#SHOWBIZ: Jasmine Suraya's vision for talent development
Jasmine, 36, who recently earned her master's degree from the Lee Strasberg Film and Theatre Institute in Los Angeles, the United States, pointed out that current government funding primarily focuses on film production.
"There was some misinterpretation when I previously spoke on this issue. Some suggested that I was asking for government funds to finance my studies," she said.
"I have the means to fund my own education. My concern is that the creative industry lacks specific funding for talent development, particularly for young artistes and those working behind the scenes.
"We see the government and Finas investing millions in film production, but where is the corresponding investment in developing our local talent?" she questioned.
"This talent development funding should be accessible not only to actors, but also to directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers and other crucial members of the production crew, to enhance their skills," she told Harian Metro.
The 'Paskal' and 'Daulat' actress hoped that her proposal would resonate with the government and Finas.
"This initiative would provide aspiring individuals with valuable opportunities to grow and expand their knowledge.
"If the government and Finas are serious about the continued growth of the creative industry, allocating resources for talent development is essential."
As a starting point, she suggested identifying promising Malaysian talent and providing them with the means to further their education and refine their skills.
Drawing inspiration from South Korea's success, Jasmine said, "I admire how rapidly their creative industry has flourished.
"Their approach is holistic; they understand that success requires investment in all aspects of the industry, not just one.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
QuickCheck: Was the narrator of the Dark Souls video game a Malaysian?
IN THE hit video game Dark Souls, the player is a cursed undead, resurrected only to endure an endless cycle of death and rebirth. Their perilous journey leads them through a crumbling land of forgotten gods, all in pursuit of a primordial truth that could either rekindle the world or plunge it into eternal darkness. Is it true that the narrator of the opening sequence to Dark Souls was actually a Malaysian? Verdict: TRUE Pik-Sen Lim, born in Penang, Malaysia, was the one who provided the chilling voiceover that welcomes players into the world of Dark Souls. Not only that, she was also a narrator for its third instalment, Dark Souls 3. She had already built a noteworthy acting portfolio long before her involvement in the gaming industry. Best known for her role as Chung Su-Lee in the British sitcom Mind Your Language (1977–1979), she showcased sharp comedic timing opposite stars like Barry Evans. Penangite Pik-Sen Lim, from Mind Your Language fame, was the narrator for the opening sequence of Dark Souls. Beyond that, she appeared in various television productions, including Doctor Who ("The Mind of Evil", 1971), Sorry I'm Single (1967), and The Professionals (1978-1993). More recently she appeared in Johnny English Reborn in 2011. Her film credits spanned dramas and comedies alike, demonstrating her profound versatility as an actor. Her path to voicing Dark Souls' introduction stemmed from her wide-ranging vocal abilities and stage experience. Many fans of the franchise still praise Lim's contributions as an integral part of the game's grimly beautiful aesthetic. After rising in prominence through television, film, and theatre, Lim ventured into voice acting, including other noteworthy gaming appearances. Her capacity to adapt her voice to nuanced characters left an indelible mark on the Dark Souls brand. Her role remains a memorable part of gaming culture, with fans reiterating that her narration set the foreboding stage for the punishing adventure ahead. Lim passed away at the ripe old age of 80 on June 9 this year. References: 1. news/nation/2025/06/13/penang- born-actress-lim-pik-sen-from- 039mind-your-language039- passes-away-at-80?utm_medium= socmed&utm_campaign=TG 2. nm0510586/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_ tt_6_nm_2_in_0_q_Pik%2520Sen% 2520Lim
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Shila Amzah's new song explores healing and hope
MALAYSIAN singer Shila Amzah returns with her latest single, 'Pernah Punya Aku' (Once Mine), a deeply personal work entirely written and composed by Shila herself. This song also marks a phase of maturity for Shila after 25 years as an artiste. 'Pernah Punya Aku' is Shila's latest offering after a long break from creating, and it arrives brimming with emotion and honesty. Recalling the writing process, Shila explained that the song was crafted in just two days while she was still in her post-partum confinement period. "At that time, my emotions were unstable. My husband suggested I try to express what I was feeling through song, and that's how 'Pernah Punya Aku' was born. "It wasn't just an outlet, but also a healing process for me," Shila said. The song was recorded in a very positive and efficient environment, with Genervie Kam acting as producer and music arranger. Kam, a highly respected female music director in Malaysia, provided full support to Shila throughout the recording process, which took only about 40 minutes to complete. "I felt very comfortable working with Genervie. She understood me as an artiste and a woman. The recording process was very smooth and effective," she said. Shila added that although the song touches on themes of disappointment and sadness in a relationship, she infused elements of hope and strength to make it a space for recovery for listeners. "Even though this song is sad, I want listeners to know that behind every pain there is a way out. "This song reflects the feelings of many women who have been left or betrayed, but at the same time, I included words of encouragement so they know they are not alone," she explained. Shila chose to let her mother hear the song first. "I dedicated this song to a woman who was cheated on and abandoned. I wanted my mother to hear it first because she is closer to that perspective. "According to her, the song was very touching and depicted what she had felt," she said. 'Pernah Punya Aku' is the first single from Shila's upcoming new full-length album, set to be released later this year. It serves as a way for her to let go of a buried story and open a new chapter in her life's journey as a mother, a woman, and an artiste. Produced by Nova Music, it is currently available for streaming on all music streaming platforms. The official music video for the song can be viewed on Nova Music's YouTube channel.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Con men camaraderie
TRUTH is, few expect a Cantonese-Mandarin comedy-thriller about scam syndicates to deliver more than some noise, loud acting and a recycled plot. But Money Game$ surprises in the best way. Directed by Matt Lai and backed by a powerhouse cast including Jack Lim, Eric Tsang and Bobby Au-Yeung, this rollercoaster dives into the flashy, fast-paced world of financial fraud with tongue firmly in cheek and just enough heart to keep audiences watching. This co-production between Malaysia and Hong Kong is very much a local gem, not because it breaks new ground, but because it knows exactly what it wants to do, entertain. And entertain it does, with a chaotic mix of action, brainy schemes, slapstick humour and some truly questionable bromance energy that feels right at home. Lam (Lim) leads the Anti-Fraud Society with sharp instincts and a calm demeanor. – PR Plotting the perfect scam Money Game$ follows the Anti-Fraud Society, led by Zeng Miao Zhu (Lim), who uncovers a shady new racket after cracking a major fraud case. He dispatches his elite team to infiltrate a scam operation run by the Tang Gang. Their mission: pretend to be the faces of the operation, attract investors and gather evidence from the inside. That is about as much as can be said without venturing into spoiler territory, but what unfolds is a tightly packed mix of chaos, deception and corporate cat-and-mouse antics. The film blends high-stakes tension with zany humour in a way that is entertaining if not exactly groundbreaking. What really sells it is the energetic direction and the cast's comedic timing. Message in the madness While the storyline dips into the absurd, the underlying message is surprisingly sharp. The film explores the rise of money games, online fraud and get-rich-quick schemes, all deeply relevant in a Malaysian context. It is a cautionary tale wrapped in ridiculous wigs, over-the-top disguises and a surprisingly sincere take on morality. For viewers who have been bombarded with scam texts and 'investment opportunities' on social media, the film strikes a familiar chord. It does not preach, but it does poke fun at both the scammers and the people who fall for them. Somehow, it balances satire with substance, making the audience laugh while also nudging them to think twice about too-good-to-be-true deals. Multitasking while you watch This is not a film that demands full attention. Money Game$ might be the perfect movie to have on while folding laundry, prepping for dinner or scrolling through social media. It is fast-paced enough to keep the energy going, but forgiving enough that missing a few minutes would not leave viewers lost. That is not a dig, it is a compliment. Not every film needs to be cinematic art. Some are simply meant to keep the mood light, the laughs rolling and the in-laws entertained. Money Game$ excels in that category, offering enough style and spectacle to fill a living room, without asking too much in return. The brotherhood... and the bromance A core element of the film is the team dynamic and let us just say, the chemistry between the Anti-Fraud Society's elite squad is both endearing and a little too affectionate. From slow-motion emotional hugs to prolonged eye contact that borders on romantic, the brotherhood moments occasionally teeter into 'wait, are they...?' territory. Still, it is all in good fun. The exaggerated camaraderie is played for laughs and the most part, it works. Viewers might raise an eyebrow now and then, but they will likely be laughing while they do. It is a style of humour that toes the line between genuine affection and over-the-top bromance and Money Game$ walks it with confidence (and maybe a bit of glitter). Performances that keep it going Lim anchors the film as the calm and composed Miao Zhu, while the others bring chaotic energy as the undercover squad. Tsang and Au-Yeung, two Hong Kong legends, elevate every scene they are in, adding a layer of nostalgic charm and comedic weight that balances the newer faces. The dialogue jumps between Cantonese and Mandarin smoothly, with just enough local flair and verbal slapstick to keep things light. Even the side characters contribute moments that range from hilarious to oddly touching. Local effort worth applauding What makes Money Game$ stand out is not its originality, but its effort. The production value is solid, with flashy sets, decent fight choreography and slick editing. It does not feel cheap, a welcome change from the lower-budget look of many regional comedy flicks. The film may not be perfect, but it tries and in the age of cookie-cutter blockbusters, that counts for something. It also helps that the runtime is a tight 100 minutes, just long enough to deliver the goods without overstaying its welcome. There are moments where the pacing wobbles or a joke lands a little flat, but overall, the film maintains momentum all the way through. Unexpectedly entertaining scam Money Game$ is a fun, fast and surprisingly sharp Malaysian flick that blends comedy, crime and commentary into an easy-to-watch, laugh-filled ride. Approach it with the mindset of 'eh, give it a try', and chances are it will leave a better impression than expected. Maybe even a few chuckles and a reminder not to trust random DMs offering crypto investments.
