Day: June 28, 2024

BUTTERWORTH, Participants of an Internet of Things (IoT) training at the 2024 National Training Week (NTW) carnival here impressed the instructor when they managed to master over 70 per cent of basic IoT knowledge within two hours.

Senior lecturer at the School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Dr Azman Abdul Malik, told Bernama that he was fascinated with the abilities and passion shown by the participants at the NTW carnival for the northern region in Butterworth Arena, here.

‘The participants took only two hours to understand over 70 per cent of the basic IoT knowledge, which I normally teach for 16 hours. This shows the effectiveness of NTW’s approach in providing early exposure to nurture the interest among people of all ages,’ he said.

Muhammad Nur Faris Rafini, 11, from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pokok Sena, said he attended the training without prior knowledge of IoT but, within two hours, managed to build a simple code.

‘I successfully developed a simple code and am very excited to
learn about IoT. With today’s exposure, I can study more deeply on my own,’ he said.

The NTW 2024 carnival for the northern region drew over 1,000 visitors, where 791 free training sessions are being offered throughout the week, including 252 sessions in Penang, 304 sessions in Perak, 67 sessions in Perlis, and 168 sessions in Kedah.

NTW 2024, which runs from June 24 to 30, aims to inspire Malaysians to practise lifelong learning for personal and professional development.

The programme aims to offer over 60,000 free courses nationwide, conducted via various platforms, to more than 200,000 Malaysians. It is expected to record over 700,000 training hours and a training value worth RM200 million.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of Prof Chaiwat Satha-Anand, a well-known peace advocate and founder of the Thai Peace Information Centre (TPIC).

In a Facebook post today, Anwar said that Chaiwat, who was an erudite and well-respected faculty member at Thammasat University, dedicated his life to the cause of non-violence and the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and compassion.

He said Chaiwat’s teachings, writings and unwavering commitment to justice touched the lives of countless individuals, transcending borders and bridging divides.

“Even as I bid farewell to this remarkable soul, I find solace in the legacy he leaves behind.

“May his memory forever inspire us to walk the path of peace, seek understanding in the face of adversity, and build a world where harmony and respect reign supreme,” said Anwar.

It was reported that Chaiwat, 69, died of cancer yesterday.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SHAH ALAM, Closure and diversions on Persiaran Dato Menteri in front of Furniture Plaza, Bulatan Kayangan-bound, will be extended for a month in July to facilitate Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project-related works.

Setia Utama LRT 3 Sdn Bhd in a statement today noted that motorists from Pejabat Pos Besar Shah Alam heading towards Jalan Ikhtisas will be diverted onto Persiaran Dato Menteri and would have to enter Persiaran Bandar Raya and head towards Persiaran Perbandaran before exiting at Jalan Ikhtisas.

“(While) Motorists from Jalan Ikhtisas heading towards Pejabat Pos Besar Shah Alam will be diverted onto Persiaran Dato Menteri, head straight towards Bulatan Kayangan and make a U-turn at Seksyen 12 residential area before heading straight towards Pejabat Pos Besar Shah Alam,” according to the statement.

The statement also noted the diversions are implemented with the approval of Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the company also apologised for any inconvenience caused to the public.

Source: BERNAMA N
ews Agency

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s rise to Tier 2 in the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report can be attributed to intensified law enforcement and improved victim protection measures, said Malaysia Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani.

Mohd Effendy said the US State Department evaluates countries based on their adherence to stringent criteria outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

“These criteria include the prohibition of trafficking, the prosecution of offenders and comprehensive support for victims.

‘Malaysia’s advancement to Tier 2 reflects our strengthened commitment and proactive steps,’ he said while appearing as a guest on the Bernama TV’s World programme that discussed the topic ‘Malaysia’s Advancement in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report’ at Wisma Bernama here today.

Mohd Effendy pointed to the bolstering of law enforcement capabilities and the implementation of enhanced measures to safeguard and support victims as key achieve
ments contributing to this recognition.

“The implementation of the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP 3.0) played a pivotal role in driving Malaysia’s progress. Furthermore, Malaysia’s international cooperation and engagements, particularly with the United States, played a key role,’ he added.

Mohd Effendy further emphasised that while acknowledging this milestone, it is imperative for Malaysia to sustain these efforts.

“Despite these improvements, Malaysia needs to continue its efforts to maintain and enhance its tier ranking by further addressing the root causes of trafficking,’ he said.

The TIP Report annually evaluates global trafficking trends, focusing on governments’ efforts in prosecution, protection and prevention, categorising countries into Tiers 1, 2, 2 (watchlist) and 3 based on their performance.

The upgrade places Malaysia in the company of countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Japan, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sri Lanka,
Thailand and Vietnam.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

CYBERJAYA, The government has allocated a special cash incentive of RM40,000 to participants who wins the gold medal at the Worldskill Competition (WSC) 2024 in Lyon, France this Sept 7 to 16, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said.

The incentive was a sign of support and encouragement for participants to achieve excellent successes at WSC2024, he said at the launch of Road to Lyon 2024 here today.

Silver medallists will receive RM20,000 and bronze medallists will receive RM10,000, along with a Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma in their respective fields by the Skill Development Department, he added.

A total of 15 skilled youth, students from the Public Skills Training Institutes and universities throughout the country, will represent Malaysia at WSC 2024 and compete in 14 out of 62 skill sectors contested.

Sim said that the national contingent to WSC2024 is run by two ministries, the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) and the Public Works Ministry.

‘Nine skill sectors are managed by KESUMA
while five construction industry linked skill sectors are managed by the Public Works Ministry,’ he said, adding that the Malaysian contingent has a target of at least one gold medal at WSC 2024.

Meanwhile, the Skill Development Department issued a statement saying that various preparation training programmes were held to help participants face the challenges at the global event.

‘Skill competitions are the platform to recognise the skill levels of youth and students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),’ the department said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency