Latest news with #Malacca
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Will Straits of Malacca reclamation project create promised jobs, ask activists
The environmental impact assessment for the Straits of Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone project is currently open for public feedback. (Melaka Gateway pic) PETALING JAYA : A coalition of NGOs, activists, and residents has questioned the Straits of Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ) project and whether it will create 75,000 jobs as promised, pointing to previous projects that were launched but now lie abandoned. Save Our Seashores Melaka cited the Melaka Gateway and Twin Island City Centre reclamation projects as examples, saying both had been abandoned and were now 'deserted like ghost towns'. The Melaka Gateway project, launched in February 2014, was meant to transform the state into a major maritime hub by 2025. However, after years of delays, its commercial and cruise terminals remain incomplete with large portions of reclaimed land left idle. Similarly, the Twin Island City Centre project, launched in May 1996, promised to turn reclaimed islands into new business districts with hotels and shopping malls. But the islands likewise remain largely unoccupied with little economic activity. The coalition claimed that the SM-WEZ project was shaping up to be another white elephant. 'The project promises RM100 billion in investment and 75,000 jobs. Malaccans have heard these empty promises before. 'SM-WEZ is shaping up to be another expensive white elephant, driven by speculative real estate interests, not the genuine needs of the people,' it said in a statement. It also warned that the reclamation for the SM-WEZ, which covers some 1,119 hectares of land along 33km of coastline, could worsen environmental degradation and food insecurity. Citing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project, it said the dumping of 112 million cubic metres of sand would destroy marine habitats and displace coastal fishermen, impacting livelihoods and local seafood supplies. 'We urge the government to cancel this reckless reclamation project and focus instead on sustainable development that protects our heritage, environment, and wellbeing,' the group said. It also expressed concern that the project could jeopardise Melaka's Unesco World Heritage Site status and violate the National Heritage Act 2005, as parts of the development overlap with protected zones. The EIA for the project is currently open for public feedback. The coalition is calling on concerned citizens to submit their objections online before the report is approved.
Malay Mail
31-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Malay Mail
Dragon Boat dumplings: An ode to Cantonese ‘zung'
COMMENTARY, May 31 — Today is the Dragon Boat Festival or Duen Ng Jit (or Double Fifth Festival in Cantonese). The fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, when we commemorate how the ancients threw dumplings into a river where a beloved poet had drowned himself to prevent the fish from eating his corpse. Which sounds a bit macabre but what we are most mindful of today aren't dragon boat races or long-lamented poets but the delicious dumplings. This is my ode to the Dragon Boat dumplings, specifically my favourite Cantonese zung. The most common triangular or pyramid shaped 'zung'. — Picture by CK Lim Let us begin with its iconic shape (and the appetite-whetting thrill we get when we recognise it, even from a distance.) The most common zung you'd see is likely to be triangular or pyramid shaped. A tetrahedron, really. There are, of course, variations. The Northern Chinese zung is shaped like a log. In Japan, their version of zung, called chimaki, is sweet and has a long conical shape, typically eaten on Children's Day. A Northern Chinese 'zung' is shaped like a log. — Picture by CK Lim Those who grew up Malaccan, as I did, care less about the shape and more about the colour of the zung. Our Nyonya version is partially dyed blue thanks to the use of blue pea flower; the filling is simpler too — a sweet blend of minced pork and candied winter melon. But there's nothing quite like the stuffing of a formidable Cantonese zung. Full of goodness within, from shiitake mushrooms and mung beans to marinated pork belly and tender chestnuts. A bit of decadence when you add Chinese sausages and salted egg yolks. Plenty of aged umami from dried shrimp and dried scallops. Don't forget the sugar, salt and Chinese five spice. The secret ingredient, I've been told, is some chicken bouillon powder (the same secret ingredient to a fantastic fried rice, come to think of it). It's like the greatest hits from a well-stocked Cantonese pantry. Full of goodness within, from mushrooms to chestnuts. — Picture by CK Lim This might sound blasphemous to some but consider pairing your favourite savoury zung with some chilli oil. Really, don't knock it till you've tried it. Some folks like to dip their zung into a saucer of granulated sugar; me, I prefer some fragrant laat ziu yau. My favourite chilli oil is laden with fermented soybeans for an extra umami kick. Experiment with different types of chilli oil — anything from chilli crisps with fried garlic flakes to a hot honey chilli crunch. Honestly, it doesn't taste as spicy as you might fear (not when you have grown up eating cili padi!). The spice doesn't threaten unbearable heat; instead it deepens the savouriness of the zung. Your taste buds will thank me, as will you. Pair your favourite savoury 'zung' with some chilli oil. — Picture by CK Lim Of course, if you truly crave something fiery, you can always spice things up with some Sichuan mala powder. The mixture of Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, salt and a good dose of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cumin, cloves and star anise will electrify your palate. Not too much, but just enough to make you appreciate a soothing slice of shiitake mushroom or a fatty morsel of pork belly. You might be delusional from the numbing spices but you swear these gelatinous textures help to cool your tongue, now on fire. Spice things up with some Sichuan 'mala' powder. — Picture by CK Lim At the end of the day though, I'm happy to enjoy my zung as is. Slowly peeling the greasy bamboo leaves away to reveal the glutinous pyramid within. Slicing the now naked dumpling to unearth its treasures. Which should I taste first? The collagen-rich pork belly? The sweet chestnut? The seductive salted egg yolk? Perhaps start simply, with a few grains of the sticky rice, as well seasoned as a good life.
CNA
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Singapore Strait sees surge in maritime theft
CNA938 Rewind - Singapore Strait sees surge in maritime theft 50 sea robbery incidents have been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore this year so far. It's a sharp rise from the 14 incidents recorded over the same period last year. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out more from Toby Stephens, Head of the Global Crisis Management team, HFW. 13 mins CNA938 Rewind - On his first overseas trip, Australian PM Albanese touches down in Singapore Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in Singapore as part of his first international trip, after clinching a second term in office. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania, what could be on the agenda for Mr Albanese's stopover here. 10 mins CNA938 Rewind - Redefining Beachfront Retreats - the Story Behind Oshom Bali In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro speaks to a luxury travel director in Europe who is now the founder of one of Bali's most buzzworthy openings of 2025. Daisy Angus, founder of Oshom Bali, talks about her brand new luxury beachfront boutique hotel located in the heart of Bali's Nuanu Creative City. Angus, who has a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, will recount the story behind Oshom: from its creative concept to fleshing-out its design-led experiences up to opening day. She'll also talk about how Nuanu Creative City is reshaping Bali's cultural and ecological landscape. 19 mins CNA938 Rewind - "To the Last Gram" - Putting Anorexia in the Spotlight using Comics In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro focuses on the local comic 'To the Last Gram', a fictional young adult coming-of-age story about living with an eating disorder (ED). Put out by publisher Difference Engine, 'To the Last Gram' is written by Shreya Davies and illustrated by Vanessa Wong. Written from the perspective of the protagonist Divya, the comic unpacks the lived experience of ED – how it impacts family members and affects those who grow up in diet-free households. Wong and Davies will also discuss Divya's emotional and mental journey via the captivating illustrations and unique writing style. 30 mins
CNA
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - On his first overseas trip, Australian PM Albanese touches down in Singapore
CNA938 Rewind - Singapore Strait sees surge in maritime theft 50 sea robbery incidents have been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore this year so far. It's a sharp rise from the 14 incidents recorded over the same period last year. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out more from Toby Stephens, Head of the Global Crisis Management team, HFW. 13 mins CNA938 Rewind - On his first overseas trip, Australian PM Albanese touches down in Singapore Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in Singapore as part of his first international trip, after clinching a second term in office. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania, what could be on the agenda for Mr Albanese's stopover here. 10 mins CNA938 Rewind - Redefining Beachfront Retreats - the Story Behind Oshom Bali In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro speaks to a luxury travel director in Europe who is now the founder of one of Bali's most buzzworthy openings of 2025. Daisy Angus, founder of Oshom Bali, talks about her brand new luxury beachfront boutique hotel located in the heart of Bali's Nuanu Creative City. Angus, who has a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, will recount the story behind Oshom: from its creative concept to fleshing-out its design-led experiences up to opening day. She'll also talk about how Nuanu Creative City is reshaping Bali's cultural and ecological landscape. 19 mins CNA938 Rewind - "To the Last Gram" - Putting Anorexia in the Spotlight using Comics In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro focuses on the local comic 'To the Last Gram', a fictional young adult coming-of-age story about living with an eating disorder (ED). Put out by publisher Difference Engine, 'To the Last Gram' is written by Shreya Davies and illustrated by Vanessa Wong. Written from the perspective of the protagonist Divya, the comic unpacks the lived experience of ED – how it impacts family members and affects those who grow up in diet-free households. Wong and Davies will also discuss Divya's emotional and mental journey via the captivating illustrations and unique writing style. 30 mins CNA938 Rewind - Teaching with a Twist - Meet Singapore's TikTok Educators In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with two local TikTok personalities - who double-up as educators - on the popular social media platform. BioGirl MJ (@justkeepthinking), co-founder and host of the science channel 'Just Keep Thinking' talks about how her lessons focus on bite-sized videos about science and wildlife. Math Tutor May (@maythematics) who is the founder of math tuition centre 'Maythematics', talks about her role as an educator and content creator who provides valuable tips and solutions to students. 32 mins
Independent Singapore
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Singaporean actor Adrian Pang portrays a doctor 'but not that doctor' in BBC series 'Doctor Who's' recent episode
SINGAPORE: Adrian Pang, a Singaporean actor, had a minor role in the most recent episode of the BBC series Doctor Who. The episode premiered on streaming service Disney+ on May 10 with the title The Story And The Engine . Photo: Instagram/Adrian Pang Ncuti Gatwa portrayed the Doctor while Varada Sethu starred as the nurse Belinda Chandra. With his lines consisting mostly of medical jargon, Pang played a doctor in a hospital scene with Sethu as a nurse. The reason his role is designated as 'Consultant' in the credits is likely to prevent confusion with the primary character, 'The Doctor.' Pang is a local veteran actor on stage, TV, and the big screen. Formed a theatre company Pangdemonium, a theatre company, was founded by Pang and his wife Tracie. In 2015 and 2022, he portrayed Lee Kuan Yew in The LKY Musical. Pang also starred in the movie Forever Fever in 1998. Born on January 8, 1966, in Malacca, Malaysia, Adrian Pang Yeow Soon is a prominent Singaporean actor, host, and producer. Shortly after his birth, he moved to Singapore with his family and is a Singaporean national. See also Joey G reveals Patricia Knudsen's alleged abuse While he graduated with a law degree from Keele University in Britain, he pursued his passion for acting, training at ARTTS International. Gaining initial recognition He gained initial recognition in the Singaporean television scene during the 1990s, where he played roles in both English and Chinese-language dramas produced by MediaCorp and SPH MediaWorks. From 1990 to 2010, he was a full-time artist with Mediacorp. Adrian Pang has an extensive career in television, with notable roles in series such as 'Portrait of Home,' 'Nanny Daddy,' 'Ah Girl' (for which he won Best Actor in a Comedy Series at the Asian Television Awards), 'Red Thread' (which earned him a Best Actor in a Drama Series win at the Asian Television Awards), 'The Pupil,' and 'The Bridge.' He is a local actor and has also starred in global productions such as 'Blackhat' (2015) and 'Doctor Who' (2025). Award-winning actor Pang has really done it all in both Singapore and the UK when it comes to being on stage. He's played the main guy in tons of famous plays, like 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth.' He was also a big part of 'The LKY Musical' and 'Much Ado About Nothing.' And get this – he even won an award for being the best actor for his role in 'The Dresser' at the ST Life! Theatre Awards! Pang has won the Best Actor award at the ST Life! Theatre Awards five times! He's also a familiar face as a host and has even been in the running for Best Entertainment Host at the Asian Television Awards. He is considered an influential figure in the arts, media, and entertainment industry in Singapore and was a recipient of the Tatler Leadership Award for Culture in 2014 and the Elle Actor of the Year Award in 2012.
