Latest news with #Ashley
Daily Express
15 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Challenges Sabah's interior designers face: New head
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Mohd Izham Bin Hashim Text Size: Dr Wilson (7th from right) and the new Saids chairman, Ashley (6th from right), with the incoming committee for the 2025-2027 term. Kota Kinabalu: Supply chain and logistical issues pose significant challenges for interior designers in Sabah, hindering their ability to meet the ever-growing demands of clients in the state. Ashley Yeoh, the new Chairman of the Sabah Interior Designers Society (Saids), emphasized that modern customers are becoming more tech-savvy and inquisitive. This shift is prompting designers to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, where client expectations often surpass the capabilities of local infrastructure. 'Today's consumers are more informed, with access to global trends and designs through platforms like TikTok. Unfortunately, the local supply chain struggles to keep up with these advancements,' Ashley said. As designers increasingly rely on external suppliers to meet the rising demand for innovative solutions, they face delays and heightened costs. The growing gap between supply and demand is making it increasingly difficult for designers to deliver work of the highest quality. The sophistication of clients—coupled with their willingness to question designers on materials, features, and the integration of technology—places additional pressure on the design process. Advertisement Beyond logistical challenges, Ashley highlighted the increasing role of technology in shaping the future of interior design. 'Technology is no longer just a trend; it's becoming a cornerstone of modern living. From smart home solutions to AI-driven designs, designers must adapt to these new realities,' she said at Saids Appreciation Event and the Installation Ceremony of the new committee for the term 2025-2027. The event was graced by Saids founder, Prof Dato' Seri Dr Wilson Yong, who was the Guest-of -Honour. In his keynote address, Dr Wilson underscored that the Society's strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives and ideas. 'Saids was established to foster collaboration. By integrating diverse viewpoints, we can innovate and create truly unique designs that bring a lasting and positive impact,' he stated. Dr Wilson also pointed to Sabah's rich cultural heritage as a vital source of inspiration for local designers. 'Our heritage is our strength. We aim to showcase Sabah's unique story through our designs, blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics,' he said. Moving ahead, Dr Wilson emphasized the need for a focus on quality and innovation, with an eye on sustainability and the future. He encouraged the new Saids committee to prioritize understanding the needs of the design community, building connections, and collaborating to elevate the sector to new heights. Ashley expanded on this vision, noting that designers who embrace cutting-edge technologies such as 3D rendering, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) will gain a competitive advantage—much like the edge that designers who adopted computer-aided design (CAD) gained decades ago. However, aside from technological challenges, Ashley also addressed the ongoing issue of the undervaluation of interior designers in Kota Kinabalu. 'Interior designers need to stand firm on their worth,' she emphasized, stressing the importance of educating younger members and the public on the expertise and professionalism that interior designers bring to the table. In response to these challenges, Ashley outlined several initiatives aimed at educating clients and training new designers. Through programmes like Saids Dialogue, Saids Connect, and Saids Inspirations, the Society is working to provide valuable learning opportunities and foster industry connections. Workshops focused on continuous professional development are also in the pipeline. 'By uniting the industry and working closely with suppliers, we can gradually overcome these challenges and build a stronger foundation for the future,' Ashley concluded. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New musical Come Fall in Love 'is a show for everyone' say stars
Manchester once again finds itself in the spotlight with the UK premiere of a new musical. Inspired by the the longest-running movie in Indian cinema Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, - DDLJ to its legions of fans - Come Fall in Love certainly has a lot to live up to. The multi-award winning DDLJ has been playing continuously in Mumbai since its release in 1995. The company of Come Fall In Love in rehearsal (Image: Craig Sugden) But one look at the team behind Come Fall in Love indicates that it's a show which is more than up to the task. The book and lyrics are by Nell Benjamin who was responsible for Mean Girls and who won an Olivier Award winner for Legally Blonde. The music - 18 original English language songs - is by Vishal and Shekhar, the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber of Bollywood and directing the whole thing is Aditya Chopra, who was responsible for the original movie which has inspired the show. For the musical's stars, Jena Pandya and Ashley Day, bringing the production to the stage could have proved a daunting experience. But their excitement at being part of something special is palpable. 'What was nice is that we had a workshop about six months before we started rehearsals which allowed me to get into the right head space to be working with such legends,' said Jena. 'They have been so nice and put to much trust in us. I feel so lucky to be part of this team." Ashley added: 'I've worked in musical theatre for 20 years (he's starred in An American in Paris and The Book of Mormon) but to experience this has been amazing.' Come Fall in Love was performed in San Diego in 2022 but the show has been considerably reworked for its UK debut at the Opera House. Jena plays Simran, a young British Asian woman who is travelling around Europe before her arranged marriage. On her travels she meets Rog, played by Ashley, a self-styled party boy and an unlikely romance develops. 'I think the conscious decision that was made to change to plot to introduce Rog as a British white boy is so important,' said Ashley. 'It's now about two cultures and right now that's so modern and so relevant. It's good medicine.' The quality of the writing and the music has deeply affected both of the stars. 'Legally Blonde has to be the best movie to stage adaptation of them all,' said Ashley. 'So to have Nell involved with this production is amazing. She's able to get really under the skin of the characters and her storytelling is so witty and clever. 'Then there's Vishal and Shekar, they're absolute legends. The fact that this is their first stage musical absolutely blows my mind.' 'Each song has its own style,' added Jena. 'Even in rehearsals where the surroundings are not particularly atmospheric, it makes me emotional. It's just the way they have done it blending authentic Indian melodies with songs which are pure pop, are punky or just rock. Everyone can watch it and love it.' Ashley Day and Jena Pandya in Come Fall in Love (Image: ATG) Both Ashley and Jena are keen to stress that you don't even have to be aware of DDLJ to love Come Fall in Love. 'What is great is that you don't need to know the film,' said Jena. 'It works as a stand-alone story; it's so energetic, it sucks you in and makes you feel so much – happy, sad all of those things. I think that's what people will love it. 'Of course I hope fans of the original film will come and they will feel that nostalgia for a film which has been part of their lives for so long. 'But if you're totally new to the show, you're going to love it too,' said Ashley. 'It's such a big show, it really is something special.' So how do the two stars compare to the characters they play? Simran is highly organised, someone who initially keeps her emotions under tight control. 'In some ways I suppose I am quite similar to Simran,' said Jena. 'I can certainly understand why she like the way she is. She has such strong values she has to stick to, and has always got this conflict going on inside her head to keep her friends happy and her family happy which does make her be a bit tightly strung at times. 'It's fun to play as she goes on this journey where she loosens up and falls in love. 'I do see myself in her especially in the way I react to my own dad, he's a classic Indian dad so it's fun to play that dynamic, that's not really acting - sorry dad, but he'd probably say the same thing!' As for loud, brash party boy Rog? 'Maybe there was a time a long time ago I was as confident as he is,' said Ashley. 'But when we first meet him he does some things which made me feel a bit 'icky'. He's not a great guy at the beginning. But he changes so much through the show - it's a great story arc.' Bringing any brand new show to the stage is a challenge and the stars of Come Fall in Love had a simple message for audiences. 'I'd say to people this probably will open your eyes in a way you didn't think they would in a musical,' said Ashley. 'You're going to feel a lot of soul and humanity and it's not fluff.' 'Don't think that this is a show for any one audience,' said Jena. 'If you think maybe you won't enjoy it or it's not for you, that's not the case.' Come Fall in Love is at Manchester Opera House until Saturday, June 21. Details from
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Ashley Walters calls out Who Do You Think You Are for brutally rejecting him
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ashley Walters has called out BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? for not allowing him on the series. The British actor and rapper, 42, appeared on The One Show this evening alongside singer Will Young and Olympian Tom Daley, the former of which was sharing his experience on the BBC ancestry show. When asked by host Roman Kemp if he'd ever want to take part in Who Do You Think You Are?, Adolescence star Ashley let out a knowing chuckle and responded: 'I would love to, if they'd let me.' He continued: 'It's an interesting story. They approached me about doing the show, went and did like a year's worth of research and then said, 'No, we're not going to do it.'' Presenter Clara Amfo asked: 'Any further feedback?' Ashley responded: 'Nope. They did give me all the documents. But I haven't read them. I haven't gone into the box yet, so I don't know why. But I nearly got there, I was on the cusp.' Since its inception in 2004, hordes of celebrities have gone on emotional journeys into the family history, and viewers have seen everything from graveside sobs from Andrew Garfield to Danny Dyer famously finding out he's royalty. However, there are celebrity stories that don't make the cut, some of which were said to be too dull to make compelling TV. The late Michael Parkinson revealed in a 2009 Radio Times interview that his ancestors were too 'boring' for the show – something he warned producers ahead of their six weeks of research, in which the chat show host was proven correct. 'When Who Do You Think You Are? called and asked if I was interested, I said I would be delighted, but warned that my own research had unearthed nothing of note,' he recalled. ''Oh, they all say that. But we always find something,' they said. Six weeks later they phoned to apologise. My story was so boring they had to cancel the entire project. I was gutted,' he explained. Meanwhile Dermot O'Leary told podcast Sweat, Snot And Tears: 'They actually researched my family for about three months. They came back and said: 'There's just not enough interesting stuff about your family'.' While Sir Michael and Dermot got a polite phone call rejection, Steph's Packed Lunch star Steph McGovern said she never heard from producers again after an initial meeting with them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Elsewhere on tonight's The One Show, Ashley also opened up about how hit show Adolescence has changed his view of parenting. 'It held a mirror up to myself. I'm a father of eight. I have three grandkids. I've had up and down relationships with some of them,' he said. More Trending The Top Boy actor, who first shot to fame as a member of garage group So Solid Crew under the nickname Asher D, welcomed his first child at the age of 20. He is dad to sons Shayon, 22, and Panera, 19, and daughter China, 21, who he welcomed with ex-partner Natalie Williams. The Missing You star also has daughters Antonia and Ashleigh with another unnamed woman, as well as Amaiya-Love, nine, and River, five, with his wife and actress Danielle Isaie, who he married in 2013. View More » The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ashley Walters calls out BBC's Who Do You Think You Are for rejecting him after 'year of research' MORE: The Chase star points out major issue 'ruining' rival ITV gameshow MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Ashley Walters calls out BBC's Who Do You Think You Are for rejecting him
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ashley Walters has called out BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? for not allowing him on the series. The British actor and rapper, 42, appeared on The One Show this evening alongside singer Will Young and Olympian Tom Daley, the former of which was sharing his experience on the BBC ancestry show. When asked by host Roman Kemp if he'd ever want to take part in Who Do You Think You Are?, Adolescence star Ashley let out a knowing chuckle and responded: 'I would love to, if they'd let me.' He continued: 'It's an interesting story. They approached me about doing the show, went and did like a year's worth of research and then said, 'No, we're not going to do it.'' Presenter Clara Amfo asked: 'Any further feedback?' Ashley responded: 'Nope. They did give me all the documents. But I haven't read them. I haven't gone into the box yet, so I don't know why. But I nearly got there, I was on the cusp.' Since its inception in 2004, hordes of celebrities have gone on emotional journeys into the family history, and viewers have seen everything from graveside sobs from Andrew Garfield to Danny Dyer famously finding out he's royalty. However, there are celebrity stories that don't make the cut, some of which were said to be too dull to make compelling TV. The late Michael Parkinson revealed in a 2009 Radio Times interview that his ancestors were too 'boring' for the show – something he warned producers ahead of their six weeks of research, in which the chat show host was proven correct. 'When Who Do You Think You Are? called and asked if I was interested, I said I would be delighted, but warned that my own research had unearthed nothing of note,' he recalled. ''Oh, they all say that. But we always find something,' they said. Six weeks later they phoned to apologise. My story was so boring they had to cancel the entire project. I was gutted,' he explained. Meanwhile Dermot O'Leary told podcast Sweat, Snot And Tears: 'They actually researched my family for about three months. They came back and said: 'There's just not enough interesting stuff about your family'.' While Sir Michael and Dermot got a polite phone call rejection, Steph's Packed Lunch star Steph McGovern said she never heard from producers again after an initial meeting with them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Elsewhere on tonight's The One Show, Ashley also opened up about how hit show Adolescence has changed his view of parenting. 'It held a mirror up to myself. I'm a father of eight. I have three grandkids. I've had up and down relationships with some of them,' he said. The Top Boy actor, who first shot to fame as a member of garage group So Solid Crew under the nickname Asher D, welcomed his first child at the age of 20. He is dad to sons Shayon, 22, and Panera, 19, and daughter China, 21, who he welcomed with ex-partner Natalie Williams. The Missing You star also has daughters Antonia and Ashleigh with another unnamed woman, as well as Amaiya-Love, nine, and River, five, with his wife and actress Danielle Isaie, who he married in 2013. The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Chase star points out major issue 'ruining' rival ITV gameshow MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know MORE: Wynne Evans devastated as he confirms BBC axe: 'It breaks my heart'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix star shares BBC dropped them from popular series
Ashley Walters, who is best known for roles in Adolescence and Top Boy, has revealed the BBC chose not to include him in a popular series Ashley Walters, Will Young and Tom Daley joined Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp on The One Show to discuss their upcoming projects. As talk turned to the shows they all appeared on, Ashley was quizzed over whether he would appear on BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? However, he shocked hosts Roman and Clara when he revealed he was approached before bosses changed their mind. Ashley revealed: "I would love to if they let me." Going on to explain his comment, he continued: "Interesting story, they approached me about doing the show and went and did about a year's worth of research and then said, 'no, we're not going to do it.'" Clara asked: "Any further feedback?" as Ashley replied: "No, they did give me the documents but I haven't read them, I haven't gone into the box yet so I don't know why. I nearly got there but I was on the cusp." "A new project for next year," Clara suggested. "Go through the archives." The revelation came as Will Young, who features of the next episode of Who Do You Think You Are? spoke about his experience. Appearing on The One Show, Will spoke about becoming emotional when he uncovered his family history. He explained: "I didn't know anything about my grandfather apart from that he died when my Dad was 15 and under questionable circumstances. "A lot of people had PTSD after the war, we didn't know, my Dad and my Aunt didn't know, that his plane went down at the beginning of the war and he was in a concentration camp for five years, that's all I knew. "But it was just wonderful - to not spoil it - go from having one grandfather who I knew growing up and now feeling like I have two. I still have this photo in my study and I just feel like I know him. "I have a tattoo of his plane and his squadron and you start finding similarities with your family - even people you didn't know. "That's what is real interesting. We had certain characteristics and it was very moving. It was terribly moving for my father and my Aunt because he was sort of portrayed as a bit of a loser and he was literally anything but a loser. My Dad rang me up in tears saying, 'You've given me a father.'"
