#SHOWBIZ: Amy: There wouldn't be Amy Search without Hillary Ang
KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary rock singer Amy of Search, recalled his early career in music when he performed at the Amy Search Magic concert recently.
In a special video clip screened during the concert, Amy or Datuk Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, 67, shared an important moment in his life that was the starting point for his musical career.
He said that his fellow Search member and guitarist Hillary Ang was the one man who changed his life for the better.
"Hillary promised to take me to Kuala Lumpur. And he did keep his promise.
"One night, we thought about becoming stars. I know becoming a star is not an easy thing."
Amy admitted that Hillary was very talented and had diverse tastes in music.
"Hillary's musical references are very large, for me he is a genius.
"Hillary is the leader and founder of Search.
"There would not have been Amy Search without Hillary Ang."
The concert, which took place at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, was attended by an estimated 15,000 fans.
Amy sang 21 songs throughout the two-and-a-half-hour performance.
Fellow artistes who came to give their full support included Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim, Azharina Azhar, Man Kidal, Akim Ahmad, Ella, Aweera, Ning Baizura and Adlin Aman Ramlie.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
01-06-2025
- The Star
Feature: Kidults' emotional cravings, not just toys, drive POP MART's popularity
by Xinhua writer Zheng Bofei LONDON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A crowd of collectors and POP MART fans gathers outside the brand's brightly lit flagship store on Oxford Street, eager to explore its signature blind-box toys, like Skullpanda, Dimoo, and the iconic Labubu, known for its fluffy body and toothy grin. Some had traveled from as far as Southeast Asia and mainland Europe, not just to shop, but to trade art toys, connect with fellow fans, and capture the perfect unboxing moment for TikTok. Once a niche brand in China, POP MART is now one of the fastest-growing cultural phenomena in Europe. Founded in Beijing in 2010, POP MART rose to fame through its original character designs and collaborations with emerging artists. Its IP-driven collectibles, especially the mischievous yet charming Labubu, resonate deeply with fans seeking more than just aesthetic appeal -- they crave emotion, surprise, and connection. "They were never meant to be a money-making madness in a resale market, but a moment in time for adults to become childlike and silly again. Every human deserves to feel that," said Amy-Lee Cowey-Small, a long-time marketing veteran. This emotional pull sets POP MART apart from traditional toy makers. It doesn't merely sell figures -- it sells feelings, rituals, and shared experiences. Central to its appeal is blind-box culture, where buyers don't know which toy they've purchased until they open the box. This "ritualized uncertainty" has resonated strongly with Gen Z and millennial consumers in Europe. On TikTok and Instagram, influencers regularly post unboxing videos, turning these toys into cultural symbols of identity and self-expression. POP MART's design philosophy blends Asian aesthetics with Western art influences, creating figures that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. This multicultural style has drawn attention from celebrities like Madonna Louise Ciccone and British TV personality Olivia Attwood, further embedding POP MART in Europe's creative mainstream. Since opening its first UK store in Soho in 2022, POP MART has rapidly expanded across the country, with stores now in Oxford Street, Manchester, Westfield Stratford, Cambridge, and Birmingham. By the end of 2025, it expects to operate 17 standalone stores in Britain, not including its rapidly growing network of roboshops. According to the company's European retail head, over 90 percent of its customer base in Britain now consists of local Britons and Europeans. "This is no longer a niche brand for the Asian diaspora," said Scarlett Zhao, POP MART's head of marketing, Europe. "We've gone mainstream." As demand continues to rise, Zhao rejected claims that the company is deliberately limiting supply to create hype. "We're often asked whether the limited availability of our plush toys is intentional, but the answer is no -- we do not engage in scarcity marketing. Our production is guided by long-term demand forecasting and brand planning rhythms to provide consumers with high-quality and consistent product experiences," Zhao said. "Plush toys require intricate craftsmanship and a strong attention to detail, which naturally calls for careful planning and production time. We prioritize craftsmanship and customer experience -- not scarcity as a marketing tactic," Zhao added. POP MART is now developing an online lottery system to reduce onsite congestion and deter scalper activity in Britain and France. POP MART isn't alone in riding the wave of China's collectible boom. Brands like TOPTOY launched by MINISO are also expanding across Asia and the Middle East, though TOPTOY focuses on licensed IPs like Disney and Naruto, rather than original characters. As Chinese collectible brands grow in prominence, their appeal is beginning to win over prestigious Western retailers. Zhao said luxury venues like Harrods were initially reluctant to take a chance on an unfamiliar Chinese brand. But that changed quickly. "As our IPs gained international visibility and our customer base expanded across Europe, conversations with prestigious partners naturally evolved into long-term collaborations," said Zhao. "Today, we're proud to be part of a new wave of cultural brands that Harrods and other top-tier retailers are embracing," she added. For consumers like Ma and Serena, both in their twenties, POP MART has become a lifestyle. "Once I got one, I got obsessed," said Ma. "And I told my friend Serena to get one too." "I saw an influencer open a blind box on Instagram. I went to the store the next day," said Serena. "That was it. I'm hooked." This growing community of collectors, many of whom kidults, isn't just chasing rare toys -- they're discovering shared joy, nostalgia, and pocket-sized companions through a distinctly modern cultural language.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Horror, fantasy are teen Puteri Rafasya's picks
SHE stamped her presence in Malaysian cinema by playing a tragic, little girl who becomes a ghost in the well — and Puteri Rafasya Abdul Rauf is just getting started. Puteri Rafasya has been acting for eight years now and director Osman Ali's 'Telaga Suriram' is actually her second movie role. The 14-year-old child starlet made her silver screen debut in 'Seratus' two years ago, and that was an action adventure with 100 cameos and main stars who included Datuk Awie, Adam Shahz, Isyariana Azmi, Fezrul Khan, Alif Satar, Sara Ali, Sharul Kamal and herself. In a recent interview to mark the premiere of 'Telaga Suriram', Puteri Rafasya said: "It's a little creepy to play a ghost in my very first leading role, but that's a role with an impact." Puteri plays 9-year-old Suriram, a dead village girl for 75 per cent of the two-hour horror, and she is an innocent victim of a heinous crime committed by a person with power. "While the thought of playing a dead person does send a bit of chill down my spine, but it was more of a rest and relax moment. "I was, however, mentally alert throughout my 'dead' scenes, always thinking of what the director would order me to do next," said Puteri Rafasya. COMMERCIALS Puteri Rafasya has been acting since she was six, in dramas and television commercials. "My first drama series was 'Ustaz Pink' in 2019, a romantic comedy headline by Nazim Othman and Farah Nabilah. "And then, I had my first Viu drama titled 'Restu' last year." Puteri Rafasya said 'Restu' was great fun, and she played the daughter of a single father played by her favourite actor Datuk Remy Ishak. As his daughter, she helped him find his Miss Right, from four beauties played by Wanna Ali, Elizabeth Tan, Ahirine Ahirudin and Siti Elizad Sharifuddin. "I enjoyed working with Remy, he's very friendly and a gentleman. That's why I always call him Hero Malaya." PAIRED In 'Telaga Suriram', Puteri is delighted to play the daughter of Maya Karin who is often paired with Remy and is her favourite actress alongside Nabila Huda Suhaimi. In fact, Nabila Huda plays her babysitter and best friend and she got to spend a lot of screen time with the daughter of rock legend Datuk Amy of Search. "I admire Nabila for her versatility and the fact that she also began her acting career while still in school. "As for Maya, I love her versatility in acting, singing and hosting television programmes. "I also loved her role as a tragic vampire in the Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam movies." STRICT It is Puteri Rafasya's first time being directed by Osman Ali. While she initially thought he would be a strict man, she was delighted to learn that he was a gentleman who was nice to her throughout their year-long shoots in Perak, Kedah and Perlis. "Osman always made sure I was all right and often reminded the cast and crew to make sure she had enough rest," she said. Puteri Rafasya had a pleasant surprise when she met actress Scha Alyahya's daughter Lara Alaina Awal, 10, who visited the set once. She bonded well with the former 'Muzik Muzik' host who played a tough policewoman, ASP Karmila. Actor Farid Kamil was also a great friend of Puteri Rafasya on the set of the movie, even though he played one of the bad guys. "Unfortunately, I did not get to meet his daughter Aurora, 10, as she seldom visits her parents on location," said Puteri Rafasya. COACH As for Ellie Suriaty Omar, she was a great acting coach who made the job easy for Puteri Rafasya. "Kak Ellie told me to always get into character and not think of the real world outside the set. "Getting into character is the key to becoming a good actress." Puteri Rafasya was born in Kuala Lumpur and is the eldest of three siblings. She is paternally Kelantanese and maternally Penangite. "I love horror movies and would love to star in more of them. "But not as a victim but a survivor who defeats the monsters." FANTASY Puteri Rafasya also loves fantasy movies and animated movies and would love to do voice-over work for local animated movies. "I always love 'Spirited Away' by Ghibli Studios and 'The Lion King' by Disney." Puteri Rafasya however admits that she is rather serious and not a fan of comedies. "Nevertheless, there is no harm acting in comedies as long as my character is serious, yet funny." Puteri Rafasya's dream role is to be a character who can be good and bad at the same time. "Morally ambiguous characters are fascinating, such as Harley Quinn of DC Comics and Jack Sparrow of 'Pirates Of The Caribbean'," she said. FUTURE In future, Puteri Rafasya would love to team up with Nabila, Maya, Remy and Farid in different types of movies, playing characters vastly different from 'Telaga Suriram' and 'Restu'. "Every movie and drama is an adventure for me, and while I may not be physically travelling to different destinations, getting into a brand new role is as good as doing so," she said.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Non-stop musical magic from a groovy grandpa
WHENEVER Datuk Suhaimi Abdul Rahman steps on the big stage, he feels 'ready to rock'. And once he starts, there is no stopping the 67-year-old — at least for two hours and a half. Suhaimi, better known as Amy of rock band Search, made history in his 44-year career by keeping some 15,000 rock fans spellbound from 9pm to 11.30pm at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur recently. Delivering 21 of his greatest hits, both solo numbers and songs from his band, Amy sported a golden hairdo reminiscent of American rock and country legend John Denver in Amy Search Magic Konsert Solo Pertama. The gentleman dubbed Malaysia's 'grooviest grandpa of rock' also showed many of his young fans how keeping fit, eating right and developing a positive outlook could make anyone 'young at heart'. DANCED Amy not only sang but also danced around the large stage, moving from musician-to-musician amongst his 10 talented 'co-stars' who were led by music director Rie Tsuji on the keyboards and veteran guitarist Edrie Hashim. Amy arrived on the dot, dressed in an all-black outfit. He began his concert with 'Gita Rama Sita', a song that appeared to pay tribute to wayang kulit, but actually spoke about true love and loyalty. This energetic song, which ended with Amy's trademark whistle 'phweeet!' was followed by 'Aku', the title track of his 1999 solo album. The song about self-love was followed by 'Apa Saja' from his 1997 album 'Camouflage', and this song also carried the message of being true to oneself. The audience clapped along to Amy's first three songs, after which he wished them a belated 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri'. Amy said: "After 44 years of creating a legacy with my band Search, I am ready to showcase a different side of myself." EDRIE HASHIM He then introduced Edrie to his guests, and told them that his next song, 'Suralaya Dalam D Major' was the guitarist's composition. This bittersweet song, about a meeting which turned out to be a dream, saw many guests sing along and once it was over, Amy remarked, "Are you enjoying yourself tonight?" Amy then sang 'Mengintai Kelawar' and 'Ghairah', from his 1994 album 'Magic', and paid tribute to his 'sifu' Datuk M. Nasir as well as the late lyricist Loloq for coming up with such masterpieces. After 'Kau Bukan Saduran', a catchy song about staying away from "fakes", Amy presented his first Search song for the evening, a medley of 'Kau Pergi', 'Gadisku' and 'Rozana'. 'Kau Pergi' was a breakup song, while 'Gadisku' was Amy's tribute to his actress daughter Nabila Huda, and the sing-along 'Rozana' was Search's most popular "dreamgirl" anthem. "There's a beautiful moon in the sky tonight, and it brings out love and passion," remarked Amy. Fans automatically knew that his next song was 'Fantasia Bulan Madu', a bittersweet "must sing" in all Search concerts. The guests waved their hands and swayed at their seats with Amy's next song 'Pawana', a cautionary tale about desire. Amy then paid tribute to Search's longtime guitarist Hillary Ang for "showing him the ropes" in rock music. 'Hillary is the one man whom I can safely say is the founder of my band. And what I love most about him is his humility and down-to-earth ways." As fans applauded, the musician himself suddenly appeared on stage and received boisterous cheers. MEDLEY Amy then sang a medley of Nasir's hauntingly beautiful 'Suatu Masa', Lefthanded's 'Ku Di Halaman Rindu' and Sweet Charity's 'Sejuta Wajah'. Rie, Edrie and the band did a splendid job rearranging the songs to make them sound slower and more sentimental. It was a subtle tribute to Amy's collaborators who had "left" us over the years. "Let's all observe a moment of silence to our departed friends, we will always remember them and their music will live on," said Amy, who then sang an upbeat medley of 'Kau Kepala Sotong' and 'Hey! Apache', and 'Kongkang', songs which reflected his playful side. Amy's upbeat moment continued with 'Rentak Laguku', a youthful song which was his 2014 duet with Klang-born pop-rock trio Bunkface. After the melancholic but melodious 'Kalimah Cinta' and 'Tinggal Sepi', Amy told his guests that he had finally come to the end of the show. "Don't worry, there's a few more," he teasingly said, and belted out the sing-along Search hits 'Aku Dah Bosan', 'Saat Yang Ku Idamkan' and 'Kerja Gila'. Amy said that he wanted to "save the best for last" and delivered the operatic sing-along 'Tiada Lagi'. "Nobody goes home without this song," said Amy as the lights dimmed once again, signalling 'Isabella', Search's 1989 monster hit about forbidden love. Amy said: "This concert is a tribute to all the fans who have supported my artistic journey from the beginning. "Every song I perform reflects the colours of my life."
