.

03. Chasing All That’s Not Home

By Anonymous, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘26

It’s summer in Madison.

The heat makes me think of home. I’m left wondering again, what is it that I am doing here?

It’s the summer after graduation, and many of my friends have returned home. I’m trying to dissect why I am so adamant on staying in the United States. Because I’m not being truthful to myself, I search elsewhere for answers, observing those who made the same decision, those who chose to stay.

My Malaysian friends are not that creative; We say it’s the job prospects, that the industries we chose to pursue here are far more well-developed than back home. It’s the money, justifying loudly that earning four times the purchasing power is a life four times more fruitful. It’s the validation we feel, because those who are free-spirited and ambitious tend to achieve their dreams in this land of freedom. I can’t disagree with any of those statements. They are logically, rationally, and emotionally correct. Even when this country is becoming more hostile towards international students. Even when the country is saying that they do not welcome us. In my mind, they are still correct.

But there is a fourth reason. Going home is shameful. It’s as if plastering a sheet of paper on my forehead announcing to everyone that I have failed. I remember telling my mom on the phone with conviction that I will come back if I don’t get a job in ‘Big Tech’. When I got rejected after five rounds of interviews, I told her I will come back if I don’t get a job in the city, because America in my eyes is only New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. I have now accepted a full-time job in Madison, going back on all promises I made to my parents, clinging onto some self-made, invisible thread, whose only purpose is to keep me from going home. I never wanted to work in Wisconsin, but here we are, compromising myself to stay in this god-forsaken country.

This doesn’t apply to those who have found fulfilling jobs and will continue to learn and grow and thrive; This is for people who are still clinging onto that thread. And I want to say to us, specifically myself: You made this decision. You don’t get to be unhappy. You either stay unhappy, work hard to be happy, or go home and be happy.

One day here is one day less from my loved ones. What will be left of them when I return? What if I wilt before I could blossom back home?

It’s summer in Madison.

Soon, it will be winter; the cold will plague this artificial Malaysian heat. I wonder if I’d still be left chasing all that’s not home.

04. Pregnant Behind Bars: When the State Decides Who Gets to Mother

By Rae Zaid, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘25

Somewhere in the United States right now, a pregnant woman is behind bars. About 3 percent of women entering jails and 4 percent entering federal prisons are pregnant (Cavanagh et al., 2022), and by some estimates, between 5 and 10 percent of incarcerated women are pregnant at intake, with roughly 2,000 babies born to incarcerated mothers each year (Clarke & Simon, 2013). Behind each number is a woman navigating labor, delivery, and recovery inside a system built for punishment, not care.

Mass incarceration in the U.S. has grown sharply over the past several decades, and women — particularly women of color and women from low-income communities — have absorbed a disproportionate share of that growth, with incarcerated women’s numbers rising by more than 25 percent between 1999 and 2009 alone (Hayes et al., 2020). Once inside, at least 38 state prison systems fail to provide basic prenatal monitoring — no regular blood pressure checks, no consistent ultrasounds or fetal monitoring (Kuhlik & Sufrin, 2019; Cross, 2020). Nutrition standards vary wildly between institutions, with many women reporting insufficient calories, minimal fresh produce, and inadequate hydration — all of which raise the risk of pregnancy complications (Capper et al., 2024).

Shackling remains common during labor and delivery: handcuffs, leg irons, waist chains applied to women already at higher risk of falls due to shifting balance and blood pressure (Clarke & Simon, 2013). Restraints can physically block emergency medical intervention during delivery. Only ten states ban the practice outright; thirteen more have internal policies restricting it, but enforcement is inconsistent, leaving protection dependent on geography and which staff member happens to be on shift.

After childbirth, most incarcerated mothers get twenty-four hours with their newborn before the baby is placed with relatives or foster care (Clarke & Simon, 2013) — disrupting bonding and breastfeeding at the exact moment both matter most. Infants separated from mothers at birth face higher risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties later on, and mothers often describe the separation as a punishment that outlasts their sentence (Frieh & Suarez, 2024). Alirezaei and Roudsari (2024) describe what these women endure as a form of “white torture”: guilt, fear, shame, and chronic institutional surveillance rather than overt physical violence — harm the legal system rarely accounts for. The 1976 case Estelle v. Gamble requires prisons to provide “adequate” medical care under the Eighth Amendment, yet delayed responses to complications and inconsistent access to obstetric specialists persist while remaining technically lawful.

None of this is evenly distributed. McKenna and Nowotny (2024) trace how structural racism — through discriminatory laws, residential segregation, police violence, and mass incarceration itself — shapes these outcomes. States with the highest incarceration rates, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, also have some of the weakest healthcare access, funneling women into systems already unequipped to meet their needs (McKenna & Nowotny, 2024; Widra, 2024). The disadvantage doesn’t end at release: restrictive eligibility rules often block formerly incarcerated women from housing assistance, public benefits, and medical care, compounding vulnerability across generations.

Reproductive justice, a framework built by women of color activists, offers a different lens than mainstream reproductive-rights discourse: the right to have children, the right not to, and the right to parent in safe, supported environments (Hayes et al., 2020). Under it, any institution restricting healthcare, bodily autonomy, or safe parenting conditions — prisons included — becomes a site of reproductive oppression, and mass incarceration itself becomes a form of what Hayes and colleagues call “reproductive governance.”

Some partial models exist. Massachusetts allows certain incarcerated mothers to live with their infants in community-based programs for up to two years, though they must return to prison to finish their sentence (Clarke & Simon, 2013). Midwifery-led, woman-centered care models offer another path, emphasizing continuous, dignified support throughout pregnancy (Baldwin et al., 2020).

But scholars across this field converge on a harder truth: fixing conditions inside prisons isn’t enough. Real change means fewer pregnant women incarcerated at all — through community-based alternatives, prenatal diversion programs, and case management addressing housing, mental health, and substance use before someone ever reaches a cell (Cross, 2020). The incarceration of pregnant women isn’t a footnote to mass incarceration. It’s one of its clearest exposures — a stark demonstration of which pregnancies the state considers worth protecting, and which bodies it considers worth degrading.

That’s a wrap for this month’s Kopitiam Briefing. ☕

But you know how it goes — the best part of any kopitiam session isn’t the news. It’s the conversation after.

We built this newsletter for you, but we’ve always wanted it to be by you too. If something you read today sparked a thought, reminded you of a story, or made you want to put words to something you’ve been feeling — we genuinely want to hear it.

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We want to hear from you 🫵

The Kopitiam Briefing is your space to share what’s on your mind — a film you can’t stop thinking about 🎬, something wild you learned in class 🧠, a hobby you love ❤️, or a travel guide from your latest trip ✈️.

We’re looking for pieces that feel real and personal — your perspective as a Malaysian student living and learning in the US 🇲🇾🇺🇸.

Write whatever feels right:
Essays, op-eds, poems, reflections, listicles — anything goes! Short or long (200 words or 2,000 — we’re not counting 😄). No need to be a pro writer.

Just be yourself.

Ready to share? Fill out this form to submit your article, and help us build a newsletter that connects, inspires, and represents our community.

Best,
NAMSA 26/27 Team

A note from the editors: Thank you for your continued support

Thank you for your support on the last issue. Every read, share, and message from you means more than you know — this newsletter only exists because of the community that shows up for it.

Summer’s a strange time for a community like ours. Everyone’s scattered — back home, on internships, chasing different time zones — and yet somehow this is when the stories keep coming in. Maybe it’s because being away makes you notice things you’d otherwise walk past.

This month, we’re bringing you four more stories that carry pieces of home across oceans, classrooms, and quiet moments of self-reflection. We hope they remind you, wherever you are, that you’re never as far from Malaysia — or from each other — as it might feel.

And on that note — this newsletter is only as good as the stories you bring to it. If you’ve got a moment that changed how you see something, a hobby you love, or a story only you can tell, we want to hear it. We think that’s worth celebrating. Not just the polished, big-milestone stories, but the small ones too — the ones that only make sense once you sit down and actually write them.

If something’s been sitting with you lately, consider this your sign to send it our way.

Selamat datang back to The Kopitiam Briefing. Let’s catch up. ☕

— With love, The NAMSA 26/27 Editorial Team

Table of Content

📍 In our TKB JULY issue, we feature the following FOUR articles

You don’t need to have it figured out early. You just need to keep following what actually unsettles you

Finding My “Why”: How Watching Friends Struggle Led Me to Study Childhood Anxiety
— By Oscar Tham, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘26

I came to the US to get a degree. I didn’t expect a class on monsters to be the thing that reconnected me to Malaysia — but sometimes home finds you in the classroom you least expected it to.

My Identity, I Didn’t Expect From A Class Far From Home
— By Zi Rui Loh, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘26

When someone says you’re good, you think you have potential. And, I’m not here to deny your potential but rather ask you to gauge it.

The Curse of Being “Good”
— By Anonymous, Purdue University ‘28

In this age of ‘non-chalance’, it’s becoming harder for people to let each other know that we are thinking about each other. A poster, a meme, a dog on the street — the smallest thing can remind you of someone. I want to know that you thought of me, and I think you’d want to know it too.

Call a Friend
— By Belphoebe Bilcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘27

01. Finding My “Why”: How Watching Friends Struggle Led Me to Study Childhood Anxiety

By Oscar Tham, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘26

Trigger Warning: This article covers Mental Health Disorders and Self Harm

I didn’t choose developmental psychology because I found it interesting in a textbook. I chose it because I once sat across from a close friend who was cutting her wrists after a breakup, and I had no idea what to say. Years later, I sat with another friend after he attempted suicide following his grandmother’s passing, and I still didn’t know what to do.

Both times, I felt completely helpless. Not because I didn’t care, but because no one had ever taught me how to recognize distress in the people I loved, let alone how to help them through it. That helplessness didn’t fade — it turned into a question I’ve been chasing ever since: why do young people experience such intense emotional pain, and how can we actually help them before it gets to that point?

If you’re someone who’s ever felt that same mix of care and confusion — wanting to help a friend but not knowing how — this is the story of how I turned that feeling into a research path.

At UW–Madison, I joined Dr. Jenny Saffran’s Infant Learning Lab in my sophomore year, expecting to learn about language development in babies. What I actually learned was patience — coding eye-tracking data frame by frame, learning to sit with parents and children with care and ethical sensitivity, understanding that research on young children is really research on trust. It wasn’t glamorous. But it taught me how the environment shapes a child’s development long before they can tell you what they’re feeling.

Eventually I realized I wanted to see development happen in real life, not just on a screen. So I became a co-teacher at a preschool. This is where things clicked for me. I watched kids exclude one another during free-play — small moments of social rejection that seem minor to adults but can shape how a child learns to see themselves. Telling a five-year-old to “just get along” never worked. What worked was giving every child a role in the story we were building together, so no one felt left out.

It sounds simple, but it reframed my entire research question. I stopped asking “why do teenagers struggle with anxiety” and started asking “what happens years earlier, in the small social moments of childhood, that sets that struggle in motion?”

Last summer, I joined a neuroendocrinology lab studying anxiety in mice — specifically, how bonding and isolation affect whether animals find their relationships rewarding or threatening afterward. It’s a strange leap from preschool classrooms to rodent behavior, but the thread connecting them is the same: how attachment, or the lack of it, shapes emotional resilience.

I’m now working toward a PhD focused on anxiety interventions for underprivileged youth, and how parent-child bonding affects whether those interventions actually work. It’s still the same question I had as a kid sitting with a friend who was hurting — I just have better tools to chase the answer now.

Now, why I’m telling you this? If you’re studying something that feels far from your “why” right now — a lab job, a part-time gig, a random elective — it might still be quietly building toward it. Mine started with two moments I couldn’t fix. It took years of unrelated-seeming experiences — eye-tracking, preschool storytelling, mouse behavior — to realize they were all the same question in disguise.

You don’t need to have it figured out early. You just need to keep following what actually unsettles you.

02. My Identity, I Didn’t Expect From A Class Far From Home

By Zi Rui Loh, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘26

I’ll be honest: I only signed up for this Asian Ghosts, Gods, and Monsters class because I was a senior hunting for an easy A in my last semester. After the first class, I almost dropped it. The workload looked brutal. But I’m really glad I didn’t.

Somewhere in the middle of the semester, we read a novel by a Malaysian author. I watched my classmates — American, Chinese, Korean, none of them from home — read pages full of local slang, kopitiam small talk, and the kind of cultural detail you would only catch if you grew up with it.

It felt strange. And then it felt like the best kind of comfort. A little piece of Malaysia, sitting on a syllabus in the US, doing exactly what home does: making you feel seen without having to explain yourself.

But the moment that actually stuck with me came later, in a discussion about the Pontianak. Growing up, she was simple: scary, dangerous, a story you told to make kids behave. That was the whole picture.

Then our professor asked a different question — not what is she? But why did she become this?

“Many ghost stories are also stories about pain, injustice, and people whose voices were never heard.”

Reframed that way, the Pontianak stopped being a monster and started being a mirror. A story about a woman wronged, still speaking — just in a language we’d stopped listening for.

The class was never really about ghosts. It was about tracing where our stories come from, and what they say about the cultures that keep telling them. It made me stop taking my own culture for granted.

I came to the US to get a degree. I didn’t expect a class on monsters to be the thing that reconnected me to Malaysia — but sometimes home finds you in the classroom you least expected it to.

03. The Curse of Being “Good”

By Anonymous, Purdue University ‘28

Good, but not great.

The word “good” here seems positive at first glance. Even if you were to glance at it a thousand times, you wouldn’t see the curse the bearer of this title carries. A curse disguised in such a way that it traps you. It eats you up and if you fail to notice this then your curse can and will swallow you.

Why is “good” bad when complimenting an above average performance? Why is a word meant for praise so dangerous? Shouldn’t “good” have a good meaning? I think the danger is that we confuse good with great. Call that unambitious if you like — I’d call it realism.

When someone says you’re good, you think you have potential. And, I’m not here to deny your potential but rather ask you to gauge it. Because once you’re fixated on something and someone adds the word “good” to it, it’s easy to get blinded. You start abandoning everything else in your life that also carries meaning, chasing a single thread.

That’s the curse: not being “good”, but failing to prioritize. The unhealthy obsession we disguise as ambition. People who are good at something tend to pursue the idea that they could be great. People who are great don’t wonder — they pursue the thing itself, not the idea of themselves succeeding at it. Put simply: those destined for greatness treat the task like life or death. However, those who are merely good but want greatness spend that time thinking if they’re up for it.

However, with the advent of a curse, there is also a blessing. The “good” which recognize their limit can achieve being a jack of all trades. Consider the full saying: ‘a jack of all trades, master of none’ – and it’s oftentimes better than a master of one. This goes to show that if you heed your ambition with rationality, you may be able to achieve what “great” people never could: versatility.

Versatility comes from knowing when to stop pursuing. And this very versatility allows one to have a wide range of skills that may even be imperative to one’s survival. But beyond just survival, a versatile person is also highly sociable due to the very fact that his versatility creates this evergreen garden for him to relate to people from varying backgrounds, contributing to their overall character.

This may not be the clearest of writings, however I insist on concluding that we should measure our priorities in life and avoid sacrificing beyond our means just because we are “good” at something. Whether it be time, family or finances, always hedge your bets on what matters and pursue greatness only once you’ve given it a thousand thoughts.

Ambition is admirable. Blind ambition is despicable.

04. Call a Friend

By Belphoebe Bilcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘27

I have this sticker below the keyboard of my laptop that says “Call a friend”.

I would love nothing more than to spend all my time catching up with my loved ones, learning about the things they are loving right now, racking their brains to discuss a current issue, or just knowing about the drama in their life. Hell, even knowing what internet niche is taking over their For You Page. The long catchup calls take up a lot of time, what is meant to be 5 minutes could easily turn into 5 hours. That’s simply not sustainable to the very brief free hours we students have.

Sometimes life goes by so fast, you forget to check on the people you care about. And it’s never anyone’s fault, but it stings to think that sometimes you have slipped their minds or feel the guilt of realizing they’ve slipped yours.

In this age of ‘non-chalance’, it’s becoming harder for people to let each other know that we are thinking about each other. A poster, a meme, a dog on the street — the smallest thing can remind you of someone. I want to know that you thought of me, and I think you’d want to know it too. And when someone does send you that meme or that photo, take a moment to appreciate it — don’t just scroll past it.

My point is, it’s so worth it to let people know you care and are thinking of them. Even miles and miles away, it matters.

So call them up, send them that photo, shoot the text you are overthinking. Life’s too short not to.

That’s a wrap for this month’s Kopitiam Briefing. ☕

But you know how it goes — the best part of any kopitiam session isn’t the news. It’s the conversation after.

We built this newsletter for you, but we’ve always wanted it to be by you too. If something you read today sparked a thought, reminded you of a story, or made you want to put words to something you’ve been feeling — we genuinely want to hear it.

Maybe it’s a film living rent-free in your head. A travel diary from spring break. Something wild you learned in class. Or just what it feels like to be Malaysian and far from home right now.

Whatever it is — submit your article below.

Submit for TKB

🌺 Let’s build something that actually sounds like us.

Stay Connected:

Your Thoughts Matter: Send us a message about any feedback you have. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Jumpa lagi next month. 🇲🇾

This newsletter is a space for Malaysian students across the US to share personal experiences, ideas, and creativity with our community. Whether it’s a review of a film you’ve been thinking about, something new and interesting you learned in class, a hobby you’re passionate about, or a travel guide from your latest adventure, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re especially looking for pieces that feel authentic and personal—something that reflects your perspective as a Malaysian student living and learning abroad.

Submissions can be reflective, informative, or just fun to read (essay, paragraphs, op-ed, poem, everything is welcome!). No need to be a professional writer—just be yourself. If you want to write 200 words or 2000 words, go ahead! We want to hear what you have to say, and share it with other Malaysian students across the US.

Fill out this form to submit your article, and help us build a newsletter that connects, inspires, and represents our community.

Best,

NAMSA 26/27 Team

A note from the editors: Welcome back to The Kopitiam Briefing

There’s something about a kopitiam that never really goes away.

You might leave for months, years even — move cities, change jobs, grow into someone your younger self wouldn’t quite recognise — but the moment you pull up a chair at that familiar table, smell the teh tarik being pulled somewhere behind you, and hear the low hum of people catching each other up on life, it feels like no time has passed at all. The kopitiam doesn’t need you to explain where you’ve been. It just makes room.

For those of you who remember TKB from before — welcome back. We missed you, and honestly, we think you might have missed this too. For those of you who are finding us for the first time — you showed up at exactly the right moment. Either way, pull up a chair.

Here’s what we believe: being a Malaysian student in the United States is a specific, strange, wonderful, occasionally overwhelming experience that very few people around you fully understand. You are living between two worlds simultaneously — watching Malaysia move and grow from thousands of miles away, building a life here while keeping one eye trained on home, carrying a culture that most of your classmates have never encountered and couldn’t place on a map. That experience deserves a space. Not a formal one. Not a polished, corporate, once-a-semester PDF that sits unread in your inbox. A real one. A warm one. Something that feels like it was written by people who get it, because it was.

TKB is that space.

Every issue, we’ll share the voices of Malaysians across the United States on what they think is important to know. May it be the economy, development, the global forces quietly reshaping home — explained the way a friend would explain it, without the jargon and without the spin. Or maybe it will be practical things you actually need: money tips, career insights, the quiet changes at home you’ll notice the moment you land at KLIA. We also want to make room for your voice too — your essays, your research, your reviews, your poems, your 2am thoughts about what it means to be Malaysian and far away. This newsletter is only as good as the community it reflects, and that community is you.

So here we are. First issue. New chapter. Same community.

Selamat datang back to The Kopitiam Briefing. Let’s catch up. ☕

— The NAMSA 26/27 Editorial Team

Travel; The Art of Shredding Versions of Yourself

By Radin Mikael

Some people think travelling is expensive. I think staying the same person forever costs more.

Majority of people see travelling as spending for the sake of movement. Which is true in most cases for everyone but to me, that was never my point. The same way you don’t pay for food just to fill your tummy, you pay for the experience that comes along with it; the 10 minutes of joy of taste and feeling that are attached to it.

Travel works the same but in a different way in a sense that a meal may only leave you with 10 minutes of joy of taste, but 10 minutes thousands kilometers away from home leave you as a different person forever.

The unfamiliar streets, conversations with locals, somewhere between airports, seemed

refreshing. But somewhere between delayed trains, missed buses and standing clueless in

stations trying to figure out which platforms to go to, those were never inconveniences. They

were part of the experience.

I would pay to experience every one of those “inconveniences” all over again, because i

realized it was never about the money. It was about returning home having shed a version of

yourself along the way.

Psychotherapy in Carceral Settings

By Rae Zaid

Incarceration is one of the most psychologically distressing experiences a person can face. Life in prison — defined by isolation, surveillance, and loss of autonomy — worsens existing mental health issues and creates new ones. About two in five incarcerated individuals have a history of mental illness, yet most receive little or no treatment (NAMI, 2021). Rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD far exceed those in the general population, underscoring the urgent need for accessible mental health care in correctional settings. In these harsh environments, psychotherapy offers more than symptom relief — it provides a rare space for connection, reflection, and healing.

The carceral environment profoundly shapes emotional life. More than 10% of incarcerated people suffer from major depression, and many experience what Novalis (2023) calls disenfranchised grief — unrecognised loss encompassing income, housing, family ties, and identity. Clients may view vulnerability as dangerous and the therapist as an extension of institutional authority. Effective therapy must therefore approach mental illness through a relational and systemic lens, recognising that incarceration itself contributes to the distress.

Several interventions have shown strong empirical support when adapted for prison settings. Supportive psychotherapy builds trust through consistency, validation, and practical coping — providing many clients their first experience of a non-judgmental institutional relationship. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) targets distorted thinking patterns such as “I’m a criminal, so I’ll always fail,” helping clients move from guilt toward agency. Wilson (1990) found that even brief group CBT sessions significantly reduced depression among incarcerated individuals. Mindfulness-based approaches teach clients to observe emotions without reacting impulsively, with Yoon et al. (2017) finding these practices produced the strongest evidence for reducing depression and anxiety among prisoners.

The therapeutic alliance — always important — is both more fragile and more vital in correctional settings. Clients fear that disclosed information may be used against them in parole hearings. Therapists navigate dual loyalties between clinical confidentiality and institutional safety requirements, managing these tensions through transparency from the outset. Structural barriers compound this challenge: inconsistent scheduling, staff shortages, and high attrition rates averaging 27% (Rosenfeld et al., 2024) routinely disrupt care continuity.

Therapeutic change in these settings develops through small, steady steps. Emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, meaning-making, and identity reconstruction each contribute to a process that helps clients see themselves beyond the labels of “offender” or “inmate.” Narrative and existential approaches support this work, while relational repair — writing letters, role-playing difficult conversations — prepares individuals for reentry. Therapists must also practice cultural responsiveness, acknowledging openly the racial and institutional inequities that shape many clients’ mistrust.

Ultimately, psychotherapy in prisons is both challenging and transformative. When incarcerated individuals learn to feel, take responsibility, and imagine new futures, therapy becomes, as the evidence consistently shows, a quiet act of justice — healing within the very walls meant to contain them.

Obsession (2026): A Love Story, or is it?

By Jasmine Ceny

“Isn’t that a romance?” As Bear said, setting himself up for his own downfall. In the 2026 film by Curry Barker – Obsession, a conversation between Nikki and Bear exposes the deep psychological rift that drives the narrative’s tragic trajectory, subtly foreshadowing the tragic ending. When Nikki expresses a desire to delve deeper into writing a love story, Bear dismisses the notion, questioning why she wants to focus on “romance.” Nikki corrects him, asserting that romance is fundamentally different from love story, a distinction Bear is unable to comprehend.

The film follows Bear, a music store employee who has spent years harboring an unrequited crush on his coworker, Nikki. Unable to find the courage to confess his feelings, Bear instead turns to a supernatural novelty item, a One Wish Willow, making a desperate wish for Nikki to love him “more than anyone else in the world.” To his amazement, the wish is instantly granted. Nikki suddenly reciprocates his affection, plunging them into a whirlwind relationship. However, Nikki’s newfound devotion intensifies into a bizarre fixation that alienates their friends and strips away her own personality. What begins as a lonely man’s romantic fantasy quickly devolves into a psychological nightmare.

Romance can feature a love story, but love story is not always romance. Romance is about the emotional connection between characters and it essentially focuses on being in love. Hence, it is almost always reciprocated. The easiest example can be taken from the greatest of all time – The Notebook. Noah writes letters, but he ultimately steps back and allows Allie to make her own choice. Romance requires two active participants working on the connection. Allie and Noah’s romance works because it respects both parties’ free will.

Love story, on the other hand, is the journey that explores how love affects the characters’ lives, choices, and growth. While classics like The Notebook illustrate that true romance required two independent people actively choosing one another, Bear’s definition of a “romance” eliminates the need for mutual consent. By using the One Wish Willow to wish for Nikki to love him, he demonstrates his craving for the prize of love without the vulnerability of being chosen. Consequently, this view of “love” transforms into a toxic, suffocating curse.

Within the logic of this film, the One Wish Willow is not written to become a cursed item. This can be seen from a scene where the protagonist’s friend, Ian uses the One Wish Willow to wish for one billion dollars and was immediately granted with the money falling from the sky. If that is the case, why is Bear’s wish cursed? The answer lies in the fact that the consequences of the wish are fully dependent on the nature of the wish being made. In this universe, a One Wish Willow does not grant “true love”, instead, it acts as a literal mirror to the wisher’s subjective mind. Because Bear’s perspective on love is completely warped and one-sided, the magic interprets “making Nikki love him” as forcing her to act out the specific romantic script trapped inside his head. In essence, the magic strips away the victim’s autonomy by masking Nikki with a layer of obsession to satisfy the wisher’s ego.

This psychological change from affection to control highlights how easily an individual can misinterpret love, mistaking a toxic obsession for genuine romance. When a person falls in love with an idealized concept of someone rather than their actual reality, they begin to treat that person as an object to be possessed rather than a human being with free will. This dangerous delusion is a psychological pattern, perfectly illustrated by a parallel character, Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s You. In the show’s third season, Joe convinces himself he is acting out of pure romantic devotion when he stalks his neighbor and steals her personal belongings. In reality, Joe is only addicted to the thrill of a self-constructed fantasy. Both Joe and Bear suffer from the same fatal flaw: they view their intense, one-sided cravings as “love,” completely blind to the fact that erasing a woman’s autonomy and boundaries is an act of hostility. When love is stripped of mutual consent and respect, it degrades into a desperate need for possession, turning the pursued partner into a prisoner.

In summary, Curry Barker’s Obsession serves as a psychological warning about the danger of treating others like characters in our own personal narratives. The One Wish Willow definitely did not corrupt Bear’s love, it merely unmasked it. By confusing a mutual “romance” with his own self-centered “love story”, Bear bypassed Nikki’s consent entirely. The film is not titled “Obsession” because Nikki becomes unhinged, but because Bear was obsessed with possession of Nikki from the very beginning. When Bear asks a crying Nikki, “What’s so bad about being with me?” He proves that his fantasy was always a cage, cementing the truth that a love story told from only one perspective is never a romance, it is a horror story.

Am I more Malaysian here than I ever was at home?

By Belphoebe Bilcher

I have never cared more about Malaysia than when I am 9000 miles away from it.

This embarrasses me a little, if I’m honest. At home, I was not the person who followed the news closely, who could tell you the latest currency conversion rates, or who had strong feelings about infrastructure policy. I was the person who complained about the traffic and the roads, and took the nasi lemak tepi jalan completely for granted. Malaysia was the water I swam in, the rooms I lived in, everywhere, invisible, unremarkable in the way that only the most essential things can be.

Then I left. And almost immediately, I became insufferable about it.

The first sign was the food. Within two weeks of arriving on campus, I started my descent into homesickness for solely the food. I was fortunate enough to have so many Malaysian friends who knew how to cook all the dishes I didn’t even know the names of because I had never had to think about them. I also have such a large Malaysian community at my school that really love to cook for each other. The potlucks, something I would look forward to at the end of the week or the middle of the month. I am so fortunate to have a support system in the means of meals. Whenever I was down, a friend would have me come over and cook me buttermilk chicken to make me feel better. Something more healing than any American takeout could provide.

The next sign was the defending. I unexpectedly became a spokesperson for Malaysia. In classes, at dinner tables, in the idle conversations that happen when people are trying to figure out who you are. I found myself talking about Malaysia with a fluency and a feeling I didn’t know I possessed. I talked about the food, obviously. But also about the complexity, the contradictions, the things that frustrate me and the things that fill me with something I can only call pride. I corrected misconceptions I didn’t know bothered me until someone voiced them. I told stories I hadn’t thought to tell before.

What I’ve come to understand is that home is not something you fully see while you’re standing inside it. Distance doesn’t diminish belonging, sometimes it clarifies it, burns away the background noise until what remains is just the irreducible fact of where you’re from and what that means to you.

I used to take Malaysia for granted. Now I carry it with me like something precious, which I suppose means I finally understand what it is. Funny how that works.

That’s a wrap on this month’s Kopitiam Briefing — but the best part of any kopitiam session isn’t the news, it’s the conversation after. We built this newsletter for you, but we’ve always wanted it to be by you too. If something you read today sparked a thought, reminded you of an experience, or made you want to write something of your own — we genuinely want to hear it. Whether it’s a film that’s been living rent-free in your head, a travel diary from spring break, something wild you learned in class, or just a reflection on what it feels like to be Malaysian and far from home right now — send it our way. Fill out this form and let’s build something that actually sounds like us. Jumpa lagi next month. ☕

This week, we’ve got a fascinating mix of stories that shine a light on the current happenings in Malaysia and around the world (note: especially the US 👀).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cup, and let’s dive into the latest updates that affect us all 😉☕~

Sections for the Week:

🪙 Economy | 🤝 International Relations

Here’s the latest news for the week of Nov 24th in 4:80 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Cutting Bureaucratic Red Tape: RM25 Million for Public Service Reform

2. Malaysia-South Korea: 60+ Years of Friendship, Now a Strategic Partnership

3. Malaysia's Global Comeback: An 11-Day Tour of Influence

🪙 Economy

1. Cutting Bureaucratic Red Tape: RM25 Million for Public Service Reform

🔍 What's Going On?

The Malaysian government is implementing a major initiative to cut bureaucratic red tape by allocating RM25 million for 2025. This move, part of the MADANI government’s public service reforms, aims to streamline processes across government agencies, improve governance, and boost productivity. The reforms will include 500 projects, focusing on areas like AI, cybersecurity, and financial technology, alongside a centralization of counter services.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

1. 🌎 Efficiency for Malaysians Abroad: For students dealing with Malaysian government processes while overseas (like renewing passports or managing student loans), this initiative promises faster and more accessible services. With new centralized kiosks and the iPayment cashless system, students may spend less time navigating complex procedures.

2. 👨🏼‍💻 Modernized Public Services: Emphasizing digital tools like AI and cybersecurity, these reforms ensure Malaysian public services are not just faster but also future-ready. For students studying technology, these initiatives signal career opportunities in government-backed tech advancements.

3. 🏦 Impact on Investment and Economy: By reducing red tape, the government hopes to attract more investments, especially in industries like technology and trade. A more robust economy means better job prospects for students returning to Malaysia, with reforms benefiting sectors that rely on smooth government processes​

Here are our top informative articles:

Free Malaysia Today

BERNAMA

🤝 International Relations

2. Malaysia-South Korea: 60+ Years of Friendship, Now a Strategic Partnership

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia and South Korea have officially elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. This milestone, announced during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Seoul, is set to redefine cooperation in critical areas like trade, green energy, defense, and cultural exchange.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This strategic partnership is more than just a diplomatic upgrade; it's a golden opportunity for Malaysians, especially students and young professionals (jinjja! - “really” in Korean). With this new level of cooperation, let’s expect a surge in opportunities for internships, scholarships, and collaborative projects with South Korean companies and universities.

Here's why the partnership matters:

1. 🔋 Economic Powerhouse: In 2023, South Korea was Malaysia's 8th largest trading partner, with trade valued at a whopping RM111.07 billion (US$24.35 billion). This new partnership could mean more job opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and green energy.

2. ✨ Tech and Innovation Boost: South Korea is practically synonymous with cutting-edge technology. This partnership could mean more collaboration in areas like 5G and artificial intelligence. For tech-savvy students out there, this could translate into exciting research opportunities and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects.

3. 📕 Educational Exchange: Both countries are doubling down on educational cooperation, such as student exchanges, joint research projects, and twinning programs between Malaysian and Korean universities. So, if you've been itching to add a Korean adventure to your academic journey, your time might be coming soon!

4. 🥁 Cultural Bridge: Remember when "Winter Sonata" and "BIGBANG" took Malaysia by storm? Well, the Korean Wave (Hallyu) has only grown since then. This partnership could lead to even more cultural exchanges, potentially opening doors for those interested in creative industries, from K-pop to K-dramas and beyond.

5. ☀️ Climate Action Collaboration: With the world facing pressing environmental challenges, Malaysia and South Korea are joining forces on initiatives like green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. For those of you passionate about sustainability, this could mean exciting opportunities to work on cutting-edge green technologies.

In the 1960s, Malaysia donated 5,000 Malayan dollars (RM 28,000 today) to build a bridge in Paju, South Korea. Fast forward to today, we're building metaphorical bridges that span industries, cultures, and futures.

So, whether you're planning to head back to Malaysia after graduation or considering a stint in South Korea, keep your eyes peeled. This strategic partnership isn't just a fancy diplomatic term – it's your ticket to a world of opportunities. Time to brush up on your Hangul because this relationship is definitely daebak! (“exciting” in Korean)

To find out more:

BERNAMA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement

🤝 International Relations

3. Malaysia's Global Comeback: An 11-Day Tour of Influence

🔍 What's Going On?

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent 11-day tour to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Peru, and Brazil focused on navigating Malaysia and ASEAN through the uncertainties of a shifting global landscape. Highlights included key appearances at the Arab and Islamic Summit, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, and the G20 Summit.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Anwar’s trip isn’t just about Malaysia attending international forums—it’s a strategic move to protect the country’s interests amid rising global tensions.

Here are three concrete outcomes:

1. 📉 Smart Insurance Against Economic Shocks: With the possibility of new trade tariffs under a Trump presidency in the US, Malaysia’s participation in multilateral agreements like the RCEP and CPTPP offers a safety net. Anwar’s discussions at APEC and G20 reinforced these partnerships, keeping Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s markets open to opportunities, even if global trade policies take a turn for the worse.

2. 🌏 ASEAN Unity in a Polarized World: Anwar’s balanced approach to the US-China rivalry resonates with ASEAN’s collective stance. His meetings with leaders like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi further solidified ties that help ASEAN—and Malaysia—maintain neutrality while benefiting from both superpowers.

3. 🤝 Global Spotlight on Malaysia’s Diplomacy: Anwar met with high-profile leaders like Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba. These connections highlight Malaysia as a nation that’s proactive in diplomacy and ready to contribute to global discussions. This strengthens Malaysia’s reputation internationally, a win for Malaysians studying or working abroad who benefit from a stronger national image.

Through this tour, Malaysia has positioned itself as a diplomatic bridge in a fragmented world, a move that could bring long-term benefits for the country and its people. For students abroad, it’s a reminder that Malaysia isn’t just watching the world, it’s shaping it.

Read the news here: 

Free Malaysia Today

BERNAMA

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Monday morning!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

This week, we’ve got a fascinating mix of stories that shine a light on the current happenings in Malaysia and around the world (note: especially the US 👀).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cup, and let’s dive into the latest updates that affect us all 😉☕~

Sections for the Week:

🪙 Economy | 🤝 International Relations | 🌱 ESG/Energy

Here’s the latest news for the week of Nov 10th in 5:37 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Trump’s Return: What It Could Mean for Malaysia

2. Mandatory EPF for Foreign Workers: A Fair Move or Financial Burden?

3. Strengthening Malaysia-China Ties: An Invitation to ASEAN 2025

4. Going Nuclear: Malaysia’s Big Energy Bet

🤝 International Relations

1. Trump’s Return: What It Could Mean for Malaysia

🔍 What's Going On?

Donald Trump has been re-elected.

After a heated election season, he has trumped rival Kamala Harris, sparking a mixed bag of feelings from Americans and their international peers. Here, we’ve scoured the web for the top analyses by industry professionals and university analysts synthesizing how Trump’s future administration could impact Malaysia.

Overall, Trump could reignite the “America First” agenda, hinting at increased tariffs, a U.S. manufacturing push, and potential trade frictions—all of which could have major impacts on Malaysia’s export-driven economy.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

If Trump follows through on plans to raise tariffs and reduce corporate taxes, Malaysians working or studying in fields like electronics, manufacturing, and oil & gas might feel the effects sooner than expected. Why? For one, Malaysia exports a lot of electrical and electronic goods to the U.S. If tariffs rise by 10–20%, Malaysian exports get pricier, which could make American buyers hesitate and cut demand. This could ripple across Malaysia’s job market, especially with the electronics industry making up 40% of the country’s exports.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Trump’s potential favoring of traditional energy over renewables could give a boost to Malaysia’s oil and gas sector, which might see higher demand and profits. This could help the economy, especially if U.S. policy shifts toward less focus on green energy. There’s even a chance that Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy might bring economic perks, opening room for Malaysia to strengthen trade routes and maritime security with the U.S.

In the long run, a Trump-led shift in the dollar’s value or trade policies might stir up financial markets and increase costs for Malaysians buying U.S. goods. With Malaysia as a major Southeast Asian trade hub, any disruptions in U.S.-China relations could also cause fluctuations here, from export pricing to currency values.

Here are our top informative articles:

The Sun article 1

The Sun article 2

BERNAMA

Sinar Daily

🪙Economy

2. Mandatory EPF for Foreign Workers: A Fair Move or Financial Burden?

🔍 What's Going On?

The Malaysian government has introduced mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for foreign workers, aiming to make the labor market more equitable and reduce dependence on low-cost foreign labor.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Here’s the core of it: the government’s policy targets Malaysia’s dependence on lower-wage foreign workers, which has often resulted in stagnant wages for Malaysians. By requiring foreign workers to contribute to EPF, the idea is to make employing them costlier, narrowing the wage gap and discouraging businesses from always opting for cheaper foreign labor. Companies would then invest more in their local workforce. For Malaysians, this could mean better wages and fairer competition for jobs.

However, industry leaders argue that the added cost burden—especially combined with other labor policies like the upcoming minimum wage hike to RM1,700—might backfire. Sectors like construction and manufacturing worry about potentially significant cost increases, which may be passed on to consumers. This could mean higher prices for goods, affecting daily life and possibly increasing inflation.

While the phased rollout is intended to ease the transition, the controversy highlights the balancing act Malaysia faces: How do you ensure fair treatment and better savings for all workers without impacting economic competitiveness?

To find out more:

Read the government's rationale

How do employers feel?

🤝 International Relations

3. Strengthening Malaysia-China Ties: An Invitation to ASEAN 2025

🔍 What's Going On?

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended a formal invitation to China’s President Xi Jinping to attend the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, where Malaysia will hold the ASEAN chair. This invitation aligns with Malaysia's upcoming role in leading the summit and reflects the deepening diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China. Anwar’s current visit to China, which includes a state dinner hosted by President Xi and Malaysia’s recognition as the “Country of Honour” at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), further underscores the significance of this partnership.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Expanded Career Opportunities: As Malaysia’s largest trading partner, China’s strengthened partnership with Malaysia brings promising prospects for Malaysian students studying abroad. Increased economic cooperation could mean job growth in industries like technology, finance, and manufacturing. This opens doors for students seeking roles in companies that benefit from bilateral trade, offering internship and job opportunities back home.

Regional Diplomatic Influence: By inviting President Xi to the 2025 summit, Malaysia enhances its strategic role within ASEAN and emphasizes its commitment to regional stability and cooperation. For students interested in international relations and geopolitics, Malaysia’s role as a host and mediator positions it as an influential voice in Southeast Asia. This development could lead to more career pathways in foreign affairs and international diplomacy for students looking to contribute to Malaysia’s global impact.

Educational and Cultural Exchange: As ties with China deepen, there are likely to be expanded opportunities for educational and cultural exchanges. This could mean more scholarships, internships, and collaborative programs available for Malaysian students in fields such as business, engineering, and technology. These exchanges can provide valuable international experience and a deeper understanding of regional collaboration.

Read the news here: 

Malay Mail article

The Star article

🌱 ESG/Energy

4. Going Nuclear: Malaysia’s Big Energy Bet

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia’s National Energy Council and Cabinet have given the green light for nuclear energy in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), aiming to support the country’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Nuclear could be a game-changer: it’s low-carbon, dependable, and doesn’t rely on sunny or windy days (hello, renewables!). And it’s not just Malaysia getting in on it—U.S. tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing heavily in nuclear energy to power their expanding data centers. As demand for AI and cloud computing soars, these companies are turning to nuclear to ensure reliable energy supplies while cutting down on emissions.

But there’s a catch. Critics, including former PM Tun Mahathir, say Malaysia might not be ready for nuclear’s high costs, tricky waste management (such as dealing with radioactive waste), and safety concerns (think: Fukushima’s long shadow). Plus, nuclear plants traditionally take years to build (although recent innovations like small modular reactors could speed up the process) while wind and solar options are quicker to deploy and generally considered safer.

This bold move could make Malaysia an attractive investment hub, drawing more big tech to set up data centers on our shores. Or it could be a risky bet with major stakes. Only time will tell, but with the right regulations in place, we’re hopeful for a bright, sustainable future for Malaysia.

More details here: 

Read the proponents' POV

More proponents

Critics' perspective

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Monday morning!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

This week, we’ve got a fascinating mix of stories that shine a light on the current happenings in Malaysia—from investment pitfalls to significant partnerships in education.

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent investment misadventure that’s stirred quite a bit of conversation 👀. Alongside that, we’ll also explore significant developments in our judiciary and exciting educational partnerships!🤝

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cup, and let’s dive into the latest updates that affect us all 😉☕~

Sections for the Week:

🪙 Economy | ⚖️ Law | 📚Education

Here’s the latest news for the week of Nov 4th in 6:24 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. FashionValet Flop: A Pricy Lesson in Investment Risk

2. A Telltale of the Public Distrust towards Malaysia’s Judiciary?

3. Johor’s “Premium” Salaries: A New Strategy to Compete with Singapore

4. Purdue's Malaysian Mission: Advancing AI Education Together

🪙Economy

1. FashionValet Flop: A Pricy Lesson in Investment Risk

🔍 What's Going On?

Khazanah Nasional and Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) have reported a total loss of RM43.9 million after selling their stakes in FashionValet, a Malaysian e-commerce clothing platform. Despite initial promise, the investment struggled in their business expansion, impacted especially by the pandemic.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

1. Back in 2018, Khazanah and PNB took a bold step in backing FashionValet, betting on Malaysia’s growing e-commerce scene. With over 400 brands, 15,000 products, and an expected 60% revenue growth annually, the investment aligned with supporting Bumiputera-led businesses and nurturing local industry leaders. But when the pandemic hit, FashionValet struggled to survive due to retail disruptions, cash flow issues, and shifting consumer habits.

   
   This experience brings valuable lessons:
   

   1. Balance Ambition with Caution
      Supporting venture capital (VC) in Malaysia is crucial, but caution and contingency plans are essential when investments take a downturn, especially in the volatile VC environment. When losses mount, it’s time to step back, reassess, and consider alternatives to achieve the same goal.
      

   2. Promising Investments Don’t Guarantee Returns
      Even a “60% annual growth” projection doesn’t ensure success. Financial markets are unpredictable, highlighting the importance of risk assessment, market analysis, and thorough due diligence. Finance professionals need to stay adaptable and ready to pivot when challenges arise, as shown by Khazanah and PNB’s response to public concerns after their FashionValet exit.
      

   3. Even the Best Plans Carry Unforeseen Risks
      Investments like FashionValet undergo rigorous due diligence and monitoring. However, preparation alone doesn’t guarantee success. This underscores the need for crisis management tools—like risk simulations, reserve funds, and exit strategies—to be ready for unexpected events. Aspiring finance professionals must cultivate not only technical skills but also adaptability and emotional resilience.
      

   In short, approach investments with excitement but remain grounded and cautious. Not every venture will succeed, but knowing when to invest, when to step back, and how to handle losses are essential skills in the finance world.

To find out more:

The Edge Malaysia article

Focus Malaysia article

⚖️Law

2. A Telltale of the Public Distrust towards Malaysia’s Judiciary? House Arrest, Najib’s Apology, and the Netizens’ Uproar

🔍 What's Going On?

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak recently apologized for the 1MDB scandal, despite maintaining his innocence. However, his statement has sparked public frustration, exposing a growing distrust in the judiciary, especially with news of a proposed “house arrest” bill.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Malaysia’s culture is steeped in forgiveness. Think maaf zahir dan batin every Hari Raya, when we seek to mend old wounds and start afresh. But when it comes to billion-dollar losses impacting the whole nation, many Malaysians feel that a simple apology, especially from a figure of authority, just doesn’t cut it. This unease is amplified by recent government plans to allow “house arrest” for certain offenders, as shared in Anwar Ibrahim’s Budget 2025 speech. While house arrest could ease prison congestion and offer “second chances” for minor offenders, many Malaysians worry that it could lead to softer punishments for VIPs, including those convicted of serious crimes.

Najib's apology was read out by his son, Nizar, at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, where he expressed “deep shock and regret” over the scandal but continued to argue that he was unaware of the extent of the corruption. He pinned blame on Jho Low and other 1MDB executives, whom he says duped him. Yet, for many Malaysians, especially young people already cynical of institutional integrity, the statement fell flat. Social media platforms were ablaze with comments from netizens who questioned the sincerity of his apology and the acceptance of his apology by Prime Minister Anwar.

This growing unease reflects more than just skepticism toward Najib; it’s a broader distrust with how the legal system seems to handle powerful figures. While restorative justice, including house arrest, is being discussed as a way forward for certain cases, many feel that leniency for VIPs risks eroding public trust. For Malaysians studying abroad, this is a reminder of the ongoing battles over transparency and justice that shape the Malaysia you might one day return to.

Read the news here: 

Bloomberg article

Malaysiakini article

Benar News article

🪙Economy

3. Johor’s “Premium” Salaries: A New Strategy to Compete with Singapore

🔍 What's Going On?

Johor is breaking new ground as Malaysia’s first state to offer “premium” wages, aiming to retain skilled workers and reduce reliance on Singapore’s job market. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) introduces starting salaries as high as RM5,000 for degree-holders in targeted sectors, twice the national average for new graduates. This move, introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) launch, targets sectors tied to the SEZ, where high wages are essential to compete with Singapore’s job offerings.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

With Malaysia’s ongoing “brain drain” of skilled talent, this initiative might encourage Malaysian professionals to stay and work domestically instead of heading abroad. By setting RM4,000 starting salaries for diploma holders and RM5,000 for degree-equivalent roles, Johor is poised to attract young professionals looking for high-value jobs at home. This is particularly impactful if you or someone you know has career aspirations in tech, finance, or other high-skill fields.

✅ A Boost for Local Economy

A well-compensated, locally sourced workforce is expected to drive Johor's economic growth while reducing Malaysia’s reliance on foreign talent. With the JTDC’s support, Johor is establishing itself as a talent hub, aligning training programs with industry needs and fostering partnerships with educational institutions. This will help graduates gain skills that align with job demands, creating a sustainable talent pool within the state.

🌱 Cultivating a Thriving Workforce

While attractive starting salaries are a significant draw, the long-term success of Johor’s strategy will also depend on creating an ecosystem that nurtures talent beyond financial incentives. This includes investing in continuous professional development, mentorship programs, and a supportive work environment. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Johor can become not just a destination for high salaries but a thriving hub for career growth and personal fulfillment. Ensuring that professionals feel valued and have opportunities for advancement will be essential in keeping talent within the state and enhancing overall job satisfaction.

Although these high salaries aim to curb brain drain, competition from Singapore’s strong economy remains a challenge. Singapore offers wages that often surpass Johor’s even with these new rates, and with no strict minimum wage, sectors like administrative work offer high starting pay. Johor’s strategy hinges on sustaining this program and expanding job opportunities to truly retain local talent over the long term.

More details here: 

CNA article

Bernama article

📚Education

4. Purdue's Malaysian Mission: Advancing AI Education Together

🔍 What's Going On?

Purdue University has signed several agreements with Malaysian educational institutions, aiming to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science research, education, and professional development. These new agreements mean Malaysian students can now access Purdue’s courses, research, and even graduate programs online or in collaboration with their home universities.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Under these Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Purdue partners with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), UCSI University, UCSI College, and AI Nusantara, setting a new course for global academic and technological exchange in Southeast Asia.

🌏 Why Malaysia?

Malaysia is becoming an attractive location for international tech and research partnerships due to its well-established education system and increasing focus on digital transformation. This collaboration also fits into Malaysia's Higher Education Blueprint 2015-2025, emphasizing regional cooperation and technological growth, and aligns with Purdue's “land-grant mission,” which involves extending educational resources and expertise globally. Malaysian students, researchers, and professionals stand to gain access to new tools and opportunities through Purdue’s cutting-edge curricula in AI and data science.

📚 Academic and Professional Opportunities

The agreements focus on two primary areas: dual and joint graduate degrees and professional development programs. Purdue’s new online programs, including a Master of Science in data science and AI, will be among the educational offerings available. Additionally, the collaboration aims to facilitate faculty exchanges and joint research initiatives, allowing cross-institutional access to resources and expertise that can foster groundbreaking advancements in the fields of AI and data science.

📈 Implications for Malaysia and Purdue

These MOUs are a testament to Malaysia’s role as an emerging tech hub in Southeast Asia, reflecting the country’s ambition to develop a highly skilled workforce. For Purdue, this partnership strengthens its international influence, adds to its ongoing efforts in Europe, and broadens its student and faculty reach in Asia. The collaboration also provides Purdue with a unique perspective on the Malaysian tech landscape, potentially paving the way for future collaborations and expanding its academic network.

If you’re in Malaysia or Southeast Asia, this partnership brings big opportunities close to home. You’ll have the chance to earn dual degrees in trending fields like AI and data science without having to uproot your life to study abroad. It’s also a chance to learn from global experts while focusing on projects that matter locally. Malaysia’s making strides toward becoming a regional tech hub, and this partnership is part of that mission to build up a skilled, future-ready workforce 🙌

Read the story here:

Purdue University article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Monday morning!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen a series of interesting stories that affect our fellow Malaysians, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🛖 Development | 🪙 Economy |📱Technology

Here’s the latest news for the week of Oct 20th in 4:35 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Greater Kedah Blueprint: A Bold Roadmap for 2050

2. Malaysia Set to Achieve High-Income Status: What it Means for Students Abroad

3. Fighting Fraud with AI: Fintech’s New Weapon Against Scams

🛖 Development

1. Greater Kedah Blueprint: A Bold Roadmap for 2050

🔍 What's Going On?

Kedah has unveiled its “Greater Kedah” blueprint, a visionary plan to transform the state by 2050 with goals around economic growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

If you're from Kedah or have roots there, this plan aims to elevate the region, creating opportunities for the future generations of Kedahans and potentially reshaping life in the state.

The Greater Kedah blueprint, inspired by the Sultan of Kedah, lays out a long-term vision to make Kedah a top state in Malaysia. With ambitions in economic empowerment, environmental management, and strong governance, the plan covers everything from social policies to resource management. Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi emphasizes that the blueprint doesn’t detail every step — instead, it sets an ambitious goal for all sectors to work toward. The emphasis is on collective responsibility, with departments, agencies, and even local communities encouraged to contribute actively.

For Malaysian students, especially those abroad, this is a hopeful glimpse into the future of development back home. The Greater Kedah blueprint represents not just an agenda for Kedah but a broader reflection of Malaysia’s regional growth and ambition. And who knows? With economic and social progress on the rise, there might be new opportunities in Kedah for students returning to Malaysia in the coming years.

To find out more:

The Edge Malaysia article

🪙 Economy

2. Malaysia Set to Achieve High-Income Status: What it Means for Students Abroad

🔍 What's Going On?

The World Bank has projected that Malaysia could reach high-income status between 2024 and 2028. This prediction comes as Malaysia's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita has climbed closer to the high-income threshold. Economic reforms, strong governance, and policies aimed at improving inclusivity and sustainability are driving this growth.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Better Job Opportunities in Malaysia: As Malaysia gears up to join the ranks of high-income nations, sectors like technology, green energy, and innovation are set to grow. This means high-quality job prospects for students returning home after studying abroad. Fields related to technology, engineering, and business are especially likely to benefit from new investments and reforms.

Stable Economic Growth: Malaysia’s projected growth reflects economic resilience, especially after the pandemic. With a focus on inclusive growth, the government is addressing issues like underemployment and social inequality, making the job market more stable and attractive for graduates. Whether you’re pursuing a career in technology, finance, or public policy, the country’s economic trajectory bodes well for young professionals.

Increased Foreign Investments: The shift toward a high-income economy will also attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs), further boosting career opportunities in industries such as digital economy, sustainable development, and manufacturing​. For students interested in international business or trade, this creates a dynamic environment for growth and innovation.

Find out more here: 

World Bank Group

Aljazeera article

📱Technology

3. Fighting Fraud with AI: Fintech’s New Weapon Against Scams

🔍 What's Going On?

With new tech like deep fakes complicating things, Malaysia’s financial sector is ramping up fraud prevention by using AI and machine learning to protect customers and businesses.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

If you’ve ever had to confirm your identity online, this matters to you! AI-powered verification can help catch fraud before it even starts, protecting both users and businesses from a growing wave of cyber scams.

Today, traditional KYC (Know Your Customer) methods like ID checks and selfies are just not enough. With advanced AI techniques, fraudsters can now create incredibly realistic fake identities — from forged documents to deep fake videos — making it harder than ever to tell real from fake. In response, companies like Sumsub are going high-tech to fight back. They’re using AI to analyze documents and detect deep fakes, even monitoring unusual patterns, like if a user logs in from Kuala Lumpur and then suddenly shows up in Vietnam.

This matters for Malaysian students, too, as digital security is becoming an essential part of life, especially if you’re handling finances abroad. It’s also a reminder of the importance of keeping up with tech trends — not just to stay safe but also to understand how AI is shaping security in fintech. And with companies partnering with local cybersecurity firms to protect Southeast Asia, the region is building a strong line of defense against the evolving world of cyber fraud.

Read the news here: 

The Edge Malaysia article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Monday morning!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen a series of interesting stories that affect our fellow Malaysians, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

⚖️ Law | 🪙 Economy |📱Technology

Here’s the latest news for the week of Oct 20th in 4:35 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. New Rules, New Rights: Who Gets to Be Malaysian?

2. Belanjawan 2025: Powering Malaysia’s Next Leap

3. Tapping into Mobile Games: The Next Big Thing for Malaysian Ads

⚖️ Law

1. New Rules, New Rights: Who Gets to Be Malaysian?

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia just passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024, making major changes to the country's citizenship laws. These updates affect foreign-born children, permanent residents, foreign spouses, and stateless groups.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

As part of the Malaysian community, these changes could ripple through your family, your future, or someone you know—especially if you or a loved one were born abroad or married to a non-Malaysian. These amendments may change how citizenship is passed on.

✅ For one, Malaysian mothers now get the same rights as fathers in granting citizenship to their foreign-born kids. That’s a big win for gender equality.

❌ However, some of the other changes raise concerns. Stateless children born in Malaysia and foreign spouses face new hurdles. For instance, children of permanent residents no longer get automatic citizenship, and foreign spouses risk losing theirs if a marriage ends too soon. Critics say this might increase statelessness and make life harder for some vulnerable groups, like kids who grew up in Malaysia but don’t have citizenship.

With these amendments, the government aims to streamline and tighten citizenship rules, but it leaves many wondering about the long-term impact on families and future generations. It's something to keep an eye on to see how far Malaysia will go in terms of human rights and ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, are given the protection and support they deserve.

To find out more:

Malay Mail article

Explore the viewpoints of critics:

Malaysiakini article

🪙 Economy

2. Belanjawan 2025: Powering Malaysia’s Next Leap

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia just dropped its largest budget ever—RM421 billion! It’s all designed to tackle key issues like sustainable growth, closing the income gap, and implementing targeted subsidies, all while aiming to put Malaysia on the map as an Asian economic powerhouse.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This budget isn’t just about numbers and policies—it’s about Malaysia’s future and, indirectly, yours. The government is pumping serious cash into high-growth areas such as renewable energy, semiconductors, and AI. They’re also rolling out special tax breaks for companies that prioritize R&D, which could lead to a surge in demand for top talent (aka you!). This means that for Malaysians, job prospects in cutting-edge sectors are set to soar, particularly for those interested in tech, engineering, and innovation.

But it’s not all tech talk—Malaysia’s leadership is tackling inequality head-on so that more people can feel the love. The introduction of targeted subsidies ensures that those who truly need help (and not just the elites or corporations) will see direct benefits. They're also rethinking how subsidies work for essentials like electricity and fuel, keeping costs manageable for 85% of the population while cutting back on wasteful spending.

On top of that, big reforms in education and healthcare are on the horizon. The government plans to scale back subsidies for higher-income families to free up funds for better facilities and programs that benefit more people. So, whether you're exploring opportunities back home or just keeping an eye on Malaysia's developments, do know that our country is making moves to stay competitive and resilient.

Find out more here: 

Astro Awani article

📱Technology

3. Tapping into Mobile Games: The Next Big Thing for Malaysian Ads

🔍 What's Going On?

Mobile gaming has exploded in Southeast Asia, and Malaysia is no exception. With mobile games now a hot platform for advertisers, ad spending in this space is growing fast, offering brands a new way to reach younger audiences.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Mobile games, ranging from Mobile Legend and Plants vs. Zombies, to Subway Surfers and Candy Crush, are no longer just entertainment; they’ve become a core space for digital advertising and boosting business revenue. In Southeast Asia (SEA), where Malaysia plays a key role, mobile game ad creatives grew by 11% year-on-year, with the region making up a whopping 55% of global in-game promotions. By 2027, gaming revenues in Southeast Asia are expected to soar, driven by rapid smartphone adoption and better internet access.

Here are the reasons why mobile games have become popular for advertising in SEA:

• High user engagement 24/7.

• Advanced technology (i.e. flexibility of programmatic advertising, smart bidding, and advanced targeting capabilities) helps advertisers reach the right audience without overspending.

• Advertising costs in the SEA gaming market tend to be lower than in Western countries.

This surge in mobile gaming ads could influence job markets in fields like digital marketing, adtech, or game development—industries that are rapidly growing back home. It’s a space ripe for innovation, with new ad formats like playable ads (already accounting for over 10% of mobile game creatives) evolving fast. 

Being aware of this trend can help you understand how the advertising landscape is changing, especially if you're considering a career in media, marketing, or tech. Whether you're casually gaming or considering how technology is shaping the future, ads are no longer confined to conventional marketing channels such as physical and online spaces. They are expanding into the gaming sector, and perhaps, in the near future, into❗️every app on your phone.❗️

Read the news here: 

The Star article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Monday morning!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen a series of interesting stories that affect our fellow Malaysians, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🪙Economy | 📱Technology

Here’s the latest news for the week of Oct 13th in 6:00 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Smart Money Moves: What FED Rate Cuts Mean for You

2. Malaysia’s Strengthening Ringgit: What It Means for Students in the U.S.

3. Fighting Cyberbullies: Malaysia’s New Committee Takes Charge

4. The Dark Side of Telegram: How will Malaysia tackle it?

🪙Economy

1. Smart Money Moves: What FED Rate Cuts Mean for You

🔍 What's Going On?

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time since 2020, reducing borrowing costs for everything from mortgages to credit cards. Lower interest rates mean it’s cheaper to borrow but less rewarding to save. So, how can you take advantage of this shift?

🤔 Why Should I Care?

As Malaysian students in the US, rate cuts could directly impact any loans you plan to take or current debts. Borrowing will be cheaper, which could benefit those looking to purchase a car, buy a home, or even consolidate student loans. For example, mortgage rates, previously at 7%, might drop closer to 6%, saving homeowners significant amounts if they refinance.

But there’s a flip side: savings rates will likely dip as well. High-yield savings accounts that many have relied on for better returns might offer less lucrative options. If you’ve been enjoying high returns on your savings, now might be the time to lock in rates before they decline further.

Also, inflationary pressures remain, so even though borrowing becomes easier, you’ll still be paying more for everyday expenses, like groceries or gas, which have risen steeply in the last few years. The price of necessities may not bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, so it’s crucial to budget wisely.

In short, make savvy decisions on borrowing and saving as the economic landscape shifts—keep an eye on both personal finance opportunities and potential risks!

To find out more:

US Army article

🪙Economy

2. Malaysia’s Strengthening Ringgit: What It Means for Students in the U.S.

🔍 What's Going On?

The ringgit is gaining strength, driven by Malaysia’s economic growth and increased foreign investments. The ringgit rose by 1.6% against the U.S. dollar within a week and is expected to stay strong due to positive economic indicators and stable government policies​

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Improved Spending Power: A stronger ringgit means you get more value when converting your money to U.S. dollars. This is especially relevant if your family sends money from Malaysia or if you’re on a Malaysian scholarship. With the current rate of RM4.12 per dollar, the cost of tuition, rent, and daily expenses in the U.S. becomes lighter on your pocket​. This provides relief for those managing tight student budgets or paying tuition fees in foreign currency.

Reduced Financial Stress: With the ringgit gaining strength, financial aid from home goes further than before. This could mean receiving more funds for the same amount transferred. For many students, this will reduce the need for extra work or student loans to cover costs, allowing you to focus more on studies or extracurriculars​.

Better Career Prospects Back Home: The strengthening economy is not just about currency. The positive outlook also suggests job market growth and increased opportunities when you return to Malaysia. With foreign investments pouring in and the ringgit stabilizing, key sectors like technology, finance, and trade are expanding. This means better job prospects for returning graduates who want to leverage their overseas experience in a stronger economy.

Find out more here: 

The Edge article

The Malaysian Reserve article

Bernama article

📱Technology

3. Fighting Cyberbullies: Malaysia’s New Committee Takes Charge

🔍 What's Going On?

The Malaysian government is setting up a special committee to tackle the growing issue of cyberbullying. Multiple ministries and agencies will collaborate to strengthen laws and take action against social media platforms that allow harmful online behavior.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

If you're online, this matters. As Malaysians, we spend a huge part of our day on social media, which unfortunately has become a breeding ground for toxic behavior like cyberbullying. This affects everyone, from influencers and politicians to everyday users. Even for those studying abroad, the issue hits home—many have witnessed or been victims of online harassment.

This special committee, pulling together experts from several ministries and agencies including the Communications Ministry, the Home Ministry, the Digital Ministry, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, MCMC, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, is an important step in safeguarding the digital world. Cyberbullying isn't just comments or trolling—it has led to real-life tragedies, such as the recent death of a TikTok influencer in Malaysia.

The committee will also focus on updating laws to keep up with the fast-evolving nature of social media and AI-driven platforms. By holding social media giants accountable, this move could set an example for a more responsible online culture worldwide, especially in a time where online spaces are becoming more integrated with daily life.

Read the news here: 

Business Today article

📱Technology

4. The Dark Side of Telegram: How will Malaysia tackle it?

🔍 What's Going On?

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has urged Telegram to cooperate with local authorities to curb rising cybercrimes, ranging from scams and money laundering activities to data leakage and illicit product sales. Social media platforms now have two months to register and agree to a new code of conduct or face potential legal action. This move aims to protect users’ privacy and tackle criminal activity on these platforms.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

1. Your data is at risk now.
   Due to Telegram’s lack of moderation, massive amounts of hacked data—credit card details, passwords, and even sensitive personal documents—are being bought and sold in the app’s channels. Cybercriminals have the tools to cross borders easily, and anyone using apps like Telegram, especially for financial or personal communications, could be exposed. This means your online presence is at risk, no matter where you’re based.
   

2. You are more vulnerable to illicit activity.
   Have you ever been added to a random Telegram group, received links from suspicious users, or even been called by a stranger via Telegram? This is how you might unknowingly get involved in illicit activities or being scammed. Not only could your data get caught up in these illegal activities, but you might also lose your savings and other personal information. Additionally, Telegram’s features, such as end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, allow criminals to erase their traces on the platform, making it difficult for authorities to track them. This complicates efforts to help victims trace scammers.

The UN’s recent report highlights how Southeast Asia has become a hub for illicit online activity, with an average of $3 million stolen from overseas every day and generating $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion annually. As Malaysia and other countries tighten their grip on platforms like Telegram, this could lead to stricter regulations worldwide, potentially affecting how you use social media and messaging apps in the future, particularly in terms of privacy and the features you rely on for seamless, encrypted communication. Nevertheless, the general rule of thumb when using social media (not just Telegram) is to always stay cautious, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report any suspicious activity.

Read the news here: 

Reuters article

The Edge article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen a series of interesting stories that affect our fellow Malaysians, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🪙Economy | 📚Education | 🏗️Development | 📱Technology

Here’s the latest news for the week of Sep 29th in 5:14 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Fed’s Rate Cut Sparks a Chain Reaction: What Asia’s Central Banks Will Do Next

2. The Exam Debate: Should UPSR and PT3 Make a Comeback?

3. A Roof for Every Family: Selangor’s 60,000 Affordable Homes by 2027

4. Malaysia Climbs to 33rd in Global Innovation Index 2024

🪙Economy

1. Fed’s Rate Cut Sparks a Chain Reaction: What Asia’s Central Banks Will Do Next

🔍 What's Going On?

The US Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates, relieving pressure on Asia’s central banks that have been struggling to defend their currencies. This could kickstart a wave of monetary easing across the region, although each country faces unique challenges in how they approach it.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

The Fed's decision to cut rates matters globally because, as the world's largest economy, what happens in the US sets off ripple effects everywhere — including Malaysia. When the Fed cuts rates, it's usually trying to cool down a slowing economy or prevent a recession. The logic here is simple: lower rates make borrowing cheaper, which encourages spending and investment, helping to prop up the economy. 

For countries like Malaysia, this Fed rate cut could be a double-edged sword. Here’s why: a lower US interest rate weakens the US dollar, which in turn strengthens other currencies, like Malaysia's ringgit, proven by the recent performance of MYR against USD. A stronger ringgit makes imports cheaper (good news for businesses and consumers buying foreign goods), but it also means Malaysian exports may become pricier and less competitive globally. If Malaysia's exports slow down, it could affect everything from the country's GDP growth to job opportunities back home. However, this should not be a worry now, because according to the data from the Department of Statistics, the export continues to grow at a double digit rate due to the relatively inelastic demand towards Malaysia’s resources and cheaper production cost.

On the plus side, if Malaysia and other regional countries follow the Fed by cutting their own rates, it could give a much-needed boost to domestic growth. Investors are likely to pour money into Asia's markets, attracted by cheaper borrowing costs and better growth prospects, helping to stabilize currencies and even boost stock markets. However, with inflation risks in countries like India and the Philippines, central banks must tread carefully — they can't afford to let prices spiral out of control. For Malaysians, especially those studying in the US or planning to return to a job market in Malaysia, this tug-of-war between inflation, interest rates, and economic growth is critical to watch.

To find out more:

Yahoo Finance article

📚Education

2. The Exam Debate: Should UPSR and PT3 Make a Comeback?

🔍 What's Going On?

There’s growing talk about reintroducing UPSR and PT3, the exams scrapped two years ago. However, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek is urging caution, stating that rushing to reinstate these exams isn’t the answer. 

🤔 Why Should I Care?

As a Malaysian student, whether in the US or back home, you might remember the intensity of UPSR and PT3, exams that kept students on their toes. Recently, there have been calls to reintroduce these exams, notably from former education minister Mahdzir Khalid. The discussion was sparked when Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi suggested reviewing the education system, specifically the absence of these key exams. However, rushing to bring them back could do more harm than good, as the Ministry of Education warns that such a move might overburden both students and teachers without fully understanding the long-term consequences.

Taking time to rethink the education system could lead to more balanced assessments—ones that are still rigorous but focused on developing critical skills rather than relying solely on memorization. Exams aren’t the only kayu ukur to gauge student success, and returning to an old model might not address current educational needs. A well-thought-out approach could better prepare students for the global job market, making sure they have the right skills to keep up in a fast-changing world.

For now, the ministry is taking a cautious approach, with any reintroduction or policy change expected to be gradual. Stay tuned as the debate continues, and think about how education might look by the time younger students are hitting those crucial exam years.

Find out more here: 

FMT article

🏗️Development

3. A Roof for Every Family: Selangor’s 60,000 Affordable Homes by 2027

🔍 What's Going On?

The Selangor state government aims to build 60,000 affordable homes under its Rumah Idaman initiative by 2027. With 40,000 units awaiting approval and 10,000 already under construction, this project hopes to meet the housing needs of the B40 and M40 income groups.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This initiative brings a much-needed solution to Malaysia’s housing crisis, particularly for the B40 and M40 groups who have long struggled to secure affordable homes. With urbanization pushing property prices to unattainable heights, the Rumah Idaman project offers a lifeline, with eligibility for households earning RM10,000 or below. Owning a home will no longer be an unattainable dream.

Located in growing urban areas like Sepang, Dengkil, and Putrajaya, the Putra Idaman and Saujana Idaman projects offer the added benefit of gated, guarded communities, providing security and peace of mind. These homes are easily accessible via major highways like the North-South Expressway Central Link and the South Klang Valley Expressway, ensuring residents are well connected to key areas. With plans to build 41,000 additional homes by 2028, this initiative is reshaping the property market in ways that directly benefit underserved communities, offering them not just a home, but a solid foundation for a better future.

For Malaysian students abroad, it’s heartening to see the state government taking active steps to close the housing gap. These projects show a commitment to uplifting lower-income families. It’s a reminder that policies back home are making a difference, paving the way for a more equitable society when we return.

Read the news here: 

The Edge article

📱Technology

4. Malaysia Climbs to 33rd in Global Innovation Index 2024

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia has jumped to 33rd out of 133 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2024 — its highest ranking since 2016! This boost shows how the nation is pushing forward in science, technology, and innovation.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Malaysia is making waves globally, and that's something to be proud of! If you're a Malaysian student, especially in the US, this shows how your home country competes with big players on the world stage.

This improvement means Malaysia is becoming a more innovative nation, especially in fields like science, engineering, and high-tech exports. For the first time, Kuala Lumpur made it onto the list of the world's top 100 science and tech clusters. But here's the catch — while Malaysia is doing great, it still needs to invest more in research and development (R&D) to keep up with countries like South Korea and Japan, which spend much more in this area.

For Malaysians abroad, this progress highlights the growing opportunities back home. Malaysia's government is setting ambitious goals, like cracking the top 30 by 2025. This push towards innovation and investment in R&D could lead to more job opportunities in tech, startups, and beyond, offering a chance for you to be part of Malaysia's future growth story. So, while studying in the US, keep an eye on how Malaysia is building its place in the world — it might just be where you find your next ample opportunity.

Read the news here: 

The Edge article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

Bet you missed reading that line over the past month, eh?

We certainly miss you too, dear reader. And we are delighted to have you back, starting with our special edition! Happy Malaysia Day! 🌺🐯

We hope you had (or will have) a good time celebrating (which, of course, means big makan) with your fellow anak-anak Malaysia. 🍛🍴

Merdeka Theme:

To start off this special edition, our writer Henry Tan, a sophomore at Cornell University, wants to share a short introduction to the theme for our independence day this year: “Malaysia Madani Jiwa Merdeka”. Did you know there is a logo, slogan, and even theme song? 🎵

1. Logo:

Alright, what do you first see when you look at the logo?

We’re pretty sure nobody thought of this, but it is actually a hand—taking an oath. Remember the days gone by of reciting the Rukun Negara (National Principles) in the assembly hall with hundreds of students? Well, you can think of that logo as your own hand. The logo signifies Malaysians’ commitment to practicing the five tenets of the Rukun Negara to ensure the unity and prosperity of the country. 

Here’s a deeper breakdown of the elements and what they mean (Refresher course to the Jalur Gemilang colors that you learnt in pre-school, ehem ehem…):

• Stripes in 5 fingers (in white and red) – Represent the five tenets of the Rukun Negara, based on the ideology of the country.

• Crescent moon – Signifies Islam as the official religion of the federation.

• Star – The 14 points on the star represent the 13 states, with one star representing the federal territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan).

• Blue circle – Symbolizes unity among Malaysians.

• Yellow crescent and star – Represent Malaysia as a constitutional monarchy.

• Red – Reflects the brave spirit of Malaysians.

• Blue – Symbolizes the unity among Malaysians of different races.

• White – This represents sincerity and peace of an independent nation.

2. Slogan:

• “Malaysia Madani Jiwa Merdeka!”

• Madani is an acronym made up of six core values – sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion.

• Jiwa Merdeka shows people’s freedom from any negative elements in interpreting their love for Malaysia. It represents the independent spirit and love of Malaysians for this nation, manifested through unity, social cohesion, and a vibrant economy, creating a just and progressive society.

3. Theme Song:

Wow. Okay, vocals.

Beware, you might just get hooked on the catchy tune. And see it become your Most Played Song on Spotify Wrapped 2024.

Check out the song on Youtube!

This week, we got some of our new writers to handpick a news piece of their choice, and tell us “Why this snippet for Malaysia Day”. Their incredible selections will inspire, inform, and cause you to reflect upon our nation’s progress as well as what you can do to represent Malaysia in the global spaces you are in.

So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🪙Economy | 📱Technology | 🌺Culture

Here’s the latest news for the week of September 16th in 6:18 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Malaysia’s Economic Transformation: The PIKAS 2030 Master Plan

2. Ringgit Rising: What to Expect in the Week Ahead

3. Malaysia Joins WIPO Alert to Supercharge IP Protection in the Digital Era

4. Keretapi Sarong 2024: "Bangga Malaysia" Takes Center Stage

🪙Economy

1. Malaysia’s Economic Transformation: The PIKAS 2030 Master Plan

Brought to you by Tadeb Shakur Tabira, Junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

🔍 What's Going On?

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently launched PIKAS 2030, a strategic plan aimed at attracting RM78 billion in private investments, adding RM82 billion to the GDP, and creating 900,000 jobs by 2030. The initiative focuses on public-private partnerships (PPP) and improving governance to ensure Malaysia’s economic resilience.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

1. Future Career Opportunities:

PIKAS 2030’s focus on sectors such as transport, digital economy, and renewable energy means that returning graduates will find a wealth of opportunities in a diverse job market​. For those studying technology, business, or sustainability, your skills will be in high demand as Malaysia strengthens its foothold in AI, smart infrastructure, and green energy industries.

2. Improved Governance and Transparency:

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is certainly not revolutionary. However, there are noteworthy changes: there is a shift in focus to competitive bidding processes through Requests for Proposals to enhance transparency in PPP projects. There are also new PPP models and alternative funding mechanisms being explored to lessen the government’s financial strain.

3. Global Positioning:

Malaysia’s emphasis on innovation and international collaboration through Pikas 2030 is positioning the country as a regional leader. For students abroad, this opens up exciting possibilities for global partnerships and international roles.

🌺 Why this snippet for Malaysia Day?

As Malaysia Day approaches, the unveiling of PIKAS 2030 serves as a powerful reflection of the nation's forward-looking vision. While we celebrate our shared history, this plan symbolizes the future, with Malaysia gearing up for a more innovative and competitive global economy. For Malaysians studying abroad, particularly in the US, it's an exciting reminder of the opportunities awaiting back home and how you can be part of this national growth story.

To find out more:

The Star article

NST article

🪙Economy

2. Ringgit Rising: What to Expect in the Week Ahead

Brought to you by Norsabella Ahmad Sabri, Junior at Pennsylvania State University

🔍 What's Going On?

The Ringgit is expected to continue its upward trend against the US dollar, trading at around 4.28-4.29. This comes as the US Federal Reserve prepares to cut interest rates next week, signaling potential gains for Malaysia’s currency.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

If you’re studying in the US, currency exchange rates matter, especially if you're converting USD to MYR or vice versa. A stronger ringgit can stretch your budget, whether for tuition payments or sending money home. Understanding these currency shifts helps you manage your finances better.

Malaysia’s ringgit is rising as markets anticipate a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, which weakens the dollar. At the same time, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is holding steady on interest rates due to domestic inflation concerns. The combination of these factors makes the ringgit stronger compared to other major currencies. In other words, for now, Malaysia's economy is holding firm amid global market movements.

🌺 Why this snippet for Malaysia Day?

Malaysia Day is all about celebrating our resilience as a nation. Seeing the ringgit hold its own in the global market is a great reminder of how far Malaysia has come economically. It’s also a signal of our potential to keep growing stronger in a rapidly changing world. This snippet reflects Malaysia’s ability to adapt and thrive, and that’s definitely something worth celebrating! 😄

Read the news here: 

The Star article

The Star article 2

📱Technology

3. Malaysia Joins WIPO Alert to Supercharge IP Protection in the Digital Era

Brought to you by Siti Khadijah Sultan, Sophomore at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia has officially joined the WIPO Alert platform, becoming one of the first 14 countries to participate in this global data-sharing initiative aimed at enhancing intellectual property (IP) enforcement, particularly in the digital realm.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

As a Malaysian studying in the US, you might use platforms and services that are built on strong intellectual property laws. This move directly impacts the security of creative content, tech innovations, and educational resources that you might engage with daily. It helps ensure that digital environments are safer from piracy and that creators are compensated fairly.

Globally, with Malaysia now part of WIPO Alert, companies and governments can share IP enforcement data more efficiently, reducing the risks of illegal content and counterfeit goods circulating online. For Malaysian innovators and businesses, this is a big deal—it protects their creations and helps them stay competitive in a fast-paced, digital-first world. As more of us work and study digitally, this enforcement becomes critical.

🌺 Why this snippet for Malaysia Day?

This year’s Malaysia Day theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka," embodies a vision of a united, progressive, and empowered Malaysia. By joining WIPO Alert, Malaysia reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding national talent and creativity on the global stage. Through the protection of intellectual property, Malaysia embraces the "MADANI" vision—one where freedom, innovation, and national pride flourish within a secure digital environment.

Read the news here: 

The Edge article

For more info on WIPO: 

WIPO website

🌺 Culture

4. Keretapi Sarong 2024: "Bangga Malaysia" Takes Center Stage

Brought to you by Norsabella Ahmad Sabri, Junior at Pennsylvania State University

🔍 What's Going On?

Keretapi Sarong 2024 returns with the theme “Bangga Malaysia” , a celebration of our nation’s diverse heritage and unity. Participants dress in traditional attire and gather for a lively event that unites Malaysians, both at home and abroad, in a festive show of national pride.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

For Malaysians studying in the US, Keretapi Sarong is a reminder of home, a chance to reconnect with our traditions and show our pride in Malaysia’s culture. While we may be far away, this event is a reminder of what makes our country special and how we can continue celebrating that spirit from abroad.

And hey, wouldn’t it be awesome to see a version of Keretapi Sarong here in the US? Imagine Malaysian students gathering at stations, donning sarongs, and creating our own “Bangga Malaysia” experience in American cities.

If you’d love to see that happen, drop us a comment in the feedback form down below! Perhaps we can make it a reality next year. 😉

🌺 Why this snippet for Malaysia Day?

Celebrating Malaysia Day is about more than just a date—it’s about recognizing the unity and culture that define us as Malaysians. Keretapi Sarong embodies that spirit perfectly, and even as students abroad, we can bring that same energy to our local communities, showcasing the pride we have for our beloved Malaysia! 🇲🇾

⭐ Check out this awesome video from The Star, showing the excitement of the Keretapi Sarong 2024 celebrations happening in Malaysia:

Keretapi Sarong 2024

Read more here:

Locco article

The Star article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen a series of interesting stories that affect Malaysians, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🪙Economy | 📱Technology

Here’s the latest news for the week of July 20th in 5:14 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Pulau 1 @ Forest City: Malaysia’s New Duty Free Island

2. Malaysian DPM Sets Up Task Force to Boost Halal Industry

3. Global Tech Meltdown: Microsoft and CrowdStrike Outage

🪙Economy

1. Pulau 1 @ Forest City: Malaysia’s New Duty Free Island

🔍 What's Going On?

Pulau 1, part of Johor's Forest City, has been designated as a duty-free zone following the approval of five amendment bills in Parliament. This move aims to boost economic growth in the area by introducing special tax provisions.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Forest City was envisioned as a sprawling, vibrant hub but has struggled with low occupancy and stalled development, causing it to be abandoned for years. Making Pulau 1 a duty-free zone is a strategic attempt to breathe new life into this "ghost city." The hope is that duty-free status will attract investments, boost trade, and stimulate the local economy.

Economically, establishing Pulau 1 as a duty-free zone can draw in tourists, investors, and businesses. Increased tourism and investment can lead to job creation, infrastructure development, and a more robust local economy. For Malaysian students abroad, it’s crucial to stay informed about such economic developments. The developments not only expand the job markets and impact your future career prospects, but also inspire us on how government policies can shape Malaysia's economic landscape.

Moreover, Johor’s proximity to Singapore means this move could increase cross-border economic activity, making Malaysia a more attractive destination for business and tourism in the region. Furthermore, the successful revitalization of Forest City could serve as a model for other large-scale projects, displaying the government’s bravery in correcting their previous mistakes of abandoning these projects, and showcasing Malaysia’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of economic challenges.

However, there are still unanswered questions: How to boost investors’ confidence to invest in this once-failed project? Is the time taken to revitalize the city worth the return and risk? How can the government make sure that the duty-free project benefits not only the foreigners but also the locals? The government needs to answer these questions through strategic asset allocations and risk management.

In conclusion, understanding these dynamics helps you see the broader picture of Malaysia's growth strategies and prepares you to contribute effectively to the nation’s future, whether you choose to balik kampung or leverage your knowledge and skills internationally.

To find out more:

The Edge article

🪙Economy

2. Malaysian DPM Sets Up Task Force to Boost Halal Industry

🔍 What's Going On?

The Malaysian government has established a task force to enhance the development of halal industrial parks, aiming to overcome challenges and promote growth in the halal sector.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

A. Direct Impact on Future Careers:

This initiative could present new career opportunities for Malaysian students in the US, particularly those in fields such as business, international trade, food sciences, and Islamic studies. With the halal industry poised for expansion, there's potential for more jobs, internships, and collaborative projects back home.

B. Sector Growth and Opportunities:

The halal industry is vital to Malaysia's economy, contributing significantly to its GDP. However, only 11% of the allocated land for halal industrial parks has been developed. The task force, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, aims to address issues like inadequate infrastructure and incentives, positioning Malaysia to capture a larger share of the global halal market, which is expected to be worth US$5 trillion by 2030. This means a more vibrant job market for those with the right expertise and international experience.

C. Global Connections and Innovations:

Malaysia's push to expand its halal industry involves international collaborations and innovations in areas like the digital economy and renewable energy. Students with skills in these fields will find themselves in demand. Moreover, the growth of the halal sector could lead to enhanced bilateral trade agreements and global partnerships, providing a dynamic environment for career growth and international networking.

Find out more here: 

Malay Mail article

Bernama article

The Star article

📱Technology

3. Global Tech Meltdown: Microsoft and CrowdStrike Outage

🔍 What's Going On?

A tech mishap has led to chaos worldwide, with grounded flights, disrupted banking services, and healthcare impacts. The culprit? A faulty CrowdStrike antivirus update affecting Microsoft Windows systems.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This outage demonstrates how interconnected our world is. Thousands of travelers globally arrived at the airport, only to find long lines and canceled flights because of a software glitch.

CrowdStrike, a major cybersecurity player, rolled out an update to its antivirus software. Instead of protecting systems, it caused them to crash, displaying the infamous blue error screens. According to the BBC, this significant outage has impacted 8.5 million Windows computers and caused more than 3,300 flights to be canceled globally. Airports from London to Tokyo, including KLIA2 back home, were thrown into disarray. Airlines like British Airways and American Airlines had to cancel flights, leaving passengers stranded.

Beyond travel, the outage hit payment systems and healthcare providers. Imagine not getting paid or allowances on time because payroll systems are down, or emergency services unable to respond. That’s the real-world impact of a digital hiccup. CrowdStrike has issued a fix, but it requires manual intervention for each affected device, meaning the headache continues for IT departments. The situation was worse for self-employed individuals, students, or gig economy workers, who struggled to find a designated IT department to help fix the issue.

This incident is a peringatan of our reliance on technology and the domino effects when things go wrong. Whether you're flying home for the holidays or just trying to get through your day, these tech troubles remind us of the importance of robust cybersecurity and reliable IT systems.

Read the news here: 

BBC article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen a series of particularly intriguing stories around the globe that affect Malaysians, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🏛️Politics | 🪙Economy | 📱Technology

Here’s the latest news for the week of July 8th in 7:56 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Labour's Landslide: A New Era for the UK

2. When China’s Property Crisis Shakes the Global Oil Market

3. Massive Cyberattack Rocks Indonesia, IT Ministry Official Resigns

4. Bigger Problems Behind AI: Energy and Land

🏛️Politics

1. Labour's Landslide: A New Era for the UK

🔍 What's Going On?

The Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has achieved a landslide victory in the UK general election, ending the Conservative Party's 14-year reign. This also leads to new policy changes, some of which could affect you.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

For Malaysians studying in the US, the UK’s political shift might not affect you directly. However, for those who have friends yang melanjutkan pelajaran in the UK universities or hope to continue their postgraduate studies there, it is important to understand current opportunities and challenges for you and your friends.

✔️ Stance 1: Cutting down the number of people entering the UK on work, study, and family visas

This stance might affect Malaysians planning to study or work in the UK. The tightening of immigration rules could impact the ability of Malaysian students to bring family members along or stay in the UK post-graduation. There is also a plan to increase taxes for new arrivals after four years, which could affect Malaysians moving to the UK for work or further studies.

✔️ Stance 2: Not rejoining the European Union (EU)

Malaysia and the UK have strong educational ties. Labour's stance on not rejoining the EU could mean fewer opportunities for Malaysian students to participate in EU-funded programs or internships. 

✔️ Stance 3: Improving accessibility and inclusivity of the National Health System (NHS)

The Labour Party aims to improve accessibility by delivering 40,000 more appointments and increasing inclusivity by potentially recruiting more Malaysians as NHS workers through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Malaysia and the UK. This could provide better healthcare access to Malaysian students in the UK, and more job opportunities for students studying medicine and healthcare.

✔️ Stance 4: Building more houses and promoting renewable energy 

The Labour Party's promise to build 1.5 million new homes could influence the rental market, potentially making it easier or harder to find affordable housing. Their focus on reducing electricity bills by promoting renewable energy and banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 reflects a broader global trend towards sustainability. This could inspire similar initiatives in Malaysia, encouraging the adoption of green technologies and sustainable practices back home.

Overall, Labour's win signifies a major political and policy shift in one of the world's leading economies. This not only affects Malaysians directly involved with the UK but also offers insights into global trends that could influence Malaysia's future policies and hubungan diplomatik.

What has happened and what’s next for the UK:

BBC article

What Malaysians can expect from Labour’s win:

The Star article

🪙Economy

2. When China’s Property Crisis Shakes the Global Oil Market

🔍 What's Going On?

China’s sluggish property market is dampening its demand for oil, creating a ripple effect that could cool global crude prices.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

China is the world’s largest crude importer, consuming one of every six barrels globally. This year, their demand for oil hasn’t bounced back as expected. This is due to several recent events, but one of the primary factors is the property crisis. 

The property crisis can be traced back to the collapse of Chinese real estate giants like Evergrande and Country Garden. Evergrande, once the world’s most valuable real estate company, defaulted on over $300 billion in debt by 2021 due to excessive borrowing and overbuilding. Similarly, Country Garden, China’s largest property developer, is now struggling with a staggering $205 billion debt and is undergoing a liquidation analysis.

These collapses have not only affected the domestic market but also raised concerns about other major real-estate players like Vanke, which has seen its credit rating downgraded to junk. The fall of these giants indicates deep systemic issues within China’s real estate sector, causing a domino effect on reducing consumer confidence and economic activity. As industrial activity decreases, there is a reduction in demand for energy generation and diesel.

For Malaysian students in the US, this connection between China’s property woes and oil prices is crucial. Lower oil prices might mean cheaper travel costs and lower prices at the pump. On the other hand, the scenario also signals economic uncertainties. Malaysia’s economy heavily relies on exports, with China being a major trading partner. If China’s economic growth falters due to the property crisis, Malaysia’s export-driven sectors, like palm oil and electronics, could face lower demand, potentially impacting Malaysia’s GDP growth.

This slowdown could affect job prospects for new graduates in engineering and energy-related studies, both in Malaysia and abroad. As businesses adjust to reduced demand, hiring may slow, and salaries stagnate. 

Find out more here: 

The Edge article

Learn more about the Chinese property crisis:

Dig deeper

📱Technology

3. Massive Cyberattack Rocks Indonesia, IT Ministry Official Resigns

🔍 What's Going On?

In the wake of Indonesia's worst cyberattack, which wiped out data from over 280 government agencies, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, director-general at the Communications and Information Technology Ministry, has resigned. The cyberattack disrupted services nationwide, from airports to scholarship programs, and led to significant public outcry.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This incident is a wake-up call for everyone connected to digital systems, highlighting the vulnerabilities that can affect not just governments but potentially businesses and individuals, including Malaysians studying abroad.

The attack in Indonesia showcases the severe impacts of cyber threats. It forced officials to revert to manual processes at airports, leading to chaos and long lines. Thousands of scholarship recipients lost their data, emphasizing the broad reach of such attacks. President Joko Widodo has ordered a cybersecurity audit and mandated multiple data backups for all agencies. However, the response hasn't quelled public dissatisfaction, with thousands calling for the resignation of the Communications Minister.

Despite the massive impact, the Indonesian government refused to give in to the hackers' ransom demand of US$8 million. Surprisingly, the hacker group responsible for the attack has apologized and released a key to unlock the stolen data. This stance highlights the importance of resilience as governments steer their nations through cybercriminal waters.

As Indonesia navigates this challenge with ongoing cyberattacks, there are lessons to be learned. Our government should take proactive steps to strengthen data security standards, ensure proper backups, and develop comprehensive disaster recovery plans. This approach can help mitigate the risks and consequences of potential cyber threats in the future.

Read the news here: 

The Edge article

📱Technology

4. Bigger Problems Behind AI: Energy and Land

🔍 What's Going On?

The excitement around artificial intelligence (AI) has primarily revolved around Nvidia's chips and ChatGPT. However, a whole world of challenges lies in the rush to build the infrastructure needed to train and run generative AI (GenAI) models.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

In England’s Northumberland, Blackstone—the world's largest commercial real estate owner—recently acquired 95 hectares of land (roughly 153 soccer fields!) to build one of Europe’s largest data centers. But what’s up with the need for such ginormous swathes of land?

As GenAI rises in popularity, it calls for greater processing power, which in turn demands more electricity. A ChatGPT text search eats up 10 times more power than a Google search, according to Goldman Sachs analysts. And the energy it takes to generate a GenAI image is equivalent to half a smartphone charge! While traditional data centers typically use 20 to 50 megawatts, the demands of GenAI are pushing this capacity up to 200 to 500 megawatts. 

This is putting a strain on energy infrastructure. Data centers consumed about 460 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity in 2022, representing 2% of global demand. For instance, in Ireland, data centers' electricity consumption surged from 5% in 2015 to 18% in 2022.

This demand for data center space has thus led to a land rush involving tech giants, former cryptocurrency miners, and investment firms. In June, Microsoft announced investments totaling $10.2 billion in Swedish and Spanish data centers. There's also exploration into alternative energy sources like geothermal electricity and nuclear fusion. 

Interestingly, this conundrum drops a durian runtuh for landlords who are leasing data centers. Investors are now seeking yields of at least 8% to 10%. These costs will ultimately be passed on to AI operators and their customers.

As college students, many of us dream of working with the AI beacons of Silicon Valley. But it's also worth pondering about the big challenges that come with our digital and software work, especially their impacts on the world’s climate, land space, and even consumer’s pockets.

Read the news here: 

The Edge article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen some controversial stories from back home, so let’s get into it.

Sections for the Week:

🏅Sports | 🪙Economy

Here’s the latest news for the week of July 1st, in 5:47 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Malaysia’s Olympic Attire Drama: A Showcase of the Power of Public Opinion

2. Strengthening Bonds: Celebrating 100 Years of the Singapore-Malaysia Causeway

3. The Political Economy of BlackRock and Malaysia Airports

🏅Sports

1. Malaysia’s Olympic Attire Drama: A Showcase of the Power of Public Opinion

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia’s 2024 Olympic attire, designed by Yonex Sunrise Malaysia, has sparked outrage online. Intended to symbolize the nation’s determination to win a gold medal, the black-and-gold tiger stripe design has been criticized by many Malaysians for misrepresenting the national identity and failing to honor the spirit of the Jalur Gemilang.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This controversy touches on national pride. The uproar is about more than just clothes—it’s about representation and respect.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) unveiled a new attire featuring tiger stripes and gold accents. However, netizens quickly criticized the design for changing the national flag’s colors to gold and for sparse tiger stripes. The backlash was so strong that OCM President Tan Sri Norza Zakaria had to promise a redesign.

After taking full responsibility, Norza assured the public that OCM will collaborate with Yonex to introduce an improved version of the attire. The aim is to better reflect the nation’s identity and aspirations, ensuring the Tiger motif is clear and the Jalur Gemilang is respected. The redesigned attire will include a properly colored OCM logo, adhering to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines.

Why is this important?

• It shows the power of public opinion. Malaysians feel a deep connection to their national symbols, and changing them, even in design, can cause significant uproar. This episode highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the impact of collective voice—something to keep in mind as we engage with our communities and represent our heritage abroad. It’s a reminder that every detail counts in maintaining national identity and pride.

• It sheds light on the politics of fashion. Malaysia has a wealth of talented designers who often don’t get the chance to create official attire. Instead, established brands like Yonex dominate the scene. This controversy opens up a conversation about giving local designers opportunities to showcase their creativity and better represent Malaysia on the global stage. It’s a call to recognize and utilize homegrown talent, ensuring our national symbols are designed with the respect and insight they deserve.

This episode highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the power of collective voice—key points to consider as we engage with our communities and represent our heritage abroad. It’s a reminder that every detail counts in maintaining national identity and pride.

Read the story here:

NST Article

🪙Economy

2. Strengthening Bonds: Celebrating 100 Years of the Singapore-Malaysia Causeway

🔍 What's Going On?

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is looking forward to more "win-win" projects with Malaysia as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Causeway, a critical link between the two countries since June 28, 1924.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

As Malaysians studying in the US, staying informed about these significant milestones helps you remain connected to your homeland and aware of emerging opportunities

1. Economic and Trade Opportunities:

The Causeway symbolizes more than just a bridge; it represents a century of robust economic ties. Prime Minister Wong highlighted ongoing and future projects in health, education, culture, trade, as well as emerging areas like the digital economy and renewable energy. For students, this means potential internships, job opportunities, and collaborative projects in these vibrant sectors. Strengthened ties could lead to increased investment and development in both countries, opening doors for those planning to return home or seeking international work experience.

2. Enhanced Infrastructure and Mobility:

Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, emphasized the significance of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. These initiatives promise to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation. For students, this translates to better travel options and more dynamic economic zones with diverse professional opportunities. Improved infrastructure might also facilitate smoother transit for those traveling frequently between the two nations.

3. Cultural and Historical Bonds:

The Causeway has served as a bridge for the deep-seated kinship and shared history of Singapore and Malaysia. Celebrating its centennial is a reminder of these enduring cultural ties. Staying connected to these roots can enhance the sense of identity and belonging for Malaysian students, no matter where they are in the world.

Understanding these developments helps Malaysian students in the US stay informed about their homeland's evolving geopolitical landscape and prepare for future opportunities arising from these strengthened bilateral relations.

Find out more here: 

FMT Article

🪙Economy

3. The Political Economy of BlackRock and Malaysia Airports

🔍 What's Going On?

The public has voiced strong opposition to involving BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) in managing Malaysia's airports, arguing that it would make Malaysia complicit in Israel's actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, GIP clarifies that BlackRock won't influence the management of our airports directly.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

If the deal goes through, Malaysia's airports might see significant improvements. GIP aims to enhance passenger experience, increase airline connectivity, and upgrade infrastructure, potentially boosting the economy.

However, Khairy warns that bringing in BlackRock, which has investments tied to the Israeli economy and US arms industry, indirectly supports actions in Gaza. This has stirred controversy, especially among pro-Palestinian groups in Malaysia.

In response to this criticism, during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Dewan Rakyat, Anwar assures that BlackRock will not campur tangan in airport management, focusing instead on improving infrastructure and services.

The controversy showcases the intersection of economic interests and ethical stances. The proposed involvement of BlackRock in Malaysian infrastructure is a prime example of how money influences politics and vice versa. Understanding the political economy of entities like BlackRock, Malaysia Airports, and the Israel-Hamas conflict highlights the complex interplay between financial investments and international relations, underscoring the importance of informed and principled decision-making in global economics.

Read the news here: 

Article from the Edge

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

Sections for the Week:

🪙Economy | 📱Tech | 🌱ESG

Here’s the latest news for the week of June 24th, in 6:24 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Malaysia Eyes a Seat at the BRICS Table

2. TM and Singtel's Nxera Team Up for Next-Gen Data Centres in Johor

3. Ripple Effects: The Malaysia-Singapore Oil Spill

🪙Economy

1. Malaysia Eyes a Seat at the BRICS Table

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia has announced its intention to join BRICS, a powerful international alliance currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other countries.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Malaysia joining BRICS could significantly impact its economic and geopolitical relations, offering new opportunities and challenges.

BRICS started as an investment group but evolved into a geopolitical bloc representing 30% of the land mass, 45% of the global population, and a GDP slightly more than the US.

Noteworthy achievements of BRICS:

1. In July 2014, the group created a US$100bil New Development Bank with a currency pool worth over another US$100bil. 

2. Since 2012, BRICS has also been planning an optical fibre submarine communications cable system, known as the BRICS Cable. 

3. During the summit in 2023, BRICS members have committed to studying the feasibility of a new common currency. 

The case for BRICS:

1. Access to New Markets and Increased Investments: By joining BRICS, Malaysia can go beyond Western-dominated markets and tap into the new markets represented by the member countries, which make up a significant portion of the global population and economic output.

2. Balanced Geopolitical Strategy: Malaysia has historically maintained strong economic ties with the US, a major investor in the country. Joining BRICS allows Malaysia to balance its relationships with the US, China, and other BRICS members. This strategic move positions Malaysia as a neutral but influential player on the international stage, promoting multipolar global governance and enhancing its diplomatic leverage. Although some may view this move as a shift towards a specific geopolitical bloc, it is noteworthy that India participates in BRICS despite being a close US ally, suggesting that Malaysia might similarly navigate dual affiliations.

3. Reduced Reliance on the US Dollar: BRICS members are exploring the feasibility of a new common currency, which could reduce Malaysia's dependence on the US dollar for trade settlements. This shift would help stabilize currency markets, lower transaction costs for exporters and importers, and improve Malaysia’s economic predictability and resilience.

For Malaysian students in the US, Malaysia joining BRICS might bring more collaborative academic projects, exchange programs, and scholarships with BRICS institutions. Indirectly, it could influence Malaysia's trade relations with Western nations, potentially affecting job markets and investment landscapes.

Read the story here:

Article from the Star

📱Tech

2. TM and Singtel's Nxera Team Up for Next-Gen Data Centres in Johor

🔍 What's Going On?

Telekom Malaysia (TM) and Singtel's Nxera have formed a joint venture to develop a cutting-edge data center campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. This facility will be hyper-connected and AI-ready, aiming to support the region's increasing digitalization needs.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

For students, this partnership is a significant milestone. It positions Malaysia as a key digital hub in Southeast Asia, which could translate into better tech opportunities and advancements back home.

This new data center will cater to the needs of big players in tech, like hyperscalers and AI application providers, as well as companies diving into rapid digitalization. Leveraging TM's vast domestic network alongside Singtel’s extensive subsea cable systems, the collaboration promises faster internet speeds, more reliable services, and solid support for advanced digital applications like AI and cloud computing. 

Moreover, the data center will be built to the latest standards for reliability, security, and sustainability. It will be a LEED-certified green building, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The initial phase of the data center will have a capacity of 64MW, which can be scaled up to 200MW based on market demand. This high-power density campus will support large computing and AI capabilities, such as those required by cloud hyperscalers and GPU-as-a-service providers.

For students and professionals, this development means more opportunities for internships, job placements, and career growth in the tech and digital fields. The joint venture also plans to partner with Malaysian institutes of higher learning to nurture talent for its projects and the broader industry. This initiative is aligned with Malaysia's aspirations to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030 and part of a larger strategy to make Malaysia a preferred destination for digital and tech innovations​ so that we could berdiri sama tinggi, duduk sama rendah with other technologically advanced countries like Japan and South Korea.

In summary, this project will pave the way for a digitally advanced Malaysia. This move not only strengthens the local digital infrastructure but also opens up a world of opportunities for the next generation of tech-savvy Malaysians. The future looks promising with more jobs, better connectivity, and enhanced digital services, all contributing to Malaysia's growth as a digital hub in the region​.

Find out more here: 

Press Release by Telekom Malaysia

🌱ESG

3. Ripple Effects: The Malaysia-Singapore Oil Spill

🔍 What's Going On?

A dramatic collision between two ships has caused a massive oil spill, devastating Singapore's coastline and parts of south Malaysia. The situation has sparked a joint clean-up effort between the two countries.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

The recent environmental catastrophe involving an oil spill caused by a collision between a Dutch dredger and a Singaporean fuel supply ship has had far-reaching consequences across borders. The spill began on June 14 and has rapidly expanded, affecting Sentosa Island in Singapore and several areas in southern Malaysia by June 16. The spill's aftermath has led to the closure of beaches and a large-scale clean-up operation jointly undertaken by authorities from both Singapore and Malaysia.

The spill has posed a grave threat to marine life, with distressing reports of dead fish, otters, and birds covered in oil emerging. Experts and conservationists are deeply concerned about the potential long-term repercussions on the region's wildlife and ecosystems. The environmental impact is considerable despite the deployment of vessels and floating barriers to contain and clean up the oil.

Beyond immediate environmental damage, the spill has broader economic impacts, threatening Johor's tourism and fishing industries. This calls for urgent policy interventions and better cross-border environmental protocols. The incident also highlights the need for stronger maritime safety regulations and quicker notification systems to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing the importance of sustainable natural resource management.

For Malaysian students in the US, this devastating incident emphasizes the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges within the region. It also highlights the pressing need for stronger maritime safety regulations to avert similar accidents in the future. Understanding the implications of events like this helps us recognize the vulnerability of our natural environment and highlights the critical importance of its preservation.

Read the news here: 

AP News Article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

Sections for the Week:

🏛️Politics | 🪙Economy | 🌱ESG

Here’s the latest news for the week of June 17th, in 7:54 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. [Op-ed] Hannah Yeoh and the DRT Controversy: Unpacking Sexism in Malaysian Politics

2. Powering the Future: TNB’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET) for SMEs

3. Easycover.my: A New Insurance Solution for Malaysian SMEs

4. Far-Right Gains in European Elections and Macron's Call for Snap Elections

🏛️Politics

1. [Op-ed] Hannah Yeoh and the DRT Controversy: Unpacking Sexism in Malaysian Politics

🔍 What's Going On?

A demand-responsive transit (DRT) pilot project in Selangor, awarded to Asia Mobility Technologies, a company whose CEO is the husband of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, has sparked controversy. Despite the Selangor government and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirming no wrongdoing, calls for Yeoh’s resignation have emerged.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This case isn't just about public transportation or governance, it’s a reflection of deeper societal issues. As Malaysian students in the US, understanding these dynamics helps us bring fresh perspectives, especially from witnessing the rise of gender equality abroad, to view ongoing struggles back home.

When the news broke that Asia Mobility Technologies, led by Ramachandran Muniandy, Yeoh’s husband, was selected for the DRT project, questions about potential conflicts of interest surfaced. Despite assurances from Selangor's Menteri Besar and an MACC investigation clearing any misconduct, the narrative for Yeoh to resign persisted. This raises the question: Could implicit sexism be at play, where Yeoh’s professional standing is undermined due to her husband’s involvement in the project?

This case hints at the double standards often faced by women in power. Female politicians, like Yeoh, face immediate scrutiny and demands for resignation, even when cleared of wrongdoing. In 2012, for instance, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil resigned as Minister of Women, Family and Community Development due to public pressure linked to allegations against her husband, even though the allegations were eventually proven false in 2023​. This exposes an underlying bias that affects how female leaders are perceived and treated in Malaysian society, contrasting sharply with the experiences of their male counterparts. Male politicians often navigate conflicts of interest without calls for resignation, as seen in Khairy Jamaluddin’s controversial ECM Libra financial merger or Nga Kor Ming's wife’s tailoring company deal.

In addition to conflicts of interest, female politicians are also subject to appearance-related criticisms which almost never occur among male politicians. For example, Kuala Kubu Bharu MP Xiao Tao faced body-shaming during her election campaign, illustrating the gendered nature of political scrutiny in Malaysia. 

Gender bias in politics and other sectors is not unique to Malaysia. Empirical evidence shows that male party leaders receive more media attention for their leadership qualities, such as political craftsmanship, vigor, and communicative skills, compared to their female counterparts. In academia, gender bias is also prevalent, as another study has shown that student ratings of teaching are significantly influenced by the perceived gender of the instructor, with male identities receiving higher evaluations than female identities, regardless of the instructor’s actual gender. These biases reflect broader societal issues potentially at play in the DRT controversy involving Hannah Yeoh, where implicit sexism likely contributes to the harsher scrutiny and demands for her resignation, despite being cleared of wrongdoing.

So, why should we care?

As Malaysian students in the US, we've been exposed to a longstanding history in the US of fighting for gender equality—from female voting rights and the right to work, to bodily autonomy. The US has made significant strides in ensuring gender equality, and this exposure is invaluable.

The DRT pilot project controversy isn’t just a political issue. It's a reflection of societal bias that needs to be addressed. By encouraging discourse on these issues, we can contribute to a fairer discussion on gender, leadership, and governance in Malaysia. We have the unique opportunity to absorb progressive ideas abroad and drive change when we return home. Let's leverage our experiences abroad to foster a more inclusive and equitable society in Malaysia.

🌱ESG

2. Powering the Future: TNB’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET) for SMEs

🔍 What's Going On?

Tenaga Nasional Berhad just launched the Green Electricity Tariff (GET), which allows consumers and businesses to purchase a low-carbon electricity supply originating from renewable sources certified by the Energy Commission.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

For Malaysian students studying in the US, this is more than just a headline. It's a peek into 

• 👣 how our country is progressing towards sustainability

• 🌍 how to make informed choices about supporting eco-friendly companies when you balik kampung

The Issue: Although SMEs have contributed to nearly 40% of our national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), they fall short in environmental sustainability. But even SMEs that desire to improve face challenges like limited rooftop space and high initial costs for solar installations. To address this issue, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) introduced the GET program, which lets businesses buy green electricity without installing renewable energy systems. 

👉Here's how GET works:

1. Subscription Model: Businesses subscribe to GET via TNB’s portal. They pay a standard tariff, plus a small premium.

2. Green Energy Sources: The electricity is sourced from TNB’s large-scale solar (LSS) power plants and hydropower stations, ensuring it's genuinely renewable.

3. Malaysia Renewable Energy Certificate (mREC): Subscribers receive an mREC at the end of each year, certifying their use of green energy. This certificate can be used to claim that part of the electricity used is renewable, similar to how carbon credits work. However, unlike carbon credits that offset emissions elsewhere, mRECs prove the direct use of green energy, making it a more straightforward and transparent approach.

With over 40% of businesses already on board and sectors like manufacturing leading the way (contributing 33% of the total subscription), the GET program is gaining traction.

However, despite the program's initial success, most subscriptions are by profitable midsize and large-size but not smaller (micro) SMEs. Unless required, micro SMEs always avoid subscribing to green energy to save costs. To nudge them to switch to green energy, he suggested that TNB and the government give lower and more attractive tariff rates to SMEs. Indeed, prudent steps are needed to position Malaysian businesses as leaders in sustainability.

Find out more here: 

Introducing GET

Complying with EU Carbon Ruling

For more about the ‘GET’ program, why it was introduced, and how it helps SMEs:

Find out on TNB's website!

🪙Economy

3. Easycover.my: A New Insurance Solution for Malaysian SMEs

🔍 What's Going On?

VKA Wealth Planners (a financial planning firm approved by Bank Negara Malaysia) has launched easycover.my, a new digital platform that helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia manage employee benefits insurance easily and efficiently.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This is huge for Malaysian SMEs! If you or your family run a small biz, this app could be a game-changer.

In Malaysia, over 90% of companies are small and micro entrepreneurs, a group often underserved by traditional insurance models because of employee number restrictions. But easycover.my is changing the game. Even businesses with just three employees can use the app to get solid insurance coverage. That means more security and stability for these businesses that have historically been left out.

This app doesn't just make getting insurance easy by generating multiple quotes that simplify the decision-making process. It also puts all insurance processes in one place and helps with managing benefits, leaves, and claims. Vital services like car insurance, retirement savings plans, and cash management are also offered. 

This cool solution was inspired by Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Sector Blueprint 2022–2026, which aims to promote the digitalisation of the financial sector. For Malaysian students in the US, it's a great example of how innovation back home is driving economic progress and supporting small businesses—the backbone of the economy.

Read the news here: 

NST article

🏛️Politics

4. Far-Right Gains in European Elections and Macron's Call for Snap Elections

🔍 What's Going On?

Far-right parties made notable advances in the recent European Parliament elections. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally outperformed President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition, leading him to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap legislative elections. Similarly, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gained ground, placing second in the polls, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats​.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

The rise of far-right parties in Europe and the subsequent political shifts can have significant implications for Malaysia, impacting economic relations, immigration policies, and global strategic alignments.

1. Trade and Economic Policies: Far-right gains could lead to Europe adopting more protectionist trade policies. This might disrupt existing trade agreements between the EU and ASEAN countries, including Malaysia. Key Malaysian exports like palm oil, electronics, and rubber products could be affected. Malaysia may need to find new markets or adjust its trade strategies to manage these changes​.

2. Immigration and Foreign Policy: Far-right parties often push for stricter immigration controls and more isolationist policies. This could make it harder for Malaysians to live, study, or work in Europe due to tougher immigration rules. Additionally, it could reduce cooperation on education, technology exchange, and cultural programs​.

3. Strategic Alliances: As Europe turns inward, ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, might need to strengthen regional ties and look to partners like China and the United States.

4. Global Political Climate: The success of far-right parties in Europe reflects a global rise in nationalism and populism. Understanding these trends can help Malaysians anticipate how these shifts might influence international policies and relations in the future​​.

The political landscape in Europe is evolving, and it's crucial for Malaysia to stay informed and adapt to these changes to maintain its economic stability and global standing.

Read the news here: 

The Star article

Reuters article

The New York Times article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reach us at editor@mynamsa.org or fill out the Google Form below. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning! 😉

  Drop a feedback in our form!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

Exciting news! 📢 This week, we received some new writers onboard our editorial team. As we take this step into a new season, we are also making changes to our newsletter. In this particular issue, we are glad to introduce new sections to categorize the news bites you receive each week. This feature will also help you to navigate the newsletter with better ease and preference.

Sections for the Week:

🪙Economy | 🌱ESG

Now, let’s get into it. Here’s the latest news for the week of June 10th, in 6:06 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. RM200 Million for TVET: Enabling Workforce Transformation and Energy Transition

2. Wings of Friendship: MAHB and Henan Province Airport Elevate Malaysia-China Trade Relations

3. Climate Alert for Malaysians: Prepare for La Niña as the UN sounds the alarm

🪙Economy

1. RM200 Million for TVET: Enabling Workforce Transformation and Energy Transition

🔍 What's Going On?

During the launch of National TVET Day 2024, Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM200 million in government funding for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes to fuel high-value sectors such as AI, electric vehicles, and cybersecurity.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

For Malaysian students in the US, this is a big deal. It means more opportunities back home in high-tech fields are shaping the future.

The PM's announcement aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP). This funding aims to bridge the skills gap in critical industries like AI, electric vehicles, and cybersecurity. It's a push towards aligning Malaysia with Industry 4.0, which promises high-impact job opportunities and sustainable economic growth and transformation.

For students abroad, especially if you’re debating whether to stay in the US for that $100k MBB or FAANG job ✈️🇺🇸, it’s a signal that returning home could offer cutting-edge career prospects.

However, the big question remains: Will this money be effectively utilized? Despite hefty budgets for education every year (RM58 billion for MOE and RM16 billion for MOHE in 2024), tangible impacts and reformation of the education system are yet to be seen and felt by the rakyat. The key is ensuring that this new funding truly enhances the quality and reach of TVET programmes.

So, as you keep an eye on job markets and future opportunities, this move could mean a stronger and more dynamic job market in Malaysia, driven by well-funded, targeted education and training initiatives. The promise is already here 💰🤑, what we need now is an efficient use of resources with good governance and implementation. It is our job as the rakyat to keep the government accountable for their promises!

Read the news here:

NST article

For a recap on the National Budget 2024:

National Budget 2024

🪙Economy

2. Wings of Friendship: MAHB and Henan Province Airport Elevate Malaysia-China Trade Relations

🔍 What's Going On?

As Malaysia and China celebrate fifty years of diplomatic relations, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Henan Aviation Group Co Ltd (CHAGC) to enhance air cargo connectivity between the two nations.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This partnership, forged on the golden jubilee (fifty years), signifies a celebration of past diplomatic ties. By establishing new air cargo routes between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), this initiative aims to facilitate smoother trade flows and foster greater economic integration between the two nations.

By strengthening air cargo connectivity, Malaysia can provide faster air cargo routes and more efficient movement of goods for China—essential for sustaining and expanding our bilateral trade relations. As Malaysia's largest trading partner, China is crucial in providing raw materials for manufacturing and production, such as electronic components and other intermediate goods. This partnership, therefore, holds immense potential for boosting trade volumes, attracting investments, and creating new avenues for economic growth. 

From a larger picture, the collaboration strengthens the Malaysia-China golden jubilee relationship. Since May 31, 1974, when Malaysia became the first ASEAN nation to formalize ties with China, the relationship has evolved from cautious diplomacy to a robust partnership. For example, in 2023 alone, China has made investments of over US $3.15 billion in Malaysia. This anniversary is a testament to five decades of collaboration, which now includes plans for increased trade and technological cooperation. This economic bond means more jobs, more technology transfer, and potentially more opportunities for Malaysian businesses and professionals. With new MoUs focusing on high-tech sectors, we can expect to see growth in areas like electronics, machinery, and more.

For Malaysian students studying in the US, stronger Malaysia-China relations can provide better networking opportunities, more internships, and career prospects with companies operating in both countries. This collaboration is not just about economics; it extends to cultural exchanges and educational partnerships, broadening our horizons and creating many opportunities.

So, as you sip your morning teh tarik, know that Malaysia and China are crafting a future filled with potential, and you could be a part of this evolving story.

Find out more here: 

Bernama article

What is the Malaysia-China golden jubilee celebration?

The Star explains

Looking ahead (Malaysia-China relations):

FMT: strengthening ties

🌱ESG

3. Climate Alert for Malaysians: Prepare for La Niña as the UN sounds the alarm

🔍 What's Going On?

Malaysia is set to experience La Niña from July to September, bringing wetter weather that could last into early next year, peaking towards the end of the year.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

For those of us studying in the US, our family and friends back home might face significant weather changes, which increases the risk of floods. It is time for you to remind your loved ones to get ready for emergencies.

La Niña is a climate pattern that results in increased rainfall and can lead to flooding. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) predicts this upcoming La Niña to be of weak or moderate strength. However, it still poses risks, especially when combined with the northeast monsoon starting in November. This could mean an increased frequency of tropical storms and prolonged wet weather for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the west coast of Sabah, and northern Sarawak. The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, especially Klang Valley and Baling, Kedah, are also risky flood zones due to the major floods that have hit these areas before. (Klang Valley in December 2021 and March 2022, Baling in July 2022).

Nevertheless, it is never terlalu lewat to reduce the potential risk and damage if we integrate resilient infrastructure and disaster management strategies. The strategies include:

1. Adopting the Japanese model of 3-Help – Public Help, Mutual Help and Self-Help

2. Increasing budgets for disaster risk reduction actions

3. Enhancing risk transfer mechanisms for businesses

4. Improving disaster communication and information sharing. 

From a global perspective, these weather changes also tie into broader global climate trends. The United Nations warns that the global community is heading towards a "climate hell" if urgent action isn't taken to curb carbon emissions. This extreme weather is a glimpse of what's to come if we don't address climate change. The ongoing reliance on fossil fuels and the record-high carbon dioxide emissions last year only exacerbate the situation. The impacts aren't just local; they ripple out to affect economies, ecosystems, and eventually our survival.

So, even while you're in the US, the weather back home is a reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change!

Read the news here: 

Malay Mail article

The Star article

UN warns of climate hell

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

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Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen some intriguing economic developments, especially back home, so let’s get into it.

Here’s the latest economic news for the week of June 2nd, in 6:48 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Chip, Chip, Hooray: Malaysia's Semiconductor Strategy Unveiled!

2. Google's Big Move: US$2 Billion Investment in Malaysia

3. Green Dollars: How Malaysia’s New Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC) is Changing Conservation

4. Malaysia’s Cabotage Policy: Navigating Towards Digital Growth

1. Chip, Chip, Hooray: Malaysia's Semiconductor Strategy Unveiled!

🔍 What's Going On?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced Malaysia's ambitious National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) during the SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024 event. This strategy aims to propel Malaysia to the forefront of the global semiconductor supply chain.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Well, if you have been yearning to see Malaysia shining on the global stage, this is certainly a policy that will make your heart beat faster. Realizing the world’s pressing demand for a more neutral ground to improve the global semiconductor supply chain resiliency, which has been compromised due to the US-China Chip War, Malaysia is pushing itself to grab a bigger share of the pie by strengthening and promoting its semiconductor ecosystem to the whole world. You can think of the NSS as a blueprint that guides Malaysia to achieve this objective - it outlines a comprehensive plan to attract significant investments, foster innovation, and create high-value job opportunities in Malaysia's semiconductor sector.

While Malaysia has now become the 6th largest semiconductor exporter, we remain over-concentrated in the back-end process: Outsourced Assembly and Testing, which is only a small chunk of the supply chain. With NSS, we are building on our existing foundations to propel ourselves into semiconductor design, advanced packaging, and manufacturing equipment. The National Semiconductor Strategy consists of three phases with five headline targets as follows:

• Investments: Court at least RM500 billion of investments in Phase 1

• Company Growth: Establish at least 10 Malaysian companies in design and advanced packaging and 100 semiconductor-related companies by Phase 2

• R&D Hub: Develop Malaysia as a global R&D hub for semiconductors, featuring world class universities, corporate R&D and Centres of Excellence

• Training: Train and upskill 60,000 high-skilled Malaysian engineers

• Fiscal Support: Allocate at least RM25 billion in fiscal support to operationalize the NSS with targeted incentives

As Malaysia positions itself as a neutral and non-aligned location for semiconductor production, the NSS presents exciting opportunities for collaboration and partnership with global stakeholders. Whether you're an investor, engineer, or policymaker, the NSS invites you to join Malaysia on its transformative journey towards becoming a major player in the semiconductor industry, shaping the future of technology for Malaysia and the world.

Read the news here:

The Edge Article

2. Google's Big Move: US$2 Billion Investment in Malaysia

🔍 What's Going On?

Google is set to invest US$2 billion (RM9.4 billion) in Malaysia, including building its first data center in the country at Elmina Business Park.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Google’s massive investment will create opportunities for you and your fellow Malaysians! This US$2 billion project includes a new Google data center and Google Cloud region, positioning Malaysia as a major player in the global tech landscape.

Google data centers are secure, advanced facilities housing the hardware and infrastructure needed for services like Search, Gmail, and YouTube. They feature powerful servers, high-speed networking, and sophisticated cooling and power systems. These servers and systems are crucial for:

• Managing vast amounts of data across Google applications

• Ensuring higher performance and faster access to Google’s services

• Supporting technological innovation by having easily accessible Google’s data and services

The Google Cloud region, on the other hand, will deliver high-performance and low-latency cloud infrastructure, analytics, and AI services to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations while maintaining the highest security and regulatory compliance standards.

Imagine the ripple effects: 26,500 new jobs across healthcare, education, and finance, and an economic impact of RM15.04 billion (US$3.2 billion). This means more high-tech jobs and innovative solutions where you might want to work in the future. Plus, the new data center will power essential Google services and support AI development, making Malaysia a tech hub. The elevation of the status of Malaysia at an international level serves as a great attractive force for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing to greater economic growth. 

For students, Google’s arrival heralds a new era of learning. Its presence will boost AI literacy and digital skills, enhancing your learning experience and career prospects. This aligns with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, advancing the country’s digital ambitions. Whether you’re studying tech or considering a career in related fields, Google’s investment is an anjakan paradigma for Malaysians.

Find out more here: 

The Star Article

Interested to learn more about Google Data Centers? 

Take a sneak peek here!

3. Green Dollars: How Malaysia’s New Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC) is Changing Conservation

🔍 What's Going On?

The Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) has introduced its Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC), a new non-market tool to direct private sector funds towards supporting forest conservation projects across the country.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This is a promising initiative! As countries worldwide develop better climate finance structures, Malaysia is stepping up with its own FCC. If you’re a Malaysian student in the US, you might be studying environmental science, business, or sustainability. This initiative offers a practical example of how governments can drive conservation efforts and engage the private sector.

On the one hand, now more funds can be channelled into verified conservation projects; on the other, businesses can meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting requirements. Moreover, the Malaysian government is sweetening the deal with a 10% income tax deduction for companies that participate in FCC activities. This is huge, as it encourages more businesses to get involved in protecting Malaysia's forests.

Some of the eligible conservation projects under the FCC include: 

• Protection or conservation of existing forests

• Increasing areas of Permanent Reserved Forests 

• Restoring the ecosystem integrity of degraded forests

The FCC is the first instrument under Malaysia’s broader REDD Plus Financial Framework (RFF), launched by the MFF in 2021. It complements two other tools: 

1. the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT), which saw RM200 million allocated to support state governments in conserving biodiversity

2. the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO), which can generate carbon credits, but is still in the early stages of development.

However, several questions remain. The validity of these projects, the safeguards to ensure long-term forest protection, and the prevention of greenwashing are all crucial issues. For students keeping an eye on environmental policies, the FCC is an encouraging example of our nation’s progress in addressing global challenges.

Read the news here: 

The Edge Article

Curious about the broader REDD Plus Financial Framework? Check it out on…

Malaysia Forest Fund's official website

4. Malaysia’s Cabotage Policy: Navigating Towards Digital Growth

🔍 What's Going On?

The government has decided to reinstate the exemption of its cabotage policy for foreign vessels conducting undersea cable repairs, reversing the 2020 decision that had reimposed the policy.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This policy change could significantly impact Malaysia's position as a regional tech hub, directly affecting the digital economy and connectivity that many students and professionals rely on.

The Cabotage Policy: The cabotage policy regulates domestic shipping routes, restricting them to Malaysian-owned vessels to bolster the local shipping industry and reduce dependency on foreign ships. Initially introduced in 1980, this policy aimed to protect local maritime interests and ensure the economic development of Malaysia's shipping sector.

Exemption and U-turn: In 2019, the Pakatan Harapan administration exempted foreign vessels from the cabotage policy for undersea cable repairs to attract tech investments and improve repair efficiency. This exemption aimed to enhance Malaysia's digital infrastructure by allowing faster and more efficient repairs. However, in 2020, the Perikatan Nasional government reinstated the cabotage policy. The move was argued to protect local shipping jobs and maintain national security, but critics labeled it as protectionist and cronyistic, suggesting it favored certain local shipowners at the expense of broader economic growth and technological advancement. The reimposition hindered foreign investments, particularly in the tech sector, as global companies found the regulatory environment less favorable for essential undersea cable repairs.

Impact on Malaysia: The cabotage policy can make Malaysia less competitive in the tech industry by deterring multinational tech companies due to delays in undersea cable repairs. These cables are crucial for internet connectivity and data transmission, forming the backbone of global internet infrastructure. The reinstated exemption enhances Malaysia's appeal as a hub for data centers and tech investments, creating jobs and driving economic growth. This move signals Malaysia's commitment to the digital economy, attracting foreign direct investments in tech and data centers, leading to faster internet speeds, improved connectivity, and economic benefits. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke signed a gazette exempting all cable-laying ships from the cabotage policy, effective June 1, 2024. This exemption, part of the government's progressive regulatory framework, aims to accelerate Malaysia's digital infrastructure development and attract IT investments. By simplifying the application process for foreign vessels, the government hopes to streamline operations and reduce repair times for critical infrastructure. This decision highlights Malaysia's strategic pivot towards enhancing its digital infrastructure and economic resilience in a globally connected world.

Read the news here: 

Article from the Edge

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reply to this email or reach us at editor@mynamsa.org. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

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Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has seen some intriguing economic developments, especially back home, so let’s get into it.

Here’s the latest economic news for the week of May 26th, in 6:34 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Diesel Subsidy Rationalization: Malaysia’s Fuel-tastic Subsidy Shift

2. Tariffs Up! US Hikes Duties on Chinese EVs, Batteries, and Chips

3. Big Changes for Bumiputera Agencies: No More 'Free Money'

1. Diesel Subsidy Rationalization: Malaysia’s Fuel-tastic! Subsidy Shift

🔍 What's Going On?

In a televised broadcast recently, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared the scoop on Malaysia's new fuel subsidy game plan, stating that the government will roll it out beginning with diesel fuel for consumers in Peninsular Malaysia, tailored to assist the B40 and M40 income brackets while excluding the affluent and foreigners. However, no implementation timeline is provided.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

The Focus: The diesel subsidy rationalization is a bold move to reduce the government’s enormous subsidy expenses of RM 70.3 billion annually, with a whopping 74% on just fuel. However, the move is not just a mere cutback at the expense of the “rakyat” since the money saved will be used to smartly subsidize B40 and M40 groups through targeted subsidy. In its inaugural phase, the diesel subsidy rationalization will only impact those in Peninsular Malaysia, with Sabah and Sarawak being excluded for the time being due to the prevalent use of diesel in the East Malaysia region.

The Impact: Without the diesel subsidy, the pump prices for diesel are expected to increase by 61%, which is undoubtedly steep but will still see Malaysia among the lowest prices in ASEAN, trailing just behind Brunei, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank. Additionally, the government projects to save up to RM4 billion annually from this revised scheme, with the cash saved going back into the pockets of the B40 and M40 through beefed-up aids like the Rahmah Cash Assistance (from RM8 billion to RM10 billion) and the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (from RM130 million to RM 700 million). 

Subsidy Mechanism: Although the nuts and bolts have not yet been finalized, there are hints that the government might use a combination of subsidized fuel as well as cash transfers to targeted groups. As mentioned by Anwar, the subsidy will involve 10 types of public transport vehicles and 23 types of goods transportation vehicles which will benefit lower and middle-income groups who count on diesel to keep their livelihoods and businesses chugging along - like our farmers and smallholders. With the new subsidy mechanism, only B40 and M40 groups are eligible for the subsidy to cushion the price hike, while the previously benefited T20 and 3.8 million foreigners can no longer cash in on the long-standing politically sensitive subsidy policy. 

Read the news here:

MOF Article

The Edge Article

2. Tariffs Up! US Hikes Duties on Chinese EVs, Batteries, and Chips

🔍 What's Going On?

The US is cranking up tariffs to unprecedented levels on a range of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and computer chips, starting August 1. For instance, duties on Chinese EVs will quadruple to over 100%, and semiconductor tariffs will double to 50%! This move aims to protect American jobs and industries from a surge of cheap imports that the US fears would harm local businesses.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

The new measures impact a staggering US$18 billion worth of current Chinese imports, covering steel and aluminium, semiconductors, critical minerals, solar cells, and cranes.

But what does this mean for you and your fellow Malaysians in the US? 

Sky-high prices for electronic devices and other products that rely on these components. Sedihnya! Think about your smartphone, laptop, or the next-gen tech gadget you're excited about—they might get pricier as most of the raw materials are Chinese-produced. And if your American friends are trying to purchase an EV made in China, they better think twice.

But kebaikan di sebaliknya…There might be job opportunities for those planning a career in tech, engineering, or related fields. The US is investing heavily in its industries to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, potentially creating new job openings in sectors like renewable energy, EV manufacturing, and high-tech production. 

So, whether it's the cost of your next tech purchase or the future job market, these tariffs are more than just international trade news—they're part of a shifting landscape that could shape your experiences and opportunities.

Find out more here: 

The Edge Article

3. Big Changes for Bumiputera Agencies: No More 'Free Money'

🔍 What's Going On?

Bumiputera-mandated agencies under the Ministry of Economy are shifting from giving out grants to providing financial leverage for business expansion. This change aims to support high-quality Bumiputera companies better.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This move matters for you who are eyeing opportunities back home. It reflects a significant shift in how Malaysia is fostering its Bumiputera entrepreneurs, which could reshape the business landscape you'll return to.

The Ministry of Economy, led by Rafizi Ramli, realigns Teraju, Peneraju, and Ekuinas (the Bumiputera-mandated agencies under the ministry) to bolster the Bumiputera business ecosystem. Previously, these agencies handed out grants, often seen as 'free money.' Now, the focus is on providing financial assistance in the form of credit, which needs to be repaid. The goal is to nurture resilient companies capable of listing on Bursa Malaysia, thereby creating more value for the national economy.

This realignment means: 

1. Teraju will now emphasize financial support (Goal: provide financing totalling RM1 billion) and assistance for company growth (develop the capabilities of 1,000 companies)

2. Peneraju will focus on talent development (Goal: provide 10,000 Bumiputera talents who are "ready to compete and become industry players”)

3. Ekuinas will drive wealth creation through corporate equity ownership. 

By 2030, these agencies have ambitious targets:

1. Developing thousands of skilled talents

2. Providing substantial financing to companies

3. Supporting entrepreneurial ventures with significant funds.

Apakah impaknya? For you, this means more robust and competitive businesses back home, potentially leading to better job opportunities and a stronger economy to return to. This strategy aims to widen the benefits of financial support, making it more equitable and sustainable in the long run. Plus, with more Bumiputera companies growing and thriving, the entrepreneurial landscape in Malaysia could become more vibrant and innovative, offering exciting prospects for future graduates and business owners.

Read the news here: 

The Edge Article

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reply to this email or reach us at editor@mynamsa.org. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride through the twists and turns of economic developments, so let’s get into it.

Here’s the latest economic news for the week of May 19th, in 6:21 minutes:

THIS WEEK’S BIG STORIES

1. Get Paid More! Malaysia’s Progressive Wage Pilot Project Kicks Off

2. Tariffs and Trade: Navigating the Never-Ending US-China Trade War

3. Economic Snapshot: What's in Store for Malaysia?

1. Get Paid More! Malaysia’s Progressive Wage Pilot Project Kicks Off

🔍 What's Going On?

Last Wednesday, the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) kicked off the exciting Progressive Wage Policy pilot project. Companies can now apply to join this initiative, running from June to August 2024. This project is aimed at boosting wages for workers earning between RM1,500 and RM4,999, and it is done through two ways: one, job trainings; two, cash incentives for employers.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

This is big news! If you're an employee, this means more opportunities for skill development and higher wages. For employers, it's a chance to receive financial support while investing in the workforce. And for Malaysian students in the US, it’s a sign that our country is taking steps to boost productivity and reduce income inequality! If you're studying business, economics, or HR, this is a perfect real-world example of how government policies can shape the workforce.

The policy focuses on upskilling workers to increase their pay. And employers get financial incentives for participating—up to RM200/month for each entry-level employee and up to RM300/month for each non-entry-level employee. To qualify, companies must prove that their employees have completed at least 21 hours of upskilling or training programs.

Rafizi Ramli, the economy minister, highlighted that the task force led by HRD Corporation is preparing training modules tailored to the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises. About 73% of these courses will cover non-technical skills like management, communication, supervision, and linguistics, while the remaining 27% will focus on technical skills. Additionally, 2,000 free online courses will be available.

With RM50 million allocated, the project will benefit around 4 million workers (Malaysian citizens only) in key sectors like construction, manufacturing, ICT, and retail. This is a major boost, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that usually find it difficult to increase wages.

Read the news here:

FMT Article

More about the national Human Resources Framework related to the pilot project:

Article from the NST

2. Tariffs and Trade: Navigating the Never-Ending US-China Trade War

🔍 What's Going On?

The Biden administration has announced new tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, targeting key sectors such as steel, aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs), and batteries. This move is intended to counteract what the US views as China's unfair trade practices​

🤔 Why Should I Care?

The US-China trade war affects global supply chains, which Malaysia is a part of. As a country hugely reliant on international trade, Malaysia's economy could be significantly impacted by changes in trade dynamics between these two global superpowers.

Protectionism or Fair Play?: The new tariffs aim to protect American industries but may lead to higher prices for goods reliant on Chinese imports, like electronics and vehicles. While the overall economic impact might be limited, certain sectors will feel the strain more acutely. Critics argue these tariffs are protectionist and distort free trade, while advocates believe they are necessary to address China's unfair trade practices. The IMF suggests that such trade restrictions can fragment supply chains and trigger retaliatory actions, potentially reducing global economic output by up to 7%.

Timing and Political Motives: With the upcoming presidential election, this move can be seen as a strategy to project economic strength, especially in key battleground states where manufacturing jobs are pivotal. This mirrors former President Trump's hardline stance on China, which was popular among voters concerned about job losses to foreign competition. Political analysts suggest that these tariffs might serve to bolster Biden's image as a strong leader on trade issues, potentially swaying voters in his favor.

Benefits and Challenges for Malaysia: In the short term, Malaysia could benefit from the US-China trade tensions as companies look to diversify their supply chains away from China. Sectors like electronics and semiconductor manufacturing might see increased demand as businesses seek alternatives to Chinese suppliers. Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers could also capture a larger share of the US market due to higher tariffs on Chinese-made gloves. Malaysia could also see an upswing in external demand from China, particularly in EV components such as lithium batteries and semiconductors. However, escalating trade tensions could disrupt global trade flows and economic stability, posing challenges for Malaysia's economy.

The new US tariffs on China are a significant development in global trade, with potential ripple effects on prices, trade policies, and international relations. Staying informed on these issues is crucial, as they can influence both the US and Malaysian economies in various ways.

Find out more here: 

Reuters Article

3. Economic Snapshot: What's in Store for Malaysia?

🔍 What's Going On?

In the first quarter of 2024, Malaysia experienced a sturdy economic expansion of 4.2%, buoyed by heightened private spending and a favorable upswing in exports. Moreover, inflation maintained a moderate trajectory, while the exchange rate encountered fluctuations amid the ebb and flow of global market forces. Notably, credit expansion within the private sector also witnessed an upturn, indicating a rise in overall economic strength.

🤔 Why Should I Care?

Imagine this: after a bit of a shaky ride, Malaysia's economy kicked off the year on a cautiously optimistic note. With a respectable 4.2% first quarter growth, it's reassuring to see the nation maintaining a relatively healthy pace after a period of more subdued growth between the second and fourth quarters of 2023, ranging from 2.8% to 3.1%.

• Impact on Household Finances: The surge in household spending, buoyed by a steady increase in employment and wages, suggests tangible improvements in living standards for Malaysians. This uptick in consumer confidence not only reflects positively on individual financial well-being but also contributes to overall economic growth through increased domestic consumption.

• Investments: With increased investment activities, both domestically and internationally, Malaysia presents a promising landscape for job creation and economic expansion. The uptick in capital spending, particularly in multi-year projects across private and public sectors, signals potential opportunities for returning graduates and professionals seeking career advancement.

• Inflation Rates: Moderate inflation rates, hovering around 1.7%, provide Malaysians with relatively stable pricing conditions. However, it's essential to stay vigilant, as inflation can erode purchasing power over time. 

While Malaysia's economic outlook remains positive, potential risks loom on the horizon. Geopolitical conflicts and fluctuations in commodity prices are expected to pose challenges for the remainder of the year, emphasizing the need for prudent economic management and foresight by the government.

Read the news here: 

Press Release from BNM

🌺 Thank you for lepak-ing with us this week!

Well, that’s it for this week's edition of The Kopitiam Briefing.

Keeping up with the stories that shape our nation shouldn’t be a chore - and we hope that we made the experience as pleasant as possible!

Stay Connected:

• Your Thoughts Matter: Loved an article? Have suggestions? Just want to chat? Reply to this email or reach us at editor@mynamsa.org. Your feedback is the kopi to our morning!

• Spread the Word: Think a friend would enjoy The Kopitiam Briefing? Forward this email to them or share to them by clicking the button below!

Share The Kopitiam Briefing

Coming Up Next Week

Get ready for more insightful stories and updates from Malaysia and beyond. Keep an eye on your inbox every Sunday evening!

Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember, no matter where you are in the world, a piece of Malaysia is always with you.

Selamat tinggal dan jumpa lagi!