Cherishing moments with mum, dad
of moving.
With 179 submissions, the contest stood out as a celebration of family bonds, far beyond the usual social media trend. It evolved into a tribute to the passage of time and the enduring bonds between parents and children. Some recreated faded photos, while others dug up casual moments at home, reimagined decades later. The stories behind each photo added layers of warmth, some funny, some tearful but they all brought back genuine moments of parental love.
To qualify, participants had to follow theSun's official Facebook or Instagram (@thesundaily), post a side-by-side photo or carousel of their recreated moment with one or both parents, tag @thesundaily and two friends and use the hashtag #theSunParentsDay2025. The mechanics were clear-cut. What truly made each entry beautiful was the emotional weight behind the visuals.
Fond memories, grand prizes
Standing out among the submissions were entries that went above and beyond to mimic the past from expressions and outfits, down to the tiniest of props. Grand prize winner Muhammad Adhar Onn, 35, from Subang Jaya, took home a pair of return AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin, Australia, for his light-hearted yet deeply meaningful entry. In the original photo, a seven-year-old Adhar drinks from a bottle while perched in his 51-year-old father's arms. In the recreated image, Adhar, now a grown man at 35, sits on his father's hip, now 79 years old in the same pose, bottle and all. The striped shirts, serious expressions and even the stance are perfectly matched, adding a humorous touch to a beautiful message.
Another grand prize winner James Lin Tzy Lun, 29, from Batu Caves, won a pair of return AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pattaya, Thailand, for his emotional recreation of a childhood photo. In the throwback, one-year-old Lin is cradled in his 26-year-old father's arms. Decades later, in a touching reversal of roles, 29-year-old Lin now carries his 54-year-old father on his back, smiling wide. The gesture is mirrored by a heartfelt caption: 'You were the one who carried me then. Now, it is my turn to carry you toward a better future.' Lin recalled moments such as his father taking a salary advance to buy him a laptop for university, proof that love does not always need words. Sometimes, it is shown through quiet, powerful acts.
More prizes
The prize list did not end there. Participants stood a chance to win from a generous pool of
rewards worth over RM50,000, including the Applecrumby Essentials Set, PS1 and PS2 tickets to Daesung's 'D's Wave' 2025 Asia Tour in Malaysia, a Vivo V50 Lite smartphone and Vivo TWS 3e earbuds, 2D1N stays at Lost World of Tambun Floating Villa and Sunway Lagoon Villas (for two adults), SWS Family Chicken Essence and home appliances consisting of the Tefal Duo Power JF4031 and Tefal Delirice Max Rice Cooker RK7778.
Damodara Devandaran from Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Winners also received dining vouchers for Sichuan Kitchen, The Mesh and O'Briens Café, along with exclusive collectibles, such as the Starbucks and miffy collection. Additional treats included admission tickets to Sunway Lagoon Night Park Captain Quack Land, Lost World Hot Springs Night Park and Sk8te City Kuala Lumpur.
Last year's campaign, held in conjunction with Mother's Day, saw the launch of the Super Mom Contest, celebrating mothers through love and storytelling. Participants were invited to share a meaningful photo with their mum alongside a heartfelt message on Facebook and in return, theSun rewarded winners with prizes worth RM30,000.
What began as a digital contest became a collective celebration of family ties. This contest served as a rare and meaningful pause, a return to old memories and a reminder to cherish the people in them.
To view the full list of winners, visit theSun's official Facebook, Instagram or TikTok pages and a big thank you to all participating sponsors for making this contest possible.
Whether or not they walked away with prizes, each participant walked away with something arguably more valuable – the chance to relive a cherished memory and create a
new one in its place.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Beneath durian thorns Fruit of life's lessons
As we head into peak durian season in Malaysia, I find myself reflecting on how this spiky fruit has shaped my life. Like many Malaysians, I have my own durian stories — from childhood joys to teenage adventures and deeper adult moments. Durians have become woven into my memories, connecting me to the land, to others and to life's turning points. Here are my durian chronicles — a tribute to a fruit that's more than a delicacy; it's a symbol of connection, resilience and shared joy. Thorny Crown of Malaysia In Malaysia, durian is more than a fruit — it's a national ice-breaker, punch-line and perfume-bomb all in one. Where else can you find durian cheesecakes, cendol and (mercifully spike-free) condoms? From crowded PLUS rest stops to sleepy cul-de-sacs , tables overflow with the spiky monarch, its unmistakable scent declaring, 'Love me or hate me, but you can't ignore me!' Cafés warn that cream-puff stocks vanish faster than you can say 'Musang King,' and there's a reason we call it 'Raja Segala Buah' — King of All Fruits. E-commerce has remodelled the ritual: skip roadside haggling, tap WhatsApp and Musang King arrives at your door. Even artists salute the craze; Penang-based Brit Thomas Powell paints Queen Victoria clutching a durian instead of an orb — fitting royal tribute. Credit: The King and the Queen by Thomas Powell Botanically, durians belong to the Durio genus: ~30 species, but only nine edible (the other 21 test the adventurous). Both flesh and cooked seeds are eaten, yet Durio zibethinus — native to Malaysia and Indonesia — is the sole globe-trotting star. Malaysia alone boasts roughly 100 cultivars; Thailand counters with 300. First wild in Borneo's rainforests, the fruit conquered Southeast Asia and now even China's Hainan plantations. Local etiquette borders on sacred: never pluck; wait for gravity's blessing. Enthusiasts inhale its 'heavenly' bouquet; detractors compare it to gym socks. Scientists have mapped the sulphur gene, but no lab note prepares you for that first whiff. The taste is equally paradoxical — silky yet spiky, sweet yet bitter — sparking debates as fierce as politics. Just watch a first-timer Mat Salleh wrestle a bite and you'll grasp the cultural divide in a single grimace. Childhood Durian Vigil Growing up in Banting in the early 1970s, eating durian was more than just enjoying its creamy decadence — it was an adventure, a test of patience and sometimes, an act of courage. There were no polished durian stalls, no air-conditioned supermarkets, and certainly no online delivery. The real way to enjoy the King of Fruits was to wait under the tree — brave or blissfully unaware of the thorny missiles that might drop at any moment. The kebun buzzed with nature's rhythm. Ears tuned for that unmistakable thud, signalling a ripe durian's fall. But it wasn't without risk — a one-kilo fruit armed with spikes was a medieval weapon disguised as a delicacy. One mis-step under the tree and you'd earn a memory — and possibly a scar — for life. But the magic lay in the whole ritual. I'd stay at my auntie's house, surrounded by rubber, rambutan and mangosteen trees, with the towering durian reigning over them all. Afternoons were spent harvesting fruit, climbing trees, or lying under the durian canopy, a Funny Bones comic in hand, waiting for that precious moment. When the thud came, we pounced like treasure hunters. Cracking the husk was a sacred act, revealing golden flesh gleaming like royal loot. That first bittersweet bite? Pure magic. Those childhood days taught me more than how to savour durian — they taught me patience, presence, and the quiet thrill of being in tune with nature. To truly enjoy durian, skip the packaged variety. Take a drive to a kebun with your loved ones. Sit back, breathe in the surroundings, and let the moment unfold. It's not just about the fruit — it's about the experience, the thrill, and the memories that linger far longer than the smell on your fingers. And for those venturing under the trees, a word of caution: safety first! A trusty helmet might make you look like a pint-sized fruit warrior gearing up for a showdown with Mother Nature, but let's be honest – better safe than sorry. After all, you can't put a price on your safety or your dignity! A Mat Salleh and the Chow Kit Durian Drama One balmy evening in late 1980s Kuala Lumpur, I was wandering through the chaotic charm of Chow Kit Street with friends. The air, thick with the unmistakable aroma of durian, made locals smile and visitors squirm. Amid the hawker banter, one bold Mat Salleh caught our eye. Either driven by curiosity or peer pressure, he picked up a chunk of Musang King and popped it in with quiet confidence. What followed was a masterclass in facial drama — curiosity, horror and pure regret. His eyes watered, lips curled and despair set in. Then came the flurry: multilingual cursing, frantic flapping, and water-chugging like he'd crossed a desert. He gargled desperately, as if trying to rinse away a memory. The stall owner, clearly amused, handed over another bottle with the calm of someone who'd seen it all. Locals chuckled, and I thought, 'There it is — Pareto's Law in action. 80% of Mat Sallehs hate durian, and this guy just proved it.' He survived — barely. His pride, not his palate, took the biggest hit. For us, it was dinner and free entertainment. Lure of Penang's Balik Pulau's Durians During my varsity years, I had the unforgettable chance to join a national camp in Penang and was billeted with a Malay fisherman's family in Balik Pulau. Tucked behind Bukit Bendera, overlooking both the Indian Ocean and the Straits of Melaka, this quiet town is famous for one thing above all — its durians. With over 30 varieties, some found nowhere else, Balik Pulau is a pilgrimage site for serious durian lovers. I still remember cruising along its winding roads, puzzled by the nets stretched across them. Were they protecting motorists from falling durians or protecting durians from a premature end? Let's face it — the durians took priority. Today, netting is common in orchards, catching fruits at peak ripeness before they hit the ground. Balik Pulau's reputation is well earned. Many consider its durians among Malaysia's finest. Seasoned connoisseurs know the best flavours come from older trees — especially those grown from seed. Grafted trees may bear fruit sooner, but deep, complex flavours can take decades to develop. Here's a tip: follow the squirrels. Immune to hype and guided by instinct, they gravitate to the best trees. If they keep coming back, that tree is likely a champion. Whether you crave hybrids, organics or classic kampung cultivars, Balik Pulau offers something for every palate. But it's more than just taste. Sitting in a rustic village, surrounded by trees and good company, every bite becomes part of Malaysia's living durian story — a tale of nature, patience and delicious discovery. Orangutans and Their Love for Durians I still recall my first visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan back in 1990, not long after arriving in Sabah. Amid the rustling leaves and towering trees, I discovered an amusing surprise: the spiky, polarising 'King of Fruits' — adored by some, detested by many Mat Sallehs — is also a prized delicacy among orangutans. Who would've thought that the same fruit infamous for its pungent aroma would be jungle gold? With diets made up of roughly 90% fruit, orangutans are seasoned foragers, familiar with over 400 plant species — but when durian season arrives, all bets are off. Equipped with powerful jaws and opposable thumbs on both hands and feet, they make short work of the durian's brutal husk. For younger orangutans, cracking one open is a rite of passage — a wild MasterChef moment judged by their peers. But it's not just a treat; it's top-tier fuel. Packed with sugars, fats, and vital nutrients, durian is a thorny superfood bar — perfect for their energy-hungry, tree-swinging lifestyle. Foraging fills most of their day, turning every durian discovery into a feast and a mission. Even more fascinating is their role as 'gardeners of the forest.' After indulging, they scatter seeds — by hand or digestion — naturally prepping them for germination. Their contribution ensures durian trees and countless others continue to thrive, supporting Borneo's rich biodiversity. So next time you brave the smell to enjoy its creamy glory, remember: durian isn't just a snack. It's a vital link in a natural cycle — connecting orangutans, rainforests, and us. Their appetite sustains more than trees; it keeps the whole jungle alive. Covid-19 and The Great Durian Engagement When Covid-19 hit Sabah, vaccinating migrant workers in remote plantations seemed nearly impossible. Many were undocumented or mid-way through registration, and their families lived far from town. Transporting them to urban PPVs (vaccination centres) posed serious logistical and health risks. In June 2021, we hosted Sandakan health officials at IJM Plantation's retreat in Sugut — our Hundred Acre Wood. Beneath blooming durian trees and between bites of Musang King, a bold idea emerged: bring the vaccines to the people. Our proposal? Set up estate-based vaccination centre (PPVs) with cold-chain storage, medical teams and logistical support. The plan was sealed not in a meeting room, but over a durian feast. Officials toured the orchard, enjoyed various varieties, and saw how our chalets could serve as rest stops for fatigued frontliners — offering nature, respite, and yes, more durian. Soon after, IJM Plantation-then launched Sabah's first in-field PPV in Sugut. Staff, workers, families and nearby villagers were vaccinated, creating a safer estate bubble. By year's end, the programme expanded to include youths. Other plantations followed suit with mobile units, reaching communities once out of reach. We called it 'Durian Engagement' — a light-hearted name for a serious initiative. It proved that even in a crisis, creativity, collaboration and the king of fruits can make a real difference. Farewell, Covid-19. It was a bitter time — but durian helped us pull through, one thorny solution at a time. A Thorny AI Hall of Fame If Shakespeare had wandered through a durian orchard, he might've mused, 'What's in a name?' In the world of durians, names aren't just labels — they're origin stories, local legends, and cheeky winks from Mother Nature herself. To honour these regal fruits, we turned to a modern muse: AI. Because even the King of Fruits deserves a few glamour shots — complete with personality, drama, and a touch of tech magic. Here are some of Malaysia's most iconic durian cultivars — each with its own story and AI-generated portrait. Think of it as a durian fashion spread: no perfume, just personality. Musang King (Mao Shan Wang / Raja Kunyit–D197, 1993): The Civet's Choice. Golden, creamy, and famous — it's the rock star of durians. Black Thorn (Ochee–D200, 2015): The Dark Knight. Rich, intense and full of mystery. Red Prawn (Ang Heh–D175, 2015): The Sea-Inspired Sensation. Coral-hued, buttery and unforgettable. D24 (Sultan–circa 1937): The Old Guard. Classic and comforting — once king, always respected. XO (the better version of D24 – circa 1937): The Tippler's Delight. Boozy, creamy, with a rebel fermented edge. Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng / D198): Pale flesh, bold flavour. A phoenix with attitude. Tekka (Musang Queen) (aka Bamboo Feet–D160): Quietly powerful. Rich, complex, and adored by those in the know. Now, thanks to AI, each cultivar gets its close-up. Can you match the names to the faces? Have a go — and celebrate the fruit that wears its crown of thorns with flair. Try matching the durian names to their AI-generated faces? A Thorny Bond, Rich in Connection I have come to marvel at how this spiky, divisive fruit has become such a fitting metaphor for life itself — especially mine. Much like the durian, life has its thorns: challenges that prick, moments that overwhelm, and smells (or seasons) we'd rather avoid. But when cracked open with patience and curiosity, it offers something deeply rewarding, even sweet. Durian mirrors life's contradictions — bitter and sweet, intense yet delicate, shocking at first but unforgettable with time. It teaches us to slow down, to appreciate complexity, to embrace discomfort, and to savour the richness within. Looking back, my journey with the durian has been more than culinary — it's been emotional, cultural, even spiritual. From dodging falling fruits in my childhood kebun, to sharing orchard-side vaccines during a pandemic, to watching orangutans feast in the rainforest — it has connected me to nature, to people, and to myself. And perhaps that's the durian's deepest gift: it forces us to connect. To talk. To laugh. To wrinkle our noses or widen our eyes in delight. It turns a simple act of eating into a shared experience, a memory, a story worth retelling. So here's to the divine durian — King of Fruits in Malaysia and, arguably, the world. Bold, layered, and unapologetically itself, it's more than a fruit. It's a kindred spirit. A celebration of life's richness. And as I reflect on my thorny bond with it, I ask you: What's your durian story?
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
'Malaysia in You' - A love letter to Malaysian children growing up abroad
FOR Dr Ayne Zarof, a London-based medical doctor and mother, the journey into authorship began with a question many diaspora parents quietly carry: How do I make sure my child knows where they come from? Her answer came in the form of a children's book titled Malaysia in You —a vibrant, heartfelt story designed to help Malaysian children living abroad connect with their roots and share their heritage with the world around them. The book is set to launch next month and is now available for pre-order at Born from Motherhood and Representation 'I became a mom three years ago, and when my son started reading, I couldn't find stories where Malaysian kids like him were represented, especially kids growing up outside of Malaysia. 'I wanted him to see himself in the books he reads and understand that you don't have to live in Malaysia to feel Malaysian. That identity can live in you, no matter where you are," Ayne told Sinar Daily after her book reading session at Aperture Cafe's Bual Space in Kuala Lumpur recently. The book, she says, was written first and foremost for her son but quickly evolved into something bigger: A bridge for all Malaysian children living abroad who may not have easy access to cultural narratives that reflect their unique identity. The book is set to launch on July 14 and is now available for pre-order at Reclaiming and Sharing Malaysian Identity In the UK, Ayne points out that Malaysians often don't even exist as a distinct category. 'In Britain, I'm usually grouped under 'Asian Other.' That lumps us into a monolithic Asian identity that doesn't reflect the depth and richness of our Malaysian culture, language or history.' Malaysia in You aims to change that narrative, she said starting with children's books where identity often first takes shape. 'I want Malaysian children to be proud and unapologetic about their heritage. There's so much richness, in our languages, our traditions, our food and we should be proud to share that with the world.' Why Food As the Starting Point? Interestingly, the book opens with a theme very close to Malaysian hearts: food. 'You can't really separate Malaysian identity from food,' Ayne laughed. 'It's how we connect. Every gathering, every celebration, starts with food and it reflects the melting pot that is Malaysia.' Through familiar tastes like pandan, gula melaka (palm sugar) and even spicy dishes, Ayne hopes to nurture the 'Malaysian palate' in her children, even as they grow up thousands of miles away. 'Food is an easy, joyful way to start conversations about culture, history and identity," she said. Ayne during the book reading session at Bual Space. A First Step, Not the Last While Malaysia in You is her debut children's book, Ayne hopes it's only the beginning - not just for her, but for other storytellers too. 'I'd love to see more books from and about Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Our stories deserve space on global shelves. I hope this book inspires other writers to share their voices," she said. As more Malaysian families plant roots across the globe, Malaysia in You stands as a gentle, colorful reminder: Identity isn't about geography - it's about belonging, pride and knowing your story.
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
AirAsia inks US$12.25bil Airbus deal to add 70 long-range jets
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia has signed an agreement to buy US$12.25 billion (RM51.72 billion) worth of long-range Airbus 321XLR aircraft, with deliveries confirmed by 2028, said Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. He said the low-cost carrier inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus in Paris today for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs, the new fleet of which are targeted to serve Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, among others. "This will probably make us one of the largest users of the XLR aircraft, the 321XLR, and is really the next stage of our transformative growth in terms of creating the world's first low-cost multihub network carrier. "This will enable us to fly to Europe, and we're hoping to launch our first European flight this year,' he said during Capital A's virtual media briefing on Friday, in conjunction with the agreement signing ceremony. The agreement was signed between Fernandes and Airbus Commercial Aircraft chief executive officer Christian Scherer, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Fernandes said the next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia's all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, and aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception. He said AirAsia plans to finance the aircraft order through bank leases. Fernandes also confirmed that the group is set to announce another aircraft order next month, but declined to provide further details. Meanwhile, he said the group is working to issue its first bond by October this year. "This is the first time in our history that we've been rated by international credit rating agencies,' he noted. "As interest rates begin to moderate, which I'm hopeful will happen soon, it's only natural for us to return to our traditional model of owning aircraft. "Previously, we shifted from the financing markets to operating leases due to high interest rates and strong capital availability in the leasing space. We're now reassessing that strategy,' he said. On Capital A's proposed regularisation and restructuring plan, Fernandes said the company is expecting to resubmit the decision letter to Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission within the next week or two. "Once we dispose of the aviation business, Capital A will effectively exit Practice Note 17 (PN17),' he said. He added that six of the group's non-airline businesses, namely Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), Teleport, AirAsia MOVE, OTA, BigPay, Santan, and AirAsia Brand Co (ABC) are currently exploring the possibility of a dual listing in Hong Kong. As for Capital A, it is also considering a dual listing and independent capital raising. However, Fernandes said "the AirAsia Group itself will be listed in Malaysia'. - Bernama
