Latest news with #MalaysianChinese
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Influencer apologises for filming during national anthem
Published on: Monday, August 11, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian Chinese social media 'influencer' has apologised for taking out his phone to record a video as the national anthem was being played at an event. Choo Hao Ren ( pic ) acknowledged that his actions, caught on video in a clip that went viral, were inappropriate and that he should have sung the national anthem solemnly and with respect. Advertisement In a statement on his social media pages, Choo said he was deeply sorry for his actions and promised to act more appropriately in such settings. Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh however called for punitive action against Choo for disrespecting the national anthem and the country. 'This is not a question of race or political party, but about how it's the responsibility of all Malaysians to respect this country. That's why we want such people to be punished severely,' he said in a Facebook post. 'It's not that we want to play up the issue, but the issue of respecting the country is more important,' the Melaka executive councillor added. Advertisement In 2021, Choo also courted controversy after posting a video for a skin whitening product which featured a female social media influencer in brownface. He apologised for the clip and took it down after receiving a backlash online. - FMT * 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
AllAfrica
4 days ago
- Business
- AllAfrica
'You're fired!': Trump tells Intel boss to resign over China ties
Intel Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan was told by US President Donald Trump to step down after a chip design software firm he managed pleaded guilty to violating US export controls. 'The Chief Executive of Intel is highly conflicted and must resign, immediately,' Trump posted on Truth Social on August 7. 'There is no other solution to this problem.' The comments followed a letter sent by US Senator Tom Cotton to Intel chairman Frank Yeary on August 5, expressing concern about the security and integrity of Intel's operations and their potential impact on US national security. Cotton pointed out that Cadence, an electronic design automation (EDA) software maker, pleaded guilty on July 28 to illegally selling its products to a Chinese military university and transferring its technology to an associated Chinese semiconductor company without obtaining licenses. 'These illegal activities occurred under Tan's tenure,' Cotton said in his letter. He added that the US government awarded approximately $8 billion to Intel under the CHIPS and Science Act, while the company is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and comply with applicable security regulations. He said Tan's associations with China raise questions about Intel's ability to fulfill these obligations. He asked Intel's board to explain whether: It was aware of Cadence's subpoenas before hiring Tan as Chief Executive; It required Tan to divest from his positions in semiconductor firms linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or the People's Liberation Army (PLA); Tan disclosed any remaining investments, professional roles, or ties to Chinese companies to the US government. Tan sent a note to all Intel employees on August 7 stating that there has been a lot of misinformation circulating about his past roles at Walden International and Cadence. 'Over 40+ years in the industry, I've built relationships around the world and across our diverse ecosystem – and I have always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards,' he says in the note. 'My reputation has been built on trust – on doing what I say I'll do, and doing it the right way. This is the same way I am leading Intel,' he adds. 'We are engaging with the [Trump] Administration to address the matters that have been raised and ensure they have the facts.' Tan, dubbed the 'Godfather of the chip industry,' was born into a Malaysian Chinese family in 1959. He grew up in Singapore and later became an American. His father was the chief writer of Nanyang Siang Pau, and his mother was a dormitory warden at Nanyang University (now Nanyang Technological University) in Singapore. Tan was admitted to the Department of Physics at Nanyang University at the age of 16. After studying nuclear engineering at America's elite Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he pursued a degree in business administration at the University of San Francisco. In 1987, he founded Walden International with an initial management fund of $3 million, focusing on early-stage technology investments. According to Chinese media, Walden International began investing in Chinese startups in 1994, starting with Little Swan, a washing machine manufacturer, and subsequently investing in numerous other companies, including Skyworth, DJI, Meituan and Mindray. In 2000, Walden International financed Taiwanese entrepreneur Zhang Rujing in founding the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). 'Over the past 20 years, every time SMIC overcame adversity and achieved every process breakthrough, Walden International has been with SMIC, standing by it through thick and thin and providing its full support,' Tan says in an article when SMIC went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market in July 2020. He praised SMIC for having advanced its products from 250 nanometers to 14 nm within two decades. He also said Walden International had invested in more than 500 companies globally, including 120 semiconductor firms. Among these, 110 companies went public. In 2009, he set up Sakarya Limited and Seine Limited in Hong Kong to manage his investments in China. In 2011, Walden International, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Shanghai government established Shanghai Huaxin Venture Capital Enterprise, one of the first funds in China dedicated to the country's semiconductor industry. 'I am an overseas Chinese and have always had a Chinese complex,' he told in an interview in 2018. 'Although Cadence is an American company, within the scope allowed by the US government, we will help domestic [Chinese] companies in tools and intellectual property as much as possible.' In April 2025, Reuters reported that Tan controls more than 40 Chinese companies and funds, and has minority stakes in over 600 via his investment firms. While investing in China, Tan joined Cadence's board in 2004 and was the company's Chief Executive from 2009 to 2021. At the CDNLive 2018 conference, Xia Yu, director of Huawei HiSilicon Platform and Key Technology Development Department, complained about the slow development of Cadence's Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) software. 'We like to work with customers like HiSilicon. They run fast themselves, and they push us to run fast too,' Tan said. At that time, Trump, in his first term, had not yet sanctioned Huawei Technologies, HiSilicon, and SMIC. Chinese fabless chipmakers could freely order chips from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. On July 28, the US Justice Department announced that Cadence agreed to plead guilty and pay over $140 million in fines for unlawfully selling EDA hardware, software, and semiconductor design intellectual property (IP) technology to the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). NUDT, a university under the leadership of the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s Central Military Commission, was added to the US Commerce Department's Entity List in February 2015 due to its use of US-origin components to produce supercomputers believed to support nuclear explosive simulation and military simulation activities in the PRC. According to court documents, Cadence and its units in China violated US export controls by providing EDA tools to NUDT from February 2015 to April 2021. Tan stepped down as Cadence's Chief Executive in December 2021 and Chairman in May 2023. In July 2023, the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the US and the CCP wrote to Tan , expressing serious concern about Walden International's investments in Chinese artificial intelligence and chip firms. In February 2024, the Select Committee on the CCP published a report about how Walden and four other US venture capital funds helped fuel the Chinese military and human rights abuses in China. Despite all these disputes, Tan became Intel's chief executive on March 18 this year. Most Chinese media and pundits have praised Tan for his new position. They said Chinese people feel proud that 'Chinese faces' (Jensen Huang, Lisa Su, Hock Tan, and Lip-Bu Tan) are now controlling four US chip giants (Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Intel, respectively). Huang and Su were born in Taiwan, while Hock Tan hails from Malaysia. Read: US senators sound alarm on DeepSeek's security risks
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Hainan media executives pay visit to Menara Star
Niu (fifth from left) receiving a commemorative copy of the first edition of The Star from Chan (sixth from left) during the visit to Menara Star. With them are (from left) Woo, Tung, Lee, Zhou, Chen Shuhuan, Chen Xiaodan, Su and Beh. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star A high-powered delegation from the Hainan Daily Press Group visited Star Media Group (SMG) offices as part of efforts to strengthen media ties and explore areas of collaboration. The five-member delegation to Menara Star in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was led by deputy editor-in-chief Niu Xiaomin. He was accompanied by deputy editor-in-chief and Hainan International Media Centre (HIMC) chief executive officer Chen Shuhuan, HIMC deputy chief content officer Chen Xiaodan and and Nanguo Metropolis editor-in-chief Zhou Yuan. (From left) Chan, Chen Shuhuan, Zhou, Chen Xiaodan, Niu and Woo during the tour of 988 FM's studio in Menara Star. They were welcomed by SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and senior management, including SMG's radio station 988 FM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay, 988 FM assistant general manager Su Joo Li, SMG client brand marketing senior general manager Sharon Lee, SMG executive editor (content design) Tung Eng Hwa and SMG assistant news editor Beh Yuen Hui. The delegation was given a tour of the group's radio studios before moving to a networking and refreshment session where they exchanged views on media landscapes in both countries and explored possible future collaboration. 'We are honoured to host the Hainan Daily Press Group and engage in such a fruitful dialogue,' said Lee. 'Their insights have been invaluable, and we look forward to building on the collaboration ideas we have discussed and develop them into tangible and successful projects.' The delegation's visit followed the recent launch of the Hainan International Media Centre's Asean liaison office in Malaysia, which serves as a hub for regional engagement and supports China-Asean cooperation in trade and cultural exchange. Earlier, Niu said that Malaysia being home to a sizeable Chinese community, including many of Hainanese heritage, played an important role in fostering cultural understanding. He hoped that stories of Malaysian Chinese and those from China could serve as a bridge for greater ties and highlighting the common values across the region.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Muzium Negara exhibition celebrates Chinese opera heritage in Malaysia
With bold makeup, towering headpieces, grand robes and stories passed down through generations, traditional Chinese opera is a spectacle like no other – and now you can experience it up close. At the Chinese Opera: An Introduction And Remembrance exhibition, now on at Galeri 1, Muzium Negara (National Museum) in Kuala Lumpur until Sept 8, culture lovers and curious visitors alike can take a journey through the rich history and cultural evolution of this traditional performing art in Malaysia. This showcase is a collaboration between Muzium Negara and KL's Pat Woh Association Malaysia, a cultural arts group dedicated to keeping the spirit of Cantonese opera alive. On display are over 90 artefacts, from rare costumes and antique headgear to handwritten scripts, musical instruments, and performance props. 'The artefacts on display are primarily owned by the Pat Woh Association, its individual members, as well as a sister association, reflecting a shared effort within the community to preserve and showcase these cultural treasures,' says Lim Choo Leong, deputy honorary secretary of Pat Woh Association Malaysia. Visitors view Cantonese opera costumes (from left): Dai Hon Zong, Jyun Ling, and Mui Heung Saam. Photo: The Star/Art Chen 'Almost all the items in the exhibition are rarely seen by the general public today. These include traditional costumes, headdresses, stage props, and musical instruments that are seldom brought out from private collections or storerooms, making the exhibition a unique opportunity to experience them up close,' he says. Exhibition coordinator Tang Yen Yen says the show came together through archival material and oral histories from those who lived the tradition – helping preserve and share the story of Chinese opera in Malaysia for future generations. 'The roots of Malaysian Chinese opera go back to the 19th century, when immigrants from southern China settled here, bringing their customs, beliefs, and operatic traditions,' says Tang. 'Early performance styles were shaped by Cantonese and Teochew opera,' she adds. An installation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of where Chinese opera performers get into costume and apply their make-up. Photo: The Star/Art Chen Chinese opera in Malaysia isn't confined to a single dialect or tradition – it mirrors the diversity of the Chinese diaspora and the country's multicultural environment. 'In Malaysia, Chinese opera is performed in various dialects such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka and Hainan, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the Chinese community here. The performances are tied to local festivals, religious events and community celebrations, serving not only as a form of entertainment but also as an expression of cultural identity and heritage,' says Tang. Opera treasures One of the exhibition highlights, Tang notes, is the display of rare, historical costumes and accessories used in actual performances. 'Among them is a bodyguard costume from the story of Justice Bao, believed to be over 70 years old and hand-stitched with intricate detail. This character is known for his loyalty and strength, and the costume reflects that through its bold, structured design. 'There's also Justice Bao's 'Black Mang' robe, over 50 years old, traditionally worn by upright judges or officials in Chinese opera. Its refined embroidery and heavy fabric represent authority and moral integrity, and showcase a level of craftsmanship rarely seen today,' she says. Apart from costumes and instruments, the exhibition also features handwritten Chinese opera scripts and literary works. Photo: The Star/Art Chen Other exhibits include handwritten scripts, some dating back decades, showing the evolution of Chinese writing systems and storytelling methods. Visitors can also admire antique headgear, each piece crafted to reflect the rank, role or personality of operatic characters – from warriors and nobles to deities and scholars. The exhibition underlines how Chinese opera was once a communal experience. Performances were held in temples, school grounds and public squares, often sponsored by local associations and patrons. Yet, like many traditional art forms, Chinese opera in Malaysia faces an uncertain future today. 'Chinese opera today faces the challenge of sustaining itself for future generations. While it is still performed during specific cultural festivities and celebrations, this alone is not enough to ensure its survival,' says Tang. She adds that the exhibition serves as both a tribute to the past and a call to action for the future. Welcoming the masses With its line-up of public programmes, Muzium Negara hopes exhibitions like this will spark curiosity and inspire a new appreciation for traditional performing arts, especially among younger audiences. 'This isn't the first time the museum has hosted a Chinese opera exhibition,' says Noor Wahida, Muzium Negara assistant curator of exhibitions and development division. Visitors can discover Chinese opera in Malaysia through video exhibits and interactive displays. Photo: The Star/Art Chen 'But this time, it's more interactive and in-depth – with live performances, mask workshops, makeup demos by actors, and oral sharing by veteran artists alongside the costumes and history,' she adds. The exhibition also features programmes for schools and universities, including guided tours, Q&A sessions, and backstage make-up demos to reveal the intricacies of stage preparation. Special public events are lined up too. On Aug 9, the Pat Woh Association Malaysia will host a Chinese opera makeup demo, music performance, and excerpts from three classic Cantonese plays. On Aug 16, there's a free "Children's Cantonese Opera Workshop" to introduce young participants to the basics of the art form. 'This initiative creates space for the younger generation to experience Chinese opera in a more contemporary way and connect with it. Through live performances and interactive activities, they're not just spectators – they also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values behind the art,' says Noor. The exhibition also showcases a range of traditional Chinese opera musical instruments. Photo: The Star/Art Chen The Chinese Opera exhibition fits perfectly with the spirit of Merdeka month and the upcoming Malaysia Day celebrations. But once it ends, it's hard to say when the public will get another chance to see these cultural treasures up close. Tang agrees that while it's important to have such exhibitions, it's equally crucial to keep the art form alive through regular performances and community engagement. 'To truly preserve and revitalise the art form, greater support is needed, including dedicated venues where Chinese opera and other traditional cultural arts can be actively and regularly performed. "Beyond financial aid and infrastructure, fostering public awareness is vital. The community must recognise that the arts are not just entertainment, but an integral part of our cultural identity and heritage,' she concludes. Chinese Opera: An Introduction And A Remembrance exhibition is showing at Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur until Sept 8. Free admission.
Focus Malaysia
5 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
There're bad apples but ain't true racist attitude is prevalent, systemic within Malaysian Chinese
THIS is certainly not a new accusation and smacks of stereotyping. The Chinese community in Malaysia is insular, tightly knit and hold a superiority complex. This was most certainly the contention of technologist Dinesh Nair (@alphaque) on X following the fall-out of the notorious viral video where a trio of Chinese kids feed chicken bones to a homeless Indian man. Claiming this video – alongside long-held prejudices against other communities such as not renting premises to Indians because 'they smell' – is solid proof of that Malaysian Chinese are a racist lot and reflective of prevailing attitudes within the community. From denying rentals to Indians because they 'smell' to feeding bones to a homeless Indian man for the viral clicks and clout. Tell me again the Chinese in Malaysia are not racist. — Dinesh Nair (@alphaque) August 4, 2025 Regardless that the kids responsible for the video have apologised and claimed that the video was staged, the poster argues that this does not disguise a 'prevalent and prolific attitude which views other ethnicities as subhuman or deserving derision'. He pointed to bias in job opportunities and the aforementioned refusal to rent premises to Indians as problems that get swept under the carpet whenever the issue is raised. It was further argued that the offending video was designed to appeal to a demographic with similar racist tendencies. Such toxic and insular chauvinism is prevalent across the board though the poster conceded there are exceptions. This observation led to a lively debate as evident from the 829K views, 2.9K shares and 206 comments garnered at the time of writing with some agreeing while others vehemently opposed to such sweeping generalisations. Frank online exchanges One who agreed with the poster claimed that the older generation of Chinese were able to disguise their racist attitudes. However, the younger generation lack this skill and – as the video highlighted – are thus exposed as bigots. 'Don't demand for equal rights when you own attitudes are racist to the core' seems to be the message here. Such views and attitudes are also prevalent in the business and corporate setting, claimed another commenter, as the higher management are usually dominated by the Chinese. It was also added that many Type C social media influencers were guilty of racist vitriol. A few lay the blame at vernacular education for creating such an insular mindset. However, many took umbrage at the sweeping generalisation. One commenter pointed to crime stats and asked why did Indians make up a disproportionate number of convicted criminals? Would it then be fair to label all Indians as thugs and crooks? Echoing this sentiment, one commenter claimed that racist idiots exist in every society. It was a mindset that leads to lazy stereotyping. Few highlighted personal experiences to prove that the poster was wrong with his observations. One commenter highlighted that the issue is not the 'race' but the 'racists' within each communal group. Urging the poster to stop generalising, it was pointed out that it is 'crucial for us to be the change that we want to see'. As unpleasant and offensive that video was, there can be no justification for making sweeping generalisations. It benefits nobody. However, there must be tacit acknowledgement that such racist attitudes exist and concrete steps need to be taken to eliminate it once and for all. – Aug 7, 2025
