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We are witnessing a significant transformation in the way we learn, and this is particularly true in Malaysia. Online learning is becoming increasingly popular, and this trend is expected to continue well into the future. In this article, we will explore the future of online learning in Malaysia and how it is likely to shape the education landscape in the coming years.

Online Learning – A Growing Trend in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning across the globe, including in Malaysia. With schools and universities forced to shut down due to the pandemic, educators had to pivot quickly to online learning to ensure students did not miss out on their education.

This shift has led to a surge in demand for online learning, and it is a trend that is likely to continue even after the pandemic is over. Online learning has many advantages, including the ability to learn at your own pace and the flexibility to study from anywhere, at any time. With increasing internet penetration rates and the availability of affordable devices, online learning has become more accessible than ever before.

The Future of Online Learning in Malaysia

The future of online learning in Malaysia is promising. With the government’s push towards a digital economy, there is a renewed focus on technology and innovation in education. This focus is expected to lead to increased investment in online learning platforms and the development of new technologies to enhance the learning experience.

One of the most significant trends in online learning is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn by personalizing the learning experience to each student’s needs. This means that students can learn at their own pace, with the content tailored to their individual learning style.

Another significant trend is the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR). These technologies allow students to immerse themselves in the learning experience, making it more engaging and interactive. VR and AR are particularly useful in fields such as science and engineering, where students can simulate experiments and explore complex concepts in a safe and controlled environment.

The Benefits of Online Learning

1. Online learning offers many benefits that traditional classroom-based learning cannot match. These include:

• Flexibility – Students can study at their own pace, and from anywhere, at any time.

• Affordability – Online courses are often more affordable than traditional classroom-based courses, making education more accessible to everyone.

• Personalization – AI can personalize the learning experience to each student’s needs, making it more effective.

• Interactivity – VR and AR make the learning experience more engaging and interactive, leading to better learning outcomes.

Conclusion

The future of online learning in Malaysia is bright, with increasing investment in technology and innovation in education. Online learning offers many benefits over traditional classroom-based learning, including flexibility, affordability, personalization, and interactivity. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of online learning in the years to come.

The 21st century office workplace is evolving rapidly, and the importance of office furniture cannot be overstated. In today’s world, the office is no longer just a place where employees come to work, but it is a place where creativity, collaboration, and innovation can thrive. With the right office furniture, you can create an environment that is conducive to productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall success. In this article, we will explore the importance of office furniture in the 21st century office workplace.

At the heart of every successful business is a well-designed office space. The right office furniture can help create an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Employees spend a significant amount of time in the office, and their comfort and well-being should be a top priority for any business. Ergonomic office chairs, adjustable desks, and other ergonomic furniture can help reduce the risk of injuries and discomfort associated with long hours of sitting.

Furthermore, the right office furniture can also have a significant impact on employee productivity. For example, having adjustable desks can help employees stay alert and focused throughout the day. Comfortable chairs and workstations can also help reduce stress and fatigue, leading to increased productivity and better work performance.

Office furniture can also play a critical role in creating a positive company culture. Modern and stylish furniture can help create a welcoming and inviting environment that can help attract and retain top talent. Furthermore, companies that invest in their office spaces show their employees that they value their well-being and are willing to invest in their success.

The importance of office furniture goes beyond just employee satisfaction and productivity. It can also have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. Investing in high-quality office furniture can help reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs. Durable furniture can withstand years of use, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

When choosing office furniture, it’s essential to consider the needs of your employees and the nature of your business. A creative agency may require more comfortable and informal furniture that fosters collaboration and creativity, while a law firm may require more traditional and formal furniture that exudes professionalism and trustworthiness.

In conclusion, the importance of office furniture in the 21st century office workplace cannot be overstated. The right office furniture can help create an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and productivity. It can also have a significant impact on employee satisfaction, company culture, and a company’s bottom line. Investing in high-quality office furniture is a smart business decision that can help businesses succeed and thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

Venture capital funding is crucial for any business, especially startups, to grow and expand. It helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality and take their businesses to the next level. However, securing venture capital funding in Malaysia can be challenging, especially for first-time founders. In this article, we will explore the various challenges of venture capital funding in Malaysia and provide some insights on how to overcome them.

Lack of Awareness

One of the significant challenges that entrepreneurs face when trying to secure venture capital funding in Malaysia is a lack of awareness about the venture capital industry. Many entrepreneurs are not aware of the process, the requirements, and the expectations of venture capitalists. As a result, they may not know how to prepare and present their business plan to potential investors, which can lead to rejections.

To overcome this challenge, entrepreneurs should take the time to research and learn about the venture capital industry in Malaysia. They should attend workshops, seminars, and networking events to get a better understanding of the process and requirements. Additionally, entrepreneurs should seek advice from experienced investors and other entrepreneurs who have successfully secured venture capital funding in Malaysia.

Lack of Track Record

Another challenge that entrepreneurs face is a lack of track record. Venture capitalists in Malaysia prefer to invest in companies that have a proven track record of success. However, for first-time founders, this can be a significant hurdle. Without a track record, it can be challenging to convince investors to take a chance on their business.

To overcome this challenge, entrepreneurs should focus on building a strong team, developing a solid business plan, and demonstrating a clear understanding of their target market. Additionally, entrepreneurs should be transparent about their business goals and strategies and be prepared to answer any questions that potential investors may have.

Limited Market Size

Malaysia’s market size is relatively small compared to other countries in the region. As a result, many venture capitalists are hesitant to invest in companies that only target the Malaysian market. This can be challenging for entrepreneurs who want to focus on building their business in Malaysia first before expanding to other countries.

To overcome this challenge, entrepreneurs should consider targeting niche markets within Malaysia that have high growth potential. Additionally, entrepreneurs should demonstrate a clear understanding of the local market and how they plan to scale their business in Malaysia and beyond.

Regulatory and Legal Hurdles

Entrepreneurs in Malaysia also face various regulatory and legal hurdles when trying to secure venture capital funding. The regulatory environment in Malaysia is complex and can be challenging for entrepreneurs to navigate. Additionally, there are various legal requirements that entrepreneurs must comply with when raising capital, which can be time-consuming and costly.

To overcome this challenge, entrepreneurs should seek advice from experienced lawyers and consultants who specialize in venture capital funding in Malaysia. Additionally, entrepreneurs should ensure that they comply with all regulatory and legal requirements and have all the necessary documents and agreements in place before approaching potential investors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing venture capital funding in Malaysia can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Entrepreneurs who take the time to research and learn about the venture capital industry, focus on building a strong team and developing a solid business plan, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the local market and regulatory environment, will be better equipped to secure the funding they need to take their business to the next level.

The world of finance is constantly evolving, with new instruments and products emerging on a regular basis. One such innovation that has gained considerable traction in recent years is the Sukuk, a type of Islamic bond that is rapidly gaining popularity globally. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Malaysian Sukuk and explore why it may be a superior alternative to traditional financing options.

What is the Malaysian Sukuk?

The Malaysian Sukuk is a type of bond that is structured in compliance with Islamic financial principles. This means that the bond is free from riba (interest), gharar (uncertainty), and maysir (gambling), which are all prohibited in Islamic finance. Instead, the Sukuk is structured as a joint investment between the issuer and the investors, with profits and losses shared according to a predetermined ratio.

The Malaysian Sukuk is unique in that it is backed by tangible assets, such as real estate or infrastructure projects. This provides investors with a higher level of security compared to traditional bonds, as they have a tangible asset backing their investment. Additionally, the Malaysian government has established a strong framework for the issuance and regulation of Sukuk, making it a highly attractive option for both issuers and investors.

The Advantages of Investing in Malaysian Sukuk

There are several reasons why the Malaysian Sukuk may be a superior alternative to traditional financing options:

Shari’ah Compliance – The Malaysian Sukuk is structured in compliance with Islamic financial principles, making it a suitable option for investors who are looking for investments that align with their religious beliefs.

Asset Backing – As mentioned earlier, the Malaysian Sukuk is backed by tangible assets, providing investors with a higher level of security compared to traditional bonds.

Strong Government Support – The Malaysian government has established a strong framework for the issuance and regulation of Sukuk, making it a highly attractive option for both issuers and investors.

High Credit Ratings – The Malaysian government and its institutions have strong credit ratings, which provide a high level of confidence for investors.

Competitive Returns – The Malaysian Sukuk offers competitive returns compared to traditional bonds, making it an attractive option for investors who are looking to maximize their returns.

The Future of Malaysian Sukuk

Given the many advantages of the Malaysian Sukuk, it is clear that this innovative financing instrument is here to stay. As the demand for Shari’ah-compliant financing options continues to grow, we can expect to see the Malaysian Sukuk gain even more popularity in the coming years.

Furthermore, the Malaysian government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of the Sukuk market, with a number of initiatives aimed at promoting its growth and competitiveness. This bodes well for the future of the Malaysian Sukuk, and investors who are looking for a secure, attractive, and Shari’ah-compliant investment option should certainly consider this innovative financing instrument.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Malaysian Sukuk represents a superior alternative to traditional financing options for investors who are looking for investments that align with their religious beliefs, provide a high level of security, and offer competitive returns. With strong government support and a proven track record of success, the Malaysian Sukuk is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the coming years.

Fish processing processes produce wastewater, that comprises active organic contaminating microbes in colloidal, soluble, and particle form, similar to other processing businesses. The degree of contaminants varies depending on the procedure. It might be light, moderate, or substantial.

Need of aquaculture water treatment

Varied fish species require a different set of water quality characteristics to survive, thrive, and reproduce, thus why aquaculture water treatment is important for sustainable fish farming. Each type does have its optimum range or the range where it works best, within certain tolerance limits. Thus, fish farmers must guarantee that the chemical and physical conditions of the water stay as close to ideal as feasible for the fish within their care at all times.

Fish will have poor growth, irregular behavior, illness symptoms, and parasite infestations if they are kept outside of these ideal parameters. Fish mortality may occur in extreme circumstances or when unfavorable conditions persist for an extended length of time.

Treatment stages for water for fish aquaculture system

The wastewater treatment process is divided into three stages: basic, intermediate, and tertiary water treatment. Further advanced treatment, termed as quaternary water treatment, is necessary in some applications.

Primary treatment

The term “primary treatment” refers to a collection of activities used to remove floatable and settling sediments. Due to secondary treatment, these solids are contained in an effluent, which uses biological and chemical processes to eliminate the majority of the residual organic matter. Only physical processes such as sedimentation, screening, and flotation are performed in the first treatment. The treatment used is mostly determined by the operations carried out from the fish processing plant as well as the wastewater disposal needs. Settling tanks or simple screening with small residence times could be employed where the only requirement is that no solids settle after 10 minutes. More complex methods, such as flotation and biological treatment, will be required as regulations get stricter.

Screening- In a primary treatment facility, relatively big solids (0.7 mm or larger) can be removed through screening. This is one of the most popular treatments employed by food processing companies since it minimizes the number of solids released quickly.

Sedimentation- Sedimentation is a technique for removing suspended particulates from wastewaters. Fish scales, parts of fish muscle, and offal are all found in fishery wastewaters, with the amounts variable depending on the method.

Oil and Grease separation- Gravity separation can be used to remove oil and grease if the oil particles are big enough to float to the surface and therefore are not emulsified.

Flotation- Flotation is a process that removes suspended particles as well as oil and grease.

Biological treatment

The purpose of all biological wastewater treatment systems is to use microbial populations to remove non-settling solids and dissolved organic load from effluents. Secondary treatment systems frequently include biological treatments. The microorganisms used in this process are responsible for the breakdown of organic matter as well as the stabilization of organic wastes. They can be classed as aerobic (need oxygen for metabolism), anaerobic or growth under a condition of lack of oxygen or facultative (grow in the presence of oxygen) Most microorganisms found in wastewater treatment systems develop by using the organic material of the wastewater as an energy source and are so nutritionally categorized as heterotrophs. A biological wastewater treatment population is diverse, complicated, and interconnected.

The different biological treatment procedures include:

Aerobic Processes

• Aerated lagoons
• Rotating biological contractors
• Activated Sludge Systems
• Aeration
• Trickling filters
• Choice of aerobic treatments

Anaerobic Treatment

• Imhoff tanks
• Digestion systems

Physicochemical treatments

Coagulation – Flocculation- A chemical substance is given to an organic colloidal suspension during coagulation operations to trigger its instability by reducing the forces that keep them apart. It entails lowering the surface charges that cause particle repulsion. Flocculation occurs as a result of the charge lowering (agglomeration). The bigger particles are then settled, and the effluent is clarified.

Disinfection

• Chlorination- Chlorination is a frequent technique in both industrial and residential wastewaters.
• Ozonation- Because of its bactericidal qualities and potential for viral elimination, ozone has been employed for disinfection because it is also a strong oxidizing agent. When a high voltage is discharged across a narrow gap in the presence of air or oxygen, ozone (O3) is created.

Conclusion

In aquaculture production systems, water quality is the most significant component impacting fish health and performance. The term “good water quality” relates to what the fish want, rather than what we assume they want. This necessitates a thorough understanding of the water quality requirements of the cultured fish. Fish are completely reliant on the water in which they reside for all of their needs

Soap noodles are fast becoming the must-have commodity for soap manufacturers the world over. The biggest market for soap noodles is Asia Pacific like Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia etc. but other continents are catching up fast with this market newcomer. Read on to gain useful insights into some key facts about soap noodles.

1. Soap noodles: One Shape, Many Recipes

Let’s start with the obvious: the characteristic pellet shape of soap noodles. Thanks to the plasticity of the vegetable base, noodle shapes can be obtained easily and shipped in any volume with great convenience.

The simple little pellets enable manufacturers to blend in fragrance and pigments when making soap bars. More or less soap noodles can come into play for each recipe depending on which usage it is for. This is the reason why the same soap noodles can be used to produce personal hygiene products, laundry soap or even multi-purpose soap.

2. Oil-based Soap Noodles for an Eco-friendly Approach

The two main types of soap noodles are either animal fat-based or derived from vegetable oil. Clearly this has a big impact on how the end product can be marketed. Used in combination with organic extracts or scents, this type of soap noodles enables sales of a top-range product. After all, personal hygiene is the number one market for soap noodles these days.

3. Why are There Different Colours of Soap Noodles?

Soap noodles colours are driven by customer demand. A crisp white is often demanded by the cosmetics industry and requires some refining to achieve. The laundry market however won’t require a perfect white and can readily use translucent soap noodles. In the end, it is up to each manufacturer to go for their shade of choice. This could be a natural white, a snow white or translucent for example. Some colours are specified using colour charts so consistency can be tracked.

4. Soap Noodles and The Skin

To maximise the cosmetic properties of a body wash or hand soap, say, the best is to go for the snow white type. And that’s not just because of its impeccable finish that can perfectly be mixed with fair ingredients and produce a bright result. It also contains a small amount of glycerine, a hypoallergenic compound that is known to help with skin conditions like acne or eczema. It’s all in the quantity though: the right amount will draw the goodness out of the vegetable oils and other ingredients added to the base noodles. A very small percentage is what is required – anything else and you can quickly go over the top, with a drying effect instead.

5. What’s Next in The Soap Noodle Market?

Due to their convenience, superb consistency in product quality and multiple uses, soap noodles are set to sky-rocket on the detergent world market. Vegetable oil-based soap noodles are seeing the most ambitious projections of all, with palm kernel oil fronting the show. With the high availability of palm kernel oil from many source countries, demand can be met in that segment, to every soap manufacturing operation’s delight.

To start with a definition, peer-to-peer lending (sometimes called p-2-p lending) is lending between people online. Peer-to-peer is person-to-person, but on a large scale (and can be p-2-b, person-to-business). There is an intermediary or platform at the center of this transaction, but typically not a bank.
Each lender in the p-2-p transaction might lend money to many borrowers, perhaps only a small amount of capital to each: An individual might borrow money from many different lenders, who collectively offer the sum that the borrower requests.

In the traditional market for borrowing money, the bank accepts the deposit of funds from customers – depositors – and the bank then lends the deposited funds to other customers, other banks or governments – i.e. borrowers.
The bank typically pays interest to the depositors on the funds they have lodged with the bank. The borrowers, conversely, are charged interest on the funds they have borrowed.

The bank expects to pay the depositors less than they charge the borrowers. The difference between the rate changed and the rate paid – the margin – is used to cover all the bank costs. Costs include the fact that some borrowers will default on their loan and not repay. Also, the bank owners expect to earn a profit. The bank typically pays the owners compensation as dividends.

The differences between traditional, i.e. bank borrowing and p-2-p borrowing are mainly about risk and return.

In a traditional scenario (bank borrowing), the bank is solely responsible for assessing the risk a potential borrower represents and for dealing with a default, should one occur. The bank makes all of the decisions: The lender (the depositor) is isolated from the risk of the borrower defaulting on the loan. Of course, if the bank makes too many poor lending decisions, depositors’ capital will be at risk. Ultimately, the bank will fail if too many people borrow funds and don’t repay them. Governmental guarantees may be available in these circumstances to protect depositors funds.

If the depositor is dealing with a p-2-p borrower, then they will typically be more exposed to the loss in the event of a default by a lender.

P-2-p lending is more akin to lending money to a friend or family member. If a friend asks to borrow a sum, we typically discuss the purpose and the duration they wish to borrow for and how and when they will repay the debt. As the lender (depositor), we will also judge the risk, i.e. the likelihood that the borrower will default and not repay it. Unlike in the bank borrowing scenario, if a friend borrows a sum and does not repay it, we suffer the loss personally, and there is typically no compensation.

So it is with p-2-p lending. The intermediary platform, which connects the depositor to the borrower, will not compensate the depositor if the lender defaults: The depositor will see the deposit’s recorded level of funds on deposit reduced by the sum in default.

(The intermediary or p-2-p platform may offer some additional support, discussed later).

So why would a depositor use a p-2-p platform to lend their money, rather than the typical bank borrowing scenario, when doing so exposes them to so much more risk?

Along with the increased risk comes an increased return.

In the bank borrowing scenario, the bank uses the margin (the difference between the interest they pay the depositor and the rate they charge the borrower) to cover their costs, plus a sum set aside to deal with default (reserves) and a sum paid to owners of the business (usually share dividends). The rates paid and charged could mean that the bank pays interest at, for example, 0.5% on the sum deposited: The bank could have set the tariff to be paid by the borrower 5.0% interest, giving an interest margin of 4.5%.

The bank has to absorb all of the losses from defaults in this scenario. Management must set aside some funds to cover this. And the bank may also have dozens or hundreds of branches and other premises, plus thousands of employees and so forth. Shareholders will also expect a return on their shares, i.e. distributed profit.

P-2-p depositors, on the other hand, might see a much larger share of the interest charged to the borrower being paid to them.

Here are two examples:
Example 1: Borrower with an excellent credit rating, low risk of default. This borrower might be charged 4.0%, less than the traditional bank would have charged, making this route attractive to the borrower. On the other hand, the depositor may receive 3.25%, many times more than they would have received as interest from a bank. The p-2-p platform management uses the 0.75% margin to cover their costs and provide their profit. They have no default risk to cater for (born by the depositor), and they have, typically, much lower overheads than the traditional bank.

Example 2: Borrower with a low credit rating, unable to borrow from a traditional bank because of the higher default risk. Here, the borrower might be charged 12.0%, because of the risk of default. That risk is carried by the depositor, of course, so the p-2-p platform may still only retain 0.75% margin, paying the deposit maker the balance of 11.25% interest. It is for the depositor to decide if they want to accept such relatively high-risk loans. If the depositor decides to take this risk, rational behaviour assumes that a percentage will default. Knowing this, the depositor can set aside some of the higher amounts of interest received to off-set against the capital lost in those defaults.

Finally, the p-2-p platform may provide some other services. At its most simple, the platform management connects the person advancing money to the people who want to borrow. They may help manage the downside risk by only lending a small sum to each borrower. P-2-p management undertakes risk assessment and set interest rates accordingly. The platform might allow depositors to choose to accept or decline higher risk loans.

To learn more about this and other forms of finance, please visit Malaysian Financial Market (capitalmarketsmalaysia.com)