Latest news with #Malay
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Join TV3's talent search at Taylor's University tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: TV3 is once again offering a platform for new talent to shine in the world of acting and scriptwriting through the Drama Sangat & Pitch Story audition programme. Following a successful reception at Universiti Malaya, Taylor's University is the next — and final — location for this talent search. This is the ultimate opportunity for aspiring young people, especially university students, to showcase their acting prowess or present fresh and captivating story ideas directly to a panel of industry professional judges. This talent assessment session will be held at Taylor's University, Lakeside Campus (Block D & E), tomorrow (June 21), from 11 am to 6 pm. The audition is open for two main categories. The Actor Audition category welcomes individuals aged between 18 and 25. Participants simply need to attend with one 4R-size photo and one passport-size photo. The second category, Pitch Story ke TV3, provides writers or creative idea generators with the chance to present a 10-minute story proposal in Malay. Participants are encouraged to prepare presentation slides, focusing on one of the designated themes: Romance, Romantic Comedy, or Current Issues. This audition session will be judged by a panel of highly influential professionals from the country's creative industry. The panel includes Nik Amir, director and producer from Lumatic Films; Ariff Zulkarnain from Indigo Films; Raziman Saribini, programme director from Taylor's University; Janna Nick, renowned actress and director, and Azrain Arifin, lecturer at Taylor's University. More than just a standard audition, this is your prime opportunity to step into the world of mainstream entertainment with TV3.
The Star
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Siti Nurhaliza to debut new song at Singapore concert
Singaporean fans of Siti Nurhaliza are in for a treat, as the Malaysian pop queen will debut a new song at her Singapore Indoor Stadium concert on July 26. 'Singapore has always been special,' she tells The Straits Times in a Zoom interview conducted in Malay from her office in Kuala Lumpur on June 16. 'If you look back at my past concerts there, I've always had some exclusive performances. So, yes, I have a new song. It hasn't been released yet, and I plan to debut it exclusively at the concert.' The 46-year-old declines to reveal its title, but teases it is a ballad. The upcoming gig comes two decades after she last performed at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. She has staged concerts here multiple times, including two nights at The Star Theatre in June 2024, as well as a show with Canadian songwriter and producer David Foster, also at The Star Theatre, in 2023. The Singapore Indoor Stadium, which can accommodate up to 12,000 people, is larger than her usual Singapore venues, so fans can expect 'a big sound', says the singer behind pop hits such as Aku Cinta Padamu, Purnama Merindu and Bukan Cinta Biasa. '(The place) holds so many memories for me. It's a huge venue and that makes the responsibility even bigger. We're bringing a mini orchestra to deliver a more powerful sound. 'I'm thankful to return to Singapore for this concert. I promise fans a performance they will never forget. This time, I'll sing songs I rarely perform, and some that have never been performed live.' One of Malaysia's most decorated musicians, the Pahang-born music star was awarded the Biduanita Negara accolade in November 2024. She is the third artiste to receive the title, after late Malay singing icons Saloma and Sharifah Aini. She also holds the title of Datuk Seri in Malaysia. Siti made her debut after winning a national singing contest by television station Radio Televisyen Malaysia in 1995. The upcoming concert is part of a series of events, including an exhibition at shopping centre Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, that kicked off in March to celebrate her three decades in music. She is still one of the top singers in Malaysia and was the most streamed local artiste among Spotify listeners in the country in 2024. In March, her 2018 song Anta Permana was included in a playlist of favourite songs by British monarch King Charles III, who described her as an 'outstanding Malaysian artiste'. Her 20th full-length album, Sitism , was released in 2023. Her follow-up, she reveals, will focus on traditional Malay music, and she is in the process of gathering songs from both seasoned and new composers. 'What I'll never forget is the loyalty of my fans – that's something that can't be replaced,' she says of the highlight of her long entertainment career. 'After 30 years, if Gen Z recognises my name, that's the biggest honour for me.' She is touched when a new generation of artistes cite her as a role model and influence, but insists she also learns from her younger counterparts. Her Singapore show, for example, will feature guest singer Hael Husaini, the 37-year-old Malaysian known for pop and R&B hits such as Jampi. 'They give me fresh ideas. Experienced artistes shouldn't think we know everything, we need to collaborate.' Besides her singing career, she is also a successful entrepreneur whose business empire spans cosmetics, clothes, and food and beverage. She married businessman Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, better known as Datuk K, in 2006. The couple have a seven-year-old daughter, Siti Aafiyah, and four-year-old son, Muhammad Afwa. Juggling motherhood and work is not easy, she admits. 'I've been trained since a young age to be disciplined. It's in my blood now,' she says on how she strikes a balance. 'But I still need rest and time with my children. I also take them to every concert – they are my motivation to give my best on stage.' Show business is a tough industry, she acknowledges, which is why it is not something she would recommend for her kids. 'In my heart, I hope they don't follow the path of becoming singers, even if they have the talent.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Focus Malaysia
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy: Mandor system should not be blamed but those behind the system of subservience
THE Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) deputy president S. Subramaniam has suggested that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim heads the Indian Community Action Committee (ICAC) rather than appointing Indian mandor from PKR or the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition. Editor's Note: On Monday (June 16), a source told Malaysiakini that Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan would be appointed chair of a newly formed committee to look into the interest of Malaysian Indians. The mandor system was used by British planters during the colonial period in which Indians mandor or supervisor were appointed to manage the labour affairs. The mandor might be a South Indian Tamil but he took instructions from the white managers in managing labour affairs in the plantations. Unlike the Chinese kepala who had the material interest of Chinese labour, the Indian mandor functioned on behalf of the plantation bosses. My book on plantation labour describes in detail that Chinese contract labourers earned higher wages than Indian labourers because the former who operated under the kepala system provided better material incentives than the mandor system. 'Blame non-Indians elites' The political relevance of the analogy of mandor system was first used by the HINDRAF (Hindu Rights Action Force) leaders to describe and belittle Indian leaders who functioned on behalf of the Chinese and Malay leaders in DAP and PKR. The use of the mandor analogy is to show that Indian leaders in the PH-led coalition have no real power but are subservient to the non-Indian leaders. Subramaniam might be making a valid point by saying that Indian leaders in the government have no real power as it is being wielded by the Chinese and Malay leaders. However, I differ from Subramaniam on the point of Anwar himself heading the ICAC to channel financial benefits to the Indian community. While Subramaniam blames the Indian mandor, he has discounted the notion that the mandor phenomenon in the government is the consequence of the government adhering to the racist majoritarian policies. In other words, the Indian mandor is not the real problem but those non-Indian elite who manipulate the subservience of these leaders for their particular interests. Even if Indian leaders or mandor are not appointed, the result will be no different. It must be remembered that the crux of the problem is not the mandor system but those non-Indian leaders in power who make use of Indian leaders to camouflage the majoritarian racial and religious system for political expediency. Political camouflage Indian leaders or mandor are used by the non-Indian elite to impress upon the community of the existence of Indian representation. However, such a projection is nothing but a political farce. Unfortunately, this Indian representation in the form of Indian leaders playing second fiddle to non-Indian leaders does not augur well for the economic and political well-being of the Indian community. The pliant Indian leaders in the ruling coalition are a disgrace and humiliation to the Indian community that has immensely contributed to the nation in blood, sweat and tears. This is the reason why the Malaysian Rights Party (Urimai) makes it a point to chart an independent political course for the Indian community without being entrapped by the vicious mandor system that prioritises the interest of the elite of the majoritarian community at the expense of ordinary Indians and others in the country. At the core of the political struggle of Urimai is that Indians should be led by Indian leaders who are in a position to articulate the broader concerns of the community. Urimai definitely does not want to exchange one form of domination to another form. Urimai is open to coalition building but such an effort will be predicated on independence, integrity and dignity. It is not enough to decipher the vicious nature of the political system that has parallels with how plantation labour was controlled and exploited under the mandor system. The present Indian mandor leaders are no different from their earlier counterparts but serve different masters under different political circumstances. – June 20, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
New Paper
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
'Singapore has always been special': Malaysia's Siti Nurhaliza to debut new song at concert here
Local fans of Siti Nurhaliza are in for a treat, as the Malaysian pop queen will debut a new song at her Singapore Indoor Stadium concert on July 26. "Singapore has always been special," she tells The Straits Times in a Zoom interview conducted in Malay from her office in Kuala Lumpur on June 16. "If you look back at my past concerts there, I've always had some exclusive performances. So, yes, I have a new song. It hasn't been released yet, and I plan to debut it exclusively at the concert." The 46-year-old declines to reveal its title, but teases it is a ballad. The upcoming gig comes two decades after she last performed at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. She has staged concerts here multiple times, including two nights at The Star Theatre in June 2024, as well as a show with Canadian songwriter and producer David Foster, also at The Star Theatre, in 2023. The Singapore Indoor Stadium, which can accommodate up to 12,000 people, is larger than her usual Singapore venues, so fans can expect "a big sound", says the singer behind pop hits such as Aku Cinta Padamu (I Love You, 1997), Purnama Merindu (Lonely Moon, 1998) and Bukan Cinta Biasa (No Ordinary Love, 2003). "(The place) holds so many memories for me. It's a huge venue and that makes the responsibility even bigger. We're bringing a mini orchestra to deliver a more powerful sound. "I'm thankful to return to Singapore for this concert. I promise fans a performance they will never forget. This time, I'll sing songs I rarely perform, and some that have never been performed live." One of Malaysia's most decorated musicians, the Pahang-born music star was awarded the Biduanita Negara (National Songstress) accolade in November 2024. She is the third artiste to receive the title, after late Malay singing icons Saloma and Sharifah Aini. She also holds the title of Dato' Sri in Malaysia. Siti made her debut after winning a national singing contest by television station Radio Televisyen Malaysia in 1995. The upcoming concert is part of a series of events, including an exhibition at shopping centre Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, that kicked off in March to celebrate her three decades in music. She is still one of the top singers in Malaysia and was the most streamed local artiste among Spotify listeners in the country in 2024. In March, her 2018 song Anta Permana was included in a playlist of favourite songs by British monarch King Charles III, who described her as an "outstanding Malaysian artiste". Her 20th full-length album, Sitism, was released in 2023. Her follow-up, she reveals, will focus on traditional Malay music, and she is in the process of gathering songs from both seasoned and new composers. "What I'll never forget is the loyalty of my fans - that's something that can't be replaced," she says of the highlight of her long entertainment career. "After 30 years, if Gen Z recognises my name, that's the biggest honour for me." She is touched when a new generation of artistes cite her as a role model and influence, but insists she also learns from her younger counterparts. Her Singapore show, for example, will feature guest singer Hael Husaini, the 37-year-old Malaysian known for pop and R&B hits such as Jampi (Incantation, 2017). Her 20th full-length album, Sitism, was released in 2023. Her follow-up, she reveals, will focus on traditional Malay music, and she is in the process of gathering songs from both seasoned and new composers. PHOTO: BIZ TRENDS "They give me fresh ideas. Experienced artistes shouldn't think we know everything, we need to collaborate." Besides her singing career, she is also a successful entrepreneur whose business empire spans cosmetics, clothes, and food and beverage. She married businessman Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, better known as Datuk K, in 2006. The couple have a seven-year-old daughter, Siti Aafiyah, and four-year-old son, Muhammad Afwa. Juggling motherhood and work is not easy, she admits. "I've been trained since a young age to be disciplined. It's in my blood now," she says on how she strikes a balance. "But I still need rest and time with my children. I also take them to every concert - they are my motivation to give my best on stage." Show business is a tough industry, she acknowledges, which is why it is not something she would recommend for her kids. "In my heart, I hope they don't follow the path of becoming singers, even if they have the talent." Book it/The Next Wave: Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza Live In Singapore Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk When: July 26, 8pm Admission: $98 to $288 via Sistic (go to or call 6348-5555)
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian pop-rock legendary band Spider goes full swing with their all-out acoustic show at the 'Spider Unplugged' concert
In 1996, pop-rock band Spider burst into local scene with their first-ever album 'Ngam Ho'. Originating from Johor, the quartet impressed local rock fans with their brilliant single 'Phobia' and the album self titled 'Ngam Ho' songs. And then came the super-brilliant album 'Aladdin' with the main single also named 'Aladdin' winning many fans and that was followed up with the unforgettable album 'NazraKu' and the top song of the same name from the album winning awards after awards and still being listened top this very day by many fans. Spider carved its name into the local music scene in the late 90s and early 2000s with a distinctive sound that mixes fusion rock and traditional Malay musical elements. Under the mentorship of music maestro and local legend Datuk M Nasir and his Luncai Emas label, the band quickly captured the hearts of Gen X and Y listeners. With its confirmed participation in the upcoming Jiwa Kacau 2025 concert on June 28 and also its unplugged concert on at the Mega Star Arena KL on Oct 25, Spider is once again ready to reconnect with long-time listeners and introduce their legacy to the new generation. And that too with its new members Iss (bass) and Pown (guitar) besides their long-time leader Tam and their top drummer Aie. The new additions will be replacing original members Tony Iskandar and Napie. Tony had passed away in 2021 while Napie passed away last year during a training gig at the studio. The original quartet broke new grounds in the local music scene with their breakout album 'Ngam Ho' (2004) and other hits like 'Relaku Pujuk' and 'Kasih Latifah', songs that remain beloved classics until today in the lcoal scene. Known for frontman Tam's super-solid vocals and poetic lyrics, the band made a mark on the Malaysian music scene by blending modern rock with local influence interchanges. And during the launching of 'Spider Unplugged' event, Tam said the two new additions will be just as impressive and the group will be at their level best during the concert. "The current Spider quartet is just as good as the original group. Trust us to prove our worth at the concert," said Tam, during the interview session with the media in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (June 19). 'Spider is making a big comeback and we are active in the local circuit now. We are releasing new songs and joining in more shows,' added Tam. For the record, Spider also had received a lot of recognition through the song 'Aladin' and was crowned as the winner during the 2004 Juara Lagu competition and then 'Nazraku' which was named the Best Pop Rock Album at the 2005 Anugerah Industri Muzik awards ceremony. Spider also proved they are far from over last year. Their new single 'Keluar Sarang' last year won rave reviews and many admirers as the band kept up their energetic tempo with the new song. "Since their (fans) enthusiasm never subsided, the four of us felt it was time to step up another notch. And hence the reason you can see us in more live shows and also our very concert," said Tam. "But this time it more than just a concert. We are going unplugged with an up tempo. It will be a new experience for all rock fans in the country. We aim to rock the genre in our own way and this concert will prove just that." The concert is produced by Naga Legend Entertainment. It's representative Fandy Alias said they undertake a promise to ensure an amazing experience for rock fans. "There are so many concerts these days. Almost every other weekend. So we aim to give fans a different feel and concept with this unplugged concert," said Fandy. "And this unplugged concept presented by Spider, is something new for their fans and also rock music lovers. Of course, the result will be 'luxurious', unique and the best ever performance by Spider for their fans," said Fandy. On the other hand, the concert is also a preview for the band's 30th anniversary as a group next year. "We have many plans to celebrate that milestone next year. You can say, the unplugged play is appetiser for our milestone. At the same concert, we will also be playing some songs in remembrance of Tony and Napie. And it will be the start of the blast as we countdown our 30th year of existence," said Tam. "Also on Oct 25, Spider will prioritise the concept, quality especially in terms of audio and other technical systems. Also our readiness rate which will be at the maximum level." Tickets for the show are priced at RM198 (ALADDIN; FREE SEATING), RM238 (CINTA DEWA DEWI; NUMBERED SEAT), RM298 (KASIH LATIFAH; NUMBERED SEATING) RM388 (RELAKU PUJUK; NUMBERED SEATING). Tickets purchase can be made at
