Malaysia reacts to drop of interest in science

Reportedly, 'the Federal Cabinet is concerned over the critical drop of interest in science and is attempting to find ways and means to solve the problem. 'Whether the efforts would be felt, 'imagined or claimed in some quarters as yet another Jewish/Zionist conspiracy or Marxist-'Leninist plot to undermine their belief-system is yet to be observed. As for Malaysians whose mindsets are positive, 'we should contribute more ideas for the revival of interest in science among younger ones. Our media, 'whether mainstream or alternative, 'should provide more platforms for scientists and science teachers to present analyses and views on current affairs 'with scientific and technological dimensions to stimulate public or societal interest in science in real'-life settings. Certainly, time and tide waits for no man in this fast-changing world.

Warm Thaipusam greetings for teachers & all

Wishing all Hindu teachers, 'relatives, 'neighbours and friends Happy Thaipusam. May this colourful festival bring joy and happiness to all.

India's economy under multidirectional stress

India, whose economy has already been adversely affected by the still ongoing Eurozone debt crisis in recent months, is also now concerned over new policy moves mulled in America to stop' outsourcing of jobs. Last year, international observers and analysts of South Asian affairs also pinpointed, among other domestic factors within India, paralysis of the political system as a huge stumbling block to economic reform. Since early 1990s, India has been registering fairly high growth rates and it is believed that India' s economic fundamentals are still strong.

West's ideological debate on economic future

With online computers, we can now follow the ideological discourse of the Western elites and peoples on economic models, which may result in the rise of '"capitalism with English ('or American') characteristics". The world on earth, however, is highly unlikely to end in a Rapture or Armageddon in 2012 or anytime in the foreseeable future. To benefit intellectually from the epoch'-making debate, we have, 'of course, 'to know how to search with key words other than 'god', ''ghost' 'and ''sex'.

Critical decline of interest in science in M'sia

While religious passions are on the rise in Malaysia in recent years, it has also been observed that the interest in science 'among youths has declined to a critical level. Last year, 'the increasing 'fascination' with ''ghost' among a segment of the Malaysian society also caused several concerned observers, including ex'-PM Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, to highlight the phenomenon in the media for open and public discourse. How would these social trends impact on the objective and/or efforts of' transforming the country into a modern and progressive society 'is an interesting question worth further, wider and deeper explorations.

Hope, wish & anxiety for new Year of Dragon

During the Chinese New Year celebration, everyone certainly hopes or wishes for a prosperous Year of Dragon. Simultaneously, there is also a sense of anxiety over the state of global economy and its condition.

Observations on cultural continuity & change

In one sense, Chinese New Year celebration is an annual exhibition of the cultural heritage of the Chinese people. Meanwhile, it should also be remembered that many feudal elements of the 'old' and traditional culture that had existed for hundreds of years as 'law of heaven', 'like footbinding and family-arranged marriage, have happily disappeared. Nowadays, grown-up women are free to move around in public places without the company of their fathers, husbands or other elderly male relatives. 'All levels and fields of education are open to both genders. For all these truly revolutionary changes in the last ten decades or so, tribute has to be paid to progressive authors, 'like Lu Xun and Ba Jin. The impact of the renewal of intellectual interest in the development of science and technology since the early 20 th century has also been accelerating the 'process of change' in the sphere or realm of culture. Now, there is no more restorationist movement in the Chinese world.