Author: Datuk Dr John Lau Pan Heng

SST expansion: Will ordinary Malaysians bear the burden?

THE recent announcement by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), effective July 1, 2025, has sparked public concern – especially among citizens already struggling with the rising cost of living. While the government argues that the revised SST will improve fiscal

Matriculation meritocracy: A fine line between excellence and exclusion

IN a significant move that has reignited debate over fairness in our education system, the Ministry of Education recently announced that only students who scored straight A+ or A in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) would be automatically offered places in the matriculation programme. This change marks a notable tightening

Is it time to raise the retirement age?

RECENTLY, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), proposed raising the mandatory retirement age for Malaysian civil servants from 60 to 65. The proposal has sparked national debate. On May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim called for a comprehensive

Four Square Farming: A possible game-changer for Sarawak’s agriculture

HAVING been born and raised on a farm, agriculture has always been a part of me. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how to build a sustainable future for my family by implementing the Four Square Farming concept.  This week, I will discuss about a possible game-changer for our agriculture, Sarawak,

Breaking the silence: Domestic violence as a community emergency

DOMESTIC violence remains a pressing social issue in Malaysia, cutting across ethnicity, income levels, and geographic boundaries. Despite legal advancements such as the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (amended in 2012) and recent improvements in reporting mechanisms, countless victims, particularly in Sarawak, continue to suffer in silence. On May 2, 2025,

Power of branding: Why businesses need a strong identity

IN today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, branding is a necessity and no longer a luxury.  Whether you are a startup, a small business, or a multinational corporation, your brand is the foundation of your success. It’s more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it’s the emotional and psychological relationship you

AI in academia: Tool of future or threat to integrity?

IN the halls of modern education, artificial intelligence (AI) has entered like a bold new student – eager, promising, but not without controversy. Once confined to science fiction and tech labs, AI is now becoming an integral part of the academic world. From automated grading systems and intelligent tutoring to

The Importance of Communication in Our Lives

Communication is the heartbeat of human connection. From the moment we are born, we begin to express ourselves — through cries, gestures, words, and eventually, complex conversations. Whether verbal or non-verbal, digital or face-to-face, communication is a core skill that defines our ability to connect, influence, lead, and succeed. In

AI and Its Impact on the Economy

JUST a decade ago, the term “Artificial Intelligence” or AI sounded like a concept from a sci-fi movie. Today, it’s embedded in our daily lives – suggesting the next show to watch on Netflix, powering virtual assistants like Siri, or driving real-time translation tools.But AI isn’t just a cool tech

The importance of health insurance in our life

HEALTH is wealth, and this age-old adage rings especially true in today’s world where medical costs are rising, and public healthcare systems are under increasing strain. In Sarawak, a state rich in culture and natural resources but challenged by geographical and infrastructural complexities, access to quality healthcare remains a critical