Malaysian doctor Dr Nisha Puvanendran has launched a line of vibrant batik scrubs for healthcare professionals, following a Public Service Department directive to wear Malaysian batik attire on Thursdays. The scrubs are designed to be professional, breathable and hospital-appropriate, with features such as tailored fits and spacious pockets. Dr Nisha, who sources her batik fabrics from small vendors in Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur, initially wore the scrubs to work to spark curiosity among her colleagues, but they quickly gained popularity through word of mouth. The scrubs are suitable for various clinical duties and have even been adopted by non-medical professionals in desk jobs. Dr Nisha's passion for batik began when she started sewing clothes for her twin daughters in 2020, and has since expanded into a full-fledged fashion line with batik-themed traditional outfits such as cheongsam, lehenga, and saree.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/07/14/doctor-by-day-designer-by-heart-how-dr-nisha-stitched-a-batik-revolution-in-hospitals/183807Pakistan's National Bank (NBP) has partnered with the Sustainable Community Foundation (SCF) to support four severely impacted villages in need of safe drinking water and sanitation services. The initiative aims to benefit over 1,500 people, including women, men, girls, and boys, by constructing 50 low-cost, flood-resilient latrines and installing 50 hand pumps. The project includes features such as accessible ramps for persons with disabilities and the reuse of runoff water for tree planting and kitchen gardening. SCF will train local maintenance personnel and conduct hygiene awareness sessions to promote safe water usage and reduce disease risks.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372472/flood-hit-families-in-district-matiari-scf-nbp-partner-to-restore-water-sanitation-facilitiesPakistan's Federal Minister for Education, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, announced the end of educational quotas during a training program in Karachi. He cited examples from major companies like China and 100 international firms that have eliminated degree requirements, rendering quotas unnecessary. Siddiqui emphasized the importance of technical education for Pakistan's economic development, highlighting the country's progress as linked to Karachi's prosperity. The minister stressed the need for rapid progress in education to keep pace with global developments, drawing a symbolic analogy from a pen and ink. He also highlighted the significance of women's participation in education and the government's responsibility to provide non-formal educational opportunities to combat illiteracy.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372491/dr-khalid-announces-end-of-educational-quotasMian Zahid Hussain, Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, has emphasized that agricultural stagnation in Pakistan is caused by factors such as falling productivity, declining soil fertility, and inadequate irrigation systems. He advocates for coordination between federal and provincial governments to ensure reforms reach grassroots levels. The Prime Minister's vision aims to rebuild trust among farmers and agricultural stakeholders, who have felt neglected. The government's focus on affordable loans, modernization of farming practices, and collaboration with the private sector is seen as a positive shift in policy. Agriculture accounts for 23.54% of Pakistan's economy and employs nearly 40% of the labor force, but its growth rate has been declining due to water scarcity, climate change, and limited access to financial resources. The government's decision to provide low-interest loans through a public-private partnership model is seen as a positive step toward economic growth, but its success depends on transparent implementation.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372474/mian-zahid-hails-pms-focus-on-affordable-agri-loansEmbedding green skills in art education is gaining traction worldwide, with countries like the US and UK incorporating environmental themes into their curricula. In contrast, Pakistan's art education system has been slow to adopt this trend. Critics argue that art should only be about creative expression, while proponents claim that green skills can lead to sustainable careers in eco-friendly architecture, product design, upcycling, and community-driven environmental projects, providing young people with alternative pathways to employment.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1328243-green-art-skillsPakistan's industrial sector is facing a significant decline in share of GDP, from 26% in 1996 to 18% in 2025, with Moqeem expressing concern over the impact on jobs and economic confidence. The Small and Medium Enterprises Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has proposed fiscal incentives, legal reforms, and industrial rehabilitation, but emphasizes the need for direct stakeholder engagement to ensure meaningful change. Abdul Jalil Jan stresses the importance of bold political will, structural reforms, and an enabling environment for enterprise growth, while Shehryar Khan urges transparency, predictability, and regional inclusivity in policy implementation. The SCCI president pledges cooperation in reviving the sector but warns that time is running out, as industries are in "free fall".
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372512/traders-hail-initiative-for-revival-of-manufacturing-sectorPakistan is struggling with outdated infrastructure, a largely informal workforce, and data fragmentation, hindering smart decision-making in its travel industry. The country faces challenges such as strained iconic sites like Hunza, Taxila, and Mohenjo-Daro due to neglect or unmanaged visitor surges. Pakistan's lack of climate-resilient planning and underutilisation of tourism-focused SMEs stifles innovation and local entrepreneurship. Despite having immense potential in cultural and spiritual tourism, the country risks deepening its marginalization in a competitive global market without targeted reforms.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1328237-pakistan-s-tourism-blindspotTwo Virgins Group, a publishing company, has been recording and disseminating the culture and scenery of everyday life through books since May 2015. The publisher has released various art collections, including works by Tadanori Yokoo, Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yukio Akamine, Baku Maeda, Luca Tieri, Soichiro Kato, Tomoko Hara, and Kabuki Sawako. Their catalog includes titles such as "Tadanori Yokoo's Posthumous Works" and "The Visual Baku Maeda Artworks Collection - Eye of Fire". The company aims to convey "something that cannot be consumed" through their publications and is working on international publishing efforts.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/publisher-two-virgins-begins-selling-books-on-amazoncom-in-united-states-302503943.htmlFormer Riize member XngHan is set to make her solo debut on July 31. To celebrate, TWS (Tomorrow X Together) will open pop-up cafes in Japan for the release of her debut single. Meanwhile, rookie boy band AHOF is taking its first step towards stardom with their debut album 'Who We Are'. Big Ocean, a subunit of HYBE, is releasing their debut song 'Bucket Hat' on July 9. The new group consists of young creators who will produce and choreograph their own music, videos, and express personal stories through their art.
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