Think Pieces

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Cash is Better Than Cashless

By Derek Kok Qi Ren
Any initiative to expand social protection for the poor in this country should be rightfully lauded. However, the process described under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah scheme sounds unnecessarily complicated and restrictive. This begs the question — why not just give cash?

Decarbonising Our Energy Industry

By Professor Ir Denny Ng Kok Sum
Climate change has become the greatest risk of humankind in the past decades. Extreme weather, storms, floods and wildfires are intensifying around the world.

Helicopter Parenting: The Cost of Being Micromanaging, Overhelpful Parents

By Professor Alvin Ng Lai Oon
In the early months of 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advocated for a revival of the idea of the “Asian Monetary Fund” at the Future of ASEAN programme in Bangkok. 

Will an Asian Monetary Fund “Buffer” Economic Crisis?

By Pravin Periasamy
In the early months of 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advocated for a revival of the idea of the “Asian Monetary Fund” at the Future of ASEAN programme in Bangkok. 

Digitising Mah Meri’s Indigenous Culture and Heritage

By Delas Santano
Preserving dying traditions and culture in Malaysia presents an ongoing struggle. Among these cultural treasures is the artistry of the Mah Meri people, who intricately carve figures and masks as part of their ancient rituals. This article explores an efficient approach to digitize the narratives…

Sunway University signs MOU with Ipsos Malaysia

By Associate Professor Dr Jason Ng Wei Jian
Sunway University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ipsos Malaysia, a leading market research and consulting firm. The MOU outlines several areas of collaboration, including access to Ipsos' data, internship and graduate opportunities for Sunway University graduates, statistical…

The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Examining Malaysia's Third-Party Food Delivery Apps

By Dr Gary Daniels
While third-party food delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda have revolutionised Malaysia's culinary landscape, they have also given rise to challenges affecting couriers, restaurant owners, and consumers. The industry faces issues such as worker safety, high commission rates, hidden fees, and…

The Curious Case of Commodity Fetishism

By Priyadharshini Ahrumugam
Commodity fetishism is a unique situation where the public may find their identity as an extension of the expensive products they own. This is because there is a symbolic value that products possess according to scholars of media and advertising.  

How Can Leaders Make Better Decisions?

By Professor Hew Gill
It’s a common misunderstanding among many business leaders that it is always their responsibility to initiate and develop all the new ideas in their team. 

A Good Payday for EPF Contributors

With the current economic challenges, the 5.35% dividend by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for 2022 is considered good for contributors, say economists.

Are You Financially Savvy Enough to Achieve Financial Freedom?

By Dr Joyce Nga
There is a saying that ‘money can’t buy everything, but everything involves money’.

The State of the Nation: M40, B40 to Feel the Pinch from Low Value Goods Tax

In April, Malaysia could impose a new 10% sales tax on goods priced RM500 and below that are sold online and shipped via land, sea or air.