
#SHOWBIZ: KLP48 celebrates 1st anniversary with "BLOOM" concert
The concert, organised by 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, kicks off at 5.30 pm and promises an evening showcasing KLP48's vibrant talents, high-energy choreography, and cross-cultural idol camaraderie.
Formed in 2024 as a sister group to Japan's globally-renowned AKB48, KLP48 represents the Southeast Asian expansion of the "idols you can meet" concept, pioneered by producer Yasushi Akimoto.
AKB48 is recognised by Guinness World Records as the Largest Pop Group In The World.
KLP48 comprises 13 members: seven Malaysians, four Japanese, one Indonesian, and one Hong Konger.
Since their formation, KLP48 has rapidly gained popularity not only in Malaysia but also in Japan, leading to invitations to perform at various international events.
The "BLOOM" concert will feature special pre-show appearances by COEX, a rising all-female pop group from Malaysia, popular singer Ismail Izzani, and JKT48, the Indonesian sister group of AKB48.
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Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
'Malaysia in You' - A love letter to Malaysian children growing up abroad
FOR Dr Ayne Zarof, a London-based medical doctor and mother, the journey into authorship began with a question many diaspora parents quietly carry: How do I make sure my child knows where they come from? Her answer came in the form of a children's book titled Malaysia in You —a vibrant, heartfelt story designed to help Malaysian children living abroad connect with their roots and share their heritage with the world around them. The book is set to launch next month and is now available for pre-order at Born from Motherhood and Representation 'I became a mom three years ago, and when my son started reading, I couldn't find stories where Malaysian kids like him were represented, especially kids growing up outside of Malaysia. 'I wanted him to see himself in the books he reads and understand that you don't have to live in Malaysia to feel Malaysian. That identity can live in you, no matter where you are," Ayne told Sinar Daily after her book reading session at Aperture Cafe's Bual Space in Kuala Lumpur recently. The book, she says, was written first and foremost for her son but quickly evolved into something bigger: A bridge for all Malaysian children living abroad who may not have easy access to cultural narratives that reflect their unique identity. The book is set to launch on July 14 and is now available for pre-order at Reclaiming and Sharing Malaysian Identity In the UK, Ayne points out that Malaysians often don't even exist as a distinct category. 'In Britain, I'm usually grouped under 'Asian Other.' That lumps us into a monolithic Asian identity that doesn't reflect the depth and richness of our Malaysian culture, language or history.' Malaysia in You aims to change that narrative, she said starting with children's books where identity often first takes shape. 'I want Malaysian children to be proud and unapologetic about their heritage. There's so much richness, in our languages, our traditions, our food and we should be proud to share that with the world.' Why Food As the Starting Point? Interestingly, the book opens with a theme very close to Malaysian hearts: food. 'You can't really separate Malaysian identity from food,' Ayne laughed. 'It's how we connect. Every gathering, every celebration, starts with food and it reflects the melting pot that is Malaysia.' Through familiar tastes like pandan, gula melaka (palm sugar) and even spicy dishes, Ayne hopes to nurture the 'Malaysian palate' in her children, even as they grow up thousands of miles away. 'Food is an easy, joyful way to start conversations about culture, history and identity," she said. Ayne during the book reading session at Bual Space. A First Step, Not the Last While Malaysia in You is her debut children's book, Ayne hopes it's only the beginning - not just for her, but for other storytellers too. 'I'd love to see more books from and about Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Our stories deserve space on global shelves. I hope this book inspires other writers to share their voices," she said. As more Malaysian families plant roots across the globe, Malaysia in You stands as a gentle, colorful reminder: Identity isn't about geography - it's about belonging, pride and knowing your story.


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Actress Eva Green develops new sake with a lower alcohol content
French actress Eva Green has developed her own low-alcohol sake. – Photo: Seiun/The Green Wolf, via ETX Daily Up You might not expect to find sake among the latest trendy low-alcohol drinks, given its deep-rooted traditions, which are even recognised by Unesco. However, there is now a sake with an alcohol content of just 8%, and the name of its creator may surprise you. After beer, gin and other spirits, wine and even champagne, the range of low-alcohol drinks seems almost complete. The latest addition to the list of options is sake. Increasingly featured on restaurant menus, this Japanese rice wine has gained a new reputation in recent years. The Japanese drink is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran, and has an alcohol content around 14° – just like a red wine from the Rhône Valley. This is the case of Junmai, ie, sakes to which no alcohol has been added. Only alcohol resulting from the fermentation produces the desired effect. The alcohol content can rise to around 16% for Ginjo, a category corresponding to sakes in which the rice has been polished more (to 60%) and extra distilled alcohol has been added. This rises to 20% for Genshu, where no additional water has been added after fermentation. Sake is also being rethought as people look for lower-alcohol alternatives. However, few have tried and tested the concept. It is important to note that this rice-based alcohol is deeply rooted in both Japanese traditions and customs. Just as it would be impossible to define France's culinary heritage without its baguette, sake is an essential part of the Japanese way of life. The expertise required to produce it was added to Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list last December. However, the idea of crafting a low-alcohol version is not without merit. And the initiative is likely to cause a buss because it is led by the French actress Eva Green. Fascinated by Japanese culture, the former Bond girl embarked on this venture alongside her childhood friend, Hadrien Wolff. Both trained in France and Japan in the art of rice wine production. They eventually chose a 200-year-old brewery in Osaka, Kuninocho, to develop their own sake. Its distinctive feature is that it is only 8% alcohol by volume. This feat is achieved in the same way that some winemakers use to market low-alcohol wines: the fermentation process in vats is deliberately interrupted. The second fermentation is stopped by pasteurisation. Slightly sparkling on the palate, this new creation is best enjoyed chilled. It is called Seiun, which means "nebula' in Japanese. To market it, Eva Green and Hadrien Wolff set up the company The Green Wolf. The sake is currently available for pre-order at a price of €45. For the time being, deliveries will only be made in France and Belgium. As a special feature, each bottle will have a QR code linking to a playlist of the songs that were played during fermentation. These are spatial sounds, at various frequencies, which were emitted into each tank to stimulate the action of the yeast. Music may indeed have beneficial effects at this crucial stage in the wine-making process, according to scientific research conducted by researcher Stefano Cervigni on a vineyard in Tuscany. Other studies of this kind have been conducted and have reached similar conclusions, according to the specialist website, Grands Vins Privés. – AFP Relaxnews


New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Space and dance' go on nationwide tour
LAST year, Odissi dance maestro Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and Sutra Foundation teamed up for the first time with acclaimed astrophysicist Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman for 'Meniti Cakerawala'. This out-of-the-ordinary dance showcase combined science and art, and was well received by Malaysians from all walks of life. STAR-STUDDED Staged at City Hall Auditorium in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur from Dec 4 to 8, 'Meniti Cakerawala was a multimedia dance theatre production incorporating dance, film, art, music and poetry. This star-studded, 90-minute "edutainment" showcase also featured poets Muhammad Haji Salleh and Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, actors the late Mano Maniam and Chacko Vadaketh and artist Jalaini Abu Hassan, with original music by composer and arranger Dr Valerie Ross and a live performance by multi-instrumentalists Kamarul Baisah and Jayalakshmi Sekhar. HIT In a recent interview with NST, Mazlan who served as the main narrator said: "The show received the thumbs-up from many guests, they all loved it. "We did not expect it to be such a hit with arts lovers, and it was memorable for me as I danced and sang in space age costumes designed by Leslie Variyan." Mazlan added that the guests felt that she should "learn to dance better", but her narration was perfect. "My daughter said that I was stiff on stage when I danced, so a second time will make things better. "Our guests also suggested that the show visit other major cities around the country," said Mazlan. VOYAGE Fans of Mazlan and Ramli can once again catch 'Meniti Cakerawala' this year, beginning from July 18 as it is set to embark on its second season and "maiden voyage" around the country. The 8.30pm showcase will be staged at Taman Budaya Melaka on July 18, Ikeda Peace Auditorium of Soka International School Malaysia in Seremban on July 19, Kuala Lumpur City Hall from July 25 to 27, Permaisuri Zarith Sofia Opera House in Johor Bahru on Aug 2, Soka Gakkai Malaysia in Klang on Aug 9, Soka Gakkai Malaysia in Bayan Lepas, Penang on Aug 15, Kuching Lake Park Theatre on Aug 17, and the Culture Arts and Heritage Department in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 7. TIGHTER Ramli said: "It's going to be the same, only tighter, and we're retaining the great New Age music from the first season. "There won't be any new segments, and all the musicians will be back. "The only change is that there will be 7 new dancers, and the number of dancers will now be 12 instead of 15." EXHIBITION Ramli also said that there will be a new exhibition outside each venue, titled Cosmic Connections. This painting exhibition is presented by the Spektra Group. Ramli said: "Many of the guests were very impressed with Mazlan. They thought she was only going to be a narrator, and had glowing praise for her singing and dancing. "It was also her first time singing on big stage, and that duet we had, Tan Sri P. Ramlee's Malam Bulan was splendid." IMPRESSED Mazlan, who described the show as a "cosmic journey that is wholly Malaysian and surreal", learnt that dancing is never easy but "good to try". "I finally did it after five nights, and Ramli was so impressed," she said. "Rehearsals are now going on almost daily, and while I was a bit nervous before the first show, I've learnt to accept my limitations and will strive to do better, for it is always good to learn something new." BOUNDARIES Ramli said that while he and Mazlan (who is also a trustee of Ramli's Sutra Foundation) are "poles apart in work", they are like-minded in that they do not believe in "boundaries". "This show tells us that it is perfectly feasible to combine science and dance or the arts. "It is great to make science part of showbiz as it entertains and need not be fearsome or dry," he said. MESSAGE Mazlan said that fans of the show loved its catchy message "we are all made of star stuff", and praised Sutra's Dance Of Creation as metaphorically beautiful. "The message conveyed by 'Meniti Cakerawala' is deep, and brings lots of questions for us to ponder. It tells us that we have a lot to learn, that we are a speck in the universe and should learn to accept each other," she said. Ramli is optimistic that more Malaysians will attend 'Meniti Cakerawala' this time. "We had about 1,500 guests in the first season, and this time I'm sure there'll be more. "If all goes well, we might take 'Meniti Cakerawala' to Thailand and India at year's end." BRAINCHILD 'Meniti Cakerawala' is the brainchild of Mazlan, and encourages Malaysians to deepen their knowledge of astronomy and learn how the universe came into being. Ramli said: "In her work, Mazlan has always emphasised her strong belief in the notion that art and science are intimately and complementarily related. "Indeed, it will blast off audiences on a cosmic journey of the senses and may even answer their questions on the meaning of life." He added: "There are 10 dance pieces which are inspired by the movements of planets and astral bodies, as well as the creation of the universe.