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Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah Leads Charitable Effort with Applecrumby® and Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor to Support New Mothers and Infants
Sarah
November 25, 2024
1 min
Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah binti Sultan Ibrahim led a heartfelt initiative in collaboration with Applecrumby®, Malaysia’s leading health and wellness brand for babies, and Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor (YSIJ) to uplift the wellbeing of new mothers and infants in Johor.
Held at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, this meaningful event provided support to over 200 new mothers, leaving a lasting impact on families during a critical time in their lives.
The event coincided with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s birthday, adding a special significance to the occasion.
During the event, Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah personally distributed exclusive gift sets, including plush toys, premium diapers, and baby creams from Applecrumby®, complemented by cash contributions from Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim further added a personal and heartfelt touch by signing cards for the mothers, offering them words of encouragement and support.
Jesmine Tan, Co-founder of Applecrumby®, expressed her gratitude for being part of this special effort, "At Applecrumby®, we believe every child deserves the best start in life.
Collaborating with Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor and working alongside Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah has been an incredible honour.
Together, we hope to provide not just essential products but also a message of care and compassion to families during this significant chapter of their lives."
The gift sets, cash contributions, and personalised cards reflect the collaborative effort of Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor, the Johor royal family, and Applecrumby® in their shared mission to support the health and happiness of mothers and their newborns.
This initiative underscores the importance of collective care and highlights the dedication of all involved to creating meaningful impacts within the community.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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How Hybrid Work Is Redefining Parenting Dynamics in Malaysia
Eisya Ereena
November 20, 2024
8 min
It's a sunny morning, and you’re seated at your little workspace nook with a laptop, a lukewarm cup of coffee, and suddenly you noticed your child scribbling on a piece of paper that looks a lot like your LHDN refund documents.
Welcome to the era of hybrid work, where the office and home intertwine into a complex merge of deadlines and diaper changes.
For many Malaysian parents, hybrid work is not just a trend but a lifestyle that’s rewriting the rules of parenting.The Rise of Hybrid Work in Malaysia
Post-pandemic, hybrid work has become a cornerstone of the Malaysian corporate landscape.
It offers flexibility, convenience, and, let’s be honest, a chance to escape the notorious Klang Valley traffic.
A 2024 study highlights that hybrid work is the top benefit sought by Malaysian employees, especially parents, as it allows them to spend more time at home.
However, as with nasi lemak without sambal, this new normal has its challenges.
While hybrid work provides more time with family, it also introduces blurred boundaries that can leave parents overstimulated and burnt out.Leveraging Flexibility for Quality Family Time
Gone are the rigid office hours that once demanded parents to miss out on important moments in their children’s lives.
Hybrid work offers a fresh perspective, allowing parents to be present for milestones they would have otherwise only heard about.
Whether it’s sneaking in a lunch of nasi lemak with the kids or catching a glimpse of their latest art project, these moments remind us why this balance is so valuable.
But hybrid work is about more than just family time.
It’s about integrating our deep seated cultural values.
In Malaysia, where extended families do sometimes share a home, this shift benefits not just the one unit but the entire household ecosystem.
Grandparents which are sometimes the backbone of childcare support, can now be more involved in day-to-day parenting moments as well.
For myself as mother of two boys living in Kuala Lumpur, my hybrid work mornings are a whirlwind of activities.
From school runs and quick breakfasts to keeping my wilting houseplants alive, a whole day happens before diving into work.
It’s chaotic, yes, but being able to witness my children’s little moments is a privilege I wouldn’t trade for anything.Bridging Generational Gaps
For older generations, the concept of hybrid work can be baffling.
My parents, for instance, often mistake my at-home work hours as 'free time'.
To them, work was always tied to physical presence in an office, commuting through KL traffic, clocking in and clocking out.
This generational disconnect can sometimes lead to frustration.
Explaining that 'staring at the laptop in silence' isn’t leisure but work takes more effort than I’d like to admit.
However, these conversations open up space for understanding.
With time, older family members begin to appreciate the advantages of hybrid work, even if it challenges their notions of productivity.
For instance, they see the benefits where the kids are still staying home with me, eating meals that have been prepared fresh, blending family and work responsibilities in ways they never could.Changing Gender Dynamics at Home
Another profound impact of hybrid work in Malaysia is the shift in traditional gender roles.
Fathers are stepping up in ways we may have rarely seen before.
From making lunch to soothing a fussy baby during a conference call, dads are proving that caregiving is not tied to gender.
This change is reshaping societal expectations.
In the past, it was often mothers who adjusted their schedules or careers to accommodate family needs.
Now, hybrid work is enabling both parents to share these responsibilities more equally.
And it’s not just a win for families.
It’s a win for society, breaking down long standing stereotypes about what parenting 'should' look like.
Even in my own home, I see this transformation.
My husband, only learning about remote work when COVID-19 hit, now alternates with me to handle school pickups.
He’s learning (trying to) the magic (and madness) of multitasking, and honestly, it’s brought us closer as a team.The Challenges of Hybrid Work
Of course, hybrid work isn’t without its challenges.
Balancing a professional life while managing family demands is not easy.
For many parents like me, the boundary between 'office' and 'home' becomes almost non-existent.
It’s easy to feel stretched too thin, with every ping of a notification and toddler shrieks pulling you in a different direction.
Yet, these challenges also serve as opportunities to innovate how we work and live.
From building better routines to maximising productivity, hybrid work offers a chance to redesign our lives in a way that’s more aligned with our values.Tackling Burnout While Thriving in Hybrid Work
Hybrid work in Malaysia is more than a logistical change, it’s a cultural shift that’s redefining what it means to be a parent, a professional, and a partner.
By blending work with life’s little joys, it’s giving families the tools to thrive in a fast-changing world.
The key is embracing this new normal while staying mindful of its challenges.
While the benefits are undeniable, hybrid work also comes with its hurdles.
The same flexibility that allows you to attend your child’s sports day can morph into working late nights to compensate.
This often creates an 'always-on' culture, where parents may feel they’re failing at both work and parenting.
Burnout is a common side effect of blurred boundaries.
The stress of juggling KPIs and pre-school pickups can leave parents overstimulated, a topic explored in addressing why mummies often feel perpetually 'on edge' rather than simply angry.Hybrid Working Parenting Strategies
So, how do Malaysian parents thrive in this new normal?
It starts with setting boundaries, building support systems, and a non negotiable sense of humour.Establish a Clear Routine
Hybrid work thrives on structure.
Designate work hours and communicate them to your family.
A dedicated workspace, even if it’s just a corner in your living room can help mentally separate professional and personal life.Tag Team Parenting
If both parents work from home, collaboration is key.
Many Malaysian couples adopt a tag team approach where one focuses on work while the other handles childcare.
These roles ideally switches throughout the day.Embrace Technology
While we know that exposing our little ones to technology too early on dampens their development, I believe that everything in moderation is key.
From calendar sharing apps to kid-friendly educational platforms, technology can be a lifesaver for hybrid parents.
Tools like Google Calendar help streamline schedules, while child safe streaming platform in moderation helps to keep kids entertained and learning.Engage Employers
Malaysian companies are increasingly supporting hybrid working parents by offering benefits such as mental health days, childcare subsidies, and flexible meeting schedules.
Don’t hesitate to discuss options with your employer as it could significantly improve your work-life balance.Prioritise Self-Care
Parents, remember: you can’t always pour from an empty cup.
Whether it’s enjoying a solo trip to the mamak or a quick evening jog, self-care is crucial to avoid burnout.Encouraging Independent Play
Above everything else, one of the best strategies for hybrid working parents (tried and tested by yours truly) is to create longer focused work periods is by fostering self play and using a toy rotation system to keep children engaged.
Setting up a dedicated play space filled with age-appropriate, curiosity-sparking toys like puzzles, blocks or pretend play items gives kids their own 'workstation' to explore.
Rotating toys weekly prevents boredom, making old toys feel exciting again.
Encouraging independent play begins with short intervals of 5-10 minutes and gradually increases as children become more comfortable.
Pairing this with consistent praise reinforces their independence.
By integrating these methods, parents can cultivate creativity in their children while reclaiming productive time.
Its truly a win-win for everyone.The Malaysian Perspective on Hybrid Work
What sets Malaysia apart in the hybrid work discussion is our rich cultural tapestry.
In a nation where family is central to our identity, hybrid work isn’t just about balancing work and home; it’s about redefining how we approach both.
Cultural norms, like family meals and multigenerational living, influence how Malaysians navigate hybrid parenting.
Grandparents often play a role in childcare, creating a dynamic where hybrid work benefits not just parents but the entire family ecosystem.
Moreover, Malaysia’s challenges, like the need for trusted and affordable childcare and stable Internet access, highlight areas for improvement.
Employers and policymakers must address these gaps to ensure hybrid work remains sustainable for all.Redefining Parenting in the Era of Hybrid Work
The hybrid work model is still evolving, and so are Malaysian parents.
As we continue to adapt, it’s essential to celebrate the wins, no matter how small.
Whether it’s sneaking in a cuddle during a lunch break or being present for your child’s first steps, hybrid work offers moments that remind us why we’re working so hard in the first place.
Ultimately, hybrid work is not just a trend, it’s a new chapter in Malaysian parenting.
And while it may come with its fair share of challenges, one thing’s for sure: this chapter is one for the memories.
So parents, let’s keep the conversation going.
Are you a hybrid (or fully remote) working parent with tips to share?
Or perhaps you’re still figuring it out, one Zoom call at a time.
Either way, your experiences matter as we redefine what it means to balance work and family in Malaysia.
You've got this, my fellow parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: What the Bukit Mertajam Tragedy Teaches Us About Road Safety for Families
Eisya Ereena
November 15, 2024
4 min
From one parent to another, nothing prepares you for the gut wrenching news of a child’s life lost so tragically.
The recent Bukit Mertajam incident, where a young girl lost her life as a container lorry crushed the car she was in, is a stark reminder of the fragility of safety on our roads.
For parents, this is every nightmare rolled into one, the kind of loss you can’t even bring yourself to imagine, yet it lingers in the back of your mind whenever your child is out of sight.
As parents, we naturally want to wrap our children in a cocoon of safety.
But tragedies like these serve as heartbreaking wake up calls, urging us to reassess what more can be done.
So, let’s unpack the reality of road safety risks for families, particularly those with young children, and explore practical ways we can protect our little ones.Understanding the Reality of Road Safety Risks
Malaysia’s roads, bustling with a mix of cars, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles, pose a unique set of challenges for families.
The presence of container lorries and other large vehicles can be particularly intimidating.
These trucks, often carrying heavy cargo, become lethal when loads are improperly secured.
An unexpected turn or sudden brake can send the cargo tumbling, transforming what should be a routine drive into a fatal disaster.
Industrial zones and high traffic areas are especially risky.
The frequency of heavy vehicles, coupled with the stress of navigating endless crowded roads often leads to more reckless driving behaviours.
For families driving through these zones, the stakes are high, especially when young children are in tow.
While we can’t control every variable on the road, awareness of these risks can empower us to make smarter, more cautious decisions.Taking Precautionary Steps to Protect Our Children
The truth is, we cannot eliminate every danger, but we can reduce the risks our children face on the road.
One of the simplest yet most effective measures is ensuring that children are properly restrained in the car.
If your child is under the age of 12, like mine are, they need to be in a car seat, booster, or appropriate seatbelt setup.
This is a non negotiable in our household even when they refuse or cry.
Despite being in the grey area for its legal requirements, these restraints are lifesaving tools.
Research shows that using a car seat can reduce fatal injuries in infants by 71% and in toddlers by 54%.
The key is ensuring the seat is installed correctly, something that organisations like Child Passenger Safety Malaysia can assist with through checks and consultations.Choosing Safer Routes
When planning a drive, especially one involving children, it helps to opt for routes with less heavy vehicle traffic.
Apps like Waze and Google Maps are invaluable in identifying traffic hotspots, accidents, or construction zones to avoid.
While a slightly longer route may seem inconvenient, it could be a safer choice for your family.
Beyond route planning, parents can use these apps that offer real time traffic updates and hazard alerts.
Staying informed about road conditions gives you an added layer of preparedness, reducing the element of surprise on unpredictable roads.A Collective Responsibility for Safer Roads
While individual efforts like car seats and careful route planning are essential, systemic change is equally critical.
Families shouldn’t have to bear the burden of safety alone; it requires collective advocacy for stricter road safety measures.
There’s an urgent need for enforcement agencies to carry out more rigorous checks on heavy vehicles, including container lorries, to ensure that loads are properly secured and drivers adhere to safety standards.
Parents can also play a role by reporting unsafe practices.
Whether it’s a speeding lorry or an overloaded truck, raising the alarm through apps like e-Aduan@JPJ (by the Road Transport Department Malaysia) or hotline numbers can help authorities take swift action.
These small steps may seem insignificant, but together they form a powerful movement toward safer roads for everyone.Talking to Our Kids About Road Safety
The aftermath of tragedies like Bukit Mertajam often leaves parents wondering how much their children should know about road safety.
Should we shield them from the dangers, or teach them to navigate the realities?
Like everything else, the answer lies in balance.
We can do something simple such as, explain why road safety rules exist in simple, age appropriate language.
For instance, you might tell your kiddos, “We wear seatbelts because they keep us safe if the car stops suddenly,” or “We stop at traffic lights because that’s how everyone shares the road safely.”
Aside from that, kids learn by watching.
If you’re glued to your phone at a red light or speeding to make up for lost time, they’ll notice.
Being calm, focused, and rule abiding behind the wheel teaches them valuable lessons about responsibility and self-control.
The goal is to instill a sense of awareness, not anxiety, and to empower children to become conscientious passengers and future drivers.Honouring the Memory, Protecting the Future
The loss of a child in such a devastating manner shakes us all, whether we knew the family or not.
In the face of such tragedy, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, even helpless.
But the greatest tribute we can pay is to learn from this heartbreak and work toward a safer future, for our own children and for every family that takes to the road.
Every small action counts, whether it’s double checking a car seat or simply being a more cautious driver.
As parents, we’re already doing so much, but this is one area where every effort is worth it.
Because at the end of the day, when we buckle our children into the car, kiss their foreheads, and drive off, we’re not just going from Point A to Point B.
We’re carrying the most precious cargo in the world.
And we owe it to them, and to ourselves, to make every journey as safe as it can possibly be.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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Survey Reveals 80% of Malaysians Worried About Diabetes but Social Anxiety and Perceived High Cost of Healthy Food Act As Barriers to Good Eating Habits
Sarah
November 14, 2024
3 min
Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) kickstarted their KNOW Diabetes campaign with a nationwide survey last month that looks to gain insights in restricting the rising prevalence of the major noncommunicable disease - a surge which has seen Malaysia record the highest rate of diabetes in the Western Pacific region and one of the highest in the world.
Held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day 2024, KNOW Diabetes and its 'Prevention is Power' message looks to reach out to communities, raise awareness and educate Malaysians on the impact of the disease.
The campaign by one of ASEAN’s leading integrated private healthcare providers focuses primarily on food education, and how simple dietary adjustments with an emphasis on nutritious food significantly reduces the risk of diabetes.Eating Healthy: The Ups and Downs
Dr Khoo Chow Huat (Managing Director, Hospital & Healthcare Operations, Sunway Healthcare Group) taking part in Sunway Healthcare Group’s 'String-A-Long' activity, highlighting motivations to stay healthy.
SHG’s survey of more than 1,000 individuals, carried out by cilisos.my, revealed that while 80% of respondents were worried about developing diabetes, they also pointed to social anxiety - where they consumed meals that differed from their social circle, and other psychosocial factors such as a lack of time and long work hours, all which act as major hindrances to healthy eating.
Respondents in general also perceived healthy food as expensive and inaccessible, with 47% viewing healthy food as 'T20 food' and 59% saying that such food is not easily found at local restaurants and eateries. Additionally, 52% believed home-cooked food is healthy.
Economic factors and the assumption that healthy food is expensive were cited as the biggest hindrances for 54% of respondents for not eating healthily, followed by a lack of time for 50% due to individual circumstances and work, both which posed a challenge for them to cook.
Dr Khoo Chow Huat (Managing Director, Hospital & Healthcare Operations, Sunway Healthcare Group) participating in the 'Jom Lunch Game' interactive screen that lets you create a meal, receive dietary advice, and get personalised health tips.
On the upside, peer pressure could be key to making Malaysians more mindful.
Nearly 40% of respondents said they would cut their sugar intake together with their partner or significant other if he or she decided to take up a no-sugar diet.
More encouragingly, 56% said they would start taking exercise and workouts seriously if their colleagues visited the gym daily after work.
SHG President Dato’ Lau Beng Long said diabetes and its complications have not only affected thousands of Malaysians and severely impacted their health, quality of life and relationships, but also posed a significant burden on public health and socioeconomic development.
“We believe that information and knowledge are key to preventing more individuals falling victim to this disease, which is why KNOW Diabetes and our ‘Prevention is Power’ message sets out to educate the public on one of its primary factors - the food we eat and how it can greatly increase or reduce the risks of developing diabetes,” he said.
“We also hope that our survey data will be able to better inform our efforts to curb this epidemic.
SHG aspires to keep to our commitment to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians as well as adhere to the World Health Organization’s 2024 ‘Empowering Global Health’ theme.
We aim to achieve these by amplifying our position as a group that gives back to the community through the facilitation of good health, and by raising awareness and enlightening the public on the dangers of diabetes.”
KNOW Diabetes’ holistic programme incorporates on-ground activations at all SHG’s hospitals, media engagements and social media content.
There’s also a risk calculator at https://diabetes.sunwaymedical.com/ that enables individuals to discover their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the next five years.
In addition to developing social media contests to encourage Malaysians to cook healthy, budget-friendly meals, SHG will share practical tips that promote healthy eating and offer strategies on how proper childhood nutrition shapes long-term outcomes that reduce the risk of the disease.
The month-long campaign, from 1 to 30 November 2024, aligns with the World Health Organization’s overarching theme, which not only centres on individual health but the importance of communities working together to combat diabetes.
KNOW Diabetes comes at a time when statistics show an alarming rise in the disease over the years. According to the Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 15.6% or one in six adults have diabetes, with 84% of young adults aged 18 to 29 unaware of the fact.
It is expected that seven million adults aged 18 and older will be either prediabetic or diabetic by next year.
The previous NHMS revealed that the prevalence of diabetes rose from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2015 and 18.3% in 2019, a 68.3% increase in total.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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Combi Malaysia Champions Child Passenger Safety
Sarah
November 14, 2024
2 min
According to a report by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), an agency under the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, children transported in private vehicles, such as cars, vans, and four-wheel drives, are among the most vulnerable on the road.
The study highlights that 43.8% of casualties among children aged 1 to 4, and 30.2% among those aged 5 to 9, are from this groupi.
With road safety a growing concern, these findings underscore the importance of child passenger protection in private vehicles.
Combi Malaysia demonstrating their latest innovation, the CrossAge 360: a new Japanese car seat designed for children from birth to 10 years, tested to meet the latest safety standards (European Standard No. R129). With its 360° revolving seat and easy one-hand swivel, it helps parents effortlessly get their children in and out of the car.
In response to rising child fatalities in road accidents, the Ministry of Transport has amended the Road Transport Act 1978 - Motor Vehicles (Safety Seat-belts) (Amendment) Rules 2019.
This mandates that children who weigh less than 36 kg, are shorter than 135 cm, or are under 10 years old, must use Child Restraint Systems (CRS) when travelling in cars.
L to R: Eris Chew, Combi Malaysia Representative; Cynthia Tan, 988 Radio Announcer and a mother; and Teoh Joon Wei, Child Occupant Safety Advisor (COSA) certified by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) sharing experience and insights on keeping children safe on the road.
Eris Chew, representing Combi Malaysia, shared, “Although the Ministry is still evaluating mandatory child seat use, we strongly encourage parents to adopt Child Restraint Systems now. CRS has proven effective in reducing both injury severity and the risk of fatality for children during accidents”.
Chew also acknowledged the barriers Malaysian families face in adopting CRS, including perceived high costs and limited awareness. “At Combi Malaysia, we’re committed to bridging this gap by raising awareness and providing accessible, certified safety solutions that families can rely on”.
L to R: Tan Kean Yew, Creative & Digital Manager of Combi Malaysia, Micky Chaang, Brand & Marketing Manager of Combi Malaysia, Michael, Combi Sales Manager (Global Business), Prisca, Combi Deputy General Manager (Global Business), Eris Chew, Regional Sales Manager of Combi Malaysia, Prada Loo, Regional Sales Manager of Combi Malaysia and Hans Chong - MidValley Store Manager of Combi Malaysia has officially launched its flagship outlet at Mid Valley Megamall.
At a launch event at Combi Malaysia’s flagship store in Mid Valley Megamall, the brand introduced its latest innovation, the CrossAge 360—the first Japanese car seat designed for children from birth up to 10 years old.
This CRS, tested to meet the latest safety standards (European Standard No. R129), offers convenience and peace of mind to parents with features like a 360° revolving seat and easy one-hand swivel operation, allowing parents to safely and easily get their child in and out of the car.
“Combi is a beloved Japanese baby brand known for its dedication to child safety, quality, and innovative design,” Chew added.
“At Combi Malaysia, we’re proud to build on over six decades of expertise to bring parents products that prioritise safety and enhance the parenting journey. We hope to set a new standard for child passenger safety in Malaysia.”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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