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iHerb Highlights Rising Beauty & Wellness Trend with Summer Skincare Solutions

iHerb Highlights Rising Beauty & Wellness Trend with Summer Skincare Solutions

HONG KONG, July 20 – As consumers face rising temperatures and stronger UV exposure during the summer season, global health and wellness platform iHerb is highlighting the growing trend of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July  — On June 30, 2026, the SEA Health Summit 2026 at the Dusit Thani Bangkok became more than a conference. Under the theme "AI in Health and Longevity," the event marked a defining moment for healthcare in Southeast Asia, as SEA Health Innovation Hub (SEA HI Hub) — a non-profit platform by RISE and SeaX Ventures — announced the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with a landmark coalition of prominent medical schools, academic medical centers, hospitals, and private healthcare operators. SEA HI Hub is a non-profit platform to transform Southeast Asia into one of the world's leading destinations for health innovation. Rather than operating as a standalone organization, SEA HI Hub serves as the connective tissue between global innovators and the region's healthcare ecosystem—bringing together investors, universities, hospitals, regulators, corporations, and government agencies to accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to patient impact. SEA HI Hub is built on four strategic pillars designed to accelerate health innovation from research to real-world impact. The first is Clinical Access—leveraging Southeast Asia's partner hospital network to enable clinical trials, real-world data generation, and regulatory evidence at a fraction of the cost of comparable studies in the United States. The second is Capital—connecting the world's most promising health startups and technologies with aligned deep tech venture partners and investors. The third is Regulatory Fast-Track—supporting health innovation through regulatory sandbox pathways and accelerated approval mechanisms at both the national and regional levels. The fourth is Market Access—providing go-to-market support, commercial partnerships, distribution channels, and strategic ecosystem connections across Southeast Asia. These four strategic pillars are what distinguish SEA HI Hub from a conventional academic collaboration. More than a partnership network, SEA HI Hub is a "Commercialization engine" that enables health innovations to be developed, clinically validated, and scaled to reach patients across Southeast Asia and beyond. "What happened today is not just a signing ceremony," said Dr. Kid Parchariyanon, Founder of SEA HI Hub. "It is a declaration by Thailand's entire healthcare ecosystem — universities, hospitals, and the private sector — that the time has come to move from being a place that treats patients to a place that creates the innovations that change how the world treats them. Thailand already has world-class JCI-accredited hospitals, internationally recognized researchers, and clinical trial costs 3-5 times lower than the United States. What has always been missing is a connector. Today, that connector exists." The ecosystem partner network currently includes Mahidol University; Chulalongkorn University; Thammasat University; Chiang Mai University; Khon Kaen University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Prince of Songkla University; Burapha University; Naresuan University; Navamindradhiraj University; Suranaree University; National Innovation Agency (NIA); Technology and Innovation in Life Sciences National Agency (TILSNA); Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS); Phyathai Paolo Group.; Bumrungrad Hospital; MedPark Hospital Group; ViMUT Hospital; Meditop; Medeze Group; CareMore Plus; and Nova Health. Together, they form the most comprehensive healthcare innovation alliance ever assembled in Thailand — spanning every major region of the country and representing millions of patients across public and private systems. Becoming a Health Innovation Hub is not a public health agenda — it is a long-term economic strategy for every nation in this region. If Southeast Asia positions itself as the world's preferred destination for clinical development, health technology deployment, and medical innovation, the returns flow to every country in the network — in investment, in jobs, in talent, and in the quality of care our own populations receive. The real prize is not medical tourism. It is making Southeast Asia the place where global investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and high-skill talent choose to live, work, and build. When the health of our people improves, the strength of our entire region follows. Today's MOU signings are the foundation, not the finish line. SEA HI Hub is actively in discussions with strategic partners across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and beyond, with onboarding expected to accelerate through the second half of 2026 as the regional network scales toward its target of 100 million patients within three years. Dr. Kid Parchariyanon closed with a vision that anchors the entire initiative: "We are not just building a platform. We are building a globally competitive health innovation economy. The Switzerland of Healthcare is not an aspiration. It is a roadmap. And today, we are walking it together." -- MINUTESMY

SEA HI Hub to Build Southeast Asia’s Health Innovation Ecosystem, Targeting 100 Million Patients Across the Region

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July — On June 30, 2026, the SEA Health Summit 2026 at the Dusit Thani Bangkok became more than a conference. Under the theme “AI in Health .... read more

KUCHING: The 29th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) continues to receive an overwhelming response as thousands of visitors flock to the festival location, thus strengthening its position as an international music and tourism event. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the success of the festival proved that RWMF remained one of the world's most anticipated music events, in addition to being an important platform in promoting Sarawak's cultural diversity and natural beauty. He said the state government was optimistic that the response to the festival would continue to increase ahead of the 30th edition next year, which was expected to be celebrated more enthusiastically in conjunction with the festival's important anniversary. "Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of RWMF, and I know that this festival is indeed very famous around the world. "... this festival is among the 20 best music festivals in the world," he told reporters at the opening ceremony of RWMF 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong last night. He said the recognition of the festival over the years proved its ability to attract local and international tourists. A Bernama survey on the first day of the RWMF witnessed a lively atmosphere as thousands of visitors from home and abroad flooded the Sarawak Cultural Village to enjoy musical performances, culture and the uniqueness of the ethnic heritage on display. The festival, which was held for three days starting yesterday, will last until Sunday. In the afternoon, visitors began to fill the festival area to take part in various interactive activities, including traditional music workshops, cultural performances and sales of local crafts before the culmination of performances by artists from various countries in the evening. The appearance of nationally renowned singer and composer Datuk M Nasir was also one of the most anticipated moments on the opening night of RWMF when he managed to wow thousands of visitors who filled the main stage. The energetic performance saw visitors singing his popular songs. M Nasir performed with a combination of traditional and contemporary musical elements, which is in line with the RWMF concept of highlighting the diversity of cultures and world music. -- BERNAMA

RWMF remains a world-class music festival, attracting thousands of visitors

KUCHING: The 29th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) continues to receive an overwhelming response as thousands of visitors flock to the festival location, thus strengthening its position as an international .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, 26 JUNE - – IOI Resort City, a leading integrated lifestyle, hospitality and events destination, is emerging as a key driver of Putrajaya's growing tourism and MICE landscape as the city broadens its appeal beyond its role as Malaysia's administrative capital. Home to Le Méridien Putrajaya, Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya and Moxy Putrajaya, the destination brings together award-winning stays, destination dining, celebrations and business events within a single precinct. Together, these experiences are helping shape a more vibrant side of Putrajaya for leisure travellers, families, corporate groups and event organisers alike. At the heart of this ecosystem are three distinct hospitality experiences, each offering a different way to discover the city. Whether indulging in the refined sophistication and discovery-led experiences of Le Méridien Putrajaya, unwinding amidst the heritage-inspired charm of Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya, or embracing the vibrant social energy of Moxy Putrajaya, guests can choose from experiences tailored to every travel style and occasion. From weekend escapes and family holidays to destination weddings, milestone celebrations and corporate gatherings, each hotel brings its own personality to Putrajaya's evolving hospitality landscape, reflecting the many ways visitors can choose to experience the city today. "Today's travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer convenience, variety and seamless experiences within a single journey. Whether travelling for leisure, celebrations or business, they want the flexibility to choose experiences that match their interests and pace, from sophisticated escapes and destination dining to vibrant social stays and heritage-inspired retreats. As travel preferences continue to evolve, destinations that bring together different hospitality experiences within one ecosystem are becoming increasingly appealing, allowing guests to enjoy more of what matters to them within a single destination."  said Sonal Malik, General Manager of Le Méridien Putrajaya. Le Méridien Putrajaya: A Decade of Discovery, Dining and Celebration As Le Méridien Putrajaya approaches its 10th anniversary in August this year, the hotel continues to embody the brand's French-inspired philosophy of savouring the good life through culture, cuisine and meaningful connections. Over the years, it has become a familiar setting for weddings, milestone celebrations, conferences and corporate gatherings, supported by 19 versatile event spaces that have welcomed countless occasions of every scale. Recognised by 2021 Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards, the hotel's eight distinct accommodation categories cater to a wide spectrum of travellers, from families and leisure guests to business visitors, creating a hospitality experience that balances discovery, comfort and connection under one roof.      Dining remains central to the Le Méridien experience, reflecting the brand's belief that some of the most memorable journeys begin around the table. At Le Mei, Executive Chinese Chef Lim Kian Meng brings more than two decades of culinary expertise to a menu rooted in Cantonese traditions, making it a popular choice for family gatherings, celebrations and business dining alike. Elsewhere, Latest Recipe brings people together through its vibrant buffet experiences, while Latitude 02 offers a relaxed setting for artisanal coffee, desserts and unhurried conversations. Together, these dining destinations have become part of the rhythm of the hotel, attracting travellers and locals alike through experiences that extend well beyond an overnight stay.     Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya: A Retreat Rooted in Local Heritage Offering a gentler pace within the destination is Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya, where Malaysian heritage and contemporary hospitality come together in a resort-inspired setting. Surrounded by lush greenery, the hotel provides a relaxed escape for families, couples and leisure travellers seeking a quieter retreat. This sense of place is reflected in its dining experiences, particularly at Madam Lee Nyonya Private Dining, where traditional Peranakan flavours take centre stage, alongside Baba Bar, which reimagines local ingredients through Peranakan-inspired beverages. Guests can also experience Kopi Dulu, the hotel's signature coffee ritual that pays homage to Malaysia's rich coffee culture while enjoying the gentle breeze at the Courtyard, or savour a selection of local and international favourites at Palms Café. With plans underway for its upcoming Durian Hub, Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya continues to celebrate local traditions through experiences that invite guests to slow down and savour the destination differently.       Moxy Putrajaya: Where the Social Scene Checks In Bringing a different energy to the destination is Moxy Putrajaya, where hospitality takes on a more playful and social character. Designed for travellers who value connecti

Beyond the Administrative Capital:  A New Side of Putrajaya Emerges 

PUTRAJAYA, 26 JUNE – – IOI Resort City, a leading integrated lifestyle, hospitality and events destination, is emerging as a key driver of Putrajaya’s growing tourism and MICE landscape as .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25  -- Tobu Tower Skytree Co Ltd, operator of Tokyo Skytree, has announced its second collaboration event with the popular character "Chiikawa", marking the first such collaboration in three years. The event, titled "Chiikawa Starry SKYTREE and the Secret Island", will run from July 10 to Oct 31 in celebration of the character's film, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island", which is set for release in July. During the event, visitors can enjoy special decorations featuring original visuals along the 450-metre-high Tembo Galleria, as well as event-exclusive merchandise, themed cafe menu items and photo shoot services. A special screening will also be held at Skytree Round Theater on the 350-metre-high Tembo Deck, where the windows will be transformed into a giant screen. The exterior of the tower will also feature special illuminations inspired by Chiikawa characters. According to the operator in a statement, guests wishing to purchase items from the event-exclusive menu at Skytree Cafe on Tembo Deck Floor 340 must obtain an "Observation Deck Admission Ticket with Meal Voucher". Details on ticket purchases, meal vouchers and event-exclusive merchandise are available on the event's dedicated website. The Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower and features two observation decks, the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. The tower is illuminated nightly with three signature lighting themes, alongside special illuminations for seasonal and commemorative events. -- BERNAMA 

Tokyo Skytree To Host Chiikawa Collaboration Event From July

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — Tobu Tower Skytree Co Ltd, operator of Tokyo Skytree, has announced its second collaboration event with the popular character “Chiikawa”, marking the first such collaboration .... read more

SINGAPORE, June 24 -- 2026 is fast shaping to be another record year of travel, as jetsetters seek to tick off their holiday checklists and fulfil their wanderlust. Looking back at the first half of 2026, Trip.com Group found that users from Mainland China, the United Kingdom and Malaysia were the most avid about clocking their miles, travelling up to 2,800km on average, which is equivalent to the distance between Beijing and Manila, or London and Tenerife.    Across regions, cosmopolitan hubs and mega cities continue to be tourism hotspots, with the top-ranked cities by flight bookings being Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Taipei[1].      The second half of 2026 will continue to be a busy travel period, as many welcome the summer vacations, sunny weather and the school holidays. Outbound flight bookings from regions like Europe, East Asia and Southeast Asia are seeing double-digit growth year-on-year (YoY) this summer and school holidays, based on Trip.com Group's data, and driving this increase are some key trends observed this summer, including demand for quick getaways, family holidays and coolcations[2]. Quick Getaways Dominate Vacations This Summer Quick escapes are the way to go this summer. The average trip duration of bookings made during this period ranges from 2.92 days to 3.8 days, with short-haul flights forming the majority of bookings. This is especially prominent in Europe, where short-haul flight bookings are seeing a YoY increase of 73%.        Long weekend travel, a form of quick getaway where people combine one to two days of annual leave with a long weekend, continues to be popular. This summer, bookings for short trips of 4 days or less are showing YoY increases above 40% in the East Asia and Europe regions, and above 15% in Southeast Asia. This incline is expected to grow further into the second half of 2026, especially for East Asia and Southeast Asia regions, suggesting that quick getaways will continue to dominate travellers' itineraries for the rest of the year. Family Travel Takes the Lead More travellers are choosing to go on family trips this summer, taking advantage of the school holiday break. Hotel bookings by families with children aged 12 and below this summer have increased across regions, and more than doubled in markets like Mainland China, South Korea and Japan, based on Trip.com Group data.        A recent Trip.com Group survey also found that travelling with family is ranked as the most appealing experience, placed higher than a trip with a partner, friends or solo travel. This trend is even more pronounced in markets like the UK, Germany, Singapore and South Korea, especially among older Millennials or those aged 35 to 44 years old. What this means is that family-first experiences are becoming a top priority for travellers, whether it is selecting convenient flight timings or having family-friendly food and activities nearby in the accommodation they choose. Having the right accommodation for the trip is particularly important to Gen Zs and Millennials, and factors they look out for include having family-friendly options and whether the hotel is near to child-friendly attractions[3]. In Southeast Asia, some of the top-booked attractions this summer include family-friendly experiences such as Bali Zoo in Indonesia, as well as Desaru Water Adventure Park and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm in Malaysia, while theme parks like Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland are highly popular choices in East Asia.  Coolcations See Hotter Demand As global temperatures rise, travellers are increasingly swapping the sun and sand for cooler weather and activities. Data from Trip.com Group shows a 74% YoY increase in searches for cooler destinations and coolcations since the start of this year[4]. Topics like "escape the heat", "summer escapes" and "cool summer retreat" are trending, as travellers prioritise experiences away from the crowds and sweltering heat. Trip Moments, Trip.com's community platform for travellers to share experiences and seek inspiration, has seen a 15.4% YoY increase in content last summer that spotlights cool summer getaway destinations, as well as tips and tricks to beat the heat[5].   Beyond popular coastal cities like Palma Mallorca, Izmir, Malaga and Porto, global flight booking searches for European destinations such as Iceland, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Wales are seeing significant increases this summer, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, cooler destinations in Asia like Inner Mongolia, Sapporo and Yunnan, are experiencing a growing interest from international travellers. Notably, Ulaanbaatar and Sapporo, with comfortable temperatures averaging around 15°C to 25°C this summer, are among the top 10 most-booked cities for South Koreans, showing strong triple-digit YoY growth. For cooler getaways this summer, Trip.com users can easily get recommendations on top-ranked destinations for summer water activities or cool water escapes via Trip.Best, a data-backed travel guide and inspiration for accommodation, attractions, destinations and more. Less Thinking, More AI Planning Travellers are no longer planning their trips by scouring the internet for information, but leaving the hard work to AI, Trip.com Group's recent report found. With readily available AI travel tools such as TripGenie and Trip.Planner, users can get customised itineraries and assistance in a matter of seconds, and this is shifting behaviours. Google search interest for "help plan my trip" grew by 190% YoY, while TripGenie's AI-assisted order volume on Trip.com increased by around 400% year-on-year, indicating a deeper reliance on AI for inspiration and bookings. Beyond pre-trip planning, travellers also see AI as a useful companion during their trip. The use of core TripGenie tools, such as hotel comparison, menu assistance, and live translation, increased by around 300% year-on-year. While travellers in highly connected, short-haul travel markets such as Hong Kong SAR, Singapore and Malaysia, tend to interact with TripGenie more often per trip for in-destination inspiration and attraction guides, travellers in parts of Europe and North America typically engage AI earlier in the planning cycle, consulting TripGenie weeks in advance. This signals a growing shift towards the use of AI as an integral part of travel planning and the travel journey, making it even easier for people to explore the world in 2026 and beyond.  -- PRNewswire  -- Source: Trip.com Group 

Trip.com Group Reveals What Travellers Want This Summer: Shorter Trips and Cooler Escapes

SINGAPORE, June 24 — 2026 is fast shaping to be another record year of travel, as jetsetters seek to tick off their holiday checklists and fulfil their wanderlust. Looking back .... read more

NOTO, Japan, June 24 -- Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area — not only its celebrated destinations, but also the people, creativity, and spirit of renewal that continue to shape life here.  A World First, Created for Noto On July 7, 2026, Noto Satoyama Airport will reopen as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport — the only airport in the world to officially bear the Pokémon name. Running through the end of September 2029, this limited-period project is the result of a partnership between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, an initiative established to bring smiles and renewed energy to communities affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Deeply connected to the landscape and spirit of Noto, this is a project that could only have emerged from this region. Step Inside: Pokémon at Every Turn From the moment visitors arrive, Pokémon appear throughout the airport. Original decorations line the entrance, while a newly designed airport logo welcomes guests at the terminal entrance. Inside the first-floor arrival lobby, visitors will find a large-scale installation based on Akarui Mirai ("A Bright Future"), an artwork created in 2024 in support of Noto's recovery efforts. Pikachu, Plusle, and Minun appear as three-dimensional monuments greeting arriving travelers. Throughout the airport, guests can also access three original short videos, including a special story featuring Dreepy. Above the second-floor atrium floats a giant Pikachu riding an airplane balloon, surrounded by Pokémon soaring across the sky. Across the airport, all 111 Flying-type Pokémon discovered as of May 2026 are featured in the décor (excluding Mega Evolutions, Regional Forms, and similar variants) — an astonishing level of detail that fans will appreciate. Shop, Eat, and Take in the View On the second floor, the gift shop Serendipity offers original merchandise inspired by Kibou no Sora ("Sky of Hope"), a new artwork created to commemorate the airport's opening. Items include T-shirts, keychains, and luggage tags designed as memorable souvenirs from Noto. On the third floor, Restaurant Annon plans to serve two original pancake dishes and two original drinks inspired by the project. Guests ordering a set menu will also receive an exclusive original placemat. Outside, the observation deck Pikachu no Satoyama presents one of the airport's most memorable sights: countless Pikachu gathered together to form a satoyama landscape inspired by Noto itself — a scene that feels both playful and deeply connected to the region's identity. Explore Noto by Pokémon Bus Beginning in mid-July, two buses operated by the Hokuriku Tetsudo Group will begin service in full Pokémon wrap designs. The existing Noto Express Bus connecting Kanazawa Station, the airport, and Wajima City will operate one daily round trip in a full Pokémon wrap design. In addition, a new Noto Circular Bus will connect the airport with destinations including the Wakura Pokémon Footbath at Wakura Onsen in Nanao City, which opened on May 12, 2026, and the Nymphia with LOVE monument in Suzu City. The circular bus will operate on weekends and public holidays (excluding winter), as well as during the summer holiday period beginning in mid-July. Discover Noto Visiting Noto this summer offers an opportunity to experience a region rediscovering its energy, creativity, and warmth following the 2024 earthquake. Through stories like this, Kanazawa Biyori continues its commitment to sharing the culture, people, and evolving identity of Hokuriku with audiences in Japan and beyond. Whether traveling with family, friends, or fellow Pokémon fans, Noto invites visitors to discover a place unlike anywhere else in the world. ■ Information Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport Opening Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Period: July 7, 2026 – End of September 2029 (limited-period project) Organizers: Ishikawa Prefecture / Pokémon With You Foundation Enquiries: www.kanazawabiyori.com ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Pocket Monsters, Pokémon, and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc. Media Contact Kanazawa Biyori Co., Ltd. Sunpia Izumigaoka 511, 255 Fushimishinmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan Email: info@kanazawabiyori.com -- PRNewswire -- Source: Kanazawa Biyori

A World-First Pokémon Airport Opens in Noto This July

NOTO, Japan, June 24 — Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area — not only its .... read more

HONG KONG, June 21 -- Following its successful debut at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, organised by the DC Charity Foundation and presented by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, has moved to Tamar Park in Admiralty. An official opening ceremony was held on June 19, marking the start of the exhibition's second community stop.    Centred on the equine sculptures created by renowned artist Simon Ma, the exhibition celebrates the profound bond between humans and horses, symbolising The Hong Kong Jockey Club's commitment to journeying hand‑in‑hand with the community. With its striking displays, Tamar Park has quickly become a vibrant new art hotspot for local residents and visitors alike. The exhibition is one of the flagship events of The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Year of the Horse celebrations. The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Samantha, Chairperson of Group Activities Advisory Committee of the "Strive and Rise Programme"; and artist Simon Ma. Together, they unveiled the exhibition, witnessing a significant moment where art and community converge.  As the curator of the touring exhibition, Simon Ma has woven the philosophy of "harmony and inclusion" into every facet of the event. He emphasises that art should not remain aloof but should be "a living, breathing, and genuine experience that comes from play and interaction." At the Tamar Park stop, in addition to two towering "Harmonious Horse" sculptures – each over three metres tall – created by Ma himself, the grounds feature multiple horse sculptures co‑created by members of the community. This initiative breaks down the barriers between artist and public, allowing citizens of all ages and backgrounds to experience the warmth and inclusivity of art through creation and appreciation. This spirit of inclusion extends beyond community co‑creation to a cross‑disciplinary dialogue between culture and technology. Using the horse as a spiritual link, the exhibition brings together the traditional Chinese virtues of perseverance and unity with contemporary multimedia installation art. Notably, from every Friday to Sunday evening, between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, the exhibition features a special horse‑themed light projection show. Through innovative projection technology, the static sculptures are brought to life with a sense of motion and power, offering visitors a stunning photo opportunity while vividly demonstrating the unique charm of traditional culture merging with modern technology. The Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, curated by Simon Ma and fully supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, is open to the public free of charge at Tamar Park from today until 28 June 2026. Following the Hong Kong stop, the exhibition will travel to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing, continuing its community engagement journey and enabling more citizens to appreciate the fusion of horse culture and contemporary art. From Tsim Sha Tsui to Admiralty, and soon to cities across the Greater Bay Area and beyond, the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, is using art as a bridge to actualise the inclusive vision of Simon Ma and the DC Charity Foundation. More than just a visual feast, the exhibition serves as a social practice that unites communities, spreads care and positive energy, and allows the spirit of "inclusion" to take root in every corner of the city. -- PRNewswire  -- Source: DC Charity Foundation   

Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour Gallops into Tamar Park, Becoming New Community Landmark in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, June 21 — Following its successful debut at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, organised by the DC Charity .... read more

Malaysia is often described as a cultural melting pot, but for those who call the country home, diversity is more than a slogan—it is a way of life. Home to Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous communities, Malaysia has built a unique society where different cultures, languages, religions, and traditions coexist while maintaining their distinct identities. From bustling cities to rural villages, multiculturalism shapes everyday life. It can be seen in the food Malaysians eat, the festivals they celebrate, the languages they speak, and the friendships they form. This rich cultural tapestry is one of the nation's greatest strengths and a defining characteristic of the Malaysian way of life. The Malay community, which forms the majority of the population, contributes significantly to the country's traditions, customs, and national identity. Islam plays an important role in Malay culture, influencing celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji. Traditional arts, music, and cuisine continue to thrive alongside modern lifestyles. The Chinese community has also played a vital role in Malaysia's development, particularly in business, education, and commerce. Chinese cultural traditions remain vibrant through festivals such as Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and various cultural celebrations. Family values, entrepreneurship, and community ties are central aspects of Chinese Malaysian life. Meanwhile, the Indian community enriches Malaysia with its colourful traditions, cuisine, and religious practices. Festivals such as Deepavali are celebrated nationwide, bringing people together in a spirit of joy and unity. Indian culture has left a lasting impact on Malaysia's culinary landscape, language, arts, and social fabric. Beyond Peninsular Malaysia, the indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak add another important dimension to the nation's diversity. Groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Kadazan-Dusun, Orang Ulu, and many others preserve unique languages, customs, and cultural heritage. Celebrations such as Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan showcase the rich traditions of these communities while attracting participation from Malaysians of all backgrounds. One of the most remarkable aspects of Malaysian society is the way different communities interact and share in each other's celebrations. During festive seasons, it is common for Malaysians to visit friends and neighbours of different ethnicities through the tradition of open houses. Whether it is Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai, or Kaamatan, these gatherings foster mutual understanding and strengthen social bonds. Food is perhaps the most visible symbol of Malaysia's multicultural identity. A single meal can reflect influences from multiple cultures. Malaysians regularly enjoy dishes such as nasi lemak, char kway teow, roti canai, satay, laksa, and banana leaf rice, regardless of their ethnic background. Hawker centres, food courts, and restaurants serve as meeting places where people from all walks of life come together. Language further reflects the country's diversity. While Bahasa Malaysia serves as the national language and unifying medium, many Malaysians are multilingual, speaking English, Mandarin, Tamil, indigenous languages, and various Chinese dialects. This linguistic diversity enables communication across communities and contributes to Malaysia's global outlook. As Malaysia continues to modernise, its multicultural character remains one of its greatest assets. While challenges exist in any diverse society, Malaysians have consistently demonstrated the ability to find common ground through mutual respect, shared values, and a collective commitment to national harmony. The Malaysian way of life is not about erasing differences; it is about celebrating them. It is a living example of how people from different backgrounds can coexist, contribute, and thrive together. In an increasingly interconnected world, Malaysia stands as a testament to the strength that comes from diversity and unity. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

The Malaysian Way of Life: A Blend of Cultures

Malaysia is often described as a cultural melting pot, but for those who call the country home, diversity is more than a slogan—it is a way of life. Home to .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 -- Efforts to restore the glory of the Malaysian music industry to the international stage will be realised through the production of a biopic film about the legendary entertainer the late Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad by 2028. The late's nephew, Razman Azrai Zainuddin or better known as Atai, said the film was not just about the story of Sudirman, but about the golden era of local music in the 1980s which once gained international recognition. "We want today's generation to rediscover the culture, unity and spirit of the Malaysian people at that time," he told reporters after the Datuk Sudirman Arshad Legacy Appreciation Ceremony, here, yesterday. Atai said the idea for the biopic production originated five years ago and is now entering the early development phase with support from the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas), particularly in the aspect of script development. According to him, several potential directors have been identified and the production team is now actively seeking strategic collaborations and funding, in addition to holding auditions to find actors who can portray the versatile entertainer. In a similar development, Atai, who represents the heirs of the late Sudirman, received royalty payments totaling more than RM360,000 from EMI Music Malaysia, one of the labels under the auspices of Universal Music Malaysia. He said the payment covered the deceased's works since the 1970s based on the agreement and copyright signed at that time. According to Atai, the royalty claim and verification process took about two years because it involved an account audit process as well as detailed discussions between the heirs, family lawyers and the recording company to ensure the appointment of a legal administrator. "Previously, royalty matters were quite difficult because no administrative mechanism was established immediately after the late King's passing. "After the old financial responsibilities were settled by his siblings, we established Sudirman Asset Management in 2015 to facilitate and coordinate all matters related to the late's legacy, including applications for the use of his images, works and intellectual property rights," he said. Atai said the initiative also allows for the management of the late Sudirman's copyright and royalties to be implemented in a more structured manner, thus making it easier for outside parties who wish to obtain permission regarding the use of Sudirman's works and identity in the future. Meanwhile, Universal Music Malaysia Managing Director, Kim Lim, said the process of auditing the accounts and coordinating the royalty statements took almost two years due to the ambiguity of several of the deceased's old contracts when he was under the EMI Music Malaysia label. "This royalty handover is not just fulfilling the company's responsibility to the heirs, but is also a form of appreciation for the great contribution of the late Sudirman who has shaped the country's musical landscape," he said. Kim said that following the expiration of the old contract, a new agreement was signed with the Sudirman family which included aspects of digitization, audio restoration, re-publication of iconic works including vinyl records, as well as payment of digital royalties in full. According to him, Universal Music Malaysia is currently planning various commercial initiatives including digital campaigns through major streaming platforms as well as new souvenir items to reintroduce Sudirman's song catalogue to the younger generation. As part of this effort, Universal Music Malaysia and Sudi Production collaborated to hold the "Bintang Uni-verse Pencarian Sudirman 2.0" program at five selected public universities aimed at identifying new talents in the fields of singing and acting to support the production of the biopic film. "We don't want to find a replica or replace Sudirman because he cannot be replaced. We want to find young talent who are inspired by his art to present the work in a fresher and more relevant approach," he said. -- BERNAMA

Sudirman biopic to meet fans by 2028

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 — Efforts to restore the glory of the Malaysian music industry to the international stage will be realised through the production of a biopic film about .... read more

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