UOB Malaysia invites artists to showcase their unique artistry at the 15th UOB Painting of the Year competition
The UOB POY competition is one of the region's most prestigious annual art competitions running simultaneously across Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Launched in Malaysia in 2011, the competition offers one of the highest cash prizes in the country.
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Free Malaysia Today
44 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Dr Sam touched ‘Saya Anak Malaysia' still sung after 39 years
Salim Ibrahim aka Dr Sam (middle) at the launch of National Month and the Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign yesterday. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Nearly 40 years later, the patriotic song 'Saya Anak Malaysia' continues to resonate among Malaysians of all races across generations. Its singer, Salim Ibrahim aka Dr Sam Rasputin, said he was touched to see Malaysians singing the song with great enthusiasm whenever it is played. 'I'm grateful to Allah. I am moved to see that not only Malays but also Chinese and Indians sing this song together,' he expressed. He said he gets particularly emotional whenever he hears schoolchildren, youths and other students singing the song, despite not knowing any of them personally. The 72-year-old added that he would never forget how his housing area once rang with the chant 'Saya Anak Malaysia!' when the Chinese community paraded on Aug 31 while singing. Dr Sam was speaking at the launch of National Month and the Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign, officiated by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Bahasa Melayu here yesterday. 'Although the song is 39 years old, people still sing it. Earlier during the performance, the IPG students sang along, and I felt very emotional,' he added. 'Saya Anak Malaysia' was composed in 1986 by M Nasir, with lyrics by S Amin Shahab. Dr Sam shared that when it was first performed at the RTM Auditorium, the entire hall resounded with passionate singing on the eve of National Day. 'I can never forget that moment,' he said with a smile. He believes that the strength of the song lies in its simple melody and memorable lyrics, which touch the hearts of Malaysians regardless of age or race. 'When people hear it, they all feel like they are a part of one big family called Malaysia. That is what makes me proud.' These days, Dr Sam focuses on religious studies and missionary work, while hoping his song will continue to inspire love for the homeland and unity among Malaysians.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Cancer survivors show strength, resilience on runway
Survivors of breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers at the Dreams Stage Show, which was organised to give them a chance to shine. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : It wasn't just the outfits that turned heads during a fashion show at The Mines here recently – it was the lineup of close to 100 cancer survivors who transformed the runway into a celebration of resilience, hope and healing. At the Dreams Stage Show by the Cancer Warrior Queens on Aug 17, survivors of breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers donned designer pieces and walked with their heads held high. The show was backed by over 100 volunteers, designers and sponsors, who provided dresses, shoes, makeup and hairstyling services for the participants. Among the most moving stories was that of Kamini Manikam, a classical Indian dancer in her late 30s whose cancer journey began unexpectedly after a fall in the bathroom in late 2020. What she assumed was a back injury turned out to be a 10cm cyst that was later confirmed as stage-1 ovarian cancer. 'I've always been healthy, I ate well, I exercised. So when the diagnosis came, I couldn't believe it. I kept asking, 'Why me?' 'The most painful part was knowing I would lose my long hair since it was part of my identity as a dancer,' she shared. Having learnt that strength comes from within, Indian classical dancer Kamini has joyfully returned to the stage. (Bernama pic) Kamini underwent 18 cycles of chemotherapy over several months – a gruelling process that left her weak. 'It wasn't just physical strength I had to rebuild, it was mental strength. But I kept going, I fought hard and, just six months after chemo, I pushed myself back into dancing; that's when I realised strength comes from inside,' she said. Four years later, she would be walking the runway with a proud smile and beautiful flowing hair, her ankles adorned with salangai – traditional anklets symbolic of Indian classical dance. 'This event is the first time I've ever shared my cancer story publicly; not even my wider family knew. But I want people to know cancer is not a death sentence, it's just a chapter and you can still write the ending,' she said. Another showstopper was Siti Zainab Zaini, a single mother of two who was diagnosed with early-stage cancer in 2018 after a routine annual checkup on her birthday 'Cancer didn't kill me – it woke me up,' says single mother Siti Zainab Zaini. (Bernama pic) 'When the doctor told me, the only thing that came to mind was my children and my elderly father,' she recalled. 'I couldn't afford to break.' Determined to get better, she diligently followed her treatment plan, trusting that recovery was possible. 'I didn't have the luxury to be sad. My mother even smacked me when I cried. She said, 'There's medicine, go take it!'' she added with a laugh. Once a workaholic who stayed in the office until 2am, she now prioritises her health, gets enough sleep, eats mindfully, and makes time for joy, including weekly 'girls' time' with her friends, as advised by her oncologist. 'Cancer didn't kill me – it woke me up. I used to work for others. Now I live for myself, ' she concluded.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Seremban family's RM200 flag display for Merdeka competition
SEREMBAN: Jasmin Abu Hassan has turned his Taman Pinggiran Senawang residence into a spectacular display of patriotism using only RM200. The 53-year-old water company supervisor decorated his house with over 150 flags for the 'Rumah Terpaling Merdeka' competition. He received assistance from his wife Rosmaini Mohd Yusof, a 47-year-old kindergarten teacher, throughout the two-week decoration process. Jasmin explained how this year's effort surpassed his previous attempts at festive decoration. 'Last year I only hung flags, but this time I added a special touch by including extra decorations,' he stated. The additional elements included the Negeri Sembilan state flag and portraits of national leaders displayed at his house entrance. 'This year is livelier because there are winners every week,' Jasmin commented about the enhanced competition format. He noted that the decorations have become more creative compared to previous years. 'The children are excited to help,' Jasmin added about family participation in the project. He proudly displayed portraits of all Malaysian Prime Ministers from the first to the current leader. Jasmin achieved the overall runner-up position in last year's competition. The father of six has resided in the neighborhood for twenty-five years. Approximately forty percent of his decorations remain incomplete before the month-end deadline. Taman Pinggiran Senawang Neighbourhood Watch chairman Fadzil Sharil expressed satisfaction with the competition's growth. The 59-year-old chairman noted the event now enters its second successful year. 'We have received growing response, with more than 80 per cent of residents participating,' Fadzil revealed. He observed that participants showcase greater creativity in decorating their homes compared to last year. 'So far, we already have four weekly winners,' the chairman told reporters. Although the prizes are modest medals, hampers and daily necessities, Fadzil praised participants' extraordinary spirit. 'Every week new elements are added, making the neighbourhood livelier,' he remarked. Twenty best-decorated houses will advance to the finals scheduled for September 6. The competition features four judging categories: cheerfulness, arrangement, creativity and neatness. The neighbourhood watch committee has also created a national landmark replica for the celebrations. They constructed miniature KLCC towers using 500 recycled bottles and PVC pipes. This community project forms part of the broader National Month decorations throughout the area. - Bernama
