DailyStraits.com - Something Different!

Welcome to another engaging episode of "30 Minutes with DailyStraits.com."
I'm your host, June Ramli, and joining us today is Paul Lock, the CEO of ASX-listed Pan Asia Metals.
Our discussion today revolves around the fascinating world of Green Mobility and the Future of Electric Vehicles.
Without further ado, let’s listen to the interview here:

In an exclusive interview with DailyStraits.com, David Sorrell, Sales Director Enterprise Solutions ANZ at EPOS, shared insightful details about the company's triumphant entry into the Australian market and its ambitious growth strategies.
Despite launching during the pandemic, EPOS deftly navigated challenges, gleaning valuable lessons for operational excellence.
As the post-pandemic landscape unfolds, EPOS is poised to seize emerging opportunities with its strong supply chain expertise.
EPOS, a Danish audio solutions company, has experienced rapid growth driven by heightened demand for its products, particularly its audio headsets.
The Impact 1000 series achieved remarkable success, showcasing EPOS' distinctive edge through AI technology and cognitive research, elevating the communication experience.
EPOS serves various business sectors, from small enterprises to corporate giants across healthcare, transportation, and more.
Through a robust distribution model, EPOS collaborates closely with resellers, distributors, and end-users, ensuring a tailored and efficient communication ecosystem.
EPOS takes customer service seriously, offering round-the-clock support to ensure seamless assistance. The company's expansion plans involve leveraging existing relationships, enhancing team capabilities, and harnessing unique offerings.
When discussing competition, Sorrell emphasized EPOS' strategic focus on leadership rather than emulation.
EPOS sets itself apart through its AI technology and cognitive research, providing a distinctive advantage in the market.
In terms of pricing, while recommended retail prices exist, actual pricing varies based on business relationships and distribution channels.
Sorrell underscored EPOS' commitment to B2B interactions and robust partnerships with distributors and resellers.
Looking ahead, EPOS aims to establish dominance in the Australian market by expanding its team and enhancing its presence.
Although physical storefronts aren't immediate plans, the brand remains committed to its growth trajectory.
This illuminating interview with David Sorrell provides deep insights into EPOS' journey, strategies, and future.
Listen to the entire interview here to gain a comprehensive understanding of EPOS' remarkable trajectory:

By June Ramli In this episode of "30 Minutes with DailyStraits.com," we explore the enchanting destination of Vanuatu, a tropical paradise in the South Pacific. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with three individuals deeply involved in the tourism and business sectors of Vanuatu. Discover the unique attractions that draw tourists, the promising business opportunities available, and the sustainable practices embraced by this remarkable destination. From its natural beauty and cultural experiences to emerging industries and conservation efforts, Vanuatu offers a world of opportunities for travelers and entrepreneurs alike. Don't miss this captivating episode as we uncover the wonders of Vanuatu, a tropical paradise of endless possibilities. In this podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing key figures shaping Vanuatu's tourism and business landscape. Joining us were Martin David, the Manager of Long-Haul, Emerging, and Domestic Markets at the Vanuatu Tourism Office, Oliver Fernandez, a French businessman based in Vanuatu and the owner of Gaston Chocolat, and Minnie Bani, representing the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency. Their insights provide a comprehensive view of Vanuatu's tourism potential, thriving businesses, and investment opportunities. #podcast #vanuatu

In this episode of "30 Minutes with DailyStraits.com," we have the privilege of hosting two esteemed representatives from Brother Australia, David Molloy, and Stephen Nicholls. David, the Pre Sales Solution Specialist, brings over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, while Stephen, the Managed Print Services (MPS) Specialist, has a proven track record in IT sales. Join us as we delve into Brother Australia's state-of-the-art printing technology and gain valuable insights into their vision for the future. We'll explore how Brother products can help businesses overcome increasing cloud storage costs, determine essential technology upgrades, streamline tax claim processes, enhance accounts payable and receivable departments, promote productivity in hybrid workplaces, and address the evolving needs of small businesses in the upcoming financial year. Tune in for an engaging conversation that will provide invaluable knowledge and expert advice for businesses seeking to optimize their printing solutions. We extend our sincere appreciation to David and Stephen for sharing their expertise on our podcast. Thank you for joining us on "30 Minutes with DailyStraits.com."

By June Ramli

In this episode of '30 minutes with DailyStraits.com', host June Ramli speaks to Aswara vice rector Professor Azril Ismail about Malaysia's only higher learning institution for the performing arts, including the courses offered, benefits of getting a qualification from Aswara, and plans for the institution's future.

The conversation also touches on issues such as the employability rates of Aswara graduates, the lack of accredited acting schools in Malaysia, and the proportion of students by race.

By June Ramli

Welcome to this episode of DailyStraits.com's 30 Minutes podcast.
Today, we have an exciting guest, David Chiem, the founder of MindChamps, a leading education movement that has taken the world by storm. David's inspiring journey from rags to riches has made him a highly sought-after speaker and leader in the education industry.
In this episode, we delve into the story of how David's champion mindset and background in the arts inspired him to create MindChamps, which has now expanded to over eight countries. We explore how he managed to build a successful brand in the highly competitive Singapore preschool space and what sets MindChamps apart from other preschool and enrichment centers in the market.
David takes us through how MindChamps has evolved since its inception in 2008, and shares his plans for its future growth. He also walks us through his unique approach to education and the philosophy behind the MindChamps movement.
As someone with a background in the arts, David explains how it has influenced his work in education and how he incorporates it into the MindChamps curriculum. We also discuss some of the challenges he faced while building and expanding MindChamps and how he overcame them.
Finally, we talk about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education industry and what steps MindChamps has taken to adapt to the new normal.
This is a fascinating episode that is sure to inspire and enlighten anyone interested in education, entrepreneurship, and the power of a champion mindset. Tune in to hear from David Chiem and learn more about the MindChamps movement.

By June Ramli

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we interview Peter Petroulas, a seasoned restaurateur with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Peter was previously the owner of the GPO Grand stable of restaurants, which were popular hotspots in Sydney's food scene.
Today, we'll be discussing Peter's latest venture, WizButler, a unique digital restaurant booking system that streamlines operations and enhances customers' experiences.
During the show, Peter shared insights into how restaurants can increase their revenue despite the current headwinds.
He also discussed the concept of autonomous automation and how it can benefit restaurants, as well as how WizButler's booking system manages a restaurant's space.
Additionally, Peter offered advice for restaurateurs looking to stay ahead of their competition and better meet customer requirements.

Some of the questions that we asked Peter during the show included:

1. What inspired you to start the WizButler digital platform for restaurants?
2. How can dynamic menus and pricing help restaurants increase revenue during challenging times?
3. How can restaurants integrate booking systems with ordering systems to create a completely blended system?

Tune in to hear Peter's insightful responses and learn more about the innovative solutions that WizButler offers for the hospitality industry.

Welcome to 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. In today's episode, we are excited to be joined by Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, a pioneer of community tourism, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed documentary "The Last Tourist."
"The Last Tourist" is an eye-opening and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the consequences of mass tourism on the environment, wildlife, and local communities in 16 countries worldwide.
As travel restrictions gradually ease up in the post-pandemic era, it's more important than ever to have a deeper understanding of the impact of travel on the destinations we visit.
In this conversation, we explore how the documentary came to be, the challenges faced during production, the funding sources, and the age of the images used in the film.
We also get to hear Bruce's perspective on why he, as a businessman in the travel industry, decided to produce a documentary that addresses the negative impacts of tourism.
He shares his insights on how to be a responsible traveler, what role the tourism industry can play in promoting sustainable tourism practices, and how we can all make a positive impact on the places we visit.
Finally, we ask Bruce to describe his vision of an ideal tourist and why every traveler should strive to be one.
Tune in to hear a fascinating and insightful conversation with Bruce Poon Tip on responsible tourism, the future of travel, and how we can make a positive impact in the world."

Mama Movement Australia is a clothing brand that specialises in creating fashionable and comfortable activewear for women. Faye Tan, the founder of Mama Movement Australia, started the brand to help women feel confident and beautiful while they exercise. With its vibrant and colourful activewear, Mama Movement Australia has gained popularity in the fashion industry. In this podcast, we have a conversation with Faye Tan and discuss the brand's origin story, inspiration behind the colourful activewear, design process, challenges faced during the startup phase, and the impact Mama Movement Australia has had on the fashion industry. Some of the key questions that we explore in the podcast include how Mama Movement Australia started and what motivated Faye to create a line of colourful and fashionable activewear. We also discuss how Mama Movement Australia's activewear differs from other activewear brands on the market and how the brand's design process is unique. Furthermore, we delve into some of the challenges that Faye faced while starting Mama Movement Australia and how she overcame them. We also talk about the response that Mama Movement Australia has received since its launch and the impact that the brand is making in the fashion industry. If you're interested in learning more about Mama Movement Australia and purchasing its fashionable activewear, be sure to check out their website at mamamovement.com.au and follow them on social media for updates and inspiration.

By June Ramli

Australia is currently the most vulnerable country in the developed world to the crime of money laundering.  Alongside Haiti and Madagascar, Australia is one of the three countries worldwide that have not implemented Tranche 2, a tightening of anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws that will regulate the law, accounting and real estate industries.  With no regulatory framework or government support many Australian businesses don’t know how to best protect themselves and most importantly still don’t realise the risky nature of current processes.  Our chat today is going to be with Auckland-based First AML founder and CEO Milan Cooper, whose global company offers a technology solution that helps businesses to protect themselves against crime now.   

In this podcast, we discuss:  

What is Tranche 2?  

Why is Australia lagging behind the rest of the developed world? 

Some money laundering scandals that have taken place in Australia and what could have been done to avoid it and much more.   

Without further ado, listen to the full interview here.

By June Ramli

Welcome to DailyStraits.com first podcasting episode for the year! We are going to kickstart our series with a comprehensive interview with Malaysian celebrity Pablo Amirul on the pros and cons of being an actor in Malaysia. As a former banker turned full time actor based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Pablo has acted in numerous films with the most notable one being Kampung Drift and Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa which is now available on Netflix including here in Australia. Our chat with Pablo today is going to revolve around on intricacies of being an actor in Malaysia. Also, as a disclaimer the interview will be conducted both in English and Malay. Without further ado, let’s listen and watch the interview here.  

#Podcast #Podcasting #Malaysia #Actor #DailyStraits #PabloAmirul #MalaysianActor #JuneRamli

By June Ramli

Mental Health Explained 

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Sydney-based psychiatrist Dr Lisa Myers. Dr. Lisa Myers is a South African born,  Australian trained child and adolescent psychiatrist with 20 years of mental health  experience. With mental health awareness month kicking off in October, Dr. Lisa Myers’ timely  new book When The Light Goes Out , showcases lived experience and expert  advice, both key factors to managing the ever-growing mental health crisis. Lisa’s  book will provide readers with practical tools and strategies for managing their own  mental health.  In this courageous memoir, Lisa skilfully combines her own story of unimaginable  violence and suffering, together with clients’ experiences and professional insights,  to help guide readers facing their own challenges, whether that be major trauma or  everyday adversity. Our chat with Dr Myers today is going to revolve around her book and other matters related to mental health. 

In this podcast we discuss: 

What made her  want to write the book?

Her thoughts on Medicare and whether it is doing enough  for mental health treatment?

Why should someone read her book?

Without further ado, let’s listen and watch the episode here: 

#DailyStraitsDotCom #DailyStraits #Podcast #Podcasting #Australia #MentalHealth #Writer 

By June Ramli

Are you struggling to keep up to date with your finances? Well, if you are then this is the right podcasting episode for you.

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our show today has got something to do with a money management app - Frollo. 

With over 150,000 downloads to date, Frollo is a purpose-driven fintech that helps businesses use open banking data to deliver better customer outcomes right from reducing debt and increasing savings, to providing a better, more personalised customer experience. 

Frollo’s app won Mozo’s best money management app of 2021, and it was recently featured on the Today show.

Today, we get to pick the brains of Kris Davant, the head of Product for Frollo and  ask him first hand about the benefits of the app and how to best use it.

In this podcast, we discuss:

On average, users save $1,100 when they sign up to Frollo’s app to manage their money - can you give us a real life example on how one can achieve this?

With all the security breaches that have been happening in Australia lately, how safe is a customers’ data with Frollo?

What are some of the benefits of using Frollo, as compared to budgeting traditionally either through a pen or paper or through Microsoft’s spreadsheet?

Without further ado, let’s invite Kris to the show to tell us more about the app.

#podcasting #podcast #dailystraits #frollo

Learning About The Dark Web

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Melbourne-based Elliot Dellys, the CEO and founder of Cybersecurity firm, Phronesis Security.

Phronesis Security works directly with government agencies and technology start-ups to provide pragmatic security solutions and cybersecurity consultation.
They specialise in world-class governance, risk and compliance services, cutting-edge penetration testing, innovative security architecture, tailored security awareness and education campaigns, as well as security management and strategy through its proven vCISO offering.

Our chat with Dellys today would revolve around a myriad of topics including the recent cyber attacks that Australian businesses are experiencing and what sort of little things can start-ups or small businesses do to safeguard their business from being attacked on the internet.

In this podcast, we discuss:

• What is Phronesis Security?
• What are the repercussions of having your data exposed on the dark web?
• Let’s move the conversation to startups or small businesses that are operating from home? How does one ensure that their business does not fall prey to any cyberattacks? Some tips please
• Advice for anyone wanting to start their own cybersecurity business?

Without further ado, let’s listen and watch the interview with Dellys here.

#podcasting #podcast #dailystraits #Australia 

By June Ramli

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Chef Mel Alafaci, a Brisbane-based chef and author is taking on the world, transforming unhappy domestic chefs who are frustrated and failing in their kitchens, to confident, happy foodies.
Her unique cooking style and culinary lingo has even experienced foodies adapting her shortcuts and hacks in the kitchen transforming everyday local produce into show stopping meals.
Best of all she loves upcycling seasonal produce and budget basics into sensational masterpieces, boasting that she can make any ingredient or plate of food look 'then bucks more expensive.’
Alafaci’s love of cooking stems from her African roots. She lived in remote areas of Zimbabwe and South Africa where cooking was her only source of entertainment. If she found a recipe in a book, there were no shopping centres, so she had to improvise.
This is where Alafaci learnt to do amazing things with basic ingredients. She loves to make things look more expensive than they really are…
With one cookbook  published and another two on the way,  our chat with Mel today is going to revolve around how to cook and save thousands on groceries, plus other cheffy tips.
Without further ado, let’s welcome Chef Alafaci to the show.

In this podcast, we discuss: 

1. What are some of the top cheffy skills that you can dish out to our listeners to keep things fresh which can inevitably save one thousands of dollars each year. 
2. How does one shop like a chef and grab the bargains and know what to do with them?
3. What is the best way to devise a  meal plan or a list of mix and match recipes that is  quick and easy to make and much more.

By June Ramli 

Borrowing From The Ninja 

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com.In this episode we will be speaking to Julian Fayad is the Founder & Managing Director of LoanOptions.ai. After growing up with a natural gravitation towards technology, Fayad designed and built an app at the age of 18. He successfully worked his way through the ranks in the financial sector, working in high level management roles, where he continuously brought record-breaking growth and developed numerous key partnerships among the broker and lender space. With his constant level of forward thinking and having an entrepreneurial itch he wanted to scratch, he launched LoanOptions.ai, Australia’s first AI powered comparison tool. Besides being a successful entrepreneur, Fayad is also a financial expert and a digital disruptor in an industry that is generally a slow mover in adapting to the newest trends, and LoanOptions.ai will be the main beneficiary of this. Our chat with Julian today is going to revolve around how he built an app from the ground up and makes money out of it and more. 

In this podcast, we discuss: 

• What made him want to be an entrepreneur at a very young age? 
• How did the idea for LoanOptions.ai come about? 
• How many users does the website have now and how does your business compare to other comparison sites like comparethemarket.com.au and more… 

Without further ado, let’s listen and watch the interview here.

Senior Australians could be eligible for thousands of dollars in support to continue remaining in their homes. Listen more to find out how you can get these support and read DailyStraits.com News In Brief section to find out the full details. 

Making Investing Easy

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Brendan Malone, the co-founder, CEO of Raiz Invest Australia and Group COO of Raiz Invest Limited.
Malone has over 20 years of experience in financial institutions including The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and ABN AMRO (AMRO).
His experience ranges from all aspects of investment banking, client coverage and strategy, along to compliance and all operational functions.
He is particularly known for his ability to innovate and operate at a highly strategic level, whilst driving operational excellence with strong attention to detail.
In the past, he has led large-scale workforces across most front and back-office functions and delivered transformational agendas resulting in significant synergies through mergers, acquisitions, restructuring and downsizing.
Malone has experience working across various continents, jurisdictions, legislations and regulatory environments as well as cultures in both developed and emerging economies.
His previous roles have consisted of both front and back-office functions across key financial hubs including London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.
With Raiz, Malone is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Raiz Group’s business and is passionate about his customer-centric, highly efficient, productive and dynamic team who specialises in customer service, technology, finance and marketing.
As a graduate of the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting and finance, Malone is a member of both The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In this podcast we discuss:

• An explainer of what Raiz is?
• What is Raiz’s competitive advantage over its competitors?
• The number of people using Raiz to date?

By June Ramli

From NYC To Waiheke 

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes of DailyStraits.com. 

Our guest today, is New Zeland-based entrepreneur Kim Rae. Kim is a former New Yorker who worked in the fashion industry, at the likes of Ralph Lauren, before starting her wholesale clothing design and manufacturing business at the age of 23. 

Her business worked for large American retailers, Saks, Macy's, Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers etc to design and produce items or collections specific to their markets under their own ‘private labels.  

From there, Kim bought a round-the-world plane ticket with her husband, got married in Las Vegas, and decided to move to Waiheke Island to raise a family.  She bought a vineyard and olive grow, Cypress Ridge, on Waiheke and was meant to slow down but once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur, and so in 2011 she set up Stay Waiheke.  

Stay Waiheke is ‘the’ accommodation booking agency team with a portfolio featuring some of the island's most luxurious lodges, romantic hideaways, and boutique beachside baches to cover all price points.  

Our chat with Kim today would revolve around her business and much more. 

In this podcast, we discuss why she left NYC for Waiheke Island in NZ, the challenges she faced as starting a business as a foreigner in New Zealand and her advice for Americans wanting to follow in her footsteps and much more.   Without further ado, let’s watch and listen to the podcast here.  

#StayWaiheke #Waiheke #newzealand #dailystraits #dailystraitsdotcom

Today on Sydney’s 104.1 2Day FM’s breakfast show, Hughesy, Ed & Erin, Opposition leader Peter Dutton joined the show to talk about that viral dagwood dog photo from his visit to Brisbane Ekka!

Hughesy confronted Peter Dutton over how he eats a dagwood dog!

“With the cameras there, I mean you can’t eat it from the side because the sauce drips off like Bill Shorten, so it leaves one angle and it’s not a great one.”

“I went to the showbag stand and bought a Milky Way show bag along with a Bertie Beetle bag as well and next thing I’m accused of trying to portray an image of Kevin Rudd when he was known as Milky Bar Kid.”

“Most of my mates actually were pretty rapid-fire texting me like, ‘WTF’, but anyway, what do you do.”

Credit: 2Day FM’s Hughesy, Ed & Erin

Climbing To The Top In Stilettos   

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Kuala Lumpur-based Datuk Yasmin Mahmood. Yasmin has a highly distinguished career, spanning three decades, during which time she has worked with various technology giants including Hewlett Packard and Dell. In 2006, she became Microsoft Malaysia’s Managing Director and in 2014, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Digital Economy Corp Sdn Bhd (MDEC) and was instrumental in the region’s digital economic transformation. She also served in various non-executive roles in prominent establishments including the national postal and courier company, POS Malaysia as Chairperson and much more. Apart from being Chair of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Board of Directors, Yasmin is also the Managing Partner of FutureReady Consulting.  

Among the things discuss in this podcast are:   
Are STEM jobs difficult and demanding?   
What makes a candidate ideal to a headhunter?   
Tips on how women should negotiate their salaries?   

Without further ado, let’s listen to the interview here:

#STEM #tech #MDEC #WomenInTech #Malaysia #KualaLumpur #CareerAdvice #YasminMahmood #DailyStraits #Podcast #Podcasting #Interview #CareerAdvice #CareerTips #HowToAceThatJob #HerriottWattUniversity #HWUM #Scotland #Dubai

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Malaysian businessman Datuk Dr Vinod Sekhar who is the Chairman and CEO of PETRA Group, a global conglomerate involved in sustainable technologies, manufacturing, infrastructure, media, entertainment, agriculture, lifestyle, research and philanthropy. 

Through his vision and leadership, the PETRA Group applies the concept of social capitalism to all of its businesses – being profitable whilst ensuring sustainable wealth creation for the betterment of all. 

To date, Datuk Vinod has successfully developed Green Rubber which uses globally patented DeLink technology, and for the first time ever, allows tyres to become a renewable resource. With over 1.5 billion rubber tyres being discarded each year, Green Rubber is capable of erasing one of the world’s biggest environmental threats. 

Besides these businesses, Datuk Vinod is also a big boss for Malaysia's fastest growing news website -The Vibes. 

In this podcast we discuss: 

How did his journey in entrepreneurship begin?

How does he do his due diligence before venturing into any businesses? 

Why he got into the news business and started Vibes and more. 

Without further ado, let’s watch and listen to the no holds barred interview here.

#PetraGroup #DatukVinodSekhar #VinodSekhar #GreenRubber #TheVibes #Malaysia #Malaysian #Millionaire #BruceWillis #Entrepreneur #Businessman #Petra #Podcast #Podcasting #DailyStraits #DailyStraitsDotCom #JuneRamli #KualaLumpur #interview #business #ceo

By June Ramli  

Welcome to another episode of 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Our guest today is Tehran-based journalist and travel writer Simin Saghafi.  I met Simin several years ago as a reporter during a work to Iran. My first impression of the country was that its people were stunning and that its tourist areas such as Persepolis had a lot to offer.  So, our topic today is going to be about turning a passion such as travel into a business. If you follow Simin’s social media pages like I do, you’d know that she is a successful travel writer as well as an accomplished travel agent who specialises in the Iranian market both inbound and outbound wise. Before COVID hit, Simin was employed by a Balinese travel agency whose job was to specialise in bringing Iranian tourism to Bali. But our discussion today is going to be solely centred around Simin as a businesswoman and her tips to those wanting to make their first trip to Iran. Without further ado, let’s invite Simin to the show.   

In this podcast, we discuss:   

• What are some of the places that Iranian tourists like to visit?  
• Are Iranian tourists big spenders?  
• Where are some of the countries that Iranians love to visit the most?  
• What sort of preparation should one take before visiting Iran?  
• What are some of the best places - tourist spots to visit while in Iran?  
• Do women tourists still need to wear the headscarf while in Iran?  
• Best times to visit Iran.  

Without further ado, let’s watch the interview here that was recorded on March 31 this year:

NSW weather update for Wednesday (April 6, 2022) by Senior Meteorologist Sarah Scully.

Sydney, April 6: Australia Post has today released its 2022 Inside Australian Online Shopping Report which gives exclusive insight into the latest Australian eCommerce trends and estimates growth in online purchases in 2021 was up 12.3 per cent when compared to 2020, and almost double the pre-pandemic level.
More than four in five Australian households shopped online during 2021, spending $62.3 billion1 on physical goods, driving the online share of total retail to 19.3 per cent2.
Australia Post Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Paul Graham, said the pandemic brought about a fundamental shift in the way Australians live, work and shop, and that online shopping is now a mainstay for Australian families when purchasing everything from clothing to day-to-day household items.
Below are pre-recorded radio grabs featuring Australia Post Head of eCommerce Data Analytics, Rose Yip.

Sydney, March 24: Severe thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall likely for parts of New South Wales
Parts of eastern New South Wales, extending into the northern and central inland, can expect widespread rainfall over the coming days as a moist onshore flow interacts with a surface trough and upper-atmospheric low. Localised heavy rainfall is possible, particularly with thunderstorms, which may also bring gusty winds and large hail.
Rainfall is not expected to cause significant or widespread flooding like that experienced earlier in March.
The Bureau's Hazard, Preparedness and Response Manager for NSW, Ailsa Schofield said while most communities will see moderate rainfall accumulations during the next week, the higher totals are more likely to come with thunderstorms that are expected to be more isolated than widespread. Thunderstorm activity will continue throughout Thursday and over the weekend.
Rainfall totals of around 20-30mm a day are possible in parts of the east and northwest inland for the coming week, particularly between Wollongong and the south-east Queensland border. There is a chance of 30-40mm of rain across the Mid North Coast each day until Sunday, with showers into next week.
It will also be cooler than average for this time of year but will remain fairly humid.
A Flood Watch, which notes the potential for flooding based on the forecast rainfall, notes that minor flooding is possible for some catchments along the North Coast and Mid North Coast from Thursday.
A Flood Watch is current for the Bellinger, Nambucca and Upper Macintyre rivers with potential for minor flooding in these areas.
An Initial Moderate Flood Warning has been issued for the Wollombi Brook at Bulga, where minor flooding is expected Thursday evening, and moderate flooding may occur Friday morning.
With catchments remaining saturated from recent rainfall events, there is an increased risk of flash flooding and riverine rises with potential for minor flooding for parts of the Mid North Coast, and areas around the Hunter and Northern rivers.
Communities should be prepared for weather impacts and are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings on the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app, and to follow the advice of emergency services.

Sydney, March 23: Severe thunderstorms are expected across New South Wales and may bring widespread moderate rainfall to previously flood-impacted areas in New South Wales, from Wednesday and into the weekend.
Thunderstorms are possible for north-eastern New South Wales over the coming days.
Localised heavy rain, gusty winds and hail are all possible.
With catchments remaining saturated from recent rainfall events, there is an increased risk of flash flooding and renewed river rises. This is particularly true for areas of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.
Water from inland Queensland is still moving south into northern New South Wales along the Birrie, Bokhara and Narran rivers.
Along the Narran River, moderate flooding is currently occurring at Angledool.
This may reach major flood levels on the weekend. A Flood Watch has been issued, noting minor flooding may occur from Thursday along the Bellinger and Kalang, Nambucca and Upper Macintyre (Severn) rivers.
Landslips and fallen trees are also possible due to recent flooding. Communities should be prepared for flood impacts and are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings on the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app, and to follow the advice of emergency services.
Audio news grabs feature the voice of Senior Meteorologist Jonathan How.

By June Ramli  

Seri Kembangan, March 21: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had held the top job as the nation’s premier not once but twice in his lifetime. But did you know that before him holding the premiership post, Dr Mahathir himself was a very successful physician in Alor Setar, Kedah and according to his Wikipedia page, he was the town’s first Malay doctor with his own practice. While serving as a physician he had built a large house, invested in various businesses, and even employed a driver to chauffeur him around in his Pontiac Catalina. In our latest career spotlight piece, I sat down virtually with Dr Mahathir to find out why he decided to leave his cushy job as a doctor and pivot into politics and whether the top job of being a Prime Minister had always been the end goal of his career change. In this exclusive interview with DailyStraits.com, Dr Mahathir tells us how he broke the news of wanting a career change to his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah and whether he feels that the premiers in Malaysia should be commensurated more to be in the same ranks as their Singaporean counterpart. Without further ado, let’s listen to the interview here:

Sydney, March 14: Australia’s sole traders are moving past the bulk of the economic damage and uncertainty wreaked by COVID-19 with new data showing confidence is on the rise.
But the Delta and Omicron waves have come at the cost of mental health, as excessive red tape and expensive - and time consuming - tax filings as well as a burdensome tax rate present additional headaches for sole traders.
The Hnry Sole Trader Pulse, conducted in the first week of March, recorded a 13 per cent boost in sole trader sentiment compared with October, a period when the nation was still contending with border closures, on the cusp of the Omicron outbreak and a further wave of long lockdowns lay ahead.
Sole traders in NSW reported a 22.5 per cent in overall sentiment, indicating that the NSW Government’s decision to press ahead with opening up as well as a falling or steady rate of Covid cases are having a positive effect on business optimism.
This compares to a 17 per cent increase in Victoria and a nine per cent increase in Queensland.
Conducted by Resolve Strategic between 28 February and 6 March, the Hnry Sole Trader Pulse is Australia’s only regular and reliable survey of independent earners with an ABN, such as tradies, freelancers, and consultants. The research is carried out on behalf of fintech Hnry, Australasia’s largest and fastest-growing digital accountancy service catering expressly to sole traders.
The rise in reported confidence for the nation’s independent earners – a fast growing and crucial sector of the national economy – was juxtaposed by less rosy news.

Welcome to another episode with 30 minutes with DailyStraits.com. Today we speak to WadzPay’s Group Head of Market Development for Blockchain Payments – Melcom Copeland. Copeland has over 20 years of customer-centric emerging technology solutions development and operations experience across B2B E-Marketplace, CRM, Gaming, Cryptocurrency, and Fintech sectors. Copeland spent 13-years of his career as an entrepreneur and founder of BetXTech, a boutique B2B software solutions company focused on delivering high-frequency, high-availability omnichannel sports betting, betting exchange, virtual games, and casino payments solutions to operators in the UK, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His experience entails the commercialisation and deployment of gaming solutions to market-leading clients such as Betfair, Genting Star Cruises and Resorts World, Aristocrat Online, Rank Group Grosvenor Casino, Nepal Recreation Centers (Casino Nepal), Senegal National Lottery, Sportradar, Regency Casino, and more. Before WadzPay, Copeland spent the last four years working exclusively in the blockchain, cryptocurrency, and fintech space, providing his services to AmaZix, Pundi X Labs, Blockchains LLC while specialising in the digital payments and digital assets space. Our chat with Copeland will revolve around all-things non-fungible token (NFTs) related and the whole ecosystem per se surrounding this type of blockchain.

In this podcast we discuss: 

How well are NFTs regulated? 

What are some of the most trusted platforms for NFTs?

The future of NFTs? 

Without further ado, let’s listen the interview here: