The year-on-year (y-o-y) decline in FDIs for 1H23 was also due to the strengthening of the US dollar, which capped FDI inflows, on top of the uncertainties before the state elections. - Nixon Wong
PETALING JAYA: Since coming into power last November, the unity government has made it abundantly clear it is eager to keep Malaysia as a magnet for foreign investments.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has travelled to several countries to promote Malaysia as an investment destination, including to China in April and recently, as well as to the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, following the Invest Malaysia New York event in The Big Apple.
On the other hand – while Anwar has been busy making stops worldwide to foster economic ties on behalf of the country – the official numbers from the Statistics Department showed that for the first half of 2023 (1H23), foreign direct investment (FDIs) into Malaysia amounted to RM15.1bil, only a third of the funds that came in at the same time last year.
For the whole of 2022, Malaysia had managed to garner RM74.6bil of FDIs, which plainly means that it would be a mountain to climb for the country to match that number this year.
For many analysts, the apparent political ambiguity before the six-state elections back in August had played a role in discouraging foreigners to commit their funds to Malaysia, and with that having been resolved, they are looking forward with more optimism.
According to Nixon Wong, chief investment officer for Kuala Lumpur-based fund management firm Tradeview Capital, the year-on-year (y-o-y) decline in FDIs for 1H23 was also due to the strengthening of the US dollar, which capped FDI inflows, on top of the uncertainties before the state elections.
However, he believes the tide could be changing, with major global players such as Germany’s Infineon Technologies AG as well as Intel Corp, Amazon Web Services and Tesla Inc of the United States having set up shop in the country or pledged to commit further investments.
Moving forward, he told StarBiz: “I believe with the initiatives on green energy generation and increasing adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in doing business could attract more FDIs our business environment becomes a better match to the ESG criteria these global players are looking into.
“Also, momentum could be built by taking advantage of trade diversions due to uncertain geopolitical tensions that include the United States-China trade conflict and the Russia-Ukraine crisis.”
At the same time, Rakuten Trade head of equity sales Vincent Lau is similarly expecting “more FDI good news” towards the end of the year and into 2024.
“Of course, there were also other factors for the y-o-y pullback (in FDIs into the country) such as the high interest rates environment globally, but there is a sense of relief now that politically the country is stable. This, coupled with the aggressive efforts of the Prime Minister, means things should improve from here,” he predicted.
Having said that, Lau believes the upcoming tabling of Budget 2024 would be essential to clarify Putrajaya’s policies on many issues, including how it intends to further encourage and more importantly ease the entrance of FDIs into the country.
Besides that, he noted that the targeted subsidy reforms and the possible amendments on the government’s tax base could also set the tone for FDIs if further details could be ironed out next month.
While recognising it may be a big ask for Malaysia to surpass the RM74.6bil FDI amount of 2022 for this year, Lau is hopeful of the situation over the longer term as the government has been active in its efforts in attracting investments.
“This can also be seen by Bursa Malaysia organising its first physical Invest Malaysia New York in six years last week, which is part of a push for investments for the Madani Economy initiatives,” he told StarBiz.
Offering his views from an economical perspective, Centre for Market Education (CME) chief executive Dr Carmelo Ferlito opined that FDI quarterly volatility has been a consistent trend over the long term, and therefore should not set off any alarm bells yet.
In addition, he said the 2022 FDI data is likely to have been boosted by the post-lockdown recovery that the country experienced last year, an effect that is quickly fading.
While the news has been flushed with reports of FDIs being granted approvals since the start of year, such as the RM170bil commitment by China and RM23bil pledge by Japan that was announced in July, Ferlito suggested it may be more meaningful to look at implemented FDI’s instead of just approved ones.
He said that back in April, the CME has backed a call by former second finance minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani for the setting up of a special committee under the International Trade and Industry Ministry to monitor investments in Malaysia.
“The commission would have had to monitor not only the inflow of FDIs and the approvals, but also how many get implemented, as well as the reason why some of them are not implemented and so on. It was a good proposal, and we think it deserves to regain interest,” he says.
With Anwar having called for the cutting down on red tape and striving to improve the ease of doing business, Ferlito said the Prime Minister is aware there are issues for foreign businesses to enter the country which are related with institutional arrangements.
As such, he has urged Anwar to take the lead in creating a reform process to achieve those goals of reducing red tape and increasing the ease of doing business, as advocated in the Prime Minister’s Ekonomi Madani speech.
One way to alleviate some of the costs incurred after a stroke is to review your health insurance to ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. — Freepik
A big financial impact
The aftermath of a strokr can be expensive with medicines, assistive devices, home modifications, and caregiver costs, coupled with potential loss of income.
The financial impact of a stroke can be overwhelming and unpredictable.
The lifetime cost of ischaemic strokes – which comprise over 80% of strokes and are caused by blockage of blood vessels supplying part of the brain – were estimated at US$140,481 (RM659,698).
This includes the cost of inpatient care, rehabilitation and follow-up care.
A study that looked at the cost of post-stroke outpatient care in Malaysia in 2015, found that the average total cost incurred was US$547.10 (RM2,569.18).
Of this figure, 36.6% was spent on attendant care, 25.5% on medical aids, 15.1% on travel expenses, 14.1% on medical fees and 8.5% on out-of-pocket expenses.
The main factor in the cost of post-stroke outpatient care was the severity of the stroke.
Increased costs was also associated with a haemorrhagic stroke – the other main type of stroke, which is caused by the bleeding, or haemorrhage, of a blood vessel in the brain.
Leading a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke requires a combination of self-care, medical management and lifestyle adjustments.
Here are some steps that can help:
> Follow medical advice
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medication, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
This may include taking medication as prescribed, attending rehabilitation sessions, and making changes to your diet and exercise routine.
> Manage chronic health conditions
If you have other chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s important to manage these conditions to reduce the risk of future strokes and other health complications.
> Make home modifications
Consider making modifications to your home to reduce the risk of falls and improve your safety.
This may include installing grab bars, non-slip mats and handrails.
> Use assistive devices
Assistive devices such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs, can help you maintain your mobility and independence.
> Adopt healthy habits
Adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep, can help you maintain your overall health and reduce the risk of future strokes.
> Stay socially active
Staying socially active and engaged can help reduce the risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.
Consider joining a social group or doing volunteer work.
> Manage finances
Stroke can have a significant financial impact on the family, especially if the stroke patient is the sole breadwinner.
So it’s important to manage your finances carefully.
By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lead a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke.
Managing the financial impact
As mentioned above, no doubt, one of the biggest challenges post-stroke would be the financial impact on the patient and their dependents.
Financial burdens following a stroke may be due to medical expenses and decreased income because of the inability to work, whether it is the patient themself or a family member who has to quit their job to become a full-time caregiver to the patient.
Addressing financial needs post-stroke can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:
> Review your insurance coverage
Examine your insurance coverage to make sure it includes all the necessary benefits and services, such as rehabilitation and home healthcare.
Consider speaking with an insurance specialist to ensure you are getting the most out of your coverage.
> Explore disability benefits
If you are unable to work because of stroke, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Socso provides a range of benefits for employees, including medical treatment, rehabilitation and financial assistance.
There are also many NGOs (non-governmental organisations) that offer financial assistance to stroke patients and their families, including the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam), Stroke Care Malaysia, etc.
These organisations can help with medical bills, transportation costs and other expenses related to stroke care.
> Create a budget
You and your dependents should review your daily expenses and financial commitments to see what can be adjusted to compensate for the decrease in income and increase in stroke-related expenses.
A leaner budget might have to be created for the family to follow, to ensure that you don’t go into unsustainable debt, or even bankruptcy.
What’s good for yourself
It is also important, though challenging, to develop a sense of what is good for oneself after a stroke.
Here are some methods that can help:
> Listen to your body
Pay attention to your body and how it responds to different activities and situations.
Take note of what makes you feel better or worse. and adjust your routine accordingly.
> Set realistic goals
Set achievable goals that are tailored to your abilities and interests.
This can help you build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can improve your overall well-being.
> Prioritise self-care
Make self-care a priority, including getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, as recommended by your healthcare providers.
> Seek support
Connect with others who have experienced stroke or other health challenges.
Consider joining a support group or seeking individual therapy to help you process your emotions and develop coping skills.
> Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and develop a greater sense of inner calm and well-being.
> Experiment and adjust
Be willing to experiment with different approaches to self-care and self-discovery, and be open to adjusting your routine as needed.
By focusing on self-care, seeking support, and staying open to new experiences and perspectives, stroke patients can develop a greater sense of what is good for themselves and their overall well-being.
In a nutshell, it is not impossible for a person to regain a normal life after a stroke.
The real challenge lies in how stroke survivors can manage their post-stroke life and deal with the challenges from then on effectively.
Remember, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel for stroke survivors!
Dr Lee Tze Yan is a senior lecturer in molecular medicine at Perdana University. Matthew Teo Yong Chang is an occupational therapist specialising in stroke rehabilitation and senior lecturer at Manipal University College Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games at a welcoming banquet on Saturday noon in Hangzhou, East China's Province of Zhejiang Province.
Frankly, the majority of the 289 athletes in Hangzhou will likely be making up the numbers in their respective events. - NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD
Hangzhou Asian Games expected to begin with spectacular opening ceremony
"We hope that the charm of Hangzhou can be conveyed to the world through this Asian Games." The Hangzhou Asian Games, slated to open on Saturday, September 23,2023 is expected to impress the world with a spectacular opening ceremony. #GLOBALink
Hangzhou, China – The Asian Games are finally upon us.
Delayed by a year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the 19th edition of the event is set to officially begin on Saturday in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou with a two-hour opening ceremony.
Dating back to 1951, the Games are bigger than the Olympics when it comes to the number of athletes and sports – and this year’s competition is billed as the biggest in history.
Nearly 12,500 athletes – more than ever – from 45 countries and territories will be competing across 40 sports.
“It is really a pleasure to see that, after the three years of pandemic, the interest that has been generated for these Games,” said Vinod Kumar Tiwari, acting director general of the Olympic Council of Asia.
“Because these will be the first Games that will be held without any restrictions … for the first time after the pandemic.”
The Games will be held in 56 venues, 12 of which have been newly built. The programme includes the more traditional events, such as athletics and swimming but also those which reflect Asia’s diverse sporting culture, such as sepak takraw, or kick volleyball; kabaddi, a mixture of team tag and wrestling; and wushu, a martial art.
China, as the host country, has the privilege of choosing which sports to include in the programme, with bridge, chess and Xiangqi (Chinese chess) being among the non-Olympic events featured in the schedule. Meanwhile, e-sports, breakdancing and sport climbing will be making their Games debut, in an effort to attract the interest of younger people.
0
FIFA Online 4, Street Fighter V and League of Legends are among the seven e-sport medal events.
“Together, we will celebrate the beauty and diversity of e-sports,” said Wissam Trkmani, the project and operations manager at the Olympic Council of Asia, speaking at the Road to Asian Games opening ceremony in June.
“May the Road to Asian Games be a testament to the incredible achievements and unwavering dedication of e-sports athletes in Asia.”
The Games will see participants competing for 481 gold medals across 15 days.
India’s javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is arguably the biggest star to look out for at the event. He won India’s first track-and-field Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and became the world champion in August.
Chopra, who also won the Asian Games title in 2018, has 6.2 million fans on Instagram which makes him the most followed athletics star other than Usain Bolt who retired in 2017.
Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim is the Olympic high-jump champion and will go in search of a third Asian Games title after winning gold in both 2010 and 2014.
The star of the 2018 Asian Games, Riako Ikee, will also be one of the big names to watch as swimming takes centre stage in the first week of competition.
Ikee won six gold medals for Japan in the previous Asian Games hosted by Indonesia and became the first female athlete to be named the Asian Games MVP.
She was then diagnosed with leukaemia but fought back to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
China has topped every Asian Games medal table since 1982 and is sending an 886-strong team to Hangzhou, including 13-year-old skateboarder Cui Chenxi and 60-year-old bridge player Dai Jianming.
“Be good hosts, conduct extensive friendly exchanges and demonstrate our country’s good image of reform and opening up, economic development, and social progress to Asian and international communities,” said China’s director of the National Sports Bureau, Gao Zhidan, at the team’s launch.
Gao also called for the athletes to “bring glory to the country, and fully demonstrate the immense power of China’s modern sports practice.”
Among China’s most likely medal hopefuls is swimmer Zhang Yufei.
The Olympic champion won the 100-metre butterfly at the world championships in Fukuoka earlier this year and will compete for up to seven golds in Hangzhou.
Her compatriot – 19-year-old rising star Pan Zhanle – is a favourite to win the 100-metre freestyle, having already lowered the Asian record twice in 2023.
The host nation is expected to dominate the diving events, as well as table tennis with two world number ones, Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha, both going for gold.
In badminton, fans will treated to two newly crowned world champions: Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn and An Seyoung of South Korea.
There is also great excitement for a potential clash between great cricket rivals India and Pakistan, after the former sent a team to the Asian Games for the first time.
The closing ceremony on October 8 will include the handover to Japan before the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games. Qatar will host the Asian Games in 2030.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the highly expected 19th Asian Games to be in Hangzhou from Friday to Saturday and will hold a welcoming banquet and bilateral ...
No one will doubt the level of organization and the splendor of the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Final Rehearsal for 19th Asian Games Opening Ceremony Held in Hangzhou
https://youtu.be/qsR9OML0u0w?si=OAafEY4L6fUTBPTN
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture
By Deng Zijun and Zhang MingyuePublished: Sep 12, 2023 10:37 PM
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GTD
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Hangzhou Asian Games (globaltimes.cn)
Hangzhou Asian Games expected to begin with spectacular opening ceremony
"We hope that the charm of Hangzhou can be conveyed to the world through this Asian Games." The Hangzhou Asian Games, slated to open on Saturday, September 23,2023 is expected to impress the world with a spectacular opening ceremony. #GLOBALink
Hangzhou, China – The Asian Games are finally upon us.
Delayed by a year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the 19th edition of the event is set to officially begin on Saturday in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou with a two-hour opening ceremony.
Dating back to 1951, the Games are bigger than the Olympics when it comes to the number of athletes and sports – and this year’s competition is billed as the biggest in history.
Nearly 12,500 athletes – more than ever – from 45 countries and territories will be competing across 40 sports.
“It is really a pleasure to see that, after the three years of pandemic, the interest that has been generated for these Games,” said Vinod Kumar Tiwari, acting director general of the Olympic Council of Asia.
“Because these will be the first Games that will be held without any restrictions … for the first time after the pandemic.”
The Games will be held in 56 venues, 12 of which have been newly built. The programme includes the more traditional events, such as athletics and swimming but also those which reflect Asia’s diverse sporting culture, such as sepak takraw, or kick volleyball; kabaddi, a mixture of team tag and wrestling; and wushu, a martial art.
China, as the host country, has the privilege of choosing which sports to include in the programme, with bridge, chess and Xiangqi (Chinese chess) being among the non-Olympic events featured in the schedule. Meanwhile, e-sports, breakdancing and sport climbing will be making their Games debut, in an effort to attract the interest of younger people.
0
FIFA Online 4, Street Fighter V and League of Legends are among the seven e-sport medal events.
“Together, we will celebrate the beauty and diversity of e-sports,” said Wissam Trkmani, the project and operations manager at the Olympic Council of Asia, speaking at the Road to Asian Games opening ceremony in June.
“May the Road to Asian Games be a testament to the incredible achievements and unwavering dedication of e-sports athletes in Asia.”
The Games will see participants competing for 481 gold medals across 15 days.
India’s javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is arguably the biggest star to look out for at the event. He won India’s first track-and-field Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and became the world champion in August.
Chopra, who also won the Asian Games title in 2018, has 6.2 million fans on Instagram which makes him the most followed athletics star other than Usain Bolt who retired in 2017.
Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim is the Olympic high-jump champion and will go in search of a third Asian Games title after winning gold in both 2010 and 2014.
The star of the 2018 Asian Games, Riako Ikee, will also be one of the big names to watch as swimming takes centre stage in the first week of competition.
Ikee won six gold medals for Japan in the previous Asian Games hosted by Indonesia and became the first female athlete to be named the Asian Games MVP.
She was then diagnosed with leukaemia but fought back to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
China has topped every Asian Games medal table since 1982 and is sending an 886-strong team to Hangzhou, including 13-year-old skateboarder Cui Chenxi and 60-year-old bridge player Dai Jianming.
“Be good hosts, conduct extensive friendly exchanges and demonstrate our country’s good image of reform and opening up, economic development, and social progress to Asian and international communities,” said China’s director of the National Sports Bureau, Gao Zhidan, at the team’s launch.
Gao also called for the athletes to “bring glory to the country, and fully demonstrate the immense power of China’s modern sports practice.”
Among China’s most likely medal hopefuls is swimmer Zhang Yufei.
The Olympic champion won the 100-metre butterfly at the world championships in Fukuoka earlier this year and will compete for up to seven golds in Hangzhou.
Her compatriot – 19-year-old rising star Pan Zhanle – is a favourite to win the 100-metre freestyle, having already lowered the Asian record twice in 2023.
The host nation is expected to dominate the diving events, as well as table tennis with two world number ones, Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha, both going for gold.
In badminton, fans will treated to two newly crowned world champions: Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn and An Seyoung of South Korea.
There is also great excitement for a potential clash between great cricket rivals India and Pakistan, after the former sent a team to the Asian Games for the first time.
The closing ceremony on October 8 will include the handover to Japan before the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games. Qatar will host the Asian Games in 2030.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the highly expected 19th Asian Games to be in Hangzhou from Friday to Saturday and will hold a welcoming banquet and bilateral ...
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture
By Deng Zijun and Zhang MingyuePublished: Sep 12, 2023 10:37 PM
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
When Hangzhou Asian Games meets Chinese culture Graphic: Deng Zijun/GT
