KUALA LUMPUR: A 22-year-old Sarawakian student was looking forward to a new life in university in Australia when everything fell apart around her. The student, who wished to be known as Lim, claimed she had paid RM12,800 to an agency that was supposed to arrange for her admission to university as well as accommodation, insurance, student visa and flight ticket to Sydney in January. Lim, who wanted to study for a diploma in Hospitality Management, found an advertisement promoting the agency’s services on Facebook. She called the agency, apparently based in Penang, and spoke to someone named Lyn. “Lyn told me it would cost about RM20,000 to get me into the education programme. She even offered to get me a part-time job once I reach Australia,“ she told a press conference at the office of MCA Public Complaints and Bureau head Datuk Seri Michael Chong today. But when she did not hear from the agency after a few weeks, she contacted the college and was told that her name … [Read more...] about Scammers rip-off student’s dream of studying in Australia
Facon education fair
All things education with my cousin Sonny
All things education with my cousin Sonny It’s no secret that my biggest advocacy is education. Since 2009, I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest leaders whose education agendas have transformed Philippine education for the better. Just recently I had the chance to chat with my cousin Sonny Angara on his aspirations for a better Philippines by empowering the youth through education and sports. This was really exciting for me as it reminded me of the days when the late SEJA, as we fondly called Senator Edgardo Angara, shared his “pearls” of wisdom to me and to those who’s heart was in education. On the other hand, however, because Sonny and I are more or less in the same generation, it was even more exciting to exchange thoughts as equals. All throughout my career, beginning as a humble teacher, my passion for education grew stronger up to the point where I got the chance to share my learnings from experts on … [Read more...] about All things education with my cousin Sonny
‘Great journalism holds the mirror to our souls’
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By Kathy English Public Editor Thu., May 2, 2019 Why does journalism matter? I asked. You answered. In anticipation of today’s World News Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the power of journalism to make a difference in people’s lives, I asked for your perspectives on why journalism matters to you. The responses, as always when I reach out to Star readers for your views were (for the most part) thoughtful and constructive, showing tremendous insight into the value of the public service mission of journalism and deep appreciation both for journalism’s purpose in our democracy and for the work of journalists who aspire to journalism’s highest ideals. Thank you to all who participated. Here is some of why you believe #NewsMatters: Good journalism speaks truth in the face of lies, without fear or prejudice. When the public is confused by those with powerful self-interest, then the duty of the journalist is to lay bare the facts as (s)he … [Read more...] about ‘Great journalism holds the mirror to our souls’
Education Minister Lisa Thompson calls teacher unions ‘irresponsible’ for not bargaining early
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By Kristin Rushowy Queen's Park Bureau Tues., April 30, 2019 Education Minister Lisa Thompson says education unions are being “irresponsible” for not coming to the bargaining table early, as she has asked. Apart from Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF), no other unions have served notice to bargain. But the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association accused Thompson of playing games, saying there’s no point in bargaining while the education ministry continues to consult on issues like class size. In a statement issued Tuesday, Thompson said the government “took the unprecedented step this month of providing teachers’ unions with an opportunity to start early good faith bargaining to allow labour negotiations to conclude in time to ensure our students will be in classes, where they belong, in September.” With current agreements expiring at the end of August — a practice that was formally put in place … [Read more...] about Education Minister Lisa Thompson calls teacher unions ‘irresponsible’ for not bargaining early
The Big Read: Singapore’s voyeurism problem – what’s wrong with men, or the world?
SINGAPORE: Every time freelance writer Clare Lee, 27, uses a changing room when trying on clothes in fashion outlets big and small, she will take a few minutes to inspect every nook and cranny in her cubicle for hidden cameras before feeling safe enough to undress herself.For 27-year-old Fiona, who did not want to give her full name, she will always double-check that the curtains in her bedroom or hotel are fully drawn such that there is not even a teeny-weeny gap for anyone to peek through, and steer clear of unattended baskets in supermarkets.Freelance content creator Hilary See, 27, would refrain from standing near the edge of the escalator where people can look up her skirt, and try to use either a bag or a file to cover the back of her skirt while climbing the stairs.With spycams and phone cameras taking voyeurism to unsavoury new heights, these women are among a growing number of people who have taken extra precautions to protect themselves and their private spaces.As Fiona, … [Read more...] about The Big Read: Singapore’s voyeurism problem – what’s wrong with men, or the world?