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SEOUL, April 7 — The Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) has launched a major contemporary art exhibition titled APMA, CHAPTER FIVE – FROM THE APMA COLLECTION, featuring works by more than 40 Korean and international artists. Running from April 1 to August 2, the exhibition brings together around 80 works spanning painting, photography, sculpture and installation, offering a broad survey of contemporary artistic practices across different cultural and historical contexts. Among the internationally acclaimed artists featured are Kiki Smith, Rose Wylie, Carol Bove, Gala Porras-Kim, David Hockney and Donald Judd, whose works explore themes ranging from mythology and nature to material experimentation and reinterpretations of visual language. The exhibition also highlights leading figures in Korean contemporary art, including Nam June Paik, Lee Bul, Haegue Yang and Lee Ufan. Key works on display include Paik’s landmark installation Kon-Tiki, which helped establish video art as an independent genre, and TV Vertical Flower, presented in a museum setting for the first time in over two decades. New and significant works are also featured, such as Stacked Corners – Ventilated Square of Orange and Blue by Haegue Yang, alongside Lee Bul’s The Secret Sharer, known for its exploration of modern societal anxieties. According to the museum, the exhibition traces the evolution of Korean contemporary art—from the monochromatic Dansaekhwa movement to its expansion into diverse media and themes—while also examining broader global shifts in artistic experimentation. In conjunction with the exhibition, APMA will host a series of public programs, including curator-led tours and in-depth professional sessions, aimed at enhancing visitor engagement and understanding of the collection. /PRNewswire/

Amorepacific Museum of Art Presents APMA, CHAPTER FIVE – FROM THE APMA COLLECTION

SEOUL, April 7 — The Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) has launched a major contemporary art exhibition titled APMA, CHAPTER FIVE – FROM THE APMA COLLECTION, featuring works by more .... read more

Malaysia Airlines Expands East Asia Network with Fukuoka Return and New Route

SINGAPORE,/PRNewswire/ — Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, .... read more

Blokees made its debut at 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, exhibiting multiple products

SHANGHAI, /PRNewswire/ — From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories — .... read more

Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund Expands Investments Across Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, /PRNewswire/ — The Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund, a partnership between Agoda, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore, and the UnTours Foundation, has announced its second round of investments .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Anwar Ibrahim officiated the PMX Pendekar MADANI Silat Championship 2026 in Kuantan yesterday, describing the event as a meaningful platform to revive the nation’s warrior spirit and cultural heritage. In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed excitement at witnessing the passion and commitment of young participants, who not only uphold silat as an ancestral legacy but also demonstrate resilience and identity amid modern challenges. Anwar highlighted that silat should not merely be seen as a form of self-defense, but as a symbol of national identity that instills discipline, courage, responsibility, and respect. He further stressed that within the MADANI framework, the ideal “pendekar” is one who is not only physically skilled but also morally grounded, principled in rejecting injustice and corruption, and capable of promoting positive values in society. The Prime Minister voiced confidence that with continued dedication from practitioners and instructors, the silat tradition will continue to thrive and evolve. He added that such platforms would nurture a new generation of resilient youth who are devoted to religion, nation, and country, while strengthening unity and elevating Malaysia’s dignity on the global stage. Anwar concluded by calling on all Malaysians to ensure that silat remains a living heritage, flourishing as a symbol of the nation’s enduring strength and identity. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM Anwar Ibrahim Launches PMX Pendekar MADANI Silat Championship 2026 in Kuantan

KUALA LUMPUR — Anwar Ibrahim officiated the PMX Pendekar MADANI Silat Championship 2026 in Kuantan yesterday, describing the event as a meaningful platform to revive the nation’s warrior spirit and .... read more

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Agoda Confirms “BTS Effect”…Travel Demand Centers on Concert Destinations

SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has witnessed a rise in travel demand to South Korea’s Goyang and Busan, as well as to several .... read more

‘T-Beauty Fest’ by EVEANDBOY Highlights Thailand’s Beauty Boom with 100 Million Units Sold

BANGKOK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the ‘T-Beauty’ trend continues its unstoppable growth, ‘EVEANDBOY’, Thailand’s number one beauty store, is seizing this opportunity by organizing the ‘EVEANDBOY T-BEAUTY FEST’. .... read more

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Debuts New Immersive “Special Happens…” Experiences Across Its Global Portfolio

2 April, 2026 – World-renowned luxury hospitality brand, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, announces the debut of six new experiences in its much anticipated “Special Happens…” series spanning its global portfolio. .... read more

Free Tickets Open for 2026 Medtec

SHANGHAI, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Free tickets for 2026 Medtec open on April 1, 2026. Visitors who complete registration before August 31 can enter free of charge. As Asia’s .... read more

Agoda’s Top Picks for Thrilling Jungle Safari Adventures in Asia

SINGAPORE, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has identified a selection of jungle safari destinations across Asia, where diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes await. With a growing .... read more

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SHANGHAI, June 15 -- The Shanghai Museum will present "On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" (July 9, 2026 – Nov. 14, 2027 at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square), a major exhibition exploring the artistic, cultural, and spiritual traditions of ancient civilizations across Central and South America. Following the success of 'On Top of the Pyramid,' this exhibition features exceptional objects from Mexico and Peru, showcasing the ancient Americas' greatest achievements. Organized in partnership with museums and cultural institutions in Mexico and Peru, the exhibition features 1,129 groups of objects, nearly 3,000 pieces. Through an expansive presentation of archaeological and artistic material, it examines the development of ancient civilizations across Central and South America and their enduring cultural legacies.    Occupying more than 7,000 square meters of gallery space, the exhibition is organized into two complementary sections focused on the histories, artistic traditions, and material cultures of Mexico and Peru. The first section, "Sacred Spaces: Civilizations of Ancient Mexico". Examining the relationship between belief systems, political authority, and artistic production, the presentation explores the cosmological frameworks that shaped ancient Mesoamerican societies. Through monumental works, ritual objects, and everyday artifacts, visitors are introduced to the intellectual and cultural worlds of these civilizations. The second section, "Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru". As the largest exhibition on Andean civilizations ever presented in China, it is also among the most significant international touring exhibitions of Peruvian gold and silver artifacts. Tracing the development of societies across the Andes, the exhibition highlights the region's artistic achievements while examining the social, political, and spiritual systems that shaped its civilizations. During the exhibition period, the Shanghai Museum on People's Square will be dedicated exclusively to the presentation. Inspired by the symbolic concept of the World Tree, exhibition design throughout the museum incorporates visual references drawn from the ancient Americas, including maize, jaguars, feathered serpents, and pyramids. To create an authentic ancient American ambiance, the venue becomes a 10,000 square meters immersive space, where visitors enter through a cornfield directly into the ancient landscape. Interpretive installations before the galleries introduce ancient America's landscapes, beliefs, and traditions. Starting June 1, 2026, international visitors can buy timed-entry tickets on Trip.com (ID required) or on-site at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square. -- PRNewswire -- Source: The Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum to Present “On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas”

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 -- The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on expectations that the United States Federal Reserve (US Fed) will maintain interest rates amid easing inflation concerns and falling US Treasury yields. At 8am, the local currency strengthened to 4.0455/0550 against the US dollar from 4.0485/0525 at yesterday's close. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist, Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said crude oil prices continued to decline following growing expectations that a peace deal between the US and Iran on June 19 could potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He said West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices fell 4.87 percent and 4.24 percent to US$80.75 and US$83.63 per barrel, respectively, while the 10-year US Treasury yield fell below 4.50 percent, reflecting concerns over easing inflation. "Therefore, such developments could influence members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) as they consider the interest rate decision on June 16 and 17," he told Bernama. Mohd Afzanizam said the ringgit has the potential to continue its strengthening today after closing 0.18 percent higher on Monday, supported by optimism over the possibility of a US-Iran peace deal, although investors remain cautious ahead of the signing of the deal expected to take place on June 19. At the opening of trading, the ringgit also strengthened against a basket of major currencies. The local currency rose against the Japanese yen to 2.5245/5306 from 2.5283/5309 at Monday's close, strengthened against the British pound to 5.4270/4398 from 5.4355/4409 and rose against the euro to 4.6891/7002 from 4.6987/7033. Against regional currencies, the ringgit traded mostly higher except against the Philippine peso which was almost unchanged at 6.69/6.71 compared to the 6.69/6.70 level when it closed on Monday. The ringgit also strengthened against the Thai baht to 12.4228/4601 from 12.4294/4474 at yesterday's close, rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 228.4/229.1 from 228.5/228.9 and rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.1534/1611 from 3.1580/1613. -- BERNAMA

Ringgit opens higher against US dollar on expectations of Fed rate hold

KUANTAN, JUNE 16 -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is confident that tahfiz education in the state is capable of producing a generation of huffaz who will not only excel in the field of religion, but also become experts and leaders in various strategic fields in the future. His Majesty said that the Huffaz generation has great potential to venture into fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, economics and national leadership, in line with the needs of an increasingly challenging world driven by technological advancements. "With a strong foundation in the Quran, they will be able to emerge as future leaders who are not only excellent in terms of professionalism, but also have strong religious beliefs, noble character and high integrity," said His Majesty at the Pahang State Tahfiz Maahad Excellence Award Ceremony 2026, here, on Monday. At the ceremony, His Majesty also presented awards to 48 tahfiz students who excelled in academics, memorization and co-curricular activities. Al-Sultan Abdullah said the success of Pahang State Tahfiz School and Pahang State Tahfiz Turath School, which were listed among the top three schools in Malaysia for the 2025 Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) results, proved the excellence of the state's tahfiz education system. "This achievement demonstrates the success of producing a generation of huffaz who are balanced between excellence in religious appreciation and academics, and my wish to see this tahfiz maahad become the premier tahfiz educational institution in Malaysia has come true," said His Majesty. The Sultan of Pahang also said that the establishment of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah Pahang Al-Quran University (UNIQSAAS) is a significant and historic step in strengthening the Islamic education ecosystem in the state. His Majesty said the university would become a new landmark in the development of knowledge based on the Quran and provide a more comprehensive educational path for huffaz to continue their studies to a higher level without abandoning the identity of Quranic education that was built since school. "I believe this effort will strengthen the Islamic education ecosystem in Pahang, thus making this state a leader in tahfiz education and Quranic studies in Malaysia," said his Majesty. His Majesty also stressed that the state government will continue to be committed to raising the academic prestige of the Quran at all levels of education to produce more scholars, professionals and leaders who are based on the values ​​of the Quran for the sake of religion, race and country. -- BERNAMA

Sultan of Pahang confident that tahfiz education can produce experts, leaders in strategic fields

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 -- Five Taiping Prison officers are currently facing disciplinary action proceedings, while a prison officer has been charged in court following an attack on more than 100 prisoners that killed a prison inmate last year. In an incident on 17 Jan 2025, the media reported that more than 100 prisoners at Taiping Prison were attacked by about 60 wardens during the transfer process from Ward B to Block E, resulting in the death of one prisoner, Gan Chin Eng. The Malaysian Prisons Department (JPM) in a statement on Monday confirmed that action against the prison staff involved was taken following an examination of the report and conclusions of the Public Inquiry Panel of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) regarding the incident. According to the JPM, it has provided full cooperation to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to ensure that the investigation is carried out independently, transparently and thoroughly. "The results of the investigation led to a charge against a prison staff member under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code. At the same time, five other prison staff are facing disciplinary action proceedings implemented by the JPM," the statement said. The JPM said the action reflects the department's continued commitment to upholding the principle of accountability without protecting any individual found to have violated the law, regardless of rank or position. "The department practices a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct, abuse of power or violation of the law in the service," the statement said. Meanwhile, the SUHAKAM Public Inquiry Panel in its final decision on the inquiry into the incident also recommended that Taiping Prison be turned into a museum because it was no longer suitable for use as a prison institution. In a related development, the JPM, through the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), is committed to continuing the prison infrastructure modernisation agenda, including planning the construction of a new complex to replace the aging institution. According to the statement, Taiping Prison, which is now 146 years old and has the status of a National Heritage Building, is among the institutions identified as needing immediate replacement. "The construction of new facilities that are more modern, safe and conducive is important to increase the efficiency of institutional management, strengthen security aspects and preserve the welfare of prospects and prison officers," he said. -- BERNAMA

Taiping Prison incident: One member charged, five face disciplinary action

JOHOR BAHRU, June 16 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called on the people of Johor to remain steadfast in supporting what he described as the "politics of hope" and a reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, justice and good governance in Malaysia. Speaking at a gathering in Johor, Anwar stressed that the nation's political struggle has never been solely about winning elections, but rather about determining the direction Malaysia takes in the years ahead. "Our struggle has never been just about winning elections. It is about deciding whether Malaysia continues to be driven by old politics filled with hatred and abuse of power, or moves forward based on the principles of accountability, justice and respect for the people," he said. The Prime Minister said the Unity Government has demonstrated that its reform commitments are more than mere slogans, citing improvements in governance, efforts to combat corruption, increased investments and the restoration of international confidence in Malaysia. "We have proven that what we promised is not merely rhetoric. Governance has been strengthened, corruption has been challenged, investments have increased and global confidence in Malaysia has recovered," he said. However, Anwar acknowledged that the government's reform journey remains a work in progress and that many challenges still need to be addressed. He noted that there are still shortcomings within the system that require correction, citizens who need greater protection and assistance, and public concerns that must continue to be heard and addressed. "The journey is still long and far from perfect. There are many things that need to be improved, many citizens who need to be defended and assisted, more voices that must be heard, and weaknesses in the system that need to be closed," he said. Anwar urged Johoreans to continue supporting an inclusive political approach that promotes unity and mutual respect among Malaysians. "With the support of the people, we will continue working harder to uplift the nation's dignity and ensure Malaysia emerges as a strong, just and respected country," he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Calls on Johoreans to Defend Politics of Hope and National Reform