#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' dominates box office with RM50.7mil collection
This outstanding achievement follows its record-breaking success last week when it surpassed the RM40 million mark.
The film's performance demonstrates the growing recognition and affection for local animation among audiences, paving the way for Malaysian animation to expand and reach new heights.
Since its premiere on 22 May, the movie has garnered an overwhelming response from a broad spectrum of viewers, including families, teenagers, and dedicated fans of the franchise. Audiences have consistently lauded its world-class technical production quality, moving storyline, and exhilarating cinematic experience, prompting many to watch it multiple times.
According to film director Usamah Zaid Yasin, this remarkable success is a testament to the extraordinary support from fans and their faith in local productions.
"Alhamdulillah, I'm grateful that this movie has received such an incredible response from audiences. I'm also deeply thankful to everyone at Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation who have worked tirelessly to promote this film," he said.
Beyond its success in Malaysia and Brunei, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' also launched in the Singaporean market on June 5 and is set to premiere in Indonesia on June 27.
These new market entries represent a significant stride in bringing Malaysian animation to a regional audience.
They are also expected to generate new business opportunities in licensing and merchandising, through the sale of branded 'Ejen Ali' products such as clothing, school supplies, and toys.
The film is currently still showing in cinemas nationwide.
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The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Pioneer batch of Singapore teens chase K-pop dreams at local training academy SM Universe
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The road to being a K-pop star is extremely challenging, and even after years of rigorous training, one may not even make it past an audition. Yet, it is not stopping some Singaporean teens from pursuing their K-pop dreams, one baby step at a time. Qti Tan, 17, and Cherise Sim, 13, were among the pioneer batch of 15 students aged 11 to 19 who underwent an intensive five-day K-pop intermediate training programme conducted by K-pop training academy SM Universe (Singapore). It was held at youth space *Scape in Orchard Road from June 16 to 20. The youth took dance, vocal, recording and modelling lessons from 10am to 5pm, and were put through the wringer like a real K-pop trainee. SM Universe specialises in K-pop training programmes. It is a subsidiary of SM Entertainment, one of the 'Big Four' K-pop agencies alongside Hybe, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. The *Scape campus opened its doors in June and is the only SM Universe training academy in South-east Asia. All the trainers involved in the Singapore curriculum are South Korean industry experts who are part of the teaching pool in the main SM Universe campus. Qti, who taught herself K-pop choreography from YouTube videos, has always loved dancing and performing. Joining the K-pop training programme by SM Universe (Singapore) – priced at $1,000 (RM3,300) – was 'a good chance to learn new things and get proper guidance from real instructors', she tells The Straits Times. Qti Tan (in white cropped top), who taught herself K-pop choreography from YouTube videos, has always loved dancing and performing. -- ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Learning from industry experts 'I also want to experience what it is like to train in a professional environment,' adds Qti, who is a fan of Blackpink. The fashion management and design student at Temasek Polytechnic says her introduction to the music genre was from watching the K-pop girl group's How You Like That music video in 2020 when she was in primary school. 'I was immediately drawn to their powerful energy and style, and since then, I have been exploring K-pop music, performances and idols.' The training was 'an eye-opening experience', and though it was tiring and challenging, Qti says she enjoyed every minute of it. Students learnt to sing and dance to girl group Aespa's hit single Spicy (2023), and recorded a video performance at the end of the week. Aespa, a quartet formed by SM Entertainment, made their debut in 2020. Part of the syllabus includes a mock K-pop trainee audition, where students apply what they have learnt. They are then given feedback from their trainers and SM Universe's faculty members, who are K-pop industry veterans, like in a real audition. 'Some critiques are painful to hear, but they push me to improve,' Qti says. She auditioned for several K-pop companies – including YG, the label behind Blackpink – in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she attended two auditions: with Cube Entertainment, which manages girl group I-dle; and Pledis Entertainment, the agency of boy band Seventeen. After completing the intermediate programme, students can continue the curriculum for another week in the advanced training programme for the same price, which Cherise did. While Qti could not carry on due to school commitments, she plans to sign up when time permits. All the South Korean trainers involved in the Singapore curriculum are industry experts who are part of the teaching pool in the main Seoul campus. -- ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Juggling schoolwork and K-pop training Cherise started jazz dance at four years old and switched to Latin dance at seven, and has participated in numerous regional dancesport competitions where she was placed. Though the National Junior College Integrated Programme student discovered K-pop only in 2023, the fan of I-dle, Babymonster, IVE and Aespa has already decided that K-pop is the path for her. Prior to her lessons at SM Universe (Singapore), Cherise attended several private vocal and dance classes in Seoul in October 2024 after finishing her PSLE. She auditioned for The Black Label when the South Korean agency – which is behind popular artistes like Blackpink's Rose and BigBang's Taeyang – held the Singapore leg of its global tryouts in May. Cherise recalls the experience as nerve-racking but valuable, and says it further spurred her interest in K-pop. 'Over the two weeks, I gained a clearer understanding of how the K-pop industry works behind the scenes and what idols go through on a day-to-day basis,' she says. The Secondary 1 student admits juggling schoolwork, her dance co-curricular activity and K-pop training can be tiring, but says it is still manageable. She plans to continue her training, be it after school hours or during the school holidays, depending on the programme schedules at SM Universe (Singapore). If there is an opportunity, she also hopes to take up K-pop classes in Seoul. She is also brushing up on her Korean to understand and communicate better during training and auditions. 'I know some basic words and phrases. I'm not fluent, but I can read Hangul (the Korean alphabet).' Cherise's mother Kelly Ong, an entrepreneur in her 30s, encourages her only child to pursue her ambitions. 'People have questioned us on why we indulge in her K-pop dream, as this is an unconventional path for Singaporeans,' says Ms Ong. 'But we believe in Cherise and we will do everything we can to help her.' Adds the doting mum: 'She has made sacrifices. We know it is not easy on her, but she is incredibly disciplined and understands the importance of striking a balance between her passion and academics.' The family has also considered letting Cherise relocate to Seoul to undergo full-time K-pop training if the opportunity arises. Though Ms Ong acknowledges that the chances of debuting are slim, she believes Cherise 'has a real shot through hard work, persistence and a bit of luck'. Training in the K-pop capital Singaporean teen Cassa Tan is pursuing her K-pop dreams at SM Universe training academy in Seoul. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF CASSA TAN A Singaporean teenager who has taken one step closer to her dreams is Cassa Tan. The 15-year-old has been training at SM Universe in Seoul since February, after it scouted her in January based on her dance videos on social media. Noting her drive and high potential for growth, SM Universe (Singapore) offered Cassa a six-month scholarship programme to train at the main academy. The scholarship covers training academy fees and partial support for her living expenses in Seoul. As a pre-trainee – one who has yet to be officially accepted by SM Entertainment – Cassa is expected to keep up with the demanding K-pop training as well as her studies at a South Korean performing arts high school. 'On weekdays, I attend school until the afternoon, followed by vocal and dance training, practice sessions and Korean lessons,' she says. Her weekends are equally packed, with more vocal and dance classes, and group practice sessions that stretch from noon to night. But the former Anderson Secondary School student has no regrets moving to the K-pop capital on her own. 'I miss my family and friends, but being in Seoul allows me to immerse myself in the local culture and improve my Korean through daily interactions,' says Cassa. 'I'm much closer to my dreams, but there is still a lot of room to grow. I'm pushing myself to improve each day.' Cherise Sim continued with the advanced training programme after completing her intermediate lessons. -- ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH Commitment and perseverance Mr Jonathan Ang, director of SM Universe (Singapore), says the academy – which has enrolled 200 students so far – is 'encouraged by the passion, discipline and drive shown by the Singaporean youth in our classes'. His advice to those who are serious about pursuing a K-pop career is to consistently refine their technical skills through specialised training, and to take advantage of 'Singapore's multilingualism to give them an edge in today's increasingly globalised K-pop industry'. K-pop agencies look for star potential, individuals who show promise to grow artistically and carry themselves with authenticity and confidence, says Mr Ang. He adds that as the K-pop industry is highly competitive, versatility has become key. It is no longer sufficient to specialise in one area, such as dance or vocals. 'SM Universe (Singapore) is committed to creating tangible pathways for our students, connecting high-potential talent with the right industry opportunities, and equipping them with the skills and attitude needed to thrive in the entertainment industry,' says Mr Ang. The academy is designing its flagship 21-week training programme, which is likely to commence in early 2026. It will culminate in a one-week enrichment trip to the SM Universe campus in Seoul, where top students have the opportunity to audition with South Korean entertainment agencies. Says Mr Ang: 'The journey towards becoming a K-pop idol requires commitment and perseverance, and a strong foundation must first be built.' Cherise says: 'I know I still have a long way to go, but my goal is to become the best version of myself.' Qti adds: 'Being consistent and hardworking is super important – you can't just rely on talent. Having an understanding of the K-pop industry is also helpful. 'If I can't become an idol, I will pursue a behind-the-scenes role in the K-pop world, like being a stylist for the idols.' - The Straits Times/Asia News Network
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Awie to Amy Search: 'Take responsibility, tell the truth'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian rock icon Datuk Awie has urged Datuk Amy of Search to step forward and provide a truthful explanation regarding an issue currently being hotly debated by netizens, which has also implicated him. In a post on his Facebook page, the 57-year-old vocalist of the band Wings, whose real name is Ahmad Azhar Othman, said that Amy's explanation was crucial to clear his name. He added that he was weary of continually explaining himself, especially as several netizens on social media had mentioned his name. "Amy Search, tell the truth. Stop all these foolish people from accusing me. Take responsibility for this; tell the truth. "I'm tired of having to read and answer for what you've done," he wrote. However, Awie did not elaborate on the specific issue his name was associated with. Earlier, the police confirmed receiving a report from singer Shila Amzah, who claimed she was publicly insulted by a legendary artiste during a concert rehearsal on Thursday. In a Harian Metro report today, Kuala Lumpur Deputy Police Chief, Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad, confirmed that a report was made by Shila, whose real name is Nurshahila Amir Amzah, on July 10, at 5.31pm at the Dang Wangi Police Station. Awie, Amy and Shila had performed together at the MR. D.I.Y 20th Anniversary concert, held at Stadium Merdeka, here, last night. Awie's direct appeal to Amy now puts the onus on the 'Isabella' singer to shed light on the unfolding drama.
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
The ever-versatile Sam, lead singer for Malaysia's iconic pop-punk band Bunkface, goes solo with the enigmatic 'Borak'
Sam, the charismatic frontman of Malaysia's iconic pop-punk band Bunkface, takes a brave new step as a solo artist under the name S amsol with the release of his debut single, ' Borak .' Available now on all digital streaming platforms, 'Borak' blends infectious pop melodies with a deeply relatable message. The song speaks to couples who are learning to navigate the ups and downs of life by keeping honest conversations alive — sharing worries, laughter, and the little things that hold a relationship together. 'I wrote 'B orak ' thinking about how important it is for couples — especially those who've been together for a while — to keep talking, to keep sharing,' s ays S amsol . 'Sometimes the simplest chats (borak) are what keep love strong.' Fans will recognize S amsol 's familiar voice and energetic style, but 'B orak ' unveils a more personal side of the artist, revealing his reflections on love, communication, and the real-life dynamics of marriage and relationships. ( Listen to 'Borak' here: ) S amsol 's solo journey promises to build on the electric spirit of Bunkface while exploring new emotional territories, offering listeners music that's both catchy and sincere. Sam has been the lead singer for the group Bunkface since 2006. Bunkface is a Malaysian rock band formed in 2006. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sam (Shamsul Anuar), bass guitarist Youk (Farouk Jaafar), lead guitarist Paan (Ahmad Farhan), and drummer Biak (Alif Sufian). Since breaking into the limelight, the Klang boys are considered a foremost new modern rock band that has been in the music limelight in the South-East Asia region with songs such as "Silly Lily, Situasi, Revolusi, Prom Queen, Through My Window, Ekstravaganza, Panik, Rentak Laguku, Malam Ini Kita Punya, Darah Muda and Masih Di Sini". Their fan base in this region is called "Bunkers". Over nearly two decades, Bunkface has also solidified its place as one of Malaysia's most influential bands. Their ability to seamlessly blend punk-rock energy with relatable lyrics in both Malay and English has earned them a loyal fan base across generations. From their humble beginnings in Klang to performing on international stages, Bunkface continues to inspire and resonate with fans through their music and unwavering passion for the art. And now, it's Sam or Samsol as a soloist, to break out into the limelight. 'Borak' is the start.
