KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 24): In May this year, the World Health Organization declared an end to Covid-19 as a global health emergency. It was reason to rejoice after more than three years of health woes and economic uncertainty wreaked by the coronavirus, which resulted in over 765 million cumulative cases worldwide and almost seven million deaths.

In sports, squash has been included in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, giving Ng Eain Yeow and S Sivasangari, champions at Hangzhou Asian Games, a chance to aim for more glory. If they need inspiration, there is veteran actress Michelle Yeoh, who showed it is possible to shine on the international arena: She was named Best Actress at the Oscars. Malaysians are now pinning their hopes on Tiger Stripes, which will compete at the 96th Academy Award next year 2024 for Best International Feature Film.

Scientists report that 2023 is the hottest year on record, and various countries were plagued by wildfires and earthquakes. Yet, others experienced severe flooding and Malaysia was not spared.

But there were bright moments when the country came together as one to celebrate milestones and achievements, in business, on the field, in food and the arts. From new beginnings to reaping the rewards of creativity, this is certainly a year to remember.

The Options team recaps key moments in 2023.

Read about these and more in our Dec 25, 2023 issue of Options, out with The Edge Malaysia weekly.

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