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New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Jom Heboh finale draws huge crowds with star-studded appearances, family activities
KUALA LUMPUR: The final day of Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) here drew large crowds, bringing vibrant energy to the venue with a host of family-oriented activities, interactive games, and appearances by popular local artistes. Among the main attractions at KL Base in Sungai Besi was the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) booth, which featured a car racing simulator and offered exciting prizes. Organised by Media Prima Bhd, the carnival showcased a range of engaging programmes, including performances by renowned artistes, exhibition booths from 150 local brands, and community awareness campaigns. Fauzi Pasilon, 52, from Morib, brought along his children, who were thrilled to try out the various age-appropriate games. "I often play go-kart, and when I saw the Gran Turismo simulator at the NSTP booth, I was immediately interested in giving it a go. "It was a satisfying experience handling the simulator, and the kids had a great time too," he said. Zeity Akhtar Zaharin, 41, from Setapak, expressed her delight at spending quality time with her husband and their four children. "Since it's the school holidays, we took the opportunity to let the kids unwind and explore the many games on offer at the carnival. "They were excited to win prizes, the food was delicious, and the highlight for them was meeting Malaysia's beloved singer, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza," she said. NSTP volunteer Rasyidah Alzawariah Raub said the booth received an overwhelming response, especially from families. "The car simulation game was one of the most popular attractions, drawing participants from children to senior citizens. "We also distributed free copies of Berita Harian, Harian Metro, and the New Straits Times. Many visitors appreciated this, especially those who still enjoy reading physical newspapers," she said. Meanwhile, NSTP Finance Department Credit Control executive Nur Syakirah Jaffree said this edition of the carnival was among the most successful in terms of sales and visitor numbers. "The family-friendly theme was clearly evident. Parents truly enjoyed spending time playing with their children. "The spacious parking area and the RM20 fee for a whole family to enjoy the video games made it all worthwhile," she added. From: Fuad
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM makes surprise visit to MCF Chess event for grandson
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid a packed schedule, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today made a brief but meaningful stop to support his grandson, Sulaimaan Mohamad Khairul, at the Mini Chess Festival (MCF), held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. The thirteen-year-old Sulaimaan is competing in the inaugural MCF, organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) and the New Straits Times Press (NSTP), at the World Trade Centre (WTC). He is taking part in the Under-18 category of the MCF Open Rapid Team Chess Tournament. Upon arrival, Anwar was welcomed by NSTP Business Development and Special Projects Manager Tengku Kaifi Mirza Tuan Cherit and Berita Harian News Editor (Features and Religion) Nazmi Yaakub. The prime minister, who spent around 10 minutes at the venue, was also seen engaging warmly with participants and spectators. His presence sparked excitement among the young chess players, many of whom took the opportunity to greet him and snap quick photos. Sulaimaan, when met, said he joined the competition organised by NSTP and MCF with the aim of winning it. The eldest of four said he learned how to play chess at the KL Chess Academy in 2020. "Every year, I also take part in chess tournaments," he said. Sulaimaan's father, Mohamad Khairul Ahmad Jahudi, 45, said he was proud and happy with his son's achievement in participating in the chess competition. He said he also wanted his son to build character and experience the ups and downs of competing. "The highs and lows, the wins and losses are valuable experiences he can carry with him in life," he said. Speaking to NSTP reporters later, Tengku Kaifi said Anwar's visit was a meaningful gesture that affirmed NSTP and MCF's efforts in promoting educational and intellectual development among youth through chess. "Chess enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving skills and is a healthy form of competition that has a positive impact on students. "As such, we feel excited, appreciated and encouraged that what we are trying to promote to the public has been acknowledged by the prime minister himself. "It shows that he (Anwar) also supports efforts by the wider community to educate students and further strengthen their thinking skills through learning chess," he said. With four categories, children, adults, open, and team tournament, MCF has attracted more than 200 chess enthusiasts of all ages, offering a total prize pool of RM20,000. The festival, held from May 28 to June 1, involves different tournaments, including the Open Blitz, National Youth Blitz, Open Rapid Team, National Youth Rapid, and Open Rapid. Meanwhile, before visiting the tournament, Anwar also stopped by the NSTP booth at the book fair, where a selection of NSTP publications, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Harian Metro, was available to visitors.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
PM Anwar drops by chess meet to cheer grandson at KL Book Fair
KUALA LUMPUR: Amidst his busy schedule, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today made time to support his grandson, Sulaimaan Mohamad Khairul, 13, who was participating in a chess competition held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025. Anwar briefly visited the chess competition venue on the second floor of the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), the official venue of PBAKL 2025, to show his support for Sulaimaan and the other participants in the tournament. While watching his grandson in action, Anwar was seen offering words of encouragement and joking with Sulaimaan. The NSTP-MCF Open Rapid Team Chess Tournament 2025 was jointly organised by New Straits Times Press (NSTP) and the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) in conjunction with PBAKL 2025. The event saw participation from school students and young chess players from across the country, as well as international participants, competing in both team and individual formats. Earlier, Anwar officiated the closing ceremony of PBAKL 2025, which was held for 10 days since May 23. Also present at the event were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, PBAKL 2025 organising chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari. The prime minister also took time to visit the PBAKL booths and interact with visitors. With the theme 'Buku: Membaca, Memimpin' (Books: Reading, Leading), the 42nd edition of PBAKL recorded a total of 1.8 million visitors over its 10-day duration.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Virtual Racing thrills families at NSTP booth during Karnival Jom Heboh
KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors to the Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) at KL Base were treated to an exciting dose of futuristic fun at the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) booth, which featured a virtual racing experience powered by augmented reality (AR) technology. The interactive activity allowed participants to use a gaming steering wheel to control a physical toy car on a designated track. A television screen in front of the drivers displayed the actual course, enhanced with car designs and digital power-ups, creating an immersive virtual racing environment. Rahmat Hilmi, 40, from Keramat praised the unique experience, adding that it brought families together. "It's really something different from the other booths. It brings that family vibe where everyone, regardless of age, can take part," he said. He also suggested a few improvements, including increasing the visibility of the activity from afar to attract more visitors. "Right now, people have to walk past the booth before they notice the TV screen. "Maybe clearer signage or better promotional visuals could help catch attention from a distance," he added. The booth offered the activity at a family-friendly price of RM20 for four people, which many found worthwhile. Meanwhile, checks from morning until 3pm did not see as many visitors flooding into KJH as compared to previous locations. One of the visitors, Ahmad Naqiuddin Shah. 27, who lives nearby the carnival at Jalan Klang Lama said it could be due to the hot weather. "I came because it just so happens to be near my house which is only 15 minutes away. "It might not seem lively right now, especially earlier in the afternoon due to the hot weather. "But maybe people are looking forward to the concert tonight when the temperature is cooler. "But I would recommend people to come because KJH is known for its fun and family-friendly activities. And on the bright side, there is ample parking for visitors," he said. KJH, the roadshow-style carnival will continue its tour across other states, including Penang, Johor, Kelantan, and Sarawak. Adding to the excitement at KL Base will be a special appearance by cast members from the hit film Ejen Ali 2, which is currently screening in cinemas nationwide. In addition to the AR racing experience, visitors can look forward to a host of exciting programmes throughout the day. At 4.30pm, the first Drama Meet and Greet session featuring cast members from Bukan Ipar Sempurna, Fazleena Md Daud, Atira Karma, Jiha Sham and Cahaya Nilam, will take place at Studio Tonton Drama Sangat. This will be followed by a second session at 6.15pm for fans of Aku Bukan Ustazah 2, where Ahmad Syafiq, Fikhree Bakar and Shaza Bae are scheduled to make an appearance. The festivities will culminate in the much-anticipated Konsert Jom Heboh at 9pm on the Pentas Utama stage. The concert will showcase performances by a star-studded lineup including Shiha Zikir, Bunga Isme, Puteri Khareeza, Ameerais, Aisha Retno, Khai Bahar and the group A.X.P, led by Amir Sofaz.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mini Chess Festival prepares young prodigy for global competition
KUALA LUMPUR: Nine-year-old Nik Aimee Camilla Nik Ahmad Farouqi is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making bold moves on the chessboard. The youngest of four siblings, Nik Aimee recently took part in the Mini Chess Festival (MCF), a tournament organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation in collaboration with the New Straits Times Press (NSTP), held during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. The event served as an important warm-up for Nik Aimee, who is preparing to represent Malaysia in two upcoming international tournaments — the Ashgabat 2025 International Chess Tournament in Turkmenistan from June 15 to 19 and the Eastern Asian Youth Chess Championship in China from July 20 to 30. Speaking to NSTP, Nik Aimee said 6, upon observing her father and older brothers playing at home. "My interest began when I watched my father play. I practised a lot with him and my older brothers. "My passion grew even more after I became the Under-8 champion at the National Youth Chess Championship," she said when met at the World Trade Centre during the MCF. Offering a total prize of RM20,00, there are four categories — children, adults, open and team tournament. It was officiated earlier by Media Prima Bhd On-Air Presentation News and Current Affairs Division general manager Kamaruddin Mape. Also present were Harian Metro Group Editor Husain Jahit, Malaysian Chess Federation president Akramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur managing director Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim. Meanwhile, asked whether she was nervous, Nik Aimee said she felt calm ahead of the two major tournaments, adding that it would not be her first time playing abroad. "I have played in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and also Italy before," she said. Her father, Nik Ahmad Farouqi Nik Abdul Aziz, 43, who is also a chess coach, said he recognised his daughter's potential early on, when she took second place in an under-7 tournament. "We did not force her. I would just play chess in front of her. From there, we saw her interest and gave her exposure. "Since then we have focused on helping her improve her performance. "She represented Malaysia at the World Youth Cadet in Egypt two years ago, and again in Italy last year," he said. Nik Ahmad Farouqi said the MCF was part of their preparations for the Turkmenistan and China tournaments. "It helps her to maintain her performance and focus. I also ask her to track her own progress. These tournaments help us assess her current level and identify areas for improvement." He added that the offer to compete in Turkmenistan came just a day ago, after MCF confirmed her selection as a national athlete based on her past achievements. "It is not easy to get opportunities like this. Now the challenge is to prepare her mentally and physically. "We want to push her to perform, but not to the point where she burns out. She knows she is carrying the national flag, and she takes that seriously," he said. The upcoming tournament in China will see participation from 15 players aged nine and below, from countries including China, Japan, and Malaysia. Nik Aimee is expected to represent Malaysia as one of its youngest competitors. Meanwhile, her mother, Nik Aleena Nik Abdul Rahman, also 43, said the family was focused on supporting Nik Aimee in every aspect, including emotional well-being and school commitments. "She is still a child, so there are days when she does not feel like training. We have to monitor her emotional state, energy levels and even her diet.
