Month: August 2024

Charting a career path

Teh Wee Chye : Technical skills open the door . Your character and leadership propels you to the top.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 29, 2024

You can stay relevant and innovative in  this rapidly evolving world via life long learning

“And it is your leadership and character that defines your success,”  says Teh Wee Chye who is Malayan Flour Mills Bhd (MFM) deputy  executive chairman and managing director.

Addressing graduates at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 39th convocation ceremony  session 4 at its campus in Kampar, Perak on Aug 18, 2024,  Teh says having the  integrity and resilience, and  being highly adaptable and visionary  will enable  a person to make a positive impact on the  rapidly changing world.

Congratulations:  UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum (right)  presenting a scroll to Lai Jen Weng who has a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration (Hon)  Entrepreneurship  at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 18, 2024.

“The rapidly evolving world is presenting many opportunities and challenges alike  ,”  Teh says, adding that success is also about being able to  bounce back from setbacks and keep going.

March of the guest of honour:  UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Dr Sak and guest of honour Teh Wee Chye entering Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for the UTAR 39th convocation in the Kampur campus in Perak on Aug 18, 2024.

While food security and climate change are two rising concerns worldwide  and inter-connected , Teh says  they (concerns) also provide career and relevant business opportunities at the same time.

‘This is  one area  graduates could explore and venture in,  not only as a career,  but also  to help ensure enough of food supply for the people.”

With  between 4.7 billion and  4.8 billion of the world’s 8.05 billion population in Asia, the focus on ensuring enough food in the region offers vast opportunities for graduates from multi disciplines to apply their skills and make an impact.

A major milestone: Graduates arriving at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 18, 2024.

Describing this century as an Asian century, he says the region’s remarkable and continuous  economic growth are translated into good economic and career opportunities.

In 2024,  Asia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is between  $40 trillion and  $ 45 trillion.

This amount includes China’s GDP of between $19 trillion and  $20 trillion – the second largest economy after the United States which has a GDP of between $ 27 trillion and $28trillion.

And Asean alone has a GDP of  between  $3.5trillion and  $4 trillion.

Teh points out that the world is undergoing a lot of changes and urged graduates to acquire cross cultural  skills and a deep understanding of global connections to stay relevant.

“As you step into your career, consider how you can contribute in the vital sectors like food security.

“Consider change as a companion.  Continue life long learning to stay relevant,” says the 70-year-old Teh.

MFM which started off in 1966 as a flour milling company is now a staple food manufacturing company; majoring in flour milling, poultry integration and  aquaculture.

Teh who has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Ship Building and Shipping Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA  joined MFM as deputy mill manager in 1976  and promoted to plant manager two years later.

In 1979, he was made the project manager in charge of the MFM’s  entire expansion plans.

 

Grounded on good values

Datuk Lee Yeow Chor:  Engaged, involved and committed.  Always ready to execute well. Continuously learning and improving with the ability to adapt quickly  in today’s rapidly evolving world.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 26, 2024

The Dutch like sailing and biking.

And Datuk Lee Yeow Chor made it a point to join his business associates and staff for the sports on weekends during his business trips to Netherlands.

“This is one way to understand each others culture ,” says Lee.

The 57-year -old  IOI  Corporation Berhad (IOI) Group Managing Director and Chief Executive who is known for his exemplary leadership is adept at interacting in the world arena.

IOI is a leading global integrated and sustainable palm oil player.

It has plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia ; and resource based manufacturing business in Netherlands, Germany, United States, Canada, China and Ghana.

Lee was also educated abroad.

He has LLB (Honours) King’s College , London, Bar Finals, Gray’s Inn, London and a post graduate diploma in Finance and Accounting from the London School of Economics.

Dedicated to education: UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (seated);  and from left; UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  IOI Group Managing Director  Datuk Lee Yeow Chor and UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat at the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 2 at the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

https://youtu.be/qP-aukRQO8c

Sharing his business experience at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)  39 th convocation in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024,  Lee who was the event’s  guest of honour highlighted  the importance of synergy in business .

It is about having a great team -tapping into each others strength, seamlessly.

Lee says: “IOI’s core values and belief is excellence in execution and learning while doing things, even doing seemingly mundane things like comparing specifications from suppliers’ quotations to which I still do.

“The western managers meanwhile are very good in analysis, planning and presentation. They can even give a 10-year-plan.

“My senior management and I have to adjust their focus to avoid analysis paralysis ,overelaborate plans. And to get them start doing  things as soon as possible.”

After managing the overseas food ingredients company  for 13 years, Lee says the company grew and consequently Europe and North America became important markets for this company and also indirectly IOI plantations which supply crude palm oil with the raw materials to this company.

Then came the acid test in  2016.

That year, Lee recalls , an NGO  (non- governmental  organisation) from Netherlands reported that one of IOI’s  plantations in Indonesia did not follow some environmental regulations.  The area involved was 3% of the planted area.

Soon after, an  international organisation – Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) – suspended the plantation certification for the total planted area.

The  company supplying food ingredients to the six countries also had its certification suspended.

It was a huge crisis for IOI.

Lee  says: ” Two very powerful NGOs  also campaigned against IOI , pressuring all our  multinational customers to stop buying from IOI.

”  IOI quickly had an open discussion with RSPO and had their Auditors to visit and verify the situation on the ground where breaches were found.

“We (IOI) published a time-bound rectification plan with regular updates.

“Within four months, we managed to get back the RSPO certification.”

But the crisis was far from over.

“For the next 18 months, we  got UK based consultants to engage with the NGOs and published rectifications and improvement updates on our website every two or three weeks.

“And another 12 months to persuade the NGOs to call off their campaign that pressured our multinational customers.”

Lee says the IOI  team – engaged, involved and committed – rode out the  crisis and emerged stronger.

He says IOI’s  honesty and preparedness to admit its mistakes  had immediately reduced, if not removed, distrust on the company .

Being open to views and suggestions, Lee says IOI accepted views and suggestions from the NGOs and consultants.

He says IOI even suspended the planting activities for about two years while engaging with the NGOs

Lee says  IOI took the setback as an opportunity to improve and reinvent itself,  and  the company subsequently introduced many sustainability related policies and guidelines and intensified efforts to beef up environmental sustainability.

Last year, Lee says IOI  Corporation was awarded TheEdge Malaysia Environmental , Social and Governance (ESG) Gold Award.

He says IOI, at the international level, has also received several ESG Gold Awards.

Congratulating the graduates,  Lee says he hopes  the lessons he learned from his business life would be relevant to them in their daily lives later.

“Executing well, being transparent, reinventing oneself and embracing values like empathy, humility and honesty .

“You have the power to shape your own future and make a positive impact on the world,”   says Lee in his very inspiring speech and timely advice for the graduates.

Congratulations:  UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh (right) presenting a scroll to a graduate at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 17, 2024.

Congratulations: UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees member Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian (right) presenting a scroll to a graduate at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 17, 2024.

Congratulations: UTAR council member Datuk Lim Si Cheng (left) presenting a scroll to a graduate at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 17, 2024.

 

The power to transform

 

Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat : From a  teenage rubber tapper and labourer to the man who built OSK Investment Bank, one of the largest investment banks in South East Asia with presence in Asean countries and Hong Kong and a conglomerate with business interests in financial services, property and investment, construction, hospitality and industries.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 24, 2024

Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat joins  the work force very early to help put food on the table for his family of 12 in Merbau New Village in Sitiawan, Perak.

He is a rubber tapper and labourer while schooling,  and has  a two-year temporary teaching stint  upon completing his form five education.

Ong  subsequently joins  a finance company as a  counter clerk and climbs the corporate ladder via self study.

He left the company as a senior general manager after working there for 17 years.

In the 1980s, Ong  developed OSK Securities into one of the biggest investment banks in  South East Asia  -OSK Investment Bank- before it merged with RHB Investment Bank in 2012.

His flagship company –  OSK Holdings Bhd – is a conglomerate with business interests in property development and investment, construction, industries, hospitality and financial services;  with business operations in Malaysia and Australia.

All for education: OSK Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat (centre), flanked by UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh (left)  and UTAR  president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat (right) at the opening of the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 3 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik  in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

Guest of honour procession:  UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat,  UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh and guest of honour Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat at the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 3 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 3 video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCaIecsYe9o&t=5103s

AT 80, Ong, a well-known  tycoon and philanthropist, provides a glimpse of his life journey at the opening of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 39th convocation ceremony session 3 in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024

As the event’s guest of honour, he  says he hopes his sharing would  be helpful for graduates who are at the threshold of embarking on a new journey – like join the workforce or further studies.

 A major milestone: UTAR graduates at the 39th UTAR convocation ceremony session 3 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong  Sik in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

While he did not get a tertiary education opportunity, Ong says, he joined the work force very early and managed to support some of his siblings’ tertiary education.

Stating that tertiary education is a good foundation , Ong says he has to compensate by putting in extra effort to learn and excel in his work.

“After work, I diligently study  to improve my English and understanding of finance by reading newspapers and financial magazines.

“I also consult  people who are experts in the subject (finance),” recalls Ong.

Looking back, Ong says he understand the importance of education at a very young age.

” As a Christian,  I recognised first and foremost that God has been gracious to me. God  has guided me throughout my life journey, blessed me with the desire and commitment to continue to learn and improve myself using my own effort though I did not get a tertiary education opportunity.

“I am grateful I have reached a position that allows  me to bless others with the opportunity  I did not have,” says Ong followed by a big round of applause from his audience.

UTAR students are among the beneficiaries of scholarships from OSK Foundation – the philanthropic arm of OSK Holdings Bhd.

Ong also made a personal donation of RM5mil to UTAR which is a non-profit university.

Ong who is now OSK Holdings Bhd chairman, OSK Ventures International Bhd chairman, RHB Investment Bank Bhd chairman and RHB Bank Bhd director says he continues to learn and grow.

While graduation marks an important milestone in one’s life journey,  he advises graduates to practise life long learning in order to progress.

He cautions that even cutting – edge knowledge can turn obsolete overnight.

“Thus, life long learning is a necessity and not just a concept.

” There are many ways we can learn;  from self study, interacting with people, visiting places to  taking criticism as feedback for us to improve ourselves.

“Being defensive and having a closed minded attitude  is the biggest enemy to life long learning and progress.”

Speaking from experience, he says interacting with older people is also  a good way to learn as they are more willing to impart  their knowledge and  wisdom.

Ong says challenges are part and parcel of life, and his advice is not to dwell on them but focused on looking for solutions and learned from the challenges.

” I learned more in times of crises than times of  success,” says Ong, adding that he had gone through major crises in his life journey, citing the oil crisis in the 1970s, the Pan – El crisis in the 1980s, Asian Financial crisis in the 1990s and the Global financial crisis in 2008.

“While I was hurt financially and emotionally, I made sure I learned from each and every crisis and emerged stronger after riding out the crises.”

On luck and success, Ong says:  “While luck plays a role in success, luck also favours people who are well-prepared.  Continue to learn and improve ourselves and luck is on our side.”

Ong says in his almost 60 years in banking and business, he has met many successful people from different sectors, including politics, business and sports. There is no shortcut to glory.

” Their common trait is an  eagerness to stay curious and continue  learning.”

Navigating and thriving in a world of endless possibilities

Lim Chai Hock : There is a lesson in every turn.  When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

By Foong Pek Yee

Aug 23, 2024
It is like any other morning for Lim Chai Hock; all set to work, learn and add value to his work place.
The project manager’s task that day is to drive his boss Datuk Dr Low Tuck Kwong to the project site for a visit.
But little did he know  he is about to learn a life lesson from the vehicle they are travelling in.
“The  brand new 4 -wheel – drive is making unusual sounds.
“My boss said to me, Lim, how can I trust you with million dollar project when you cannot take care of the vehicle.
“This taught me the importance of taking care of small things as it reflects how big things are being managed.
“The  problem at hand must be resolved quickly . And not look for excuses ,” recalls Lim, 65,  of the incident, adding that the lesson he learned remained relevant till now.
Dr Low , 76, is  the founder and president of PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia where  Lim now is a director and chief operating officer.
The Chancellor Procession: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)  president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, guest of honour and  PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia’s chief operating officer Lim Chai Hock and  UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik arriving for the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 1  in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar on Aug 16, 2024.
Speaking at the opening of the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman ( UTAR)  39th convocation ceremony , Lim who is the guest of honour shares how he learns, navigates and thrives in this ever evolving world.
Armed with secondary school education, Lim says he joined the work force and did self study to move up the corporate  ladder.
“I consulted with experts, seniors and colleagues when faced with work related issues.
“And I read books  mostly related to my field of work to enhance my knowledge and skills.  We must always add value to our work place.
“The lesson is keep learning in order for us to continue to innovate  and  adapt to an increasingly challenging  current and future economy,” says Lim, underscoring the fact that life long learning is indispensable.
Leadership :  UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (front row, seated). Front row, from left are ; UTAR council  chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  guest of honour Lim Chai Hock and UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat.  Dr Ling declared the opening of the UTAR 39th convocation Session 1  on Aug 16, 2024.
Lim shares that being diligent, honest, sincere and respectful of  people  has gained him the recognition and respect from his seniors, peers and subordinates alike.
“Be humble, honest, sincere, persistent and thankful ; and people could lend you a helping hand during crucial times that possibly change your life,”  says Lim.
From a  humble background, Lim says he  is fortunate to have people who had supported and guided him, and he is eternally grateful to them.
He says  his form teacher, the late Mr Tan Guan Yoong  had helped him financially when he was in Form One.
Lim says he also learned  the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance in pursuing one’s career or objectives  when he worked with a Japanese consulting engineer.
And most of all, Lim says his supportive and understanding wife has allowed  him to focus on building his career.
Lim is  grateful that his former boss and mentor had promoted him though he did not have the formal engineering qualification.
And he is grateful to Dr Low whom he has worked  for 40 years ;  for his trust in him and the opportunities for him to progress to where he is today.
While  Lim did not get the opportunity to go to college, he  reaffirms the importance of  having a tertiary education amidst a  prevailing belief among some people that the gig economy and  rapidly changing technology have rendered tertiary education  irrelevant or redundant.
As proud day :  Graduates, their parents and loved ones at the UTAR 39th convocation session 1 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik on  Aug 16, 2024.  
Lim reminds graduates that the knowledge, skills and values they acquired in UTAR  has prepared  them beyond just getting a job or for personal advancement.
” They also empower you to think critically, innovate and  contribute and give back to society. ” and he urges graduates to keep connected to the university.
He also emphasizes the need to have a compelling purpose in life: be it for our family, community or humankind as it serves as an important and powerful form of motivation.
And Lim ‘s advice to the graduates who are raring to start a new chapter in life  : ” March into the future with courage, courtesy, righteousness, integrity, respect for the elders and self improvement as elements of your moral compass.
.” A world of endless possibilities is awaiting you in the future.”
UTAR 39th Convocation session 1
https://youtu.be/jVWLV7QNtqI

Let the results speak

 

And the road ahead: Professor Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat has always emphasized on the need for  graduates to be  grounded on good values;  like diligence, perseverance, integrity,  gratitude, compassion and respectful of people in order to navigate and thrive in an increasingly challenging world.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 22, 2024

Tens of thousands of young people have walked past this door,  and embarked on a journey to hit their next major milestone in life.

And last week, another 2,218 graduates from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman( (UTAR) followed suit at  the university’s  39th convocation ceremony at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia.

Good virtues:  Dr Ewe got graduates to bow to their parents and loved ones in recognition of their love and support which culminated in this momentous event.

Congratulating the graduates,  UTAR president Dr  Ewe  says they are among  some 86,900 who graduated from UTAR since its first convocation in 2005,  and they are a force to be reckoned with in bringing development and progress to the nation and beyond.

A non-profit university set up in 2001 and opened doors a year later, UTAR is aimed at providing quality and affordable education  to all deserving students.

The reputable institution is known as “a university by the people for the people” as it is built on public donations from people from all walks of life.

A noble cause: Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (seated) is instrumental in securing a government approval to set up a private university in July 2001. He spearheaded the university’s development with the support of notable MCA leaders and personalities in the business and education sectors.  On stage with him are (front row, from left), UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  guest of honour Lim Chai Hock who is PT Bayan Resources Tbk  Indonesia’s  chief operating officer and UTAR president Professor Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

In June  2002, UTAR opened its door to its first batch of 411 students at its temporary campus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Today , UTAR has nine faculties, three institutes and four centres operating in two campuses – Kampar and Bandar Sungai Long in Selangor, Malaysia.

And  UTAR’s flagship, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Hospital  (UTAR Hospital) in Kampar that offers modern and traditional complementary medicine (T&CM) is fully operational.

Like UTAR,UTAR Hospital is built on public donations and it is a non-profit hospital to provide quality and affordable medical care to the people.

Dr Ewe pledges that UTAR will remain a” university by the people for the people” , noting that the university  has given out internal financial help to thousands of students  in need since its inception.

” RM202.4 mil internal scholarship and RM17.2mil internal interest free loan were given  to 23,000 students.

“Apart from this,  another 1,100 students also got external financial help; comprising RM 25.3  mil external scholarship and RM4.7mil external loan,”  says Dr Ewe at the opening of  the 39th  convocation ceremony  Session 1 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in Kampar, Perak.

Dr Ewe notes that the amount of financial help stated  above did not include the PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional) loan from the government.

Dr Ewe says UTAR graduates have an employability rate of between 95% and 97%  within the first six months of convocation.

And Talentbank’s  National Graduate Employability Index 2024 shows that Malaysian employers have ranked  UTAR  among the top three local universities.

Pride and joy: Graduate Lai Jen Weng with his family. From left; his mother Foong Pek Yan, father Lai Hock Yee and elder brother Lai Jen Hong.

While UTAR’s position in terms of rankings and awards have been very  impressive locally and internationally ,  Dr Ewe says  the university has also put in place training programs to nurture and equip its students to face an increasingly evolving and challenging world.

UTAR Awards

https://news.utar.edu.my/images/001-Landscapervcopy_1557903142.jpg?n=1557903169296set

UTAR 39th convocation: Session 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVWLV7QNtqI&t=5649s

 

Important landmark:  Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar.

Picture perfect:  Graduates, their families, loved ones and friends relaxing and posing for pictures outside the Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Good training: UTAR students set up booths to sell food, drinks and souvenirs  during the convocation ceremony.

Programs that focus on soft skills and community outreach are well-received by the UTAR graduates, he adds.

In tandem with increasing connectivity and globalization,  Dr Ewe says UTAR has also put in place programs to nurture its students into global citizens.

To this end, UTAR has MoU (memorandum of understanding) with about 695 partners comprising  local and foreign universities and economic and industrial organizations.

与夏天的约会

拉曼大学医院的工作人员对中医的良好反应感到满意。（照片取自拉曼大学新闻）

冯碧仪 Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

译者：黎镇荣 Lai Jen Weng

一种受欢迎的夏季疗法——三伏贴——最近让许多人纷纷前往位于霹雳州金宝（距离怡保约35公里）的拉曼大学医院。

这是一种中医治疗方法，旨在丰富和畅通我们体内的气流——这是中医认为健康的基础。

这种疗法由中医师执行，他们会在患者体内寻找针灸点，并在这些针灸点上涂抹药用
草药膏。

根据中医的说法，三伏贴源自中国清朝（1644 – 1911），在夏季特别有效（七月至八
月）。


强调要点：一位中医师与他的患者。


咨询进行中：来自不同年龄组的患者对中医表现出兴趣三伏贴通常用于治疗涉及关节、骨骼、肌肉、免疫系统和呼吸系统的健康问题。

三伏贴也适用于治疗因不稳定的天气条件（如极端炎热或潮湿天气）所引起的健康问
题，这种情况在当前气候变化的背景下越来越普遍。

根据拉曼大学新闻报道，拉曼大学员工以及学生的三天疗程的费用为30令吉，公众为
50令吉。

7月25日，前200名来自金宝的患者获得免费接受治疗。

第一次治疗的日期为7月25日，接下来是8月14日及23日，地点位于拉曼大学医院的中医科。

这优惠活动由拉曼大学、广西-马来西亚中医药中心以及广西中医药大学第一附属医院联合推出。

A date with Summer

 

 UTAR Hospital staff is happy with the good response to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Photos from UTAR News

By Foong Pek Yee

Aug 7, 2024
A popular summer treatment – Sanfutei– saw folks making a beeline to UTAR Hospital (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Hospital) in Kampar, Perak, about 35 km from Ipoh recently.
It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment that enriches  and smoothens  the flow of qi (energy)  in our body system -a basis for good health according to TCM.
The procedure is administered by a TCM practitioner who identifies specific acupuncture points on the patient’s body  and applies  medicated herbal paste on the  points.
According to TCM, Sanfutei ,dated back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in China, works particularly well during summer (between July  and August).
Making a point: A TCM practitioner with his patient.
Consultation in progress: Patients from different age groups show interest in TCM
And Sanfutei is commonly used to treat health issues involving joints, bones, muscles, the immune system and the respiratory system.
It is also good for treating health problems arising from erratic weather conditions like extremely hot or wet spells  which is increasingly common in the wake of climate change nowadays.
UTAR News reported that the price for the three -day treatment is RM30 for UTAR staff and students,  and RM50 for the public.
It was free of charge for the first 200 patients from Kampar on July 25.
The first day of treatment was on July 25, followed by Aug 14 and 23, 2024 at the Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) section in  UTAR Hospital.
 The offer is a joint effort by UTAR, Guangxi-Malaysia TCM Centre and the First Affiliate Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese  Medicine.

I can be better

Bernice Khai Ern Ooi is all for practice and perseverance as she scales for greater heights in a talent- driven music industry.
By Foong Pek Yee
Aug 2, 2024.
Bernice Khai Ern Ooi  has what it takes to be an international violinist.
With her impressive academic achievements and track record in the talent-driven music industry , she says she needs to practise more to strengthen her skills.
It is about getting better and better, and be prepared and ready to take up every opportunity that comes her way.
” Be open and professional and take up opportunities. And practice to give my best performance ,” says Bernice who has Master of Music in Violin Performance, Highest Distinction from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
The 38- year- old Malaysian violinist took up violin at the age of six.
She  had her primary education and early secondary education in  Yuk Chai Chinese Primary School, Taman Megah and  Catholic High School, Petaling Jaya respectively and went abroad to study when she turned 15.
After completing high school at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, United Kingdom, she proceeded to the United States to do violin in Indiana University Jacobs School of Music from 2007 to 2010.
Bernice did studies with Mark Kaplan and Federico Agostini and she is a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and the Music Faculty Award.
She got her Bachelor of Science in Violin Performance and Mathematics, High Distinction in 2007, Master of Music in Violin Performance, Highest Distinction in 2009 and Performer Diploma in Violin Performance in 2010.
Bernice is now  a  Second Violin with the Royal Swedish Orchestra in Stockholm, Sweden.
It is a full time job with a tight schedule since 2017,  with an average of 15 performances a month, she says.
She rides a bicycle  to work (about 8.5km one way) and this is her exercise to keep fit!
World Renowned: Bernice with part of the Royal Swedish Orchestra. 
Bernice has also performed as a Guest Assistant Principal Second Violin at the Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra, which is about 160km southwest of Stockholm.
Distance is certainly  no barrier for Bernice’s musical pursuit.
She returns to her home in Malaysia  about twice a year for her concerts and to be with her parents.

Home grown : In Malaysia, Bernice is the Concert Master, Malaysia Bach Festival Orchestra since 2016.

All ears: Ensemble Virama with Bernice (left ) performing for students in Yuk Chai Chinese Primary School in Taman Megah. 
She also co founded  Ensemble Virama  (in Malaysia) and is a core member.
This July is her latest trip to Malaysia where she has a line up of concerts, including one in Taichung, Taiwan before she returns to Stockholm on Aug 4.
Ensemble Virama performed in Taichung, Taiwan on July 27, 2024
Ensemble Virama performed in Kuala Lumpur on July 23 – 24, 2024
Bernice’ s orchestra experience since 2005 saw her performing in United Kingdom, Japan and the United States and in Malaysia’s Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra..
Among others, she was a Core Member, Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra  in Japan between 2011 and 2014.
Applause: The Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra performing at the Hyogo Prefecture Parliament in Japan.
Bernice is into Chamber Music and Teaching since 2006.
In Stockholm, she does Lunch Chamber concert series, the Golden Foyer, Royal Swedish Opera since 2018.
On Festivals, Beatrice took part in about 10 Festivals in United Kingdom and United States between 2006 -2016.
This is just part of her list of accomplishments in the last two decades, and is still counting.
While the road is not exactly smooth all the way, she sees beauty in everything she does.
Bernice who had more than  20 auditions  – an exercise that comes across as difficult and  impersonal – says there is  always something to learn from it.
Vibrant and bubbly, Bernice who studies, works and stays abroad for over two decades is active in  church work and has her circle of friends.
She is one of the leaders of the Women’s Ministry in Calvary Stockholm.
Photos and videos: courtesy of Bernice Khai Ern Ooi.
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Celebrate each and every milestone

Lee Jae Phang at the Symphonic Finale Concert at Wells Cathedral in July 2012. He won the prestigious annual Concerto auditions at the Wells Cathedral School (WCS). 

At 13, Lee Jae won a full scholarship to study as a specialist pianist at WCS in Somerset, England, UK.

He got his first diploma in piano at the age of 11.

By Foong Pek Yee
Aug 1, 2024
Lee Jae says learning and playing music is a journey with new and interesting discoveries – an enriching process that goes a long way.
He has a Master in Music Performance with Distinction  from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester in 2017 and admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music with Distinction.
Under expert guidance: The conductor was Christopher Adey. Lee Jae the pianist with the Wells Cathedral School Symphony Orchestra.
A Malaysian concert pianist, teacher, accompanist and chamber musician, Lee Jae has performed in many countries, including the United Kingdom (UK),  Germany, Austria, Italy, Beijing, Hong Kong, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Lee Jae won the ‘1st Beethoven Performance Award of the BPSE & Beethoven in Altaussee Festival 2016’ prize in Austria.
His deep love and fascination for Beethoven’s music saw him recorded almost all of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas and published them on his YouTube channel – these sonatas being ranked amongst the highest Himalayan peaks of a pianist’s repertoire.
Lee Jae who was in the  UK for more than a decade saw him receiving many awards, scholarships, funds and winning many competitions.
And performing in orchestras and the many masterclasses Lee Jae had with world renowned  musicians  have been proven to be  invaluable in his musical pursuit.
A great start: A young Lee Jae with his professor at Wells Cathedral School (WCS)
At 13,  he  won a full scholarship to study as a specialist pianist at WCS.
Musical skills can be acquired in stages with the  teaching and coaching of a good teacher/mentor.
While learning music requires hard work and perseverance, Lee Jae describes  it as  a journey to be enjoyed as we learned new things, made discoveries and progress.
Playing music can be likened to doing a jigsaw puzzle in a way.
There is a sense of purpose in our pursuit.
Every completed picture, be it a ten-piece or 1,000 piece puzzle gives us a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
And the same for music.
Recently,  Lee Jae has completed a series on the ABRSM  Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 1 to 8. The series will be updated in this post.
Enjoy!
Making progress: Lee Jae doing a series on ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026
Photos and videos: courtesy of Lee Jae Phang.
ABRSM  Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 1 
ABRSM Piano  2025 & 2026 Grade 2
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 3
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 5
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 6
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 7
ABRSM Piano 2025 & 2026 Grade 8