Rightways to Success

Wednesday, 28 December 2022

US politicians get jittery about TikTok’s tech, rising influence

Some Biden administration officials are pushing for the sale of TikTok's US branch, citing the so-called security concerns over the company's operations in the country, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

One couldn't help but raise the suspicion that behind the so-called reasons of protecting US national security is the untold, hidden intention to seize Chinese technology.

While a forced sale may just be a proposal for discussion by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, there is no denying that TikTok has been increasingly cornered in the US. This is not because its commercial operation has run into problems, but because it has faced growing political coercion from anti-China politicians in Washington.

At least 15 states across the US have banned TikTok on government devices in the past month. Many federal agencies, including the White House and the departments of defense, homeland security and state, have already banned TikTok from government-owned devices. The latest funding bill passed by the US Congress last week includes a measure banning TikTok from devices used by federal employees.

Two weeks ago, anti-China senators including Marco Rubio announced a legislation bid to block all transactions from any social media company "in or under the influence" of China and Russia, which could kick TikTok out of the US if the bill were to become law.

All of these bans or legislative efforts are on the grounds of the so-called national security threat. Without any solid evidence or proof, the charge has been frequently used by the US government in cracking down on TikTok for quite some time.

Former US President Donald Trump once attempted to force ByteDance to sell TikTok to US companies two years ago, but a US federal judge blocked the attempt, and further bids to argue the case were dropped when the Biden administration came to power.

Yet, as TikTok has gained a larger market share amid a challenging business climate, there has been a menacing resurfacing of national security risks, which offers a glimpse into the deterioration of regulatory environment in the US.

It is doubtful how much US national security is at stake that precipitated Washiington's crackdown on TikTok. Instead, it looks increasingly like a robbery of others' technology.

A report published by GroupM, a media buying agency owned by WPP, estimated earlier this month that TikTok doubled its advertising revenues in 2022, becoming the only big social media platform to garner rising advertising revenues this year, beating rivals like Meta and Snap.

What Washington cares about is not whether TikTok is free of security concerns, but the sheer commercial interests behind the rapid rise of TikTok. To put it bluntly, the US government never appeared interested in offering any solution to the so-called security problem.

The US use of government power to stigmatize or try to rob TikTok is nothing but a Washington driven effort to maintain its global hegemony. If anything, unfair treatments the company received in the US market have been sufficient enough to hurt its reputation and increase the political risks in the eyes of the investors and advertisers, which will inevitably squeeze the country's future development space.

To put it another way, it shows that Washington simply cannot allow a foreign company to grow competitive enough to challenge its American peers.

The reason why TikTok has been targeted by the US is because it represents the rise of a new algorithmic technology that has enabled it to become the most successful app in the world in recent years. This is the representative of Chinese high-tech companies gaining an advantage in international markets through their own innovations.

Indeed, when the former Trump administration tried to push through a forced sale of TikTok in 2020, China introduced a new export regulation requiring Beijing's approval for certain technology transfers, including recommendation algorithms. And it is beyond doubt that China will protect its own core technologies and will not allow technology robbery by any party.

Source link

Biz Quick Take: Morrison’s TikTok flip-flop sums up his bizarre act toward China

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had an unexpected Christmas "present" by joining TikTok, a popular Chinese-owned social media ...

White House turns TikTok influencers into US govt-affiliated propaganda tool

The US often accuses countries like China and Russia of using social media as propaganda tools. But it's ...

TikTok owner denies setting up a subsidiary on the island of Taiwan

ByteDance, the Chinese owner of popular short-video platform TikTok, denied media reports which claim the Beijing-headquartered internet company ...

US hegemony: the culprit of Ukraine crisis, benefiting from Ukraine’s misfortune

Cold War schemer: Reminiscing in its past ‘victory,’ US brings color revolutions to 21st century to maintain its hegemony

Monday, 26 December 2022

Malaysia faces brain drain in every skilled sector, officials say

Mushrooming of medical schools due to lack of foresight, says PSM chief

PSM chief says the government must take the blame for what he called a “messy situation” that resulted from its decision 20 years ago to start licensing too many medical schools.

Niaga AWANI: Wakeup Call | Brain drain is only a symptom

We speak to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) EMIR Research, Dr Rais Hussin on brain drain phenomenon.

Brain Drain - Malaysia

Cause for concern: Dr Noor Hisham said the migration of health professionals was fuelled by many reasons, including economic factors. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star

Migration of health professionals was fuelled by many reasons, including economic factors. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Brain drain is everywhere, says DG - The Star

Docs seeking greener pastures away from home

Private healthcare experts: Give doctors the chance to advance

Plugging the brain drain | The Star

‘The Doctors Are Not Okay’: Ipoh Timor MP https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2022/12/23/the-doctors-are-not-okay-ipoh-timor-mp/

PETALING JAYA - Malaysia’s healthcare sector is not the only one facing a brain drain as other skilled sectors are facing the same problem, top officials say, as they responded to comments by a leading academic that the country’s top university loses at least 30 of its best medical graduates to Singapore every year.

New Health Minister Zaliha Mustafa said the brain drain is definitely a loss, but insisted that the right skills be inculcated to ensure that Malaysians continue to receive the highest quality services.

She said she was aware of the recommendations of the Human Resources for Health Strategy of her predecessors, including on the recruitment of doctors, improving the quality of training with clearer career pathways and improving their working conditions.

Health director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Friday: “The issue of brain drain cuts across the workforce. It’s across all specialities, not only in the medical field.”

On complaints by medical students of poor working conditions, bullying, low wages, as well as inadequate training and career opportunities, he said there was no guarantee that migration would stop even if these issues ceased.

He said the migration of health professionals was fuelled by many reasons, including economic factors.

“Singapore’s currency is three times better than ours. Many Johoreans cross over to work in Singapore, so can the same argument be used?

“Even Singapore’s healthcare system has a similar issue with its citizens migrating elsewhere like to Australia,” he added.

The issue of brain loss was raised on Thursday by Professor Adeeba Kamarulzaman, who said the top college, Universiti Malaya, loses at least 30 of its best and brightest medical graduates to Singapore every year.

The professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Universiti Malaya’s medical faculty said in a tweet on Thursday that the brain drain will continue if nothing is done to address issues such as a lack of clear training and career pathways for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals

A male nurse working in Singapore told The Star that working in the Republic provided him the opportunity to gain wider experience.

“Singapore practises international standards and if I want to find jobs in Australia, New Zealand or even the United Kingdom, it will be easy for me,” he said, adding that nurses in Singapore undergo procedure competency courses frequently.

Malaysian Medical Association president Muruga Raj Rajathurai said the government needed to take steps to provide better career prospects in terms of career advancement and remuneration.

“Better pay is among the main reasons the junior doctors are leaving to work abroad. It doesn’t help that the cost of living has gone up in the country.

“Issues such as the contract system, permanent positions and even burnout need to be resolved or doctors will lose hope in the system and leave for greener pastures,” he said on Friday.

National Association of Human Resources Malaysia president Zarina Ismail, who runs a recruitment agency, said her firm found employment for qualified Malaysians such as nurses, doctors, lecturers and oil and gas professionals to work overseas.

“Many of the nurses say they don’t make enough here to have any savings at the end of the month.

“That is why they choose to look for jobs in countries like Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, where they can earn RM12,000 (S$3,700) monthly,” she said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Source link

What you can do with an MBBS

Malaysia needs structural reforms says global investor

Middle-income trap, brain drain and high public service spending among Malaysia’s risks

Investing in minds to stop brain drain

Beijing lures back foreign graduates with lucrative offers

Merry Christmas Holiday fitness hacks

Holiday fitness hacks The festive season usually means diets and workouts are out the window, but to assuage your guilt, try these tips to moderate the eating and get a little exercise in.

Chewing gum can actually help reduce food cravings and appetite, so pop some in after you’ve eaten enough at the party. — AFP

ONCE again, Christmas is here.

Your diet and workout may go out the window today, but never mind; it’s a day to find some merriment to light up your heart.

Even if you’re not celebrating Christmas, everyone can savour the holiday and hope that present troubles will pass.

As Malaysians, no doubt the first thing we want to do is get together and feast today – and this activity will probably continue until 2023 rings in.

Excessive eating is one of the main reasons for the additional weight gain, but it is also due to lack of physical activity and exercise.

After bingeing on good food and drinks, we feel guilty and sign up for gym memberships – a new year, a new start.

That’s what we’d like to believe anyway! But, instead of going downhill speedily, why not put your brakes on and glide steadily down the slope for a softer landing?

Try these useful tips to stay fit this holiday season.

Eat before heading out

There will be plenty of parties, dinners, lunches and gatherings, even if they are small ones.

So, eat something before leaving home so that you won’t be tempted to overeat there.

Some people prefer to skip their meals for the day to enjoy the festive spreads later, but that only means you will be enticed to eat more and thwart your digestion.

Foregoing meals actually leads to faster weight gain.

If you have a lot of invitations, eat smaller meals and chew food well.

Remember, the slower you eat, the faster you’ll feel full.

Fill up on salads and veggies

Chances are, if you are at a big party, there will be a variety of dishes to choose from.

Fill up at least half your plate with salads (minimise the dressing) and veggies (potatoes don’t count) as these choices contain very few calories and sugar.

Also, sit further away from the food, especially desserts, so that you have to get up and walk to get second or third helpings. Every little walking step counts!

It also helps prevent you from continuing to pick at a certain food just because it is in front of you.

Load up on water

Drink a lot of water to satiate your appetite and keep hydrated.

It will also prevent a possible hangover if you go overboard with the alcohol.

A dry mouth and a nagging headache are classic symptoms of dehydration.

As a rule of thumb, experts recommend drinking one full glass of water for every alcoholic beverage that you consume.

Bear in mind to drink moderately, and if you’re driving, definitely stick to non-alcoholic beverages.

If you do have one too many alcoholic beverages, have a glass of warm water with lemon or a green tea the next morning.

This will help to activate your system and begin any detoxification process needed.

Also, just prior to going out, have something like some yoghurt and a banana – the protein contained in them slows down stomach digestion, and the potassium will assist in balancing out any salty foods that might exacerbate dehydration.

Many Christmas treats and snacks are full of salt or sugar, which tends to throw your metabolism completely out of balance (including when it come to alcohol), so nibble instead of gobble.

Chew gum after meals

If you chew gum after tucking into your meal, that minty fresh taste and the action of chewing will help you avoid going back for more helpings, even if you’re still hungry.

A few small studies have shown that chewing gum can help reduce cravings and appetite, as well as shave calories.

Research conducted by the University of Rhode Island, United States, found that people who chewed gum every day consumed 68 fewer calories and did not bingeeat later.

Plus, gum chewers actually burned about 5% more calories than non-gum chewers.

Go ahead, chew gum when you have the urge to snack and right after your meals to prevent mindless munching.

However, note that chewing gum can also lead to swallowing air, which can cause bloating, so if you are prone to getting “wind” in your tummy, ignore this tip.

Get out of the house

Fret not if you don’t receive any invitations this year as many are struggling to make ends meet.

Allocate time for family and perhaps plan some outdoor activities that do not involve costs.

Maybe a hike in the forest, a picnic in the park, a frolic in the playground or a walk about town – if the weather permits.

All these will help burn calories while keeping the children entertained.

Squeeze in some strength training

Staying active and maintaining a semblance of an exercise routine may seem like an impossible task with a calendar full of holiday parties and family obligations. But it can be done.

Plan to exercise in the morning before starting your day, when there are minimal distractions.

To maintain the muscle mass that you’ve worked so hard to build, perform your strength-training exercises as you can burn just as many calories as a cardiovascular workout in a shorter span of time. No weights?

No problem, just use your own bodyweight – 20 minutes daily or every other day is enough during this period.

Here are some examples of exercises you can do:

> One-minute jumping jacks and/or marching on the spot with knees high (to warm up).

> Twenty parallel squats.

> Twenty walking lunges.

> A one-minute plank.

> Ten push-ups.

> Twenty bicycle crunches.

> Twenty tricep dips.

> Twenty duck squats (with legs separated and feet turned out).

Opting for meat dishes at the parties and buffets might even mean you will gain some extra muscle – definitely much better than gaining some extra fat!

So, stay healthy, indulge a little bit, keep your face masks on in crowded areas, and as Ella Fitzgerald would sing, Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

See you next year!

RevMathi urugappan is a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com. my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

The Star Malaysia 25 Dec 2022REVATHI MURUGAPPAN starhealth@thestar.com.my

Source link

CORONARY STENTS AND HEART HEALTH - The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2022/12/25/coronary-stents-and-heart-health

Angioplasty and Stent Placement for the Heart

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org › health › angioplast...

Related posts