Latest news with #Won
The Star
13-07-2025
- The Star
Locally sauced
PASSIONATE and adventurous, Chef James Won once dove into a river in a remote village in Sarawak for the 'best ingredients'. It was in the wee hours, when the waters were calm. Won was foraging for mussels and wanted to have them fresh for his next meal. Suddenly, splashes disturbed the calm river. Much to his surprise, several villagers stood on the riverside behind him, throwing rocks into the water a few metres away. 'They told me they were throwing rocks to deter some crocodiles away. I guess I would wade into the dangers of the unknown for food,' Won quipped to a group of reporters recently. Won's experience with the locals reflects the warmth and generosity that define Sarawakians – much like the food they serve, they're rich in flavour and full of heart. Hailing from a small Hakka new village in Jinjang, Selangor, Won has long championed food as a powerful force that brings people together. In fact, he is now leading the 'Serumpun Sarawak' campaign, which aims to highlight Sarawak's gastronomical delights to the world. Won says food can be a vessel of dignity. — Agencies 'We want to ensure that Sarawak's culinary traditions, from foraged jungle greens and smoked river fish, to the ceremonial use of bamboo and stone, are not just remembered, but respected, revitalised and reimagined. 'We believe that food can be a vessel of dignity. That in every indigenous technique, every heirloom ingredient, every community gathering, lies an opportunity to uplift, educate and empower.' The effort is also part of the state's broader push for sustainable tourism, which among others entails conserving resources, respecting local cultures and creating jobs for local residents. Food for thought Sarawak's tourism campaign to highlight its culinary wonders is a declaration of the region's powerful affirmation that indigenous heritage, culinary identity and creative spirit deserve their rightful place on the world stage. 'And not as novelties, but as benchmarks of excellence,' says Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who also heads the region's youth, sports and entrepreneur development portfolio. He says Serumpun Sarawak's vision will be showcased in Osaka, Japan from Aug 5 to 8, as part of the global celebration surrounding World Expo 2025. 'There, amidst innovation from across the planet, the world will get a taste of not just Sarawak's cuisine, but also its identity. Its design. Its way of life.' Traditional Sarawak snack tumpik. — Bernama Abdul Karim says Serumpun Sarawak also reflects the region's deepening commitment to sustainable tourism, which strives to balance between the needs of tourists and local communities. 'These are not just events on a calendar. They are a journey. A journey that shows Sarawak's culinary and cultural expressions are not meant to be preserved behind glass – they are living, breathing and ready to shape the global narrative. 'But journeys are never built in isolation. 'Serumpun Sarawak' is a triumph of collaboration. It brings together chefs, farmers, artisans, storytellers, designers and communities. It is a beautiful reminder that when Sarawakians come together – when we walk as one – we create something powerful, enduring and extraordinary.' Coffee and nuts A vivid example of how food and sustainability converge in Sarawak is the rearing of the empurau fish – a prized catch that also boosts local livelihoods. Gastronomical delight: The empurau fish is a prized catch in Sarawak. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/THE STAR Won says the empurau's distinctive taste comes from its diet of buah engkabang, or illipe nuts. These nuts are key to its famously fatty, fragrant flavour. 'This is why the fish costs so much (it is reported that it can fetch up to more than RM1,500 per kilo).' However, engkabang trees fruit unpredictably. 'Since the empurau has become more and more popular, more farmers and horticulturists have taken up engkabang husbandry (to produce the nuts) to feed the empurau. These are among the many interesting things taking place in Sarawak.' In the highlands, coffee cultivation is also getting attention. Raven Kwok, co-founder of Earthlings Coffee Workshop, says Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world cultivating liberica, a rare coffee bean prized for its smoky, bold and sometimes fruity flavour. 'The country is often overshadowed by other coffee producers including Indonesia. But liberica can put us back on the map.' Kwok says liberica coffee bean can put Malaysia on the map. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star —Earthlings Coffee Workshop He points to promising efforts in Long Banga in Marudi district – deep in the heart of Borneo – where locals are turning to liberica as a high-value crop. 'It's difficult for them to sell fresh produce in a (competitive) market. So growing coffee makes sense, since it's a non-threshold commodity (it doesn't spoil quickly or require refrigeration),' says Kwok. Coffee cultivation is getting attention in the Sarawak highlands. —Earthlings Coffee Workshop Balancing act Still, with Sarawak's tourism efforts gaining traction, questions arise about how to avoid the pitfalls of over-tourism. Abdul Karim admits this is a growing concern, citing the experiences of Venice and Bali – where unchecked tourism caused rental and food prices to soar, hurting locals. 'We will work to prevent (the tourism in Sarawak) from reaching to such a state. That is the reason why, when we carry out promotions, we are careful in terms of (targeting) the kind of visitors we are inviting to the country.' He says tourist education and regulation are crucial, especially in sensitive natural areas. 'We want tourists who can appreciate the beauty of Sarawak's nature. Not the ones who want to spoil our nature, culture and heritage.' Abdul Karim: 'We want tourists who can appreciate the beauty of Sarawak's nature. Not the ones who want to spoil our nature, culture and heritage.' — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star Asked whether increased global demand for Sarawakian cuisine could lead to a rise in ingredient prices, he remains confident. 'Presently, we are not worried. Even if it affects (the prices), we will know how to make the necessary adjustments. This is so that the locals will not feel the pinch.' On Serumpun Sarawak's upcoming showcase in Osaka, the Sarawak Tourism Board says the event will be hosted at Seaside Studio Caso and introduce Japanese and international audiences to the depth and diversity of Sarawak's indigenous cuisines, ingredients and creative expressions. 'Through curated dining experiences, visual storytelling and cultural showcases, Osaka will offer a window into Sarawak's soul – a vibrant confluence of land, people and culinary heritage.' The international debut will be followed by a community-based activation at Unesco world heritage site Mulu National Park. Serumpun Sarawak will be held at the Unesco world heritage-listed Mulu National Park in October. —EDDIE CHUA/The Star 'In October 2025, the journey will host a site-specific experience within the park itself, blending indigenous culinary traditions, ecological appreciation and cultural storytelling in one of the world's most awe-inspiring environments. 'The Mulu activation reflects Serumpun Sarawak's commitment to ensuring that global recognition is always grounded in respect for local communities, biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge systems.'
Korea Herald
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
X for borderless, frontier music: ACC rebrands its global festival
The National Asian Culture Center Foundation, based in Gwangju, has relaunched its global music event, the ACC World Music Festival, under a new name and an expanded vision as the ACC X Music Festival (ACC XMF). The newly rebranded festival is set to take place from Aug. 29 to 31. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the ACC, the rebranding aims to redefine the festival's identity and direction. Organizers say the change reflects a shift toward a broader, more inclusive global perspective and a more contemporary cultural ethos. 'The term 'world music' carries connotations of marginalizing non-English music -- labeling it as 'Third World' or 'other.' I felt it was time to decisively shift the image," said Won Il, who also leads the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, a traditional music group based in Gyeonggi Province, during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. The new name, "X", symbolizes cross-cultural exchange, borderlessness and undiscovered arts, encapsulating the festival's ambition to become a contemporary, genre-defying celebration of music. 'We want to showcase music at the frontier -- sounds that exist at the intersection of cultures,' Won added. The 2025 edition will feature a diverse lineup of Korean and international acts. From Korea, the lineup includes singer-songwriters O3ohn and Car the Garden; indie bands Touched, Danpyunsun and the Moments; acoustic duo Animal Divers; and alternative electronic band 64ksana. From abroad will be reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid (Jamaica), experimental/folk duo Fran & Flora (UK), experimental band Senyawa (Indonesia), boundary-blurring music project Nubim Kim Group (Netherlands) and gayageum performers the DoYeon Kim Quintet (US). One of the key highlights of ACC XMF 2025 will be three international collaboration stages that spotlight the festival's vision of cultural fusion: a Korean-Japanese project featuring Min Young-chi and percussionist Hidano Shuichi, a collaboration between European jazz artists and Korean samulnori group Newdot, and a Korea-UK project, Hilgeum and Alice Zawadzki. While specific dates and venues have yet to be announced, the festival will also expand its programming to Seoul through a partnership with the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. 'The ACC's performance spaces are remarkably beautiful -- music blends into them naturally,' said Kim Myung-kyu, president of the National Asian Culture Center Foundation. 'It's a powerful asset and a space with enormous potential. I hope people will come see for themselves how music and space harmonize here.'
Express Tribune
06-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Johnny Somali faces years in jail as victim demands maximum sentence
YouTuber Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, could face a significantly longer prison sentence after an alleged victim filed a court petition requesting the maximum punishment. Somali is currently on trial in South Korea, where he faces multiple charges including Obstruction of Business and violations of the Minor Crimes Act, stemming from controversial livestreams filmed across the country. The streamer has pleaded guilty to two Obstruction of Business charges and two Minor Crimes Act violations but maintains his innocence on several Deepfake-related charges. New information suggests additional charges may also be on the horizon. On June 30, YouTuber Legal Mindset, who has been closely following the case, revealed that a court petition has been submitted by an individual reportedly impacted by Somali's actions. The petitioner is believed to be either a passenger delayed on a bus due to Somali's behavior or a parent who was present at Lotte World when Somali allegedly used text-to-speech to make disturbing comments involving children. The legal petition requires the victim to prove actual harm, a lack of remorse by Somali, and that no reconciliation occurred. If found valid and Somali is convicted, the petition could push his sentence from a minimum of 6 months to over 4 years. In addition, a separate case concerning alleged child sexual harassment is progressing rapidly. If convicted, Somali could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 50 million Won (approx. $36,200 USD). Somali's next court date is set for August 13, 2025, with a full day of testimony expected. The trial continues to draw widespread attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the influencer's high profile.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Squid Game codes for July 2025: How to redeem codes in Roblox's Squid Game: The Final Games
Squid Game: The Final Games codes: Netflix has officially launched Squid Game: The Final Games on Roblox, and it's every bit as thrilling as fans hoped. Just in time for the release of Squid Game Season 3, this immersive Roblox experience brings the intense, suspense-filled world of Squid Game to life, with competitive mini-games, deadly challenges, and exclusive in-game rewards. Whether you're a seasoned Roblox player or a dedicated fan of the hit Netflix series, this game lets you dive right into the action and win cash in the form of Won. And the best part? You can use Squid Game codes to unlock billions of Won for free! What Is Roblox's Squid Game: The Final Games? Roblox's Squid Game: The Final Games is an official Netflix-backed title inspired by the original Squid Game series. With the hype of Squid Game Season 3, this game has become a viral sensation. Players compete in classic survival games from the show, including Red Light, Green Light and Tug of War, all while collecting rewards and upgrading their characters using Won. The game also features a variety of custom avatars and power-ups that enhance your gameplay, many of which can be unlocked using Squid Game codes. All New Squid Game: The Final Games Codes for July 2025 Here are the latest working Squid Game codes for July 2025. Use them to grab millions of free Won and get a competitive edge: Player149 – 91.2 million Won (NEW) Player333 – 91.2 million Won (NEW) Player456 – 91.2 million Won (NEW) These codes are inspired by characters from the original Netflix Squid Game series and are packed with massive rewards. All Active Squid Game Codes (As of 1st July 2025) According to Eurogamer, these are the currently active and most powerful Squid Game codes available: REBELLION – $5 billion (NEW) THXFOR50000 – $1 billion (NEW) GAMEISFIXED – $2.5 billion SEASON2UPDATE2 – $2 billion FREE5B – $5 billion THXFOR35000 – $1 billion These codes will help you build your inventory quickly, giving you access to rare items, exclusive skins, and powerful abilities. Make sure to redeem them before they expire! How to Redeem Squid Game Codes in Roblox Wondering how to redeem Squid Game codes in Roblox? Just follow these simple steps: Open Squid Game: The Final Games in Roblox. Join a lobby and wait for the main menu to load. On the bottom-left corner, click on the 'Codes' icon. Copy a working code from the list above. Paste it in the text box that says [Code Here]. Hit the blue Confirm button to redeem. Tip: Roblox codes are case-sensitive, so it's best to copy and paste them directly to avoid typos. Code Not Working? Here's How to Fix It If you see an error message like 'Code does not exist!', don't worry. Here are some quick fixes: Double-check the spelling and ensure there are no spaces. Make sure the code hasn't expired. Restart the game and try again. Use only codes from trusted sources. Sometimes codes are removed or changed by the developers, so it's always best to stay updated. Where to Find New Squid Game Codes? Unlike other Roblox games, Netflix hasn't launched an official Discord server for Squid Game: The Final Games. This means that new Squid Game codes are usually shared on the game's official Roblox page or by the developers directly. Since keeping track of every update can be tiring while you're busy playing, we've got you covered! We regularly monitor and update all the latest working codes. So, bookmark this page and check back often to grab free rewards as soon as they're released. Don't Miss Out on Free Squid Game Rewards! With the release of Squid Game Season 3, this Roblox game is hotter than ever. Make sure you're using all the latest Squid Game codes to claim billions of Won, unlock amazing upgrades, and dominate every challenge in The Final Games. Stay updated with us for fresh code drops and tips on how to redeem your rewards hassle-free. Good luck — and may you survive till the end! Tags: Squid Game, Squid Game codes, how to redeem Squid Game codes, Netflix Squid Game Roblox, Roblox Squid Game July codes, Squid Game: The Final Games, Squid Game Season 3, free Squid Game rewards, working Squid Game codes, redeem Squid Game codes 2025, Netflix Squid Game update, Roblox Squid Game Won, July 2025 game codes, Roblox survival game, new Squid Game promo codes To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
India.com
28-06-2025
- India.com
Caught On Camera: Video Captures Moment Man Sets Subway Ablaze Over Divorce
A 67-year-old man, whose last name is Won, has been officially charged in Seoul with allegedly firebombing a moving subway train on May 31, an act prosecutors say was motivated by anger over his divorce. The startling attack, which was caught on recently released surveillance footage, caused serious injury and damage to property. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office stated that Won is charged with several serious offences, including attempted murder, setting a moving train on fire, and Railway Safety Act violations. The fire broke out at approximately 8:42 AM on Line 5 of the Seoul Subway as the train passed through an underwater tunnel between Mapo and Yeouinaru Stations under the Han River. Yonhap News Agency has it that Won allegedly doused a subway car with gasoline and then set his clothes ablaze, sparking a quick spread of fire and panic on board. No es el metro Balderas, pantitlán, el rosario o indios verdes, es el metro de Seúl: un sujeto provocó un incendio dejando varios lesionados, para que no le vengan a chismear @lopezdoriga @azucenau @CiroGomezL @rivapa_oficial @CarlosLoret y se vayan a tomar fotos los del PRIAN — (@roro_asesino) June 27, 2025 The arson assault saw 22 of the passengers hospitalised mainly for smoke inhalation, while another 129 people were treated on site. The perpetrator himself was also injured and hospitalized. The fire left an estimated 330 million won (about $240,000 USD) worth of property damages, including damage to one subway car to a large extent - according to The Chosun Daily. The investigators have found that Won's reason for the harmful act was deep discontent with the verdict in his divorce case. He was arrested by the police and sent to the prosecution on June 9, resulting in his official indictment. The authorities are still investigating the conditions behind the incident to enact preventive measures against similar future attacks and to secure public transport.
