Monday, 30 March 2026

Author: Datuk Dr John Lau Pan Heng

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

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