Mon May 13 2024
Consider This: Youth in Debt (Part 2)— 53,000 Youths Seeking Help To Manage Debt
The Credit Counseling and Management Agency (Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit, AKPK) recently reported that 65% of the total number of the agency’s clients as of March were those aged between 28 and 30. That’s some 53,000 youths seeking AKPK's services to restructure their debts, worth nearly RM1.9 billion in total. What are the implications of this staggering statistic, and what systemic factors are contributing to the financial struggles faced by young Malaysians today? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Nirmala Supramaniam, Head of the Household Financial Education Department at AKPK, an agency under Bank Negara which helps individuals with the responsible use of credit.
Consider This: Population Trends (Part 2) — Living in an 8 Billion World
In November 2022, the world’s population surpassed 8 billion people—we’ve added a billion people in just 12 years and expected to add another 2 billion persons in the next 30 years. Crossing this milestone raises important questions concerning the impact of human activities on the planet and its ability to sustain life for humans and other species. What are the implications of 8 billion people on planetary health and sustainability? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to John Wilmoth, Director of the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which leads the monitoring of global demographic indicators. John Wilmoth was a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024, organised by EPF.
Consider This: Population Trends (Part 1) — Living in an 8 Billion World
In November 2022, the world’s population surpassed 8 billion people—we’ve added a billion people in just 12 years and expected to add another 2 billion persons in the next 30 years. Crossing this milestone raises important questions concerning the impact of human activities on the planet and its ability to sustain life for humans and other species. What are the implications of 8 billion people on planetary health and sustainability? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to John Wilmoth, Director of the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which leads the monitoring of global demographic indicators. John Wilmoth was a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024, organised by EPF.
Consider This: Political Economy (Part 2) — Robert Reich on America's “Rigged System”
In his latest book ‘The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It’, Robert Reich argues that power and wealth in the US are concentrated within the same group of wealthy individuals and corporations who hold much power over the economy. Are there parallels in other countries like Malaysia? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Robert Reich, Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He is co-creator of the award-winning documentary film Inequality for All, and the co-founder of Inequality Media. He has served in three US administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, for which Time Magazine named him one of the ten most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century. Robert Reich was a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024, organised by EPF.
Consider This: Political Economy (Part 1) — Robert Reich on America's “Rigged System”
In his latest book ‘The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It’, Robert Reich argues that power and wealth in the US are concentrated within the same group of wealthy individuals and corporations who hold much power over the economy. Are there parallels in other countries like Malaysia? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Robert Reich, Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He is co-creator of the award-winning documentary film Inequality for All, and the co-founder of Inequality Media. He has served in three US administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, for which Time Magazine named him one of the ten most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century. Robert Reich was a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024, organised by EPF.
Consider This: Is There a Crisis of Confidence in Human Rights?
Mr Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was recently in Malaysia for an official 3-day mission during which he spoke to Melisa Idris on #ConsiderThis for an exclusive interview about the UN’s enduring fight for human rights despite growing conflict, distrust and polarisation globally.
Consider This: Mental Health (Part 2) — One Million Malaysians Battling Depression
According to the most recent National Health and Morbidity Survey, one million individuals aged 15 and above in Malaysia are suffering from depression, with half of them harbouring thoughts of self-harm or thinking they were “better off dead”. Equally concerning is that the data also reveals that mental health problems among children have more than doubled since 2019, now affecting one in six children. How can we translate this data into effective national policies that go beyond addressing awareness and stigma, to ensure robust institutional support and comprehensive care for mental health? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Farihin Ufiya, Director of the non-profit Mental Health Aid Association (Nyawa). It is a Strategic Partner to the Ministry of Health.
Consider This: Mental Health (Part 1) — Translating Data into Policy Pathways Forward
According to the most recent National Health and Morbidity Survey, one million individuals aged 15 and above in Malaysia are suffering from depression, with half of them harbouring thoughts of self-harm or thinking they were “better off dead”. Equally concerning is that the data also reveals that mental health problems among children have more than doubled since 2019, now affecting one in six children. How can we translate this data into effective national policies that go beyond addressing awareness and stigma, to ensure robust institutional support and comprehensive care for mental health? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Associate Professor Dr Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin, Consultant Psychiatrist at Universiti Malaya.
Consider This: Parallel Pathway — What’s The Future of Specialist Training?
What should be the future of medical specialist training in Malaysia? How do we best address the specialist shortage while ensuring standardised quality of medical education? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Dayang Anita Abdul Aziz, Senior Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, and Dr Timothy Cheng, Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Duchess of Kent Sandakan Hospital in Sabah.
Consider This: Penang LRT (Part 2) — Should Trackless Trams Be On the Table?
Penang’s LRT system, The Mutiara Line, recently received Cabinet approval for construction to commence, expected to break ground in the fourth quarter of this year. However, not everyone is convinced that an LRT system is Penang’s best option. Some advocate for a trackless tram system, an Autonomous Rapid Transit, or ART. What would best serve Penang’s transportation needs? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Government Exco Member for Infrastructure, Transport & Digital.
Consider This: Penang LRT (Part 1) - Autonomous Rapid Transit a Better Option?
Penang’s LRT system, The Mutiara Line, recently received Cabinet approval for construction to commence, expected to break ground in the fourth quarter of this year. However, not everyone is convinced that an LRT system is Penang’s best option. Some advocate for a trackless tram system, an Autonomous Rapid Transit, or ART. What would best serve Penang’s transportation needs? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Rosli Khan, Partner and Managing Director of the consultancy firm, MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants.
Consider This: Bersih Congress 2024 — Reviving Reform
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) will convene a national congress on Saturday 25th May, featuring civil society leaders, youth activists, and student groups, to deliberate on strategies to revitalise the reform agenda and agitate for real change. Can Bersih as a people’s movement still galvanise public pressure for democratic reforms? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, Bersih Chairperson, and Aira Azhari, Bersih Committee Member and Senior Manager of Advocacy & Events at IDEAS Malaysia.
Consider This: Tenancy Law (Part 2) — Legislating Against Racial Discrimination?
Malaysia's rental market has often been criticised for lacking proper regulation, relying instead on tenancy agreements and contract law. Could a Residential Tenancy Act bring about fairer practices in the rental market? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to social policy & human rights consultant Simraatraj Kaur Dhillon.
Consider This: Tenancy Law (Part 1) — Does Msia need a Residential Tenancy Act?
Malaysia's rental market has often been criticised for lacking proper regulation, relying instead on tenancy agreements and contract law. Could a Residential Tenancy Act bring about fairer practices in the rental market? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Suraya Ismail, Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute, where she focuses on Housing, Cities and Urbanisation.
Consider This: Tree-Care Policies (Part 2) — Help Trees Thrive In Concrete Jungles
Recent incidents of falling trees that killed a motorist and damaged vehicles and property, have highlighted the pressing need for better tree management policies in urban areas. Following these incidents, DBKL has since been instructed to closely monitor and maintain the shade trees in the capital city, and as a short-term measure, to cut down the trees that have already been identified as at risk of falling. Knowing the benefits of having trees in our cities, how can we create conditions that allow them to thrive despite the hostile environment they have to grow in? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Mohd Zailani Jamil, President of the Malaysia Society of Arboriculture.
Consider This: Tree-Care Policies (Part 1) — Trees as Assets: Valuing Our Urban Canopy
Recent incidents of falling trees that killed a motorist and damaged vehicles and property, have highlighted the pressing need for better tree management policies in urban areas. Following these incidents, DBKL has since been instructed to closely monitor and maintain the shade trees in the capital city, and as a short-term measure, to cut down the trees that have already been identified as at risk of falling. Knowing the benefits of having trees in our cities, how can we create conditions that allow them to thrive despite the hostile environment they have to grow in? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Koh Cha-Ly, Founder and CEO of Urbanmetry, a data company which uses proprietary algorithms to analyse big data from cities. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Commission for Nature Positive Cities.