22/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 22, 2025

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Proposal for gig, digital curricula in universities

Minister, MP appeal media fine PETALING JAYA: DAP national deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming has thrown his weight behind Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian in their bid to appeal against the RM100,000 fines imposed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Stressing the values of compassion and press freedom, Nga said errors made in good faith should not attract harsh punishment. “To err is human, to forgive is divine. On unintentional error, guidance and compassion are often more effective in correcting mistakes,” he said in a statement yesterday. Nga said both outlets had acted responsibly. Sinar Harian apologised after inaccurately reporting on the biography of the inspector general of police, while Sin Chew Daily issued a public apology and suspended staff over an incident involving the national flag. “It is too harsh to demand stern punishment when others make an honest mistake, yet turn a blind eye when the same mistake is committed by themselves. “Such actions undermine inclusivity and weaken freedom of speech and of the press in our country.” The Housing and Local Government minister cited the Penang City Council’s approach during a similar incident under the Pakatan Harapan-led state government, when enforcement officers issued reminders and even helped replace inverted flags. “Malaysia is a nation built on rule of law and civility, with respect for the rule of law as one of our Rukun Negara principles. “Our nation’s foundation is also rooted in diversity, inclusiveness, compassion and openness.” Nga added that the council’s gesture of guidance rather than punishment had earned public respect and should be a model for Malaysians. “Only by upholding openness and tolerance can we prevent society from descending into extremism and polarisation.” On Sept 19, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan also criticised the penalties, calling them “media bullying” that could fuel self-censorship in newsrooms. He argued the heavy fines appeared designed to pressure outlets into aligning with political or government narratives, rather than encouraging responsible journalism. Takiyuddin noted that both publishers had already taken corrective steps by issuing apologies, which he said was sufficient. “In the publishing industry, such measures are already a form of punishment as they affect credibility and reputation among readers. Only repeated or deliberate violations should justify punitive action.” He added that as respected institutions that have long covered national affairs across different governments and leaders, Sin Chew and Sinar Harian were capable of addressing their errors responsibly and“should not be treated in such an unreasonable way”. – By HARITH KAMAL

o Experts say outdated teaching models risk leaving graduates unprepared for flexible, tech-driven labour markets

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian universities must urgently integrate gig economy and digital entrepreneurship training into their curricula to prepare graduates for the realities of today’s labour market, experts said. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan human resource and industrial relations expert Prof Dr Balakrishnan Parasuraman said traditional job expectations are vanishing, with younger generations increasingly favouring independent and flexible work over permanent employment. “The world has changed very fast compared with the 1980s and 1990s. We are entering a fully digitalised society in which everyone must be equipped with basic digital literacy and the latest technological knowledge,” he told theSun. Balakrishnan said the rise of digital platforms has transformed business models, with employers shifting from manual operations to online apps. He said ride-hailing services, digital marketplaces and cashless systems show how technology has redefined work, income generation and entrepreneurship. “The gig economy is already part of the big picture. Employers want to reduce manpower while increasing productivity, so apps and online platforms become the new drivers of businesses. “This creates opportunities for independent workers, and also challenges for universities to prepare graduates for this environment.” He warned that outdated teaching models could leave Malaysian graduates behind, stressing the need for universities to focus on mentorship, innovation and collaboration. “Some jobs will disappear while new ones will emerge – even lecturers may one day work for multiple universities at once, delivering classes online. We cannot continue with old systems.” Balakrishnan emphasised that preparing

Balakrishnan said the prevalence of ride hailing service workers and delivery riders reflect the rise of flexible, tech-driven jobs that universities must prepare graduates to navigate. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

and algorithm-driven exploitation. “Graduates should be taught about their rights, social protection mechanisms such as Socso, EPF and the new Gig Workers Bill 2025, as well as strategies such as cooperatives and associations. “That way, they enter the gig economy with both optimism and informed caution.” He added that gig work could serve as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship if universities provide structured guidance, mentorship and access to funding. “It teaches financial discipline, customer management and exposure to digital platforms. With the right mindset, platform work could spark micro-entrepreneurship. “But without guidance, it risks becoming a cycle of precarious survival.” Jose said education policy should build ladders to help gig workers progress towards business ownership, innovation and dignified careers. “In essence, universities must stop seeing the gig economy as a side hustle phenomenon and start treating it as a structural part of the labour market. If we prepare our graduates well, they will not only survive but also lead in shaping the future of work in Malaysia.”

graduates for the gig economy requires a collective effort from government agencies, universities, lecturers and students. “The new generation will not settle for 9-to-5 jobs or minimum wage. They want independence, flexibility and opportunities. Our education system must evolve to help them meet that future.” Meanwhile, Malaysian eHailing Alliance chief activist Jose Rizal said universities should treat gig economy awareness and digital entrepreneurship as essential components of higher education. “Graduates today are entering a labour market in which flexibility, multi-skilling and entrepreneurial thinking are central. “Embedding modules on platform work dynamics, digital tools, financial literacy and cooperative models would empower them to adapt quickly and thrive. If we ignore this, we risk producing graduates who are academically qualified but practically unprepared for real-world work realities.” Jose cautioned that universities must not romanticise gig work but recognise it as a double-edged sword. “While it provides autonomy and income opportunities, it also carries risks such as unstable earnings, lack of social protection

Medical teams ready for Gaza deployment despite challenges IPOH: Mercy Malaysia is preparing to deploy its sixth and seventh Special Medical Teams to Gaza despite ongoing technical and security challenges. assist the people there,” he said at a press conference after handing over medical equipment to the Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun neurosurgical critical care unit on Saturday. manpower. In Gaza, for instance, we run small-scale farming projects led by locals to help supplement food supplies.”

specialised equipment to strengthen the functions of the neurosurgical unit and improve patient care. “This is the second time the unit has received support from Mercy Malaysia, following a contribution of more than RM200,000 in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.” Meanwhile, Feisul Idzwan noted that the hospital recorded one of the highest numbers of neurosurgical patients in the country, with 1,025 cases between April and August, including referrals from Cameron Highlands, Pahang and northern Selangor. – Bernama

although it supports the efforts of more than 1,000 volunteers from Europe, Asia, South Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Earlier, Ahmad Faizal presented RM340,200 worth of medical equipment to hospital deputy medical director II Dr Yu Fai Ying. The contribution comprised portable ventilators, patient monitors for the intensive care unit, fluid management systems and prevention pumps for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Ahmad Faizal said the donation responded to urgent needs for

He added that Mercy Malaysia also collaborates with the United Nations and other NGOs to channel aid into areas its own teams cannot access. “The situation in Gaza is worsening following the latest Israeli attacks, making the delivery of humanitarian aid an urgent priority.” At the same time, he clarified that Mercy Malaysia is not part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission,

The ceremony was graced by the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim. Also present was Perak health director Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha. Ahmad Faizal said Mercy Malaysia’s humanitarian work in Gaza has never ceased, thanks to local partners who deliver aid on the ground. “For aid missions, we rely on local

Its president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the teams would depart once all requirements are met, with the size depending on conditions in the war-torn territory. “If the ceasefire holds as before, we can send a larger team of six to eight members. “However, if the situation persists under blockade, the team will be limited to four or five specialists to