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INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS RM428m in page Govt, meat page Digital Services 2 suppliers to 3 Tax collected discuss guidelines

ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2020 No. 7691 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

FAREWELL PIC ... A group of women taking a wefie during a ferry ride in Penang yesterday before the service is replaced with a speedboat shuttle beginning Jan 1, after which the ferries would be used to transport motorcycles and bicycles only. – MASRY CHE ANI/ THESUN

oVaccines safe Cautious to use, but eradication of Covid-19 may be still a long way optimism off: Experts █ BY HAKEM HASSAN research on related viruses were useful to 19, it will be many months to more than a [email protected] these investigations.” year before enough people can receive She said the Pfizer/BioNTech and the vaccine. ETALING JAYA: Malaysians are Moderna vaccines in clinical trials have “Malaysia being a slightly less expected to start getting shown a high efficacy rate of about 95%. developed country and being unlikely vaccinated in the next two to three “The clinical trial findings showed that to have fast and ready access to months, but the question on most the safety profiles of the vaccines were vaccines, it can be anticipated that the Ppeople’s minds is how safe and reliable it good since they involved tens of earliest time for ending the Covid-19 is. thousands of volunteers, with very few pandemic in Malaysia and neighbouring The uncertainty arises from the speed mild side effects reported.” regions would be at the end of 2022,” she page at which it has been developed. Similar Hence, based on the findings of clinical said. attempts at producing a viable vaccine in trials, it can be believed that the vaccines But even when herd immunity has the past had taken years. are safe and reliable. been achieved, ongoing monitoring, 20 Virologist Prof Dr Sandy Loh of Once the majority of the population get potential revaccination and treatment of University Nottingham Malaysia told vaccinated, the next question would be isolated cases will still be needed to theSun that it normally takes more than 10 how long it would take for the vaccine to control the risk of Covid-19, she years to roll out a vaccine and that the end the spread of Covid-19. cautioned. Spot-on in development of the Covid-19 vaccine is an Loh said achieving herd immunity is Post-graduate student Sebastian Su astounding process. the key factor to end the pandemic since it said he believes in the creating sex “The push factor is the fact that it is a would gradually reduce transmissions. reliability of the vaccines global emergency. Enormous funding “People can acquire herd immunity via although numerous Turn to education from different countries has enabled more natural exposure to the virus and/or conspiracy theories have — page 4 research on Covid-19, or SARS-CoV2, and receiving a vaccine against it. While there emerged on the internet awareness FEATURE the many years of previous scientific are now vaccines to protect against Covid- regarding its efficacy. 2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

CASH AID FOR RUBBER SMALLHOLDERS KOTA KINABALU: The federal government has approved a Augment yourselves, monsoon season aid of more

BRIEFSthan RM37 million for 61,762 rubber smallholders in the state affected by the wet spell, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said yesterday. bumi contractors urged Jeffrey, who is also Agriculture and Fisheries minister, said each smallholder would receive proactive and be prepared under the petroleum and gas, information RM600 and the payment process oMinister: Firms should expand beyond govt new normal challenges and technology and multimedia.” began on Dec 23. “The Sabah changes.” He said as many as 120 industries Rubber Industry Board is projects to be competitive in private sector He said for contractors to survive depend on the construction processing the payments by in the business world, they must be industry, and they include electronic funds transfers.” He able to identify the many production of building materials, said the year-end rainy season KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputra online yesterday. opportunities available, Bernama logistics suppliers, developers and affected rubber tapping activities contractors have been told to “Looking at the government’s reported. facilities management. which affected the income of enhance their capacities to make allocations for mega projects, Fadillah said contractors should The construction sector is very smallholders, while global rubber themselves more competitive in the although main contractors are not just focus only on familiar areas important because it employs 15.5% prices were low. He said private sector. selected among big players in the or those that are already taken. of the country’s 8.5 million workers, smallholders can check their Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri G7 category (unlimited tendering Instead, they need to be more he added. eligibility for the cash aid using Fadillah Yusof said they should stop capacity), small contractors still innovative and bold to explore new “Therefore, the government is the e-BMT2020 link at depending solely on government have the opportunity to compete for areas. very sensitive to the impact and www.ligs.gov.my. – Bernama projects. sub-contract work under these “Our country now needs more effect on contractors, especially in “I believe even small contractors projects. entrepreneurs with positive relation to the effects of the Covid-19 JOB OPPORTUNITIES who have a good work record “I really hope bumiputra thinking, and are strategic and pandemic. FOR 1,000 GRADUATES would not have problems securing contractors will continue to work knowledgeable in business to face “Through the 2021 Budget, the KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,000 jobs in the private sector,” he said hard, have the initiative and be global competition. government has allocated a total of graduates are expected to gain when opening the 41st annual competitive in seizing the “This is where contractors play a RM15 billion to increase the exposure in the construction general meeting of the Malaysian opportunities available. Bumiputra role in diversifying their activities in implementation of infrastructure industry under the Malay Contractors Association contractors have to be more the fields of agricultural technology, projects.” MYJob@Wilayah scheme, that aims to provide temporary employment opportunities to those affected by the Covid-19 economic fallout. Launched in July under the Wilayah Prihatin plan, the scheme offers employment opportunities in five other fields, namely services, maintenance, cleaning, manufacturing and packaging. – Bernama ‘Lower revenue when GST axed’ KUALA LUMPUR: The previous government’s decision to abolish the ARTICULATE ... Goods and Services Tax (GST) has to Entrepreneur and some extent affected the country’s Cooperatives revenue, said Deputy Finance Development Minister Minister I Datuk Abd Rahim Bakri. Datuk Seri Dr Wan He said the country faced a Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar revenue shortfall when GST was stressing a point while abolished and replaced with the speaking in the Sales and Service Tax (SST). Dewan Negara “GST was introduced in 2015 yesterday. before the government decided to – BERNAMAPIX abolish it in 2018. Judging from data, GST collection was RM44 billion a year and the total during its implementation was RM133.1 billion while SST collection was just RM21 billion annually,” he said when winding up the debate on the Sales Work together to achieve Sabah plan, says CM Tax (Amendment) Bill 2020 in Dewan TUARAN: Sabah Chief Minister will work together as a team and Hajiji said the appointment of state government has allocated Negara yesterday. Datuk Hajiji Noor has called on local take the responsibility to ensure that district councillors was aimed at RM25.5 million in its 2021 budget He said GST collection was higher authorities and district councils to the plans and aspirations of the assisting local authorities in policy- for various public facilities in 24 as the taxation system was more work with the state government to government can be implemented making, planning and monitoring local authorities throughout Sabah, comprehensive and charged on all ensure the success of the state’s transparently and effectively. its development programmes, in addition to the RM4 million taxable goods and services at all strategic five-year development “Councillors should also be hence the need for them to allocated to drive and boost the stages, compared to SST, which was plan, dubbed the Sabah Maju Jaya proactive, especially in delivering understand their roles as well as to economic growth of new towns. deemed a single-stage tax and Plan (SMJ) 2021-2025. services to the people. Equip uphold integrity, transparency and To strengthen the imposed only on manufacturers. SMJ, scheduled to be unveiled in yourselves with knowledge and public accountability. competitiveness of local authorities Nevertheless, Abd Rahim January, is a development strategy understanding of your functions, “To bring change in the in terms of working capital, the state admitted that there was a weakness to revive the state’s economy and roles and duties to facilitate the administration and management of government has also allocated in the implementation of GST, which promote the socio-economic well- development planning and local authorities, the duty of district RM36.53 million to local authorities has indirectly affected the people. being of the people. implementation,” he said yesterday councillors is not only to receive in next year’s budget, he said. He said the government would Hajiji said all parties involved at the swearing-in ceremony and complaints from the people but also “I hope these allocations will be consider the views and acceptance of should be sensitive and proactive in presentation of letters of to go to the ground to get a clearer put to optimal use by all the local all parties, including the people, on implementing all initiatives by the appointment to 20 new Tuaran picture of the problems faced by the authorities in Sabah to provide the possible reintroduction of GST. state government. district council members for the people in their areas.” better service and facilities to the – Bernama “I hope all district councillors 2020/2022 term. On another matter, Hajiji said the people.” – Bernama RM428 million in Digital Services Tax collected KUALA LUMPUR: The government and games on smartphones. The issue on the digital services efforts to ensure taxpayers pay the proposer to debate the matter for not collected RM428.07 million from “This is a new source of revenue tax was raised by Senator N. proper amount of taxes and avoid more than 30 minutes and the same digital service providers since the for the country and will be enhanced Balasubramaniam. leaks. time to be allocated to the enforcement of the Digital Services in future. This collection is imposed On refunds for the Goods and The method also ensures the government to respond. Tax this year, said Deputy Finance not only on local digital service Services Tax (GST), Abd Rahim said government collects the actual tax For the matter to be considered by Minister I Datuk Abd Rahim Bakri. providers, but we have also started most of the claims have been amount, he added. the Senate, he said the matter raised He said the tax was imposed on, efforts to impose the tax on foreign reimbursed, with RM1.87 billion not Meanwhile, Dewan Negara must meet three conditions. among others, Netflix, Amazon, digital service providers,” he added paid yet as there were some matters president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said “I have studied the matter. Firstly, advertisements on social media when winding up the debate on the that needed to be resolved. the issue of illegal meat cartels will be it is right, the matter is specific. platforms such as Facebook and Service Tax (Amendment) Bill 2020 at He said the Customs Department debated in the Dewan Negara in Secondly, it is of public interest and in Instagram, as well as applications the Dewan Negara yesterday. always carried out field audits in accordance with Rule 17 (1), with the need of urgent action.” – Bernama theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS New Year countdown to be a tame affair

fear of being infected with Covid-19 and would would get together at this time of the year to oWith the number of daily new Covid cases still in four rather celebrate at home. send off the old year and welcome a brand new “The daily increase in the number of new one, but with the virus still at large, I would digits, many will opt to mark the occasion at home cases is not getting any lower, and those who rather sit this one out,” he said. go out will have to strictly observe the SOP,” he James agreed that a long tradition has been pointed out. put on hold, no thanks to the virus. █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI I head out to gather,” he told theSun. This, he said, would discourage people “But I wouldn’t say that it has been ‘erased’ [email protected] “To a certain extent, you can call it a from meeting anyone, “and that is a good way altogether,” he said. tradition. But we all know that it is just an to reduce the possibility of an upsurge in the “We still have the alternative of a gathering PETALING JAYA: It is a party few are willing to excuse to get together to enjoy a drink or two,” number of new cases”. at home but I would say things have not been miss, yet the countdown to the New Year he said. “Unlike the regular Friday night out, For this reason, Sri has decided to break the same since the start of the pandemic,” he tomorrow night is likely to be a muted affair. this is special.” with tradition and spend the night at home added. Pubs, traditionally the place for the year- As Eashwar noted, resto-pubs and with his loved ones. James said he is likely to have a few close end revelry, are still closed, so for those who restaurants that remain open will subject their “Celebrating New Year’s Eve or any other friends join him to usher in 2021. want a night out with the boys (or girls, customers to strict standard operating festival will not be the same again unless we At the same time, he will have a video call whichever applies), it is a choice between procedures (SOP) to avoid a run-in with the really bring the pandemic under control,” he with his girlfriend as she will be away. restaurants and resto-pubs. law. said. “I do not plan to head out to my regular pub But many will likely mark the occasion at For this reason, he expects many people to Another person who has opted to break for a drink. Much as I would like to have the home with family members and close friends. stay home. with tradition and not party at the pub is feel of sitting at my usual spot with a drink in For Eashwar Dhanesh, going out to the bar “You can have your friends visit you or meet Kendrick James. one hand, I also have to ensure that those who or pub to usher in a new year has been a over Zoom so you can still be ‘together’,” he “We’ve always got together for the Mother live with me remain safe. I do not want to pick tradition and he is determined not to miss the pointed out. of All Parties. It was something we all look up the virus and pass it on to them, and last party of the year tomorrow. Another regular pub-goer, Taufik Sri, forward to,” he told theSun. contribute to the already rising number of “This is the only reason why my friends and expects most drinkers to still be plagued with “Everyone - from all races and religions - cases,” he added. Anwar: PH still open to including Mahathir SHAH ALAM: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to cooperating with any politician, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as long as they subscribe to the coalition’s principles, said its chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also PKR president, said anyone invited to work with PH should not bring along his personal agenda or any baggage. “It’s up to PH (to invite Mahathir to join the coalition). We can invite anyone but they must subscribe to PH’s principles,” he told reporters after launching the book, 100 Esei Seni dan Sastera Era Reformasi 2008-2011, here yesterday. He said this when asked whether PH’s plan to create a grand opposition coalition would involve Mahathir and other parties. Mahathir was formerly PH chairman when Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), which he then headed, was part of the coalition. He is no longer with Bersatu, which has also left PH. - Bernama Sultan raps Mersing folk for ‘dirty habit’ An employee of Fatric Sdn Bhd, a leading importer and distributor of meat, getting a slab of lamb ready for distribution. JOHOR BARU: Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has expressed displeasure over the attitude of some folk in Mersing district who neglected the aspect of cleanliness and caused Govt to meet meat importers over scandal certain public places to be filled with garbage. KUALA LUMPUR: The government will meet Seri Sentosa, here, yesterday. several investigation papers over the issue If this bad habit continues, it will have a industry players involved in the import of The meat cartel scandal has become a hot based on reports lodged by several negative impact on public health, he said. meat and slaughtering of animals to ensure topic after the media reported on the individuals and non-governmental Sultan Ibrahim said the tourism district is a they understand the set guidelines, said smuggling of frozen meat from China, organisations. tourist attraction rich in natural beauty. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Ukraine, Brazil and Argentina before “This issue is related to trade, so the most “I am saddened by what I have seen in (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli repackaging the meat using the halal logo at a relevant (authority) to investigate it is the several spots. What is happening to Mersing? It Mohamad Al-Bakri. warehouse in Senai, Johor. ministry, but in the meantime, police will should be a tourist spot but sadly it is full of He said this is also to ensure a high level of Earlier, Zulkifli said MAIWP had investigate reports claiming that there are garbage. compliance with the guidelines and integrity channelled a total of RM623.66 million in tithe cartels that commit irregularities with regard “Are we not ashamed to have guests over at of the industry players. to the needy in the federal territories between to imported meat. our homes that have become an eyesore? “Besides that, we will identify the January and November this year. “If it is proven that such activities exist and Please change the lackadaisical attitude and weaknesses in the SOP (standard operating Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police they cause concern to the public, we will drop the dirty habits,” he said in a statement procedure) which will be strengthened and Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador says police will enforce the law,” he said at a press conference uploaded to his official Facebook page streamlined in January,” he said after handing assist the Domestic Trade and Consumer after the Khazanah integrated operations yesterday. over food donations from the Federal Affairs Ministry with investigations into the meeting here yesterday. He urged the local authorities to enforce Territories Islamic Religious Council meat import cartel case. He said no arrests had been made so far in regulations effectively to discipline the people. (MAIWP) at Al-Imam Al-Tirmizi Mosque in He said the department had also opened connection with the case. - Bernama - Bernama Asean meeting to focus on strengthening digital ecosystem KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural Asean Digital However, member states are aware that the The meeting, to be chaired by The flower pistil that appears like a fibre optic Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN1) to be hosted by cybersecurity and personal data protection Communications and Multimedia Minister cable symbolises sustainable digital Malaysia next month will focus on aspect has to be realigned in tandem with the Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, will be held via connectivity among member countries. strengthening member states’ digital ecosystem growth of the digital ecosytem. teleconference on Jan 21 and 22. Mano said Malaysia has experience in in facing the post-Covid-19 era. “ADGMIN1 will enable an exchange of views Mano noted that digitalisation is a catalyst hosting telecommunications meetings with the Communications and Multimedia Ministry’s and policies for telecommunication industries in for growth now and ADGMIN1 will set goals to first held as far back as 2001. international division undersecretary, Mano the Southeast Asian region to learn new things create smart digitalised citizens in the region. He said besides the 10 Asean member states, Verabathran, said the Asean region had in order to move forward,” Mano said when Asked on the ADGMIN1 logo, which features ADGMIN1 will also involve Asean dialogue witnessed significant growth in the digital interviewed on RTM TraxxFM by radio a five-petal hibiscus, the national flower, he said partners including Japan, China, the European ecosystem including in e-commerce since the announcer Fairuz Maxson Abdullah during the each petal has the flags of two Asean member Union, South Korea and the International start of the Covid-19 pandemic early this year. Spectrum slot on ADGMIN1 yesterday. states, representing all the 10 Asean nations. Telecommunication Union. - Bernama 4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Contrasting impact on Mother Nature

her turf. In Chile, a puma was He said the government should Environmentalist Gurmit Singh oWhile good for health, the Covid-19 vaccine reportedly spotted wandering the help to nurture a generation that is said it will take some time for things to empty streets of its capital Santiago. not only knowledgeable in but also return to normal even after the may be bad for the environment and this can In Malaysia, the rare sight of a committed to strong and positive vaccination exercise is launched. family of four elephants lumbering values, and who can be motivated “Nonetheless, I agree that we will lead to ugly consequences, say experts past a petrol kiosk in Terengganu towards practising a sustainable eventually return to the pre-Covid-19 went viral on social media. lifestyle. conditions and the well-being of Amlir said lifestyle changes to “Otherwise, we will continue to be our environment will again be █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI environment, EcoKnights vice- meet the demands of a global forced to take ad hoc measures. threatened,” he said. [email protected] president Amlir Ayat told theSun. pandemic are not likely to last once Education is the only way to achieve “Pollution and climate change are “We can’t help but worry about the the Covid-19 war has been won. sustainability,” Amlir stressed. two of the most common problems PETALING JAYA: As people wait repercussions of a heightened “There may be an increase in Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) we face now, with or without the anxiously for the arrival of a vaccine manufacturing process and the harm awareness (of the benefits to the president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail presence of a virus. People just don’t that promises to turn the tide in the it will cause to the environment.” environment) but I don’t expect it to agreed that rolling back industrial seem to learn from their mistakes and Covid-19 war, environmentalists are Amlir believes the pressure on the have a significant impact on life post- manufacturing processes has helped there is the chance that we will return expecting a change too, but for the environment in the post-Covid-19 era Covid-19.” to improve air quality. to the bad old ways,” he added. worse. could be even worse than it was He said a more sustainable “What’s missing is scientific data to However Gurmit, who is Centre for Environmental group EcoKnights before the pandemic. approach is to motivate people into support these claims,” he noted. Environment, Technology and expresses fear the gains Mother “A lot of resources will be used to adopting environmentally-friendly He said MNS will resume its Development Malaysia chairman, Nature has made through the meet increasing demands, and apart practices. activities in educating the public believes that big businesses could restrictions on movement may be lost from depleting our natural resources, Amlir said this can be done by on environmental matters and eventually become more eco-friendly quickly with a total return to it will also cause the release of more disseminating information on the conservation activities. because their actions and policies pre-Covid-19 conditions. pollutants.” human-environment relationship “While we already have the full reflect upon them. For starters, industries are likely to He noted with irony that the more widely and enhancing support of government agencies, we “The challenge is to get consumers ramp up production to make up for pandemic is actually a blessing of knowledge on measures that can be also need corporate backing to make to adopt eco-friendly ways. We should the losses this year, raising the threat sorts. All over the world, there were taken to achieve a better quality our environmental education efforts stop being selfish and only care when of increased pollution on the reports of Mother Nature taking back of life. more effective,” he said. it affects us personally.” Programme to beat ‘No shortcuts in approval process of vaccines’ “Big Pharma and governments mandatory, even 70% may be difficult to subsequent quarters. obesity launched worldwide will ensure the vaccine is safe for reach. Thus, even with vaccines, life won’t To add to this, Prime Minister Tan Sri administration since there is a lot at stake go back to normal anytime soon. It is likely Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Dec 22 MALACCA: Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka financially and politically,” Su said. that we will be restricting social that the government has agreed with (KUIM) is organising a 50-day weight loss Malaysian Medical Association interaction and wearing masks biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca challenge programme to address the problem president Prof Datuk Dr From throughout the greater part of 2021,” to secure another 6.4 million doses. of obesity among the people in the state. Subramaniam Muniandy said there front he added. This means that a guaranteed 40% of KUIM said in a statement yesterday the have been no shortcuts in the page It was announced that Malaysia vaccines have been secured and the programme, in collaboration with the Teluk approval process of the vaccines. has agreed to buy 12.8 million doses government is also in negotiations with Mas Assembly Development and Coordination “The size of trials and infectivity of the Pfizer vaccine and that the first China’s Sinovac, CanSino and Russia- Committee (Japerun), has attracted 150 people. allow the normal process to be completed million will be here in the first quarter of backed Gamaleya Research Centre, which It said the weight and height of participants more quickly,” he said. 2021, with the other 1.7 million, 5.8 million would help secure vaccines for more than were recorded during a ceremony launched by “Unless immunisation is made and 4.3 million doses to follow in the 80% of the population. state Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Green Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Noor Effendi Ahmad and attended by KUIM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Taib Dora on Dec 12. “The programme has received encouraging response. It is aimed at nurturing a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness on the dangers of obesity. “Participants are divided into 10 groups. Each will be guided by a facilitator from KUIM’s Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences,” it said. Among the activities are physical activities such as aerodance, fun ride and fun run as well as other activities, including online health talks. A cash prize of RM6,000 awaits the participant who loses the most weight, KUIM said. “This pilot programme will be implemented on a larger scale in the future.” – Bernama

4,300 SCREENED IN TERENGGANU KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 4,308 individuals from Covid-19 red zones who visited Terengganu have undergone a risk BRIEFSassessment at clinics and hospitals in the state since the lifting of the restriction on inter-state and inter-district travel on Dec 7. Terengganu Health Department director Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said all the individuals came voluntarily. “As a result of the screening, a total of 21 individuals were A prison warden checking barbed wires installed at Jelebu Prison in Negri Sembilan on Monday following the enforcement of an enhanced confirmed positive for Covid-19 and six of movement control order at the location. – BERNAMAPIX the 433 close contacts were also found to be positive,” she said in a post on her official Facebook account. – Bernama Daily new cases still in four-figure range TABUNG HAJI AWAITING PETALING JAYA: The number of new daily 360 cases,” he said. Meanwhile, an enhanced movement INFO ON PILGRIMAGE Covid-19 cases in the country remained in the “Pahang recorded 288 cases, with its control order (EMCO) will be implemented at KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) four figures at 1,925 yesterday while total active increase due to the Tembok Mempaga prison the Kamunting Correctional Centre (Kemta) said yesterday it has yet to receive any cases were 21,443. cluster, which reported 282 cases,” he said in a in Taiping, Perak, as well as at its staff quarters official information related to next year’s Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor statement yesterday. from today until Jan 12. haj pilgrimage from Saudi Arabian Hisham Abdullah said the new cases brought The first virus-related death yesterday Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail authorities. TH executive director Datuk Seri the overall total in the country to 108,615. involved a 65-year-old man from Putrajaya, Sabri Yaakob said the EMCO was to control the Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman urged the He said of the new cases, 10 were imported, who had diabetes, hypertension, chronic existing cluster and prevent the spread of people not to be influenced by any while local transmissions accounted for 1,915 kidney disease, as well as heart problems. Covid-19 to other prisoners, staff, family information on social media related cases. The second fatality was a 68-year-old members and communities outside Kemta. to the haj. People who have enquiries “Selangor reported the highest daily cases woman from Kelantan, who had high blood “As of Dec 24, the MoH (Ministry of Health) can contact TH’s customer service at with 747, and 625 were from Covid-19 clusters pressure, diabetes and kidney problems. has screened a total of 1,490 detainees, and of 03-6207 919. – Bernama and screening of close contacts on the field. The number of recoveries was 1,123, taking the total, 50 were found to be positive for This was followed by Kuala Lumpur with the cumulative recoveries to 86,715. Covid-19,” he added. theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Cadet officer died of infection, says forensic expert KUALA LUMPUR: A forensic She was testifying during the Zulfarhan’s body immune system committed in Room 04-10, Noriznan Izzairi Noor Azhar, consultant at a government hospital defence proceedings for 18 UPNM was weak. accommodation block, Jebat hostel, Muhamad Ashraf Abdullah, has concluded that naval cadet students who are facing charges of On July 31 last year, the High UPNM, between 4.45am and Muhammad Danial Firdaus Azmir, officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain murder, causing injury and Court ordered the 18 students to 5.45am on May 22, 2017. Muhammad Hasif, Muhammad died of bacterial infection in the abetment in the death of Zulfarhan. enter their defence on charges of The charges, under Section 302 Adib Iman and Mohamad Syazwan. chest and major burns. Ramachelvam: Based on the murdering, conspiring to murder and Section 109 of the Penal Code, The charge was framed under Head of forensic medicine at autopsy report, photos and and injuring Zulfarhan. carries the mandatory death Section 330 of the Penal Code, read Sungai Buloh Hospital Dr Rohayu microscopic examination, can Dr Five of the accused – sentence. together with Section 34 of the same Shahar Adnan said the death of the Rohayu conclude the cause of Muhammad Akmal Zuhairi Azmal, The six are also accused with 12 code, which carries a maximum cadet at Universiti Pertahanan death? Muhammad Azamuddin Mod Sofi, others of voluntarily causing hurt to sentence of seven years’ Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) was not Rohayu: Number one is “chest Muhammad Najib Mohd Razi, Zulfarhan to force a confession from imprisonment and a fine. soley caused by burns. infection” because there is bacterial Muhammad Afif Najmudin Azahat him over the theft of a laptop. The offence was allegedly “There were also elements of infection in the lungs with and Mohamad Shobirin Sabri are They are Mohd Hafiz Fauzan committed at Room 03-05, Jebat infection earlier, made worse with inflammatory complications on the facing charges of murdering Ismail, Mohamad Lukhmanul hostel block, UPNM, between the loss of skin surface through heart. Zulfarhan, while another student Hakim Mohd Zain, Ahmad Shafwan 2.30am and 5.30am on May 21, 2017. scalding,” she said in response to a She also said there was the Abdoul Hakeem Mohd Ali was Berdal, Muhammad Amirul Asraff The trial before justice Datuk question from defence counsel consequence of major burns, charged with abetting the murder. Mala, Luqman Hakim Shamsuri, Azman Abdullah is scheduled to Datuk Sri M. Ramachelvam. adding that this proved that The offence was allegedly Muhammad Sufi Mohd Mustapha, continue on Jan 12. – Bernama Woman denies Meeting challenges head on committing fraud MALACCA: A single mother, who claimed to be an insurance agent, was charged in the sessions oResilient individuals hit court yesterday with dishonestly misappropriating property and cheating, by Covid-induced economic involving losses amounting to RM719,902.98 Cobbler Muhamad Johari seven years ago. slump defy setbacks and sometimes survives on Loo Mei Lin, 48, who is chairman of a only instant noodles and construction company, pleaded not guilty strive to survive plain rice for lunch and when the charges were read out before judge dinner. Norma Ismail. – ALISHA NUR/THESUN She was charged with deceiving Teh Eet █ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR Meng, 54, by claiming to be an Allianz [email protected] insurance agent registered to buy 16 insurance policies, and in doing so, had caused the victim PETALING JAYA: Year 2020 started out full of to suffer a loss of RM626,402.98. hope for many, but quickly turned into one of The charge, under Section 420 of the Penal despair for most. Code for cheating, carries a jail term of up to 10 Lives were transformed as jobs vanished. years and whipping, and is liable to a fine. Many lost their homes as their means to earn Loo also faces two charges under Section 403 an income was taken away from them. A large of the Penal Code for dishonestly number fell below the poverty line. misappropriating property involving a Citibank But among them, a few have refused to let cheque belonging to the same victim these challenges get the better of them. amounting to RM93,500. One is cobbler Muhamad Johari Azlan. For She faces a jail term of up to two years, or a the 36-year-old, the Covid-19 crisis was just fine, or both. another one in a series of challenges he has Loo, who has three children, also faces faced. another charge of falsifying the signature of Yap Muhamad Johari has been mending shoes Soo Hui on a Hayat Allianz insurance at a pavement in Kuala Lumpur for 14 years. application form. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, he could The charge, made under Section 471/465 of make RM200 to RM300 on a good day, but the the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to two hours were long – from 10am to 10pm. years, or a fine, or both. But after the pandemic hit and lockdowns She is alleged to have committed the were imposed, he considered himself lucky if offences at the Malacca Central district between he could take home RM120 a day. November 2013 and July 2015. “I am daily paid so what I make every day The court allowed Loo bail of RM30,000 on is important,” Muhamad Johari told theSun. all charges and set Jan 20 for mention. With a newborn in tow, his challenges have The prosecution was conducted by deputy become more formidable. public prosecutors Anis Wahidah Mohamad But rather than giving up, he has found and Mazuin Hashim, while Loo was ways to survive by stretching the ringgit as far represented by lawyers Nizam Bashir, Linda as he can. “Now, if I make RM50 a day, I try to Phua and Rajsurian Pillai. – Bernama make it last up to three days,” he said. “Over and above that, I also need to put aside some money for rainy days.” up was never an option. JobStreet.com but nothing materialised.” That means instant noodles and plain rice Dubbed the “female power duo”, they run a Being the eldest in the family, she also has KOREAN PRIEST CHARGED only for lunch and dinner. food stall selling Indian snacks and desserts in the added responsibility of supporting her WITH MOLEST He said during the first lockdown, he and Cheras. Nagaratnam said despite her age, she parents, particularly her mother who is GEORGE TOWN: A deaf mute Korean priest his wife had to beg for food from their continued to help after her son lost his job in bedridden because of a stroke. was charged in the magistrate’s court neighbours. the hotel industry three months ago. “I had told my father that I would support yesterday with molesting a man 20 years “The generosity of Malaysians really made “As long as I can walk and talk, I will do my the family so he could care for my mother but BRIEFSago. However, no plea was recorded from a difference for us.” best to contribute to the family,” she said. all that shattered when I lost my job,” she said. Jee Jon Hoon, 55, as the court had to get a Muhamad Johari said the financial aid “We work from 2pm to 7.30pm daily. All we Wong’s relentless search for a way to make Korean and an international sign language from the government was a great help when want is to do our best to meet the challenges ends meet finally materialised on the internet. interpreter to make him understand the his wife had to deliver their baby. of providing for our family.” She now helps her friend run an online charge. Jee was charged with molesting the To make more money, he also works at a For 27-year-old Min Wong, her world fell business, selling used shirts. man, who was then aged 30, in 2000 at a pasar malam every night. apart when she lost her job at a hotel in May. “It has been a hell of a ride. I truly hope it house at Lorong Delima 3, Gelugor. The For 73-year-old K. Nagaratnam and her “I was devastated. I was at a dead end. I will be better next year and we will no longer charge, under Section 354 of the Penal 44-year-old daughter-in-law B. Dewagi, giving sent out dozens of my resumes through be living under such uncertainties.” Code, carries a jail term of up to 10 years, or a fine, or whipping, or any two of the punishments. – Bernama

Cyber attack on armed forces network detected SYABU SMUGGLING RING SMASHED KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces has “As soon as the attack began, both the threat to disrupt the defence communication KUCHING: Police believe they have confirmed there was a cyber attack on its data division and the centre immediately network can be detected early and handled uncovered a syndicate smuggling syabu network on Monday. implemented data traffic segregation for the properly. and Ecstasy pills from Sarawak to Armed Forces Commander Jen Tan Sri purpose of obscuring the actual location of “The Armed Forces always monitor and Kalimantan in Indonesia, following the Affendi Buang said the attack was detected by the classified data, thus protecting the enhance the aspects of cyber security from arrest of an Indonesian man. Sarawak the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic network targeted by hackers,” he added in a time to time to not only strengthen its deputy police commissioner Datuk Fisol Division as well as the Cyber Defence statement yesterday. communication monitoring and defence Salleh said the 19-year-old suspect was Operations Centre. Affendi said the authorities are also aware network, but to also protect the national nabbed in Sungai Paoh, Serian during Ops However, only certain segments that had of an ongoing attempt to hack the information defence strategic communication network.” Benteng on Saturday. “Syabu fetches already been placed out of the network were network owned by the Defence Ministry and At noon on Monday, indecent pictures RM50,000 per kilogramme in Sarawak but targeted in the attack. the Armed Forces. began appearing on the portal, and it was we were told it costs double over there (Kalimantan),” Fisol told a press conference “It did not affect the actual operation of the “The cyber security aspect of the Armed believed that “irresponsible parties” were here yesterday. – Bernama portal,” Affendi said. Forces is always on standby to ensure any behind the hack. – Bernama 6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS House of Reps overrides Trump’s veto Biden will be sworn in as “The president must end his “The world is watching what we o‘Overwhelming bipartisan’ vote president on Jan 20. eleventh-hour campaign of chaos do,” the Texas Republican said. Trump said he blocked the and stop using his final moments in “I would only ask that as members to push through defence policy bill legislation because he wanted it to office to obstruct bipartisan and vote, they put the best interests of the overturn liability protections for bicameral action to protect our country first. There is no other social media companies unrelated to military and defend our security.” consideration that should matter.” WASHINGTON: The Democratic-led Senate, where a final vote is expected national security, and he opposed a Another top Democrat, House The legislation, which addresses a US House of Representatives voted this week. provision to rename military bases Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, said he host of defence policy issues, has on Monday to override President If the Senate seconds the House named after generals who fought for believes the Senate will join the been passed by Congress every year Donald Trump’s veto of a US$740 action, the bill becomes law. the pro-slavery Confederacy during House in rejecting Trump’s veto. since 1961. billion (RM3 trillion) defence policy It would be the first veto override the Civil War. Twenty Democrats, including The bill had earlier passed both bill, a rebuke that underscored of Trump’s presidency. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi prominent progressive Alexandria chambers of Congress with margins divisions in the Republican Party Trump, who is angry that some welcomed what she described as “an Ocasio-Cortez, opposed the override. greater than the two-thirds majorities during Trump’s final weeks in office. Republicans have acknowledged his overwhelming bipartisan” vote to Representative Mac Thornberry, needed to override the if president’s The 322-87 House vote, in which loss to Democratic President-elect override Trump’s rejection of the bill the top Republican on the House veto needed. 109 Republicans joined Democrats to Joe Biden in the Nov 3 election, and predicted the legislation would Armed Services Committee, urged But Trump vetoed it anyway and override Trump’s veto, leaves the vetoed the defense bill last become law despite the president’s Republicans ahead of the vote not to the bill went back to Congress for a bill’s fate to the Republican-led Wednesday. “dangerous sabotage efforts”. side with the president. possible override. – Reuters Aussie man, son Indian film star Rajinikanth ends political bid saved after half-day NEW DELHI: Indian movie this month that he would be am not going to launch a political “honest, transparent” politics to superstar Rajinikanth yesterday launching a political party in a bid to party. Tamil Nadu. trek for help cancelled his plans to enter politics, bring “corruption free” government “I will serve the people in The actor proved his political saying a health scare had been “a to his home state of Tamil Nadu. whatever ways I can, without muscle in 1996 when he called on SYDNEY: A father and son have warning from god”. But the bus entering electoral politics,” he wrote. fans to oppose the Tamil Nadu been rescued in the remote The announcement came a day conductor-turned-actor said he Rajinikanth said he did not want government, which was then voted Australian outback after their car after the 70-year-old Tamil action could not go ahead in a long letter to start such a major campaign and out of power. became bogged in floodwaters, hero left hospital where he was released on his Twitter account. then leave it half finished. Rajinikanth has carried on with forcing a 12-hour trek for help. treated for high blood pressure. Rajinikanth, who has had several Rajinikanth said in 2017 that he his film career despite his health A 10-year-old boy and his father Rajinikanth, one of Asia’s best health scares, said his recent worries wanted to enter politics but then left concerns and had been shooting his were among a group of travellers paid actors, set off celebrations by had been a “warning from god”. his fans waiting until this month latest movie in Hyderabad when he whose car became stuck near his fans when he announced early “I am sorry to let you know that I when he said his party would bring was taken ill last week. – AFP Queensland’s Mount Isa on Sunday night, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue said. After spending the night in their car, the boy and his father stayed behind while three of the group set off to get help – walking 50km across remote country to reach a local police station on Monday night. They managed to point out the pair’s location on the map and a rescue was launched. A helicopter found the father and son sitting on the roof of their car and both were flown back to Mount Isa airport without any injuries. Rescuers said the pair were in good spirits following the ordeal and staying by their vehicle had been key to the rescue. – AFP

RUSSIA-US STING NABS DRUG DEALERS MOSCOW: Russia said yesterday it had dismantled an international drug smuggling network as part of BRIEFS a collaborative operation with the RUBBISH ART ... US. The Federal Security Service A boy walks past an (FSB) said it had carried out a art installation multi-stage mission with the US Department of Justice that ended resembling a Tusker, with the seizure of 330kg of built with rubbish cocaine. Video released by the FSB collected from local showed plainclothes agents beaches by Sri dragging suspects from cars as Lankan artist Lalith well as boxes of confiscated cash Senanayake, on a and drugs. The FSB said the joint beach at Elakanda operation had disrupted a yesterday. – AFPPIX transnational criminal community specialising in smuggling cocaine from South America to Russia and other parts of Europe. – AFP

50 JOURNALISTS KILLED THIS YEAR Hong Kong teen jailed for China flag insult PARIS: Fifty journalists and media workers were killed in connection HONG KONG: A Hong Kong charge of “secession”, which could assembly, and told to serve four across the political spectrum have with their work in 2020, the teenager was ordered to spend four land him life imprisonment months behind bars. fled Hong Kong since Beijing majority in countries that are not months in prison yesterday for according to the draconian national He is also facing separate charges stepped up its crackdown on the at war, Reporters Without Borders insulting China’s national flag and security law Beijing imposed on of money laundering and city’s protests against China’s rule. (RSF) said yesterday. The figure unlawful assembly as Beijing Hong Kong on June 30. conspiring to publish seditious Under the security law, shows an increase in the targeting increasingly targets prominent Chung is the first public political content. dissenting speech instead of acts of reporters investigating activists from the financial hub. figure prosecuted under the new Chung was arrested by can be alleged of vague yet severe organised crime, corruption or Tony Chung, 19, who led a security law, which Beijing plainclothes police opposite the US offences like “subversion” and environmental issues, the now-disbanded pro-democracy described as a “sword” to return consulate in late October and had “collusion with foreign forces”. watchdog said. It highlighted murders in Mexico, India and group, was convicted earlier this “order and stability” to the financial been remanded in custody since. The law has also toppled the Pakistan. In its annual report, RSF month for throwing the Chinese flag hub after seven months of massive, Speculation has swirled that the legal firewall between the city’s said 84% of those killed this year to the ground during scuffles often violent pro-democracy authorities moved on Chung common law judiciary and the were “deliberately targeted” for outside Hong Kong’s legislature in protests last year. because he was hoping to ask for opaque, Party-controlled justice their work, compared to 63% last May last year. He was sentenced to three asylum at the US consulate in Hong system in China by allowing year. – AFP While serving his sentence, months each for insulting the Kong. extradition of suspects across the Chung will be waiting for trial over a national flag and unlawful An increasing number of activists border for trial. – AFP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Philippines expands travel ban to keep out new Covid variant MANILA: The Philippines will ban travellers the Covid-19 virus was first detected in The new variant has not been detected in the Their fellow travellers were being traced. from 19 countries and territories until England. Philippines. “Their close contacts have also been put mid-January as a measure to keep out a new The new variant, which British scientists Philippine health officials said the travel ban under quarantine,” the ministry said. variant of the coronavirus, its transport ministry have called “VUI - 202012/01” has renewed could be expanded to include more countries India had suspended all flights from Britain said yesterday. fears about the virus that has killed over 1.7 should those report the presence of the new until the end of the month over worry about the The regulation will be in effect from today to million people worldwide. variant. infectious variant of the virus but about 33,000 Jan 15 and covers Filipinos and foreigners The flagged countries include France, Meanwhile, Indian officials said the country passengers had flown in from late November, arriving from the “flagged countries”, the Australia, Canada, Germany, South Africa, has found six cases of the new strain in people before the ban was enforced, the ministry said. transport ministry told reporters in a group text Singapore and Japan. arriving from Britain and will likely extend a Of those arrivals, 114 people were found message. With more than 470,000 infections and 9,124 flight ban to guard against it. positive for the coronavirus and their samples The Philippines previously imposed and deaths, the Philippines has the second highest All six of the infected people had been kept were being checked for the new variant, which later extended a flight ban from Britain until number of Covid-19 cases and casualties in in isolation, the health ministry said in a has been detected across parts of Europe and mid-January as the more contagious variant of Southeast Asia, next to Indonesia. statement Asia, it said. – Reuters

THAILAND OFFERS WORK PERMITS TO ILLEGALS Spain to keep registry of BANGKOK: Thailand yesterday said it would allow undocumented migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and BRIEFSMyanmar to work in the country legally for about two years to curb the spread of Covid-19. Migrants have to sign up people who refuse vaccine online and be registered by an employer before mid-September in order to receive a work permit until respect for data protection,” he said, noting warned yesterday Britain’s government needs February 2023, according to a oMinister says document that employers or members of the general to bring in tighter coronavirus lockdown rules resolution by the cabinet. They will first public would not have access to it. to avert a fresh wave of deaths from a new have to undergo health checks at a cost will not be made public The proportion of Spaniards unwilling to strain of the disease. of about 7,200 baht (RM972), a Thai take a Covid-19 vaccine has plunged to 28% in Britain reported 41,385 new coronavirus government spokesman said. The December from 47% last month, according to a cases on Monday, the highest number since announcement came as Thailand deals MADRID: Spain will set up a registry of people poll published last month. testing became widely available in the middle with its worst Covid-19 outbreak who refuse to be vaccinated against the new The survey by the state-funded CIS of this year, and English hospitals say they have to-date, with 1,500 cases since coronavirus and share it with other European research institute found 40.5% of respondents more Covid-19 patients than during the first mid-December having been linked to migrant workers at a seafood market in Union member states, although it will not be are willing to have the jab while 16.2% would wave of the pandemic in April. Samut Sakhon province. – Reuters made public, health minister Salvador Illa said do so if it is shown to be “reliable”. “We are entering a very dangerous new on Monday. Spain has been one of Europe’s worst-hit phase of the pandemic, and we’re going to During an interview with La Sexta countries by the pandemic, with the virus need decisive early national action to prevent a US ACTRESS LOUGHLIN television, Illa reiterated that vaccination death toll passing the 50,000 mark on Monday, catastrophe in January and February,” Andrew RELEASED FROM PRISON against the virus – which as in most EU nations according to the health ministry. Hayward, professor of infectious disease LOS ANGELES: US actress Lori Loughlin began in Spain over the weekend – would not Nearly 1.9 million people have been epidemiology at University College London, was released from prison on Monday be mandatory. infected. The government expects to have said. after serving a two-month sentence for “What will be done is a registry, which will between 15 million and 20 million people out Hayward, who sits on a British government her part in a scam to secure spots for be shared with our European partners ... of of its population of 47 million vaccinated advisory body on respiratory diseases, said the privileged children at prestigious those people who have been offered it and against the virus by June. new strain that infected people more easily universities, authorities said. The 56- have simply rejected it. “The way to defeat the virus is to vaccinate meant existing lockdown measures in England year-old, known from her role as Aunt “It is not a document which will be made all of us or the more the better,” Illa said. were unlikely to be enough to slow the spread Becky in the 1980s-90s hit sitcom Full House, had entered a low-security public and it will be done with the utmost Meanwhile, a leading epidemiologist of the disease. – Agencies federal prison in Dublin, near San Francisco, on Oct 30. Actress Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives fame ISLAND EXILE ... was released in October 2019 from the Rohingya refugees sit on a same prison after serving 11 days of a two-week sentence for her role in the Bangladesh navy ship in scam. Loughlin and her husband, Chittagong as they are Mossimo Giannulli, admitted to paying relocated to the US$500,000 (RM2 million) to gain controversial flood-prone admission for their two daughters to the island of Bhashan Char in University of Southern California as the Bay of Bengal.– AFPPIX recruits to the rowing crew team – a sport neither had ever trained in. – AFP

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE KILLS THREE FRENCH SOLDIERS PARIS: Three French soldiers were killed on Monday in Mali when their armoured vehicle struck an explosive device in the Hombori region in the centre of the poor Sahel state. The deaths brought to 47 the number of French soldiers killed in Mali since France first intervened militarily in January 2013 to help drive back militants who had overrun parts of the west African country. French President Emmanuel Macron “salutes the memory of these soldiers with the greatest respect“, the president’s office said in a statement. He underscored “France’s determination to continue the fight against terrorism“, it said. – AFP

RUSSIAN POLICE ARREST RENEGADE PRIEST MOSCOW: Riot police in Russia arrested a renegade priest early yesterday in a raid on a convent he had seized control of and accused him of driving children to suicide, according to his lawyer. Father Sergiy, whose real name is Nikolai Romanov, gained prominence earlier this year after denying the Mourning swan holds up German trains existence of the Covid-19 pandemic, railing against church closures due to BERLIN: A swan mourning the death of its One of the birds died, likely after getting swan and its surviving companion away from the lockdown, and criticising the companion on a German railway track held up caught in the overhead power cables, said the the area. Russian Orthodox Church. He seized 23 trains for almost an hour and had to be statement on the Dec23 incident, which was Twenty-three trains were delayed for 50 control of the Sredneuralsky women’s removed by firefighters using special made public on Monday. minutes while the rescue operation took place. monastery near Yekaterinburg in the equipment, police said. Its companion then sat beside the body in The surviving swan was unharmed and later Urals in June and refused to leave. The The two birds had strayed onto the track area mourning, resisting attempts by officials to lure released onto the river Fulda, police said. case against him may relate to a of the high-speed line between Kassel and it away and temporarily closing the line to traffic. According to Britain’s Royal Society for the YouTube video in which he called on his Gottingen in central Germany “during an Firefighters with special equipment were Protection of Birds, swans try to find a mate for followers to die for Russia. – AFP excursion”, according to Kassel police. later called in and managed to lift the dead life. – AFP 8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 SPEAK UP Digitalisation’s far-reaching effects businesses and enterprises can save costs and While not exactly part of the digitalisation private sector stakeholders (shipping/logistics, COMMENT physical space. Data management and cloud trends, the Nature online journal on Nov 30 traders). Specifically, the TradeLens platform, by Jason Loh specialist Nutanix defines HCI as the reported that after years of painstaking efforts, as jointly developed by AP Moller-Maersk with “combination of common datacentre hardware an AI called AlphaFold developed by Google IBM and based on the Collaboration NALYSTS and pundits didn’t foresee using locally attached storage resources with offshoot DeepMind achieved a gargantuan leap Application Programming Interface concept, Covid-19 coming in 2020 and that the intelligent software to create flexible building in computational biology. It determined a ensures that all logistic activities such as virus would accelerate the blocks that replace legacy infrastructure protein’s 3D shape from its amino-acid haulage, warehousing, shipping and freight digitalisation trend, a seismic or consisting of separate servers, storage networks, sequence or what is popularly known as forwarding at domestic and international levels tectonicA shift in its own right. and storage arrays”. “protein folding” where “structure is function” can now be wholly integrated. It was a result of the fragmentation of International Data Corporation (IDC) has (an axiom of molecular biology). And not least, robotic process automation physical processes and the emphasis on low predicted that the HCI market will grow As proteins are the building-blocks of life, (RPA) is increasingly used in fintech. In its touch as part of compliance with standard US$7.64 billion (RM31 billion) in 2021. In unravelling its molecular structure would yield Fintech and Digital Banking 2025 Asia Pacific operating procedures to break and contain the Malaysia, local logistics and express carrier insights into the mysteries of life so that finding report, IDC said that financial liberalisation, transmission. giant Gdex has adopted Nutanix Hybrid Cloud treatments and cure for such intractable cost-reduction, intense competition from Not all digitalisation trends were to keep up with demands in e-commerce for diseases as Parkinson’s, producing viral drugs counterparts as well as peer-to-peer players precipitated by the virus though. Some would scalability and business-to-consumer for Covid-19, and identifying suitable enzymes and wafer-thin net interest margin are have been in the works for years and the operations. that biodegrade industrial wastes are basically catalysing banks to further automate through breakthroughs only came this year. And then, we have augmented reality tied to protein structures. RPA software that enables computers to process Digitalisation trends for 2021 would also reflect (AR)/virtual reality (VR) which is increasing its Come 2021, we could expect to herald the manual workload. similar developments. Let’s take a look at some presence in our tourism industry. Again, Covid- beginning of a new chapter related to many Finally, autonomous driving will soon be an of the digital lessons from 2020 and for 2021. 19 which has resulted in partial lockdowns, and scientific and industrial applications which in-thing in Malaysia as it is in other parts of the Covid-19 has encouraged and enhanced the in Malaysia’s case the movement control order, hopefully extend to agriculture and food world, not least across the Causeway. eMooVit use of cloud services for physical operations has massively impacted our tourism sector, the production, air pollution control and water Technology Sdn Bhd is a local 2016 start-up such as cloud kitchen. What this means is that third major exporter and foreign exchange treatment, among others. specialising in driverless agnostic vehicle cooking and delivery services could be earner. Connected to that AI breakthrough in software for urban environment routes. centralised rather than from disparate AR/VR is the digital gateway and portal to predicting protein folding is, of course, eMoovit was reported to be the maiden collection points such as various restaurants the on-site tourism experience. All one needs to quantum computing that represents the leap company to use Malaysia’s first self-driving although not necessarily. access the virtual experience is a smart phone, from bits (binary – 0 or 1) to qubits (0 & 1 at the vehicle testing route as announced by Futurise The underlying purpose is that dining-in laptop, tablet or personal computer. same time) – based on quantum physics and Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of areas are removed from the overall business Moving forward, the Artificial Intelligence of mechanics (of the simultaneity-duality of Cyberview Sdn Bhd. The 7km Cyberjaya process, saving costs. Things (AIoT) which is basically a combination supposition and entanglement). Malaysia Autonomous Vehicle Testing Route In Malaysia in particular, and the region in of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of For now, quantum computing can be was jointly developed by Futurise and the general, online food delivery businesses such as Things (IoT) is making rapid headway. deployed for complex tasks such as predicting Ministry of Transport under the National GrabFood and FoodPanda have been To quote from Bernard Marr of Forbes the 3D shape of protein folding and structure. Regulatory Sandbox initiative for the leveraging on the cloud kitchen concept. The magazine, IoT devices such as sensors, As for blockchain or distributed ledger development of self-driving vehicles. trend for cloud kitchen which came to the fore universal remote controllers, and biometric technology, it’s fast making its mark in supply All in all, Malaysia is well-positioned to in 2020 is expected to expand in the major scanners can be likened to a digital nervous chain management – with the strategic leverage on all of the highlighted digitalisation conurbations of the Klang Valley in tandem system while AI is the brain. collaboration between public and private trends, one way or another. with the growth and explosion of e-commerce With the advent of 5G technology and smart sectors. in the country. cities, AIoT is expected to emerge as part of the In Malaysia, the use of blockchain by the Jason Loh Seong Wei is Head of Social, Law & There’s also the trend of hyperconverged new norm in the near future in our cities and Royal Malaysian Customs Department will ease Human Rights at EMIR infrastructure/technology (HCI) whereby homes, too. and facilitate import-export transactions of Research.Comments:[email protected]

15 theSUN ON MONDAY | APRIL 27, 2020 ENTERTAINMENT

their own way. Sometimes, we tend to believe that beauty is reserved for the attractive Instagram models and the girl CELEB SPEAK who walks down the street looking effortlessly stunning, but believe me when I say we’re all beautiful in our own sweet way. “Sadly, a lot of the information we absorb tells us that our waists are not slim All about enough, our skin is not clear enough, or that even our faces are not sharp enough. “Despite the negativity we may encounter, we should realise that beauty extends beyond the body girl power into our mind and soul. It’s beautiful and courageous to embrace our body and existence, just being you is oBeauty queen Jens Cheong hopes to beautiful enough. “Even as the pageant reduce prejudice against beauty pageants winner, up until today I still by empowering women receive comments saying I’m not pretty enough to win this the pageant just to try out and competition. So am I going to Stars who don't █ BY JASON LIM reflect on this and make my life see how far I could go; I wasn’t more beautiful? You bet I will. first gained our completely ready to compete ENS CHEONG and to put myself out there to “But am I going to allow the attention last year when she be judged by the public, more negative comments to get to me? was crowned Miss Astro so winning the pageant, to be Definitely not. JChinese International 2019. quite frank. “Living a beautiful life matters more As she basked in the limelight, “In fact, I’ve always wanted to than just having a beautiful appearance.” she became what most would be an entrepreneur deem to be the most ideal instead, prior to this, I What is the relevance of a beauty representation of beauty. worked in the pageant in a society? However, in an marketing field. It “Beauty pageants are really for interview with just goes to show empowered women who have a vision for theSun, Cheong I TRULY how life works making themselves more resilient and rejects the THINK EVERYONE right? It better, and empowering other women to stereotype that surprises you do the same; coming together as one to beauty pageants IS BEAUTIFUL with different support each other, it’s empowerment measure women plans. This that is about far more than the merely by their IN THEIR journey may not physicality of beauty. appearances, calling OWN WAY. be what I “Beauty pageants have a that perception a leftover expected it to be, common stigma, mostly about from a far more patriarchal – Jens Cheong but I’m ever so grateful girls mistreating each other, era, proving to us that she to be where I am today sabotaging and gossiping settle for less behind our backs. possesses not just beauty, but also while embracing life as it is.” “Although in the brains. Beauty pageants have long been beauty pageant I was in, What is most important to you myself and the seven under scrutiny, although for her, joining throughout this journey? the pageant wasn’t an act of reclaiming other girls really have “Time and time again, I’ve stated been the most kind to displaced narratives and identity, but that I really believe in the life-long rather asserting her right as a woman as each other. We would process of acquiring new always be there for she seeks to promote empowerment. knowledge. The more I know, the Therefore, instead of asking why each other, and we more I’m able to share. I enjoy looked out for each beauty pageants are still a thing, perhaps talking, so I need to make sure we ought to ask why people have chosen other’s backs. that I know enough to keep “Throughout to misinterpret the relevance of beauty the conversation going. pageants, as for the past several decades the course of the “Being in the pageant, it has almost all pageants have pivoted towards entertainment scene contributing to the betterment of society really changed is truly a brand the way I see and the well-being of the community? new experience things. I realised

for me, and it that in any given Celeb Speak Why did you chose to become a beauty took me a while circumstances queen? to get used to it. when women do “I didn’t choose to be a beauty queen, to There’s a lot be very honest, the judges did. I joined come together, we more to learn, and I’m excited to do have the ability to A weekly column, published every Monday, embark on this journey, even if it also empower others, means that things are going to be and spread tough down the road.” positivity.”

Wahlberg movie Winning the title qualified you featuring popular and on-trend local celebrities What do you wish to to compete in the 2020 TVB see in future Miss Chinese International pageants? postponed until May 2021 Pageant in Hong Kong on Feb “Beauty pageants have 15, it has been cancelled due to the prolonged closure of most of always been a subject talking about their career, personal life, and what ORIGINALLY scheduled to launch to the pandemic. How has of controversy, some the world’s cinemas. Hollywood is on Aug 7, Paramount Pictures has that affected your see them as a platform nonetheless hoping that box-office preparations? finally decided to postpone the business will resume in mid-July to demean women Infinite by nine months in “I’m not very much affected by release of 2020. with superficial response to the ongoing it. On a brighter note, I’ve portrayals, others pose drives them, as well as current and future projects. Written by Ian Shorr and John managed to learn three new coronavirus pandemic. Lee Hancock, the feature has been a challenge to women We will have to wait until May dances which I was planning as they subject adapted from the 2009 novel by D. to perform for the pageant’s 28, 2021 for the Eric Maikranz, The Reincarnationist themselves to thriller starring talent showcase. Rather than judgements based on Papers. thinking it has all gone to The celebrities featured come from a wide range Mark The story tells of the Cognomia, physical appearances. waste, I think it’s pretty Wahlberg and a group of men and women who “The truth is, there directed by amazing actually. are so many values that have been reincarnated for “However, I am quite Antoine centuries. In their bid to fight evil, the judges examine, Fuqua. upset in the sense that I through culture and of disciplines and include actors and directors, they are forced to rely on Evan wouldn’t be able to Paramount Michaels, a man suffering from intellectual review. Pictures has showcase my national “I hope there will be a schizophrenia (played by costume and the other had to change Wahlberg), who will soon learn that shift in public opinion its plans in dresses and gowns for regarding pageants in the his dreams are in fact memories of which I was sponsored on musicians, chefs, models and comedians. Celebrities response to the his past lives. future, with far less coronavirus Chiwetel Ejiofor, an international platform. controversy, and giving “Regardless of how crisis, which Sophie Cookson, pageants their due justice has led Dylan O’Brien disappointed I was, it’s only for what they stand for. and Rupert right that the organisation “Not many people have previously featured include Tiara Jacquelina, Carmen Friend will also cancel the event for safety the courage to put feature in the purposes, and that is all Cheong believes that life is a themselves out there to be cast. – AFP- that matters.” constant journey of growing and judged by so many others,

Relaxnews refining who we are. and to show imperfections and When you think of beauty, what’s –COURTESY OF ROCKETFUEL Soo, Maya Karin, Shalini Balasundram and Haneesya the first thought that comes to flaws in themselves, while being Wahlberg. ENTERTAINMENT mind? willing to do better.” CELEBRITY – AFP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY CAUSES “I truly think everyone is beautiful in | APRIL 15, 2020 15 LIFESTYLE Hanee. Struys was inspired to open OhanaJo after undergoing intensive yoga training in Rishikesh, India. – COURTESY OF JOJO STRUYS The call of Celebrity Causes inner peace oJojo Struys felt it was This column comes out every Wednesday, her calling to help people with her knowledge in and features a local personality wellness and healing

speaking about a social cause, either █ BY S. INDRA SA THIABAL AN compartmentalise and prioritise the key HE has evolved from being an actress, turning points in the day, with the morning or form.” model and emcee to an entrepreneur being probably the most important. and wellness guru. Jojo Struys is a very “I feel the way we start the day can What is the best way to relieve yourself of as an ambassador for a social/charity busy woman who runs her own TV influence the mood and tone of how the rest Sproduction company (Kyanite TV) and everyday stress? Researchers say this activity helps boost mental of the day might pan out. It’s vital to have a “Stress is linked to our thoughts and how we wellness centre (OhanaJo Studio), and morning regimen ... there’s something very and physical health. – conducts programmes that centre around perceive or respond to whatever is coming our AFP special and empowering about doing way. So be aware of your internal dialogue, wellness. exercise so early in the morning. It really organisation, or as an activist. The column She even did a series on Discovery especially if it’s negative, complaining or helps to keep me grounded. It’s like Channel called blaming in nature. It’s always up to us whether Could gardening Jojo’s Diary of Asia kickstarting the day in positive gear, and you want to view the glass as half empty or half she showcased some of the most in unique which meditation really helps to calm and clear the places to de-stress. full. What someone might view as a challenge mind of whatever stresses I might have.” or disaster in life, another might view as an The idea to open OhanaJo in mid-2017 help boost your serves to create awareness of the cause, came after she underwent intensive yoga opportunity.” What helped you realise that your heart lies “I find breathing techniques and yoga training in Rishikesh, India, located at the in teaching people about wellness? foothills of the Himalayas. She describes her extremely beneficial, as it’s all about body image? “I studied Reiki, a Japanese energy healing mindfulness and bringing you into the little oasis as a holistic healing place, where system when I was 19 years old, never she teaches people self-healing using yoga, present moment. Stress happens when the and to inspire readers to make a change knowing that years later I would be mind is living in the past or future, but if you NEW research conducted in the United sound therapy and other exercises. conducting Reiki workshops [to teach people can use the breath to anchor you into the Kingdom has found that individuals who enjoy She feels blessed to be working in her to] heal themselves and others. gardening as a hobby may benefit from passion, her ‘ikigai’ (a Japanese concept present, this can really shift perspectives and “I also studied additional units in help calm you down. improved body image. known as ‘reason for being’). psychology, even clinical hypnosis, after I Led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the During an interview done via social “The amazing thing about breathwork in themselves. Causes/organisations that have graduated from my business degree in particular is that it requires no equipment and new study looked at 84 gardeners from 12 distancing, Struys happily shared with us Australia so the interest in the field of it can be done almost anywhere. urban allotment sites in north London, and 81 about her wellness journey. spirituality, healing and wellness was always non-gardeners from the same area. “Try this right now. Let us do some deep there. But a turning point was going to India breathing together. Breathe in to the count of The participants were asked to complete a You wear so many hats. How do you find to attend my yoga training. It felt like a calling series of questionnaires to assess their body time for yourself? three and slowly with control, exhale to the been highlighted include a school for refugee to actually share knowledge and to help count of six. Repeat this a few times and notice image, which is measured by a person’s “It’s a challenge but people along their spiritual path.” appreciation of their own body and its we all have the how in a matter of moments, you can bring in the benefits of relaxation into your being. functions, and their acceptance of any same 24 hours in How do you define wellness? imperfections, before and after spending time a day and it’s up “When we lengthen the ratio of our exhale, “It’s not one particular thing. It’s about how we help to slow down the pace of our gushing in their allotment. children, teaching people how to live a zero- to us how we you live your life and all the lifestyle choices The findings, published in the journal thoughts and engage the parasympathetic spend it. It’s you make. It’s how you breathe, what you’re Ecopsychology important to nervous system and the body’s natural , showed that the gardeners had eating, how you’re thinking, whether you’re relaxation response. We can empower significantly higher levels of body pride, body moving your body, or getting enough sleep at ourselves at any point in the day when you feel appreciation and appreciation for their body’s night. It’s a state of being.” you need to slow down and take a breather or functionality, compared to the non-gardeners. waste lifestyle, and helping underprivileged In addition, the more time the gardeners when you feel things are getting too much.” How do you balance the pressure of spent gardening in their allotment, the bigger the improvement in positive body image when teaching as well as running a business? Do you observe any special dietary habits? “I’m following my heart and knowing deep “I am currently vegetarian. I also enjoy home they left. down that I need to continue to do this work, made power smoothies with various The researchers point out that allotment students stay in school. gardening, which is where gardeners rent a whether it’s on ground, online or all over the superfoods in the morning because I find world. them so energising.” small plot of land in a public space, has already We serve some of the most unique classes been shown to boost both physical and mental in Asia and were blessed to be recently voted health. Yoga & Sound Healing Studio of the Year Is there such a thing as Although the effect of allotment gardening (endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism). As an achieving inner peace? on body image has not been investigated entrepreneur, I feel what keeps me grounded “When we shift our inner before, lead author Professor Viren Swami is remembering the original intention I had to perspective, everything noted that the findings are in line with his around us changes with it. previous research, which has found that open this space. It was to help Anything is possible so spending time in natural environments can people find a safe space yes, I feel we can achieve improve positive body image. to heal, shift, or inner peace! “My previous research has shown the transform in “Life is never a benefits of being in nature more generally, but any shape straight road. There will increasing urbanisation has meant that many always be ups and people now have less access to nature,“ said downs but if you can Professor Swami. “The findings from this new experience more study are important because they specifically moments of inner show the significant benefits of spending time peace, these golden on allotments, which are typically quite small moments are so patches of green space in otherwise mainly precious and urban environments. healing.” “Positive body image is beneficial because it helps to foster psychological and physical resilience, which contributes to overall well- being. Contact theSun's Sales & Marketing team to book your advertising space. “Ensuring that opportunities for gardening are available to all people is, therefore, vital and may help to reduce the long-term cost burden She teaches people self on health services. One way to achieve this, healing using yoga, sound beyond policies that ensure access to nature therapy and other exercises. for all citizens, would be through the provision of dedicated and sustained community 03-7784 6688 [email protected] allotment plots.” – AFP-Relaxnews theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 9 SPEAK UP Let’s listen and learn in 2021

█ BY MICHELLE CHUN opinions similar to ours, The childhood vaccinations I was mine, but I respect that. We can live shunning those who are given have protected me from the with different viewpoints as long as ITTING down to write this on FREESPACE different from us. graver effects of contracting some of we are willing to acknowledge, listen the brink of a new year, I feel a What we are building is these diseases in adulthood. and evolve as we learn and grow. It is rush of emotion. What a year Where young views rule an altered reality, one where To believe in the theory that the only in an open and safe space that 2020 has been, unexpected we believe that those who severity of the virus has been we can tackle issues objectively, and Sand challenging. It has stretched all of think differently from us only overhyped and that it is all part of a work together for something better. us in many ways and revealed to us want to cause harm. We find bigger plan for widespread control by Bouncing back from this just how fragile we really are. of what we want rather than what we it difficult to trust those who have a powerful few would mean that I no pandemic requires more than We are living in a paradoxical need for a balanced perspective on opinions we don’t necessarily want to longer trust the general scientific physical health. We need inner world, a society that’s woke yet more issues we care about, we can get lost hear, and because we can’t see the community. strength, and that comes from a unsettled than ever before. We crave in a sea of extreme emotions. plank in our own eyes, we attack the But I do trust doctors, researchers, willingness to learn and grow, as well truth yet reject its bitter taste, slowly Getting emotional is a tricky thing; speck in theirs. microbiologists, virologists and the as the assurance that we will curating our own bubbles of reality in we can quickly lose a sense of If I’m being honest, I do not know vast number who have contributed to always be heard, valued and which we cannot separate fact from objectivity, feel attacked and in so enough about the vaccine and world the advancement of medicine respected. fiction. If we’re not careful, we may doing, push others away. Just scroll affairs to tell you definitively that one throughout history. That’s why I visit As we step into a new year and find ourselves digging a pit we can’t through any comments section on side is right and the other wrong. a clinic when I’m unwell, or take attempt to make up for time lost in climb out of. vaccine news online and you’ll be However, I have researched as best I paracetamol when I’m running a 2020, let’s make it a practice to The ongoing controversy over able to feel the friction. Voices of can, listening to both sides of the fever. examine ourselves with humility, and Covid-19 and its vaccine is a fine reason are quickly drowned out as argument and considering the From a logical perspective, it welcome differences as an example. While many believe it is the people set out to prove that they are evidence presented. would therefore only be right for me opportunity for growth. much-needed hope of regaining our right. At the end of the day, however, my to trust the general consensus that Let’s question but lend room for pre-pandemic way of life, a growing And so, as birds of a feather flock decision came down to an the vaccine is safe for use and will trust, and listen for the bells of hope minority are of the opinion that we’re together, we are in danger of forming examination of my own beliefs and help many, especially vulnerable ringing as we enter 2021. being fed a bunch of lies as powerful collective bubbles in which we hear behaviour. I have enjoyed the groups or those with pre-existing figures plan for world domination. and see only what we want. We benefits of scientific and medical conditions. Comments: With algorithms feeding us more become friends with those who have advancement throughout my life. Your opinion may differ from [email protected]

UK can play bigger role globally LETTERS [email protected] █ BY LYNDA CHALKER More updates needed on MORE than 30 years of my life have been spent working with the political Penang ferry service leaders, governments and citizens of developing countries. As minister for PEDESTRIAN commuters indeed a plan to retain the overseas development, when the using the ferry are expressing ticketing booth at the current development and foreign affairs concern about the way the location. portfolios were merged, my government is disclosing It was reported that both department was often referred to as information on a piece-meal fibreglass speed boats the “bleeding-hearts division of the basis about the transformation (Kenangan 3 and 6) are 21 and Foreign Office”. of ferry services from Jan 1. 19 years old respectively. The UK government’s current As an example, pedestrian We would like to know who approach to development now risks commuters are worried that made the decision to purchase being seen to lack both heart and head. after buying their speed boat these aging vessels, at what Effective aid is not about sentiment or tickets at the Sultan Abdul cost, and how the decisions posturing, but about impact. Halim Ferry Terminal ticketing were made. Engines of such I’ve always championed a booth in Butterworth, they old vessels require more common-sense, pragmatic approach have to ascend/descend a expensive maintenance and to Britain playing its role in the world – steep flight of stairs (now repairs. something that is needed now more under construction) to reach There is concern among than ever. the speed boat berthing area commuters about the stability For the first time this century, global on the ground floor. of these speed boats whenever poverty is on the rise. Covid-19 will The Ferry Terminal is they have to pass approaching push between 88 and 115 million more connected to the Penang ships. The stability of the speed people into extreme poverty this year Sentral’s third floor and boats must be ensured before alone, according to The World Bank. pedestrian commuters’ introducing them. And it is at this critical moment that concern is justifiable. We reiterate our call to our government has decided to Poverty worldwide is on the rise and the UK can do its part to mitigate suffering Although it was reported Transport Ministry and the balance the books, on the backs of the especially in the wake of the pandemic. – AFP PIX that senior citizens, disabled Penang Port Commission to be people struggling most to deal with persons and pregnant women transparent and forthcoming the pandemic. The decision to cut aid retain a laser-like focus on poverty lives now, it’s also a worthwhile would be provided free shuttle in providing information and from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross National reduction. This is not to denigrate investment in preparing us all to beat services at the Sultan Abdul updates on the matter. It was a Income is one that should be reversed economic development and trade the next pandemic. Halim Ferry Terminal, there is comedy of sorts when the at the earliest possible opportunity. programmes, but our aid goes furthest Improving access to clean water a likelihood that the number of media earlier reported In the meantime, to limit the impact when providing essential services. and hygiene in healthcare facilities shuttle vans will be insufficient conflicting announcements by on people living on less than US$1.90 Covid-19 has hit tax and tourism could save a million pregnant mothers during peak hours, and it the Finance minister and (RM7.70) a day, ministerial decisions revenues and remittances. and new-born babies dying from might prove difficult to Transport ministry about the on how to spend aid should be Where developing countries also preventable diseases. exercise social distancing. cessation of the ferry service, guided by some key principles. face a debt crisis, these services, It would also play a significant role The Consumers Association causing much confusion. First, we should build on, rather especially for women, children and the in halting the global surge of of Penang calls on the Penang than sideline, the rich expertise within most vulnerable groups, are where superbugs. Antimicrobial resistance is Port Commission to allay the Mohideen Abdul Kader the former Department for scarce resources make the most a hugely costly and extremely fears of pedestrian commuters President International Development. We have a difference. After all, good health is the challenging problem to solve, and, of having to take a long route to Consumers Association of strong track record of leadership on foundation of resilient communities, like Covid-19, superbugs can cross catch speed boats if there is Penang global health. who in turn drive economic growth borders placing us all at risk. This country created the concept of and greater stability in countries we A win-win investment in a global universal health coverage when plan to trade with. public good can also generate savings Reader fascinated by articles establishing the National Health Finally, we should focus on in health expenditure up to 15 times Service, and has honed it since to effective investment in areas that the cost, and ultimately allow health I JUST want to give you my written by William G. Borges in deliver some of the best healthcare in create multiplier effects. One such workers and patients to focus on giving feedback on two articles in the Dec 3 issue.) the world. Whether you live in “best buy” is providing clean water, and receiving quality care. your paper that I found I admire the intellectual Mansfield or Mombasa that is what we hygiene and sanitation services. In the year ahead, the prime excelling anything I have read prowess and the art of all want for our families when we are Estimates released in a report this minister, Boris Johnson, has an in any of the three English facilitating the complexity of sick. week by the World Health Organisation opportunity to act on these principles newspapers in Malaysia during issues in an attractive and That is why it is crucial we apply the and the UN’s children’s charity when the UK hosts the G7 and the 2020. exciting style by these two best of our scientific innovation and (Unicef) show that investing just over COP26 (United Nations Climate Both articles were written by writers. I would appreciate it if know-how to deliver vaccination 20p (RM1) per person per year in Change Conference) climate crisis professors of HELP university. you could pass my honest programmes, tackle antimicrobial the poorest nations would ensure that talks in Glasgow. Investigative journalism praise on to these professors at resistance, and lead the charge to all hospitals and clinics in the world’s These are the moments to continue against institutional graft was HELP university. eradicate infectious diseases like least developed countries could have our country’s history of being an written by Datuk Seri Akhbar I was the director of the malaria and Ebola. basic water, sanitation, hygiene, waste ambitious development superpower, Satar. Unfortunately I forget the Goethe-Institut (German Second, we should focus on the management and cleaning services. not to turn away from it. name of the other writer who official cultural centre in poorest countries. There has been That’s a total additional investment This starts with playing up to our summarised the US elections Malaysia from 2002 to 2012). much talk of aligning our aid to of around £2.7 billion (RM14.8 billion) strengths, and investing judiciously in from a November to early Britain’s economic and strategic spread over the next decade. This is the fundamentals of life. – The December perspective in a Dr Hans Volker Wolf interests, but foreign aid should not only the right thing to do to save Independent brilliant way. (The article was Kuala Lumpur 10 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 MEDIA & MARKETING 7-Eleven Malaysia empowers young adults with special needs 7-ELEVEN Malaysia, in collaboration limitless.” play a role to contribute back to the with its partner NGOhub, has taken “By offering them an opportunity society.” the initiative to contribute baking to work, we are giving them a future. “Our goal is to branch out to areas equipment such as a blender and At 7-Eleven Malaysia, we firmly outside of Klang Valley and have food processor to a social enterprise, believe in uplifting the lives of those kiosks in office buildings where the Stand Pie Me that makes and sells who need us, and knowing the public can interact with them. By fresh pies where most of their difference we make inspires us to doing this, we can raise more employees are young adults with continue our endeavours of being awareness and promote a positive autism. Always There For You,” Lee added. perception towards people with 7-Eleven Malaysia’s General Expressing his gratitude, special needs based on real-life Manager of Marketing, Ronan Lee, chairman of Stand Pie Me, Sarjit experiences,” he added. said: “We hope that by extending our Singh, said, “We are ever thankful to Stand Pie Me provides training, support towards this cause, we can 7-Eleven Malaysia for the generous employment and mentorship for further raise awareness on autism contribution. At present, we have young adults with special needs. and prompt the public to do their part around 10 employees with special Those interested in contributing to in helping the community. These needs, aged between 21 and 46 years Stand Pie Me can go to their official youths need our help more than ever; old. We want to recognise their Facebook page at Stand Pie Me or call (from left) NGOhub managing director Chun Wah Hoo, Sarjit and Lee. the extent of their capabilities is capabilities as they, like many of us, +6012 283 8381 for more information. Philanthropy gets sexy IVING and helping people in need has never been o Involvement in causes is crucial trendier on social networks than in 2020. Brands, for brands to continue to win over Ginstitutions and celebrities have all appealed to internet users’ interest in Generation Z getting involved. This new language has become a must when it comes to a business point of view. A strategy support causes with ease and charities in future will that has gained ground in the midst of sometimes without having to donate be stronger for having a crisis and that is not totally a single penny. Recently, the LEGO gone through this disinterested and therefore brand launched a charity initiative to challenging time... The philanthropic. However, this so- help children in need by sharing pandemic ... has called trend will be seen everywhere creations on social media. Even the evoked tremendous in 2021. actor Michael B. Jordan decided to creativity, with Facebook, Instagram, as well as join the sulfurous OnlyFans platform fundraisers, volunteers LEGO, Microsoft and even a host of to raise money to help schools. and charity leadership celebrities have all organised charity devising new and initiatives to help people in difficulty Language that pays off engaging ways of raising this year. With the backdrop of the While the crisis has exacerbated the money in the face of health and economic crisis with bad need to feel useful, many brands have adversity.” According to a news piling up, internet users around been able to capitalise on this French OpinionWay the world have been looking for “feel phenomenon, which set the pace survey unveiled at the which should reach good” content to escape from the throughout 2020 and looks set to end of November, 56% of Giving and helping people in need has never been trendiermore on than social one networks billion active than usersin 2020. per gloom. Charity actions have continue to do so in 2021. In those surveyed said they networks also serves in the month in 2021. increased in number and have particular, Facebook has bet on a had made donations to associations, construction of an identity. By giving While 2020 has seen an uptake in become essential to remain relevant, strategy of solidarity by offering a while 70% expressed their desire to money to a cause or for a person in online public giving, it doesn’t particularly online. As self-promotion platform for launching fundraising mobilise more to contribute to having difficulty, we affirm what we are or necessarily mean that true solidarity is now unacceptable and risks campaigns. During its “Year in a beneficial impact on society. what we support through digital has increased: “It is easier to give creating “bad buzz”, many actors have Review”, Mark Zuckerberg’s social indications. “Social networks are money when you don’t have the taken it upon themselves to collect network reported that it has raised Contructing one’s identity and media of expression that help us to person in front of you and it also money for associations throughout US$87 million (RM352 million) image by giving know ourselves, to be seen and requires less ‘involvement’,” says 2020. By bringing together cast through these online fundraisers. It’s a logical reaction in a context of recognised and to get involved,” Michael Dandrieux. “When someone members from popular series from More than 2.6 million internet users crisis and lack of social ties, outlines Laurence Allard, sociologist of digital asks me for money to support a the past such as Malcolm in the around the world have contributed to Michaël Dandrieux, sociologist and behaviours, lecturer, researcher at project or a person, I’m not at all in a Middle, Melrose Place and Parks and donations in several areas, including co-founder of French consulting firm IRCAV-Paris 3 and teacher at the philanthropic position,” he adds. “In Recreation, the actors managed to the fight against global warming, Eranos: “Since we are in a very University Lille 3, explained during a the end, what you have is neither play on both the mood for nostalgia animal welfare and of course helping fragmented society, which is TikTok press conference on Dec 3. philanthropy nor involvement in a and increased sensitivity among hospitals in this time of health crisis. politically highly polarised, in which Out of 1001 French and Chinese cause but rather participation in internet users and viewers to make According to a British study by Gifted people no longer talk to one another, users of the Chinese application, society and the construction of one’s online donations. A trend that has Philanthropy published in you’re going to want to give. Giving is aged 18 and over, 31% say they use identity.” And that’s how visible also spread to social networks such as December, “If there is one positive a way to create obligation and TikTok to support a cause. An philanthropy is becoming sexy, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, which impact that the Covid-19 pandemic therefore to get involved.” important finding for the most especially in the world of social ... – have enabled people to anonymously has had on the ... sector it is that Giving publicly, on social downloaded application in 2020, AFP-Relaxnews WEDNESDAY SECURITIES SDN. B HD. 197201001092 (12738-U) DECEMBER 30, 2020 A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Editorial: Tel.: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Participation Bought Sold Net Email : [email protected] % RM m RM m RM m Advertising: Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 44.8 Institutions 1862.7 1924.1 -61.4 Email: [email protected] 43.3 Retail 1882.0 1777.3 104.7 11.9 Foreign 475.7 519.0 -43.3 8.91 18.25 11.02 Sun8.00 253.86 BIZ714.12 11.91 35.50 100.0 4220.4 4220.4 0.0 KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200 Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Burs Malaysia 1,634.99 2,848.14 26,568.49 3,379.04 27,568.15 4,472.05 2,820.51 6,700.30

KL MARKET SUMMARY DECEMBER 29, 2020

INDICES CHANGE Mecan Trade – an alternative FBMEMAS 11,806.60 -41.31 FBMKLCI 1,634.99 -8.91 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 606.76 +0.53 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 176.05 -1.10 CONSTRUCTION 187.73 +2.20 to conventional e-commerce FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,453.40 +25.12 ENERGY 893.45 +6.87 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 654.46 +1.99 oNewly launched platform enables brand owners HEALTH CARE 3,613.27 -25.22 TRANSPORTATION 799.05 +13.30 and sellers to leverage the power of social networks to PROPERTY 735.92 +1.49 PLANTATION 7,394.13 -36.88 connect directly to consumers FBMSHA 13,178.50 -77.21 FBMACE 10,702.30 +22.60 TECHNOLOGY 68.47 +0.23 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI also invested in a big data company [email protected] Zanroo, which provides enterprise TURNOVER VALUE solutions to establish brands and large 9.166 BIL RM4.22 BIL PETALING JAYA: E-commerce has been a corporations. vital lifeline for businesses and consumers Utilising the social listening tools of the amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as big data company, Goh explained this 5 MOST ACTIVES online transactions have managed to would prove to be useful for product and DECEMBER 29, 2020 remain largely unaffected by these difficult brand owners to gain insights on their circumstances. market as well as the latest consumer STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) Against this backdrop, Old Town Bhd co- trends. TECHNAX 552,289,300 17.0 +3.0 founder Andy Goh (pix) founded Mecan “This way, companies could introduce MESTRON 238,906,300 22.0 +0.5 Trade, a social commerce platform which products with a good market fit and know IRIS 224,671,700 43.5 -0.5 enables brand owners and sellers dubbed their consumers better.” YONGTAI 209,375,300 32.5 +5.0 ambassadors to leverage the power of social For its data analytics offering, the PUNCAK 185,262,500 47.5 +7.5 networks to connect directly to consumers. platform offers tailor-made packages for Goh serves as Mecan Trade CEO and the businesses to best suit their needs and platform went online May this year. budget. 5 TOP GAINERS The impetus to start the platform is from Despite going online just a little DECEMBER 29, 2020 his 27-year experience as an entrepreneur over a year ago, Mecan Trade and manufacturer, developing the Old Town currently supports over 200 brand STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM White Coffee and the pain and challenges owners and manufacturers with NESTLE 12,600 139.50 0.90 from the business. over 3,000 products available KESM 50,500 13.54 0.38 “In the traditional way of doing business, and over 1,000 ambassadors CNASIA 5,602,500 1.68 0.36 there are a lot of middlemen involved from and counting. HEIM 101,300 23.44 0.32 retailers, distributors and resellers before “By the end of next year, we AEONCR 58,400 12.08 0.30 reaching the end-consumer, due to these hope to have over 5,000 layers the end price of a product is much ambassadors and more than higher,” he told SunBiz. 20,000 products on the 5 TOP LOSERS Under traditional commerce, Goh platform.” DECEMBER 29, 2020 pointed out distributors with large networks As a step towards achieving could pressure manufacturers to dictate the that goal, he has allocated STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM price for more margins, which lead to RM15.75 million to the SUPERMX-C87 2,400 4.17 0.83 manufacturers not being able to control the #MeCanBoss program launched in F&N 11,700 31.72 0.76 production and pricing. September. The program coaches its HARTA 5,297,600 11.94 0.52 He elaborated that the idea behind the ambassadors on how to utilise the social DKSH 340,200 3.38 0.34 platform is to give transparency to commerce platform with cash incentives, SUPERMX 27,349,400 6.06 0.33 customers and brand & product owners, while top performers will be given capital using technology to protect their interest. and guidance to develop their very own This allows the latter to control the pricing. product. EXCHANGE RATES DECEMBER 29, 2020 With the transparency of Mecan Trade, In 2021, Goh also hopes to replicate brand and product owners control the the model in other countries in the Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy entire system, in terms of market price, region. TT/OD TT OD selling price and also the margins for the “Right now, we are in the midst of 1 US DOLLAR 4.1135 3.9875 3.9775 ambassadors on the platform. discussion to establish a franchise of On the flipside, ambassadors on the the system in two countries – 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.1390 3.0130 2.9970 platform are able to start trading without the Indonesia and Thailand,” he 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0920 3.0010 2.9930 usual hassle as it takes care of product shared. 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.2000 3.1130 3.1010 sourcing, pricing and marketing as well as In regard to its overseas 1 EURO 5.0360 4.8710 4.8510 systems integration in terms of payment ambitions, Goh pointed out that the gateway, logistics and even packaging. signing of the Regional Comprehensive 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.9350 2.8270 2.8110 “They just need to share their online Economic Partnership in November to be 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0920 3.0010 2.9930 shopfront to their social media network and a good sign. 1 STERLING POUND 5.5460 5.3700 5.3500 they can earn commission from every “With the free trade agreement, we 1 SWISS FRANC 4.6160 4.5090 4.4940 purchase,” said Goh. foresee opportunities for social commerce To complement Mecan Trade, he has to facilitate trade in the region.” 100 UAE DIRHAM 113.2600 107.3700 107.1700 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.9480 4.6180 4.4180 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 63.0000 60.5000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 53.6000 50.9200 50.7200 More than RM400m in digital service tax collected 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6800 5.3400 5.1400 KUALA LUMPUR: The government has so country and will be enhanced in the future. Abd Rahim said that most of the claims 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0301 0.0272 0.0222 far collected RM428.07 million from digital This collection is not only imposed on had been reimbursed, with about RM1.87 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.9680 3.8440 3.8340 service providers since enforcement of the local digital service providers, but we have billion not paid yet as there were some 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.7000 N/A N/A Digital Services Tax early this year, said also started efforts to impose the tax on matters that need to be resolved. Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Abd foreign digital service providers,” he added. Apart from that, he said, the Royal 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 2.6100 2.4400 2.2400 Rahim Bakri. He said this when winding up the Malaysian Customs Department always 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.6900 8.1800 7.9800 He said the tax was imposed on, among debate on the Service Tax (Amendment) carried out field audits in an effort to 100 SAUDI RIYAL 110.7800 105.1700 104.9700 others, Netflix, Amazon, advertisements Bill 2020 at the Dewan Negara yesterday. ensure that taxpayers pay the proper 100 SRI LANKA RUPEE 2.2500 2.0600 1.8600 on social media platforms such as The issue on the Digital Services Tax amount of taxes and avoid leaks. Facebook and Instagram, as well as was raised by Senator N. The method also ensures that the 100 THAI BAHT 14.2600 12.6500 12.2500 applications and games on smartphones. Balasubramaniam. government can collect the actual tax Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama “This is a new source of revenue for the On the Goods and Services Tax refund, amount, he added. – Bernama 12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 SUNBIZ

MISC JV FIRMS GET FIVE-YEAR AirAsia pares down stake CONTRACT EXTENSION PETALING JAYA: Brazilian

BRIEFSDeepwater Production Ltd (BDPL) and Brazilian Deepwater Production Contractors Ltd (BDPC), both in Indian operations joint-venture companies between SBM Holding Inc SA and MISC Bhd’s MISC Offshore Holdings Sdn Bhd (MOHB), oGroup selling 32.67% share to partner entered into agreements with Shell Brasil for five years’ Tata Sons for US$37.66m, left with 16.33% extension of the lease, operation and maintenance contracts for the FPSO Espirito PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Group “AirAsia group has been reviewing Santo located in the Campos Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary its forward business strategy Basin for the BC-10 field, AirAsia Investment Ltd is disposing regularly, including its investment in offshore Brazil. The initial of a 32.67% stake in AirAsia (India) AAI. This transaction will ensure contracts were entered into Ltd (AAI) to its joint venture partner strict cost containment for AirAsia by the companies with Shell Tata Sons Pte Ltd for US$37.66 group in the short term, and Brasil in 2006 with expiry date million (RM152.58 million). strengthen our presence in Asean of December 2023. With the According to its Bursa filing, the while continuing our market extension, the contracts will transaction includes a call option for dominance for travel from Asean to be extended to December the group’s remaining 16.33% stake India and North Asia. 2028. SBM owns 51% of equity in BDPL and BDPC in AAI, exercisable by Tata at any time “India will remain an important respectively, whilst MOHB after the disposal is completed, for market for AirAsia. Tata Sons has owns 49% of equity in each of US$18.83 million (RM76.29 million). been an excellent partner and we the companies. The deal includes a put option look forward to continue working exercisable by AirAsia in two closely together in other areas of tranches, March 1 to May 30, 2022 growth.” MRCA PARTNERS WITH and Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2022. Headquartered in Bengaluru, AAI VETTONS TO BRING The budget airline said the flies to 19 domestic destinations BUSINESSES ONLINE proceeds from the disposal will be using 30 Airbus A320 aircraft. PETALING JAYA: The used as working capital for first- Meanwhile, international services Malaysian Retail Chain quarter 2021. to India from Malaysia and Thailand Association (MRCA), which Since the start of the Covid-19 will resume in the future after travel represents over 450 leading pandemic, the aviation industry has restrictions are lifted and borders retail chain store operators been one of the hardest hit industries with India are reopened. AirAsia and franchisors in Malaysia, is and AAI has not been spared. The operates over 100 weekly flights from partnering with e-commerce directors expect further capital Malaysia and Thailand to nine company Vettons to bring requirements for AAI. destinations in India. retail businesses on to their “As India is a non-core market for AirAsia Group has transformed online shopping platforms. AirAsia (being a non-Asean country), itself into a digital travel and lifestyle One of the features of the the company will continue to platform with airasia.com as well as partnership is Vettons’ regularly reassess its business digital ventures in logistics, e- guarantee to sell only original strategies and dispose of non-core commerce, fintech and fast-food brands and products. investments to augment its liquidity. chain, among others. AirAsia also Vettons is introducing This transaction will reduce cash operates a regional technology centre augmented reality to help burn of the company in the short in Bengaluru. consumers visualise their term and allow AirAsia to In another development, AirAsia’s Fernandes (left) collecting food from AirAsia Food merchant JoshiJosh purchases in their living spaces, as well as leveraging concentrate on recovery of its key food delivery platform Airasia Food other players are “charging an arm and for the restaurants. technology such as artificial Asean markets in Malaysia, Thailand, aims to make a difference for a leg” with high commission rates. He elaborated that it has intelligence to assist in the Indonesia and the Philippines in the merchants as it offers the option of “With AirAsia Food, our flat rates changed to an environment where shopping experience. The long run,” AirAsia said. flat rates and a 10% commission are equivalent to only a 10% food delivery is no longer partnership entails monthly AirAsia group president (airlines) model. commission rate, enabling merchants complementary but is becoming webinar workshops, Bo Lingam said this transaction is in Launched during the movement to earn more while having full control one of the primary sales channels conducted by Vettons, to line with its initiatives towards control order period in May, it has no over their menu, pricing and also have for restaurants and home kitchen promote e-marketplace reducing cash utilisation for the hidden fees to join and has an easy access to data aside from being businesses everywhere. services and recruit MRCA group and will allow it to use cash to extended delivery range of 60km able to communicate directly with One of AirAsia Food’s merchants, members. Vettons will utilise grow market share in its core markets compared with 15-20km offered by their customers,” he said in a JoshiJosh, grew its sales by 500 times MRCA’s online assets for its in Asean, particularly in Malaysia, other food delivery platforms. statement. within three months. campaigns and, conversely, Thailand, Indonesia and the AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes pointed out that its flat AirAsia Food is slated to be Vettons will collaborate with Philippines as well as for its future Fernandes said it wanted to rates are by far the lowest in the food launched in Singapore by end- MRCA as an e-marketplace expansion into Cambodia, Myanmar democratise the food delivery business, delivery industry, and hopes this January 2021 and will be expanding partner for offline events. and Vietnam. especially for the merchants, as the would offer some sort of liberation to other Asean cities next year. Property outlook challenging but bright spots emerge Kim Loong’s Q3 net profit PETALING JAYA: The outlook for the It also foresee some landbanking situation before deciding to continue Malaysian property sector in the next activities, especially in small pockets of or defer future launches. jumps more than twofold 12 months remains challenging land with good location, such as AmResearch believes consumer although most developers have proximity to Kuala Lumpur city centre, sentiment will remain weak for the time PETALING JAYA: Kim Loong sharp increase in the CPO price to achieved their new sales targets, major expressways and the MRT/LRT. being with spending mainly focused on Resources Bhd saw a more than the current level of above according to AmResearch. “We believe high-rise development necessities while big-ticket items such twofold increase in net profit to RM3,600 a tonne, it holds the view It noted that in the first nine around these areas provide good as properties will take a back seat. RM28.84 million for its third that its plantation operations will months of 2020 (9M’20) sales fell by an connectivity, hence convenience, for On a positive side, it expects the quarter ended Oct 31, 2020 continue to benefit significantly estimated 22% compared with the home buyers.” reintroduction of Home Ownership compared to RM13.79 million a from the high CPO prices despite previous year on the back of a In the coming year, AmResearch Campaign and full stamp duty year ago on the back of higher a gradual drop in FFB production lacklustre market and the impact of expects the affordable segment to exemptions on both instruments of yield as well as increases in expected in the fourth quarter the Covid-19 pandemic. perform well, driven by resilient demand, transfer and loan agreement for the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) prices due to seasonal factors on “Instead, developers are more especially from young professionals and purchase of property worth up to and crude palm oil (CPO) cropping trend. aggressive in clearing unsold units by families. The shift in focus to this RM500,000 to generate buying interest. prices. Given the results in the first offering discounts with the inventory segment by the majority of local property On the whole, the research house Revenue for the quarter three quarters of the year, Kim level on a declining trend. We believe developers reflects this resilience. maintains a neutral view on the sector, jumped 58.9% to RM278.60 Loong foresees its performance that this is a positive move to realise cash It pointed out that Mah Sing has as it does not expect to see surprises in million from RM175.31 million for FY2021 to be good. flow,” the research house said in a report. begun building residential properties earnings over the next 12–18 months. previously. For the first three quarters of Against such a backdrop, it expects under RM600,000 for more than three It may upgrade the property sector On prospects for the the year, the group’s net profit certain segments to outperform in the years, Scientex is offering residential to overweight, should the banks ease remaining quarter, Kim Loong surged 219.3% to RM84.90 million current market condition, particularly properties (landed and high-rise) lending policies on properties or the acknowledged that the Covid-19 from RM38.71 million in the those with overseas exposures, between RM200,000 and RM350,000 consumer sentiment to improve pandemic has caused previous corresponding period. especially in China and Singapore, will in the southern region of the peninsula significantly. The sector may be unprecedented volatility in Revenue for the period stood at do better in the medium term. and Crest Builder has plans to build downgraded to underweight should commodity prices. Nevertheless, RM717.94 million, a 44% increase In this area, AmResearch said residential apartments in Klang with the bank tighten their lending policies it does not expect the pandemic from RM498.59 million. Sunway and IOI Properties are well starting prices below RM300,000. on properties or consumer sentiment impact to the group’s operation to Kim Loong declared a special positioned as their property launches Nonetheless, AmResearch noted is to deteriorate further. be significant based on current dividend of 3 sen per share for the have been generally well received both that most developers remain cautious, AmResearch’s top picks for the sector observation. financial year ending Jan 31, 2020 locally and overseas. and are still assessing the economic are Sunway, Scientex and Mah Sing. With the recent unexpected to be paid on Feb 22, 2021. theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 13 * SUNBIZ Greenpro AI raises FGV aims to produce 30,000 RM504,750 via ECF, 168% above target litres of fresh milk daily in H1’21 PETALING JAYA: GreenPro Capital Village Sdn Bhd (GreenPro AI), a cloud- based artificial intelligence (AI) accounting solutions provider has oUpgrading of dairy farm closed its equity crowdfunding (ECF) campaign, raising RM504,750 – 168% in Linggi almost complete above its target, from a total of 33 investments. The campaign was facilitated by Ata PETALING JAYA: FGV Holdings Bhd through its Plus, an ECF platform registered with subsidiary FGV Dairy Farm Sdn Bhd is Securities Commission Malaysia. positioned for strong growth in its venture into GreenPro AI gives the public an fresh milk processing and the dairy farming investment opportunity by offering their business as it targets to produce 30,000 litres of investors an early exit through their fresh milk a day in first-half 2021. upcoming acquisition by GreenPro Capital This is consistent with the implementation FGV Dairy Farm is Corp, a Nasdaq-listed multinational of a fully integrated dairy farm project in Linggi, positioned for conglomerate with a portfolio of Negri Sembilan, which has significantly strong growth in its businesses in finance and technology. increased FGV’s focus in the business under the venture into fresh GreenPro AI is preparing the necessary integrated farming sector. milk processing documentation for the acquisition. FGV Dairy Farm recently received an and the dairy The ECF investors have an additional 130 crossbred dairy heifers imported farming business. opportunity to realise the value of their from Australia, which are a hybrid of Jersey and investment through a redemption of Friesian dairy cattle breeds, amounting to a their shares in the form of Nasdaq-listed total of 258 dairy herd size. This shipment of milking parlour and a cloud-based daily milk formulations, flavours and packaging are in the stock issued by GreenPro Capital Corp at cattle is to fulfil the higher volume of fresh milk recording system to ensure the quality of our pipeline and are now undergoing product and a value of 120% of their production as well as the increase in local dairy products and the productivity of our dairy stability tests prior to launch, which is targeted initialinvestment, which is anticipated to demand, especially by the hotel, restaurant and farm. These efforts are scheduled for to take place in April 2021. Bright Cow dairy occur within the next 12 months. cafe market segment. completion in the first quarter of 2021,” said products are now available online. Cognisant of the financial constraints FGV group CEO Datuk Haris Fadzilah Haris Fadzilah. Under the National Dairy Industry faced by SMEs which hamper their Hassan said in less than nine months since the The overall upgrading work for FGV’s Linggi Development Programme, the government ability to hire proper accounting staff, inception of the dairy farm project in March dairy farm is almost complete, with aims to ensure self-sufficiency in domestic fresh GreenPro AI co-founders CK Lee and 2020, the premium house brand Bright Cow has improvements on the farm’s infrastructure, milk productions by 2025. This gives an Samson Chow have combined their 30 been processing more than 500,000 litres of feedstock areas, milking parlour and cattle opportunity for organisations such as FGV to years of experience in the financial and fresh milk for local consumption, contributed barn, while the upgrading work for the calf barn benefit from import substitution and aspire to accounting sector to develop their by the fresh milk produced by FGV’s Linggi is 100% complete. The ongoing enhancements become a significant industry player for locally unique cloud-based AI accounting dairy farm and supplied by external dairy farms. will be finalised in the near future together with produced fresh milk in Malaysia. solution which would enable cost “Our fresh milk production in Linggi, will see Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point and At the same time, FGV’s initiatives are in line savings of up to 90% for SMEs. the opening of a brand new fresh milk factory the foundation for Food Safety System with the government’s vision for shared prosperity GreenPro AI’s ECF campaign has with a processing capacity of 30,000 litres per Certification 22000 certifications. by offering contract farming opportunities among enabled the team to shift its operations day. We have also installed an automated Several new Bright Cow product cattle farmers in the country. to Malaysia. MIBA announces Matrade outlines 2021 programmes launch of due diligence guides to help companies boost exports PETALING JAYA: Malaysia External Trade companies, particularly SMEs and mid-tier businesses,” he said. PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Development Corp (Matrade) aims to engage companies (MTCs). This will be carried out Its EP programme includes participation in Investment Banking Association (MIBA) 13,000 companies through its exporter through strategic engagements with the public international trade fairs and trade missions, has announced the launch of the development (ED) and export promotion (EP) and private sector in Malaysia and abroad to international sourcing programme and business Malaysia Equity Capital Markets and Debt programmes in 2021, to build up the domestic identify new export opportunities in both matching programme. Physical participation in Capital Markets Due Diligence Guides, resilience of local companies in the post- conventional and emerging sectors,” he said in a the programmes will be dependent upon the which will take effect on Jan 1, 2021, in pandemic recovery period. statement yesterday. latest developments on health and safety line with the Securities Commission The agency has outlined 334 programmes for the For the coming year, Matrade is set to expand regulations throughout the year. Malaysia’s (SC) new enhanced initial year, with 277 aimed at ED and 54 for EP, to create its ED programmes with eTrade 2.0; Bumiputera, The 2021 EP programmes will focus on public offering (IPO) framework. more export champions in high-value sectors. Women and Youth Exporters Development Malaysia’s key export sectors such as food & The guides seek to enhance and clarify Its new CEO, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, said Programme; Mid-Tier Companies Development beverages, services, building materials, lifestyle, oil the standards of due diligence and it will focus on helping Malaysian companies to Programme and X-Seed. & gas, aerospace, machinery & equipment, medical disclosure in the preparation and penetrate international markets during these The CEO said its engagement will focus on & pharmaceutical products, among others. submission of corporate proposals and challenging times, virtually linking them with driving Malaysian SMEs and MTCs to be more Of the 57 promotion programmes, 32 of them offering documents to the SC. foreign buyers through its overseas office and prepared in areas such as sustainability, digital will be held in the Regional Comprehensive They are also intended to align and sharing knowledge, market intelligence. transformation, Internet of Things, industrial Economic Partnership economies, namely complement the SC’s regulatory “The year 2021 will see Matrade doubling its revolution 4.0 and artificial intelligence. Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, enhancements to take into account the efforts in engaging with digital tools to provide “All of these play significant roles in ensuring Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, evolving capital market landscape. They more business opportunities for Malaysian the companies’ success in international Vietnam and Malaysia. encompass different aspects, which include setting the scope and extent of due diligence in a corporate proposal, roles of the participants involved and Managing risks in the digital age highlighting the appropriate verification process and relevant steps to be adopted DIGITAL technology is well recognised as an reported to be less than 12 months, with an the business environment. Organisations should throughout the preparation and important enabler for innovation. Digital average 20% of full-time equivalent capacity thus focus on managing risks, to ensure submission process of corporate proposals. transformation brings forth unmatched provided by robots. It’s also found that 78% of sustainability. Besides IPOs, the guides may also be opportunities and capabilities for growth and those who have already implemented RPA RPA brings its own inherent risks as well the applicable in the conduct of due value creation. Chief experience officers are expect to significantly increase investment in RPA ones, resulting from the business environment it diligence for submissions or applications consistently launching new products and over the next three years. automates in. The Deloitte RPA Risk framework in respect of other corporate proposals to services by leveraging new-wave digital In 2020 alone, the Malaysian government had provides effective risk management and the SC and Bursa Malaysia Securities. technologies such as robotics, chatbots, allocated over RM550 million to provide smart monitoring of six key risk domains. Each of these The guides benefit from close cognitive, blockchain and cloud. automation matching grants to 1,000 domains would help strengthen security and consultation and collaboration with key Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 manufacturing and 1,000 services companies, to controls in an RFP environment. industry stakeholders and associations, pandemic, one such enabler, which has seen a automate their business processes. To encourage It is essential for an organisation to build a including Malaysian Institute of proliferation of adoption across numerous the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector to secure BOT strategy prior to embarking on its Accountants, Malaysian Institute of industries, is Robotics Process Automation (RPA). further embrace e-commerce, the government robotics journey and have the necessary controls Certified Public Accountants, Malaysian This can be in its native form as well as coupled has also set aside another RM150 million for embedded to manage risks throughout the Bar Council, Malaysian Institute of with AI and cognitive solutions (RCA). Robots Budget 2021 for finance SMEs’ automation implementation lifecycle. With constantly Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, allow businesses to be more responsive, cost initiatives under the SME Digitalization Grant evolving risk and threat to the technology Association of Valuers, Property Managers, effective, compliant and efficient. We are already Scheme and Automation Grants. environment, this becomes more crucial. Estate Agents & Property Consultants in entering an era where BOTs are doing intelligent While the investments and adoption rate for the Private Sector Malaysia, Federation of work while building efficiencies. RPA is encouraging and it is clear that the This article was contributed by Public Listed Companies and In the most recent Deloitte’s Annual Global technology greatly simplifies and make our lives Deloitte Malaysia risk advisory executive independent market researchers. RPA Survey, payback of RPA adoption was more efficient, RPA also opens up new risks to director Shahariz Abdul Aziz. 14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 SUNBIZ

LONDON: Europe will see its biggest transfer of share trading in more than two decades when stock exchanges open for business in 2021, with Brexit shifting its centre of gravity away from Brexit ‘big bang’ to trigger London. While market players hope that years of preparations since Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU) means the transition of most euro-denominated assets like shares tectonic trading rift in Europe and derivatives out of the country will be relatively smooth, the long-term its customers expect to shift all their absolutely had to. impact is unclear. oMarket players hope transition of euro- trading in European shares to EU “We may leave some existing “This is a big bang event and that is venues. positions in the UK and we might one of the things that the market denominated assets out of the UK will be Another of London’s top money choose not to do business with those hasn’t truly understood yet,“ Alasdair spinners is its trade in trillions of euros UK counterparties in future,“ van Dijk Haynes, CEO of London-based share smooth though long-term impact is unclear in derivatives. This anomaly, which said. trading platform Aquis Exchange, told dates back to 1999 when Britain opted Bank of England Governor Andrew Reuters. out of the euro’s launch, has seen a Bailey has said he will have all its “This is literally everything moves and derivatives markets into two overnight. dominant share of trading in euro- “armoury” at hand, although so far on a specific day and we have got to separate trading pools, raising The last time there was such a denominated swaps take place in the regulators say they do not expect any pray to God that we don’t have some concerns that investors will get less rapid shift in volumes was in 1998 capital. threats to financial stability. extraordinary event happen in the competitive prices. when trading in 10-year German The Bank of England has warned “You can’t rule out that there will market that creates high volumes,“ EU banks must trade euro- Bund futures by dealers in stripy that trade in interest rate swaps worth be some particular disruption given Haynes said. denominated shares inside the bloc jackets on the LIFFE exchange floor in around US$200 billion (RM810 the scale of change, but overall we are While the landmark trade deal from Jan 4, forcing them to switch London was lured by cheaper billion) could be disrupted, because satisfied there has been good agreed last week set rules for from platforms run by the likes of electronic screens to Frankfurt. banks operating in Britain and the EU proactive management of the risks industries such as fishing and Cboe Europe, Aquis Exchange, “It’s the biggest single share trading must trade inside their own across the system,“ Nikhil Rathi, CEO agriculture, it did not cover Britain’s London Stock Exchange’s Turquoise shift in the last two decades at least,“ jurisdiction, or on approved platforms of Britain’s Financial Conduct much larger finance sector, meaning and Goldman Sachs in London, to EU Howson said. in New York. Authority, told Reuters. automatic access to the EU’s financial hubs they have opened in Amsterdam For Aquis, more than half of its It may force Britain at the last The first day of trading in January markets comes to an end on Dec 31. or Paris. business will in future be in the EU minute to ease its restrictions on may even be a quiet one as volumes The following days will provide a Most shares are still traded on their rather than all in London, while Cboe swaps trading to minimise disruption. could suffer if some market first taste of the effects of the shift and home exchange, but between them is hopeful that clearing in share trades Erik-Jan van Dijk, Achmea participants sit on the sidelines to see regulators on both sides of the English London platforms account for nearly could move from rivals in London to Investment Management’s head of how the dust settles, Cboe and Aquis Channel will be on alert for market all cross-border trading in shares in its own clearing house in Amsterdam treasury and derivatives, said said. dislocations on Jan 4, the first trading the remaining 27 EU states. over time. regulators have already taken steps to In the longer term, the focus will be day of the new year. That amounted to €8.6 billion Goldman Sachs expects half the mitigate some of the risks by allowing on just how much the volumes build The EU wants to reduce reliance on (RM42 billion) a day collectively in daily trading in shares on its Sigma-X EU banks to continue clearing their up inside the EU and fall further in the City of London for financial October, or a quarter of all European Europe trading platform to shift over derivatives in London temporarily. Britain. services and see more euro-based trading, Cboe data shows. time to its new Paris hub from But trading will have to move, and “It’s not the start of the end of trading in Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam David Howson, president of Cboe London. some counterparties with existing London, but it’s pretty bloody and other financial centres in the bloc. Europe, said almost all cross-border Cboe held a simulation exercise on swaps contracts in Britain were embarrassing and a huge own goal for That will split Europe’s stock, bond European stock trading will switch Dec 5 and Howson said this revealed reluctant to shift them before they Britain,“ said Aquis’ Haynes. Tech’s reign over US stock market to be tested in 2021 Vietnam Airlines issues shares to NEW YORK: Investors are weighing account for about 37% of the how big to go on US technology market-cap weighted S&P 500, “Big Four” tech giants Q3 earnings support recovery stocks in the coming year, as pricier giving them outsized influence on The combined revenue of the “Big Four” tech companies came in at valuations, regulatory risks and a the index’s gyrations and investors’ $228.24 billion last quarter, but has done little to please investors HANOI: Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines revival of the market’s beaten-down portfolios. Fund managers polled by Amazon Apple Alphabet Facebook said yesterday it would issue nearly names threaten to dim their allure. BofA Global Research named “long revenue: revenue: revenue: revenue: US$346 million (RM1.4 billion) worth A surge in technology and tech” as the market’s most crowded $96.15bn $64.70bn $46.17bn $21.22bn of shares for existing stakeholders to internet-related shares helped lift trade for the eighth straight month. Pandemic- Shares fell Shares up only Strong growth boost its recovery from the impacts of US indexes to record highs this year. And while tech, which trades at 26 fuelled buying on news that 16% in 2020, in Q3, but firm the coronavirus pandemic and return Gains in Apple, Amazon and times forward earnings estimates, is leads to greater iPhone sales compared to is cautious to profitability by 2023. Microsoft alone accounted for more one of the few sectors expected to sales, but in China have average of 56% of impending The issuance will be completed by than half of the S&P 500’s 16.6% total post profit growth in 2020, increased costs – slumped by 29% for other three regulatory June next year after the carrier return as of Dec 16, according to according to IBES data from up $2.5bn in third quarter tech giants hurdles received approval from the Howard Silverblatt, senior index Refinitiv, earnings are projected to authorities. All capital raised would analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices. grow by 14.2% next year, slower than pay off outstanding debts, its Tech took a back seat in recent the 23.2% clip seen for S&P 500 Q3 Total: $228.24 chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa said at a weeks, as hopes of a vaccine-led companies overall on a potential Q2 regular shareholder meeting. economic recovery fueled a rally in bounce in growth. “We continue to 2020 Q1 The national flag carrier, 86% energy, financials, small caps and believe that this value rotation we Q4 owned by the government, expected other less-loved parts of the market. started to see over the last few weeks Q3 to make losses of 14.445 trillion dong The Russell 1000 value index does have legs into 2021 as well,“ Q2 (RM2.5 billion), about 2.4 trillion climbed 10% since breakthrough said Mona Mahajan, US investment 2019 Q1 dong less than previously expected. vaccine data was announced in strategist at Allianz Global Investors. Q4 To support the airline, the early November, compared to a 4% Efforts by US and European Q3 Vietnamese government last month gain in the Russell growth index, regulators to curtail the market Q2 approved a plan to buy new shares which is broadly populated by tech dominance of companies such as 2018Q1 from the flag carrier through its State stocks. Alphabet and Facebook are another Q4 Capital Investment Corp. – Reuters Though it is unclear how long the pressure point for the industry. Q3 change in market leadership will But plenty of investors are happy Q2 last, the shift highlights a dilemma to retain holdings in businesses that 2017 Q1 Ant weighs forming that has confronted investors have proven durable amid slow Q4 throughout the last decade. Limiting economic growth, trade conflicts Q3 tech exposure has mostly been a and the global pandemic. Indeed, holding company Q2 losing bet for years and the spikes in uncertainty have tended to BEIJING: Jack Ma’s Ant Group Co is coronavirus pandemic accelerated send investors into tech stocks in 2016 Q1 planning to fold its financial operations trends that stand to benefit the recent months. Q4 into a holding company that could be group. “There are very few sectors Q3 regulated more like a bank, Bloomberg Q2

But valuations near 16-year where you can get as predictable ... Picture: Daria Shevtsova (Pexels) News reported yesterday. highs are raising concerns about the growth as you can from technology,“ 2015 Q1 The Chinese payment giant is sector’s vulnerability, especially if a said Mark Stoeckle, chief executive $0bn 50 100 150 200 250 planning to move any unit that would US economic reopening creates a officer of the Adams Funds, whose Source: Wall Street Journal Note: Calendar Q3 is Q4 in Apple’s fiscal year © GRAPHIC NEWS require a financial licence into the sustainable trade in value stocks. diversified equity fund’s top holding company, pending “I think that people are going to holdings are Microsoft, Apple and return to slower growth rates after to “market weight” for 2021 but regulatory approval, the report said. stick with their tech exposure but I Amazon. recovering in 2021. urged investors to maintain In November, Chinese regulators don’t think there is going to be a lot Assets in the Invesco QQQ Trust, “That suggests you want to own positions rather than sell. suspended the Shanghai-Hong Kong of fresh money put into tech in the which tracks the tech-heavy Nasdaq companies (that have) high organic “I don’t think we are just going to dual-listing by Ant, just days before new year,“ said Lindsey Bell, chief 100 index, this month hit their growth rates and can compound move away from tech,“ said Esty what would have been the world’s investment strategist at Ally Invest. highest amount on record, Lipper cash flow better than others,“ Arone Dwek, head of global market largest stock market debut. The technology sector along with data showed. said. strategy at Natixis Investment On Sunday, China’s central bank shares of big tech-related Michael Arone, chief investment Even some strategists who like Managers. “These businesses have said it had asked Ant to shake up its companies – Amazon, Google- strategist at State Street Global other stocks aren’t straying far from become integral parts of our lives.” – lending and other consumer finance parent Alphabet and Facebook – Advisors, expects the economy to tech. BMO Capital Markets cut tech Reuters operations. – Reuters theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 15 LIFESTYLE

CELEBRITY CAUSES █ BY AZIZUL RAHMAN ISMAIL From socialite to volunteer NGELA KARTO is a housewife, a mother of three, and is the wife of oNot wanting to just sit around during the pandemic, Angela Carto and Erwin Azizi, and hails from Indonesia.A She is also well known her friends joined Caremongers for being a socialite, but during the pandemic, Angela decided to reach out to communities in need. “Before Covid-19, my family and I contributed, we sponsored a ‘Rumah Tahfiz’ for Rohingya orphans. Back then, I donated funds to organisations and whatnot. When Covid-19 came, we were on lockdown,” said Angela. During the first lockdown, her daily routine changed. Her three sons began to ask her a lot of questions about why they could not go to school or go out and play and her husband was stressed because he could not go to work. “On top of that, my father has a tumour that was scheduled to be removed in Singapore and I could not go and see him or be with him. It was a lot. A lot of things were happening. “I’m usually very private when it comes to my family on social media. Hardly anyone knew what I was going through except my husband, On her way to Sunway to meet Hope his family, and a few of my closest Selangor to help three families living in friends. a small flat. – PICTURE COURTESY OF “In the first month, it felt like we ANGELA CARTO didn’t even change out of our pyjamas. You wake up, you do of need. breakfast, whatever (else) and take a “Malaysians are just amazing in shower and you literally change into Angela with volunteers from Hope Selangor. that way,” said Angela. another pair of pyjamas. After a – PICTURE COURTESY OF ANGELA CARTO She shares how the government, while, I felt like I was living in limbo.” through the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, has To stay sane and connected, “Most of our days are spent been helping out with their efforts. Angela kept in touch with her vetting the people because we need “When we first sent help to friends through Zoom and to talk to them to find out what they Sabah, we used an air cargo service FaceTime. One day, the group of need. Because there is no point in and it was expensive. We tried to friends came across an article about giving them something they don’t look for another solution and that is a foreign worker who ate a rat to need. when someone suggested that we survive because he was starving. “For example, when we sent care try and ask for help from the Royal “I shared it with one of my packs to Sabah recently through Malaysian Air Force. So we did. And groups, it was really sad. Because we Kembara Kitchen, I asked the they helped us a lot. are cooped up inside, we have no volunteers why there was no rice in “Together with the Ministry of idea what is happening outside. the care packs. They said it was Defence, not only did they provide What people are going through. because the people that they are us a way to deliver the Kembara “We felt that we should help but helping are paddy workers, so they Kitchen supplies by air, but also we didn’t know how or what was the don’t need rice. So it would be provided manpower, creating first step. Thankfully, I spoke to a pointless if we give them rice.” human chains during a downpour few friends and they told me of Together with her friends Yasmin to move the boxes from the Caremongers. It is actually a Yusuff and Tan Wan Jia, Angela is aeroplane to the transport,” said movement that started in Canada, actively helping those in need via Angela. with the aim of helping your Caremongers Ampang. Her drive to help others did not neighbours or people who live in As someone from Indonesia, she go unnoticed by her three sons. She your area.” is amazed at the number of non- showed them who they were It was a learning experience for governmental organisations in helping, showed them that not all her and her friends. They began by Malaysia that have stepped up to children have what they have, and Angela with volunteers helping day workers. help those in need, especially slowly, they began to help their distributing bags of “From there we learned. We used during the pandemic. She mother with simple things like care packages. – social media to help spread experienced first hand how a carrying boxes, packing the care PICTURE COURTESY awareness. We share what is going coalition of these organisations was packages and labelling ... except her OF ANGELA CARTO on and welcome those who want to established and how they help one youngest, who is only three years join us to help them. another to help others during a time old. Women suffered more from lockdown than men THE effects of lockdown were during lockdown, and more than level of empathy among women, different for men and women. A 39% reported an increase in noting that it was primarily about study conducted by Canadian symptoms related to insomnia, the ability to understand researchers found that women while anxiety and feelings of emotions and care for others. suffered more from the period of distress increased in the overall These high levels of empathy, social distancing associated with sample. Last but not least, however, were associated with Covid-19, particularly in terms of symptoms related to sleep, high levels of anxiety, depression sleep, anxiety, depression, and depression, and anxiety were and trauma. trauma. more common among women. “I was not surprised by the Researchers at the University “Generally, the study found findings; women are the ones of Calgary, in collaboration with women reporting more anxiety who carry the additional load. the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and depression. Their symptoms Taking care of family and critical looked at the sleep, state of mind, worsened over time and with situations has always been a huge and mental health disorders of greater length of the isolation load on women and females,” men and women during the period. There was a progressive says Dr Giuseppe Iaria, co-author months of lockdown, looking increase in anxiety, depression, of the survey. specifically at gender differences. poor sleep quality and trauma for Researchers now want to look An online survey was conducted males and females. But it was more closely at these gender among 573 Canadians – 112 men greater for females over time,” differences in order to develop and 459 women – with an average says Dr. Veronica Guadagni of the targeted psychological age of 25.9 years between March Cumming School of Medicine at interventions to help men and 23 and June 7, 2020. Global Women’s Health, their two-thirds of participants the University of Calgary. women cope with the pandemic. Published in Frontiers in work revealed that more than reported poor sleep quality The study also shows a higher – AFP-Relaxnews 16 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 FASHION

N recent years, inclusiveness has become a watchword in the world of fashion and luxury. Under the pressure of a generation for whom awareness is essential, a Igeneration who expects socially responsible A new brands to be representative of humanity in all its diversity, the sector is shaking up its own codes and coming up with daring new salvos. American Vogue has just released its January 2021 issue. There are four covers to choose from, including one that is making a buzz: it beginning features Paloma Elsesser, a “plus-size” American model in a sensual, confident pose. The previous month, the cover showed singer oFashion will be inclusive Harry Styles, dressed in a Gucci ball gown, the first time the title has featured a cover man on or it will go extinct in 2021 his own. The fact that the world’s most powerful fashion magazine ends 2020 and begins 2021 with these kinds of covers shows that fashion is more than ever, doing some real soul-searcing Natasha Polis asked her this year, and looking towards a more Instagram friends to pose exemplary new start. “New year, new world,” US as Disney heroines Vogue titles the issue – and in this “new world,” (#PlusSizePrincessProject). issues of diversity and inclusiveness will certainly be central.

Inclusivity, not just a matter of visibility Inclusivity is about considering everyone in the same way, and giving everyone a very real visibility. And in the fashion industry, everyone knows that this has not always been the case. Thin – and we could add white – models, are still the majority in the sector. The concern for more inclusiveness does not date back to 2020, but goes back much further. Jean-Paul Gaultier and John Galliano proclaimed way back in several of their iconic shows that “fashion comes from the street.” In the last two years, black models have become more numerous on And this evolution marks the beginning of a problems, such as model Winnie Harlow who Yse, H&M to Fendi. They could be our sisters, the catwalks and increasingly in demand as ‘it journey towards the acceptance of human has vitiligo, or, more recently “plus size” our neighbors, our colleagues ... There’s a girls’ for brands – a kind of new beginning ... diversity in the broadest sense; women with skin women, are good examples. change underway and it has definitely taken But inclusiveness is not just about hold. Consumers can no longer consider a choosing a black or mixed-race woman as a brand and its products without really taking muse. It is also about her discourse: into account whether it represents us and the understanding her skin texture or hair type in world we live in. order to give her the best advice. It is also Some influencers are even pushing the about making sure that her salary is equal to concept a little further, like the American that of her white colleagues. With this in mind, Natasha Polis who asked her Instagram this past October an organisation saw the light friends to pose as Disney heroines of day in the United Kingdom: called the (#PlusSizePrincessProject) for Halloween Fashion Minority Alliance, it aims to represent 2020, precisely in order to show the lack of and defend all minorities in the fashion diversity in several fields, such as cinema. industry. Its manifesto is clear: “to promote and secure the advancement of Black and Beyond notions of gender and standard Minority creatives and ensure that the beauty intersectionality of all our differences are Even in the big luxury houses, things are accountably transformed into positive, changing, maybe a little bit more than usual sustainable, long term industry change.” this year, such as Louis Vuitton which cast ‘ambiguous’ models, combining femininity Rihanna leading the charge and masculinity, more than ever in its fashion Back in 2016, it was Rihanna who really got shows, and Gucci, which chose androgynous- things rolling, nearly single-handedly, with figured artist Silvia Calderoni as the main her Fenty brand (which has since been character in its mini-series co-directed with acquired by the LVMH group) offering Gus Van Sant, unveiled in November. For makeup for all skin types, for example 50 others, it’s about asking their entourage to shades of foundation, and a line of lingerie for walk the runway, as at Xuly Bet and Koche, in all body types, with a range of women posing order to present “real people” in “real clothes”. and walking in the garments in live shows. As for models, Jill Kortleve and Paloma Meanwhile, as the Fenty lingerie show drew Elsesser are the top models of the year. They headlines, that other famous lingerie show, are curvy and confident, they above all Victoria’s Secret, did not take place. Sign of the represent the image of the “positive body.” The times? Are the Victoria’s Secret angels too Chanel summer 2021 look that stands out is disconnected from reality? It would appear the pink baggy pants with the black bra, worn so, as the upheaval of 2020 has only by Jill. We also saw Jill in headline looks at accelerated such movements. Feeling like you Valentino, Fendi, Alexander McQueen and belong to a group, a community, like there’s a Coperni. Same for Paloma Elsesser, with her fashion brand that “gets you” and, more than femme fatale look at Fendi and Versace. And anything else, being able to see yourself in of course the cover of Vogue US in January such representations ... these are the new 2021. expectations of consumers. In beauty, MAC, And this is also due to momentum Sephora and even Dior have followed in Fenty building. These models have good agents who Beauty’s footsteps, creating wider ranges of put them in the right places. But it can’t be makeup adapted to different skin types. denied that the basic movement has started. For the new campaigns for the Having a fashion show these days without summer of 2021, which will begin being “inclusive” is risky, detrimental, to soon hit magazines, both opening oneself up for criticism. For a brand the ready-to-wear and or a large company which targets young lingerie worlds will offer people aged 20-25, who are becoming highly more diverse women than aware of the challenges of the future and ever before, from Etam to societal changes as future consumers, being inclusive has become a necessity. Paloma Elsesser And it will no longer be possible to go appears on the backwards. Models with 1.2-meter-long legs cover of Vogue US will have as much space on the catwalks as in January 2021. ‘anybodies’, women or men, of all skin types, bodies, shapes and genders. Taking into account their differences at all levels and offering the same type of service, clothing or salary is the next step. Is inclusiveness on the march, or is it simply about reconnecting with our humanity? – AFP-Relaxnews theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 17 BEAUTY Beauty is getting back to its roots o2021 is going to be all about embracing a more down-to-earth approach to beauty with confidence

020 was the year beauty went decided to go with the gray. natural, with makeup giving Like Helen Mirren, Isabel Marant way to minimalist beauty and Demi Moore, many women looks. Out went foundation, chose not to rush back to the salon 2lipstick and assorted highlighters, as when lockdown ended, transforming lockdown gave many people the what the collective imagination once chance to give their skin a break, to let considered a “flaw” into a stylish it breathe, and to pamper it with self- feature. After making tentative care rituals. And it seems that we inroads for a few seasons, the trend – developed a taste for that – so much which is in tune with the wider “body so that it feels like there’s no going positive” movement – looks like it’s back. So while 2020 thrust natural here to stay. So show off your roots, beauty upon us, 2021 will be the year flaunt that grey, and let’s smash the we embrace it with confidence. diktats in 2021.

Neon streaks vs grey hair Glowy makeup vs minimalism Tendrils of neon yellow, blue, pink or Makeup is the (beauty) segment orange hair was supposed to be the that’s been hit the hardest by Covid- major incoming hair trend of the year, 19. While lipstick, in various forms seen over and again on the runways and evolving textures, remained of fashion’s four capitals, and popular in many regions in 2019, this adopted in advance by various year, consumers in many countries models and influencers. But that was have completely turned away from it. before Covid-19 hit and the With the mask a daily reality, lipstick Would women have embraced their grey hair in the same way this year without Covid-19? pandemic turned everything upside- seems to no longer be a beauty down. essential, with sales plummeting by natural, healthy kind of glow, platforms. And, as it happens, they and other countries. When hair salons were forced to as much as 50% year on year by mid- preferring to take care of their skin weren’t entirely wrong. In terms of And while maskne should close in the springtime, people year in the US, down 49% between rather than try to hide imperfections. skincare, solid, natural, vegan and logically disappear with the weren’t panicking about a lack of August and October in the UK, and And with Covid-19 putting us all in organic products gained further disappearance of face masks – unless neon hair dye, but simply the lip makeup products plunging in the face masks, facial and lip makeup popularity this year. But in terms of we’re destined to spend the rest of prospect of facing the dreaded spring in Japan (down 22% in March). took a backseat while eyes moved trends, these were outstripped by our lives hidden away behind facial “badger stripe” of grey roots that were That proved a tough blow for center stage as the focus of attention. maskne. protection – this perceived need to sure to grow back during lockdown. brands, which had gone all out on So while 2020 was supposed to big up Maskne (or mascne) – aka mask take care of our skin has nevertheless From Europe to the USA, people dark shades and bold brights – from bushy brows, women ultimately acne – burst onto the beauty scene in given rise to another new trend, flocked to the internet to seek advice raspberry pink to deep plum and opted for perfectly groomed lines – a 2020 as a new term to describe the dubbed “skip-care.” on dealing with hair at home. In fact, browns – as well as matte textures this surprise trend that became (virtually) irritation, spots and other blemishes Straight from South Korea, “skip- Google’s top trending “beauty how- year. It turned out to be a total flop inevitable when face masks were caused by wearing face masks. care” is all about “skinimalism,” to” searches in the US this year that no-one saw coming, and looks made mandatory in public places in Without the global public health stripping back beauty routines to the include “How to cut men’s hair at set to change the game for 2021. many global locations. crisis, products for treating acne bare essentials to avoid endless layers home” and “How to colour your hair The same goes for facial makeup. wouldn’t have had such a bumper of product. Put simply, it comes down at home.” With tutorials, video calls In 2020, it was supposed to be all Clean beauty vs maskne year. Internet searches about to doing things better, differently and and over-the-phone appointments, about glow, but, in the end, Anti-pollution, anti-waste and “maskne” saw a huge surge in June, with less, letting skin breathe and hairstylists went out of their way to everything went minimalist. The natural personal care products were up by as much as 811% and interest in getting back in touch with a more help as many people as possible get multiple layers of foundation, destined to be big news in 2020, premium solutions, including tools, natural, more authentic kind of stuck into home colouration. But, in highlighter and powder are gone – according to the various predictions among men and women has been beauty. Make that your mantra as we the end, many people ultimately over – as people now look for a of industry players and search registered in the US, India, France head into 2021. – AFP-Relaxnews Herbal remedies for hair loss IN this day and age, people face remedies has revealed answers that in which multiple structures of the immense pressure to look good. We may finally help solve hair maladies. hair follicle are mistakenly are constantly bombarded by images In attempting to solve hair antagonised by our own immune of actors, models, singers and disorders it is important to first system during its growth phase, glamorous personalities who understand the various aspects of hence resulting in improper hair epitomise physical perfection. each disorder. Amongst the development. Approximately 20 However, for many stars and commonly known conditions is percent of Areata sufferers have a starlets, these attributes are achieved Alopecia which exists in a plethora of family history of alopecia whilst in as a result of delicate care and, in forms, all of which act to terrorise the others, the disorder may be triggered some cases, progressive therapy by state of healthy hair. Androgenic by a major life event such as an various means. There are dedicated Alopecia is one form where baldness illness, pregnancy, or post-traumatic professionals who endeavour to aid is caused by the miniaturisation of stress. them in their pursuit of pristine hair hair follicles due to the Despite the many ailments that and skin. Here at Neeta’s Herbal, we overproduction of hormones, threaten our scalp, there are a variety strive to achieve the exact same thing primarily testosterone and its active of methods we can employ to protect, using traditional herb-based metabolite dihydrotestosterone. prevent and cure. Modern medicine products in order to optimise the These hormones are present in all suggests the use of a cocktail of drugs health of your hair and skin. In the of us as they play an important role in such as minoxidil, finasteride and a 25-year history of this organisation, a the development of various variety of corticosteroids. However, in vast array of hair and skin conditions biological characteristics in men and most cases what they fail to mention have been identified and successfully women. However, in excessive is the side effects of these drugs. remedied using nothing but natural, amounts these androgens can prove At Neeta’s Herbal we prefer the non-synthetic products. to be disastrous to the cells use of naturally occurring, non- This unique method of hair care comprising our scalp. Androgenic synthetic ingredients to nurture and combines the use of modern Alopecia presents itself in distinct strengthen your hair. It is completely Neeta attending to a customer. technology with ayurvedic medicine patterns in males and females. In the possible to reverse any and all of the to attain solutions for those ever- male pattern, hair recedes from the problems above using simple herbal and other skin disorders. Hair wigs, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar Baru, 59100 present hair problems. Nita Gosalia, front of the scalp whilst in the female countermeasures that are safe and hair extensions, and customised wigs Kuala Lumpur or call our hotline the founder of this enterprise, has pattern hair is lost primarily over the free of debilitating side effects. are also available at our centers. Bangsar (03-2282 8868), the new analysed and tested every viable crown (middle of the scalp) with the Apart from hair care, Neeta’s Whether you are suffering from a branch in Johor Bahru (07-5353 588 treatment technique known to man. sparing of the frontal hair. Herbal also administers treatment for hair disorder or simply wish to or 012-6384 823), Damansara Utama A journey from cutting edge methods Another common form of skin problems such as acne, black maintain a healthy scalp, we strongly (03-7728 6751), Klang (03- 33181 412) such as laser and radiation therapy to alopecia is alopecia areata. This is heads, white heads, scars, wrinkles, urge you to visit the Neeta’s Herbal or visit www.neetasherbal.com or a variety of ancient cures and folk considered an autoimmune disease under eye dark circles, pigmentation International headquarters at 101, email us at [email protected]. 18 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 THE RIGHT READ

ANY among us have toyed with the idea of becoming a published author. Until recently Mhowever, you had to be accepted by Anyone can be a publishing house. But now you can self-publish on a digital platform, and many people are taking the plunge, upending the traditional model. Could self- an author publishing, a kind of disintermediation, cutting out the middleman in the field of literature, oSelf-publishing continues to attract aspiring writers lead to the emergence of new authors, new styles, with more diverse subjects? We all have an aspiring novelist in our circle, who is often to be found scribbling a few lines in a little notebook, in the hope of turning out the next winner of the Prix Goncourt. If you think that none of your loved ones secretly harbor this ambition, you may not know them all that well. According to a study by Librinova and LIRE, more than half of French people would like to write a book, or have already done so. This suggests that more than 5 million unpublished manuscripts may be tucked away in drawers throughout the nation. A situation that might change with the advent of self-publishing. Once fairly peripheral, self- publishing has been particularly popular in recent years, and comprises 19.8% of the legal deposits of printed titles released in France in 2019, according to a report by the Bibliotheque nationale de France – compared to only 10% in 2010. Self-publishing or not, it’s not easy to make a place for yourself in a literary world centred on big-name bestsellers. The phenomenon is gaining ground thanks to the recent success figures and the creation of Attracting readers in an ultra- platforms are offering to help choice is to turn to a professional of writers like John Locke and mammoth enterprises in the sector, competitive environment aspiring authors get their foot in the publisher to get there, but the Agnes Martin-Lugand, who first following takeovers and mergers. In It’s a winning formula and one that door of the self-publishing world. selection process is extremely long published their books on digital the face of these structural encourages many of readers of such Librinova, Edilivre, Iggybook, Kobo, and risky. But in the end, the most platforms before achieving problems, self-publishing is novels to follow in these writers’ Monbestseller, Youscribe, Bookelis important thing is to be read. That’s popularity in bookstores. Sixty- constantly gaining new adherents, footsteps. But being a wordsmith are some platforms working with why so many of us make this choice, nine-year-old American writer thanks to the direct monetisation and having a captivating story is not French authors. It’s hard to keep which is not to our advantage to Locke entered the pantheon of self- and creative freedom it offers them. enough to make a self-published track of start-ups aiming to take the make our creations known in a published novelists by surpassing It is these advantages that have book a success. That’s why Lebailly place of traditional publishing plethoric offer. Being visible is really the symbolic threshold of one convinced Christelle Lebailly to decided to launch her own author- houses, even though they offer the keystone of self-publishing. The million e-books sold on Amazon. give self-publishing a chance, from entrepreneur training programme services quite similar to theirs. only place where we can get there is Martin-Lugand experienced a December 2018 onwards. The to teach her peers how to sell their Some have even created their own Amazon,” he says. similar fairy-tale ending with author has published four novels literary works and build a literary prizes to lend credence to a Self-publishing or not, it’s not Happy People Read and Drink herself, the last of which, Un detour readership. “Self-publishing is very market that is still underdeveloped easy to make a place for yourself in a Coffee, a book published in 2012, pour l’enfer, was released last appealing. I get a lot of messages in France, like Amazon’s Les Plumes literary world centered on big-name which eventually caught the May. from authors who, like me, want to Francophones prize, whose latest bestsellers. But all is not lost if we attention of publisher Michel “I’m a bit of a control freak, and do everything on their own. That winners are Marie-Pierre Garnier believe Naïm. “Self-publishing can Lafon. And they lived happily ever it shows in my work as a writer. In wasn’t really the case before (Collision) and Guy Morant (Le sang be a virtuous circle. The interest that after and went on to sell 500,000 addition to writing my stories, I like because self-published writers were de nos peres). we spark in readers can spark the copies in bookstores. And of course to think about the cover, do the often looked down upon. Even Many independent writers are interest of publishers. These first there’s Marco Koskas, whose novel artwork, handle the distribution ... I though this has changed, many are turning to the American e- readers do, in a way, the work of Bande de Francais earned him do 14,000 jobs at once. It’s not easy still worried about having to commerce giant to publish their certain professional publishers, who entry into the very select club of to manage everything at once, but promote themselves on social books on its Kindle Direct are snowed under with thousands of authors honoured by a nomination it’s always seemed natural to me. networks and sales platforms. It’s Publishing (KDP) platform. David manuscripts to read. This is also for the Prix Renaudot. And it has its advantages. We have not always easy given the thousands Naïm chose to do so for his first very useful for us authors. This Accolades like these are a dream great visibility on our sales and the of books that come out every year,” novel, Allotropismes, after having immediate feedback allows us to come true for aspiring writers as revenues they generate. It’s one of she says. been turned down several times by make any necessary corrections or well as professional publishers, the major advantages of self- While there is stiff competition publishing houses. “Everyone wants changes. It helps our work grow.” who deplore eroding book sales publishing,” explains Lebailly. for readers’ attention, some to be a writer in France. The ideal – AFP-Relaxnews POSTGRADPOSTGRAD The key to success is to first start somewhere.

PUBLICATION DATE 23 FEBRUARY, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 9 FEBRUARY, 2021 (Tuesday) digital, video and print advertising. MATERIAL DEADLINE 19 FEBRUARY, 2021 (Friday) theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 19 * FEATURE

China’s Gen Z spent money on clothes to bring joy and government has positivity to their lives in 2020. called for a nationwide push to strengthen the ability of the How fashion elderly to use digital tech, brought positivity urging communities to hold training to Gen Z during sessions. the pandemic

GENERATION Z sought solace in shopping – no doubt online – as a means to bring a touch of positivity to their lives in 2020, preferring to invest in fashion over entertainment and even social media. Despite stores being shut, young people around the age of 20 turned to fashion to bring Never too old to learn joy to their lives in 2020. According to photo editing app VSCO’s 2020 Year in Review report, focusing specifically on Generation Z, 59% of oChina looks to tap digital ‘silver dollar’ those polled said that they spent money on clothes to find more joy or positivity in this year like no other. I CHANGMING just purchased a new Most retirees in China are Clothing comes just behind food in the list Huawei smartphone and the 70-year- keen to adopt new tech and tap (65%), and ahead of skincare products (57%) – old retiree is still a bit puzzled by a into a growing range of mobile the top three most popular choices. Next come high-tech device that China services catering to them. entertainment or streaming services (44%), tech Lpolicymakers hope will help unlock spending A report by banking group gadgets (42%), day trips with friends (36%), by millions of older Chinese. UBS this year said older activities at home (34%) and social media apps Undeterred, he’s enrolled in a training consumers were “already catching (30%). session – sort of a “mobile phones 101” – that up” with the younger generation. Creativity helped keep Gen Z going this year is part of China’s plans to help its legions of “We can’t live without too. In fact, 34% of those polled said that pensioners keep up in a fast-developing smartphones,” says Meng Li, 61, finding ways to be creative was most important digital economy. who also joined the Chengdu in helping them get through 2020. Social “I don’t understand all the functions yet course and only recently learned A woman uses her mobile phone to pay for products at a connections were significant for this generation but I want to learn,” Li said, tapping gingerly how to make mobile payments. too, with almost a third of those polled (32%) market in Chengdu, China. at the screen. “I only knew how to make a call venues in China require saying that finding ways to stay connected with “You’re never too old to learn.” at first, but after my daughter citizens to show a health app that rates their family and friends was important during this He and his elderly classmates in the showed me more and I joined training coronavirus threat level based on recent difficult year. To a lesser extent, self-care (19%) southwestern city of Chengdu sat and sessions like today, I can handle it now.” travel and other habits. and being politically active (14%) also helped. listened as an instructor expounded on the Another push is China’s ongoing 10-year use of popular Chinese apps, navigation with Covid boost census that, for the first time, Beijing wants Fenty strikes a chord with Gen Z map programmes and how to change phone In November the government called for a most residents to respond to online. Rihanna’s Fenty brand topped the list of fashion settings. nationwide push to “strengthen the ability of Still, nearly a third of the country’s 1.4 and beauty brands Gen Z thinks are the most Demonstrating how to shut down the elderly” to use digital tech, urging billion people are still offline. inclusive and representative (44%), followed by background apps, the teacher tried to use communities to hold training sessions and Li and his classmates, however, have the singer’s lingerie brand, Savage x Fenty (29%) terms the greying students could grasp. developers to create elderly-friendly apps. graduated to the digital world. and Aerie (28%). Rihanna’s Fenty also takes third “It’s like the room has become too This has become even more imperative in After class, he used his digital wallet to buy place in the fashion labels and beauty brands Gen crowded, and you need to clean it up,” he the era of the coronavirus, which emerged in chilli peppers from a market, essential Z considers the most sustainable or good for the said. the Chinese city of Wuhan. ingredients in Chengdu’s famously spicy environment (8%), behind Milk Beauty (9%) and China is pushing a years-long effort to Resulting Chinese pandemic lockdowns Sichuan cuisine. Glossier (11%). boost domestic consumption to bring forced masses of consumers into online He is also excited about being able to When asked which beauty and fashion items balance to an economy traditionally over- shopping and home delivery. check restaurant ratings before going out to they couldn’t live without in 2020, the top reliant on manufacturing and government More than 36 million more people got eat, and using map apps to get there. answers were moisturiser (44%), face wash investment. online for the first time between March and Looking at his new purchase through his (43%) and face masks (23%). E-commerce is a central pillar. June this year, official figures show, a raft of reading glasses, the silver-haired retiree still Taken from the VSCO 2020 Year in Review Vast and growing amounts of Chinese potential new online spenders. has plenty of plans. report, the poll surveyed over 1,000 economic activity are now handled through Just getting around during the pandemic “There are still many things I have to learn. respondents aged between 14 and 25 digital apps that have become part of the requires digital fluency. Mastering photos on my mobile is my goal for worldwide in November 2020. – AFP-Relaxnews fabric of life in modern China, led by Public transportation and many other the next 10 years,” Li said. – AFP-Relaxnews Tencent’s WeChat Pay and its rival Alipay, run by Alibaba spin-off Ant Group. Together they dominate the huge Chinese online payments industry, typified by shoppers scanning QR codes to make purchases rather than use physical cash, which has become old-fashioned in China.

‘Can’t live without it’ Brands worldwide are chasing the so-called “silver dollar” and governments are also keen to get elderly savings flowing into economies to boost growth. But China’s ageing population offers a particularly rich opportunity. Chinese retirees are expected to number 300 million by 2025, and Daxue Consulting now estimates the size of the country’s elderly economy at around 4.9 trillion yuan (US$750 billion). And Beijing says 98% of rural areas are China has plans to help its legions of pensioners keep up with a fast-developing now connected to 4G internet networks. China is aiming to boost spending among the elderly. digital economy. 20 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 FEATURE Removing taboos to empower youths oMalaysia’s best comprehensive sexuality education provider SPOT goes digital amid the pandemic

█ BY JASON LIM problems. And certainly not because of a female child’s behavioural issues.” ISHAH HOO founded Soroptimist SPOT, Aishah explains, is a movement Puberty Organising Toolkit (SPOT) in created “for girls, by girls” to develop a positive 2015 to help parents and teachers attitude towards sexual and reproductive initiate respectful conversations health. Its recent online event, SPOT Goes aroundA the topics of sex and sexuality to Online (SGO), introduced a series of talks in children in order to help prevent child sexual conjunction with World Children’s Day. abuse, reduce unsafe sex practices among It included topics that were in dire need of children and prevent child marriages. addressing as they were not being taught She shares: “I first realised the extent of comprehensively in the Malaysian the issues surrounding children’s formal education system, and sexuality education here in parents were apprehensive to Malaysia when I was a student discuss such topics. There in University Malaya, were so many factors to volunteering as an consider when enumerator.” covering these topics As she was collecting at length, which in information for medical many cultures in researchers about the Malaysia seemed health status and diseases like an unspoken among urban stigma rarely communities, she realised discussed at all. that children in urban SPOT is empowering one community at a time by providing safe spaces for conversations to happen housing are extremely How do you build and to be initiated. – PICTURE COURTESY OF AISHAH HOO vulnerable to predators and a curriculum abusers, as they are left that is both everyone involved. In SGO, two of our youngest stigma around these topics, so you’re unsupervised for long culturally speakers are four and six years old, and we also empowering them with knowledge and values periods of time when parents sensitive and work with everyone, from schoolchildren to to become resilient and confident in advocating go out to work to put food on receptive? parents and industry experts that include for themselves. the table. By literally psychologist and gynaecologist, as well as our There was a lack of getting partners, United Nations agencies, Scotland became the first country in the awareness on the outlook of governmental agencies and ministries. world to provide sanitary pads and tampons families on the topic of sex I created the SPOT modules after for free. Can Malaysia can follow suit? and sexuality, which has researching best practices, sex education Possible. But I sincerely believe that we need to unfortunately helped modules and the International Technical work on our long-term strategy in addressing perpetuate the practice Guidance on Sexuality Education 2008, and the pain points we women and girls are truly of child marriage as a updated it accordingly when I joined a experiencing. The last time we charted this out legitimate solution to Regional Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on was during YB Hannah Yeoh’s time with the sexual impropriety, as Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) National Roadmap. It’s a work in progress, and well as baby dumping in Bangkok in 2018. although a lot has been done in the past 30 and infanticide. years, we still have a long way to go. “I soon realised At what age should sexuality education that there was a be introduced to children? What is the biggest challenge that SPOT is still direct correlation For most of us, it’s difficult to talk about sex facing since its inception? between what we with anyone, let alone children. Removing shame, stigma and bias, normalising were seeing in our CSE is a life-long conversation which conversations around the topics of sex and communities and starts with simple concepts and builds over sexuality, and reproductive health. Getting what we were not time as the individual’s capacity to support and buy-in from parents, to allow teaching our understand increases. It begins with laying themselves to be uncomfortable, to enable children,” Aishah the foundations with young children by open and respectful conversations around adds. teaching them about bodily autonomy, these topics. “The tragedies of saying no to things that make them underage pregnancies, uncomfortable, how to differentiate safe How has the pandemic affected your work? child sexual abuse, STI touches from unsafe ones, what’s healthy Our pitch in 2019 as a grassroots initiative was (sexual transmitted Aishah graduated with a diploma behaviour and what’s toxic for them. to work towards becoming Malaysia’s best CSE infections) among in Theatre in Education from the Talking about sex in a comprehensive provider in our effort to empower 20,000 girls by children, unsafe National Academy for Arts, Culture manner has many positive effects, including 2020. Then 2020 came and hit us with triple abortions, gender-based and Heritage. – PICTURE delayed initiation of sexual intercourse, whammies – political instability, economic violence, dating violence, COURTESY OF AISHAH HOO reduced risk-taking behaviour and increased instability and the pandemic. forced intercourse, use of condoms and other forms of We’re currently redesigning and digitising all bullying, psychological contraception. content, complete with necessary tools and abuse that leads to poor We’re all born as sensual creatures and we support which took us nine months, and our mental and emotional need to educate our children before it turns programmes will be ready to roll out in 11 health, and potential sexual. So start when they’re still babies, use weeks’ time. death from HPV and HIV daily conversations around routine, privacy and When the going gets tough, my volunteers related complications health to initiate sexuality education. always remind me of the lives and potential are the direct result from But you need to prepare yourself first in future we’re helping to improve. So I’m blessed lack of sexual order to educate your children. You need to to have them and their support, commitment education, not social first remove your own bias, shame and and ownership in growing SPOT. PPE art brings a smile to Moscow’s Covid patients WITH medics and helpers covered in “This is to boost your mood and brushing their teeth and shaving. masks, medical glasses and your immune system,” he told an old A former businessman, Krasner protective suits, it is sometimes hard lady with an oxygen mask, charmed was one of dozens of Muscovites with to convey festive cheer to the patients by the Christmas tree daubed on his no prior medical experience who on Moscow’s Covid-19 wards. back. volunteered to help at coronavirus But Leonid Krasner, who has been During the outbreak’s second hospital number 52 in spring when volunteering at a hospital since the wave, Moscow has registered around the outbreak hit the Russian capital. first wave, has found a way with the 6,000-7,000 new infections every day, He ended up catching the virus colourful pictures he draws on the about a quarter of Russia’s himself shortly after his first shifts back of his overalls to help patients nationwide caseload, and it has had and it took him two weeks to recover recognise him and bring a smile to to open several temporary hospitals, at home before he could get back to those being treated. including one on an ice rink. his patients. Krasner, 59, decorates his single- Krasner and some of his fellow “Even if a person is in a bad way use suits before entering the wards volunteers are tasked with looking and is sick, they still need emotions ... every time he is in the hospital. He after the weak patients discharged This cheers people up,” said Krasner once drew a cartoonish plane for a from intensive care units to regular outside a ward where he had been sick pilot and a congratulations card wards. They help them with every day massaging the legs of a recovering Krasner who is wearing a painted protective suit gives a massage to a patient in for a mother on Mother’s Day. things like combing their hair, patient. – Reuters the City Clinical Hospital No. 52 in Moscow, Russia on Dec 16. FIT-OUTCAS DISCOVERY AD SDN. BHDSDN.. BHD. theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 21 (Company(Company No.:No.: 200001016470(510977-P))200701030277(788303-K) * SPORTS (In(In Members’Members’ VoluntaryVoluntary Winding-Up)

NOTICENOTICE OFOF FINALFINAL MEETING

NOTICENOTICE ISIS HEREBY HEREBY GIVEN pursuantpursuant toto SectionSection 459459 (1)(a)(1)(a) of thethe CompaniesCompanies Act,Act, 20162016 thatthat a Final Meeting of the members of 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices Final Meeting of the members of India level series thethe above-namedabove-named CompanyCompany willwill REJUVENATED India shorn of Virat 11. bebe held held at at its its reqisteredreqistered office office IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES IN THE HIGH COURT OF CAS AD SDN. BHD. atat No.No. 31-3,31-3, JalanJalan TasikTasik SelatanSelatan Kohli turned the tables on Australia Fittingly, he struck the winning run off ACT, 2016 MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU (Company No.: 3,3, Metro Centre, Centre, BandarBandar TasikTasik AND Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur on to claim the second Test within four spinner Nathan Lyon before tea, sending IN THE MATTER OF 31 KITCHEN & COMPANIES 200001016470(510977-P)) Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur on PARTNERS SDN. BHD. (WINDING UP) NO: (In Members’ Voluntary Friday,Friday, 29th29th ofof January,January, 2021 days in Melbourne yesterday, a Indian fans into raptures in the sunbathed (Registration No. 201601041064 at 10.30 a.m. for the following [1212005-H]) JA - 28NCC – 284 - 12/2019 Winding-Up) at 10.30 a.m. for the following rousingA eight-wicket victory that breathed life crowd of 13,021. India finished 70 for two. purposes: (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) purposes: into the series. “Really proud of all the players, they played In the Matter of Section NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to 464(1)(b), Section 465(1) 1.1. To To receivereceive and and consider consider Needing only 70 runs for victory after really well,” Rahane said at the post-match Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, the final accounts of the 2016 that the following resolutions set out (e) and/or Section 465(1)(h) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the final accounts of the bowling Australia out for 200 by lunch, opener presentation. below were duly passed by the members and Section 466(1)(a) of the pursuant to Section 459 (1)(a) of Liquidator.Liquidator. of the Company at the Members’ Meeting Companies Act 2016 the Companies Act, 2016 that a Shubman Gill (35 not out) and stand-in “Coming after Adelaide, the way they of the Company duly convened and held on 2. To resolve under Section Monday, 28 December 2020 at 10.00 a.m. And Final Meeting of the members of 2. To resolve under Section captain Ajinkya Rahane (27 not out) guided showed their characters, that was really the above-named Company will 459(5)459(5) of of the the Companies Companies act SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO. 1 In the Matter of 2016, that the books and India home in a blaze of shot-making to important. - WINDING UP be held at its reqistered office 2016, that the books and PETROVIETNAM at No. 31-3, Jalan Tasik Selatan paperspapers of of the the Company Company be square the series 1-1 ahead of the third test. “The talk was all about showing that That 31 KITCHEN & PARTNERS SDN. ENGINEERING (MALAYSIA) 3, Metro Centre, Bandar Tasik destroyeddestroyed afterafter thethe expirationexpiration BHD. be wound up by way of members’ Having bowled India out for 36 in the attitude on the field, showing that intent on SDN BHD [Registration No: Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur on ofof three three (3) (3) months months from from the the voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 201501022240 (1147568-D)] date of the final meeting. crushing eight-wicket win in Adelaide, the field and character, that matters a lot.” 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016. Friday, 29th of January, 2021 date of the final meeting. at 10.30 a.m. for the following Australia’s pacemen steamed in with their Australia captain Tim Paine pulled no SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO. 2 Between purposes: LEELEE SHOOK SHOOK MUN MUN @ @ LEE LEE YUE YUE - POWER OF LIQUIDATOR YEE (f) usual vigour but were repelled by a belligerent punches in assessing his team’s performance MALAYSIA MARINE AND YEE (f) That the Liquidator be authorised to 1. To receive and consider LiquidatorLiquidator Gill, who enjoyed a fine Test debut. and lamented their poor batting displays. exercise any of the powers set out HEAVY ENGINEERING SDN. Dated this the final accounts of the Dated this in Section 456 of the Companies Act, BHD. [Registration No: 30th of December, 2020 The match belonged to Rahane, however, “Obviously we’re very disappointed, 2016 and to distribute to the members’ Liquidator. 30th of December, 2020 any surplus assets of the Company in 197301001012) (14558-P)] who took over the captaincy after the played pretty poor cricket, pretty sloppy accordance with their existing rights and …Petitioner NOTE : 2. To resolve under Section NOTE : wreckage in Adelaide, with regular skipper cricket for the majority of the test match,” he interest in specie or otherwise. And A member entitled to attend 459(5) of the Companies act A member entitled to attend and vote in his stead. A proxy Kohli returning to India for the birth of his first said. ORDINARY RESOLUTION 2016, that the books and and vote in his stead. A proxy - APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR PETROVIETNAM need not be a member of the papers of the Company be need not be a member of the child. “You’ve got to give the India attack credit, ENGINEERING (MALAYSIA) Company. That pursuant to Section 445(1) of the destroyed after the expiration Company. Named man of the match, Rahane scored a they bowled beautifully to us. SDN BHD [Registration No: The instrument appointing a Companies Act, 2016, Mr. Yeong Mun of three (3) months from the The instrument appointing a Fung, NRIC No. 830703-14-5701, of Suite 201501022240 (1147568-D)] proxy must be deposited at the brilliant 112 in India’s first innings 326 and “As a batting group we are very date of the final meeting. proxy must be deposited at the 4.33A, Level 4, Pertama Office Tower, …Respondent Company’s registered office not Pertama Complex, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Company’s registered office not superbly marshalled a rejigged side featuring disappointed with what we’ve put up in the less than 48 hours before the Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur be and is LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE less than 48 hours before the hereby appointed as the Liquidator for NOTICE OF time fixed for the meeting. four changes from the demoralised Adelaide first two test matches.” – Reuters the purpose of winding up the affairs and WINDING-UP ORDER YEE (f) time fixed for the meeting. distributing the assets of the Company in Liquidator specie or otherwise. In the matter of Dated this ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD PETROVIETNAM 30th of December, 2020 TOO WAI HOONG ENGINEERING (MALAYSIA) DIRECTOR SDN BHD [Registration No: NOTE : IN THE MATTER OF Dated : 30 December 2020 201501022240 (1147568-D)] A member entitled to attend THE COMPANIES ACT,2OI6 and vote in his stead. A proxy AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES Winding-Up Order made this 9th need not be a member of the IN THE MATTER OF ACT, 2016 AND day of December, 2020. Company. RESTORAN IN THE MATTER OF 31 KITCHEN & The instrument appointing a NISHAIN SDN. BHD. PARTNERS SDN. BHD. Name and address of liquidator, proxy must be deposited at the Registration No. (Registration No. 201601041064 Official Receiver, Jabatan [1212005-H]) Company’s registered office not 200401031641 Insolvensi Malaysia, Cawangan (In Members’ less than 48 hours before the (670149 -X) Voluntary Winding-Up) Johor Bahru, Tingkat 12, Menara time fixed for the meeting. Tabung Haji, Jalan Ayer Molek, (In Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the (Members’ Voluntary creditors of 31 KITCHEN & PARTNERS 80720 Johor Bahru, Johor. SDN. BHD. which is being wound up Winding-Up) voluntarily are required on or before 30 Dated this January 2021 to send in their names and addresses and particulars of their debts, 21st day of December, 2020 322 Notices At an Extra Ordinary General claims and the names and addresses of Meeting of the Members of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned SGD: Messrs Shim & Co. liquidator and if so required by notice Restoran Nishain Sdn. Bhd. in writing from the liquidator or by their Solicitors for the Petitioner IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA duly convened at Lot B.6, solicitors or personally required to write in AT SEREMBAN Basement Floor, Bangunan and prove their said debts and claims at This Notice Of Winding-Up COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO: Yee Seng, 15, Jalan Raja such time and place as shall be specified Order is issued by Messrs NA-28NCC-34-12/2020 in such notice, or in default thereof, they Chulan, 50200 Kuala will be excluded from the benefit of any Shim & Co. of Unit 20-02B, distribution made before such debts and Level 20, Menara Zurich, No. In the Matter of Section 465(1)(e) Lumpur on Wednesday, 30th claims are proved. 15, Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir, read with Section 466 (1)(a) of the December, 2020 the following Companies Act, 2016 Dated : 30 December 2020 80300 Johor Bahru, solicitors Special Resolution was duly for the Petitioner. [ref: SHIM/ passed: YEONG MUN FUNG LIT/227/1019/zz] And Liquidator Suite 4.33A, Level 4, In the Matter of ESPRIT PARTNERS That the Company be wound Pertama Office Tower, up voluntarily pursuant to Pertama Complex, SDN. BHD. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, [Company No. 200501022967 Section 432(1)(b) of the 50100 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF (705098-D)] Companies Act, 2016, and THE COMPANIES ACT, that Mr. G. Arumugam of G. India’s paceman Jasprit Bumrah (centre) celebrates his wicket of Australia’s Pat 2016 Between Arumugam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Lot B.6, Cummins (not in picture) with teammates on the fourth day of the second AND IN THE MATTER KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (M) SDN BHD Basement Floor, Bangunan cricket Test match at the MCG yesterday. – AFPPIX 322 Notices OF [Company No. 198101006526 Yee Seng, 15, Jalan Raja HULS ENGINEERING (72640-P)] Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur …Petitioner NOTICE OF THE SHARE SDN. BHD. be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator of the Company for CAPITAL REDUCTION Registration No: And IN THE MATTER OF 200101002308 the purpose of such winding COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN (538064-A) ESPRIT PARTNERS SDN. BHD. up. Paine backs Smith to find form [Company No. 200501022967 Dated this THE MATTER OF (Incorporated U-CHONG SDN. BHD. (705098-D)] 30th day of December, 2020. …Respondent AUSTRALIA captain Tim Paine has backed India have attacked Smith’s stumps and set (Co No: 197701002653 in Malaysia) Jahir Hussain Bin Jamal Steve Smith to find form and lead the team’s heavy leg-side fields, and Paine paid their (33718-U) ) ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE OF REDUCTION Mohamed batsmen out of their funk after the former bowlers credit for not allowing the master NOTICE is hereby given that a Chairman skipper’s twin failures in Melbourne hastened batsman to get settled at the crease. OF PAID UP SHARE Kuala Lumpur NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED CAPITAL petition for the winding-up of the CAPITAL REDUCTION AND abovenamed company by the High the hosts’ slide to a resounding eight-wicket “From what I’ve seen watching, say, Marnus REPAYMENT EXERCISE OF court was on 15.12.2020 presented IN THE MATTER OF THE defeat yesterday. (Labuschagne) and Steve Smith in their Test by the said company and that COMPANIES ACT, 2016 U-CHONG SDN. BHD. UNDER NOTICE TO CREDITORS the said petition is directed to be Smith, the world’s top-ranked Test batsman, career, it’s not the first time teams have SECTION 117 OF THE and heard before the Court sitting at IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT, 2016. was out for his first duck in four years in the targeted their stumps,” Paine told reporters. NOTICE IS HEREBY Seremban at 9.00 o’clock in the SYARIKAT first innings and was bowled around his legs “That happens every single Test match. GIVEN THAT under morning, on the 10.2.2021, and any LAKSAMANA SDN. BHD. Notice is hereby given that creditor or contributor of the said Registration No. 198401005162 by paceman Jasprit Bumrah for eight in the Except these (India) guys are executing it pursuant to Section 117(10) Section 117 (10) company desiring to support or (117680-X) of the Companies Act, 2016 in Companies Act 2016, A oppose the making of an order on (In Member’s second as India levelled the series 1-1 at the better. the said petition may appear at the Voluntary Winding-Up) Melbourne Cricket Ground. “Someone like Steve just hasn’t been able regard to the followings:- Special Resolution has time of hearing by himself or his been passed on 28TH counsel for that purpose, and a copy NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Having scored one and one not out in to get in yet. Once he does, he’ll find a way as a. The Company on the 18th day DECEMBER 2020 to of the petition will be furnished to pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Australia’s dominant win in the Adelaide he always has. The rest of us will follow suit. We of December, 2020 passed a any creditor or contributory of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final special resolution whereas its reduce the paid up Share said company requiring the same Meeting of the contributories of the opener, Smith is mired in the worst run of Test need to improve, no doubt about that.” – share capital was approved to Capital of the Company by the undersigned on payment of abovenamed Company will be held scores of his career. Reuters be reduced from RM500,000 from RM 8,000,000.00 the regulated charge for the same. at the Liquidators’ office at Wisma divided into 500,000 ordinary Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64 to RM 2,000,000.00. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 8 Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, shares to RM20,000 divided Creditors are requested & 10, Jalan Kota Laksamana 3/14, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor into 20,000 ordinary shares Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen Darul Ehsan on Monday, 1st day of INSIDE EDGE representing a capital to send their names, 3, 75200 Melaka. February, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. for the reduction of RM0.96 for every addresses and particulars following purposes:- existing ordinary shares. of their objections to the The Petitioner’s solicitors is Messrs Proteas punish injury-hit Sri Lanka Chandimal is also carrying an injury. “We’re b. The said special resolution Chua & Partners, Advocates & 1. To lay before the meeting maybe six down with a groin injury to Chandi,” together with the Company’s undersigned on or before Solicitors of 46-01, Jalan Molek the Liquidators’ statement of 2ND FEBRUARY 2021. 1/28, Taman Molek 81100 Johor account and to give explanations SRI LANKA lost two early second innings said Flower. solvency statement as made Bahru, Johor. thereof. pursuant to section 117(3) Any objections received wickets after taking a pounding from South of the Companies Act, 2016 after this date will not be Sgd 2. To decide under Section 518(3) Africa’s batsmen on the third day of the first Pakistan on the ropes shall be available for public entertained. ………………………… (b) of the Companies Act, 2016, inspection at No. 29 (1st Solicitors for the Petitioners the manner in which the books, Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion – but Floor), Jalan Utama 2/4, Taman Messrs Chua & Partners accounts and documents of the batting coach Grant Flower said they were SWING king Tim Southee snared his milestone Kuala Lumpur Company may be destroyed. Utama, 85000 Segamat, Johor. NOTE:- Any person who intends to effectively five or six wickets down. Former 300th wicket as New Zealand sensed victory c. A creditor of the Company Date: 28-12-2020 appear on the hearing of the said Dated this captain Faf du Plessis led the batting assault, over Pakistan at stumps on day four of the first may, within six (6) weeks petition must serve on or send by 30th day of December, 2020. after the date of the special PARAMESWARAN RAM post to the abovenamed Messrs hitting 199 as South Africa took a Test in Mount Maunganui yesterday. New resolution, apply to the Court Chua & Partners, notice in writing Tan Kee Huat commanding 225-run first innings lead. Then Zealand declared their second innings at 180 under Section 118(2) of the A/L SATCHITHANANDAM of his intention so to do. This notice Lam Lee San(f) Companies Act, 2016 for Company Secretary must state the name and address Liquidators fast bowler Lungi Ngidi struck twice at the for five and Pakistan, set an unlikely target of cancellation of the special of the person, or, if a firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be NOTE: start of Sri Lanka's second innings to leave the 373, will go into the final day at 71 for three. resolution. TIS MANAGEMENT SDN. served, or, if posted, must be sent tourists on 65 for two, still 160 runs behind, on Azhar Ali will resume on 34 with Fawad Alam BHD. (199701033270 by post in sufficient time to reach A contributory entitled to attend Dated this the abovenamed not later than and vote at the abovementioned a pitch of increasingly unpredictable bounce. on 21. In New Zealand’s second innings, the 23rd day of December, 2020. (448769-M) 12:00 o’clock noon of the 9.2.2021. meeting is entitled to appoint a Flower said batsman Dhananjaya de Silva was Pakistan quicks struggled to get any assistance No. 43-2A, Jalan proxy who need not be a member out of the series after suffering a torn thigh from the fourth-day wicket, but Southee and Koh Kheng Hwa This Advertisement of Petition of the Company to attend and Thambapillai, Brickfields, vote in his stead. The instrument (Company Secretary) is prepared by Messrs Chua & muscle on the first day, while fast bowlers Boult immediately had the ball dancing to 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Partners, Advocates & Solicitors appointing a proxy must be duly 29 (1st Flr), Jalan Utama 2/4, Tel: 03-2272 4640 Fax: of 46-01, Jalan Molek 1/28, Taman deposited at the Liquidators’ office, Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara were unlikely their tune. Southee has two for 15, and Boult Tmn. Utama, not less than 48 hours before the 03-2273 4640 Molek 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, to bat after suffering groin injuries while one for 24. For Pakistan, Naseem Shah was the 85000 Segamat, Johor. solicitors for the Petitioners. time of the meeting. bowling. First innings top scorer Dinesh most effective bowler with three for 55. 22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 SPORTS

SIDENETTING Haaland all praise Real chase on for Ramos Madrid resume Atletico pursuit as Messi absent for Barca ERLING HAALAND is one of European football’s most EAL MADRID will attempt we should be pleased with what Lionel Messi after the Argentine here,” Messi said in an fashionable forwards in 2020, and to sign off the year with a we’re doing,” said Zidane. was granted an extended break as interview with Spanish the Norwegian sensation has been sixth win on the bounce as “We’re going to lose games again, he recovers from an ankle knock. TV channel La Sexta linked with a move from Borussia Zinedine Zidane’s in-form but we’re going to try to win as many The six-time Ballon d’Or winner broadcast on Dortmund to Real Madrid among Rside continue their pursuit of La Liga as possible. From time to time it’s admitted his aborted departure in Monday. other clubs already. The forward has leaders and city rivals Atletico Madrid inevitable.” the summer had affected him at the “I feel good right already come up against a number on Wednesday. Atletico have responded well to start of the season, but stressed he felt now, ready to fight of high level centrebacks since Defending champions Real are the 2-0 defeat by Real earlier this “excited” to play under Koeman. for everything.” bursting onto the scene in Europe level on 32 points with Atletico but month that snapped their 26-match “Barca is my life, Celta Vigo with RB Salzburg before clinching have played two games more than unbeaten league run. I’m in love with forward Iago Aspas his move to Dortmund, and he has Diego Simeone’s men ahead of their However, the loss of Kieran the club. And has inspired a been taking the time to talk up trip to Elche. Trippier is a substantial blow the city, my turnaround at some of the best in the game. “The Karim Benzema has been the to a defence that has children Balaidos after the best (centrebacks) are Sergio driving force behind Real’s excellent conceded just five goals in w e r e team won just one of Ramos, (Virgil) Van Dijk and December run, claiming key goals in 13 matches, easily the b o r n their first 10 matches. (Kalidou) Koulibaly,” Haaland told wins over Athletic Bilbao, Eibar and fewest in the division. The 33-year-old Norwegian outlet VG. “All three are Granada after securing the club a The England Aspas, who in very physical, but also very spot in the Champions League defender, an ever-present November became the intelligent on the pitch.” The exciting knockout phase. for Atletico in La Liga and club’s all-time leading youngster also praised compatriot Eden Hazard is also in line to Europe this term, was scorer in the top flight, and Real Madrid midfielder Martin feature after recovering from his recently hit with a 10- has netted eight times in Odegaard during the same latest injury setback. The Belgian was week ban for breaching 15 appearances this term interview. Haaland has recently an unused substitute in last week’s betting rules and will be and led Celta back into suffered an injury setback, but he is victory over Granada and has made unavailable until March. the top half following four expected to return for Dortmund just three league starts this campaign. The club is said to be wins in five games before against Wolfsburg this weekend. Real coach Zinedine Zidane considering an appeal. Christmas. hopes the short festive break afforded Barcelona will bid to end Much like with Real and Laporta takes dig to his players over Christmas will not a turbulent 2020 on a Benzema, who is level at the interrupt the momentum built over a winning note at home to top of the scoring charts with at Los Blancos domestic five-game winning streak. Eibar, but Ronald Aspas, Celta’s success in 2021 JOAN LAPORTA has continued his “We’re going to keep working Koeman’s side will could heavily rely on the former teasing of Real Madrid as he ups his hard. We have an awful lot of games, be without Liverpool attacker. – AFP bid to become Barcelona president for a second time. He will run for the top office in January’s elections at the Catalan club. As part of his presidential campaign, Laporta Time to say adios to Leo unfurled a massive canvas of THE future of Lionel Messi remains unclear, and have spent a lot of time with during the last few himself next to the Santiago that is what was repeated in an interview with years,” Messi said. Bernabe statdium which read La Sexta on Monday. ”There are teammates from other cultures, we “Looking forward to seeing you From Jan 1, Barcelona’s talisman will be able are different. again”. Laporta was Barcelona to speak to other clubs in order to negotiate a ”It’s going to be difficult to bring in quality president between 2003 and 2010, contract for the 2021/22 campaign, but the players because there’s no money,” Messi added. heading up a rebirth of the club Argentine has decided that he will wait until ”We have to bring in several big players to that culminated with 6-2 and 5-0 the end of the current season before making a fight for everything, but you have to pay for them. defeats of Real Madrid. “The poster decision on his future. How would we pay PSG? Bringing Neymar would is like saying: ‘Looking forward to Everyone at Barcelona knows just how be very expensive.” scoring six against you’,” Laporta told difficult it will be to retain their best player of The Barcelona captain openly acknowledged Marca. “That poster signifies all time and according to Marca’s M. Carmen that he would like to play for another club in a mischief, preparation, experience… Torres, the main reasons why Messi wants to different league in the future but insisted that that I’m looking forward to going leave are all still prevalent. there are no concrete plans just yet. through that rivalry again with Barcelona are undoubtedly in the middle of Despite being clear about this, he repeated respect, between the two teams. We a squad overhaul and when a project is just on many occasions an expression that may have to turn around the club’s starting out, it is always difficult to challenge have been perceived as pessimistic towards economic situation in order to do for trophies. the idea of staying at the Nou Camp. so.” One way of boosting the club’s ”I knew it is a year of transition, of young ”If I leave, I would like to return to the financial position, according to players coming through, but I wanted to club,” Messi said during the interview. Laporta, is via Lionel Messi, whose continue to fight for titles, for the Champions ”If I leave, I’ll come back to live in contract expires at the end of the League, for La Liga,” Messi stated back in August. Barcelona. If I leave, I’ll do it in the season. “Messi is a way of As the Spanish league enters the halfway stage best way.” generating income,” Laporta added. of the season, it is becoming more and more There are just six months apparent that Barcelona will find it difficult to win left before Messi has to Costa’s future in doubt any trophies this term. make a decision With the arrival of Ronald Koeman and his regarding his ATLETICO MADRID striker Diego backroom staff, and the departure of key players Costa missed training yesterday such as Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic, Messi has because he is considering his future found it difficult to adapt to his new surroundings with the La Liga leaders, a club during the course of the season. source said. Costa, who helped His closest teammates have left and have been future, but Atletico win their last La Liga title in replaced by new ones, who possibly don’t have as most of the 2014, has struggled to make an much in common with him. arguments he used to impact since returning to the club ”I have found it difficult to adapt because explain his need to leave in from Chelsea in 2018. The 32-year- there are a lot of new faces in the dressing room, August very much still remain. old has six months left on his I had more affinity towards the players who I – Agencies contract. The Spain international's second spell with Atletico has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries and he has recently returned from a Neymar in the doghouse over New Year party rumours spell out due to deep-vein thrombosis. Costa converted a BRAZIL’S star footballer Neymar is controversies over his parties, largest number of Covid-19 related the football star. penalty in a 3-1 win over Elche on at the centre of a new controversy allegedly even installed deaths in the world with more than “No! This is a Fabrica event. It is Dec 19 and he came off the bench after several Brazilian media soundproofing equipment to try to 191,000, while 7.4 million people not related to Neymar,” they told late in the 2-0 victory over Real reported that he’s organising a huge avoid bothering his neighbors. have contracted the virus. AFP. Sociedad three days later. But he New Year’s Eve party despite the Leo Dias, a columnist for the A specialist events agency, Neymar’s villa is in Mangaratiba, a was absent yesterday from Atletico's coronavirus pandemic, a claim his Metropoles website who is Agencia Fabrica, released a small town in an area of luxury first training session after the lawyers denied. renowned for his scoops on statement confirming it had been seaside resorts in Rio de Janeiro Christmas break, ahead of Acelmo Goes, a columnist for the celebrities, even named the artists contracted for a New Year’s event in state. tomorrow’s game at home to O Globo newspaper, wrote that the due to perform at Neymar’s party, the Costa Verde region where The local town hall has pleaded Getafe. Spanish newspaper AS Paris Saint-Germain forward is such as Ludmilla and Wesley Neymar’s villa is located “that will with its 41,000 inhabitants not to reported that Costa had asked to hosting 500 people for a week-long Safadao. host around 150 people… while hold end of year parties and has rescind his contract immediately for party at his luxury beachside Guests’ mobile phones are respecting all the health rules erected barriers to prevent people family reasons. Costa has started 43 mansion near Rio de Janeiro that allegedly due to be confiscated at determined by the public bodies.” congregating. La Liga matches since returning to started on Saturday and will last the door to prevent any evidence But Neymar’s lawyers denied a “We don’t have any information Atletico for a reported €60m until New Year’s Day. finding its way onto social media. party had been planned or that the about this party,” the town hall said (RM288m) from Chelsea, scoring 12 Neymar, who is no stranger to Brazil has suffered the second- Agencia Fabrica event was related to in a statement sent to AFP. goals. theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2020 23 * SPORTS

EICESTER CITY moved up to second in the Premier League but Window of opportunity dropped points in their pursuit of leaders Liverpool after a 1-1 draw at for Lampard LCrystal Palace. Barnes rescues Kelechi Iheanacho had a first-half penalty CHELSEA may have splashed out in the summer but saved by Vicente Guaita and when Wilfried Frank Lampard is not done yet. Zaha fired the hosts ahead, Brendan The Blues signed the likes of Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz Rodgers’ decision to make seven changes and Timo Werner in the transfer window with over £200 from the draw with Manchester United million (RM1.06b) spent. looked to have backfired. Foxes again Lampard was given a huge transfer kitty after a year However, Harvey Barnes’ eighth goal of where the club could not spend after a ban. the season in the 83rd minute salvaged a Midfielder strikes for second time in two days But they are making up for lost time as the Stamford draw as the hosts bounced back from heavy Bridge outfit chase a first Premier League title since 2017. defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa with a to spare Leicester’s blushes against Palace Declan Rice is top of the wish list while David Alaba is point. also wanted but the Blues may have to let some go to Leicester, who made seven alterations to Leicester’s fantastic. He’s been a real threat for us this pay for them. the team that drew with Manchester United Harvey Barnes season.” Below is a list of who Chelsea should sell or keep this at the weekend, registered 17 attempts but Palace manager Roy Hodgson said it took January transfer window. failed to test Guaita from open play until an “apoplectic” half-time team talk from Barnes’ late goal. game. assistant boss Ray Lewington to spark his Goalkeepers The visitors’ only other effort on “You can’t team into life. target was from Ayoze Perez, whose play Jamie Vardy “We were dumbfounded that we Edouard Mendy: The Senegal international was signed in first-half free-kick was easily held and some of these were as passive as we were,” Hodgson the summer and has markedly improved Chelsea’s by the Spanish goalkeeper. guys every single told BBC’s Match of the Day. defence. KEEP Leicester boss Brendan minute. Harvey “We were not at all happy with our Kepa Arrizabalaga: It has not worked out for Kepa, the Rodgers said his team Barnes is developing first half. They were more aggressive world’s most expensive goalkeeper. Finding a suitor might showed the personality of really well, it’s a great than us and we were being pressured be tough but the club should cut ties. SELL a “huge club” against finish, the strike was into mistakes.” Willy Caballero: A useful back-up option who is doing no Manchester United, but Hodgson will be frustrated at his harm by hanging around. Contract is up in the summer so he will be disappointed team’s inability to hold on to their slender might as well keep him. KEEP with his team’s profligacy lead, but following those heavy defeats in south-east London. against Liverpool and Aston Villa, this Defenders “If you get the goal from was certainly a step in the right the penalty, it gives you a foothold direction. Kurt Zouma: Could potentially be the most important in the game but we had good control “We were much happier defender at the club due to his age. Lampard’s preferred and then we didn’t start the second half with the second half and Thiago Silva partner. KEEP at all well,” Rodgers told BBC Sport after the we got our reward with Thiago Silva: With talks over extending his contract, game. the goal. Barnes’ strike Chelsea will be doing all they can to keep him a little “Palace were aggressive and we give away was a good goal and longer. KEEP a bad goal from our point of view. But the then the last 10 minutes Andreas Christensen: There is no doubting the Dane’s reaction is what really pleases, some of our were tough for us but we ability but it does not appear that his long-term future is at play and the speed of our game was really saw it through.” – The Chelsea, though he may prove useful as a back-up option. good. We end up frustrated not to win the Independent/Agencies KEEP Antonio Rudiger: Was on the brink of leaving on deadline day and first-team chances have been limited. SELL Fikayo Tomori: After breaking into the first-team last year, Cavani fast becoming United’s new Ibra has been oddly left out this campaign. Still has potential. █ MARK CRITCHLEY whether he was still capable of meeting Fernandes to give United the lead. KEEP BUT LOAN expectations at this level and still worthy of Even though his side ultimately failed to Marcos Alonso: Another close to leaving but stayed and WHEN Edinson Cavani arrived at Manchester the substantial salary which players of his take all three points, Solskjaer spoke in has been ostracised from the squad. SELL United a few months ago, the expectation calibre command. glowing terms of his newest signing after the Ben Chilwell: Signed in the summer and has become a among Old Trafford officials was that a striker A severe lack of match practice was less final whistle, even revealing that Cavani had vital part of Lampard’s team. KEEP with a proven track record at the highest than ideal. Cavani’s requirement to self- asked to wear the No. 7 shirt in their very first Emerson Palmieri: Has been linked with a return to Italy level would help to set an example for his isolate on arrival and miss a potential debut conversation. but is a decent back-up option to Chilwell. KEEP new teammates on and off-the-pitch. away to Newcastle left United open to The number of George Best, Eric Cantona Reece James: The future at rightback and has arguably Cavani was signed to be a leader in the accusations of panic-buying and short-term and Cristiano Ronaldo – among others – has been Chelsea’s best player this season. KEEP dressing room, to inspire and mentor the thinking. intimidated players in the past. Not Cavani. Cesar Azpilicueta: May have been dropped from the first- young attacking talent around him and to But all those doubts are quickly being “When you think of the history of his team but remains a vitally important player due to his turn in match-winning performances in the erased by the growing sense that United career and the experience he has had, his mentality. KEEP same way Zlatan Ibrahimovic did four years have found another Ibrahimovic-esque personality from the chat I had with him and ago. match-winner. when I watched him before, it wasn’t in Midfielders The parallels with Ibrahimovic were Cavani is having some Christmas. First, he doubt that he could handle the No. 7 shirt,” obvious – with both having made the same made the late breakthrough at Goodison Solskjaer said. Jorginho: His importance to the squad has slowly eroded journey as free agents from Paris Saint- Park last Wednesday which sent Solskjaer’s “He is so meticulous and professional, his the longer Maurizio Sarri has been away, a return to Italy Germain to Old Trafford – but then so were side past Everton and into the EFL Cup habits and everything about him, shows why would be best suited. SELL less flattering parallels with Radamel Falcao. semifinals. he has had the career he has. N’Golo Kante: Murmurs grew over his future in the Like Falcao, Cavani had spent much of the Then, on Boxing Day away at Leicester “Even at the age he is now he is one of summer but is probably Chelsea’s most important player. previous campaign on the treatment table City, his disguised pass after being the fittest players we have got.” – The KEEP which sparked legitimate doubts over introduced as a substitute set up Bruno Independent Mateo Kovacic: Chelsea’s player of the year last season and is the club’s most press-resistant midfielder. KEEP Mason Mount: Quickly becoming Chelsea’s poster boy and a player the club should build around in the centre of RESULTS & STANDINGS Everton want ‘full disclosure’ the pitch. KEEP Billy Gilmour: Injuries kept him out of the team but has ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Crystal after City match cancelled immense potential, no chance he should leave. KEEP Palace 1 (Zaha 58) Leicester 1 (Barnes Kai Havertz: Has had a rocky start to life in the Premier 83), Chelsea 1 (Giroud 34) Aston Villa EVERTON have requested “full disclosure” the world. League but deserves time after just recovering from Covid- 1 (El Ghazi 50), Everton vs Manchester from the Premier League after their fixture “Our players were prepared for the City (postponed due to coronvirus 19. KEEP infections). against Manchester City was cancelled at game, as were both the team staff and late notice due to an outbreak of Covid-19 everyone at Goodison. Matchday is the Forwards P W D L F A Pts in Pep Guardiola’s squad. most important date in our calendar. And Liverpool 14 9 5 1 37 20 32 The match was postponed just a few this was a big one. Christian Pulisic: Had his injury woes but remains one of Leicester 16 9 2 5 29 20 29 hours before kickoff after it was discovered “Whilst Everton will always have public Chelsea’s best players when fit. KEEP Everton 15 9 2 4 26 19 29 that further members of City’s first-team safety uppermost, we will be requesting full Callum Hudson-Odoi: Another with huge potential but Man Utd 14 8 3 3 30 23 27 squad had tested positive for the virus. disclosure of all the information that has not had the game-time yet, could be worth sending Aston Villa 14 8 2 4 28 14 26 Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and two Manchester City provided to the Premier out on loan to develop. KEEP BUT LOAN Chelsea 16 7 5 4 31 18 26 members of City’s staff had tested positive League so the Club can be clear on why this Hakim Ziyech: When Ziyech does not play, it is very notice- Tottenham 15 7 5 3 26 15 26 last week and missed the club’s Boxing Day decision was taken.” able. The only player who can change the entire game with Man City 14 7 5 2 21 12 26 win over Newcastle. Yesterday’s match was the second one pass. KEEP Southampton 15 7 4 4 25 19 25 City have now closed their training Premier League match to be called off Timo Werner: Had his struggles but his explosive pace has West Ham 15 6 4 5 23 21 22 ground for an “indeterminate period, with because of coronavirus since the top flight’s proved vital during the season, only just arrived as well. Wolves 15 6 3 6 15 20 21 the squad and associated bubble resumption in June. Newcastle’s match at KEEP Leeds 15 6 2 7 25 30 20 undergoing testing before any decision is Aston Villa, scheduled for early December, Olivier Giroud: Too important to the team and Lampard Crystal Palace 16 5 4 7 20 29 19 made for training to resume” and their was also called off. will hope to convince him he should stay until the end of Newcastle 14 5 3 6 17 24 18 upcoming fixture against Chelsea is also in A City statement said: “After the latest the season. KEEP Arsenal 15 5 2 8 15 19 17 doubt. round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned Tammy Abraham: Still looking to find his feet as Chelsea’s Brighton 15 2 7 6 18 24 13 A statement released on Everton’s official a number of positive cases, in addition to most reliable No. 9 but deserves the chance to prove him- Burnley 14 3 4 7 8 20 13 website read: “Everton Football Club regret the four already reported on Christmas Day. self. KEEP Fulham 15 2 5 8 13 23 11 the postponement of tonight’s match “Based on strong medical advice the West Brom 15 1 5 9 11 30 8 against Manchester City – not only for the Premier League, in consultation with both Daily Star Sheff Utd 15 0 2 13 8 26 2 2,000 fans who would have been attending, clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.” but for supporters on Merseyside and across – The Independent QUOTE OF THE DAY He is so meticulous and professional, his habits and everything about him, shows why he has had the career he has. Even at the age he is now he is one of the fittest players we have got.” Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Edinson Cavani WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 30, 2020

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud (centre) vies Blues fail to lift with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz (left) and Kortney Hause pressure on Lampard during their English CHELSEA failed to ease the changes anyway, because we have a Premier League mounting pressure on manager squad of players ready to play. The match at Stamford Frank Lampard as Aston Villa came changes were to try and keep a bit Bridge yesterday. from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at of balance in the team, and to try to – REUTERSPIX Stamford Bridge yesterday. freshen up. Lampard’s men have now won “I was pleased, I’m not just one of their last five League disappointed with anything tonight games to fall six points behind other than the fact we conceded leaders Liverpool in sixth and having that goal, and didn’t score another. played a game more than the “I was pleased with the players champions. that came in and pleased with the Chelsea also trail Villa on goal attitude.” difference, despite Dean Smith’s men He also told Amazon.com: “It’s a having two games in hand, and the tough little moment, and we have to visitors were well worthy of a point. fight through it, but I can’t ask for By contrast, Smith made just one more from what the players gave, enforced change from the team that the way they worked here.” played for 45 minutes with 10 men Villa’s leveller prompted in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal complaints from Chelsea; the players Palace. initially called for a foul on Andreas But Villa showed no signs of Christensen from Jack Grealish in the fatigue in the second-half and build-up, but after the game levelled when Anwar El Ghazi turned Lampard said there was a handball home his fifth goal in as many from Matt Targett near the dugout games from Matty Cash’s cross five before the goal. minutes into the second-half. “I think there was a handball, and “I’m still yet to see a player carried the fourth official was very close to off the pitch with exhaustion,” said us. I’m not sure (why) it wasn’t given, Smith. “I’m a big believer in you want it should have been handball. to play every game and if they are “I haven’t seen the Christensen- doing well keep playing them.” Grealish incident. I didn’t think there Despite dropping points, was much in it at the time, I’m not Lampard said he was happy with sure it was a foul or not. I haven’t what he saw from his side. reviewed that referee-wise.” “It’s a draw against a good team, Lampard also said it is no the performance was good, we coincidence that Chelsea’s drop in deserved to win the game but we form has aligned with Hakim don’t,” he told skysport.com. Ziyech’s absence through injury, “We’ve come through a difficult having picked up a hamstring patch, that we want to improve. We problem against Leeds in early saw a lot of signs of good attitude in December. the team, without quite having it in “I don’t think it’s a coincidence. the final third. You can’t rely completely on it. But “It leaves us having to do more of with Hakim, the way he was playing, the same, because the season is he was very effective in terms of tight. We’ve had a little difficult time, assists, chance creation, and we and today I saw some really good were very fluid at the time when he signs that I liked. got injured against Leeds.” – “I had some ideas to make AFP/Agencies Raging to hit back Klopp expects response from ‘angry’ Liverpool players after reminder they ‘don’t live in dreamland’

█ CARL MARKHAM for it and we have to play for it and we the Reds, Allardyce told talkSPORT a four-match winless run. was forced off with a groin problem. have to finish the situations off,” he he relishes the challenge of pitting his And he is confident they will move Nineteen-year-old Rhys Williams, IVERPOOL manager Jurgen said. game plan against the bigger teams. on quickly from their West Brom who did so well deputising during the Klopp expects to see a “These kind of things, what the “I’ve been able to master that over frustration. central defensive crisis of October and response from his players after boys are able to do. That’s it. many years and that’s why I’ve been “I am not the first day in the job,” he November, replaced him against the reminding them they “don’t “In the end, we just drew a Premier doing it so long,” Allardyce said. added after seeing his side fail to win Baggies and looks set to retain his Llive in dreamland”. League game, that can happen. It can “You can challenge the best in your in the Premier League for the sixth place at St James’ Park. The Reds boss admitted the squad happen against West Brom, they had a League and you can challenge your time this season, as many times as in With James Milner and Xherdan was angry after failing to dispatch new manager (Sam Allardyce) and tactics against theirs as, more often the whole of last-term’s title-winning Shaqiri returning to the squad after struggling West Bromwich Albion as they played in the first half a system I than not, recently, my players are seen campaign. several weeks out injured and Alex they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at didn’t see a lot in my life, a 6-4-0 or as not as good as the opposition. “We should have won the game, or Oxlade-Chamberlain getting more Anfield despite dominating whatever. “We have to set out a tactical we wanted to win the game and we minutes as a late second-half possession. “That’s completely fine, they have situation to nullify their strengths didn’t, and now we are all ‘depressed’ substitute, Klopp has options at his Despite having the majority of the challenges to stay this kind of really and see what we can do by or whatever. disposal. ball, their opponents had more shots disciplined for the rest of the season. capitalising on what possession we “The boys are more angry than “Joel is injured and it’s not the first on target – three to two – and Klopp “We have to be disciplined as well, get.” anything else because they know that time that a centrehalf is injured,” said felt that was partly due to his side in a different way. We have to do both, Klopp said he was not concerned it was not perfect, but that’s it and the manager. failing to reach their usual high being offensive, active, creative and about his team’s lack of penetration now, of course, we have to play the “It’s of course not good, especially standards. defend. and believes the Reds can put things next game in three days.” now as he was in a really good shape “We don’t live in dreamland and “That’s what we have to do and we right tomorrow (4am Malaysian time) Klopp is expected to make changes again, but we cannot change that. just win football matches because we could have done that better. That’s it.” against Newcastle United, another for the Newcastle game, with the first “We just have to accept it and carry want to win them – we have to work After the hard-fought draw against team who are struggling for results on coming at centreback after Joel Matip on.” – The Independent/Agencies

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