Do you wonder why some countries are posting fiscal deficits? Even as the global economy slows, top US corporations are paying more to their CEOs than to the tax department.
‘Apex university’ USM slides to 335th place
Malaysia’s ‘apex university’ has dropped 34 places to 335th spot in the QS world university rankings. Cambridge University tops the latest world ranking.
Universiti Malaya is the only Malaysian U in the top 200 coming in at 167th spot, up 40 places.
These rankings are by no means free of shortcomings but here’s the full ranking on the QS website all the same.
We are well behind other Asian universities. According to QS:
Hong Kong University repeats its 2010 performance by taking the top spot in Asia, moving up one place to 22nd and increasing the gap with University of Tokyo to three places. HKU is joined by fellow Hong Kong institutions CUHK and HKUST in the top 50, and with HKU, University of Tokyo and National University of Singapore cementing their places in the top 30, leading Asian institutions are now proving on a year-on-year basis that they operate at a comparable level to the world’s best.
Other Malaysian universities have also slid down the scale (previous year’s rankings in brackets), according to a report in The Star.
UM – 167 (207)
UKM – 279 (263)
USM – 335 (309)
UPM – 358 (319)
UTM – 401-450 (365).
IIUM – 451-500 (not ranked)
UTM – 601+ (not ranked)
The Bayan Mutiara deal and more reclamation
Ivory Properties Group Berhad has received a letter of acceptance from PDC to buy and develop 103 acres of Bayan Mutiara land, south of the Penang Bridge.
Wikileaks: Bankers speak of Labuan’s “declining prospects”
A cable on the Wikileaks website cites bankers as saying that Labuan is losing out to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Wikileaks: Missing jet engines scandal
The case of the missing jet engines was the subject of Wikileaks cables.
Wikileaks: What the US thinks of ISA
Contrary to what some rights activists might think, US officials thought the use of the ISA on suspected terrorists is counterproductive in the long-run.
Sime Darby buys 30% stake in E&O at massive premium
Government-linked Sime Darby has bought a 30 per cent interest in Penang-based property developer E&O at a 60 per cent premium.
MRT: Bukit Bintang Central Station
Controversy has erupted over 20 lots in KL’s main shopping district, Bukit Bintang, to be acquired for the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Are transport planners hoping to reap a windfall from property development while entrenching a consumerist culture?
Penang property worries
More than a dozen years ago, Penang property prices were climbing and speculators were diving into the property market.
US army widow confronts Rumsfeld
The widow of a US military personnel who committed suicide after seven tours of duty in West Asia has confronted former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, “whose lies led my husband to join the military, and so many other soldiers”.