21/07/2025

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Event held to honour selfless act of body donors

SJKT Sangeetha Sabah aims to become model Tamil school IPOH: A reunion gathering of former students and teachers of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Perak Sangeetha Sabah held here on Saturday is seen as a positive step toward positioning the school as a model Tamil school in Perak. Organising chairman P. Chithirakala Vasu said the initiative will be led by alumni and former educators in an effort to strengthen the school’s standing ahead of its 100th anniversary celebration. “So far, we have reached out to more than 500 former students, and we are committed to seeing SJKT Sangeetha Sabah thrive and excel. As we know, the school was established in 1934. “Many of the alumni now hold prominent positions and can contribute ideas and support to help enhance the school’s performance,” she said at the Celebrating 90 Years of Memories reunion event, which was attended by about 50 alumni. Also present was MIC Deputy President Tan Sri M. Ramasamy. Meanwhile, Ramasamy described Sangeetha Sabah as more than just a school, calling it an institution and a symbol of dedication to learning, heritage and the values that unite the community. “This reunion is a reaffirmation of identity, a recognition of the bonds that unite us across generations and a tribute to the teachers and mentors who gave so selflessly. “It also reflects something greater – the strength of community and the enduring importance of education as a force for progress and unity,” he said. – Bernama Kelantan to be horse industry hub BACHOK: The Kelantan goverment aims to turn the state into a hub for the horse industry to realise the developing potential of horse breeding. State Agriculture, Agrofood Industry and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail said the state government was considering the matter and is ready to work with the Veterinary Services Department to achieve the goal. “There are many horse breeders in Kelantan. Some love breeding horses as a hobby. “There are also various quality horse breeds,” he said at a media conference after officiating at the 2025 national level Animal Welfare Day and the Horse Identification Card Registration on Saturday. Tuan Mohd said with detailed planning and support, the effort would not only boost the livelihood of breeders, but has the potential of turning Kelantan into a new agro tourism centre capable of attracting both foreign and local tourists. DVS director-general Dr Akma Ngah Hamid said Kelantan had great potential to be a hub for the horse industry. – Bernama

o Public free health services initiative pays tribute to ‘silent mentors’ who contributed to shaping next generation of doctors by equipping medical students with clinical skills

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

giving back to society in honour of our silent mentors,” said Chin. “Through their donations, our students not only learn practical procedures, but also develop a deep respect for humanity. The free services provided today stem from someone’s ultimate act of kindness, which is the gift of their body after death.” He added that partnering with Buddhist Maha Vihara was a natural fit. “They’ve long supported organ donation, so body donation aligns well with their values. We’re proud to host this event here for the very first time.” Chin also acknowledged the long-standing support of Berjaya Corporation Bhd (BCorp) founder and advisor Tan Sri Vincent Tan, whose philanthropic contributions have played a vital role in sustaining the programme. Founded in 2012 and registered as a non-profit in 2016, AFSM has partnered with leading institutions including Monash University Malaysia, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Manipal University and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Penang campus). Beyond education, AFSM also supports end-of-life care through home visits, initiation ceremonies, hands-on training and final tributes to honour both the silent mentors and their families. “The iSilent Mentor programme

KUALA Hundreds gathered at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields yesterday for a unique medical outreach event that combined free health services with a powerful message of compassion and gratitude. Jointly organised by the Academy for Silent Mentor (AFSM) and Buddhist Maha Vihara (BMV), the event themed “Giving Beyond Medical Outreach” offered complimentary health screenings while honouring the selfless spirit of body donors who have contributed to training the next generation of doctors through AFSM’s iSilent Mentor programme. The initiative equips medical students not only with clinical skills, but also with empathy and emotional intelligence by encouraging them to learn from the life stories and generous final acts of these silent mentors. “We are a non-profit educational institution, and much of what we do, including today’s outreach, is made possible through public donations,” said AFSM chairman and founding director Prof Dr Chin Kin Fah. He noted that the endoscopy machine used during the event was fully funded by public contributions, including support from his own clinic. “This outreach is our way of LUMPUR:

Tan (centre) and his wife Puan Sri Esther and Chin watching a volunteer doctor examine a participant during the event. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

allocated RM679.85 million in 2024 to address immediate water shortages. Long-term plans also include the completion of the Ulu Padas hydropower. Among those that received awards at the event were Institut Jantung Negara for corporate excellence in the healthcare sector, Clean Kinetics Pte Ltd for corporate excellence in the renewable energy sector, Sabah Port Sdn Bhd for corporate excellence in the logistics sector, AiRTS Pte Ltd for innovative technology in the artificial intelligence sector, Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd for corporate excellence in the event management sector and Education Malaysia Global Services for corporate excellence in the education sector. Negeri Sembilan was named Most Progressive State in Malaysia in 2024, while Sabah was recognised as the Most Outstanding State in Malaysia for 2024. – Bernama preventive Early detection can change lives – that, in itself, is a powerful outcome.” Tan reaffirmed his commitment to the programme. “I intend to make a donation next month, and I look forward to sitting down with Prof Chin to learn more about the incredible work being done.” Participants also expressed gratitude for the outreach initiative. “This programme helped me better understand my body and reminded me how important it is to take care of my health. “I learnt a lot from the free screenings and consultations. “I’m truly grateful, and I hope more people get the chance to benefit from this in the future,” said a participant who only wished to be known as Chan. healthcare.

is not just about developing technical excellence – it’s about nurturing empathy,” Chin said. “Our research shows that students who go through the programme demonstrate significantly higher levels of compassion in patient care.” Tan, who was present at the event, lauded the initiative. “What we’re witnessing today is truly inspiring. “The dedication of these medical students, many of whom volunteered their time, is a heartfelt tribute to their silent mentors. “These students are gaining real-world experience while being shaped into compassionate, future leaders in medicine. “For many attendees, this may be their first encounter with

Sabah to yield 490,000 tonnes of marine harvest KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Blue Economy is estimated to yield 491,000 tonnes of marine harvests such as fish and prawns annually, with a value of RM3.25 billion, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said marine harvesting is one of 14 components of the Blue Economy that can be explored, such as renewable ocean energy, blue carbon, tourism, maritime transport and marine biotechnology, among others. Energy Conversion (OTEC), which harnesses energy from the oceans. “OTEC power plants are currently being planned to span across 500km of coastline and, in time, to be able to generate 20,000MW of green energy, an unprecedented scale globally. This is a gamechanger for the country as well as the region.” 3,636 jobs. Between 2022 and 2024, Sabah received new investment proposals worth an additional RM42.3 billion, which will create 32,996 jobs, he added. The chief minister highlighted that Sabah had sealed the Commercial Collaborative

Agreement with Petronas, allowing the state to have more participation in the oil and gas industry. This includes 50 per cent equity from the Samarang oil and gas field, 25 per cent equity from Samur, and a 25 per cent equity in the US$3.1 billion (US$1=RM4.24) floating liquefied natural gas (ZLNG) investment in Sipitang. To support the growing investments, the state government has launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040. This initiative aims to generate 700MW within the next 1 to 2 years. Additionally, the government has

Hajiji said the Blue Economy Industrial Park has been established in Kudat as part of three new industrial parks approved by the state government, along with Kota Belud and Beaufort, all strategically located to grow investment opportunities. On the investment front, Hajiji said Sabah had recorded RM17.41 billion from 73 companies in overall approved foreign and domestic investments in the manufacturing sector since September 2020, with 52 companies already setting up businesses in the state with a total investment of RM7.8 billion, creating

“There is more to Blue Economy than just deep-sea harvesting,“ he said in a speech read by Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the International Business Review (IBR) Asean Awards on Saturday. Also present was IBR Asia Group founder, director and chief executive officer Datuk Beatrice Nirmala. The chief minister also said that one of the most exciting aspects of ocean energy is the Ocean Thermal