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Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Gamuda Cove to add zoo, eco-resorts and themed playground in new expansion
by AUFA MARDHIAH GAMUDA Cove is expanding its tourism and community offerings with a new zoo, eco-resorts and an indoor children's playground, following the signing of strategic partnerships with four local and international companies. The latest additions were announced yesterday by GL Play, the leisure and hospitality arm of Gamuda Land, which signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Enfiniti Escapes Sdn Bhd, One Universal Production Sdn Bhd (OUP), Wonderful Wildlife & Recreation Management Sdn Bhd (WWRM), and Seven Evernew PLT. GL Play said the new attractions will be located across the 450-hectare Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands (PIDW), the adjacent 36-hectare Wetlands Arboretum, and The Hive at the township's central hub. Gamuda Land CEO Ir Chu Wai Lune noted that these additions form part of a larger story that Gamuda Cove is telling. 'A story about living well, with nature at your doorstep,' he said in a statement. Under the collaboration with WWRM, a new zoo called Zoorasic Playland will be established, featuring nearly 90 species of animals including the bat-eared fox and black palm cockatoo. The project will prioritise conservation and education, supported by guided tours and wildlife shows curated under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan). In the joint statement, Perhilitan welcomed the collaboration between GL Play and WWRM, which places conservation, education and animal welfare at its core. Its Deputy Director General Datuk Hasnan Yusop believed the initiative will foster greater awareness of Malaysia's rich biodiversity and contribute to eco-tourism and family-friendly attractions in Selangor. Two new eco-stay concepts will also be introduced. Enfiniti Escapes, known for its Tiarasa Escapes glamping resort in Janda Baik, will develop a lakeside retreat at Gamuda Cove. Enfiniti Group's Chief Dream Maker Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina said following the success of Tiarasa Escapes, Tiarasa Lakeside is the next chapter. 'This is not just green tourism—it is meaningful restoration of wild places, local communities, and the way we travel,' she said. Meanwhile, OUP will redevelop the existing chalets at PIDW into luxury pool villas and lakefront villas under its Hadi Premium Collection. OUP CEO Alvin Lee said the villas aim to create a 'stylish, immersive retreat' combining seclusion and nature with modern comforts, such as private pools and floating breakfasts. At The Hive, Seven Evernew PLT will launch a 836-sq metre indoor playground named TiniTin Town, designed specifically for children under 10. Themed as a miniature town, the attraction features interactive streets, characters and play structures crafted by local artists. Seven Evernew Director Datuk Paduka Tan Say Yap noted that the vision was inspired by the carefree days of outdoor play—a place where children could run, imagine and grow. The new offerings are part of Gamuda Land's efforts to boost the township's vibrancy and footfall, supporting commercial zones such as Townsquare and the upcoming Cove Centrum retail hub. They also coincide with the anticipated launch of Asai Gamuda Cove, a hotel developed with Thailand's Dusit International, scheduled to open in early 2026. Located off the Elite Highway and within close proximity to KLIA, Gamuda Cove is master-planned as a smart township that integrates eco-tourism, wellness and sustainable living.
The Guardian
13-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
An Australian politician called Trump's tariffs a ‘dog act' – but what does it mean and how offensive is it?
Caitlin, this week Australia's industry minister, Ed Husic, called US president Donald Trump's tariffs on aluminium and steel a 'dog act'. I grew up in New Zealand, a country so close to Australia and yet so free from the phrase 'dog act'. Please tell me – what does it mean, and does it have anything to do with dogs? Your nation has missed out on a truly scathing critique. Although the phrase features the word 'dog', it has nothing to do with the humble canine. Where dogs are loyal, kind and submissive (yes, I'm a proud labrador owner, what of it), a 'dog act' is treacherous, cowardly and unacceptable. That's according to Oxford University Press, which named 'dog act' its word of the month for September back in 2018. Although the phrase is now a common insult in Australian vernacular, it doesn't have a long history, with OUP finding the first evidence of the term being used in a Daily Telegraph article in 2003. Fascinating. So, if someone told me I'd committed a 'dog act', how offended should I be? You should be utterly appalled. A 'dog act' isn't simply ruffling someone's feathers or snatching a sandwich from an unsuspecting stranger's hands and eating it in one fast gulp (I refer, here, to said labrador). A 'dog act' questions someone's integrity. It's an act of betrayal. This is probably why it's often used in sporting or political contexts, where loyalty is akin to godliness. Every other week, AFL or NRL players are accused of 'dog acts', 'dog shots' or 'dog tackles' on the field. In the words of one Reddit user: 'When I call you a dog, I'm not calling you an animal that walks on all fours and barks. I'm calling you the lowest scum on the Earth.' Noted. I've heard of 'raw-dogging' and 'dogging'. Does this have anything to do with those? Thankfully, there is no sexual innuendo to a 'dog act', unless, perhaps, you're betraying your partner. You aren't being a peeping tom or a voyeur. You aren't having unprotected sex or, in the more modern interpretation of the term 'raw-dogging', drinking caffeine without milk or finishing a nine-hour flight with no entertainment but the flight map. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion In Australian vernacular, calling someone a 'dog' can be highly offensive on its own. Turn it into 'dogging', and it becomes a noun – the act of being a dog by betraying or letting someone down. It all comes down to the delivery. OK, I think I'm following. In this turgid climate, what other Australianisms do I need to be across? Strap in. This isn't the first time an Australian politician has whipped out Australian slang to offend their international counterparts. In 2014, then prime minister Tony Abbott caused chaos (and confusion) when he threatened to 'shirtfront' Vladimir Putin when the Russian president visited Down Under – meaning to perform a front-on chest bump or similar rough handling. The phrase was described as 'quite unusual' by a Russian diplomat. But there are many more Aussie digs that can be applied, depending on the setting. You've got 'drongo', 'dingbat' or 'dipstick' if someone is being stupid, 'flog' to be really offensive, or 'OK champ' for the belittling factor. Then there's my personal favourite, delivered deadpan and looking someone square in the eye: 'Yeah, righto, mate.' I look forward to hearing that deployed by an Australian politician in the near future.
South China Morning Post
09-03-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
‘Kindness' wins 2024 Children's Word of the Year in Britain
'Kindness' was voted the 2024 Children's Word of the Year in Britain. More than 3,000 kids across the UK aged six to 14 were asked for their word of the year. 'Kindness', 'artificial intelligence' and 'conflict' were among the most common suggestions, according to publisher Oxford University Press (OUP). These three words, along with three shortlisted slang words, were chosen from a survey of 1,200 kids. They were then put to a vote by 2,000 children. According to the research, 61 per cent of children chose 'kindness' as the Children's Word of the Year. Some of the children associated the word with mental health. One child said, 'It's always important to be kind as a lot of people struggle with their mental health.' Another said kindness is important 'as you don't know who is suffering'. Andrea Quincey, director of early years and primary publishing at OUP, said: 'This choice suggests something more personal: an awareness of mental health issues and of the hidden challenges others may be facing.' She added that the results show that empathy, tolerance and the language we use matter. Furthermore, kindness is not only a solution to so many problems but is something everyone can do to make a difference. 'Queen' was named the Children's Word of the Year for 2022, following the death of Elizabeth II. In 2023, the pick was 'climate change'.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tour sets record with hundreds of ‘Ultramen' attending, graced by star Totsuka Yuki sharing memorable first visit to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — The Tokusatsu hero, Ultraman, takes centre stage once again with The Ultra Tour, which will run at Sunway Pyramid's LG2 Blue Concourse until March 2. The launch event of the tour also set a record in Southeast Asia after successfully gathering 270 Ultraman fans in themed costumes. Another highlight of the day was the appearance of Totsuka Yuki, best known for his role as Yuma Hize, the 'human host' or alter ego of Ultraman Arc, which concluded its series in early January this year. Actor Totsuka Yuki expressed his gratefulness after seeing support for 'Ultraman Arc'. — Picture by Choo Choy May Totsuka expressed how much he loved seeing so many fans show their support for Ultraman Arc and the Ultraman franchise in general. 'I can't believe there are so many people here who are so supportive of Ultraman Arc,' he said, expressing his gratitude to the fans. During his first visit to Malaysia, he mentioned trying local dishes such as curry laksa and nasi lemak. 'There are a lot of interesting shops here in Sunway Pyramid, like Sushi King, and I'm interested in trying it,' he told Malay Mail. Beyond Malaysia, Totsuka is interested in visiting other Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia. 'I know there are a lot of Ultraman fans in Indonesia, so I would really like to visit once,' he shared. He also would love to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The Ultra Tour launch celebrated a record-breaking Asean. — Picture by Choo Choy May Totsuka's appearance in Malaysia marks another milestone where an actor in an Ultraman series has graced the Malaysian stage, following Hiroki Matsumoto, Raiga Terasaka, Yuka Murayama in 2023, and Tomoya Warabino last year. The Ultra Tour is a groundbreaking collaboration between Tsuburaya Productions, the official master copyright holder of Ultraman, One Universal Production Sdn Bhd (OUP), and Sunway Group. OUP chief executive Alvin Lee said that the tour Malaysia has been truly special. 'This collaboration with Tsuburaya Fields Entertainment International and Sunway Malls isn't just about an event, it's about creating unforgettable memories for fans of all ages while strengthening the cultural bond between Malaysia and Japan,' he said.
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
We all benefit from a creator's dream'
SLOUGH, ENGLAND: For a bookaholic (definition: one always has an emergency book on their person alongside the obligatory phone and wallet), nothing makes the heart twang with excitement more than a literature festival. I am talking, of course, about the 16th Karachi Literature Festival – and the very fact that it exists makes the bookaholic in me more homesick than ever, more so even than the combined pain of missing out on nihari and Bihari kabab rolls. Is there anything for the humble expat? Of course, the main joy in attending a literature festival or book fair of any description is grappling with the question, "How many books will not break the bank?" followed by the deliciously devilish thought, "Screw the bank, how many of these can I carry back to the car?" As an expat currently living in Slough – much too far away from the Beach Luxury Hotel – I was denied the raptures of walking away with a teetering pile of books. However, thanks to Oxford University Press taking the trouble to post mouth-watering reels and full-blown videos of panel discussions with industry experts, I could certainly be there vicariously. Whilst every single contributor spoke eloquently on the issues prevalent today – be it about art or about the world at large – this limited space does not permit paying adequate homage to their insights. Poring through the hours of raw footage posted by OUP, here are two cornerstone media women whose words stood out. Mishal Husain As an expat Pakistani woman, Mishal Husain is a force to be reckoned with – especially for someone wanting to prove to girls that a long-standing respectable career in the media is possible for anyone. Husain's face and voice will be familiar to any avid BBC news watcher for 28 years until late last year. The broadcast journalist, whose roots lie in Pakistan, spoke during the closing ceremony during her first stint at the festival, lauding the range of panel discussions from climate change to theatre in Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pashto, amongst many others. "The special spirit of Karachi has been brought under one roof – this has not happened by accident," Husain said warmly. Speaking in depth about her parents' and grandparents' experiences during partition, Husain said, "I mention all this because of the many writers and creators of different kinds who are gathered here. In their dreams, there will be fictional characters and the search for the right word of expression. For the visual creator, they will try to capture the right image that captures their scene. Film and documentary makers will dream of the perfect visuals. For agents and designers, there will be layouts and captions – and that's where all of us come in and come together. Paying homage to the depth and breadth of creators in the country, Husain poignantly noted, "We all benefit from the dreams of the creators. In the context of Pakistan, their work is no less of a part of the building of a nation than the building of a factory or a road." Kamila Shamsie on writing Any aspiring Pakistani novelist would do well to take on board Salt and Safron author Kamila Shamsie's advice on writing, which the writer eloquently expressed during a panel discussion running over an hour long. You would be surprised to know that there is much more to finishing a book than nailing the nitty gritty of your plot and the backstory of your characters. "If the writing has to feel alive, a lot of it has to be a surprise to you, as a writer," she advised. "There has to be a sense of discovery there. You really need to log into your subconscious." When it comes to getting under the skin of a place, Shamsie had more specific insights. "Writing about a place defines your relationship to that city," said the writer, who has previously gone on record to say that she is made up of the books that she has read as much as the cities she has lived in. Elaborating on the special nuances she incorporates about a place in her writing, Shamsie added, "When you write about a place, you need to know, what is the weather in May as opposed to November? What plants are in bloom? What trees are growing there?" Be not alarmed if you want to write fiction but cannot even keep a cactus alive. I don't know anything about plants," confessed Shamsie. "I'm terrible. But every one of my novels will tell you what is in bloom, what trees are around and whether they are in flower or not. When I'm writing about Karachi, I basically call my mother and ask her, 'In June, what's in flower?'" The details that Shamsie stitches into her prose becomes evident when we see her writer's mind at work – and to be given the opportunity to get a sneak peek behind the scenes makes the pain being so far away from this precious festival bearable. Other KLF highlights The three-day Karachi Literature Festival was held from February 7-9 at the Beach Luxury Hotel, with this year's theme revolving around 'Narrative from the Soil'. Panel discussions shed light on critical issues facing the city and its place in the world, seeking ways to move forward. Rather than dwelling on disorder, violence, and calamities, the aim was to understand these challenges and find lasting solutions. The key to finding these lasting solutions? Bringing on board a diverse group of writers, thinkers and literature enthusiasts to share their stories and ideas, exploring major trends and critical issues. Bearing all this in mind, the festival this year featured over 70 sessions, including 26 book launches with a mix of both Urdu and English, alongside 15 sessions showcasing theatre, story-time, and music for younger audiences. The broad range of sessions included talks on literature, education, public interest and culture, as well as performances, feature films, and a series of short independent film screenings. In a country where public libraries are as scarce as blue diamonds, for the committed book lover, any place with a horde of books in one place is tantamount to a fashionista discovering there is a 90 per cent sale on Gucci handbags. Add to that the icing on the cake of a place for Pakistani writers to come together and take part in panel discussions (free for us to watch, in person or online), and there is no finer way to spend a weekend.
