WITH electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly gaining popularity, automotive companies face the challenge of meeting demand while ensuring the sustainable growth of conventional cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). Posing this real-life challenge as a case study question, national automotive company Proton invited tertiary students to consider how it can lead Malaysia’s transition from ICE to EV while remaining competitive across both segments. The Proton Business Case Study Challenge 2025 culminated with Team WOLC from Universiti Utara Malaysia being crowned champions on Dec 13, beating 41 other teams from 25 public and private universities representing six regions in Malaysia. Team ANOVA from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Team SAA UMK from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan secured the first and second runners-up positions. Other finalist teams included participants from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are undaunted by the challenge ahead as they prepare to face the world’s most formidable men’s doubles pair, Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae, in today’s Malaysian Open final. The last-four victory, however, was especially meaningful for Aaron-Wooi Yik, as it marked their first appearance in a Malaysian Open final after years of trying. I see it as a 50-50 match, but we do have a slight advantage playing at home,” said Wooi Yik. Today’s final also presents Aaron and Wooi Yik with a chance to clinch their first Super 1000 title after several near misses in the past. For me, that is enough,” said Wooi Yik.

PETALING JAYA: Selangor infrastructure and agriculture executive councillor has been granted an audience with the Sultan of Selangor on Monday (Jan 12) to present details of the state’s decision to tighten operating conditions for pig farms. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the State Executive Council had earlier agreed to impose stricter operating conditions on the pig farming industry across Selangor, prioritising responsible waste management to prevent a negative impact on drainage systems. He said the state government aimed to balance community needs while tightening regulatory controls and pursuing more systematic medium- and long-term solutions to environmental concerns. The briefing will cover the State Executive Council's decision to strengthen waste management requirements and will outline proactive enforcement measures to prevent pollution and protect public health. Earlier, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, voiced his deep disappointment over the long-standing pig farming issue in Kuala Langat in a statement dated Jan 10.

Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders president Datuk Tony Chia said as global fleets expand, this will likely raise the risk of volatile freight rates and tighter booking windows for importers. ALSO READ: Rising costs pressure local food industry, say stakeholders“We expect freight rates to remain volatile going into early 2026. “Our concern really is for small importers who may lack the resources to plan that far in advance,” he said when contacted. “Given the uncertainty of domestic demand, this means we will see higher warehousing and spoilage costs, which will translate to compressed margins for importers and higher costs for consumers,” he added. Smaller importers are undoubtedly the most vulnerable to the current fragile shipping landscape, Ng said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is continuing to receive treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) as he recovers from a fractured hip sustained in a fall at his residence last Tuesday. His press secretary, Sufi Yusoff, said Dr Mahathir will undergo physiotherapy without surgery after consultations with specialist doctors from IJN, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz and Hospital Kuala Lumpur determined that the procedure was the most suitable treatment option for him. “Taking into account Tun Dr Mahathir’s age, the recovery process is expected to take some time,” he said in a statement yesterday, as reported by Bernama. Sufi added that Dr Mahathir and his family were appreciative of the concern and well wishes expressed for his health and well-being. “At present, Tun Dr Mahathir is not allowed to receive visitors except for immediate family members,” he said.

MEF: Expectations, flexibility spur exitsPETALING JAYA: Recruitment and employer data show that young workers often change jobs within 18 months of starting a new one, says the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). “A significant share plan to resign within a year, reflecting a strong job-switching trend among Gen Z and millennials in the Malaysian labour market,” said its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman. ALSO READ: Decoding the drive behind early job movesSuch a practice, Syed Hussain said, had become more pronounced in recent years. CLICK TO ENLARGE“There are also heightened expectations for faster career progression, flexibility and meaningful work,” said Syed Hussain. Syed Hussain pointed out that it is “increasingly common” to see young employees switch jobs, listing out an array of reasons.

IT was certainly a good start for the new year when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a fresh set of reform moves last week, signalling the need to fast track the changes. During his three years in power, Anwar has faced persistent criticism that his reform agenda, once synonymous with urgency and moral purpose, has been slow.

However, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has given the green light for the performance committee chairman, Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, to take charge of the national squad’s coaching matters. Together with singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, they will now oversee the new coaching structure, training programmes, and the appointment of new coaches. We have to trust the expertise of both the coaching directors and Chong Wei,” said Zafrul. Zafrul also said that Seu Bock is almost certain to return to his previous role as the men’s singles coach. Although no new coaching appointments were announced, the BAM council did discuss a review of local coaches’ salaries.

PETALING JAYA: A three-cornered battle has emerged for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat while it will be a straight fight for the Lamag state seat as nominations closed at 10am Saturday (Jan 10). Barisan Nasional's Naim Kurniawan Bung is being challenged by Warisan's Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman and Independent Goldam Hamid, a lawyer, who filed their nomination papers before nominations closed at 10am. For the Lamag state seat, Barisan’s Mohd Ismail Ayob @ Miha and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek Chua will go head to head in the by-election. No other candidates turned up to file their nomination papers. The by-election returning officer is expected to make an official announcement, including the order of names on the ballot papers, after all processes are completed.

JOHOR BARU: Tens of thousands of foreigners are stuck in long queues at the two land checkpoints with Singapore following a major technical glitch, which has knocked out most of the immigration autogates on Saturday (Jan 10). The worst affected is the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI), whereby foreigners are forced to wait up to two hours to clear immigration. The Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex (KSAB) has 12 autogates. In July last year, a similar incident occurred which knocked off autogates in major checkpoints around the country affecting more than 380,000 foreigners. At press time, AKPS is in the midst of issuing an official notification about the disruption to urge visitors to be prepared for delays.

KUALA LUMPUR: Scam syndicates offering part-time jobs often rely on social media platforms and instant messaging apps to lure victims. Their bait promises high income within a short period, but the catch is that victims are required to make an upfront payment. “If it is truly a legitimate part-time job offer, the prospective employer will not require the applicants to pay for it,” he said. “If the job offer is too good to be true, then better not go through with the job application process. Comm Rusdi said a total of 8,926 part-time job scams were recorded, resulting in RM222.9mil in losses last year.

PETALING JAYA: The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) has warned a non-governmental organisation (NGO) over its 'Glamping with Pride' event, adding that efforts to normalise LGBTQ practices are against the law. In a statement on Saturday (Jan 10), Jakim said it had taken note of the event, which was being organised by an NGO that focuses on health and LGBTQ rights. It added that Jakim, together with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and the police, were monitoring the matter closely. He said the event, which is set to be held in Hulu Langat, raised concerns about public order, morality and youth protection. On Friday (Jan 9), the NGO, Jejaka, reportedly said it would go ahead with the event despite objections from PAS.

MELAKA: Preparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year were disrupted when a home in Taman Seri Rambai here was destroyed in a fire believed to have been sparked by an exploding power bank. "At about 10.15am, neighbours noticed thick smoke billowing from the house and immediately alerted the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department,” he said. Lim said firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes and managed to bring the blaze under control by 10.50am. Lim said the distressed homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the power bank had been placed on a plastic table while charging when it exploded. “In such situations, residents should immediately notify the Fire and Rescue Department to ensure the premises are completely safe,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the performance of enforcement agencies over the past two years has been commendable, particularly in their action against high-profile individuals. The Prime Minister said agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Immigration Department have demonstrated a strong commitment to carrying out their duties. "I think compared with the last two years, the performance of the effective enforcement has been quite commendable. However, the Prime Minister stressed that corruption in Malaysia is not merely endemic but systemic, and addressing it requires sustained and a lot of efforts. Nevertheless, Anwar reaffirmed the government’s firm resolve to continue pursuing anti-corruption measures.

Among those invited are MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon. When asked if he would be attending, Dr Wee said “I will see you there next week”. MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon hit back, saying that the comparison drew a negative perception of MCA. This is important so that MCA Pahang will clearly understand. “As a Barisan component member, MCA Pahang continues working hard for the people and to regain their trust, especially the Chinese community, while defending the party’s moderate ideology,” said Chong, who is also MCA Pahang chairman.