Starbucks Sip & Win contest winner drives away with a brand new car

Starbucks Malaysia found its ‘Sip & Win’ contest winner yesterday afternoon, bringing its flagship consumer event to an epic conclusion. In what most would call a ‘life-changing event’, one fortunate winner walked away with an all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus.

The other finalists also walked home as winners, receiving other prizes including Sony WH-1000MX Wireless Headphones and Starbucks Holiday Swarovski® Tumblers. The event was also live-streamed on Starbucks Malaysia’s official social channels to allow its finalists and customers to join in on the festivities remotely.

“The ‘Sip & Win’ campaign was very successful, as we received an overwhelming response from our customers throughout the campaign. On behalf of Starbucks Malaysia, we would like to congratulate the winners of this contest, especially our Grand Prize winner. It’s not every day that you get to win a car,” said Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director of Starbucks Malaysia. “

Despite the challenging times over the last year, the contest has truly helped uplift the spirits of our fellow Malaysians and given them something to look forward to into this new year. At Starbucks, it has always been about the community and we remain committed to driving the connection with them through new experiences and adapting to their needs and lifestyles.”

The ‘Sip & Win’ campaign was a nationwide campaign that ran from 1st September 2020 to 30th November 2020. By the end of the contest period, nearly 80,000 entries had been submitted in participation in the contest to win prizes worth up to RM160,000, including the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus, which is considered as one of the most dynamic cars in its range. The car features a breathtakingly beautiful interior fitted with the latest advanced technology.

“I am so grateful to have been chosen as the winner of this contest. I have always been a big fan of Starbucks and joining this contest was something that I did not even think about. I just filled in the form not expecting anything more than that. But when I got the call that I was a finalist, I was already very humbled by the experience – but then to win the Grand Prize is something that was truly unexpected,” said the Grand Prize winner, Ms Loh Cheah Ying.

“With this car, it will definitely help me and my family get around – also, we can’t wait when the borders are open and we can drive to other parts of Malaysia again.”

Although the Grand Prize winner has been announced, the contest is set to continue on Starbucks Malaysia’s official platforms to announce the 50 consolation prize winners who will all win preloaded Starbucks Cards worth RM20 each.

The once in a lifetime opportunity was open to all Starbucks Rewards members who are aged 18 and above and residing in Malaysia. Customers were to spend a minimum of RM30 on a single receipt with their Starbucks Card or Mobile App in any stores in Malaysia, answer one question and submit their entry with their receipt to participate. Starbucks Rewards is the brand’s loyalty program and one of the largest loyalty programs in the country with more than three million members.

Through its Starbucks Rewards program, members are allowed to earn free drinks, food and more. Launched in Malaysia on 11th November 2011, the Starbucks Rewards program has continued to evolve and adapt to shifting consumer behaviours and lifestyles over the past decade – what started as physical cards have now expanded to the Starbucks Malaysia Mobile App.

For more information on Starbucks Malaysia, please visit www.starbucks.com.my

Source

Pringles’ Mr P sports a new look and is ready to mingle

Mr P, the much-loved moustachioed mascot of Pringles has quite a glow up after 20 years! While he didn’t cut his bangs or grow a beard, the iconic Mr P has gone into a bald new direction.

The new Mr P now sports less hair and more style. His brows are now out and proud over twinkling eyes, and are more expressive than ever.

His signature moustache is sleeker and more dynamic, with his bowtie as crisp as ever. With this new, dapper look, Mr P is Pringle and ready to mingle. Wink wink!

The best part is, the iconic pop and crunch which makes the Pringles snacking experience unique hasn’t changed.

The same inventive flavours that we all know and love still taste the same way we remember, just in a brand-new can with bold colours and a cleaner design.

“We spent the last two years experimenting with Mr P’s style, Pringles has created this fresh, bold and modern look that is anything but subtle,” said Bose Sanjib, Marketing Director of Kellogg’s South East Asia.

The new Pringles look will begin to make its way across all shelves and online in Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Hot & Spicy, Cheesy Cheese and many more mind popping flavours in 147g and 104g Sharing Packs and 36g On-The-Go Packs.

For more info, follow Pringles Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram

Source

Tips for an eco-friendly home

This article is first published in theSun Buzz Earth Hour edition HERE

It’s tempting to buy everything new when it comes to redecorating the home. However, we might be harming the environment more when we attempt to create a Pinterest-worthy home.

Fortunately, we can still achieve the dream home aesthetic while making sure it’s sustainable and eco-friendly. Here are some tips and tricks to create an eco-friendly and beautiful home:

Decorate using indoor plants

One of the easiest ways to go green with home décor is to have several indoor plants at home. Having beautiful indoor plants, whether big or small, help brighten the place and purify the air indoors.

Some plants such as ferns and palms can help increase oxygen levels at home too.

Use eco-friendly light bulbs

Eco-friendly light bulbs are good for the environment because it uses less energy and lasts longer than ordinary bulbs. Some of the eco-friendly bulbs in the market are halogen incandescents, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).

These energy-efficient bulbs not only lasts longer they can help you save money by cutting down on electricity consumption as well.

Install dimmer switches

Another way to reduce your electricity bill is to have Energy Star certified dimmer switches installed. These dimmer switches can help reduce your energy output while controlling the ambience of the room.

Research have shown that dimming a single electric bulb can help you save up to 98 percent of your electrical energy leading to a huge cut down on your electricity bill. Dimmer switches are best placed in the living room, dining hall and even the bedroom.

Support local artists

When it comes to sourcing décor and furnishing for the home, it’s better to support our local artists and artisans in order to reduce our carbon footprint. Our local artists create unique pieces such as artwork or furniture made from ethically sourced wood that can’t be found elsewhere.

These local artworks will be a special addition to the home and it doesn’t harm the environment more. Check out theSundaily’s Instagram where we feature local artists and their works daily! You can find wooden furniture from local artisans such as Brutti & Besi, Adi and Aida and Persada Gallery.

Use eco-friendly paints and finishes

Walls are the biggest surface areas in a home and painting the rooms with toxic paints can be dangerous. The safer option is to use paints and finishes which contain extremely low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are partially responsible for the smell of new paint.

Low or zero VOC paints contain water which makes them less harmful than paints that contain petroleum-based solvents that emit harmful gasses.

Look for upcycled or reclaimed décor

Instead of buying completely new furniture and décor, look for upcycled or reclaimed finds. Using upcycled or reclaimed materials as part of the home décor help to reduce wastage and pollution.

Reclaimed wood can be used to beautifully restore cabinet doors, flooring or carved into another décor piece. Glass bottles can be upcycled as pots for indoor plants or kitchen utensil organizers.

Seek vintage or preloved finds

Shopping in thrift stores and flea markets help to ‘rescue’ old but good finds for your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Some vintage or preloved finds already have the beautiful natural distressed look and aesthetic that many try to reproduce in new décor items.

Most importantly, you save a lot of money.

MORE RESOURCES

Find out how you can do more to make an impact other than turning off the lights for an hour during Earth Hour: Doing Our Part for Mother Earth

We can always do more to protect the Earth we live in too. Here are the ways you can lower your carbon footprint by cultivating eco-friendly habits.

Source

Eco-friendly habits to lower your carbon footprint

This article is first published in theSun Buzz Earth Hour edition HERE

You already know what you can do to help during Earth Hour but the commitment to protect and save the environment is a lifelong journey.

If you’re serious about caring for the environment every day, here are some eco-friendly habits you can practice and emulate for a better world:

Reduce, reuse and recycle

There are many tips and tricks to live a greener life and at its core, it’s really just to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The simple 3Rs can be practised anywhere we go in order to reduce waste and pollution in the world. For example, we can reduce our usage of plastic containers by reusing these containers before discarding and sending them for recycling.

Use reusable shopping bags

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is to use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic or paper bags. These reusable bags can be used for grocery shopping for a long time. Using plastic or paper bags is wasteful in the long run and adds more rubbish at the landfill over a lifetime.

Switch to sustainable options

Another way to practice an eco-friendly lifestyle is to switch our everyday household items to sustainable options. Anyone can do this switch by opting for stainless steel straws over plastic straws, using reusable coffee pods or buying bottle-less soaps and shampoos. For women, they can try switching to menstrual cups instead of pads or tampons too.

Bring your own container

It’s also helpful if we bring our own tupperware especially when we’re going to order takeaways. Using our reusable containers is an eco-friendly way to reduce the use of plastic containers and plastic pollution too.

Conserve water

We use a lot of water daily without realizing it. We use water when we shower, when we brush our teeth and when we wash the dishes. To help protect our natural environment and resources, we should conserve our water. A way to conserve water is to take shorter showers and turning off the taps when it’s not in use while washing the dishes or brushing our teeth.

Conserve energy

We may not be able to escape consuming and using energy at home but we can do our part to conserve it. During the daytime, we can switch off the lights and open the curtains to let natural light in. We should also switch off and unplug any electrical appliances that are not in use to reduce our energy bills and wastage.

Go digital

Going digital helps to lessen paper waste and cut downs on our carbon footprint too. By going digital, we reduce the need to purchase notebooks, flashcards or scribbling on sticky notes. We can embrace digital life by paying our bills online and taking notes on the computer or smartphone.

Keep fridge coils clean

Not many of us realize this but dirty fridge coils use more energy to keep the fridge cool. Remember to clean and remove the dust from the coils and the underside of the fridge to keep the fridge working efficiently.

Walk or bike as much as you can

To further reduce your carbon footprint, walk or cycle as much as you can especially to nearby areas. By doing so, you’re getting both the exercise and a clear conscience for reducing your contribution to air pollution too.

Buy less, spend less

Perhaps the simplest and hardest step of all is to buy fewer items. It’s important to only buy what you need in order to reduce wastage. Before buying anything new, consider how long you’re going to use the item and whether you can borrow it from someone else.

MORE RESOURCES

Here’s what you can do for a better planet if you want to go beyond turning off the lights for an hour during Earth Hour: Doing Our Part for Mother Earth

Also, find out how you can transform your home into an eco-friendly abode!

Source

Doing our part for Mother Earth

This article is first published in theSun Buzz Earth Hour edition HERE

Every year on the last Saturday of March at 8.30pm, millions of people across the world switch off the lights in their homes to raise awareness of the issues plaguing our planet.

These environmental issues include climate change, wildlife endangerment and the loss of nature. Turning off the lights at home for an hour is a symbolic gesture of support but it also acts as a reminder that everyone should do their part to protect the Earth they live in.

There are several ways to join and observe Earth Hour from the comfort of your own homes. If you want to do more than switching off the lights at home, here are some activities that you can take part in with family and friends to make an impact:

Join a guided meditation

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is hosting a guided meditation for everyone led by internationally celebrated yoga teacher and scholar Dr Chelsea Jackson Roberts. The purpose of the meditation session is to create a moment of solitude in our busy minds, an opportunity to practice gratitude for our planet and to reflect on our commitment to protect the planet.

The meditation starts at the same time we switch off our lights at 8.30pm, following your local time on Saturday, 27 March 2021.

Make a pledge to care for planet Earth

Right over at WWF Malaysia’s website, you can make a pledge to support to save our local wildlife and forests. Part of saving the planet is to ensure that our local wildlife such as the Malayan tigers, elephants and tapirs are safe. Without these great creatures, the entire ecosystem will go into disarray and the ripple effects from the drastic changes will harm our planet even more.

Write to your leaders

Never underestimate the power of the pen! In the spirit of citizen action, youths are encouraged to write letters to the State Government Executive Council (environment) and the mayor (for states without environmental EXCO).

In the letter, you can tell them why it’s important to you to protect and save the environment and demand proper action to safeguard the environment.

You can also highlight environmental issues in your area to your local representatives such as illegal dumping in the rivers, noise pollution or the lack of recycling efforts. It can take one letter to spark a change in the community and garner support for your cause.

Donate to help conservation efforts

Conservation is a lifelong project and it requires a lot of funds to carry out the good work. You can help donate your time and money to help various conservation programmes in Malaysia. WWF Malaysia is carrying out a donation campaign to help protect Malaysian wildlife.

Head over to WWF Malaysia’s website to find out more about their conservation efforts and how you can donate to support its causes.

Zoos such as Zoo Negara and Taiping Zoo have animal adoption programmes to help keep the animals healthy, well-fed and receive the necessary veterinary care.

Join the virtual run

Campaigns can only succeed if there’s enough awareness raised about it. Do your part to spread the word by joining the Earth Hour Virtual Run for Nature in support of efforts to save our nature. The proceeds from registration will be channelled towards WWF Malaysia’s conservation efforts too.

Winners will receive a unique Finisher Medal that’s made out of recycled wood and a customised e-certificate. Registration for the virtual run closes on 27 March 2021 but takes place from 1 February 2021 to 15 April 2021.

Change your bad habits that harm the environment

Sometimes we make mistakes that can harm the environment but what’s important is the commitment to do better. Some of the habits to cultivate include turning off the tap properly when it’s not in use, taking shorter showers and using eco-friendly products.

A little change goes a long way for a better planet.

Inspire the people around you

Last but not least, you can inspire the people around you in your own way. It’s time to solve problems using creative solutions. To spread awareness and inspire the community, you can create beautiful artwork, music or GIFs to show your support for Earth Hour and saving the planet, and post it up on social media.

MORE RESOURCES

We can always do more to protect the Earth. The links below provide tips and tricks to live an eco-friendly and healthier life.

1. Tips for an eco-friendly home

2. Ways to lower your carbon footprint

Source

Da Ma Cai donates RM1m in financial aid

Eighty charitable organisations nationwide receive a total of RM1 million in financial aid from Da Ma Cai as part of its annual Community Aid Charity Programme.

Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd Managing Director Tan Kong Han said that these community sharing and caring outreach initiatives will go towards providing financial aid to assist deserving charity centres affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While the current situation is certainly challenging for our business, we recognise that it is much tougher for the less fortunate communities. We have been responding to the needs of the community and we hope to help solve immediate financial issues and improve the quality of lives,” said Tan.

Tan encouraged NGOs to try on creative ways to raise money online including crowdfunding sites as the usual fundraising activities could no longer go on as normal. He also urged all corporations and enterprises to help charitable organisations and provide them with internet access and devices for online learning.

“A lot of funding and support have stopped, but the needs of our special children and the work do not. We are really thankful for this generous donation” said Chairman of Persatuan Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Ekliptik Klang, Morgun Nadesan.

“We have to curb a lot of our activities with our senior citizens due to MCO. When I received the news that our application for funding has been approved by Da Ma Cai, I was so happy!” President of Persatuan Kebajikan Ci Hang Chempaka Selangor, Desmond Yeow said.

“We believe in equal access to quality education for our children, therefore, with this aid, it will ease our burden to engage skilled and experience teachers to guide our children,” Founder of Pertubuhan Pusat Kebajikan Destiny, Irene J Dawson expressed her appreciation.

A total of 30 charity bodies from Klang Valley received donations amounting to RM380,000 during the event. For the Northern Region, 24 charitable organisations located in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak will be getting financial aid worth a total of RM303,000. As for the Southern Region, 22 charity homes in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor will be receiving RM278,000 in total. 4 organisations in Pahang will also receive a total of RM39,000.

At a simple presentation ceremony, Tan Kong Han handed the mock cheque to 30 charity bodies located within Klang Valley. This was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Director of Pan Malaysian Pools also Group Executive Chairman of The Lion Group, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Cheng Heng Jem at the Lion Office Tower.

Da Ma Cai is a brand of Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd (“PMP”), Malaysia’s authorised numbers forecast operator. On an annual basis, Da Ma Cai actively supports various causes in the areas of education, social welfare and public health through a wide range of programmes and activities carried out in the country. Following the acquisition of PMP by Jana Pendidikan Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“JPM”), all of PMP’s net dividends that JPM receives will be donated to The Community Chest.

With this structure, Da Ma Cai has effectively been transformed from a for-profit organisation into a social business, providing long term donations to The Community Chest for the benefit of the Malaysian community.

Source

Guinness’s celebration kits help make up for missed parties during St Patrick’s Month

We have all missed some important celebrations in the past year such as celebrating birthdays, weddings, Valentine’s Day, graduation ceremonies or even just gatherings with friends.

When the St. Patrick’s Month kicked off, Guinness fans jumped at the chance to share their missed occasions with the hashtag #31daysofstpatricks. Little did some lucky fans in the Klang Valley and Penang know, they’d be able to make up to their missed occasions with the exclusive Guinness Celebration Kits!

To help fans catch up with the celebrations, Guinness specially curated celebration kits, which fits any occasion, in the spirit of St. Patrick’s celebration for 31 days. During this ongoing celebration, five fans are selected each day and rewarded with these kits that are prepared in collaboration with renowned vendors in the Klang Valley and Penang.

Andrew Anel Anbalagan, a 21-year-old student from Selayang was devastated to miss his friend's bachelor party and wedding when it was postponed. Guinness sent him a burger set with some cans of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (GFES) to help make up for it.

“I invited my buddy over to join me, and we had a great time drinking together and planning the fun when things get back to normal,” he said. Andrew received the scrumptious Tipsy Lucky Guinness-infused Lamb Burger kit curated in partnership with myBurgerLab and Tipsy Boar.

While Andrew missed his friend’s wedding, another Guinness fan, 27-year-old Natasha Marie Francis had to reschedule her own wedding for three times.

“Planning the wedding all over again is not so bad after all when I get to manage it while having the delicious Guinness ice cream by The Ice Cream Bar,” said Natasha who received the ice cream kit inclusive of Guinness-infused Patrick’s Treasure and Guinness Brownies, alongside a 4-can-pack GFES.

Thanks to digital advancement, we all still get to meet our loved ones virtually especially during the festive celebrations. Such was the case with 28-year-old Clarissa Chew from Subang Jaya, whose virtual gathering with her relatives from different states and even different countries was made better by Guinness with the Take Home BBQ Set, prepared by Makhan by Kitchen Mafia.

“Now I have even more fun stories to share with my fam-bam over some scrumptious grilled food and cold Guinness over a video call,” she said.

All the way up-north, Penangite Annabelle Chai missed being the bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding.

“My friend decided to get married within a 17-hour notice, I couldn’t be with her then but I am definitely inviting her to have this beautiful Guinness cake and to catch up over a couple of cold Guinness,” she said. Anabelle received the Guinness Chocolate Butter Cake kit by Cake By X.

What’s in the celebration kits?

Guinness has partnered with Coley and Anniekins Cakehouse in the Klang Valley as well as Mish Mash, Cake By X and Three Tiers Ice Cream in Penang to create the celebration kits.

Each kit is carefully curated with a dash of Guinness and St. Patrick’s elements to it, ranging from scrumptious burger platters, mouthwatering cakes, exquisite cocktails, ice creams for the sweet tooth and juicy at-home BBQ platters.

Available only throughout the St. Patrick’s Month, fans can also purchase these celebration kits at each vendors’ respective outlets or platforms. More details on this can be found HERE.

Score yourself some Guinness freebies!

That’s not all! For an added touch of St. Patrick’s merriment, Guinness lovers can also score themselves a free limited-edition Guinness tumbler that comes in three designs, with any purchase of Guinness Draught or Guinness Foreign Extra Stout all through March.

It is time for fans to check out participating outlets nationwide or e-commerce platforms too, and pick up a Guinness to make up for all their missed celebrations!

Guinness and all promotions are available to non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. Guinness Malaysia advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive.

For full terms and conditions and to find out more about Guinness St. Patrick’s Month, visit guinnessstpats.my/ or Guinness Malaysia’s social media pages at Facebook and Instagram. Slainte!

Source

International Money Transfer Made Easy

Ria Money Transfer, a global leader in the cross-border money transfer industry and a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT), and Pos Malaysia Berhad (Pos Malaysia), a postal and courier service operator with the largest delivery and touchpoint network in Malaysia, announced today a new cash collection partnership that delivers convenient international money transfer and payments services to customers at all Pos Malaysia outlets nationwide.

Through this partnership, customers will now be able to initiate their transactions via Ria’s leading app and complete the process by paying in cash at any of Pos Malaysia’s outlets without the need to complete physical forms, allowing for a swift transaction at the counter.

This provides customers with an additional choice and payment option for supporting the migrant community in Malaysia and helps make sending money home to their families through the international money transfer process easier, convenient and economical. Furthermore, the facilitation of digital payments to Ria’s customers encourages financial inclusion, allowing customers to view and lock competitive rates in real-time from home in addition to the time savings at the counter.

Malaysia is one of the top sending countries to Indonesia, which aligns with Ria’s recently announced partnership with Pos Indonesia. The partnership also further represents Ria’s commitment to communities in the region and the support it offers its partnering organizations through the promotion of convenient transfers and unlocking of value-added opportunities.

“Launching mobile staging capabilities delivers a fast, secure and competitive service for a streamlined user experience. It also demonstrates our continuing ability to step up to the challenges currently faced by the global environment and deliver world-class digital strategic objectives that position the company for future growth,” said Juan Bianchi, CEO of Euronet’s Money Transfer Segment, in a statement announcing the partnership.

“More than doubling our reach in Malaysia and bringing increased brand visibility and trust to individuals, SMEs, banks and other retailers, this new alliance is further proof of the strength of our purpose-built postal strategy and the accelerated growth it’s delivering for us in the region through the rapid expansion of our digital capabilities.”

For Pos Malaysia, the partnership with Ria Money Transfer is another step forward in its transformation efforts to modernize the company’s retail segment through digitalisation while optimizing and enhancing the customer experience during over-the-counter services.

“Ria Money Transfer helps us to simplify and enhance the efficiency of international remittance service while providing additional value to our customers,” said Mohamed Rozaidi Md Sharif, CEO of Postal Services.

“Ria’s money transfer platform offers good accessibility to customers via Pos Malaysia’s network of touchpoints and post offices in Malaysia,” he said.

The partnership includes a cash collection agreement with mobile staging capabilities in over 1,000 Pos Malaysia outlets effectively more than doubles Ria’s previous reach in Malaysia.

Find out more here:

Website: https://my.riafinancial.com/
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/ria-financial

FB: https://facebook.com/imeglobal

Source

MR D.I.Y. drives growth with the launch of robotic e-commerce warehouse

Homegrown retail giant MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad today launched a robotic e-commerce warehouse in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The 65,000 sq ft warehouse is equipped with programmable robots that are able to fulfil online purchases faster compared to a manual system, resulting in a 200% increase in operational efficiency. MR D.I.Y. has invested up to RM5 million to design and build the robotic e-commerce warehouse system.

Speaking to members of the media who visited the warehouse today, MR D.I.Y.’s Group Vice President of Marketing, Mr Andy Chin said, “Online shopping has been gaining traction in recent years. In anticipation of this trend and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) technologies, MR D.I.Y. had already started the design and build of this warehouse in 2019. With the advent of the pandemic and the resulting movement control orders, online shopping grew in quantum leaps and has become a behaviour that is here to stay.”

He added that while the building of the warehouse was operational in nature, it was customers who would enjoy its ultimate benefit.

“This warehouse enables us to process online orders at triple the previous rate, meaning customers can look forward to receiving their orders faster. Its automated selection functions reduce the possibility of human error, and its innovative design enables the warehouse to stock a wider variety of products, giving our customers a broader choice of more than 20,000 products online.

“The higher level of automated tasks has also reduced the need for physical labour for repetitive processes and given us the opportunity to upskill our warehouse employees in robotics and automation, leading to opportunities in supervisory and management roles. All in, it is about driving growth, delivering value and growing talent,” Chin concluded.

Visit MR. D.I.Y.’s website: www.mrdiy.com, e-commerce platform: www.mrdiy.com.my and social media — Facebook and Instagram @MR DIY for the latest updates.

Source

Sasi the Don releases exclusive 20th anniversary remake of hit song Anbe (My Love)

Following the success of his latest hits “Humpty Dumpty” and “Daddy Don”, Sasi The Don releases the 20th Anniversary Remake of “Anbe” (translated from Tamil to mean “My Love”) in conjunction with the International Happiness Day.

The recreation of Anbe (My Love) struck a chord with new and veteran fans alike, showcasing the evergreen nature of his music. Sasi’s fans eagerly embraced the remake of this famed love song, which has not lost its lustre or impact in being revisited.

The draw of the song is how it sets the tone for uplifting the national sentiment by taking listeners back to the era of firsts: Our first job, early relationships, our carefree education, joyous celebrations, anniversaries and birthdays. It is a song which brings hope to the masses in its ability to help us to remember a time when every move was not overshadowed by fear.

“Reflecting on how this song brought about such joy and happiness to the lives of everyone; it is that time of the year where we reflect on our past in this new normal. We are finally emerging from the pandemic, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after a challenging year for everyone. With this song acting as a strong influence on many of us, we have come to appreciate everything we have and live for today; with our past paving the way ahead for a brighter future for both the young and the old who celebrate love every day,” said Sasi.

“Let me take you back in time with this 2021 edition of Anbe (My Love), as I release it on 19th March, 2020 for all my fans. I am sure we all remember those nostalgic moments from twenty years ago when we first experienced the song,” added Sasi.

Anbe (My Love) is a song that speaks of love alongside a spellbinding melody which resonated at that time, and still shines through in this challenging year. It is, after all, only love for those around us that has kept us going through it all. We have bounced back from trying times, victorious and far stronger than ever before.

Sasi believes this song will appeal to audiences across the board, as it embraces the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia’s deeply-rooted musical inclinations. As a people, we are bound by love, and music is the universal language thereof.

Two decades ago, Anbe (My Love) was celebrated on the airwaves, making it a resounding hit. For Sasi, this inspirational song led to many opportunities in his professional music career.

“Malaysia is the heartbeat of the music hub in Asia. We are within the heart of Asia where this beautiful nation brings together our diverse cultures and incredible pools of highly talented artistes who are destined to be the future of the music industry,” said Sasi.

The song is executive produced by Sasi The Don and released worldwide by his label “TuffNLoud Worldwide” , the music is produced by DeyoDeluxshion and it also features 3 female artistes namely DerenhaNalinie, Sharen Claire and rapper Yunohoo.

Look out for more on Sasi The Don via www.sasithedon.com

Source

Back to the movies!

This article was originally published in theSun Buzz edition HERE

Cinemas around the country were allowed to reopen earlier this month, bringing joy to movie buffs and acting as a further sign that normalcy is slowly returning to our lives.

No doubt many people are looking forward to enjoying some brand new releases on the silver screen, while still practicing social distancing and following the SOPs currently in place.

Here are some of the movies that are definitely worth getting out of the house for:

Godzilla Vs Kong (March 25)

This much-anticipated movie is 2021’s first big blockbuster, being the culmination of several years of cinematic build-up. The plot sees iconic monsters Godzilla and Kong collide in the ultimate battle for supremacy, as humanity fights for its future. Clues to the origins of the Titans are unearthed, and a human conspiracy threatens to erase the existence of both Godzilla and Kong forever. Starring Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown and Brian Tyree Henry.

Kaadan (March 26)

This Indian film promotes the message of conservation through the story of Bandev, a ‘jungle man’ who lives alongside elephants and who considers himself the guardian of the forest. What makes this film interesting is that it was shot simultaneously in three languages (Tamil, Telugu and Hindi), with a slightly different cast for each version. The cast includes Rana Daggubati, Vishnu Vishal and Zoya Hussain.

Minari (April 1)

This landmark film follows a tight-knit Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Shot mostly in Korean, with only a few lines of English, the film offers a realistic portrayal of the experiences of first-generation immigrants to America.

Hi Mom (April 1)

After her mother is fatally injured in a car accident in 2001, grief-stricken Jia Xiaoling (Jia Ling) finds herself transported back in time to the year 1981, where she becomes her mother’s close friend. Hoping to become a better daughter to her mother, Xiaoling immediately sets about trying to set up her mother with a better life than the one she had.

Violet Evergarden: The Movie (April 1)

Former soldier Violet Evergarden now works as a ghostwriter and is haunted by the final words of her old friend and fellow soldier Gilbert Bougainvillea. One day, she receives a request from a client named Julis, while at the same time, a letter is discovered in the postal company`s warehouse, setting off a series of unusual events. This beautifully animated movie features the voice talents of Yui Ishikawa, Daisuke Namikawa and Takehito Koyasu.

Seobok (April 15)

In this South Korean action-drama, former intelligence agent Ki-hun (Gong Yoo) accepts a secret mission to deliver the world`s first human clone, Seobok (Park Bo-Gum), to a safe location. The two are ambushed, but manage to escape. However, Ki-hun is conflicted when Seobok wants to enjoy his freedom for a while longer. The movie reinterprets the story of Qin Dynasty alchemist and explorer Xu Fu (pronounced ‘Seo Bok’ in Korean) from a modern viewpoint. Xu Fu was tasked by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to find the elixir of life twice.

The Unholy (April 29)

Alice, a young hearing-impaired girl claims to have been visited by the Virgin Mary, and can now hear, speak and heal the sick. A disgraced journalist hoping to revive his career decides to investigate, but when terrifying events begin to happen, he starts to question if these phenomena are the works of the Virgin Mary or something much more sinister. Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Katie Aselton and William Sadler.

Source

Root for Malaysia’s teams as they fight for a spot at Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore

Garena just announced the Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore (FFWS 2021 SG), which will feature US$2,000,000 prize pool – Free Fire’s largest ever! Taking place in Singapore on 22 and 29 May 2021, FFWS marks the beginning of a return to normalcy for Free Fire international esports, after tournaments in 2020 were held online.

The World Series is Free Fire’s largest and most iconic esports tournament – the inaugural Free Fire World Series 2019 Rio was watched by more than 2 million concurrent online viewers at its peak, which was then the world record high for a mobile esports tournament, according to Esports Charts.

The FFWS 2021 SG will host the Play-ins on May 22 and the Finals on May 29. Previously announced to take place on April 24 (Play-Ins) and May 1 (Finals), the dates were shifted to accommodate the global pandemic situation.

The FFWS 2021 SG highlights Garena’s continued efforts to delight the global community with competitive and engaging esports content – all while prioritising the safety of all involved. Garena will ensure that all activities are in line with prevailing public health protocols and travel policies.

What’s at stake?

Free Fire is an immersive battle royale game created specifically with mobile gamers in mind. The tournament will see 22 teams from across 14 regions to compete for the title of being the Free Fire world champion and a slice of the US$2,000,000 prize pool.

The Play-Ins will feature 12 teams who placed either first or second in their regional-level tournament. The top two teams from the Play-Ins will then join the top 10 seeds from each regional-level tournament in the Finals.

The teams will battle over 6 rounds – across all 3 maps – to be the last one standing, with points awarded based on round ranking and the number of kills.

MCP teams fight for a spot in FFWS 2021 SG

The representative for the MCP (Malaysia, Cambodia and the Philippines) region will be determined at the MCP Majors League, which will conclude with the Finals this Saturday (20 March 2021)!

12 teams remain in the running for the title of MCP champion, the lion’s share of the US$50,000 prize pool, and the coveted spot to compete at FFWS 2021 SG.

Malaysia will be represented at the MCP Majors by seven teams. To date, two of the finalists are currently in the top three rankings.

Show your support for the Malaysian teams

Catch the stream on 20 March 2021 starting at 12.45pm on Free Fire Malaysia’s official Youtube (video above) and Facebook pages to witness the intense battle between twelve finalists.

Only one will secure a spot in FFWS 2021 SG!

Source

UTAR students get a holistic development to excel in the competitive market

In an increasingly competitive market, employers are constantly looking out for well-rounded individuals to help contribute and build up their company. To help its students stand out from the rest, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) provides a host of activities and programmes so its students get to learn and cultivate soft skills.

According to the Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations, Prof. Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR offers a holistic development for its students with its wide range of activities. Participation in these activities is voluntary so it’s up to the students which and how many activities they choose to join.

In a bid to promote the love of lifelong learning in students of UTAR, the students get to choose to join a variety of clubs ranging from clubs such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Society, religious clubs, Engineering Club, Food Science Club, an Agricultural Club and more. These activities provide senior and junior students a platform to mingle and learn together in a fun environment too.

UTAR students who participate in these activities will receive a soft skill development certificate to record their achievement. Further ensuring that the students are getting what they need to learn, the activities allowed in campus follow the 10 components which are in line with the World Economic Forum.

The 10 components cover the areas of communication, complex problem solving, critical thinking, leadership skills and more. UTAR has added new components such as developing emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence and team work to help prepare their graduates for the work environment.

The New Village Community Project for students

In an interview with Prof Choong, he shared that many employers commended UTAR students for being able to be sensitive to the needs of other cultures. It is this quality and attitude that makes them highly favourable to be hired internationally.

Among the highly popular activities on campus is known as the New Village Community Project to help cultivate the student’s ability to empathise with other people and cultures to bring about social change, and to be vital members of the society. The New Village Community Project lets the students develop their soft skills with activities that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Goals too.

In the New Village project, UTAR students and faculty members get to visit 630 villages around Malaysia to help the communities there. They are encouraged to interact with the locals to find out the issues in the community, compile a report and implement ways to help the village residents.

Some of the projects have seen the students of UTAR giving tuition to the M40 and B40 school children, carrying out village beautification projects, holding school motivation camps and running school safety campaigns.

Upcoming project: UTAR Hospital in Kampar

UTAR is passionate in helping its students grow holistically. As such, its upcoming project in Kampar benefits both the community and the students too. Tentatively set to launch in August or September 2022, the UTAR Hospital in Kampar will be serving the public in the surrounding areas and also serve as a teaching hospital for medical students.

The UTAR Hospital will have 350 beds; 100 beds are reserved for Traditional Complementary Medicine patients (including Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine) while the remaining 250 beds are reserved for the rest of the Western medicine patients. There may be an additional 250 beds or more in the future phase.

The project will include facilities such as out-patient and in-patient treatment, diagnostics and treatment, medical and non-medical support, research and education, and staff, student and administrative centres.

Donations welcomed

To help contribute to the development of the hospital to provide much-needed medical services in the community and clinical training to the students, the university is holding a donation campaign drive.

Donations can be made online HERE . Donations can also be made via a mailed cheque and addressed to UTAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION at:

Chancellery

Level 10, KB Block

UTAR Sungai Long Campus

Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long

43000 Kajang, Selangor

Tel: +603-9086 0288 Ext: 888

E-mail: lsjen@utar.edu.my (Mr Lim Swea Jen)

For online transfers, please follow the following details:

Account Name: UTAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Account No. : 3171115615

Bank Name: Public Bank Berhad

Find out more about the donation details and the UTAR Hospital in Kampar here

Source

8 simple tips for healthy teeth and gums

This article is first published in theSun Buzz World Oral Health Day edition HERE

Everyone wants to have a good smile and avoid bad breath. Achieving all that isn’t difficult and it all starts from home.

Here are some tips for oral hygiene and health that will have you smiling from ear to ear in no time at all!

1. Use the right toothbrush

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a hard and big toothbrush to clean your teeth. A toothbrush with a hard bristle may actually damage your teeth and gums more than you know. Try a soft-bristled brush that’s small enough to manoeuvre comfortably all-around your mouth with a handle that’s easy to grip.

A soft-bristled brush is more than capable to remove bacterial plaque without wounding your mouth. Most importantly, don’t forget to change your toothbrush every three months on average to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

2. Only brush twice a day and never more

Does brushing the teeth more than twice a day beneficial? The short answer is no. We just need to brush our teeth when we wake up in the morning and before we go to bed.

Brushing too often can cause gum recession and the abrasion can cause damage to the root surfaces of the teeth. The exposed roots may cause sensitivity and increase the risk of tooth decay.

To ensure your teeth are cleaned well, a gentler brushing for about two minutes is preferred.

3. Flossing is often forgotten but crucial

The idea of flossing is scary for some but with the right technique; you’ll have healthy teeth and gums for a long time. Flossing helps to remove plaque and tartar in between each tooth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Removing plaque and tartar via flossing also helps to prevent bad breath.

Using a toothpick can be helpful but not as effective. If you’re still not convinced to floss, a study done in 2010 found that nine out of 10 Malaysian adults have some form of gum disease!

4. Lessen your sugar intake

Whether we know it or not, we consume a lot of sugar daily and these little particles get stuck in between our teeth. Left long enough and without proper cleaning, it can cause tooth decay (cavities) and rot. This happens when oral bacteria consume the sugary food source and release acids that attack the teeth.

5. Make sure it’s a fluoride toothpaste

Scientific research has shown that fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and repairing the tooth enamel. Hence, it’s important to use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that is perfectly safe when used as directed.

This is also why we should only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when we brush our teeth. For kids younger than the age of 3, just a smear on the brush will do. Children ages 3 to 6 should stick to a pea-sized amount like the adults.

6. Check your mouth

After brushing your teeth, run your tongue all over your gums and teeth and make sure there are no lumps and bumps. Also, we should take note of whether there is any bleeding, sensitivity, pain, sores, lumps or any other signs or symptoms that are not normal. If you feel something doesn’t look right, please make an appointment with your dentist to be safe.

7. Know how long to gargle with a mouthwash

If you’re still not confident with the cleanliness of your teeth after brushing and flossing, mouthwash is a good supplement. Although it helps to further clean your teeth and mouth, it’s not a substitute for both brushing and flossing.

To use the mouthwash right, we should swish or gargle for 30 to 60 seconds. To get the most benefits for teeth protection, avoid eating, drinking or smoking for at least 30 minutes so the fluoride doesn’t get washed away.

8. Drink enough water

It’s important to keep the mouth moist. This is because the saliva in our mouths can help buffer acids from food, aids with digestion, fight germs and protecting the teeth from decay. When the mouth is too dry, it can increase the accumulation of plaque which will increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Beware of fake dentists

Last but not least, find out why you should never seek out a fake dentist for cheaper treatments as explained by a licensed dentist HERE. Also, check out 8 simple ways to better care for your oral health at home HERE

Source

The dangers of fake dentistry

This article first appeared in theSun Buzz World Oral Health Day edition HERE

Proper dental treatment by qualified professionals can be expensive and have drawn some to seek out cheaper alternatives but are they safe?

In conjunction with World Oral Health Day on March 20th, BUZZ has invited licensed dentist and dental content creator, Dr Shawn Paul, to shed light on reasons why fake dentistry is harmful and how you can protect yourself.

We’ve all seen the promos and had the same thoughts ...

Cheap dental veneers promotion! Whitening at the mall! Braces done in the comfort of your home!

These advertisements are designed to make you wonder, ‘Should I try this product out? I am afraid of dentists and dental treatments are very expensive, maybe this would be a better alternative?’

To that, Dr Shawn had this to say, “Try it at your own risk”.

What exactly is fake dentistry?

Essentially, fake dentistry in Malaysia is a dental treatment performed by persons who are not dentists and/or do not possess a certificate to practice dentistry in Malaysia. Qualified dentists hold the Annual Practising Certificate (APC), which has to be renewed annually by the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC).

What are the popular treatments provided by fake dentists?

Fake veneers, fake braces, fake clear aligners, unlicensed teeth whitening, dentures, among others.

Why do people go to fake dentists?

Some patients truthfully do not even know that the person they are going to is not a registered dentist so this stems from the lack of awareness. On the other hand, others are fearful of dentists or feel that dentists are too expensive.

Hence, they take the cheaper alternative. Although the treatments are cheaper, the irreversible damage done by these fake dentists may lead the patient to seek a registered dentist to undo and repair the damage done. This incurs additional costs and at times, the damage done may have been so severe that the tooth may need to be extracted.

How does a patient do a background check on his or her dentist?

You may search online for DPIMS (http://dpims.moh.gov.my) which stands for the Dental Practitioners’ Information Management System. Once you have opened the website, head over to the column of ‘Search for Practitioners’ and this will allow you to enter the name of your dentist.

If your dentist is a registered one, his or her name will appear, along with their registration status (active or inactive), date of registration, qualifications as well as their current practising address.

Dentists or fake dentists who are not registered with the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) will not have their name in the DPIMS registry, hence are not eligible to provide dental treatment legally in Malaysia. Always be wary if the person does not seem like a regular dentist in a dental clinic

Why are people discouraged from seeking treatment from fake dentists?

Dentistry provided by a non-licensed person is most likely to bring more harm than benefit. In most cases, patients who seek out the treatment will need repair, removal or replacement by a licensed dental practitioner.

A non-licensed dental practitioner or a fake dentist does not go through the strict 5-year training in universities that qualified dentists go through. Hence, the treatment provided by the fake dentist may not have proper scientific backing and may cause irreversible damage to a person’s teeth.

How are the treatments harmful to patients?

As mentioned before, fake dentists are not trained in a dental university for 5 long years about the oral cavity and principles of treatment. This leads to treatment that is not biologically correct, which may lead to severe gum disease, loosening of teeth, severe sensitivity or even teeth that eventually would need to be extracted due to incorrect treatment!

Another way how fake dentistry is harmful to patients is that the equipment and materials used is not regulated by any governing body. Hence, the equipment and materials may be bought online or may even be a counterfeit product that ends up in your mouth.

Some fake dentists don’t even wear gloves, and most do not practice the strict infection control that licensed dentists must adhere to for the patient’s safety. Many diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV may spread due to improper sterilisation of equipment used in the oral cavity.

What to do if you have been a victim of fake dentistry?

Seek help from a registered dentist immediately to assess and repair, or undo the damage done. Do not worry about what the registered dentist may say or think, as we are trained to assist each and every patient without judgment.

It would be helpful if you could remember the details of the place where the fake dentistry has been done so that a proper report may be made, which may save other patients from a similar fate.

Find out more about World Oral Health Day HERE. Also, check out the 8 simple ways to better care for your oral health at home HERE

Source

What is World Oral Health Day?

This article first appeared in theSun Buzz World Oral Health Day edition HERE

Every year on 20 March, World Oral Health Day reminds the world to unite to help reduce the burden of oral diseases which can affect anyone anywhere regardless of their economic and financial background.

The purpose of this day is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health. Oral diseases are a major health concern in many countries yet it is one that is easily preventable with good oral hygiene care.

Further awareness help to encourage schools to educate young children about good oral practices to ensure their healthy tiny teeth can make way for healthier, bigger ones when they grow into adults. This will in turn result in brighter and happier smiles rather than be riddled by low self-esteem due to tooth decay and gum disease.

Celebrating World Health Day provides oral health professionals with a platform to educate the wider public and populations that they serve too. This in turn urges governments and policymakers to champion better oral health for everyone in their community. By working together, everyone in the world will get to enjoy brighter and happier smiles.

What’s the theme for World Oral Health Day?

The theme for the next three years is the powerful message to Be Proud of Your Mouth. To be able to do this, we need to maintain good oral health hygiene and care. This is because good oral health can help us live a longer and healthier life too.

A healthy mouth allows everyone to speak, smile, taste, touch, chew and swallow properly. It also helps people to convey a range of emotions with confidence and without pain and discomfort from diseases such as tooth decay and rot.

Good oral health can have a positive impact on the management of diabetes and prevent other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia and some cancers too. In other words, good oral health goes a long way to ensure a good quality of life.

Resources for better oral health!

theSun Buzz had a chat with licensed dentist Dr Shawn Paul about the dangers of fake dentistry and how you can protect yourselves from dental frauds. Click HERE to find out.

Here is also 8 ways to better care for your teeth at home. Click HERE to find out how to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a long time.

Source

What can we expect from Zack Snyder’s Justice League?

There has rarely been a movie so highly anticipated as Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the result of several years of petitioning from passionate fans using #releasethesnydercut.

Now, as the release date looms, fans in Asia can finally catch the “Synder Cut” with the rest of the world on Thursday, 18 March at 3.01pm (MY time), premiering same time as the U.S. on HBO GO!

Here’s a look at why this movie has fans in a frenzy! Check out the new keyart and stills HERE

1. The running time is 4 hours and 2 minutes!

Unlike most cinematic releases that come in under 2 hours, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is twice as long. You might wonder, what could director, Zack Snyder, possibly add to this epic tale that would account for an additional two hours? The answer is: plenty!

In this version, fans get a deeper look into each member of the Justice League – Superman / Clark Kent (Henry Cavill), Batman / Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), Wonder Woman / Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), The Flash / Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), Aquaman / Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), and Cyborg / Victor Stone (Ray Fisher) – backstory, and their past experiences that motivate them today.

Diving into the complexities of their lives, Snyder introduces viewers to Victor Stone’s mother Elinore (Karen Bryson) and Barry Allen’s love interest Iris West (Kiersey Clemons). This movie has a more emotional story arc for Lois Lane (Amy Adams), greater context for Aquaman’s past courtesy of Vulko (Willen Dafoe), and the full range of Silas Stone’s (Joe Morton) love for his son Cyborg.

2. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is practically a brand-new movie

Using all the footage he had previously shot (and never released), this epic movie also includes:

· Never-before-seen footage!

New footage with Deathstroke (Joe Manganiello), Martian Manhunter / Calvin Swanwick (Harry Lennix) and Ryan Choi (Zheng Kai) to round out the mythology, and the first appearance of New God Darkseid (Ray Porter), contribute to the 4-hour running time. It even has a freshly-shot finale and a new after credits scene.

· New scenes involving The Flash and The Joker

With Ezra Miller shooting Fantastic Beasts in the UK, Snyder had to direct a fresh scene with him via video conferencing on Zoom. At the same time, he was able to address his regret that Batman and the Joker were never brought face-to-face so he brought Jared Leto on board just for one scene.

· Thousands of new VFX shots

Production continued through the height of the pandemic, with international VFX teams working remotely to complete or redo thousands of shots.

· New music score

Original composer Junkie XL, also known as Tom Holkenborg, returned to the project, writing an entirely new score that captured the character and struggle of each character.

3. The film is divided into 6 parts.

Fans can choose to watch the epic in one sitting, or they may ease into the viewing experience by watching it in its separate parts.

Part 1: “Don’t Count On It, Batman”

Part 2: “Age of Heroes”

Part 3: “Beloved Mother, Beloved Son”

Part 4: “Change Machine”

Part 5: “All The King’s Horses”

Part 6: “Something Darker.”

Epilogue

Naturally, this is a major advantage of watching it on a streaming service like HBO GO!

4. More ‘authentic’ battle-damaged costumes

While superhero costumes often appear pristine, in real life, latex doesn’t last that long! After four years, Batman’s cowl disintegrated when Ben Affleck tried to put it on. With time in short supply, they went ahead with its damaged appearance, lending more authenticity to the post-apocalyptic setting.

5. Never underestimate the power of superfans!

This special release was made possible because a group of dedicated initiated the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut campaign. In the process, they bombarded Warner Bros. with high-profile gestures that included billboard advertisements, social media campaigns, and – at one point – even sending airplanes to fly over the studio.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is rated 16 across Asia.

Source

Zack Snyder’s Justice League premieres today! Check out the new trailer, keyart and stills

Zack Snyder’s Justice League premieres on HBO GO on Thursday, 18 March today the same time as the US.

Leading up to its release, DC has released several teaser trailers, key art and stills for the fans to pore over and enjoy.

What’s the Snydercut about?

Determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.

The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes.

Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions.

The feature film stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, J.K. Simmons.

The screenplay is by Chris Terrio, story by Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder and Will Beall, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film’s producers are Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, with executive producers Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Wesley Coller, Jim Rowe, Curtis Kanemoto, Chris Terrio and Ben Affleck.

Source

NAFAS - A breath of fresh air to celebrate diversity

In conjunction with International Women’s Day (IWD) Celebration, Maybank is hosting its third Women Artists Exhibition series entitled ‘RRRAWRRR! 2021: NAFAS - Maybank’s Emerging Women Artists Exhibition’.

The NAFAS exhibition is the first Maybank Women Artists Exhibition series to be showcased in a virtual gallery space following the launch of the Maybank Virtual Art Gallery @ Balai Seni, in 2020.

Serenaded by soothing music, visitors to the NAFAS exhibition will get to experience 27 artworks by 20 talented women artists who are well-versed in various mediums such as 3-dimensional artworks, visual performance arts, video art, pigment ink on photo paper, watercolour paintings, modelling clay, pyrography, acrylic on plywood and acrylic on canvas.

The artworks focus on subject matters that highlight the qualities of creative women with inspirational and vibrant perspectives on their worldview. It also provides an immersive contemporary artistic experience, showcasing the unrestrained creativity of women artists and offers a journey to the frontier of Malaysia’s art scene where conventions and normative practices are blurred.

The NAFAS exhibition is part of Maybank’s commitment to celebrating diversity, as well as the social, economic, cultural and political advancements of women and the interpretation of fine arts through the lens of women artists.

Chief Sustainability Officer Maybank, Shahril Azuar Jimin said “NAFAS refers to the unique rhythms of life that is filled with enjoyment as well as challenges. It is about having the sense of freedom to creatively express and embrace new opportunities in these changing times, no matter the gender. We hope that viewers will be left in awe when they visit this exhibition as they will experience a new breath of art showcased by these amazing emerging women artists.”

“We believe that this exhibition correlates with this year’s IWD theme, #choosetochallenge as each artwork challenges the creative abilities of the artists and showcases their intriguing perspectives and unlimited creativity. We are extremely honoured to be in the presence of such creative individuals who have come forward to express their views through such amazing works of art, depicting the power of women.”

“This exhibition also reaffirms Maybank’s commitment to supporting the advancement of women which is an integral part of our mission in humanising financing services,” added Shahril.

Shahril also said the NAFAS art exhibition is one of the many events organized by Maybank in conjunction with IWD 2021. Prior to the launch of the virtual art exhibition, Maybank hosted various webinar sessions touching on topics such as ‘Up on My ‘Feet’ Again’ – Mental Toughness in Overcoming Adversity, which featured guest speaker, YB Datuk Senator Ras Adiba Radzi, ‘Inclusive Diversity: Boosting A Sustainable Culture’ which was participated by Datuk Nora Abdul Manaf, Group Chief Human Capital Officer Maybank; Dato’ Rafique Merican, Chairman of the Maybank Group Sustainability Council and Michelle King, Leading Global Expert in Gender Equality & Director of Inclusion at Netflix, and ‘Robot Queen to Change the World’ which featured guest speaker, Marita Cheng, founder of Robogals and Aubot (Australia).

The participating artists for the ‘NAFAS’ exhibition are Aishah Mokhtar, Balqis Tajali, Alicia Lau, Dipali Gupta, Eleanor Goroh, Esha Hashim, Hanisah Johari, Intan Rafiza, Kok Siew Wai, Leong How Yi, Lisa Foo, Mesita Jee, Nadirah Zakariya, Nawwar Shukirah Ali, Okui, Ayu & Desi, Pamela Tan Poh Sin, Sonia Luhong, Tiong Chai Heing, Eryn and Xiang Yi Wong.

The exhibition is curated by well-known guest curator, Suzy Sulaiman, who has vast experience in the local and regional art scene.

Aishah Mokhtar, one of the participating artist of the exhibition said “It is a beautiful thing to see what women can do despite our everyday roles dictated by society. Women still managed to create something sincere from their heart and somehow that creation has resonated with almost everyone.”

Kok Siew Wai, a participating video artist of the exhibition said “Art is a way of self-knowledge and discovery. To understand oneself is the first step to be taken in order to understand humanity at large. Wishing all my fellow women a life of integrity, independence and confidence! Happy Women’s Day!”

Some of the artworks on display are up for sale with 20% of the proceeds to be channelled to various charitable organisations.

Visitors who wish to experience the ‘RRRAWRRR! 2021: NAFAS - Maybank’s Emerging Women Artists Exhibition’ as well as other virtual exhibitions at the Virtual Art Gallery @ Balai Seni Maybank can do so at https://maybankfoundation.com/index.php/media-center/virtual-exhibition.

Balai Seni Maybank has been actively hosting Malaysian and international artists since its establishment in the 1980s. Some of the biggest names in the local art scene today have, in the past, exhibited their artworks at Balai Seni Maybank, which continues to support the new generation of visual arts practitioners.

Maybank Foundation, which was established in 2010, actively supports community programmes under six key pillars namely Arts & Culture, Education, Community Empowerment, Environmental Diversity, Healthy Living and Disaster Relief.

Source

klpac’s Bollywood Dreams teaches us to dream big and never give up hope

After months of waiting, klpac reopens to audiences with The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat’s first live show with audiences titled Bollywood Dreams.

Bollywood Dreams will preview from 24 to 25 March 2021 followed with regular performances from 26 to 28 March 2021 in Pentas 1, klpac.

Bollywood Dreams is a labour of love by Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican almost two years in the making. When pre-production started in 2019, no one could have predicted that Covid-19 would hit Malaysia and the entire arts industry due to lockdowns.

The passion project was only possible due to the team soldiering on with online readings in the first MCO. The team began a transnational collaboration with the script’s Co-Adapter Tilottama Pillai, who moved 15,000km away to New York, and the original playwright Mark Beau de Silva.

“With multiple cast changes and other setbacks due to the constantly shifting schedules, I decided to bite the bullet and pushed ahead for an online premiere in 2021. Then, just two weeks shy of the recording date, our prayers were answered when YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri announced that live performances would be finally be allowed (after much lobbying), albeit with strict SOPs in place. It was nothing short of a miracle. We are grateful, relieved and excited,” said Director Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican.

What’s Bollywood Dreams about?

Bollywood Dreams is a play based on the multi-award winning Big Head Potato Head by Mark Beau de Silva (Best Play, Best Script, Best Actor, Best Actress, ADA Drama Award 2010). The story tells a heartwarming tale of two brothers with big dreams. Bollywood Dreams comes at the right time because the story teaches everyone to dream and hope again.

Set in 1980s Sungai Petani, two brothers, Pappu and Babu, live with their Amma. Every day they’re allowed to play as long as they do not disturb Amma. And so play they did. They played heroes and heroines, villains and sidekicks. The boys even impersonated popular movie stars such as Amitabh and Rajini in their games.

In between the humdrum need to clean the household laundry and excel in the times table, Pappu and Baby escape into a world of epic backdrops and thumping music, of chorus girls and backup dancers.

They re-enact scenes and turn rocks into mountains, plastic bags into glamourous balloons. This is their Bollywood! Or at least, until the arrival of Aunty Rupa who left years ago to become a movie star.

Who is in the cast?

The principal cast comprises of Tin Raman (Pappu), Ian Skatu (Babu), Ranessa Theyakaraja (Amma), Charles Roberts (Uncle Gopal) and Alyce Michelle Joseph (Aunty Rupa).

Also featured is an ensemble along with two musicians Sivenesh Gopal (tabla) & Shaan Yogasingam (sitar).

Get your tickets today!

Bollywood Dreams will begin with preview nights which will also be filmed. You can be the first to watch it at a reduced price of RM24!

Ticket for normal shows range from RM60 to RM100. The tickets can be purchased from www.proticket.com.my or call 03 4047 9000. There will be strictly no over the counter sales and only e-tickets will be issued.

How is my health and safety ensured?

klpac is also ensuring the health and safety of guests with comprehensive measures including compulsory mask-wearing, health screening, physical distancing measures, sanitisation and disinfection, visitor education, enabling a contactless experience (e-ticketing) and staff training.

For the latest Covid-19 & SOP guide, go to http://bit.ly/klpac_covid19_updates.

Why should you watch and support the local arts scene?

The Actors Studio and klpac losses due to Covid-19 amount close to RM2 million. Each ticket sold goes towards keeping them afloat and to pay their staff, artistes and crew.

They have to raise RM3.3 million by Dec 2021 to stay afloat. The public is encouraged to be a part of their recovery by buying a ticket or making a donation via https://www.klpac.org/donations/

Source

American singer Thundercat wins Grammy for Best Progressive RnB Album

American singer Thundercat (real name Stephen Lee Bruner)’s fourth album “It Is What It Is” won the Grammy Awards for Best Progressive R&B Album.

The album features the singles Black Qualls, Dragonball Durag, Fair Chance and the viral hit Funny Thing.

Joined by a stellar cast of musical friends – Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Gambino, Lil B, Kamasi Washington, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole, Pedro Martins and Zack Fox – the record was produced by Thundercat and his longtime partner Flying Lotus who was GRAMMY-nominated in “Producer of the Year, Non-Classical” for his work on the album.

The win has an important significance because the silly, sentimental and serious album is also dedicated to his close friend Mac Millet who tragically passed away in 2018.

“This album is about love, loss, life and the ups and downs that come with that,” Bruner says. “It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but at different points in life you come across places that you don’t necessarily understand... some things just aren’t meant to be understood.”

With his worldwide tour cut short by the global pandemic in April 2020, Bruner still managed to play a special drive-in show at the Rose Bowl in LA with Hannibal Buress in October last year and he casually brought out Ariana Grande to duet on his hit “Them Changes” at the virtual Adult Swim Festival 2020.

His latest musical collaborations were with Ty Dolla $ign, Anderson .Paak and Kanye West on “Track 6” from Ty Dolla $ign’s 2020 album and most recently featured on HAIM’s expanded ‘Women in Music Pt III’ album on the track “3am” (2021).

The name Thundercat is a reference to the cartoon he’s loved since childhood and an extension of his wide-eyed, vibrant, often superhuman approach to his craft. In 2020 things came full circle when Bruner voiced a character (and penned a song) named “Grune the Destroyer” in Cartoon Network’s Thundercats Roar animated series.

Listen to the Grammy-winning album 'It Is What It Is' here: thundercat.lnk.to/it-is-what-it-isPR

Source

Kids’ Choice Awards 2021 sets a new Guinness Record

Nickelodeon’s Orange Blimp took fans on a virtual ride around the world and beyond at this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2021, on Saturday, March 13.

Catch the Asia premiere of the awards show on Wednesday, March 17 at 5pm (SG, MAL and PH) and 4pm (WIB).

Hosted by Kenan Thompson (Kenan, Saturday Night Live), the KCAs featured show-stopping performances by Grammy Award-winning global superstar Justin Bieber, celebrity appearances, exciting surprises and revealed kids’ favourite TV shows, movies and music.

This year’s show also set a Guinness Record for the most simultaneous slimings, with stars like Robert Downey Jr., Charli D’Amelio, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Liza Koshy as well as KCA host Kenan Thompson, getting a dose of the signature green slime!

While BTS did not garner any Grammy awards this year, they bagged all three categories they were nominated in KCAs – Favourite Music Group, Favourite Global Music Star, and Favourite Song (Dynamite).

The group received their award virtually and thanked the ARMY for their love ad support, saying, “We love you, and we miss you... you guys are the best!”

The event was also graced by the presence of the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, who was introduced by actress Jennifer Garner. Harris’s special remarks as part of the show’s Generation Change presentation touched on recognizing kids’ strength and the courage to create a better world for future generations.

Generation Change is ViacomCBS’ pro-social initiative that connects leaders and innovators with young voices to inspire positive change in communities through civic engagement.

There was an exclusive sneak peek of PAW Patrol: The Movie too, teased by members of the voice cast such as Kim Kardashian, Tyler Perry, Yara Shahidi and Marsai Martin.

Wonder Woman 1984 was crowned Favourite Movie while Stranger Things and SpongeBob SquarePants cemented their status as TV favourites, winning Favourite TV Show and Favourite Animated Series respectively.

Making the event more special is the live and interactive fan walls showcasing families at home. A special KCA award was presented to one lucky family that was chosen during the show as well.

Of course, KCA isn’t without it’s glitz and glamour. There are many celebrity appearances from Gal Gadot, Millie Bobby Brown, BTS, Addison Rae, Sofía Vergara, David Dobrik, Tiffany Haddish, Anna Kendrick, Dove Cameron, Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, Dixie D’Amelio, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Joshua Bassett, Anthony Anderson, Dani & Dannah Lane and Iain Armitage; as well as Nickelodeon stars: JoJo Siwa; That Girl Lay Lay; Jules LeBlanc and Jayden Bartels (Side Hustle); Gabrielle Nevaeh Green and Darci Lynne (Unfiltered); and Young Dylan (Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan).

The following are Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2021 winners:

TELEVISION

FAVOURITE KIDS TV SHOW

Alexa & Katie

FAVOURITE FAMILY TV SHOW

Stranger Things

FAVOURITE REALITY SHOW

America’s Got Talent

FAVOURITE ANIMATED SERIES

SpongeBob SquarePants

FAVOURITE FEMALE TV STAR

Millie Bobby Brown

FAVOURITE MALE TV STAR

Jace Norman

FILM

FAVOURITE MOVIE

Wonder Woman 1984

FAVOURITE MOVIE ACTRESS

Millie Bobby Brown

FAVOURITE MOVIE ACTOR

Robert Downey Jr.

FAVOURITE ANIMATED MOVIE

Soul

FAVOURITE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED MOVIE

Anna Kendrick

MUSIC

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST

Ariana Grande

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST

Justin Bieber

FAVOURITE MUSIC GROUP

BTS

FAVOURITE MUSIC COLLABORATION

“Stuck with U” – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber

FAVOURITE SONG

“Dynamite” – BTS

FAVOURITE GLOBAL MUSIC STAR

BTS

OTHER CATEGORIES

FAVOURITE FEMALE SOCIAL STAR

Charli D’Amelio

FAVOURITE MALE SOCIAL STAR

James Charles

FAVOURITE FEMALE SPORTS STAR

Simone Biles

FAVOURITE MALE SPORTS STAR

LeBron James

FAVOURITE VIDEO GAME

Among Us

FAVOURITE BABY

Baby Shark

Source

Quench your thirst and cool down with the new Somersby Watermelon Cider

Just in time to relieve us from the hot days in Malaysia, Somersby, Malaysia’s best-selling cider brand continues to innovate and excite taste buds of cider lovers with the debut of Somersby Watermelon Cider, a wonderful tropical twist filled with refreshing optimism!

A tropical mélange of fresh watermelon, crisp red apple and fruity strawberry, this refreshing thirst quencher is available in 330ml bottles and 320ml cans at off-trade outlets nationwide and e-commerce sites from March onwards.

“Somersby continues to thrive among cider lovers for its quality ingredients, natural taste and refreshing ciders. Inspired by the popularity of watermelon as a thirst quencher tropical fruit frequently enjoyed by Malaysians, we launched Somersby Watermelon cider adding to our existing variants of Apple, Blackberry Elderflower Lime and Sparkling Rosé. Our constant strive for innovation gives Somersby the edge in flavours and appeals to consumers who are optimistic, and love seeking out new experiences,” said Caroline Moreau, Marketing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia.

A fun twist on the classic apple-based original, the 4.5% ABV Somersby Watermelon Cider is best served chilled over ice, and is an easy-to-drink alcoholic beverage that can be savoured on its own or as a complement to food.

Where can I try this drink?

Be one of the first few in Malaysia to savour Somersby Watermelon cider as Somersby offers FREE bottles redeemable at MyNews and 7-Eleven stores in Peninsular Malaysia.

Simply visit Somersby Malaysia website from 22 March to 15 April on your mobile phone, and you are steps away to tasting a complimentary bottle of refreshing Somersby Watermelon cider goodness!

Go home with these cute Somersby Watermelon goodies!

Consumers get a chance to redeem a Somersby Watermelon cushion, a 21-inch colour-changing Somerby Umbrella that also makes a convertible recyclable bag, and a chance to win an iPhone 12. Isn’t That Wonderful?

Consumers who purchase RM60 worth of Somersby products at participating supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenient stores, and e-commerce sites can also get a FREE Somersby Watermelon cushion, while stocks last.

Gear up for rain or shine and take home a Somersby Umbrella when you purchase RM100 worth of Somersby products. And, be in the running to win an iPhone 12 for any single purchase of Somersby and submit your receipts via www.somersbymalaysia.com.

You can also pair your meals with a Somersby Watermelon cider and get a bottle of Somersby Watermelon at 50% off, when you purchase a bottle of any Somersby variant at participating bars and restaurants from 15 March to 14 May 2021.

Exclusively on Shopee, shoppers can also take home a Somersby Watermelon cushion or umbrella for their cider purchases. Top three spenders will stand a chance to win an Apple AirPods Pro that comes with a Watermelon AirPods case.

For the latest Somersby promotions and activities, follow SomersbyMY on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn about Somersby and its refreshing range of ciders at the official Somersby Malaysia website.

Source

The science of happy songs

This article first appeared in theSun BUZZ International Day of Happiness edition HERE

It’s universally known that music can lift our moods when we’re down. If you’re ever in doubt, a researcher in cognitive neuroscience Dr Jacob Jolij published a study that proves listening to music can make us happier.

Dr Jolij even went as far as to come up with a unique formula to ascertain which songs are scientifically proven to cheer us right up.

He studied several songs and judged the tunes by various criteria such as the right tempo (the average tempo of 140 to 150 beats per minute), the positivity of the words and whether the song is played in a major or minor key.

Based on these criteria, he shortlisted ten songs that are proven to make listeners happy. These songs include Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen, Dancing Queen by Abba, Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper.

Dr Jolij’s study was done years ago so the listed songs are dated yet they remain classics to this day.

That said, the song criteria could be different now due to the emergence of different music genres and artists experimenting with new sounds. Regardless, there will always be upbeat tunes to lift our spirits no matter which year we’re in.

To get a dose of happy pill, here are some songs that will put you in a cheerier mood in 2021:

1. Dynamite - BTS

2. I Can’t Stop Me – Twice

3. Physical – Dua Lipa

4. Lovesick Girls – BLACKPINK

5. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd

6. Better Days – Ant Clemons ft Justin Timberlake

7. I Need You – Jon Batiste

8. Best Friend – Saweetie ft Doja Cat

9. Mood – 24kGoldn ft iann dior

10. Watch Me Glow – DOLLA

11. Midnight Sky- Miley Cyrus

12. Ungodly Hour – Chloe x Halle

13. Helpless - Phillipa Soo and the cast of Hamilton

Now that we’ve explained the science part of things ... why not spend a happy evening chilling with your favourite songs?

Find out how to find little joys in life with the 30-day Coping Calendar and ideas from fellow Malaysians.

Source

Were Malaysians happy in 2020?

This article first appeared in theSun BUZZ International Day of Happiness edition HERE

Each year, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network publishes the World Happiness Report. The annual report contains reports and rankings of national happiness based on respondent ratings in each country.

In the midst of the pandemic, the World Happiness Report 2020 focused on how the environment – social, urban and natural – can affect the happiness levels in each nation.

The report discussed how the social environment (having someone to count on, having a sense of freedom to make key life decisions), urban happiness (having better economic circumstances and opportunities) and sustainable natural environments (clean outdoors and air) can lower or raise the happiness levels around the world.

The top 10 World’s happiest countries of 2020 are:

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Switzerland

4. Iceland

5. Norway

6. Netherlands

7. Sweden

8. New Zealand

9. Austria

10. Luxembourg

Where is Malaysia in the list? In the 2019 report, Malaysia ranked 80th in the list. According to the World Happiness Report 2020, Malaysia ranked 82nd which means we fell two places within a year. It’s still not a good look.

In comparison to the other Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia remained at 4th place. Sadly, Malaysia has still a long way to go and more improvements need to be made. The silver lining is that Malaysia was significantly improving over the years and that means we can do it again.

At the end of the day, the report is just an overall consensus. What’s important is that fellow Malaysians find happiness for themselves and others whenever they can.

We’ve asked Malaysians what makes them happy to give everyone some happy ideas to emulate.

What makes me happy?

Every time I wake up, I’m glad my loved ones and I are alive. – BigMama Wawa

When I see my children and the people around me laughing, it helps me to laugh and release oxytocin and endorphins which makes me happy. Very contagious. – Hazlin

Girlfriend. Romance. Wine. – Anonymous

Recently, I find myself smiling every time I see my grandmother slurping her mango flavoured milk because it’s yummy and cold. – Farishah

Sleep (I have a 6 month old!) – Syarina

Drinks and spending time with friends – Praveen

Finally able to play a piano piece that I’ve been struggling to learn – Morticia

Optimal health, ability to move at ease, and time to love people around me to the fullest – Isabel Martinez

DANCE. That makes me happy! – suekamari

What makes me happy is when I’m treating my body well. Like eating healthily and exercise. My go to sports are swimming and hiking.- Yi Jean

Money – Yago

Being myself. I can’t think of any other thing – Callen

Reaching the goals and the freedom that I fought for a long time when everyone told me I was just a dreamer and that I will never achieve them - Alessio

Playing with my cat after work – Rae

Trying out new things such as exploring new places and food hunting – Dhiya

The best sign of contentment is being able to get a peaceful sleep – NYN

Having a productive day – Sonia

Hello from old friends. Pretty much warms the heart – Anonymous

I never thought being a mother would bring so much joy as my son’s million kisses and cuddles daily makes me happy - Devina

Need more ideas?

Brighten up your mood by listening to happy songs such as the ones listed HERE.

You can gather your loved ones for a quick game too. For something new, try out the Malaysian-made card and board games HERE.

Also, check out the 30-day Coping Calendar by Action of Happiness if you want to spark a little joy in your life. Check out the Coping Calendar HERE

Source