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Ethiopian Airlines has become the First African Airline to conduct a trial of IATA Travel Pass

Kimberly
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Ethiopian Airlines has become the First African Airline to conduct a trial of IATA Travel Pass

Africa’s leading airline Ethiopian, has become the first African airline to conduct a trial of IATA Travel Pass, a digital travel mobile app to enhance efficiency in testing or vaccine verifications.

As travel restarts, travellers need accurate COVID-19-related information like testing and vaccine requirements which vary among countries. The IATA Travel Pass initiative helps verify the authenticity of test information presented by travellers which is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers while complying with entry requirements of countries.

The trial will be conducted on flights out of Addis Ababa to Washington DC and Toronto as well as on flights out of London and Toronto to Addis Ababa, effective 25 April 2021.

To re-open borders without quarantine and restart aviation, governments will need to be confident that they are effectively mitigating the risk of importing COVID-19. This means having accurate information on passengers’ COVID-19 health status, informing passengers on what tests, vaccines and other measures they require prior to travelling, details on where they can get tested and giving them the ability to share their tests and vaccination results in a verifiable, safe and privacy-protecting manner is the key to giving governments the confidence to open borders.

What does the IATA Travel Pass Provide?

  • It provides governments with the means to verify the authenticity of tests or vaccinations and the identity of those presenting their certificates.
  • It provides airlines with the ability to provide accurate information to their passengers on test requirements and verify that a passenger meets the requirements for travel.
  • It provides laboratories with the means to issue certificates to passengers that will be recognized by governments.
  • It provides travellers with accurate information on test requirements, where they can get tested or vaccinated, and the means to securely convey the results/certificates to airlines and border authorities

How does the IATA Travel Pass work?

IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app that helps travellers to store and manage their verified certifications for COVID-19 tests or vaccines. It is more secure and efficient than current paper processes used to manage health requirements (the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, for example). This is important given the potentially enormous scale of testing or vaccine verifications that will need to be securely managed.

Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said,

“Digital technology is vital to solving many of the problems that arise from the pandemic. We are glad that we are offering new digital opportunities to our passengers so as to fully and safely restart air travel. Our customers will enjoy an efficient, contactless and safer travel experience with their travel pass digital passport. As a safety-first airline, we have become the first African airline to trail IATA’s travel pass initiative to facilitate travel. The new initiative will increase travellers’ confidence in travel, encourages governments to reopen their borders and expedites industry restart.’’

Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security said,

“Ethiopian Airlines is once again showing its leadership position in Africa becoming the first carrier to implement a live trial of IATA Travel Pass. The trial will help build confidence among governments and travellers that digital health apps can safely, securely and conveniently help restart aviation. The app gives travellers a one-stop-shop to help them comply with the new rules for travel. And for governments complete assurance in the identity of the passenger and the authenticity of the travel credentials being presented. We urge Governments in Africa to accelerate the acceptance of digital health credentials for travel across the continent.”

 

 

Tchetche Kipre – Professional Ivorian footballer in Malaysia

Kimberly
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Tchetche Kipre – Professional Ivorian footballer in Malaysia
Tchétché Kipré Ivorianian professional footballer in Malaysia is 31yrs old who moved to Malaysia in June 2017 for a new challenge after playing for one year with Al-Suwaiq in Oman, and five years in Tanzania.
Tchétché in a one-on-one interview with PBB gives a detailed account of his football experience and the Super League in Malaysia.
“Growing up, my family found it hard to accept my desire to become a professional footballer. They wanted me to go to school and acquire degrees. My even dad thought football was for delinquents. But because it was my heart desire, I always found myself on the opposing end of my parents’ choices for me. My dad only relaxed on this whole idea of school when he saw me play in a league in Ivory Coast close to the city he resided in. At the end of the match, the journalist asked him, how he felt seeing his son excelling in his football career? It was in that response that I felt his total support and encouragement. He was so proud of me and encouraged me to carry on. From then on he followed every game I played in.”

MOVING TO MALAYSIA

Why did you move to play football in Malaysia?
I felt the need to take this exciting opportunity after playing in three different countries. My agent contacted me about a second division team in Malaysia interested in my talents. I didn’t quite like the idea as it would be my first time playing in a team below my level. My first instincts were “this isn’t good for my career” but then my agent told me that the team would require my help to take them to the Super League. That motivated me to take on the challenge. It felt risky but it was worth the challenge to take the team to the super League. As a footballer, I love taking on challenges

PLAYING FOOTBALL IN MALAYSIA (TERENGGANU FC)

How would you rate your performances?
I give my best everywhere I am. My performances in my opinion have been great.
What has been your most exciting football experience?
The finals. That was when we promoted to team to super league. Its quite a big deal. We did well to finish up in the top 5.
So far which has been your greatest achievement?
When we got to the super league and finishing in the top 5. Also playing in the finals of Malaysia cup which hasn’t happened since 2001. That’s some 18 years ago.

How do you cope with the language barrier considering you are of a French background?
For me, language is not a barrier. I’ve played in 3 countries Tanzania, even though they speak English, most spoke Swahili. I also played in Oman where Arabic is the main language spoken. In football, the language is on the field. I try my best to understand the coach and the players.
How did you deal with the rumours that you were leaving Terengganu FC for another?
Actually, my contract ended after the finals. So some people started advertising me in Thailand, and other Asian and Arab countries. But after talking with the management with respect to their future plans, we then agreed on another contract and I stayed with the team.
What’s your fan base like? Do you have lots of Malaysian fans?
Hahaha, I’m really not sure about the number but I know a lot of people really like me. Each time I step out, people would recognize me and want to take pictures with me. I have to hide sometimes because it feels embarrassing when you have to step aside from family to take pictures. My wife encourages me to take pictures with my fans. It’s actually part of the job.
How do you find playing football as an African in Malaysia? Do you think they on the same level of professionalism as you are?
Honestly, I like it. It’s a great experience for me.
But in football, there is no small or big team. It’s the same set of skills. Actually, after my first training, I was impressed at how much talent they have. The difference for me is with the Leagues. Each league comes with its own challenges. I feel Malaysians have their own style of play but the bottom line is they have the skill.
When was the one moment when you felt the most joy as a football player?
During the finals, we played in November 2018. It was my first time playing in a stadium packed with over 80,000 people. People came from all over Malaysia. The energy in the city was electric. I will forever cherish that feeling.

SEE ALSO: Collins Esekhile on coaching & grooming Malaysian Football Talents

Do you have any rivals in the team and how do you deal with that?
Well, maybe some people take me as their rival but I do not see other team members as rivals. I take all the players like my brothers and I think they feel the same way.
What’s the difference between playing football here compared to Ivory Coast? 
The main issue would be the pitch where we play the matches and the training grounds are way advanced here in Malaysia than back home.
The football players back in Ivory Coast have the raw talent,  irrespective of the poor infrastructure, they are still able to do exceptionally well.
Would you like to see Malaysia playing in the world cup?
Oh Yes, I’d love to. This is where I work so I’d like to see them one day rise to the global stage. It will definitely require a lot of hard work and restructuring but everything is possible.

THE FUTURE

Is there anything you wish differently about the playing conditions here?
Yes, there would be things I do not like obviously. Nothing is perfect in the world. My job is to play football and not look at other departments which do not concern me.
Where do you see yourself in the nearest future?
In football, you never really know where the wind may blow. However, I play for Terengganu FC at the moment and I am happy here.
What advice can you give to young African players who aspire to play football abroad?
In the game of football, nothing comes easy. A lot of young aspiring players have reached out to me from Ivory Coast wanting to come and play football here. My advice to them is to first yourself first in your home country, by doing your best and when the opportunity comes, you can move to another.
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Caution!! 10 things to lookout before choosing Malaysia as your study destination

Dr Bosede Edwards
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Caution!! 10 things to lookout before choosing Malaysia as your study destination

The growth in international student enrollment in Malaysia that began in the mid-2000s witnessed an unusual surge around 2015 (World Education Services); thus turning Malaysia into a hub for quality, but affordable foreign education, ranking 25th of 50 national systems. There were over 136,000 international students by the end of 2017, and by September 2019, more than 90,000 foreign students were enrolled in private institutions alone. Thirty-two Malaysian universities are currently in the top 100 universities in 2021 Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) World University Rankings by Subject. Here are 10 things to watch out for, if you decide to choose Malaysia as your study destination.

Beware of fake private universities and fraudulent recruitment agents

There are a good number of bad and fraudulent institutions that are only out for your money. They are the go-to institutions for those who come to Malaysia to do the wrong stuff. Although it may help to check out the global ranking of any institution before applying, ranking is not the only reliable means of judging, and always remember that a lot of politics goes into global or national rankings. Check out online reviews, and more importantly, whenever possible, get recommendations from credible individuals.

Opportunities abound for O’ / A’Level studies and other pre-tertiary programs

There are many international elementary and high schools as well as universities running British, American, or Australian curricula. Some also provide foundation programs. Students who graduate from these foundation programs can get direct placements in overseas universities in Australia, Britain or the US. There are also several diploma programs for those who might not be ready for higher degree programs.

You Can Choose from Public/Private Universities or from Single/Double Degrees

You can choose from public or private universities. You can study for British or Australian degrees and get the same certificate as those in the overseas campuses. You can also switch over to the overseas campuses in Britain or Australia later if you so wish. Prospective students can also choose between studying for single or double degrees within the same time frame. Read some reasons to study in Malaysia here

Be Mindful of Applicable and Important Government Policies

Government policies that affect international students are many and include issues like language requirements, visa, family, health status, etc. Some of these can vary depending on the student’s country of origin, and sometimes the level, or course of study. Visa issues are about the most critical of these policies. Ensure you get useful information.

You will need a Student Pass (Visa) to Study

 

Elementary and high school students can study in licensed Malaysian international schools. Parents of such students are given ‘Guardian Visa’ that enables one of the parents to stay and care for the child (who must be below 18 years). Note that such visas do not permit employment. To study for an undergraduate degree, irrespective of age or residential status at the point of admission (except for Malaysian PR holders), a student must obtain a student pass at the earliest possible time. Visa issues are many and varies based on country, institution, study level, and/or course; they cannot be fully captured in this post. Endeavour to get the right information and guidance from the institution or individuals who are familiar with the system. It may also be in your best interest to use the services of university-licensed student recruitment agencies like OT Consulting Nigeria or Arrows Transactions Sdn Bhd who provide advisory services as well as individual support to applicants at all stages, including visa processing through settling down in Malaysia.

You may also like: Study in Malaysia 2021- Student Recruitment Westminster International College (UK Degrees)

Student Life and Survival can be Hard, Get Prepared

Something practical to note about student life in Malaysia is that it will be tough studying here if you don’t have some form of sponsorship. Malaysia does not have any standard ‘work-and-study’ policy as obtains in most developed nations. This is one major challenge a foreign student should be prepared for. So, do not be deceived by any recruitment agent promising work-and-study opportunities. Malaysian student pass/visa does NOT permit employment. So, settle your funding issues before coming over, especially if you will be studying for a Bachelor or a taught Master programme.

There are Many Merit-based Funding and Scholarships Opportunities

Many private universities provide performance-based tuition discounts which can go up from 10% to 100%. The waiver value is usually determined during the pre-admission stages. In many cases, the candidate enjoy the funding throughout their study periods, provided they continue to maintain their academic performance. Postgraduate research students can also benefit from university-based fellowships and government grants, including the Malaysia International Scholarship. Some forms of sponsorship can also be obtained through research grants under supervisors. It is good to note that fundings are mostly merit-based.

Work-and-Study and Post-Study Employment Opportunities are Poor

It may be possible for students to find small jobs, especially during long school breaks, this is however not guaranteed. Things may be a bit relaxed at the capital city in Kuala Lumpur though, BUT, whatever it is, it will not pay tuition, it may supplement upkeep, but that is about it. It is important to also note that the taught programme is intensive and stressful, and it is near impossible to do any reasonable work during the session while on a taught programme. Research students may benefit from university-based or external grants when they work for their supervisors, but this is a function of what grants the supervisor has access to and what the candidate can contribute. Potential students can prepare for opportunities to earn through personal skills, including technology skills. Post-study employment opportunities are not many, but they are available if you prepare.

You Can Bring Your Family When Coming to Study in Malaysia

Postgraduate students are allowed to bring their family to stay with them when they come to study in Malaysia. However, current visa policies require that the student resume and register first, and after securing a student pass can proceed to process Dependant Passes for his/her family. The candidate needs to also prepare for family demands and expenses, especially accommodation, which can be quite high. Families with young kids need to know beforehand that due to Malaysia’s official language being Malay and the medium of instruction in public schools, it may be difficult to find affordable English schooling options. International schools are extremely expensive and may not be easy to cover for self-sponsored students. Full or paid home-schooling, English-speaking private schools and tuition are other options that can be explored. Check out related government policies too, they are always changing.

Research is central to evidence-based decision making. Ask Questions

There are many complicated decisions to make when choosing to study abroad, and though the answers are available, they may not be readily obvious. The personal experiences of others can be among the best information sources. Tuition and other costs vary across institutions, and there are various options regarding living expenses to chose from. Single or shared campus hostel accommodation, off-campus shared apartment, family accommodation, university guest house, hotel or other hospitality services, monthly rental arrangements, etc. are all possible options. The bottom line is: Do your research; because, at the end of the day, everything boils down to having the RIGHT INFORMATION.

Do you want to take your education to the next level? Let us help you find the best courses in the best universities in any of these countries of your choice: Australia, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, US.

Get in touch with us today here.

 

Sharon Ufere – Transmitting Smell through the Internet

Kimberly
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Sharon Ufere – Transmitting Smell through the Internet

Did you know smell could be transmitted through the internet?

Researchers at the Imagineering Institute headed by Prof Adrian David Cheok are working on digitizing scent and inventing the future of the internet.

Sharon Kalu Ufere is from South-East Nigeria and she is a part of the research team at the Imagineering Institute Iskandar Johor Bahru. She has been in Malaysia for 4 years now. She moved to Malaysia with her children in January 2015 to do her Masters in Biomedical Engineering.

WORK IN MALAYSIA

After your master’s degree at UTM, how did you find a job at imagineeringinstitute considering how hard it is for Africans in Malaysia to find work?

Yes, it is actually hard to get a job in Malaysia as an African but it is not impossible. After my master’s degree, I got this job but I must say it was a miracle. While waiting for my convocation, a friend of mine sent me a message and she said “Sharon there is a research company in Nusajaya why not try” Later I sent a message to the director and he requested I send him my CV which I immediately did. After about one week, miraculously I was called for an interview and as God may have it I got the job.

Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it.

 

Sharon Ufere

Sharon and the research team

As a research engineer, what are the things you seek to achieve at the Imagineering institute?
The Imagineering Institute is a research lab with the vision “Invent the Future of the Internet”. It is the first independent multi-disciplinary internet and digital media research & development (R&D) institute focusing on internet, digital media, and mixed reality research. Through this research lab, I seek to make a difference, impact lives and demonstrate through hard work that we Africans can do whatever we put our minds on doing.

What are the successes you’ve accomplished since working at the Imagineering Institute?

At Imagineering Institute, I have worked on several projects. Developing research design, conducting user studies, writing research articles etc. One of the major works I’m involved in is called Electric Smell. Here we are working on digitizing smell. Letting people share their smell experience across the internet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLWZSFHbrcY

Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.

Sharon Ufere

 

LIFE IN MALAYSIA (JOHOR BAHRU)

what is your favourite part of living and working in Malaysia?

Personally, I like the serenity of Johor_Bahru_District, couple with several fun places to visit like Legoland Malaysia Resort and lots of shopping malls. The truth is there’s something for everyone.

Any neighbourhood recommendations in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru has a number of nice neighbourhood suitable and affordable for expats.
For security purposes, gated communities are most appropriate. I will recommend houses in and around Iskandar Puteri.

Would you rate Malaysia as a friendly country?
I think Malaysia is a family-friendly country, where you can raise your children. There are lots of fun places you can go as a family.

Did you move here immediately with your family and how did they manage to settle in after relocation?
Yea, when I got admission for my master’s degree I moved here immediately with my 3 kids. Settling in after relocation was not much trouble for me because my husband was already here. The only challenge was adjusting to the time difference and Malaysian meals.

What are some of the challenges African expats in Malaysia face and can you suggest any solutions?

Social Integration: there should be public awareness that Africans or blacks are not in any way less.
Financial: I suggest MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for African students studying in Malaysia to be entitled to work for certain hours within their study period and an option of a few years after their studies. This will increase the attraction of Malaysia as an education hub.
Food: Provision of African food stands.

In your opinion what are the things Africans wishing to visit or live in Johor should look out for?

Things to look out for are Johor’s rich culture and diversity of food. There is something for everyone to enjoy. There are quite a number of exciting places to visit and have fun with the family. But while doing these avoid taxis whenever possible. Some drivers are known for their bad behaviour and service. Instead, use ride-hailing apps like GRAB, they work really well here.
Also, watch out for snatch thieves on motorcycles. Johor and the rest of Malaysia are pretty safe for travellers as compared to other countries in the region. However, snatch theft cases still happen occasionally throughout the country. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when a motorcycle is approaching.
Be Mindful of Cultural Influences. Johor is generally more conservative than many places in Europe and the United States

THE FUTURE

I know as an Expat, you go where work calls or sends you. However, do you see yourself here in the distant future?

The distant future in Malaysia is uncertain basically because the job here is on contract. At the end of the contract, if my contract is not renewed and I do not get another job, then I will definitely not be living in Malaysia.

What are the changes you would like to see for Africans in Malaysia?

Malaysians perception towards Africans here is rather negative. Somehow, some Malaysians think that Africans are here to do all sort of illegal business. You know once you mentioned you are from Africa, the person will take a second look at you and most often the person’s perception of you will change immediately until proven otherwise. A grab driver once asked me if there are human beings living in Africa. I immediately used the opportunity to educate him a little about Africa.
Hence, changing this impression is what I would like to see for Africans in Malaysia.
To prove to them that there are many good Africans who have genuine sources of income, who are doing legal businesses, working very hard and impacting lives.

FINALLY…

What is your best advice you can give to anyone considering studying and working in Malaysia?

  • Keep an open mind, trust that everything is possible and be determined.
  • Do not rely on the negative experience of others. You might face some level of discrimination at one point or the other but that does not cancel the fact that there are still good Malaysians who will go out of their way to help you achieve your goal.

 

“When You Pray, Move Your Feet”

African Proverb

 

Study in Malaysia 2021- Student Recruitment Westminster International College (UK Degrees)

Kimberly
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Study in Malaysia 2021- Student Recruitment Westminster International College (UK Degrees)

Elvis is originally Cameroonian with a Swedish nationality. He has a wide range of experience in international marketing and has worked in several countries across the globe. He has been living and working in Malaysia since March 2012 as an International Marketing and Liaison officer at Westminster International College a Division of the London School of Commerce (LSC) with expertise in student recruitment, visa guidance and counselling. The job requires lots of travelling to create awareness and sensitize the masses on the importance of Business education and the successes that follow.

WORK IN MALAYSIA

So what is your job entail and why did you move to Malaysia?

As an international Marketing Officer at Westminster International College (WIC) in Collaboration with London School, with the main role to recruit students from all across to globe to study in Malaysia.

It entails identifying a good market, organizing a taught marketing campaign, recruiting the students and following up for them to get a student visa to come and study in Malaysia

We moved to Malaysia to expand our market share in S. E Asia.

What are the successes you have registered since moving here?

So far,

  • we have increased the international student population to 70%
  • We have also created a huge brand awareness about studying in S.E. Asia

What are your greatest challenges as a Marketing consultant in WIC? Moreover, how do you think they can be overcome?

  • The greatest challenge is at the level of getting a student visa. Lots of documentation are required and the timing is usually not friendly.
  • Another big challenge is convincing the parents to choose Malaysia as a study hub over countries in the west such US, UK, Canada, Australia etc

Overcoming such challenges was and are tough. In case of visa delays, we advise our students to plan their travelling 2-3 months ahead and we also do invest a lot of time in counselling them to prepare the right documents on time.

I know there has been a recent trend of people paying tuition fees just to have a visa to live in Malaysia but do not attend school. How does your institution kick against these negative practices?

I have heard of such practices, but I really do not know how true this is. WIC practises the UK standard where both students and staff have to sign in using a Bio-metric device. This is a computerized system that requires the fingerprints of every student on every class to record and transfer the attendance to the central database in the UK which calculates student attendance and provide a list of those below 80% for warning and disciplines.

EMGS on the other hand requires this student information for visa renewal so if you default, you are trapped.

What are some of your expectations from newly recruited students?

I always expect every student to take their studies seriously, especially knowing how much has been invested (both financial and time) to get here to Malaysia.

SEE ALSO: Life as an Artist and Student in Malaysia

What are some of the courses offered by the school?

We offer the following Courses ; Doctorate of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Bachelors of Business Students and Foundation in Business. We also offer 6-9 month English classes for Non-English speaking students

BENEFITS TO EXPATS IN MALAYSIA

Considering Malaysia has become The melting pot in recent years, with the influx of expats into the country, how structured are The programs to cater for the tight schedules of expats who would like to study in WIC?

Do you think Malaysia is a family-friendly country?

Malaysia is considered friendly because of its stable, socio-political and economic climate. The Education and healthcare system is fast developing and very conducive for expats.

What are some of the challenges African expats in Malaysia face and can you suggest any solutions?

Most challenges faced by every expat is a sense of belonging. We face difficulties blending in and going with the flow.

THE FUTURE

I know as an Expat, you go where work calls or sends you. However, do you see yourself here in the distant future?

We really cannot predict the future, but I am very flexible and open to try new things and see new places. That is the fun of being human.

What are the changes you would like to see for Africans in Malaysia?

It would be advisable for expats to come together and create a subculture that will cater for their needs in areas of socials, culture and development.

FINALLY…

What is your best advice you can give to any expat considering moving to Malaysia?

We are a sum up of our experiences. So where ever you find yourself as an expat, just put in your best and work with your heart. Malaysia is opening its borders to welcome new talents. Let us make them proud.

Africa’s Education System needs a Reform – Here’s why!

Dr Richard Munang
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Africa’s Education System needs a Reform – Here’s why!

We cannot discuss education without making it clear that it is not just the classical formal education we have but those we have in our homes as well. Education starts from our homes and the lessons learnt from infantry are just perfected either wrongly or rightly at the formal level. African culture regardless of the country has a huge impact on what we have become today and that is a form of education.

The forgotten Infantry Education

Imagine just for a moment the mentalities of “entitlement to being supported” we are indoctrinated with from our homes even before we get to school. We are conditioned right from our homes, by our society, that those whom we consider to be well-off, are the ones we need to look up to, to solve our problems. A kid growing up is told about the well-off uncle, aunty, brother, sister, cousin, who can “help” them. They are never told that they need to be of value to complement this relative or any other person for that matter, and that is how they too can tap opportunities for growth. A student in school is told to work hard, because the certificate they will get, will be their “license”, an entitlement to a well-paying job. From where they can start to enjoy life. They are never told, that the certificate they get, is actually a responsibility bequeathed on them, to become solutions providers and devise solutions to the challenges in their society – in their communities, villages, provinces, country.

The certificate you get is a responsibility bequeathed on you to become a solution provider to your community, village, province or country.

We must start by solving these vices in our homes before we can tackle the formal education failure and solve them, a complete reset is called upon from each of us. And that reset is in three critical steps – first is finding purpose. The second is contextualizing this purpose to our surrounding, our society. And from there, then comes the reward

Formalizing a Mismatch and a Not Fit for Purpose Educational system

It’s clear from every indication that Africa’s education system needs total revamping else it will not be fit for purpose to solve today’s and tomorrow’s problems. Education curricula need to be reformed to reflect an African ideology; contextualized to Africa’s accurate history and circumstances, Africa-centric, centred on solving the continent’s contemporary challenges, while technically benchmarking against global best practices, thus becoming globally competitive. Universities and colleges should introduce programmes that directly contribute to solving contemporary developmental challenges, such as infrastructure and healthcare deficits, with the social sciences and arts building the right mental attitude to enable Africans to define an intellectual cause for their education.

A deep-seated malady in Africa’s development policy that traces its roots to educational foundations was summed up in 2018 in– a quote from Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Ado –

“If we make our policies dependent on other people, when their policies change we will suffer. But, if we make the policy for ourselves, then it means that, at all times, we will be in control of our own destiny”.

Translated to our education, our school curricula have not developed much and are still based on a colonial system – where the focus was more to build human capital to serve others interest – not to drive continental development. As a result, there is a significant disconnect between the challenges faced in the continent and the ability of people who have gone through the educational systems to solve those challenges.

Theoretical vs Problem-solving Mismatch Education

Scientific knowledge for instance is learned in a purely theoretical context with minimal exposure to real-world problem-solving. Truth is, getting the theory right, is just the first step. This theoretical knowledge must then be put to the test in devising practical workable solutions in the context of the challenges and opportunities that exist in this continent. The lack of alignment of the education sector to contemporary opportunities is limiting the employability of African graduates.  It is documented for instance, that most educated people in Africa confront a mismatch between their training and available opportunities. As an example, a recorded case in South Africa revealed that while firms report 600,000 vacancies, 800,000 young university graduates remain unemployed because their skills set does not match what is needed. A more glaring example is in Africa’s agro-value chains. Up to $48 billion is lost annually as postharvest losses for lack of value addition. To cover for deficits, food worth up to $35billion is imported each year. Cumulatively, this is over $80 billion worth of annual opportunities going down the drain every year.

Focused skills-based training on how to solve these challenges will go a  long way in reversing these losses and creating multiple enterprise opportunities. For example, Cameroon loses in excess of 6million CFA in tomato postharvest losses because of a lack of cold storage solutions near-production area. Over 4billion CFA in rice among key areas because of lack of efficient drying solutions. Yet, if processing and value addition is prioritised, over 1.5million jobs can be created annually in tomato processing alone. Focused skills-based training to technicians & engineers to use their theoretical knowledge in design, circuitry, thermodynamics etc, but this time targeted at fabricating solar fridges and driers that can operate in the local conditions in Cameroon will not only be reversing these post-harvest losses but turning them into enterprise opportunities not only for farmers but the entire sub-sector & supply chain of solar power cold storage solutions. But the trigger for this is that Africa’s education system must churn out skilled personnel who can devise these solutions.

The urgently Needed Education Policy for Africa

Africa’s education policy must prioritize training manpower to tap into the agro-value chain, towards its full industrialization since it is not only a leading challenging area for the continent but also one that offers the best comparative advantage for the continent to ascend into global competitiveness. Focus should move beyond being satisfied with theoretical proficiency – which is only the first step – to tying this theory to developing practical solutions in areas focused on the continents challenges and most strategic opportunities. For this in addition to fostering enabling policy through refining and overhauling curricula as needed- where mainstreaming entrepreneurship education in the entire curriculum so we can truly refine what it means to be entrepreneurial; hands-on mentorship where graduates are taken through structural guidance, to improve, refine, and align the skills they have to tap opportunities in the strategic area of sustainably industrializing the continents agro-value chains is another key action. Here, we are already providing this structural guidance to youth through what is called Innovative Volunteerism.  Here, youth are guided to leverage the skills they have as a premium to forge partnerships with their contemporaries in other disciplines and collectively complement their skills & be guided as a team to tap in closing inefficiencies along Africa’s agro-value chains. In Kenya for instance, youth with skills in marketing, clean energy and ICT have been guided to complement their skills and come up with an application called EBAGroPamoja that links agro-value chain actors to productivity solutions in organic inputs, clean energy to power processing & reverse PHLs, financing to recapitalize their enterprises, logistics to link effectively to markets, niche consumer markets among key intervening areas – all at the comfort their smartphones and computers. Through EBAgroPamoja, these youth are on track to convert Kenya’s $500 million worth annual agro-value chain inefficiency losses to food-secure homes, enterprise opportunities for actors in different areas – from agriculture to clean energy to logistics to finance etc., and at the same time earning their livelihoods through this connectivity solution. There are many other examples in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Gambia, Togo, DRC, Zimbabwe, Benin, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire etc.

So the suggestion is to focus on going beyond theoretical proficiency in all disciplines and proceed to tie theory to problem-solving & opportunities tapping in strategic areas like industrializing Africa’s agro-value chains. This being achievable through policy actions in refining curriculum while benchmarking with best global standards and through investing in mentorship hubs as is happening with Innovative Volunteerism where those already out of the formal schooling can be guided to enhance their skills set and apply theoretical knowledge to solve challenges in strategic areas for the continent & countries.   The writing is on the wall – skills enhancement is the way to solving Africa’s productivity challenges and enhancing our global competitiveness and the formulation of educational policy that can be fit for purpose in Africa should leverage this thinking.

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the institution with which he is affiliated.

Expat Interview – A guide to living in Qatar

Kimberly
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Expat Interview – A guide to living in Qatar
Jean-Paul, a Cameroonian (Husband, Father, IT Project Management, Teacher of God’s word, Author & Philanthropist) moved from Cameroon to Qatar in June 2013 in search of better career opportunities after his contract with Lead University came to an end.

In this interview, Jean-Paul shares his experience living in Qatar as an Expat. He discusses family, the skills required to have a job in Qatar, the cost of living in Qatar, and more. The information shared here would help you make an informed decision before moving to Qatar.

Did you move with your spouse/children? Or did they join you later (If so, why)?

I moved without my wife and child (I moved when we had just our lovely baby girl).

I had to leave them behind because I was going to look for opportunities and it is better to test the waters before getting the family into it. Added to this fact, the immigration laws that are required to fulfil before moving your family to this part of the world are not that easy. Hence, I had to get everything in place before getting them to join me. We are together now in Qatar.

WORKING IN QATAR

How was the process of obtaining a visa and work permit?

The ease or difficulty in the process of obtaining a visa and a work permit depends on the type of entry Visa you hold while looking for an opportunity. Once the entry visa is convertible, the rest of the process is taken care of by the hiring company.

The process becomes trickier when the immigration doesn’t grant your hiring company permission to provide visas of your nationality.

If you are hired from your home country, you have nothing to worry about because your hiring company takes care of everything including relocation.

How did you find your job in Qatar?

I got a convertible entry visa through an agent. Once I was in Doha, I searched for jobs relating to my area of experience and found one to start up with. I later changed to more stable companies with better offers.

What are the top skills required to have a job in Qatar?

Most opportunities in Qatar are related to Engineering and Project Management. However, there are new opportunities coming up in the tourism industry especially with the preparations for the upcoming FIFA 2022.

What’s the minimum salary to accept to guarantee a decent standard of living in Qatar?

You need a minimum wage of 14, 000 Qatari Riyals ($4, 000 USD) in the case of family and children. But as a single, $, 5, 000 to $7, 000 Qatari Riyals ($2, 000 USD) is good for a minimum wage.

LIVING IN QATAR

What do you enjoy most about Qatar? How’s the quality of life?

There are two things I enjoy the most about Qatar, Security and Order. I have travelled to a few countries and I have never been to any country as secure as Qatar. You rarely hear of crimes and other social vices. There are so many rules and regulations, most of which are related to the Qatari culture, which help to maintain order in the society.

Qatar has the highest per capita income in the world at 752% and life expectancy here is about 80 years as opposed to our home country of just 58 years. Fuel prices are the least in the world; 1 Liter of fuel is $0.25 USD, a cylinder of cooking gas is $4 USD and many other social amenities are extremely cheap. Qatar is one of the best countries you could live in.

Any negatives? What do you miss most about home?

The only thing I miss about home is family and nothing else.

Like every other country in the world, Qatar is not perfect. About 90% of the negatives about Qatar are related to expats since they make up about 85.7% of the country’s population. Because of the difference in class between the locals and the expats, it’s not that easy to socialize with Qatari locals or even understand their way of life.

Is the city safe? Are there any areas expats should avoid?

Everywhere in Qatar is safe. I mean everywhere. I have had the privilege to live in various classes of society and there is never a time I felt unsafe going out of the house at 2 AM.

The only thing you should avoid doing is walking aimlessly around a local’s premises. They will call the police on you and you will be picked up within 5 minutes.

How would you rate public transport in Qatar? What are the different options to commute? Do you need to own a car?

With the launching of the Metro transport system mid last year, the public transport system has been enhanced more than what existed before. I had the privilege to be part of the project team that built the Qatar Metro. It was done with excellence and covers a network of almost the entire country; from North to South and from East to West. One way ticket cost $0.55 USD for standard and $3 USD for VIP.

Owning a car is an advantage in transportation cost. It is relatively very cost-effective to own a car than using public transport since fuel prices are very low. Otherwise, you can do without a car.

Different options to commute include Train (Metro), Public Taxi, Uber, Careem, Public Bus, Metro Inter-Urban buses etc.

What’s your opinion on healthcare in Qatar?

Healthcare is almost free. The last two times I visited the hospital, I didn’t pay a dime. Both consultation and medication prescription were all free of charge without using my medical insurance.

Most of the Hospitals are well equipped and maintained. HMC Central Hospital Departments look like five-star hotels.

They have a prompt ambulance service that will come to your aid within 15 to 20 minutes after your call.

Every hiring company has the responsibility to provide medical insurance to all its employees. Personally, my medical insurance is covered by 85% and renewable every year.

Which are the best neighbourhoods for expats to live in the city in your opinion?

It depends on your pocket size or how much you can pay. Accommodation is one of the most expensive aspects of livelihood in Qatar. If you can afford the upper class, Pearl Qatar, Corniche, West Bay, Lusail etc will be the best.

If you fall within the middle class, Musherib, Salwa Road, Al-Saad, Al Waab, Al Wakrah, Al Wukair etc.

For the lower class, you can live in Mongolina, Najma, Mansoura etc.

How would you rate accommodation in Qatar?

You can’t really pass a general rating because you have all categories from the richest to the poorest, the best to the worst. It is a bit dense with very limited space for parking etc.

What’s the cost of living in Qatar compared to your home country? What are the things you find really affordable in Qatar?

The cost of living on average is relatively very high, even though so many social amenities are very cheap such as fuel, cooking gas, food, electronics and home appliances, furniture etc.

Education and accommodation facilities are extremely expensive.

Are you part of any associations or do you associate solely with expats?

I am part of an international church that is all made of expats. My association with locals is mostly at work since I work with the government. More than 50% of my colleagues are Qataris. I don’t belong to any clubs and associations aside from Church.

FINALLY….

As an African/Cameroonian expat, how do you plan to impact your home country considering the African diaspora is vital in the development of Africa?

I already have some ongoing projects to help underprivileged children in Kenya and Cameroon. I founded an organization called ChildAID which I run with my wife and a few Kenyan partners. We provide basic needs to orphan children and also support their education at the start of the school year. In January we supported 43 orphan children with school materials to begin their school year. We equally locate and provide basic needs to random orphanages after every three months.

We are currently planning on a project to build a school in Kenya to establish an upgraded academic system when compared to what we currently have in Africa. We are looking forward to commencing the construction from next year.

Follow Jean-Paul on Facebook

 

PBB Lists – 20 Inspiring Africans in Malaysia

Kimberly
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PBB Lists – 20 Inspiring Africans in Malaysia
Passports Beyond Borders presents its first edition of 20 Inspiring Africans in Malaysia. This list features 20 people of African descent (20 persons + 1 Company) from different sectors who are positively impacting their local communities and Malaysia as a whole through their ideas, intellect and businesses. Africans who are breaking down barriers and pushing limits to what Africans can achieve in Malaysia.
1. Dato’ Emmanuel Chukwuma Abugu (Nigerian) – Founder & CEO Majestic Target SDN BHD

Dato Emmanuel moved to Malaysia in 1996 to further his education. While studying, he hawked watches and wallets just to be able to pay his bills.

Upon completion, he opened the first Nigerian Owned  Food outlet in Malaysia operated in a chinese concept registered under his wife’s name. In February 2000, he founded Majestic Target Sdn. Bhd a company specialized in Logistics and global shipping services which has been in operation till date. In 2017, he was nominated for datoship for his crime free longstay in Malaysia and flying high the image of his country Nigeria and also for his philantrophic contributions to Malaysia. In 2018, he also received an  award of recognition from the Nigerian high commission in Malaysia.

2. Dato’ Roland (Nigerian) – Founder & CEO C.R Recycle (M) SDN BHD
Dato Roland is the founder of CR Recycle SDN BHD, Cathroland Ventures SDN BHD and R.O. Lekwas Company Lome Togo West Africa all geared towards Charitable activities. He moved to Malaysia in 2006 where he obtained a Diploma in Business (DBS) at Goon Institute Kuala Lumpur. With a huge heart for helping the less priviledged, Dato Roland decided to start up companies to cater for the needs of the under priviledge. He helps most of the charity homes in Malaysia by turning recycling to income to help cater for their needs. With these contributions to the country Malaysia, he was nominated for Datoship by one of the 6 charity organizations he represents in Malaysia.
3. Vincent Uchenna Anyanwu (Nigerian) – Founder & CEO of Vinzing SDN BHD
Mr Vincent Uchenna Anyanwu was born in Nigeria, His parents were both teachers hence his love for Education
After his secondary and tertiary education he left Nigeria in pursuit of his studies in Singapore in 1994. After his studies and sojourn in Singapore he found greater opportunities in neighboring Malaysia. In 2009,he relocated to Malaysia where he established his existing business Vinzing SDN BHD, a limited liability company under the umbrella company covering other subsidiaries of the group.. His business concern focuses on hospitality industry, international trading, real estate and restaurants, export and exposition of African culture in his outstanding passion. He actualized this passion through his active in participation in hospitality and restaurant chain across Asia. In his years in the Asian continent, his inner happiness is conjured not when business is at its peak but whenever the opportunity to assist a fellow African is accomplished. Service to humanity in general and to an African is an irrevocable call to him which providence fulfilled in his life by endowing him with a Chinese – Malaysian wife who shares the same aspirations . In the course of standing out for fellow African,he has earned confrontation from some Asian countries but that has not deterred him but has encouraged him the more.
4. Michael Emeka Ugwunali (Nigerian) – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Oil Field Service Company
Michael Emeka Ugwunali recently relocated to Malaysia in June 2019 with his family. His passion for developing and nurturing talents and taking up new challenges are the core reasons he took up the role of CFO in Malaysia.
In his short but steady journey to CFO for an Oil Field Service company, the determination to succeed, hard work, fully entrenched in utmost commitment and Self -motivation have been his guiding principles. As a business growth and finance specialist with over 17 years of extensive experience, he always looked forward to new challenges and opportunities to add value to the young and upcoming talents across the globe. Having done this on the African continent for several years, Asia is another continent where he intends to unleash his full potentials to help young talents continue to develop. He is married to a beautiful woman and blessed with three children. His family support and encouragement is one of the main reason he has been successful in his career all these years. He considers his current role only as a stepping stone to a greater future.
5. Dr Ray Ikechukwu Jacob (Nigerian) – Former Lecturer/Associate Research Fellow AADUN
Dr Ray arrived in Malaysia in 2005 for a Christian Missionary Evangelist work. Upon arrival, he discovered Malaysia doesn’t provide a missionary visa so he was advised to apply for a doctoral study program which he did and was given admission to the National University of Malaysia (UKM) where he studied Social Anthropology and received a Doctorate degree in 2013.

Prior to that, Tun Dr Mahathir (Malaysian Prime Minister) had passed a message to the Malaysian institutions of higher learning to start African and Arabic studies, of which only Arabic were able to be carried out. So, while at UKM, Dr Ray started emphasizing the need for an African program of study which led to his appointment as the Coordinator for the (African Studies Unit) under ”Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, (IKMAS). He was later called for an interview at UM(Uni Malaya) to help take AADUN(Africa-Asia Development University Network) to the next level.

Dr Ray’s goal for the African Studies Program in a country where Africa is not known and projects African Citizens as primitive, undeveloped, rejected and discriminated by a majority of Malaysians was to know and study the continent, associate and to love her people. Which is totally different from a bilateral relationship. These projects have helped in uniting ALL African Students (UMASA) under Uni Malaya for the first time in the institution’s history. AADUN has opened the way in bringing all African diplomatic heads of mission to participate in its programs and also necessitates more academic research into exploring more about Africa through networking with some African institutions of higher learning.

6. Dr Bosede Edwards (Nigerian) – Academician, Writer, Entrepreneur
Dr Bosede is a researcher, teacher, trainer, instructional designer, and serial entrepreneur. She studied for her PhD in a Malaysian public university and has useful personal experience with studying (all levels), working and doing business in Malaysia. She is a writer who has successfully published 6 books including 3 fictions for kids which include Parenting: Present-day challenges Foolproof solutions, One Good Turn, Ebele the Slave, Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Harvest of Shame, Setting Boundaries.

 

She is privately working at building a research network consisting of a multidisciplinary team of scholars called Global Trends Academy with the aim of promoting Academic Research, Collaboration and linkages between African scholars and the rest of the world. This is done through conferences, training workshops and academic journals among other things. She is also a representative of Arrows Transactions SDN BHD (ATSB), a licensed international student recruitment agency based in Malaysia. ATSB provides student recruitment, and placement services (high school to post-PhD) to many public and private universities in Malaysia and overseas.

7. Dr Uchechi Cynthia Ohajionu (Nigerian) – Academician

Dr Uchechi Cynthia Ohajionu( a Wife, Mom and Academician) moved to Malaysia in January 2011 to pursue a Master’s programme at INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan. Once the programme came to an end, she applied for and got a scholarship for a PhD in 2012 which was a four-year journey and graduated in 2016.She started her academic career as a Tutor and Academic Advisor at the Faculty of Business, Communications and Law, INTI International University started in 2011. While studying for her Doctorate, she applied for and got the position. She followed up with students on any report of unsatisfactory work (e.g. poor attendance, fail and/or failing grades, incomplete grades from past semester(s), etc.). Special attention was paid to students who were placed on academic probation. She also informed and referred students to other institutional resources when academic, attitudinal, attendance, or other personal problems require intervention by other professionals (e.g., Academic Services, Personal Counseling, etc.). Upon her graduation, she got a Lecturing job with Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation in 2017.

8. Fokim Fon Fondo (Cameroonian) Founder & CEO of FOKIM MONEY
Fokim Fon Fondo moved to Malaysia on 7th January 2008 solely for studies where he graduated with a BSc in Business Information Technology. During his stay in Malaysia, Fon noticed the wide variety of difficulties Africans in the country faced and after carrying out a survey, visa and monetary transactions topped his survey as the most challenging. Fon launched Fokim Money in 2015 a money transfer company designed to serve the Cameroonian community in Particular and the African community in general. Their goal is to link Africa and Asia through a cross-continental flow of finance and goods, giving Africans in the diaspora the opportunity to successfully carry out their projects back home. www.fokimmoney.com is a secure and trustworthy money transfer platform, providing data analysis and financial consultancy. Fon through his company also aims to paint an iconic company for Africans, in this society. Noted more for the wrong reasons rather for the right.
9. Eze Chinedu Michael (Nigerian) – Owner of J&P Restaurant SDN. BHD
Eze came to MALAYSIA on 13th MARCH 2013 as a student. Before coming, he expected to be able to pay his tuition by working part-time. Little did he know that he was in for disappointment as there were little or no such facilities for foreign students.
As an Igbo man (a particular tribe in Nigeria with business ideas genetically engraved in their DNAs) Eze started considering what to do because life was very difficult for him. As fate will have it, he met and fell in love with a lovely Malay Chinese lady. But for the family not to look down on him, he had to figure out something really fast before their marriage introduction. Then he conceived the idea of a car rental business. J&P Lovely Enterprise was created in 2015 and started with only 2 cars. Today the company proudly owns 7 cars. Also in July 2016, a second company was started known as J&P Restaurant. It started as a small enterprise that became a registered company (SDN BHD) in 2017. This restaurant provides a place of relaxation by providing African delicacies thereby making Africans in Malaysia feel at home. Both companies are fully operational. Eze is also involved in Humanitarian activities. He takes delight in assisting his fellow Nigerian/African arrested and detained.
10. Ismail Nabe (Guinean) –  Vice President & Co-Founder of Malaysia Africa Professionals & Entrepreneurs (MAPE)

KOUASSI Nanan Serge from Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and NABE Ismael from the Republic of Guinea are both founders of Malaysia Africa Professionals & Entrepreneurs(MAPE).

They both came to Malaysia more than 14 years ago to further their studies

(MBA for Serge and Master in Telecommunication Engineering, MBA & PhD for Ismael from the University of Malaya).The idea of MAPE was born after Ismael and Serge attended a momentous event which was the 9th Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) held in June 2011. The Dialogue was Tun Dr Mahatir’s brainchild to foster smart partnerships across governments, businesses and social sectors especially with those from Africa and the Caribbean. As more and more Malaysian companies have been taking interest in the economic resurgence of Africa as well as exploring business and investment opportunities available in the continent, they decided it was about time to have a formal and recognized entity that could spearhead, facilitate and promote more Malaysian business and investment engagement with Africa.

Over the years they have contributed to a stronger and more dynamic economic partnership between Malaysia & Africa. MAPE also offers assistance to African students in Malaysia for Internship & Job placements as well as sponsorships for social activities (educational trips, sports activities, etc.)

11. Uche Obanji (Nigerian) – Founder & CEO of Rehoboth SDN BHD
Uche resigned from his job to move abroad(Malaysia) because he thought living abroad was a bed of roses. When he got here, he suffered and wept bitterly and the only good food available to him was in his dreams. With no one to ask a penny from, he remembered he was the son of a shoemaker. To survive, Uche started making Pams(Leather Sandals) while studying at Edu Train College. He later got a shop space in Giant Taman Connaught Cheras and as time went by, ideas started coming up. Uche started doing jobs for some African churches as he was also a skilled interior decorator. He later got some contract jobs with some companies. Today Uche is counting his blessings. His registered company(since 2013) is into construction and interior decoration, installation of CCTV and access door control.  He is happily married to his longtime girlfriend Anita and he is very fluent in Bahasa.
12. Chukwudi Barah(Nigerian) -Founder of OtherExpats & Ahbinci
Chukwudi moved to Malaysia in 2008 where he graduated with a degree in Management Information Systems.

In March of 2015, he created an online community for people of colour known as otherexpats.com. Other Expats is a resource community that provides information, tips and guides on living in Malaysia as people of colour (POC). They share content from their own experiences and research, and often customized to the needs of expatriates who identify as People of Colour.

In June 2019, Chukwudi also founded Ahbinci.com. He came up with ahbinci after looking for a place that allows his colleagues (Malaysians & others) at work to try Nigerian food. And there was none in the surrounding areas and he wasn’t sure what the other African cuisines were like, so he created ahbinci to crowdsource the answers. This allows people to add and rate African restaurants that they’ve visited.

13. Uche Nwabuike (Nigerian) – Founder & CEO of Eventures Concept
Uche moved to Malaysia in 2012 for further Education. He obtained a Bachelors in Mechanic Engineering and is

currently doing a Masters in Business Administration specializing in General Management. Uche’s passion for organizing and planning events led to the creation of his company Eventures Concept(an event management company) which has been operational for over 2 years. They are involved in event planning & management, fashion-related activities, travel and tour.Eventures Concept started beauty pageants for African ladies in Malaysia (Miss Africa Malaysia) and a fashion show (AfroAsia Fashion Show). These events serve as a medium for Africans to exhibit their culture through cultural display, unity dance and also serve as a medium to enlighten everyone about the diversity and beauty of the African culture. It would also be a medium of giving back to the Malaysian community as a Finalist and the winner would be involved in good cause such as charity, fundraising for the underprivileged. In June 2019, Uche won the African Personality of the year 2019 Award for the Pride of Africa Asia Awards in China.

14. Malachi Erias Okolo (Nigerian) – Founder of Onpoint TV
Malachi moved to Malaysia in 2013 to further his studies in Communication Psychology for studies both an undergraduate and postgraduate ( communication psychology BSc).

He started OnPoint TV Malaysia on February 15th 2018 with the support of Pastor Ephraim Addie Aaron, RCCG Malaysia province ll coordinator.The vision was from God himself to be a voice of the African community in Malaysia as only the negative things were being reported on local channels. Also to bridge the gap between Africans and Malaysians, to showcase to the world the beauty and the impact of Africans around the globe and to put an end to discrimination towards Africans all over the world, as well as educate Africans of who and how gifted they are.

Humanitarian wise, Malachi loves to help those people in the prisons or on the streets or provide a platform to the lost. OnpointTV Africa renders MCs, Videography, Photography, events planning (red carpet and live TV broadcast) and basically humanitarian matters.

15. Ejovwo Faith Akpobome (Nigerian) – Founder/Blogger at Malaysia Babes Gist
Faith is an Asia news carrier and a blogger at www.malaysiababesgist.com/ She is best known for her Facebook page Malaysiababesgist. She is a presenter, humanitarian, entrepreneur and certified chef. She came to Malaysia on the 14th September 2016 for an undergraduate degree in Corporate Administration due to be completed this year 2019. In November 2017, she decide to start an informative forum and came up with Malaysiababesgist on Facebook, which is the fastest-growing African page in Asia. Annabel is currently studying at Masa Kolej. She was recognized by UPU worldwide and was nominated for the advancement and merit award and won MALAYSIA YOUTH AMBASSADOR for the year 2019. She is currently the brand ambassador to vkprint Nigeria.
16. Amara Felix (Nigerian) – Outstanding Nigerian Student in Malaysia
Amara Felix has set a yet to be broken record at the Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University with an overall GPA of 3.98 in software engineering in 2015, no one has broken this record to date.

This singular achievement got him an offer to pursue his PhD at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. He is a Certified Android Developer with Grade A, at Edureka. He is also the Winner of the International Excellence award in 2015 at Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College Malaysia.Winner Best paper ward at the 2016 postgraduate research symposium University Malaya Malaysia. Winner Best paper award 2017 international conference on Robotics and Automation science Hong Kong. Winner Best paper award at the 2017 International Conference on Innovative research in science, technology and management National University Singapore.

Winner Best paper award 2017 Academics era International conference New York United States.

He has made Nigerians and Africa proud both here in Malaysia and across the globe.

Amara is a first-class material. A Software Engineer by profession and a part-time lecturer in one of the Malaysian institution of high learning. He is happily married.

17. Sumareh Mohamadou (Gambian / Malaysian – Professional Footballer (Pahang FC & National Team) Malaysia
Mohamadou Sumareh (born 20 September 1994) is a Gambian-born Malaysian footballer who plays for Pahang in the Malaysia Super League and for the Malaysian national team. He is nick-named Keli boy by Pahang FA fans because of his slimy and smooth dribbling as well as ball trickery. Sumareh moved to Malaysia at the age of 13 with his family. His business mogul dad who resides in the USA decided to settle the family in Malaysia because it was the closest to his Asia business route. Sumareh grew and studied to high school level in Malaysia before deciding to make some sacrifices to becoming a professional football player. Sumareh is the only naturalized African in Malaysia as of 2019. See more of Sumareh’s interview here.
18. Dickson Nwakaeme (Nigerian) – Professional Footballer (Pahang FC) Malaysia
Dickson is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Pahang FA. He is one of the best foreign players in Malaysia Super League history. He first moved to Malaysia and played for Kelantan in 2013. In 2014 he played for Pahang FC before moving out to Angers in France. He came back to Pahang FA in 2019.  Dickson has played and won 4 cups in Malaysia (Kelantan FA cup, Pahang FA cup, Malaysian cup and Charity cup).
19. Kipre Tchetche(Ivorian) – Professional footballer (Terranganu FC) Malaysia

Tchétché Kipré moved to Malaysia in June 2017 for a new challenge after playing for one year with Al-Suwaiq in Oman, and five years in Tanzania. When his agent contacted him about a second division team in Malaysia interested in his talents, he didn’t quite like the idea. His first instincts were “this isn’t good for my career” as the team is below his level. The icing on the cake was that the team would require his help to take them to the Super League. This motivated him to take on the challenge. It felt risky but it was worth the challenge to take the team to the Super League.Terengganu FC got to the super league and finished in the top 5 and also competed in the finals of the Malaysia cup which hasn’t happened since 2001.

20. Kimberly N Fombang (Cameroonian) – Founder & CEO Passports Beyond Borders
Kimberly is the award-winning founder & CEO of Passports Beyond Borders. In April 2017, Kim moved to Malaysia from Dubai with her 2month old daughter due to her husband’s job transfer. Even though Kim enjoyed her role as a stay at home wife and mother…

she felt a deeper calling to impact the world outside the four walls of her house; thus Passports Beyond Borders was birthed! PBB is a resource platform for anyone living, planning to visit or relocate to a foreign country. A platform to share customized information that will serve as a guide for expats, tourists, students etc.This platform would show that “expats” are not limited to a particular race or skin colour. The information published on this platform would help curb human trafficking by fraudulent agents who are only out to make money from desperate Africans looking for greener pastures beyond their borders. Humanitarian wise, Kim is in the process of raising funds for Africans stuck in detention centres in Malaysia who can’t afford to raise funds to pay for their return trip home after serving their time in jail.

Kimberly won African Woman of the Year 2019, for the Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards (POAA).

21. Ethiopian Airlines – African Airline Company

Ethiopian (ET) has been operating from Kuala Lumpur since 2012 and is currently the only African carrier with a direct connection to Malaysia. They operate a 5-weekly service flights (via Singapore) and have been Skytrax’s Africa Best Airlines for 3 years in a row (Year 2017, 2018 and 2019). Ethiopian transports an average of 180 passengers daily to Africa using the modern Boeing 787-Dreamliner and an award-winning cabin crew onboard service.

ET flies to over 125 worldwide destinations and is a proud member of the Star Alliance Network.

Ethiopian in Malaysia

Ethiopian continues its effort to establish a strong brand presence in Malaysia by working hand-in-hand with various major body organizations in terms of sponsorships and also collaborations. This includes Malaysia Tourism Board, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia African Professionals and Entrepreneurs (MAPE), all the respective African High Commissions/Embassies and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) besides regularly associating itself with the major local travel trade events all over Malaysia.

Overall, Ethiopian is seeing a positive growth in its development here in Malaysia and is still looking much to improve its service and further its ambition to be the one of the best airlines in the world. From a very humble beginning to a Leading African Aviation Group, Ethiopian Airlines is a story of a 74 years old successful aviation journey.

International Women’s Day – An Interview with Ola Adeyemi CEO Ripples Print

Kimberly
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International Women’s Day – An Interview with Ola Adeyemi CEO Ripples Print
First Published on March 8, 2021

The International Women’s day 2021 has as its theme “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”  The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ola Adeyemi is a wife, mom and founder of Ripples Print a business is focused on helping businesses/companies and also individuals to build brand recognition through the creation of quality and affordable prints and embroidery on various workwear ranging from Jackets, Polos, hoodies t-shirts all the works.

Ola shares her professional journey as the leader of her establishment and how she is reshaping the mindset of the younger generation.

Why did you move from Nigeria to the UK?

I moved to the UK after taking a study leave from my job in Nigeria to obtain a Master’s degree in International and Commercial law from the University of Aberdeen. After my studies, I decided to gain an amount of experience before returning home which was a decision my dad wasn’t too happy about because he has a law firm which we (My sister and I) had to manage. A few years later while gaining work experience in my field, I met my husband and we decided to start a family. So I stayed.

What does women’s day mean to you?

Personally, I think every day should absolutely be women’s day because we are kind of superhuman. Women’s day for me is celebrating women, their rights, and their voices. It is an interesting day for me to learn about women in different countries and how much they’ve accomplished and how much impact they’re making in the world.

You started your career as a lawyer, at what point in your life did you consider something else or what triggered a shift from a 9-5 to an entrepreneur? 

I started working while l at the University pursuing my masters. I worked in the public sector precisely with Aberdeen city council under the environmental and sustainability department which was great as I did administrative related tasks. However, there was an aspect of unfulfillment as the opportunities for growth were slim. So I decided to pivot and did project management (Both levels of Prince 2) and then I started a new role as a project assistant and rose to project coordinator before leaving to focus on my creative business full-time.

I have always considered myself a creative person and I love creating things. Before I left my job, I started making hair bows and tutus for girls because my first child was a girl. Immediately, people started to take notice of the cute little bows I made for my daughter and started requesting I make for them too. This literally started as a hobby. So from hair clips, I started making tops and matching sets for not only my daughter but for occasions like parties, meetings etc. It wasn’t something I planned on going into full but the more I did it, the more it became a sustainable side hustle. Then my local church requested I make 200 T-shirts which was my biggest order.

In 2016  right after having my third child, it became very quite hectic managing work, kids, and side hustle. So that was when I made the decision to focus on my family and business.

The Pandemic has been a very difficult period for everyone. Even more so for women as they are expected to leave their jobs or cut back their working hours in order to balance work, homeschool and childcare. Your company has remained resilient in the midst of adversity. What is your contribution to maintaining this gender balance in your workplace?

My business is a properly registered business in the UK. So as an employer, I have the responsibility to understand the policies around equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This is a balance that I have always maintained.

Also, I think there are unique aspects women bring to the table so it is more of an advantage having and maintaining this balance.

You are a Nigerian woman resident in Scotland (UK) and you run a company that employs locals. What does that feel like and what kind of CEO do you consider yourself?

I think it’s a mindset thing. If I want something, whether you are a white, black or yellow person I still want it and I go for it. Now, have there been times when I have been looked down upon? Oh yes, several times. But what matters most at that moment is how I decide to react towards it. Also, I did things very professionally during the recruitment phase. I hired an HR company to lay the contracts and an IT company to manage our systems. Also, what gave me an edge is that I am very knowledgeable in all aspects of my business and that puts my staff on their toes to deliver what I expect and beyond. They see how passionately driven I am driven and how I conduct my business so that makes management and delegation easy.

What is your advice to the community on handling these types of racial work dynamics?

What I will tell other women irrespective of where you are or whatever space you find yourself will be to work on yourself, learn to build people skills and management techniques. Be knowledgeable about your business and industry and conduct your business professionally.

Which female leader inspires you most and tell us about a women’s empowerment moment that has inspired you?

I am very inspired by Indra Nooyi. She is the president and CEO of PepsiCo. She is a woman, a minority in America of Indian origin who moved to the USA for studies. Her personal and professional growth is mindblowing and she is also so down to earth.

Also, the most recent appointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the new  WTO Chief has broken down the barriers to what African women can achieve globally while maintaining originality.

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How do you balance being a mother of 3 and being an Entrepreneur?

I think there is no balance. I choose who you want to be on a daily basis. Am I being a mom, a wife, an inlaw etc? I often ask myself this pertinent question of balance and I think it’s not possible to accomplish without choice. My husband is a doctor and he gets really busy as he works shifts and sometimes, I have deadlines to meet with my own work which makes it impossible to attend my kids PTAs. There are times when I have assured business deals to close and my daughter has her first nativity on that same day. Though gutted, I prioritize her over closing any deals. So I think it’s more about choice on a daily basis. And other times as spouses we prioritize each other. So it is more about having a structure and delegating or sourcing extra help with things like cleaning, laundry or even ordering food etc.

Most importantly, having a supportive and confident husband has been of tremendous help and gives me the groundwork to go ahead and dream of whatever I want to become.

How was your business impacted by the pandemic and what are your post Covid19 recovery plans?

During the first lockdown in April, we had absolutely zero income and this led to the termination of the contract of one staff member.

One other thing I did which I believe came from God was to work on my business strategy and processes. I saw that period of inactivity as a time to review all our paperwork and processes. At this time, the business invested heavily in marketing/publicity which most would consider silly but I had a plan. I knew the pandemic will eventually end and it is those who have a plan who will actually stand strong.

I got a consultant to help us with redesigning our sales process, understand our customers and build up our ideal client personas to gave us a forecast ahead. We did 3 scenarios, a worst-case scenario, status quo and best case to get a clear picture of the probabilities. So yeah the first lockdown was somewhat good as it gave me the opportunity to have clarity. We also got involved in fundraising projects (family first) for charity. So yeah we were soaring.

What are you most excited about the future of women?

If only women knew how much they were capable of, they will never doubt themselves not even for a minute. I am glad that mindsets are changing and women are stepping up and occupying seats which would never have been possible decades ago. This gives young women the ability to dream.

What lessons are you teaching your daughter and the younger generation of women in your circle?

Children learn more by watching their parents/guardians and my daughter sure watches me chase my dreams or ambitions. However, I am very deliberate about telling her that she can do all things. If she isn’t thriving in anything it’s because she hasn’t committed her mind to it. It’s not magic or rocket science. It’s about a mindset.  First, because she is a child of God and secondly because she is my child (smiles).

I remember there was a particular time in her life where we had to work through this mindset thing. She enrolled in gymnastics and a year in when she wanted to get to the competition, required increased commitment practice hours. She attempted quitting because it got too hard. A lot of people do not understand that other people are impacted by whatever decision they make and the sacrifices required from them. So you cannot just quit on yourself and every other person because something is hard. If there’s nothing hard in your life your not learning. So, we didn’t let her quit because we knew she really liked it but it was just really difficult at that moment. We worked on her mindset and now she is absolutely thriving 5years in. And that goes for all the kids in my life I tell anyone to stay the course and you will see the result.

Go and change the world. Thank you

Did you enjoy reading this? Let us hear your story and how you are challenging the status quo and creating a better world for young girls.

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Happy International Women’s Day from us at PBB

Dato Emmanuel C Abugu – The first African Dato in Malaysia

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Dato Emmanuel C Abugu – The first African Dato in Malaysia

Update: First published on June 22, 2019

Emmanuel C Abugu, the first African Dato in Malaysia is a Nigerian precisely from Enugu State in Nigeria. He moved to Malaysia at just 23 years of age for further Education and has spent a total of 26 years to date. He is married to Datin Roseline Anak Ranchang and their marriage has been blessed with 4 children.

Dato Emmanuel was the first African to own a Shipping & Logistics Company in Malaysia. In 2017, he was granted Datoship title in recognition of his long stay crime-free status and tremendous contribution to the economy of the country of Malaysia. In 2018, he also received an award of recognition from the Nigerian high commission in Malaysia. Read more about Dato here.

“If you break the coconut with your head, which mouth will you use to eat it? Success is a gradual process. It doesn’t come overnight.” ∼ Dato Emmanuel C Abugu.

PBB was privileged to sit down for a video interview with Dato Emmanuel as he detailed his journey in Malaysia from 1996 till date. Watch the video below and be inspired.

 

QUESTIONS COVERED IN THE VIDEO INTERVIEW

  1. Can you tell me about yourself and where u come from Dato. Emmanuel C Abugu?
  2. Why did you move to Malaysia and for how long have you been living in Malaysia?
  3. What can you say has changed about Malaysia since you first got here in 1996? How can u compare the perception of Africans then and now?
  4. With a solid educational background in Business Administration, what business have you successfully ran in Malaysia? If any failures are the reasons you would like to mention?
  5. What inspired the name “Majestic Target” which later led to the birth of “Majestic Target SDN. BHD?
  6. What is the Shipping & Logistics business in Malaysia like? Have you ever lost goods at sea?
  7. What kind of products do you export from Malaysia? Why did you choose these particular products?
  8. As a foreign businessman in Malaysia, how do you cope with the Malaysia Authority? What are the conditions for foreigners to be able to do business in Malaysia whether on a large or small scale?
  9. You are of the Opinion that foreigners (Africans) should invest their money here. How would this be possible, when the government doesn’t allow for people to naturalize based on the duration of stay in the country or do not have any ties to the country?
  10.  In the international system, social interaction and diversity have always been part of the development of society. How diverse is the international community in Malaysia and would you consider Malaysia a friendly country especially towards Africans?

 

BECOMING A DATO

  1. The prize of hard work has always been a great recognition. First, i’ll like to know what/who is a Dato and how did you become a Dato?
  2. As commonly asserted, good things do not come easily as we expect as humans. What were the kind of challenges you faced, before acquiring such a prestigious title “ Dato”  considering you are an African and Nigerian to be precise?
  3. What’s the criteria used in Choosing a Dato and what type of responsibilities and advantages come with it?

FAMILY
1. A Nigerian married to a Malaysian for 20+ years is very uncommon. How have you been able to stay married for this long?

2. What is required of an African intending to marry a Malaysian lady?

3. How have you and your wife (Datin Roseline Anak Ranchang) been able to successfully raise mixed-race kids in an environment which is somewhat discriminatory towards mixed kids? What have been the challenges?

Read Also: How every positive action from each of us can help move the needle

LIFE PRINCIPLES

  1. What success principles have guided you into such success?
  2. What is your advice for all Africans in Malaysia, on the quest for quick cash?
  3. Since becoming a Dato what would you say is your biggest impact on the African community in Malaysia?
  4. In your opinion, how has Malaysia been able to achieve this level of development & stability considering they are almost the same age as most African countries?

Did you find this interview helpful? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inspiring content. Also, Like and Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for our regular updates.

 

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