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Thoughts from Last Week
Cadence Kwok, 19, Marymount Secondary School
Malaysia’s ageing population is growing due to longer lifespans and a low fertility rate. Consequently, there is a dwindling workforce, prompting a proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65 to keep workers longer.
Law Minister Azalina Othman Said proposed the initiative to enhance workers’ living standards in response to the rising cost of living, providing an additional five years of income support.
Despite this, some argue that older workers may be reluctant to adopt unfamiliar technology, which could potentially lead to decreased productivity. Moreover, young graduates face tougher competition as they miss out on valuable job opportunities.
On the other hand, this policy could help address issues of unemployment and poverty. It expands the labour supply, providing those in challenging financial situations with the chance to work.
For many, work may be a lifelong passion that brings them joy and satisfaction; losing that can have a profoundly negative impact on their mental health.
The government also stands to benefit, with increased tax revenue that can be redirected to support those in need.
To alleviate concerns about youth unemployment, business owners could categorise job roles into two groups: labour-intensive positions for older workers and technology-driven roles for younger employees.
Raising the minimum contribution rates for both employers and employees could boost pension savings.
On an individual level, adults should outline their post-retirement expenses relative to their accumulated savings to determine when retirement is feasible.
On an institutional level, the government should create a safety net for those unable to support themselves financially.
Read up on this issue in last week’s The Lens
Read and observe
A group of Thai teachers has protested against a state agency’s partnership with a beer company, claiming the deal tarnishes the integrity of educators and sends the wrong message to society.
The one-year deal, signed last month by Tawandang German Brewery and the government office for improving education workers’ welfare and benefits, offers teachers a 10 per cent discount at three branches of the brewery firm.
Chayapa Khunpittikana, coordinator of the Thai Teachers Against Vice-Promoting Welfare network, said the partnership promoted harmful behaviour.
Benefits such as discounted beer could damage the public image and ethical standards of teachers, as well as those of the education bureau, the network stressed in an open letter to Thailand’s Education Minister, Permpoon Chidchob.
The deal could also have a negative influence on young people who are likely to mimic their teachers’ behaviours and erase the dignity and respect traditionally associated with the teaching profession, the letter noted.
The network called for the deal to be withdrawn and urged authorities to establish partnerships that truly enhance teachers’ welfare.
The network’s protest, however, found little traction online, with many users questioning the actual impact of the deal and the public image of Thai teachers.
“Can’t see how a modest discount at a venue like Tawandang would lead to some sort of dangerous increase in booze consumption among any demographic,” a commenter said.
Despite the network’s complaint, Thailand has recently relaxed its alcohol regulations, marking a significant shift in policy.
In March, Thailand’s House of Representatives approved a revised alcohol control bill that lifts advertising restrictions – a move designed to support craft producers and boost the country’s beverage industry as part of its soft power strategy.
Staff writers
Research and respond
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Do you think the teachers’ outrage regarding this partnership is justified or exaggerated?
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Why is it important for teachers to care about their image both inside and outside the classroom?
