Saturday, December 2

Tag: culture

Malaysia’s English Proficiency Shines: Third in Asia, 25th Globally
Culture

Malaysia’s English Proficiency Shines: Third in Asia, 25th Globally

Malaysia clinched the third spot in Asia for English proficiency in the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), trailing behind Singapore and the Philippines, as per the latest report. The index, which assesses English proficiency across 113 nations, positioned Malaysia at the 25th spot globally. The capital city displayed a commendable high proficiency level, securing a score of 564. Overall, Malaysia attained a score of 568, slightly dipping from the previous year, while the global average settled at 502. Impressively, Kuantan registered a score of 604, showcasing a high proficiency level. Notably, individuals aged between 26 to 30 exhibited the highest English proficiency in Malaysia, averaging a score of 582. The EF EPI relies on the EF Standard English Test (SET) to ...
Malaysians Make a Splash in Thailand: Leading the Charge in Tourist Arrivals!
Culture

Malaysians Make a Splash in Thailand: Leading the Charge in Tourist Arrivals!

Thailand has welcomed over 23 million international tourists this year, marking a significant milestone in the nation's tourism industry. Malaysian travelers have notably topped the list among the top five nationalities visiting the country, with a robust arrival count exceeding 3.8 million, according to reports by Bangkok-based newspaper The Nation. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol affirmed the statistics, stating, "Malaysian tourists to Thailand accounted for more than 3.8 million arrivals from January 1 to November 12 this year." She further highlighted the prominent positions held by other nations on the list, citing China with 2.9 million arrivals, followed by South Korea (1.37 million), India (1.35 million), and Russia (1.17 million). "The overall tota...
Can Your Sock Style Give Away Your Generation? TikTok Thinks So!
Culture, Lifestyle

Can Your Sock Style Give Away Your Generation? TikTok Thinks So!

A TikTok video has ignited a debate about generational fashion preferences, claiming to distinguish millennials from Gen Zers based on their sock choices. Phoebe Parsons, host of the "Fit(ish)" podcast and a pilates instructor, shared a video asserting that millennials often opt for ankle socks, while their younger counterparts tend to prefer socks that extend past the ankles. The video amassed 1.6 million views and over 3,100 comments. https://www.tiktok.com/@phoebeacp/video/7295874249707834642?embed_source=121355059%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_masking&refer=embed&referer_url=www.insider.com%2Ftiktoker-knows-generation-millennial-or-gen-z-based-on-socks-2023-11&referer_video_id=7295874249707834642 Parsons confidently stated t...
Ian Fleming: The Man Behind the Spy
Culture

Ian Fleming: The Man Behind the Spy

Nicholas Shakespeare's classy biography of the James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, dives into the life of the man who gave us the iconic 007. But it's not just about Bond; it's about the intriguing fellow behind the spy novels. Shakespeare tantalisingly hints at Fleming being a "complete man" during his stint with British naval intelligence in World War II. Now, that's quite the pitch, right? Are we about to uncover juicy bits left out in previous bios like John Pearson's compact authorised version from 1966? Fleming, also known as "Flemingway" by his pal Noël Coward, wasn't just a writer. He dabbled in journalism, stockbroking, and led a life akin to his famous creation – a playboy who puffed away 70 cigarettes a day. Sadly, he passed away at just 56 during a plagiarism row over h...
Diving into the 50 years history of the Sydney Opera House
Culture

Diving into the 50 years history of the Sydney Opera House

As the Sydney Opera House in Australia marks its 50th anniversary, the iconic architectural masterpiece is not only celebrated for its striking design but also its unique connection with the public, earning it the title of "The People's House." In 2003, the Opera House's distinctive white sails became a canvas for a powerful message when activists David Burgess and Will Saunders painted "NO WAR" on its exterior. This act of protest underscored the strong bond that many Sydney residents have with the building. The theme of "The People's House" was chosen for the official celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Opera House's completion. This theme reflects the enduring connection between the landmark and the people it serves. Over the years, the Sydney Opera House ...
Numbers of people aged 100 and above surpasses 92,000
Culture, Lifestyle

Numbers of people aged 100 and above surpasses 92,000

According to government data released on Friday, Japan now has more than 92,000 centenarians, setting a record for the 53rd consecutive year. Tokyo Ministry of Health stated there are now 92,139 people above the age of 100, up 1,613 from a year ago, according to German news agency (dpa). The most recent poll indicates that 88 percent of all centenarians are female. In Japan, men and women may expect to live for an average of 81 and 87 years, respectively. Since the government's initial tally of 153 individuals over 100 years old in 1963, the number of centenarians in Japan has rapidly increased. 50,000 in 2012, up from over 10,000 in 1998, according to statistics. After decades of increasing ageing and declining fertility rates, Japan is now dealing with an increased demog...