Party time in Penang as 988 FM's fest kicks off in style
GEORGE TOWN: Drawing a vibrant mix of tourists and locals, 988 FM's After Work Fest kicked off with a pulsating celebration of music, food and fun.
On its first day yesterday, the event drew a massive crowd who revelled in a high-energy concert and a bustling bazaar, turning the festival into a memorable weekend experience.
There was something for everyone, from lively musical performances and engaging stage activities to more than 50 creative and artisanal booths at the Esplanade, Penang.
Yesterday's celebration featured performances by Abin Fang, Uriah See, Diorlying Tan, Trevor Kuo, Ryota Katayama and Z-Chen Zhang.
The popular 'Infinite Good Finds Market' offered arts and crafts workshops, along with booths selling handmade ornaments, accessories, trinkets, snacks and culinary delights.
A crowd favourite was the charity hair donation campaign, where participants received free haircuts for donating their hair.
Those opting for regular cuts paid a fee, with proceeds channelled towards charitable causes.
The two-day fest is organised by popular Chinese-language radio station 988 FM in conjunction with its 29th anniversary.
It embodies the spirit of 'Play with Passion, Play with Purpose,' in line with the station's annual theme 'Infinite Play', to help participants de-stress joyfully and unlock creativity and energy.
As for today, one of the main highlights will be a performance by legendary Taiwanese rock duo Power Station.
The group, which made waves when it debuted in 1997, is set to perform some of its biggest hits and bring a sense of nostalgia to the crowd.
Other artistes include Bestards, Anson Poon, Chronicles Ong Fu Ying and JUD Chen.
Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the event augured well for the state's tourism industry.
'We must support it as it will bring excitement and interest to Penang.
'It is an attraction point and will encourage more people to come here and enjoy our food and other activities.
'I always believe a partnership between the private sector and the government will help to boost our tourism sector,' he added.
Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said he was happy to see the crowd growing steadily throughout the evening.
'I am looking forward to the whole event on both days including the international performance,' he said.
He noted that 988 FM has been around for 29 years.
'For many years, it has been positioned as the number one Chinese station in Malaysia.
'That speaks volumes and I hope with the support of our listeners, we will continue to grow and hold more events like these in the future,' he added.
988 FM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay said the turnout was better than expected, with people arriving early to beat the heat.
She said she hoped to hold more events like this in the future.
'Bring in music, entertainment and crafts so younger and older people can come together and celebrate our anniversary.'
Also present were Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai as well as Star Media Group board member Loh Chee Can, chief operating officer Lydia Wang and client brand marketing (bureaus) general manager Simone Liong.
Entrance to the After Work Fest is free, with activities running from 3pm to 10pm today.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
'Don't forget me': K-idol Cha Eun-woo set for enlistment
The singer and actor asked fans not to forget him and mentioned that he has an album, a movie, and a TV show that will be released during his absence. Photo: Handout Cha Eun-woo of Astro recently bid fans farewell ahead of his enlistment in the military, asking them not to forget him. Cha begins his mandatory military service on Monday (July 28) as a member of the Army marching band. He thanked fans through an online communication platform, telling them he has been doing well. 'I will miss you a lot, won't I?' wrote Cha, admitting that it still feels surreal. The singer and actor asked fans not to forget him and mentioned that he has an album, a movie, and a TV show that will be released during his absence. Though the Netflix show, The Wonder Fools , and the movie, The First Ride , are set to premiere soon, the release date of the album is yet to be announced. The details of his military enlistment were announced by his agency Fantagio last May 30, saying the actor-singer is preparing to enlist on July 28. As part of his preparation, the actor had his hair trimmed in compliance with military directives. 'We would like to express our gratitude to the Aroha who always send unwavering love to Astro, and we have an important announcement regarding our artist Cha Eun-woo's military enlistment,' the statement read, per a Soompi translation. Fantagio said Cha had received a final acceptance notice from the South Korean Military Manpower Administration, and starting on July 28, he will undergo basic military training and eventually enter the army military band. – Agencies
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
African Shaolin monks break the Internet with their fists, flying kicks
FEW are left untouched by the raw power and discipline exhibited by a Shaolin martial arts performance. More than just for self defense, it is a cherished tradition handed down for many generations, dating back to 1,500 years ago. But recently, a Shaolin performance went viral, not because of the admirable synchronisation or the flurry of fists and kicks. More amazing was the fact that it was performed by a group of Africans. African Kids demonstrating Chinese Shaolin Kung fu in Zambia 🇿🇲 — Zoom Afrika (@zoomafrika1) July 27, 2025 The video which was posted by @zoomafrika1 on X has since received 1,100 reposts and over 233 comments. However, netizens were divided over the video. Netizen @TemiR5U, for example, said it was an African problem to be obsessed over the cultures of some other countries instead of their own. 'This is another form of colonisation. Don't they have their own culture and tradition to demonstrate? You can never see a Chinese demonstration of other ethnic cultures and traditions in China,' said @sirjona88. But several others believed this was a positive thing. On another note, some netizens couldn't wrap their heads over the fact that Africans could be practising Shaolin martial arts. Take it from @IbaiBasabe who wondered if the video was likely AI generated. However, a brief check on Google reveals 2023, the Global Times reported that Zambia hosted the inaugural African Shaolin Kung Fu Games, a milestone event organised by the Shaolin Temple in the country. Held at the Shaolin Cultural Center in Zambia, the six-day programme ran from June 21 to June 26 and aimed to boost the popularity of Shaolin martial arts across Africa while fostering deeper cultural exchange. The event brought together more than 150 participants representing 23 African countries and regions, making it a truly continental affair. Adding to the significance, the Abbot of China's original Shaolin Temple, Grand Monk Shi Yongxin, travelled to Zambia with a delegation of monks to lead and participate in the cultural exchange segment of the event. No AI here, just disciplined Africans performing Shaolin martial arts. Then again, why is it so hard to believe Africans could perform Shaolin martial arts in the first place?—July 28, 2025 Main image: @zoomafrika1 (X)
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Mandopop icon Wakin Chau returns to Kuala Lumpur with upgraded 'Younger Me 3.0' concerts tour this Oct 18
There is exciting news for Mandopop fans -- The evergreen Mandopop icon, Wakin Chau, is set to make a powerful return to Kuala Lumpur with the all-new upgraded edition of his concert tour, 'The Younger Me Concerts Tour 3.0,' taking place at the Axiata Arena on October 18, 2025. Jointly presented by Star Planet, Live Nation and ACO Media, this highly anticipated show promises an emotional wave of singalongs and unforgettable moments. Marking his 40th year in music, Wakin Chau continues to tell life's stories through song. His voice has defined a generation's youth and remains etched in the collective memory of fans across the Chinese-speaking world. From the heartfelt warmth of 'Friends' to the resolute 'Against All Odds,' the tender 'You Make Me Happy and Sad,' and the timeless classics like 'Kiss My Baby,' 'Flower Heart,' and 'Is There a Song,' each hit transcends time, remaining as moving today as ever. The tour title 'Younger Me' is inspired by Ang Lee's film 'Life of Pi' and serves as a continuation of Chau's 'Younger' tour launched five years ago. Now evolved into version 3.0, this upgraded production pushes boundaries with bold innovations in visual, auditory, and stagecraft, delivering an immersive, nostalgia-filled journey for fans both old and new. This is more than just a concert — it is a deeply personal musical odyssey. For Chau, this performance is a heartfelt tribute to his loyal fans and a reflective journey for himself. This world tour offers a time-traveling experience through four decades of Wakin Chau's musical legacy. The concert will feature cutting-edge layered LED backdrops, dynamic lighting projections, and a meticulously crafted stage design that brings each song's narrative to life. As melodies unfold, the fusion of visuals, lights, and effects vividly amplifies the emotional nuances behind every lyric — turning familiar tunes into unforgettable visual memories. Tickets will go on public sale at 12pm, August 6, 2025 via Let us come together for this extraordinary musical celebration and rediscover the enduring charm and magic of Wakin Chau's music. On October 18, let his songs bring us back to who we once were — and begin a brand-new chapter of our own magical journey. For more information, visit the official website:
