Latest news with #FaroukKhan
Sinar Daily
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
The AFK Collection: A conversation with the Khans
When you do something with love, it often churns out something great. But to do it with someone you love is even better, as a shared passion can create a powerful, enduring force. This is the essence of The AFK Collection, the life's work of Aliya and Farouk Khan, a couple whose mutual dedication to art has not only shaped their lives but also lead the way for the Malaysian arts and culture scene. Their journey, much like the vibrant and complex works they collect, reflects a shared passion, mutual respect and a belief in the transformative power of art. Aliya and Farouk Khan. Photo: Sinar Daily Farouk, in a moment of candid reflection, credits his wife, Aliya, for leading him down this path. 'I'm so thankful that my wife led me to this line. At my age today, I can't think of a better thing to be involved in than being involved with arts and culture. 'It' such an intellectual and academic and cultural thing that it's just good for my soul,' he said. To step into the Khan's home is like stepping directly into a living gallery. The walls are adorned with phenomenal, towering artworks, a visual feast that immediately immerses you in the vast collection they have meticulously built. Step inside the living gallery of Aliya and Farouk Khan, the family whose passion for art is telling the story of Malaysia. Photo: Sinar Daily The AFK Collection, which began with their move to Malaysia in the mid-'90s, is no ordinary assembly of artworks. It is, as Farouk describes it, a 'repository of the first generation Malaysian artists' and a meticulously crafted narrative of the Malaysian contemporary art movement. Their approach was not to simply acquire pieces they liked, but to understand the very timeline and evolution of the art scene. They engaged with underground curators, researched extensively, and built a collection that reflects the country's rapid transition to becoming an industrial, technological hub. This dedication to a broader narrative ensured they did not become merely gallery collectors but rather custodians of a crucial historical and cultural record. 'We then set about buying artworks to fill up within the narrative. Today you actually have this repository of the first generation Malaysian artists who were engaged in developing conceptual art,' he said. A DAUGHTER'S VISION This passion for art, history, and culture is a legacy that has been lovingly passed down to their daughter, Zena Khan, the curator of The AFK Collection. For Zena, her role is a privilege and a natural step, born out of a lifetime spent immersed in the world of Malaysian art. "I grew up watching my parents assemble the collection, going on studio visits with them, listening to stories about the artists," she said. The installation at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Zena Khan This intimate, firsthand knowledge, combined with her academic training from the Royal College of Art in London has equipped her to shape the collection's most significant presentation to date. INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE The AFK Collection's most significant international presentation to date is the ongoing exhibition at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, called To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia. This landmark event is the first major exhibition of Malaysian contemporary art at an international museum and has been met with extraordinary success. The installation at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Zena Khan This collection highlights the development and potential of contemporary art in an independent Malaysia, showcasing pieces by key Malaysian artists. Zena's curatorial vision for the exhibition was ambitious. As the first major exhibition of Malaysian contemporary art at an international museum, she knew it was crucial to start with the foundation. "That very first question I would have about an art movement that I was being introduced to is what's it about? "When you're looking at Malaysian contemporary art, what is it about? How did it start, what was the origins of the movement," she said. The exhibition was designed to present a dual narrative: the history of Malaysian contemporary art and the parallel emergence of contemporary Malaysian society. "So through this exhibition, you're actually reading two histories - the art history and the social history," she said. This approach allows visitors to understand how Malaysian art visually articulates a dynamic period of societal change driven by political, social, and economic shifts. Zena describes the curating process as being guided very much by the narrative. It involved a careful selection of artists who were foundational to the movement, such as Fauzan Omar, whom she calls the father of Malaysian contemporary art and Yusof Ghani. The installation at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Zena Khan She sought out iconic works that created a scaffolding of Malaysian contemporary art history, allowing the rest of the movement's story to fall into place. The process, while complex, came naturally to her, reflecting her lifelong immersion in the art world. The exhibition itself, which has received rave reviews, was a deeply collaborative effort. Zena worked with a team of charming, passionate, knowledgeable women from the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. THE TURNING POINT AND THE FUTURE For Zena, this exhibition marks a significant turning point for Malaysian art on the international stage. The power of seeing the works live she believes, has an impact that cannot be replicated through images. The positive feedback and discussions of future potential are already paving the way for Malaysian art to be recognised and respected globally. Looking ahead, Zena shares her vision for the Malaysian art scene in the next decade. She hopes for a flourishing publishing sector, a greater focus on art history, and more opportunities for Malaysians to engage with and read about art. Her dream is to see more and more Malaysian art on the walls of museums, both at home and around the world. Aliya and Farouk echo this hope, seeing the exhibition as an opening of a door, opening of a window of opportunity. They believe the next step is for Malaysian institutions, corporations, and the art fraternity to collaborate and build on this momentum. Farouk stresses the importance of developing a sophisticated ecosystem to support the artists. The installation at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Zena Khan The talent is there, he said. But more is needed, including good curators, museums that engage with international institutions, and representatives who can promote Malaysian art abroad. Aliya and Farouk are confident in the product, calling Malaysian contemporary art 'a world-class standing' that deserves better representation. From another perspective, what shines through is not just their dedication to art, but also their deep affection for Malaysia itself. Farouk's decision to move his family here was driven by a belief in the country's more open, creative outside the box education system. A choice that he feels has served his children well. This admiration for Malaysia's spirit and potential is what fuels their tireless efforts. And in their journey, they offer a powerful reminder that art is not just a luxury, it is also a reflection of a nation's soul. The "To Know Malaysia is To Love Malaysia" exhibition is on at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi until Sept 10, 2025.
The South African
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'You can't just sign free agents' – Ex-coach warns Kaizer Chiefs
Director of Stars of Africa Football Academy Farouk Khan has advised Kaizer Chiefs to find a way of developing players and attain long-term success. Amakhosi have been in a rebuilding stage after they lost key players like Bernard Parker, Khama Billiat and Itumeleng Khune. Under Molefi Ntseki, Arthu Zwane, Cavin Johson, the club failed to deliver results and all the coaches were sacked after they failed to build a competive squad. Last year, Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi took over the reins and was tasked with rebuilding the team. Despite signing 10 new players, Kaizer Chiefs failed to finish into the top eight for the second successive campaign forcing them to reconsider. Khan warned Chiefs about getting free agents, He urged the team to scount players properly and build from there. 'Stop rebuilding from scratch every season,' Khan told iDiski Times . 'Create a blueprint. Develop from within. Make sure the technical, admin, and management teams are aligned. 'In the past, you could look at a player and say, 'That's a Chiefs player.' Today, that's no longer true. 'It's not just about winning one trophy. It's about sustained excellence,' the former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach continued 'You can't just sign players because they're free agents, or they have potential. 'You need someone doing proper due diligence – not just watching a few clips but really understanding a player's background, personality, and how they respond to pressure,' Khan concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Will he be complemented by Sirino and Cele?: Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach on new signing
Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan feels Amakhosi got it right by signing Siphesihle Ndlovu. The Soweto giants signed the talented midfielder for R5 million from SuperSport United, days before the club was sold. The 28-year-old, who was born in Pietermaritzburg, is now with his new teammates in the Netherlands for pre-season training. Khan, who worked as an assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs in the early 2000s, warned that Ndlovu could face challenges during the season given how established other midfielders are in the team. 'Well, he's technically not bad, and when getting forward, his passing range is good. On the odd occasion, he can score a goal or two as well,' Khan told SoccerBeat . 'However, the challenge he will face is how he will be complemented by the other players, such as Gaston Sirino and Thabo Cele. Will they be able to achieve this in the shortest period of time? As you know, when you are constantly building teams from season to season, you will never have a situation where the team is stable enough. 'I think all great teams, firstly, have a very good leader in the midfield. I don't know his leadership qualities, and I haven't seen much of it because, at Orlando Pirates, he wasn't the leader. There were players much bigger than him,' Khan added. 'At SuperSport, he made his mark under Gavin Hunt. But again, I don't think he was the leader in that midfield. However, in saying that, it's just about the chemistry between the rest of the midfield and, obviously, the attackers and defenders that will guarantee that he has a successful season,' said the former Kaizer Chiefs coach. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ex-Chiefs coach names two new signings who failed to impress
Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan has assessed some of the new Amakhosi players who featured in the club's 2-1 defeat to Vitesse. The Soweto giants played the Dutch side in their first pre-season match on Tuesday evening. Despite taking the lead in the first half, Amakhosi went on to lose 2-1. Khan felt two players failed to impress. Striker Flavio Da Silva and also Ethan Chislett who started the match in the midfield. The former Chiefs coach felt boss players did not offer much throughout the match but gave them the benefit of the doubt since it's still pre-season. 'With Silva up front, he didn't look much different than what they had in the past, but it's early days. He was working very hard; he was running, he was pressing, and he could give a lot of energy up front. But whether he can score, we don't know because the best goal of the match was scored by (Reeve) Frosler,' Khan told KickOff . 'Chislett didn't impress me. He looked like he was out of sorts. I suppose it's a different level now, coming from a lower league in England. Professional football is never easy,' he added. Khan said Thabiso Monyane, who was signed last month, had a decent game but praised Nkhanyiso Shinga. 'Monyane didn't do too badly, but he was not tested, you know. We must remember they were also playing against a team that was recently relegated, so they are also trying to build. So, you can't read too much with this game.' 'But out of the four new players that played, Shinga is the one who impressed me. Other than that, there is still a lot of work in progress at Kaizer Chiefs,' the coach said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Why did Orlando Pirates let them go?': Ex-Chiefs coach questions
Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan feels Orlando Pirates feels the Buccaneers made a mistake by releasing Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane. The duo are amongst the two other players released by the club following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. The former Chiefs coach said Pirates need experience and depth next season and might regret not renewing Monayane and Mako's contracts. 'If they were the calibre that could make an impact, why did Pirates let them go?' Khan asked during his interview with FARPost . 'When you are trying to build, you need to go get young players who can grow into the system. I think many teams try to save by not spending on transfers, but that has a bad impact in the long run. 'Take nothing away from the two players, they are very good players, but can they improve the current Kaizer Chiefs squad? 'I think they're good players, but can they take the club to the next level? I'll have to wait and see. At Chiefs, you need players who can take the level of your squad higher.' Both Monyane and Mako have been linked with moves to Amakhosi. This won't be the first time Chiefs have signed former Pirates players. Last year, the Glamour Boys signed Bongani Sam from the Buccaneers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
