Friday, 5 December 2025

Author: Datuk Dr John Lau Pan Heng

Retirement savings and income planning in Sarawak

Introduction Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial security, ensuring that individuals can maintain their standard of living once they stop working. In Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, retirement planning involves multiple factors including savings, investments and government-supported pension schemes. As Malaysia undergoes demographic and economic changes, proper retirement planning

Ethics and conduct while driving on the road

OVER the past few weeks, I have encountered numerous unethical road users — drivers who fail to embody the principle of “Love Thy Neighbour.” Such behaviour goes against my personal philosophy. When using public roads, we must be considerate of others, not only to maintain a smooth traffic flow but

The Impact of Entrepreneurship on the Economy

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with professors from leading economic institutions in the United Kingdom. Our discussion centred on the impact of entrepreneurship on a nation’s economy, with a particular focus on Sarawak. Inspired by these insights, this week, I will explore the role of entrepreneurship in driving

Importance of life insurance coverage

Introduction Life insurance is a critical financial tool that provides security and peace of mind to individuals and their families. Sarawak is known for its rich cultural diversity and natural resources; life insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding the financial future of its residents. Despite its importance, many people

Is financial literacy a concern?

FINNACIAL literacy — the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills — plays a pivotal role in promoting economic stability and individual well-being. In Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, financial literacy levels are uneven, reflecting both opportunities and challenges faced by its diverse population. This report explores the state of financial

Understanding and prevention

Introduction I came across a front-page report in the Sarawak Tribune highlighting the threat of AI fraud. It reminded me of the extensive research I have conducted over the past years. Today, I would like to share insights on this topic to help readers understand its concept and how to

Urban and Rural Communication Gaps

INTRODUCTION Communication is a fundamental aspect of societal development, playing a critical role in economic growth, social cohesion, and governance. In 2020, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) mentioned that in Sarawak, a significant communication gap persisted between urban and rural areas, creating disparities in access to information, opportunities,

Accreditation: Key to recognised academic value

THERE are a series of advertisements on social media from institutions of higher learning, especially those offering online programmes. Many provide scholarships ranging from 30% to 50% for prospective students. The fees may seem appealing, but I urge anyone considering an MBA, PhD, or DBA to verify whether the institutions

Coping with the Cost of Living

The cost of living in Sarawak has been steadily increasing due to factors such as inflation, economic fluctuations, and rising demand for goods and services. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2024, the Sarawak inflation rate rose by 1.8% compared to November 2024 where the  Malaysia’s  CPI

How scammers exploit their victims

SCAMMERS have become increasingly skilled at using social media to target their victims, and one of their most common tactics involves offering fraudulent loans. They typically advertise low-interest loans, claiming to be agents representing reputable banks. To make their schemes appear credible, these scammers create professional-looking social media profiles. Their