Latest news with #MalaysiaBoleh
The Star
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
HONOURING 30 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY MALAYSIANS
Celebration honours records from Everest to the thickest egg tart, with hopes of inspiring future generations THE Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a black-tie gala that recognised 91 national record holders across sports, business and media as well as arts, science and social impact. Held at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, the evening brought together more than 800 distinguished guests in a celebration of Malaysians who had dared to dream big and succeeded. The black-tie event was attended by achievers past and present, including Olympic medallists, pioneering entrepreneurs, Paralympians, influencers and sustainability advocates. The recipients honoured at MBR's 30th anniversary record-breaking gala showcased the breadth of Malaysian talent and ambition, with records spanning human achievements, sports, education, business, arts and entertainment, community engagement and technology. The awards recognised both individual milestones such as youngest or first achievements, as well as organisational accomplishments, including sales performance, community engagement, longest non-stop live streams and entrepreneurship. The MBR also spotlighted business and entrepreneurial organisations that have supported local brands and record-setting ventures, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, SME Association of Malaysia, Branding Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Pertubuhan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM). PUMM president Datuk Teh Tai Yong credited the MBR for helping PUMM members boost their brand presence and inspiring them to aim higher and build greater trust, both at home and abroad. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the MBR gala, commended the organisation for evolving in tandem with the nation's aspirations over the past 30 years. Legacy of 'Malaysia Boleh' MBR chairman Datuk Seri Michael Tio traced the organisation's roots and its evolution over the decades. 'Malaysia Book of Records started in 1995 during the Malaysia Boleh era, when we needed a record book to register all the Malaysia Boleh record attempts,' he said in his keynote address. That vision to document, verify and celebrate Malaysian excellence over the past 30 years, Tio said, has resulted in 'over 8,800 records and 17 published editions of record books.' 'That's our journey so far, but we've now moved on beyond human achievements to include business and community impact. 'We also want to help NGOs, politicians and communities gain wider recognition for their efforts,' he said. Inspiring a new generation In his speech, Tio recounted how the MBR TV series that first aired on RTM in 1996 ran for 250 episodes and helped foster a 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit among a generation of young Malaysians. 'Those kids who watched in the '90s and 2000s? They're now the ones breaking records.' To reignite another wave of the same momentum, MBR will soon launch a new series in collaboration with Bernama TV. Titled 'Malaysia Book of Records 2025: Malaysia Luar Biasa', the 13-episode programme is scheduled to begin airing on Bernama TV from Aug 26. 'I feel it is important for us to continue that kind of storytelling, 'That's why we're starting the new series around the time of our National Day on Astro 502.' A platform for all Malaysians Tio added that MBR would continue to expand its efforts to reach every corner of the country. More than achievements, Tio said, the idea of pushing MBR far and wide is to cultivate national unity. 'During the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, there are plenty of national records happening all over Malaysia and they should be recorded,' he said. 'It's not just about displaying the achievement –we want it to be recognised, talked about and remembered.' 'I want to see national unity and I want to see all races working together to achieve a record.' Giving back to athletes Tio also announced a new charitable foundation to help athletes who lack funding for their record-breaking efforts. 'We feel that many athletes are working hard to break records and go international, but they suffer from insufficient funds. 'Therefore, we decided to establish Yayasan MBR to support our athletes and community projects.' He cited Soh Wai Ching, a world tower-running champion and world record holder, as an example of the type of athlete the foundation aims to support. 'He didn't get any funding from our government, despite being a world record holder. That's why we're stepping in.' Tio also announced that former Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak had agreed to become the patron of the foundation. Helping businesses recover In the business world, MBR also helped SMEs to stand out in a competitive post-pandemic landscape. 'During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of businesses suffered. Post-pandemic, many tried to reactivate but found it difficult. 'So, we reached out to the SME community and activated the Malaysia Book of Records for SMEs to help them with branding and exposure,' said Tio. Among the earliest and most successful participants was Oriental Kopi, recognised for producing the thickest egg tart and selling the most number of egg tarts. 'It was a brilliant idea and niche selling point. From that point on, we've had a lot of applications.' From Everest to Empire State The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation to 91 individuals and organisations who had earned their place in the record books. Among them was Datuk M. Magendran, Malaysia's first man to summit Mount Everest. 'Standing on the summit of Mount Everest, with the national flag in my hands, was a moment of immense pride,' he said. 'The core motivation was always 'Malaysia Boleh' – the belief that Malaysians can achieve greatness, even in a hostile environment.' Also honoured was Soh, who is also the first Asian triple-champion of the Empire State Building Run-Up. 'My goal is not just to win, but to make a statement,' said Soh. 'Even if it's not our building, we can be proud that a Malaysian is the fastest.' Spotlight on innovation and inclusivity Other notable record recipients included: > Datuk Rosyam Nor – Actor-turned-entrepreneur who launched Malaysia's first 24-hour upscale wholesale mart – ST Rosyam Mart – during the pandemic. > Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal (15) – Youngest female Malaysian to earn a podium finish in a sanctioned touring car championship. > Norhasmat Abdul Aziz – Double gold medallist at the Asian Road Cycling Championships. > Minbappe (Ahmad Muhaimin) – Malaysia's first FIFAe World Cup Mobile Champion. > Goh Liu Ying – The first Malaysian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal. > Mohd Sukur Ibrahim – Known as Malaysia's shortest man, who continues to inspire through motivational talks and community work. Media organisations recognised Several media organisations were recognised for their continued support of MBR over the years such as Bernama, Star Media Group, Media Prima Group and Media Chinese International Limited Group as well as digital platforms media like MalaysiaKini, MalaysiaGazette, The Scoop Online, Good Foodie Media, TV Sarawak and more. Gala entertainment and celebration Guests were treated to a series of live performances including Martin Looi, who holds the record for the highest-altitude violin live stream. Mark Yong and Pinky Loo, who are record holders for the fastest costume changes, delivered a high-energy performance featuring 14 wardrobe switches in under one minute. Guests also had the chance to walk through displays of past record editions and themed photo booths.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Malaysians proud of Merdeka 118 featured in Marvel's Thunderbolts
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have reacted positively after Merdeka 118, the second tallest tower in the world, located in Kuala Lumpur was featured in Marvel Studios' latest superhero film Thunderbolts in its premiere showing in Malaysian cinemas yesterday. It is the first time that the 678.9-metre-tall skyscraper, owned by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) through its subsidiary PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, was selected a location for a Hollywood film, a fact that many Malaysians were so proud of that they left comments like - Malaysia shining bright, Malaysia goes global, and the signature cry - Malaysia Boleh! - on various social media platforms. Marvel Studios had set the ball rolling when it previously shared behind-the-scenes footage of Thunderbolts star Florence Pugh jumping from the top of Merdeka 118, which unsurprisingly captured the attention of fans, especially those from Malaysia. And the feel-good feeling has just gotten stronger since yesterday's premiere, judging by the comments left by Malaysians on various social media platforms, including one by ApiZ on TikTok, who posted, "Feel proud that Malaysia's name is part of an international movie." Perhaps what most Malaysians felt could be best summed up by fellow Malaysian Saiful Nizam's simple direct comment - I'm proud to be Malaysian. Local film reviewer Shahril Izzat Rosli, who goes by the moniker Shahril Pencinta Muvee, echoed such sentiments when he spoke to Bernama, and expressed his pride in seeing the country's landmark featured in an international movie, something he said showcased Malaysia at the world stage. "Obviously, I was very excited and proud when I saw our national landmark make its appearance in a Hollywood movie, what more a Marvel film that has its own following throughout the world. "It wasn't just once, but Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur were mentioned repeatedly throughout the film, so that's certainly something to be proud of," he said. He pointed out that Marvel film fans who have not heard of Malaysia would indirectly know of it, what with an anti-hero character being created in a lab in the country, according to the film. — BERNAMA
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Malaysians proud of Merdeka 118 featured in Marvel's Thunderbolts
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have reacted positively after Merdeka 118, the second tallest tower in the world, located in Kuala Lumpur was featured in Marvel Studios' latest superhero film Thunderbolts in its premiere showing in Malaysian cinemas yesterday. It is the first time that the 678.9-metre-tall skyscraper, owned by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) through its subsidiary PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, was selected a location for a Hollywood film, a fact that many Malaysians were so proud of that they left comments like - Malaysia shining bright, Malaysia goes global, and the signature cry - Malaysia Boleh! - on various social media platforms. Marvel Studios had set the ball rolling when it previously shared behind-the-scenes footage of Thunderbolts star Florence Pugh jumping from the top of Merdeka 118, which unsurprisingly captured the attention of fans, especially those from Malaysia. And the feel-good feeling has just gotten stronger since yesterday's premiere, judging by the comments left by Malaysians on various social media platforms, including one by ApiZ on Tiktok, who posted, 'Feel proud that Malaysia's name is part of an international movie.' Perhaps what most Malaysians felt could be best summed up by fellow Malaysian Saiful Nizam's simple direct comment - I'm proud to be Malaysian. Local film reviewer Shahril Izzat Rosli, who goes by the moniker Shahril Pencinta Muvee, echoed such sentiments when he spoke to Bernama, and expressed his pride in seeing the country's landmark featured in an international movie, something he said showcased Malaysia at the world stage. 'Obviously, I was very excited and proud when I saw our national landmark make its appearance in a Hollywood movie, what more a Marvel film that has its own following throughout the world. 'It wasn't just once, but Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur were mentioned repeatedly throughout the film, so that's certainly something to be proud of,' he said. He pointed out that Marvel film fans who have not heard of Malaysia would indirectly know of it, what with an anti-hero character being created in a lab in the country, according to the film.
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Merdeka 118 featured in Marvel's Thunderbolts film
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have reacted positively after Merdeka 118, the second tallest tower in the world, located in Kuala Lumpur was featured in Marvel Studios' latest superhero film Thunderbolts in its premiere showing in Malaysian cinemas yesterday. It is the first time that the 678.9-metre-tall skyscraper, owned by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) through its subsidiary PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, was selected a location for a Hollywood film, a fact that many Malaysians were so proud of that they left comments like - Malaysia shining bright, Malaysia goes global, and the signature cry - Malaysia Boleh! - on various social media platforms. Marvel Studios had set the ball rolling when it previously shared behind-the-scenes footage of Thunderbolts star Florence Pugh jumping from the top of Merdeka 118, which unsurprisingly captured the attention of fans, especially those from Malaysia. And the feel-good feeling has just gotten stronger since yesterday's premiere, judging by the comments left by Malaysians on various social media platforms, including one by ApiZ on Tiktok, who posted, 'Feel proud that Malaysia's name is part of an international movie.' Perhaps what most Malaysians felt could be best summed up by fellow Malaysian Saiful Nizam's simple direct comment - I'm proud to be Malaysian. Local film reviewer Shahril Izzat Rosli, who goes by the moniker Shahril Pencinta Muvee, echoed such sentiments when he spoke to Bernama, and expressed his pride in seeing the country's landmark featured in an international movie, something he said showcased Malaysia at the world stage. 'Obviously, I was very excited and proud when I saw our national landmark make its appearance in a Hollywood movie, what more a Marvel film that has its own following throughout the world. 'It wasn't just once, but Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur were mentioned repeatedly throughout the film, so that's certainly something to be proud of,' he said. He pointed out that Marvel film fans who have not heard of Malaysia would indirectly know of it, what with an anti-hero character being created in a lab in the country, according to the film.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Remembering Mazlan's five decades of legacy in sports
THE strategic thinker behind the Jaya '98 programme that accelerated Malaysia's medal-winning performance in multi-sports Games, is no more. Datuk Wira Mazlan Ahmad, the National Sports Council (NSC)'s longest-serving director general, passed away two weeks ago, leaving a legacy that may be hard to surpass. In the Jasin-born Mazlan, we mourn the loss of a true iconic sports leader who commanded respect from fellow sports officials, staff, sponsors and athletes for his work ethics and strategic thinking – a potent and rare combination. Datuk Dina Rizal Abdullah, who spent more than three decades in the sports marketing and sponsorship world, said: 'When he became the NSC director-general, he wanted to work with us on the Malaysia Boleh campaign for the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 2001. ''I was inspired by his guidance as the Malaysia Boleh slogan became our national battle cry. I was lucky enough to spend time with him as one of his golfing partners, his way of escaping from the daily stress of work,' recalled Dina. Former sports critic, Randhir Singh, said Malaysian sports had a good run under Mazlan's tenure. 'He was arguably the best NSC director-general we ever had. He was open to ideas, passionate about sports and deeply knowledgeable. He had a good team to support him that included the likes of the late Datuk Ho Koh Chye, M.P. Haridas, Lim Ah Soh and Zaki Abdul Rahman. A hallmark of his leadership was his ability to groom a long list of good officers who later occupied the top post, including the late Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong, Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, Abdul Rashid Yaakub and the present director-general, Jefri Ngadirin,' said Randhir. For cycling legend, Datuk Ng Joo Ngan, Mazlan was irreplaceable. 'Mazlan was a straightforward official, honest, dedicated and visionary ever since I knew him since his days as the assistant secretary at the Selangor Cycling Association. 'In the 1980s, he persuaded me to open a bicycle shop. While Daud Abu Kassim (former Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association (KLCA) deputy president) got me a shop lot in Pertama Complex, Mazlan gave me RM4,000, a huge amount those days, as the deposit for rental,' said Joo Ngan. Mazlan's background as a voluntary sports official enabled him to see life from both sides of the fence, having served in various capacities in the cycling fraternity from 1972 before he was transferred to NSC from the Public Works Department in 1983. At JKR, Mazlan gave champion cyclist, the late Ali Hassan, and the late decathlete Hanapiah Nasir a job. In his role as the vice-president of the KLCA, he made sure a big group of cyclists were employed by the City Hall. Once their welfare was taken care of, the cyclists were able to stamp their mark on the sporting field. Mazlan survived elections, rising from the post of assistant secretary to secretary of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) before being elected as a vice-president. So he understood the politics and pitfalls of a sports association. As the NSC deputy director-general, acting director-general before being made a full-fledged director general in 1993, he worked closely with the National Sports Associations until his retirement in 2005. Since he knew the tricks of the trade, Mazlan did not suffer fools gladly. Some of the Cabinet papers that he presented and later rubber-stamped by the powers-that-be included the establishment of centres for less popular sports such as diving, weightlifting, shooting and lawn bowls, a legacy that continues to produce the goods. He also initiated the junior development for tenpin bowling so that we would stop relying on grandmothers, a move that has produced world champions. Mazlan also shifted the focus from road race to track cycling, a step that has produced Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Co. Mazlan served nine Sports Ministers and enjoyed a great relationship with all except one. Under the series Siri Tokoh Malaysia (Malaysia's Eminent Figures), a documentation of several high-profile leaders in various fields, Mazlan was considered as one of the country's top managers in the civil service, being mentioned in the same breath as Tan Sri Abdul Jamil Rais, Tan Sri Arshad Ayub, Tan Sri Hashim Aman, Tan Sri Ishak Tadin, Raja Tan Sri Muhammad Alias and Tan Sri Zain Azraai Zainal Abidin. As Mazlan's body was laid to his final resting place at the Kota Damansara cemetery, Datuk Razif Sidek, Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin and Nor Azlan Bakar were among a group of former athletes bidding farewell to an illustrious sports leader who created a significant benchmark at every milestone. Condolences to Datin Junaidah Md Som, Najwa and Saiful Ezane. May Allah the Almighty grant Mazlan's soul an eternal bliss in the highest ranks of paradise.
