Sabah teen wins top prize at Young Creator Fellowship 2025
The film, by 19-year-old Duncan Cheng Kai Guan from Sabah, clinched the top spot in the programme that was co-organised by Malaysiakini and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
His film, 'How the Sabah State Government Suppresses Protests', documents how state authorities clamped down on anti-corruption demonstrations led by university students in Sabah.
Malaysiakini English news editor Zikri Kamarulzaman, who was one of the judges, commended the film for its timeliness and thorough research.
'The presentation is solid technically and in terms of the content. There are professionals out there who don't do work half as good as this. Well done.'
Second place went to Noor Ainun Jariah, 24, for her short film, 'The Yasmin Effect: A Digital Changemaker's Story,' which follows career counsellor Sharifah Hani Yasmin as she sets up One Step Closer (OSC) during the pandemic to provide free employment counselling for the jobless.
The three winners of the 2025 Young Creator Fellowship
Ian Yee, co-founder of independent media outlet The Fourth and a member of the judging panel, said:
'The legwork that went into this project is impressive. The director didn't just make it a personality piece, but also explored other themes, such as unpaid care work, which many women in Malaysia have to undertake, demonstrating a good journalistic sense.
'The creator can improve in terms of camera angles for the interviews and graphics work. There was also too much stock footage for my liking.'
Third place was awarded to Nor Alya Khairina Mustafa Anuar, 24, from Penang for her film, 'From Langkawi to Baku', which follows a primary school teacher in Langkawi who advocates for climate education by instilling environmental awareness in her students.
The following finalists received consolation prizes for their submissions:
Daneyaa Ganesan - 'Voices of Change: Nadine Azman on Feminism, Voting, and Activism'
Gareth Woo Yun Hao - 'How One Malaysian Youth Pivoted from Law to Combat Racism'
Najwa Farhana Binti Yahya - 'No Child Left Behind - Voices of Champions for Forgotten Classrooms'
Nur Hidayahtul Aisyah - 'The Unfinished Painting (Lukisan Yang Tidak Siap)'
Nurfatihah Irdina Adlan - 'A Story of Upcycled Fashion Artisans in Malaysia'
Poongkodi Rabichandran - 'Stray Guardians: A Malaysian Couple's Shelter of Hope'
Telford Engan Tan - 'Sape - A Beacon of Unity'
The Australian High Commission, Monash University Malaysia, and Hawana - the National Journalist Day initiative by the Communications Ministry - also supported the inaugural Young Creator Fellowship programme.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke
'Democracy and the role of media are really important to our Australian identity and our way of life, and to make sure that we have a really strong democracy where transparency is key.
'We want to share our common story about democracy and its evolution with Malaysia, and that's one of the reasons we work really closely with the media, including this year, which is our 70th year of diplomatic relations,' said Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke.
The Young Creator Fellowship 2025 consisted of two phases. On June 15 and 29, 30 selected participants took part in two days of online journalism training and submitted short film proposals centred on the theme 'Changemakers'. Ten were shortlisted for the next stage.
The finalists received mentorship from four trainers and were given two weeks to complete their short films. They then joined a fully funded residency held in Kuala Lumpur from July 16 to 18.
During the residency, participants engaged with media professionals, visited leading Malaysian news outlets, including Media Prima, RTM, Astro Awani, and Bernama, and presented their work during a final screening and awards ceremony hosted at Monash University Malaysia.
Hashtags
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
Soccer-England's success at Euro 2025 is keeping tattoo artist busy
Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Semi Final - England v Italy - Stade de Geneve, Lancy, Switzerland - July 22, 2025 England's Lucy Bronze and teammates pose for a picture on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Denis Balibouse BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) -England defender Lucy Bronze has been in high demand at Honey Studio London since she smashed home what turned out to be the winning penalty in the Lionesses' nail-biting quarter-final shootout victory over Sweden at Euro 2025 last week. Grace Mills, a hand poke tattoo artist who works out of Honey Studio, estimates she has done a half dozen tattoos of the veteran England player in her number two shirt, pumping her fists in celebration, since that memorable night. With England set to face world champions Spain in the final on Sunday in Basel, Mills said -- win or lose -- her books are filling up for more Lionesses tattoos next week. "Football, especially women's football, really celebrates community and people's different ways of showing their style, whether it be fashion or tattoos, and celebrating community through individualism," Mills told Reuters. "And so, I think it's a really big crossover between people who love football and also love tattoos." The Australian, herself a "massive football fan", has also done tattoos in commemoration of Arsenal winning the women's Champions League earlier this year and England's victory at the 2022 Euros. "I just always loved designing tattoos that are around things people are super passionate about, and designing them in a way where people who want something a bit more simple or subtle or more feminine, and celebrate sport as well," she said. Mills' Euro 2025 tattoos are in collaboration with the Lionesses and creative agency This Fan Girl. An England supporter made headlines after he got an early "Euro 2024 Winners" tattoo before the men's final last year. England ended up losing to Spain. (Reporting by Lori EwingEditing by Christian Radnedge)
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Aliff Aziz on Bella Astillah: I'm happy to see her move forward
SINGAPORE: Following his divorce from Bella Astillah, Singaporean singer and actor Aliff Aziz, 34, has expressed happiness for his ex-wife, seeing her move on with her life. In an interview with Singapore's Berita Minggu, Aliff reacted positively to the social media buzz surrounding Bella's relationship with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, often linked to the hashtag #BASS. "If their happiness lies there, I am content and wish them both the very best," Aliff said, emphasising that his primary concern remains the well-being of his two children, Ayden Adrean, 8, and Ara Adreanna, 5. "Ayden and Ara are surrounded by people who love them, God willing. That's my first thought. "Whoever is around them, as long as they are loved and treated well... That's enough." As a father, Aliff said he feels no jealousy when he sees his children happy. Despite his contentment with their happiness, Aliff, the former champion of Gegar Vaganza Season 8 (GV8), admitted his deep longing for his children, having lost contact with them since 2024. He revealed that he hasn't had the opportunity to meet or communicate directly with them, finding it difficult to watch their video recordings without becoming tearful. Even from afar, Aliff follows his children's progress, especially around their birthdays — July 8 for Ayden and July 18 for Ara. "I miss them so much. My prayer every day is to be able to see them again and convey everything I hold in my heart," he said. "Daddy always remembers and prays for Ayden and Ara... I love you so much and I miss you." Aliff hopes fate will reunite them, allowing him to explain many things. On Feb 21, Aliff and Malaysian actress Ruhainies were fined RM3,000 by the Federal Territories Syariah High Court after pleading guilty to a khalwat charge. This followed reports in March 2024 of a married artiste and actress being caught in close proximity at a luxury condominium. Bella and Aliff, who married in 2016, divorced with a single talaq on June 13, 2024. Aliff openly admitted his guilt over not being present for important moments in his children's lives. He also worries about how society's mixed perceptions of him might affect them. Facing a dilemma, he often debates whether to remain silent to protect his family or take legal action, which could escalate tensions. His current focus, Aliff emphasised, is no longer on external matters or current sensations. Instead, he's dedicating his energy to his recovery process and getting back on his feet. He expressed appreciation for his mother's unwavering support, acknowledging the toll his issues have taken on his family. Determined to rise, he aims to become someone they can be proud of again. Aliff also touched on the pressure from media narratives and public perceptions, admitting there are times he feels compelled to speak up but refrains to protect his children and family. "Sometimes I want to tell you everything. But when I think about the impact on my children and family, I end up feeling completely in the wrong," he said.
Hype Malaysia
7 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
PickleDepot & PadelDepot @ Sentul Depot Is KL's Hottest New Lifestyle Destination!
Have you heard? A new premium racquet sports lifestyle destination is making waves in Kuala Lumpur – Pickle Depot & Padel Depot @ Sentul Depot, where sport, wellness, and community collide in style. Combining 12 professional-grade pickleball courts and 4 world-class padel courts, Pickle Depot is KL's largest and most exciting new venue for racquet sports enthusiasts. Whether you're here to connect, compete, or simply chill, this purpose-built space is designed to host not just matches – but memorable moments. Your Court Awaits: Game On Featuring a total of 12 premium pickleball courts, including 1 show court, and 4 state-of-the-art MejorSet courts + Mondo Turfs (official courts of the International Padel Federation and Premier Padel), Pickle Depot sets the gold standard for racquet sports in the region. Designed with players of all levels in mind, it's a place where everyone can elevate their game. Pickleball Rates: RM60 (off-peak) | RM80 (peak) Padel Rates: RM140 (off-peak) | RM180 (peak) Official Launch: 25th July 2025 Padel rates for July and August: RM120 (off-peak) | RM160 (peak) Courtside Chill & Community: The HUB @ Sentul Depot More than just a sports venue, PickleDepot & PadelDepot offer a curated blend of sport, wellness, and social experiences. Recharge at The HUB, an F&B concept space with a scenic deck overlooking the courts – perfect for watching matches, hanging out with friends, or grabbing a post-game coffee. Smash Hits & Brand Fits From casual rallies to high-energy tournaments, PickleDepot & PadelDepot are designed to host events, brand activations, and lifestyle experiences, making it the ideal location for creative collaborations. Confirmed long-term brand partners include Maserati, who share the vision of merging performance with lifestyle in a dynamic, community-driven setting. Co-Founded By Amelia Henderson Co-founded by Malaysian actress and entrepreneur Amelia Henderson, PickleDepot & PadelDepot are a reflection of her passion for connection, movement, and modern lifestyle culture. 'I've always enjoyed connecting and bringing people together, and what better way to do so than bringing PickleDepot & PadelDepot to life. Pickleball and paddle have become a great social activity and now anyone can discover a new kind of energy in the city,' she said. The venue also debuts WearRamé, an ethically-made, runway-inspired athleisure brand designed in Bali, alongside exclusive PickleDepot & PadelDepot merchandise available on-site.
