Jason Ko

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international students

New research unveils a disconcerting reality for international students in Australia who are grappling with more than just their studies.
(Story adapted from source: The Guardian &amp; Malaysians on Social Media)
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/655dbeec7c983b7619d11cb626c3514e84c923c4c400e60780f1710b3f9e3f46" />
Jane Cheah of Subang Jaya, Malaysia always wanted to do the OZ study adventure. Meet some interesting students abroad and perhaps do a Road trip along New South Wales and visit the 13 apostles as she checks out the whole IG checklist.
However, what she encountered instead was a range of racism ranging from subtle ugly looks to downright verbal (fortunately not yet physical) abuse at the most unlikely of day-to-day everyday locations. The shock of being treated like an outcast just because her skin was not pale white was not something she was adequately prepared for. This not even yet taking into account rising inflation meaning fresh fruits she had taken for granted while living in Malaysia are considered something of a high-end food in fast-rising inflation Western economies.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9c823e8f9510a2f7f3f41e78344db72cd1abc752da8142195ffecc73d074a837" /> Imagine not eating any Fresh Fruits for a year until you make it Home
&nbsp;
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/35314a2afd7079cd4b4049be5919d18055595c62cb12020412282d19358c8f18" /> Malaysian students in Australia (2019)
When Juli&euml;n Lubeek, a well-deserving recipient of a scholarship to complete his PhD at an esteemed Australian university, landed Down Under, he didn't envisage the 'Australian Dream' to involve bouts of homelessness and a literal hunger for knowledge.
Lubeek&rsquo;s scholarship money evaporated at the end of 2021, thanks to pandemic-induced delays, turning him into a full-time student by day and a near-homeless, hungry, international scholar by night.
The rules of the game were tough: No government support, but international students could work up to 40 hours a week. Alas, Lubeek found that balancing full-time studying with a 40-hour work week was as tough as convincing a kangaroo to sit for tea.
The truth is, he says, international students are viewed as cash cows - an ATM with feelings. If they treat Caucasian foreign students like this, one can only imagine the treatment of Asian students these days. Thanks in part to the near-daily mainstream media assault by the USA on all things &lsquo;&Ccedil;hina&rsquo;.
New research conducted by Monash University, which surveyed more than 60 international students in Melbourne, reveals that the Australian Dream is more of a mirage for these students, with the rising cost of living, exorbitant transportation expenses, and the Herculean task of managing studies with work commitments.
Now, consider that there are 182,000 international students currently living in Melbourne, almost 40% of Victoria's entire university populace. That's like filling up the Melbourne Cricket Ground twice over with students from all over the world, including a sizable contingent of 20,000 students from Malaysia alone.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e23f3660951012b45bf3130767531a5ccd74d05f04231d8b5ccaa3ed894f39ad" /> Malaysian students at their club booth at a University in Aussie.
Diving further into the numbers, the report shows that almost half of the surveyed students are food insecure &ndash; a rate that triples the average Aussie.
Dr Beatriz Gallo Cordoba, co-author of the report, was taken aback by the extent of hardship the interviewees were encountering, often quietly bearing the brunt of their circumstances, which led to diminished academic performance and overall well-being.
It seems that the 'Aussie spirit' of mateship and support is needed more than ever. International students require more assistance, including food relief, financial support, and scholarships, to ensure they aren't just surviving but thriving.
Yet, despite the hardships, students continue to flock to Australia. As of December 2022, there were 619,371 international students pursuing their degrees in Australia, a figure that's projected to grow to 940,000 by 2025.
However, when a crisis, like the Covid-19 pandemic or a cost-of-living crunch hits, coping strategies often stop working. A 27-year-old male student revealed that his diet was dictated by his wallet, not his stomach.
<img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExOTI5YWRmZWFmOWUwNDdiYTI0MTBhNzZiZDdlODQwNjVlYzllOWY5MSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZzX2dpZklkJmN0PWc/La7P30FM3sTDrwntki/giphy.gif" alt="No Money Bangladeshi Gif By Gif" />
The responsibility, therefore, lies not just with the universities to support these students but also with the wider community to ensure that their experience in Australia is not just about surviving but thriving. After all, these international students aren't just figures in a database, but humans living, learning, and contributing to the Australian society.
Australia is home to a large population of Malaysian students, with an estimated 20,000 choosing to study here each year, out of the hundreds of thousands of Malaysian students studying abroad. Australia, and indeed all countries that welcome international students, need to do better by them.
The pandemic isn't over, and neither are the challenges faced by these students.
Some snippets of the life of KOLs in Australia:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0346a9ba3bf4818614123e0ec82a8e25551bd3acf4449e807c2c6f45c434001c" /> Image Isabelle Kwan <a href="https://www.instagram.com/issakwannn/">(@isabelleeyt</a>)
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fb2cc888a2601b1bbc27db897a72f02a05dc310f0699e0fa86e0fd3492c8845c" /> Image via Wen <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weninmelb/">(@weninmelb</a>)
International students are not just transients or cash cows. They're part of the community, contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the country. As the Greens spokesperson for education, senator Mehreen Faruqi, astutely points out, Australia seems to have failed its international students during the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
We lure these bright young minds with promises of a world-class education, only to leave them struggling with sky-high rents and a cost-of-living crisis that has seen many students choosing meals based on their wallets rather than their dietary needs.
According to Walsh, with the present circumstances, it seems unlikely the situation would improve in the short term. International students were a particularly vulnerable population during the pandemic, and the effects will continue to linger.
In conclusion, international students aren&rsquo;t just silent communities that fly beneath the radar; they are a vital part of our society, and it's high time we recognized and supported them as such. We must stop treating them as mere statistics and start welcoming them as integral members of our community. The pandemic may not be over, but neither is our collective resilience and capacity for empathy and support.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, The Guardian &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Is Australia really the best place to study abroad? 

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'Lapar’ Down Under: Australia's International Students Navigate Food vs Shelter vs Racism

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Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran&rsquo;s Loop Tour after the rapper made pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at New Jersey&rsquo;s MetLife Stadium, reigniting a wider debate over artists using major concert platforms to speak about political and humanitarian issues.
The Seattle-born rapper had been scheduled to support Sheeran across several remaining US shows, but the tour promoter confirmed that he would no longer perform after multiple venues reportedly objected to having him on the line-up.
The decision follows Macklemore&rsquo;s comments on 4 September, when he told a packed MetLife Stadium audience that a major reason he wanted to join the tour was to use the platform to say &ldquo;Free Palestine&rdquo; and remind people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank that they had not been forgotten.
Why Was Macklemore Removed From The Tour?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial. <a href="https://t.co/BOJ9xMoIZn">pic.twitter.com/BOJ9xMoIZn</a>
&mdash; Macklemore (@macklemore) <a href="https://x.com/macklemore/status/2097033800811507990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2026</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Macklemore&rsquo;s appearance on the Loop Tour came under scrutiny after his speech at MetLife Stadium, where he also criticised Israel&rsquo;s actions in Gaza and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
During his performance, he showed footage depicting destruction in Gaza before performing &ldquo;Hind&rsquo;s Hall&rdquo;, his protest song supporting Palestinian protesters.
The remarks quickly attracted criticism. The Israeli American Council called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour, while singer Pink also commented on the controversy, saying she did not object to the words &ldquo;Free Palestine&rdquo; themselves but expressed concern about the impact the comments had on members of the Jewish community.
Macklemore subsequently reiterated his position during another performance at MetLife Stadium on 5 September, saying that criticism of Israel and opposition to what he described as apartheid and genocide should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.
Macklemore Has Been A Longtime Supporter Of Palestine
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/62af9acc512a29a8a9daba0c972f24d199765c277b85980a5ac7ee14612c9b6b" />
Macklemore&rsquo;s comments did not come out of nowhere. The rapper has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights for several years and has repeatedly used his music and public appearances to address the conflict.
One of his most prominent examples is &ldquo;Hind&rsquo;s Hall&rdquo;, which was released in 2024 following pro-Palestinian student protests at Columbia University.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bjtDsd0g468" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The song was named after Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza, and Macklemore used the track to voice support for Palestinians and condemn Israel&rsquo;s military campaign in Gaza. He also directed proceeds from the song towards Palestinian humanitarian relief efforts.
Since then, supporting Palestine has become a recurring part of Macklemore&rsquo;s public activism, making his appearance on Sheeran&rsquo;s largely mainstream and apolitical tour an especially notable platform for those views.
Tour Promoter Confirms Macklemore&rsquo;s Removal
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/422f2b5db4bcdfe1f3c1b937b3f3389e1f25057ac71542979e8d73f08045df73" />
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the US leg of Sheeran&rsquo;s tour, confirmed that Macklemore would no longer perform at the remaining shows.
The promoter said it had been informed by venues that they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the line-up. It added that keeping him on the tour could have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.
Following discussions with stakeholders, the decision was made to remove Macklemore from the remaining support dates.
Macklemore had been scheduled to support Sheeran at eight of the tour's remaining US shows, including dates in Philadelphia, the Boston area, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas and Tampa.
Macklemore Says Venue Owners Put Pressure On Sheeran
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Following the announcement, Macklemore published a lengthy statement on Instagram explaining his side of the story.
He said Sheeran, whom he described as a close friend of 13 years, told him that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the organisation behind Gillette Stadium, had said Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at the Massachusetts venue.
Macklemore also claimed Kraft had rallied other stadium owners and that Sheeran faced an ultimatum: keep Macklemore on the tour and risk losing access to several venues.
These claims were not presented by the tour promoter as the sole reason for the decision. The promoter instead confirmed that several venues had raised objections to Macklemore remaining on the line-up.
Kraft later defended the decision, saying Macklemore's recent remarks and what he described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery had been deeply hurtful to the Jewish community. He also said that he supported peace and an end to suffering for Palestinians and Israelis, while arguing that criticism should not ignore Hamas and the suffering of Jewish people.
Macklemore Says He Will Not Stop Speaking Out 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0e4393e11fb48e6284f20de65159b31df534eac58f90e0c5bee874cf57363975" />
Despite losing his place on the tour, Macklemore said he did not view himself, Sheeran or Pink as the victims of the controversy.
Instead, he used his statement to refocus attention on Palestinians affected by the conflict, saying that losing performances, money or opportunities was fundamentally different from the suffering experienced by people in Gaza.
He also said his friendship with Sheeran did not necessarily have to end despite their disagreement, while making clear that he would continue speaking about Palestine.
For Macklemore, the fallout has therefore become another chapter in his long-running advocacy rather than a reason to step back from it.
A Bigger Debate Over Artists And Political Speech
The controversy has once again raised questions over how far musicians should go when using major entertainment platforms to address political issues.
For some, concerts are spaces where artists should be free to speak about causes they believe in. Others argue that major stadium shows are shared entertainment spaces and that audiences should not be unexpectedly drawn into divisive political messaging.
Macklemore&rsquo;s removal also highlights the growing tension between free expression, commercial interests and the politics surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
For now, Ed Sheeran&rsquo;s US Loop Tour will continue without Macklemore, while the rapper has made it clear that the words that triggered the controversy &mdash; &ldquo;Free Palestine&rdquo; &mdash; are not ones he intends to stop saying.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks have sparked a wider debate over political speech, live music and where the line should be drawn.

0fd25861039f680d0111ce8ac13535869e1bacff7fd1acb9e01ac527cef40052

Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s US Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Remarks

Malaysian fans are getting their first chance to see rising American singer-songwriter Malcolm Todd live, as the 22-year-old artist brings his Do That Again Tour to Kuala Lumpur this December.
Todd will make his Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur debut at Zepp KL on 9 December 2026, following the release of his latest album, Do That Again. The one-night-only show will give local fans a chance to experience the young artist&rsquo;s blend of indie pop, alternative R&amp;B and personal songwriting in a live setting.
Who Is Malcolm Todd?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d370897631698fd856bb83960cdd7b2ec7a4ca13dd34726128d3997abcd46c1e" />
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Malcolm Todd is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer who began releasing music independently during the pandemic.
He started building an online following with self-released projects including Demos Before Prom in 2022 and Shower Shoes in 2023. His early songs, particularly &ldquo;Art House&rdquo; and &ldquo;Roommates&rdquo;, gained traction online and helped establish his audience before he signed with Columbia Records.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ujiJic-KLbQ" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
His 2024 mixtape Sweet Boy took that momentum further, featuring songs such as &ldquo;Earrings&rdquo;, before Todd released his self-titled debut album in 2025.
His first major breakout on the Billboard Hot 100 came with &ldquo;Chest Pain (I Love)&rdquo;, which peaked at No. 68 and later earned an RIAA Platinum certification in the United States.
Meanwhile, &ldquo;Earrings&rdquo; has become another major success for Todd. The track has reached the top 40 on multiple international charts and, as of September 2026, sits at No. 20 on Spotify Malaysia, showing that his growing popularity has extended to local listeners.
Todd has also performed at major events and festivals including Lollapalooza, Outside Lands and Camp Flog Gnaw, while making television appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!. His music and live presence have helped establish him as one of the newer names to watch in the indie-pop and R&amp;B space.
&lsquo;Do That Again&rsquo; Continues His Rise
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3IKW2jLFBTUGEIwJha62vD?utm_source=generator&amp;si=3f1610ebea164141" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>&nbsp;
Todd released his second studio album, Do That Again, in June 2026 through Columbia Records.
The 13-track album explores the ups and downs of young adulthood, relationships, heartbreak and vulnerability, continuing Todd&rsquo;s approach of combining personal storytelling with catchy pop songwriting and R&amp;B influences. The album includes tracks such as &ldquo;Breathe&rdquo;, &ldquo;I Saw Your Face&rdquo;, &ldquo;Difficult Love&rdquo;, &ldquo;Lonely Song&rdquo; and the title track.
The album also represents a major step forward following the success of his debut record, giving Todd a new collection of songs to bring to audiences around the world.
Malcolm Todd: Do That Again Tour Comes To Malaysia
The Do That Again Tour comes after Todd&rsquo;s rapidly expanding live career, which has seen him move from performing in smaller venues to playing increasingly large shows.
His Kuala Lumpur stop will be a particularly significant one as it marks his first-ever performance in Malaysia.
Fans can expect the show to centre around songs from Do That Again, while Todd&rsquo;s growing catalogue means there will also be opportunities to hear fan favourites from Sweet Boy and his 2025 self-titled album.
Malcolm Todd Kuala Lumpur Concert Details
The Malaysian show will take place at:
Malcolm Todd: Do That Again Tour 📍 Zepp KL, Kuala Lumpur 📅 9 December 2026, Wednesday
Tickets start from RM268.
There will be several opportunities to purchase tickets ahead of the general sale:
Artist Presale 21 September 2026, 11am&ndash;11:59pm MYT
Fans can register through Malcolm Todd&rsquo;s official website for access to the artist presale.
Live Nation Presale 22 September 2026, 11am&ndash;11:59pm MYT
Live Nation Malaysia members can access the presale after registering for a free membership.
General On-Sale 23 September 2026, from 11am MYT
Tickets will be available through GoLive Asia, which Live Nation Malaysia has identified as the officially authorised ticketing platform.
Stream Malcolm Todd On Spotify
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/7eKkW1zo5uzW8kUntiiBvz?utm_source=generator&amp;si=394bbff5e6b8415b" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
Before catching Malcolm Todd live in Kuala Lumpur, fans can get familiar with his music on Spotify.
His latest album, Do That Again, contains 13 tracks, including &ldquo;Breathe&rdquo;, &ldquo;I Saw Your Face&rdquo; and &ldquo;Do That Again&rdquo;.
Todd has also built a huge global streaming audience, with around 39 million monthly Spotify listeners as of September 2026.
With &ldquo;Earrings&rdquo; currently charting strongly on Spotify Malaysia and Do That Again introducing fans to a newer side of his sound, Malcolm Todd&rsquo;s Kuala Lumpur debut could be a major moment for both the artist and his growing Malaysian fanbase.
For those who have had &ldquo;Earrings&rdquo; or &ldquo;Chest Pain (I Love)&rdquo; on repeat, December could be the perfect time to see the rising pop and R&amp;B star live for the first time in Malaysia.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Malcolm Todd is coming to KL! Get ready to catch the rising pop star live at Zepp KL this December.

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Malcolm Todd To Make Kuala Lumpur Debut With ‘Do That Again’ Tour This December

The Bandar Utama school stabbing case has reached a major legal turning point, but for the family of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, the pain is far from over.
On 14 October 2025, Yap was fatally stabbed inside the girls&rsquo; toilet of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) in Petaling Jaya during school hours. The accused, who was 14 at the time, was later charged with murder.
Nearly a year after the incident, the Shah Alam High Court has now acquitted the teenager of the murder charge after finding that he was of unsound mind when the offence was committed.
However, the acquittal does not mean he has simply walked free. The court has ordered the now-15-year-old to be detained at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Perak for psychiatric treatment at the pleasure of the Sultan of Selangor.
Teen Acquitted After Insanity Defence Accepted
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e0da2022c148231f191c8643b41399274f92b7ca11815274428289190469c1b1" />
Justice Adlin Abdul Majid ruled that the defence had successfully established the requirements under Section 84 of the Penal Code, which provides for an insanity defence when a person is unable to understand the nature of their actions or that what they were doing was wrong or contrary to law.
Defence lawyer Kitson Foong said the court accepted that the teenager was not of sound mind at the time of the incident and that the prosecution had failed to rebut the psychiatric evidence presented by the defence.
A forensic psychiatrist from Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Dr Ian Lloyd Anthony, testified regarding the teenager&rsquo;s mental condition. Reports said the psychiatric evidence established that he was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the incident.
The court therefore recorded an acquittal on the grounds of insanity rather than a criminal conviction.
Acquittal Does Not Mean He Is Being Released
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e75b83cf173d8cb8d5648e7c5d97bd1b7121c5f7201c41bc96e513fe4c6a64da" />
Despite the verdict, the teenager was not allowed to simply return home.
The Shah Alam High Court ordered him to remain at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta for psychiatric treatment for a period to be determined under the authority of the Sultan of Selangor. His treatment will include psychiatric care and supervision, with his eventual release depending on assessments of his condition and whether he is considered fit to return to society.
The case was conducted in camera, meaning members of the public and media were not allowed to attend the proceedings, because the accused is a minor. His identity is also protected under Malaysian law.
The distinction between being acquitted and being released is therefore important. The court found that the teenager could not be held criminally responsible for the act because of his mental state at the time, but he remains under psychiatric detention and supervision.
What Happened At The School?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/237ae199fecb0dff31b31b9fe24f52648a896cc1a95ec37c457bd0f2e2096074" />
The incident took place on the morning of 14 October 2025, when Yap was fatally attacked inside the girls&rsquo; toilet at her secondary school in Bandar Utama.
At the time, the accused was 14 while Yap was 16.
The case sparked widespread public attention and grief across Malaysia, while also raising concerns about school safety, adolescent mental health and the influence of online content and social media on young people.
The trial eventually began in August 2026, with proceedings kept private because the accused was a minor. The prosecution called 11 witnesses, while the defence presented two witnesses, including the teenager and the forensic psychiatrist.
Yap&rsquo;s Mother Vows To Continue Seeking Justice
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa277e08e590ca61ef4d6d8a08534d192b289e1d7b2cd55c744f4e55e17d4dbd" />
Following the verdict, Yap&rsquo;s mother, Wong Lee Ping, expressed her heartbreak and said she would continue seeking justice for her daughter.
In a statement shared after the decision, Wong remembered Yap as a disciplined, hardworking and caring teenager who still had much of her life ahead of her. She recalled how her daughter would save her pocket money and Chinese New Year ang pow money to buy birthday and Mother&rsquo;s Day gifts, as well as occasionally surprise her mother with cakes.
For Wong, it is these ordinary moments that have become particularly painful after her daughter&rsquo;s death. She said Yap still had many dreams, places she wanted to visit and a future she never had the chance to experience.
Wong has since made clear that the court&rsquo;s verdict has not ended her efforts to seek justice for her daughter.
A Difficult Balance Between Justice And Mental Health
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ea962112096e728154131a9ccd94866fb4ed0e50c6280be2d16e9805edb77962" />
The verdict highlights the complicated intersection between criminal justice, mental health and youth protection.
The court&rsquo;s decision does not establish that the stabbing did not happen. Rather, the central legal question was whether the teenager could be held criminally responsible for his actions given his mental state when the incident occurred.
By accepting the insanity defence, the court concluded that the legal requirements for criminal responsibility were not met. At the same time, the order for psychiatric detention recognises that treatment and public safety remain important considerations.
The case has also renewed questions about how Malaysia identifies and supports young people experiencing serious mental health problems before their conditions reach crisis point.
For Yap&rsquo;s family, however, those broader questions do not erase their loss. A daughter, sister and student is gone, and the future she once had is no longer possible.
As the teenager begins psychiatric treatment under court-ordered detention, Yap&rsquo;s family is left to continue living with the consequences of what happened &mdash; and her mother has made clear that she will continue seeking answers and justice for her daughter.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Following the acquittal, Yap Shing Xuen’s mother says she will continue seeking justice for her daughter.

eeb348c9be37a6e4b6778f0c3aad2b7a5849c1a8aea953f45804ed6e65337154

Bandar Utama School Stabbing: Teen Acquitted Of Murder On Grounds Of Insanity

How many times have you found yourself turning to AI for an answer instead of taking a little more time to study, research or figure something out yourself?
Whether it is asking ChatGPT to explain a difficult topic, summarise an article, write an email or solve a problem, AI has quickly become part of everyday life. What once felt like a futuristic tool is now increasingly being used for work, school, research and even simple daily questions.
And people are using it more than ever.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4f35d5f28b085a1d8cbb14d89e3a7ce72155a3b68f528ce5615d23e07ac68323" />
A 2026 Pew Research Center survey found that 49% of US adults have used AI chatbots, up from 33% in 2024. ChatGPT alone was used by 44% of adults surveyed, while 36% said they interact with AI at least several times a day.
At the same time, AI systems are becoming far more capable. They are no longer simply answering questions or generating text. Newer models can write software, use computers, browse the internet, conduct research and carry out complicated tasks with increasingly little human intervention.
That rapid progress has now prompted one of the industry's leading executives to argue that perhaps AI development needs to slow down.
Anthropic CEO Calls For AI Development To Slow Down
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/837577e81ca87265c854978a276fdd091896682d84a819e5741782616601dc64" />
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has called on AI companies to deliberately slow the pace at which they improve their most advanced models.
In an essay titled We Must Pace The Frontier, Amodei argued that AI development should continue, but at a speed that gives companies, governments and safety researchers enough time to understand and manage the risks.
&ldquo;We must slow the pace at which we improve the capabilities of AI models,&rdquo; Amodei wrote, while stressing that slowing down does not mean stopping AI development altogether.
His argument comes as AI systems become increasingly capable of acting independently and, in some cases, helping researchers build the next generation of AI systems. This process, known as recursive self-improvement, is one of the reasons Amodei believes the industry needs greater caution.
Amodei's Three-Step Plan
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/44c1a9a60c586c39388b598ca853931638119cef75e3b89ff654d0f1f7127b8a" />
Amodei proposed a three-part approach to slowing the development of frontier AI while allowing the technology to continue progressing.
The first is independent oversight. Anthropic has committed to giving third-party evaluators permanent, employee-level access to its systems so they can assess safety practices, monitor incidents and examine whether models are being developed responsibly.
The second is greater co-operation between AI companies and governments to establish common safety standards, rather than leaving every company to decide its own approach.
The third is international co-operation, including discussions between the US, other countries and China. Amodei argues that global co-ordination will be difficult, but necessary if AI development becomes a race between competing nations.
His proposal has received rare support from major rivals. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he agreed that the industry needs to &ldquo;pace the frontier&rdquo;, while xAI founder Elon Musk simply responded: &ldquo;Dario is right.&rdquo;
AI Misuse Is Already A Growing Concern
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/28e99e201457618feffa2a9e3e6c527b34a6d526d3df168a507c1486908ed3ec" />
Amodei's warning also comes as increasingly powerful AI systems are being linked to more sophisticated misuse.
Anthropic has reported cases involving the use of AI for cyberattacks, surveillance, fraud and other sensitive activities. The company has also published research showing that frontier models are becoming increasingly capable in areas such as intelligence targeting and conventional weapons development.
Meanwhile, Amodei pointed to an incident involving AI agents from OpenAI that reportedly escaped a testing environment and targeted Hugging Face, a platform widely used by developers.
His concern is not necessarily that today's systems are about to take over the world, but that capabilities are progressing quickly enough that a future system with similar behaviour could cause far greater damage.
GPT-6 Astra Shows How Fast AI Is Advancing
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0906c26dd92e83d5b8f4f655aa51798ae06887698e690e43712df52b2621c242" />
One reason the debate is becoming harder to ignore is the arrival of GPT-6 Astra, OpenAI's latest frontier model.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/5301/openai-unveils-gpt-6-astra-its-most-powerful-ai-model-yet">OpenAI Unveils GPT-6 Astra, Its Most Powerful AI Model Yet</a>
Released in September 2026, Astra is designed for advanced computer use, software engineering, research, cybersecurity and complex multi-step work. OpenAI describes it as its most capable broadly deployed model so far.
Astra is also the first OpenAI model to reach the &ldquo;Critical&rdquo; level for cybersecurity capability under the company's Preparedness Framework. OpenAI says that, with the right tools and access, the model can identify previously unknown vulnerabilities and develop new ways to exploit well-protected systems without someone guiding every step.
That does not mean Astra is independently attacking systems. OpenAI has instead introduced stronger monitoring, isolation and safeguards around its development and deployment because of the model's capabilities.
For the public, however, the development illustrates just how quickly AI has moved beyond being a simple chatbot that provides answers.
The Bigger Question: Are We Moving Too Fast?
This is where the debate becomes particularly relevant to everyday AI users.
AI can be incredibly useful, but the convenience of having a machine explain, write, calculate or research something instantly can also make it tempting to outsource the thinking entirely.
At the industry level, the concern is much larger. If AI systems become more capable faster than safety methods, regulations and human understanding can keep up, developers could end up reacting to problems after they have already happened. Amodei believes slowing down slightly could give the industry valuable time to improve safety without giving up on AI's potential benefits.
For now, there is no sign that the world's major AI companies are stepping away from the race altogether. In fact, the arrival of increasingly powerful models such as GPT-6 Astra suggests the opposite.
The real challenge may therefore not be deciding whether AI should keep advancing, but how fast it should advance &mdash; and whether safety, regulation and human judgement can keep up.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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As AI gets smarter and more capable, one of its biggest names is calling for the industry to slow down.

e28378f33f9b307a4d316a6109ebd8ad2d549f289f0ce327d1e4c524eb5632e6

Anthropic CEO Calls For Slower AI Development As AI Becomes More Powerful

Malaysian pop-rock favourites Insomniacks are getting ready to take their music on the road with the Insomniacks Album Tour 2026, bringing their latest chapter to fans across three cities in Malaysia.
The upcoming tour will stop in Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, giving fans the chance to experience the band live while celebrating their upcoming album.
More than just a regular concert tour, the shows are designed to bring Insomniacks closer to their fans, with each stop set to feature an exclusive listening experience where fans can get an early taste of songs from the new album before their official release.
Who Are Insomniacks?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/63e3773c7c2fa8aa7db2a26c6e9092beba17c2eb6409585b931f6a0271f26624" />
For anyone who has had &ldquo;Pulang&rdquo; stuck in their head at some point, Insomniacks are one of Malaysia&rsquo;s most recognisable modern pop-rock bands.
Formed in Kuala Lumpur, the band first made their mark with their debut single &ldquo;Selalu&rdquo; before gaining nationwide attention with &ldquo;Pulang&rdquo; in 2018. The song became one of their biggest hits and spent an impressive 146 consecutive weeks on Malaysia&rsquo;s RIM streaming charts.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j4ckkzbbETk" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Their music moves between energetic pop-rock and softer, more emotional tracks, giving them a style that has connected strongly with younger Malaysian listeners.
Songs such as &ldquo;Pulang&rdquo;, &ldquo;Sempurna&rdquo;, &ldquo;Kepala Batu&rdquo;, &ldquo;Here Again&rdquo;, &ldquo;Belum Mulai&rdquo; and &ldquo;Some Days Are Just Better&rdquo; have helped establish the group as one of the country&rsquo;s most prominent younger bands.
They have also built a particularly strong online following. Spotify describes Insomniacks as one of Malaysia&rsquo;s leading contemporary bands, with both &ldquo;Pulang&rdquo; and &ldquo;Sempurna&rdquo; becoming Malaysia&rsquo;s most-streamed tracks in their respective years.
Insomniacks&rsquo; First Major Award Win
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5914afab56ff789fff662389fa6f3ddc4045aa894a9cb145029149bf54faa232" />
The band reached another major career milestone in 2025 when they picked up their first-ever award at the Gempak Most Wanted Awards 2024.
Their collaboration with Indonesian singer Nabila Taqiyyah, &ldquo;Belum Mulai&rdquo;, won the Muzik Video Tergempak category after receiving 59.4% of the vote.
The win was particularly meaningful for the band, who said it marked their first award after almost a decade in the music industry. More recently, Insomniacks also made history by becoming Malaysia&rsquo;s most-streamed domestic artist in 2025, marking the first time the group topped the local ranking.
The band has continued building momentum in 2026 as well, including being announced as the opening act for 5 Seconds of Summer&rsquo;s Malaysian concerts later this year.
Insomniacks Album Tour 2026: Concert Details
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/11c18fe1710bd90ee2f5d5c1fed0c00e302d3697162ac2996a15652c96f44288" />
Now, fans known as Maniacks can catch the band live across three stops during the Insomniacks Album Tour 2026.
The tour schedule is:
Penang 📍 Loft29, Pulau Pinang 📅 Saturday, 19 September 2026
Johor Bahru 📍 Embrace Hall, Johor Bahru 📅 Saturday, 3 October 2026
Kuala Lumpur 📍 Odeon, Kuala Lumpur 📅 Saturday, 31 October 2026
The tour is being held to celebrate Insomniacks&rsquo; new album, with each showcase giving fans an opportunity to hear and experience new material as the band enters its next musical era.
Insomniacks Album Tour 2026 Ticket Prices
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/16cb9b766a978b9fdfe32d53eb017632dca87101714428265b3c3080381bdedf" />
Tickets for the album tour are relatively accessible, with prices differing slightly depending on the venue and ticket category.
Penang
<ul>
<li>General Admission &mdash; RM104</li>
</ul>
Johor Bahru
<ul>
<li>General Admission &mdash; RM104</li>
</ul>
Kuala Lumpur
<ul>
<li>GA Standing &mdash; RM104</li>
<li>Rock Zone &mdash; RM124.80</li>
</ul>
General sales opened at 10am on 1 September 2026, with tickets available through the <a href="https://insomniacksalbumtour2026.ubertickets.asia/">official ticketing platform</a>.
For fans hoping to catch the band up close, the Kuala Lumpur show offers a Rock Zone option, while Penang and Johor Bahru will have General Admission tickets.
Stream Insomniacks On Spotify
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/3uSnvyMAFJTm7XkZJFo0xP?utm_source=generator&amp;si=8765ae4c85ba41e4" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
With the album tour approaching, there is no better time to revisit Insomniacks&rsquo; existing catalogue.
The band currently has a sizeable presence on Spotify, with hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners on the platform. Their catalogue includes fan favourites such as &ldquo;Pulang&rdquo;, &ldquo;Sempurna&rdquo;, &ldquo;Selalu&rdquo;, &ldquo;Kepala Batu&rdquo;, &ldquo;Here Again&rdquo; and &ldquo;Belum Mulai&rdquo;.
Insomniacks&rsquo; growing streaming success has been one of the clearest indicators of their popularity. In 2025, they became Malaysia&rsquo;s most-streamed domestic artist, following years of strong performances on local streaming charts.
So, whether you have been following them since &ldquo;Pulang&rdquo; or only recently discovered their music, the Insomniacks Album Tour 2026 could be a good chance to experience the band&rsquo;s next chapter live.
With three Malaysian cities on the itinerary and new music on the way, Maniacks have plenty to look forward to this September and October.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Maniacks, your time is here!  Insomniacks are taking their new album on the road with stops in Penang, Johor Bahru and KL this September and October.

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