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#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo
#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo

New Straits Times

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's beloved animated character, Ejen Ali, continues to make history, having been honoured with the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan. Symbolising the aspirations of Malaysian youth in the digital era and the future of technology, Ejen Ali's involvement on this international stage not only brings immense pride to the local animation industry but also showcases the growing global recognition of Malaysia's creative talent. Ejen Ali and Ejen Alicia's presence at the Malaysia Pavilion has proven to be an extraordinary draw. Visitors from various countries have been observed queuing for long periods just for the chance to meet and take photos with these animated heroes. The enthusiastic reception demonstrates the global appeal of this homegrown intellectual property (IP) by Primeworks Studios and Wau Animation. Representing the strength of Malaysia's creative industry, Ejen Ali conveys universal messages rooted in courage, integrity, and loyalty – values that are easily understood and embraced across different cultures. A statement from the creators highlighted that even though many visitors in Osaka were encountering the character for the first time, the dynamic visuals and spirited narrative on display immediately captured their attention. "Among the most heartwarming moments was when a Japanese child returned to the booth after watching a trailer and excitedly declared, 'I want to be like him!' "This moment perfectly illustrates Ejen Ali's subtle yet effective ability to convey Malaysian aspirations, inspiration, and identity," it said. Ejen Ali The Movie 2 director and Chief Content Officer of Wau Animation, Usamah Zaid Yasin, also visited the Malaysia Pavilion on July 21 and 22. He also took part in a special sharing session, revealing the creative process behind the development of the Ejen Ali franchise and WAU Animation's vision for producing world-class animated content. The session received an overwhelming response from visitors of diverse backgrounds, including Japanese creative industry professionals who expressed keen interest in learning more about the IP, thereby opening doors for future international collaborations and partnerships. The World Expo 2025, currently running until Oct 13, is expected to welcome over 28 million visitors from across the globe. As a platform that unites international ideas, technology, and cultures, Ejen Ali's participation strengthens Malaysia's position in creative content, digital education, and cultural diplomacy on a global scale.

Hit movie 'Ejen Ali' goes international - unlocks successful mission at World Expo 2025 in Osaka
Hit movie 'Ejen Ali' goes international - unlocks successful mission at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

The Star

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Star

Hit movie 'Ejen Ali' goes international - unlocks successful mission at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

The nation's most famous animated character, Ejen Ali, continues to create history of his own when he has been given the honour of representing Malaysia at the prestigious World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan. As a symbol of the aspirations of young Malaysians in the digital and technological era of the future, Ejen Ali's involvement on the international stage not only makes the local animation industry proud, but also symbolizes the progress of the country's creative talent, which is increasingly gaining a place in the eyes of the world. The presence of Agent Ali and Agent Alicia at the Malaysian Pavilion highlighted the extraordinary attraction as visitors from various countries were seen lining up for a chance to meet and take pictures with these animated heroes. The response received clearly illustrates the global appeal of this local IP. Representing the strength of Malaysia's creative industry, Ejen Ali comes forward with a universal message based on the values of courage, integrity and loyalty that is easily understood and accepted across cultures. Although many visitors to Osaka were new to the character, the dynamic visuals and passionate narrative on display immediately captured their attention. In fact, many continued to search for more information about the series online, reflecting the rapid and profound impact that Agent Ali had on th local comic fans. Usamah Zaid Yasin, the director of "Ejen Ali The Movie 2" and Chief Content Officer of WAU Animation, also attended the Malaysia Pavilion on 21 and 22 July 2025. His presence was followed by a special sharing session that revealed the creative process behind the development of the Ejen Ali franchise as well as WAU Animation's vision in developing world-class animated content. The session received an encouraging response from visitors from various backgrounds, including Japanese creative industry activists who expressed interest in learning more about this IP, thus opening up space for cooperation and the possibility of international collaboration in the future. The prestigious World Expo 2025 event runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and is expected to welcome more than 28 million visitors from around the world. As a platform that brings together international ideas, technology and culture, Ejen Ali's participation strengthens Malaysia's position in the fields of creative content, digital education and cultural diplomacy at the global level. For the record, Ejen Ali 2 grossed more than RM60 million at the box office and was officially crowned as the highest-grossing animated film in the history of Malaysian cinema, surpassing all local and international animated works that have ever been screened in the country. It also returned impressive numbers in Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore before achieving the limelight in Osaka.

Claims abound of animated high-flyer Upin & Ipin 'trapped in toxic workplace culture, comfort zone'
Claims abound of animated high-flyer Upin & Ipin 'trapped in toxic workplace culture, comfort zone'

Focus Malaysia

time10-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Focus Malaysia

Claims abound of animated high-flyer Upin & Ipin 'trapped in toxic workplace culture, comfort zone'

IT could not have come at a worse time. With the launch of the Upin & Ipin Universe Game set to be launched in just over a week (July 17), gaming forums are abuzz with news that retrenched staff of Streamline Studios (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd – the videogame development outfit – have not received their dues. Likewise, with the second instalment of Ejen Ali breaking all sorts of box office record at home and abroad, one would have expected a pioneer in the local animation scene to be also generating plenty of pleasant headlines. After all, that was what the Upin & Ipin Universe Game is supposed to do – a game changer. Instead, the creators of Upin & Ipin c hildren's animated television series – Les' Copaque Production Sdn Bhd – has been described as a toxic workplace with a management that was aloof. This was presumably Upin & Ipin fan rei🍉 (rest)'s (@peulreiii) reaction on X to another post highlighting the Streamline Media woes. Les Copaque is also a VERY problematic company. Toxic workplace with their higher ups mostly hidung tinggi gila. Shit talks other local animations and even as far as threatening their employees if they speak highly of another. — rei🍉 (rest) (@peulreiiii) July 6, 2025 Editor's Note: Les' Copaque partnered with American online game developer, Streamline Studios in 2023 to create a console game based on the Upin & Ipin franchise, ie the Upin & Ipin Universe . The crux of the matter is that gaming forums are abuzz with news of the disgruntlement among Streamline Studios' ex-employees which soon rub on Les' Copaque. That the post by rei🍉 (rest) has generated over 301.7K views at the time of writing is itself an indication that enough eyeballs are reading about alleged wrongdoings being perpetrated on employees of Les' Copaque. As one commenter rightly pointed out, the franchise was seemingly static while Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 (a film by Primeworks Studios and Wau Animation based on an animation series of the same name) was conquering new frontiers. That sentiment was echoed in another comment which observed that the brand did not forge ahead to do better content but has instead stagnated within its comfort zone. Concern is raised that it could soon be overtaken by rivals. This comment though ignores the fact that the game itself is meant to up the ante significantly. This toxic work culture was cited by one commenter as a reason for the dip in quality in Upin & Ipin . While both Les' Copaque and Streamline Studios may not be all-conquering as Ejen Ali 2 or even Mechamoto , it would do well to avoid such negative publicity on social media. The consequence is a very negative perception about the organisations and which will ultimately hurt the product it is trying to sell. The Upin & Ipin Universe Game is set to be officially launched on July 17. With the big date just days away, it could very well do with such negative publicity. – July 17, 2025 Main image credit: #ZHAFVLOG (@zhafvlog)/X

#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' finds a home in 'Ejen Ali'
#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' finds a home in 'Ejen Ali'

New Straits Times

time04-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' finds a home in 'Ejen Ali'

IT didn't take long for Indonesian rock group Nidji to agree to sing 'Teman Sejati' for the soundtrack of the animated film, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2'. Vocalist Yusuf Ubay, known as Ubay, said Nidji considered it an honour to be chosen by the production team for the collaboration "I have watched the 'Ejen Ali' series. So when the song 'Teman Sejati' was selected for the soundtrack of the animation film, we thought of it as luck and our 'rezeki'. "Plus, all of Nidji members are well acquainted with 'Ejen Ali' animation, which has an interesting storyline and should be watched by everyone." The band, which has been rocking fans since 2002, was in Kuala Lumpur last month for an exclusive interview as part of the promotion of the hit movie. Ubay said 'Teman Sejati', which has been included in Nidji's latest album 'Manifestasi Hati', was created about six years ago, but its release was held back until recently. It was originally penned in 2019, long before the band envisioned its future on the big screen. "Actually, the song was written in 2019. So when we were approached by the film production for the song to become an OST, we felt very honoured," said Nidji's guitarist, Andi Ariel Harsya, the composer and lyricist of the song. "When we recorded it, we never set a target for it to be chosen as an OST for any production, so this is beyond our expectations. It's really divine intervention. "Thank you to the film production team for trusting Nidji and giving the opportunity for 'Teman Sejati' to be one of the film's soundtracks. "For Nidji, this movie has a strong message and a deep impact on the audience. In fact, 'Teman Sejati' is also in line with the film's positive narrative, which tells a universal story of friendship. "This is a blessing from God who brought Nidji together with the film by chance and we (Nidji) ended up being a good match, too." This collaboration is also considered a milestone for the band as it is their first song to be linked to an animation production. Ubay said 'Teman Sejati' sounds more beautiful once used as the background music for some of the scenes in the movie. Andi Ariel said he did not expect the positive response received for the song. "Initially, I didn't expect that this song would be suitable for this movie. But thanks to the production crew and sound designer, it fits perfectly in the scenes where they had included this song." Even their fans and those who had watched the movie waxed lyrical about the song being a perfect fit for 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2'. "After watching the film recently, we were blown away, especially during the scenes that had the song in the background," Andi Ariel said. Apart from Ubay and Andi Ariel, the other Nidji bandmembers are guitarist Ramadhista Akbar, Randy Danistha (keyboard), Andro Regantoro (bass) and Adriana Prakarsa (drums).

Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: Brad Pitt's ‘F1: The Movie' speeds past ‘How to Train Your Dragon' and ‘Ejen Ali 2' to top local box office
Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: Brad Pitt's ‘F1: The Movie' speeds past ‘How to Train Your Dragon' and ‘Ejen Ali 2' to top local box office

Yahoo

time04-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: Brad Pitt's ‘F1: The Movie' speeds past ‘How to Train Your Dragon' and ‘Ejen Ali 2' to top local box office

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 – Auto racing fans will be thrilled to know that F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, has raced past How to Train Your Dragon and Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria to claim the No. 1 spot — just one week after its cinematic debut. Don't overlook what's trending on Netflix either, as many Korean series have been making waves and earning glowing reviews — most notably the final season of Squid Game, Oh My Ghost Clients: Season 1, and Our Unwritten Seoul — perfect for all you K-drama fanatics. The first week of July is here, and when it comes to films, get ready for a month packed with Hollywood blockbusters in addition to exciting new releases coming to Netflix and Viu, plus top-trending music on Spotify and popular books to enjoy — there's no excuse for boredom. Your weekend entertainment fix starts now — check out Malay Mail's top picks of the week! Top 10 films in local cinemas (Domestic & International) (June 26 to June 29) F1: The Movie How To Train Your Dragon Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria M3GAN 2.0 28 Years Later Elio Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Waktu Maghrib 2 Kuberaa Lilo & Stitch Source: and GSC Top 10 streaming on Netflix and Viu (June 23 to June 29) Netflix (Top 10 TV) TV Series Squid Game: Season 3 Oh My Ghost Clients: Season 1 Our Unwritten Seoul: Limited Series Mercy For None: Limited Series Squid Game: Season 2 The Rookie: Season 1 Tastefully Yours: Limited Series Upin & Ipin: The Helping Heroes: Season 2 The Waterfront: Season 1 Ejen Ali: Season 1 Source: Netflix Top 10 Viu (Top 10 shows) Lambaian Huda The First Night with the Duke Running Man (2025) Sugar Daddy Feud Revenged Love 逆爱 Reborn 焕羽 The Haunted Palace Fresh off the Sea 2 Oh My Ghost Clients Source: Viu Frontpage Top 10 songs of the week (Spotify) (June 25 to July 2) Jin - Don't Say You Love Me HUNTR/X - Golden (w/ Ejae, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Fourtwnty - Mangu (w/ Charita Utami) Saja Boys - Your Idol (w/ Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) sombr - back to friends Saja Boys - Soda Pop (w/ Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Naim Daniel - Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir (w/ Adnin Roslan) RUMI - Free (w/ Jinu, Ejae, Andrew Choi, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) KATSEYE - Gabriela HUNTR/X - What It Sounds Like (w/ Ejae, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Top 10 Malay songs of the week (Spotify) (June 25 to July 2) Adrianna Cinta, Farouk Roman - Dalam Sujudku (Acoustic version) - From 'Dia Bukan Syurga' Faris Adam - Stecu Stecu Ara Johari - Menjaga Jodoh Orang Lain Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Batas Senja - Kita Usahakan Lagi Naim Daniel, Adnin Roslan - Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir Imran Ajmain - Seribu Tahun Lagi Noh Salleh - Rahsia Tuhan NayKilla, Tenxi, Jemsii - Kasih Aba Aba Zaki Yamami, Putri Dahlia - Aku Ada Source: and Spotify Top 10 books of the week (June 20 to June 26) Fiction Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (William Morrow) Cliches & Curses by Deidre Isaac (Penguin SEA) Strange Houses by Uketsu (HarperVia) A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (Vintage) King of Envy by Ana Huang (Piatkus) Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood (Berkley) Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (Bloomsbury) Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa (Harper Perennial) Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press) Library of Lost Hearts by N.F. Afrina (N.F Afrina) Non-Fiction Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (St. Martin's Essentials) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (30th Anniversary Edition) by Stephen R. Covey (Simon & Schuster) Atomic Habits by James Clear (Penguin Books) I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee (Penerbit Haru) Once Upon a Miao 3 by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) Mind Your Mindset by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt Miller (Ace Premier) Once Upon a Miao 2 (Remastered): Crushes, Friendship & Chaos by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) Once Upon a Miao (Remastered): I Love My Hometown by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (Harper) When Things Don't Go Your Way by Haemin Sunim (Penguin Life) Mutiara Minda (Malay Novels) Kaisar by Jiwa (Nukilan Biruni) Thariq Ridzuwan Commando's: His Treasure by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Rahsia Danny by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Mi Veneno 2 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Carino by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) His Code Name Alpha 2 by Elyshakaman (Idea Kreatif) Rumah Untuk Alie by Lenn Liu (Nukilan biruni) Ammar Zahrain: The Obsessive Husband by Nssignature (Idea Kreatif) Chef's Cuisine by Effalee (Manes Wordworks) Pesuruh by Ahadiat Akashah (Roket Kertas Produksi) Source: MPH

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