Latest news with #FormFive

The Star

6 days ago

Business
The Star

Fathers Day gift worth the sacrifice

Looking ahead: Chee Siong (right) and Kai Ying trying out virtual reality goggles while exploring academic offerings during the Star Education Fair at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The greatest Fathers Day gift doesn't come in a box – it comes from watching their children thrive and succeed. For many fathers, nothing brings more pride than knowing their investment in education and the right opportunities shaped their children's future. While many celebrated Fathers Day yesterday with gifts and meals, dozens of fathers chose to mark the occasion by accompanying their children to the Star Education Fair as a gesture of love, support and lifelong investment in their future. Among them was engineering director Lee Chee Siong, 52, who has been saving for his daughter Kai Ying's education since the day she was born. For him, this Fathers Day was not about cutting a cake or getting cards, it was about standing by his 16-year-old daughter as she explored potential academic paths at the fair held at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre. 'I started saving for Kai Ying's tertiary education ever since she was born, because education is a costly but crucial investment. 'It opens doors and builds the foundation for a broader and better future. 'The years go by quickly and soon, she will be stepping into a career that shapes the rest of her life,' he said yesterday. Chee Siong, who has set aside about RM200,000 for Kai Ying's education, said the fair was the perfect opportunity to evaluate options and consult with university representatives, not just for Kai Ying but also for her two younger siblings, aged 14 and 11. 'Affordability is still a key concern, so we're also looking into possible scholarships. 'But being here together, planning her future, that is my Fathers Day gift,' he added. The father-daughter duo were part of the large crowd at the two-day event, where parents and students explored a wide range of academic programmes and career pathways. For sales manager R. Subramaniam, 49, bringing his son S. Jegan, 18, to the education fair was his way of showing love and commitment as a father. 'I want to give Jegan, who has just completed Form Five, the best foundation possible. He has big dreams and this fair offers a great chance to explore real opportunities,' he said. Admitting that he didn't have many choices growing up, Subramaniam said he had to start working early and is now determined to provide more for his children. 'Education is their inheritance. It is the one thing I can give them that no one can take away,' he said. To accumulate study funds, Subramaniam said the family has made conscious financial sacrifices, from cutting back on vacations to taking up freelance work. 'We don't see them as sacrifices as they're investments. 'If my son can go further than I did, that's all the reward I need,' he said. Organised by Star Media Group, the Star Education Fair, now in its 38th edition, is one of the country's pioneer education exhibitions, featuring both local and international institutions offering programmes from pre-university to postgraduate levels. A total of 57 institutions with over 100 booths were at the two-day event which ended yesterday. Held alongside the education fair was the myStarJob Fair, which featured 16 companies and agencies from a diverse range of industries. In addition to offering jobs from entry-level to managerial roles, the fair provided on-the-spot interviews, career talks and skills enhancement sessions to support personal development and job readiness.

When silence turns to violence: Call to reform mental health

Malaysiakini

14-06-2025

Malaysiakini

When silence turns to violence: Call to reform mental health

COMMENT | The recent matricide case in Malacca, involving a 17-year-old Form Five student accused of killing his mother and brother, has shocked the nation. Yet beyond the surface horror lies a deeper and more systemic concern that requires us to examine how our society, institutions, and policies are (or are not) addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of young Malaysians. This tragedy must not be viewed in isolation. Instead, it should serve as a critical moment for reflection on the broader psychosocial landscape in which many adolescents now find themselves, where academic pressures are relentless, emotional literacy is underdeveloped, and family dynamics may lack open, empathic communication.

#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family [WATCH]

New Straits Times

14-06-2025

Entertainment
New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family [WATCH]

DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film. Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas". Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers". We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day. Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me," Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps. "While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it. "After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film. "I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest." Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker. "I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them." Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though. "As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'. "I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five." Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy. "You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries". He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets. "'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew." Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in. "I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making." Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies. "What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club". He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother. Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"? "He is serious at work, but a loving father." Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays. "Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career." Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added. "Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him." Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM. "While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips." Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations. "My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want." Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father. "It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary." Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites. "He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,. "Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision." Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well". "I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover". Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial". "My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series. "My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses." Previous Next

New Straits Times

13-06-2025

Entertainment
New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family

DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film. Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas". Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers". BABY We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day. Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me," EXCEL Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps. "While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it. "After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film. "I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest." ACTION Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker. "I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them." Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though. "As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'. "I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five." BODY Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy. "You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries". He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets. "'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew." SHORTS Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in. "I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making." Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies. "What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". CLUB When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club". He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother. Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"? "He is serious at work, but a loving father." HOLIDAYS Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays. "Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career." Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added. "Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him." SPM Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM. "While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips." HAPPY Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations. "My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want." Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father. "It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary." SAM Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites. "He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,. "Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision." ORIGINAL Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well". "I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover". Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial". "My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series. "My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses."

Ten remanded for four days over assault on Form Five student in Seremban

Yahoo

14-05-2025

Yahoo

Ten remanded for four days over assault on Form Five student in Seremban

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — Ten individuals aged between 17 and 31 have been remanded for four days starting today to assist investigations into the assault of a Form Five student in Paroi, Seremban early Friday morning. Seremban district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Hatta Che Din said the remand order was obtained from the Seremban Magistrates' Court after all suspects were arrested yesterday. 'The remand, which lasts until Wednesday, is to facilitate the investigation. No new arrests have been made as of noon today, but efforts to track down other suspects are ongoing. 'We urge witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation,' he said in a statement today. He also reminded the public not to circulate images or videos of the incident on social media, as doing so could interfere with the investigation and prosecution process. Earlier, videos and photos of the bloodied victim went viral, believed to have been attacked by a group of men. The incident reportedly occurred around 3am Friday, allegedly triggered by a misunderstanding when one of the suspects believed the victim had harmed his younger brother. A police report was lodged by the victim's father. The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.