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CTRL+ Growth Marketing Lab Sparks Momentum Across Malaysia's Tech & Marketing Scene

Rakyat Post

23-06-2025

Business
Rakyat Post

CTRL+ Growth Marketing Lab Sparks Momentum Across Malaysia's Tech & Marketing Scene

Subscribe to our FREE On 18 June 2025, over 100 of Malaysia's most forward-thinking founders, marketers, and tech professionals came together for the CTRL + Growth Marketing Lab, held at PXP Pavilion Damansara Heights. The event delivered what it promised real insights, practical frameworks, and a rare sense of energy and connection in a rapidly evolving digital space. Co-organized by MOLE, OpenAcademy, and TactUs, CTRL + Growth focused on how marketing leaders can stay relevant in the age of AI, automation, and hyper personalization while keeping customer connection at the center. Ideas That Hit, Conversations That Stuck The event opened with a powerful panel moderated by BFM's Roshan Kanesan, where four industry voices brought substance, not slogans: Leo Tan (beBit SEA) pushed the crowd to rethink customer journeys through data-driven personalization across all touchpoints. Daryll Tan (OpenMinds) unpacked the realities of MarTech execution in high-growth environments. Shermaine Wong (Cult Creative) reframed how brands can use UGC and creator ecosystems as part of scalable, data-backed strategies. Tengku Wazir (TactUs) grounded it all by showing how to tie marketing performance directly to bottom-line business outcomes. Later, Michelle Phang (OM Digital) led a no-nonsense masterclass on funnel architecture and personalization workflows. Attendees walked away with actual frameworks, not just notes and immediately started testing ideas over dinner. This Wasn't a Panel and Leave Kind of Event People stayed long after the sessions ended. The dinner and networking conversations were buzzing with pitch decks, case studies, even hiring chats. And by the time pickleball kicked off at 9:30pm, new friendships and collaborations were already in motion. It wasn't just an event. It was a maker's space. A pressure release. A strategic reset. What Came Out of CTRL + Growth? Agencies met clients. Startups found collaborators. Marketers got clarity. Founders left with frameworks. And for many, it was the first time they felt like a marketing event got them. 'The CTRL x PxP collab was electric — founders, marketers, and creatives came together for a night of bold ideas, real conversations, gourmet bites, and high energy pickleball. It was networking reimagined in a space built for play, presence, and connection,' says Kyan Yap, Founder of PxP. 'As a furniture brand grounded in the physical world, I was excited to see how we could connect with a digitally-driven audience. Power of networking on display last night proved it don't matter what background you come from, as long as you are eager to learn, meaningful connection can happen. Thanks for having us last night!' says Yoshi. 'Kudos to the organisers for curating such a dynamic and impactful event. While everyone may be talking about AI, the event stood out by offering practical know how and real insights into integrating it with marketing. It's exactly the kind of conversation we need to stay relevant; sparking fresh ideas, meaningful connections and bold conversations for entrepreneurs and women founders alike,' says Yan Lim, CEO & Founder of iOli Communications. What's Next? Building on the strong momentum and positive feedback from attendees, the organizers of CTRL + Growth are now scaling the event into a regional series. The next editions will feature expanded, immersive workshops, deeper panel discussions, and a wider range of topics focused on the most important and emerging trends shaping technology, marketing, and business growth. With strong interest from across the region, CTRL + Growth is being positioned as a must-attend platform for professionals in the tech industry, founders, and marketing leaders looking to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving market. Upcoming editions are already planned for key hubs in Asia, including Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. 'Teaming up with TactUs and OpenAcademy was a natural fit, as it aligns perfectly with Mole's vision of creating an inclusive environment for professionals—whether introverts or extroverts—to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of work' says Melly Ling, CEO & Co-Founder of Mole. 'Our goal for the event wasn't just to host a networking opportunity but to integrate meaningful learning and education. Beyond discussing the practical applications of AI during the panel, we incorporated a hands-on workshop to provide actionable steps and methods, helping businesses understand exactly how and where to begin implementing what they learned. We hope that the combination of insights and practical guidance made for a truly impactful experience!' says Celine, Co-Founder of OpenAcademy. 'What stood out from the panel session was how open and tactical the conversations were, not just theory, but what's actually working in-market today. For future editions, we want to go even deeper, with panels that tackle the most critical shifts in tech, data, AI, and marketing. The goal is to create a platform where leaders from across the region can share hard-earned insights that others can act on immediately,' says Tengku Wazir, Founder of TactUs. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

When allegiances expire: Black Warrant director Vikramaditya Motwane's silent exit strategy

First Post

15-06-2025

Entertainment
First Post

When allegiances expire: Black Warrant director Vikramaditya Motwane's silent exit strategy

It is being said that Vikram tried to hush up allegations of sexual misconduct against his favourite DOP, but when the heat on him became too much, Shah was silently removed from his next feature, the biopic on Sourav Ganguly read more Vikramaditya Motwane is a much-admired filmmaker, known for his indie masterpieces and sharp societal commentaries. But of late, an unflattering piece has been doing the rounds on the internet, written by an anonymous whistleblower about the director, which has caught the attention of many. It says that the acclaimed director seems to be working overtime in scripting an off-screen narrative quite different from the ones he so passionately crafts on film. While he often speaks of ethics and artistic integrity, industry whispers suggest that his ethics and integrity may come with a ticking clock. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those who have observed him over the years can't help but notice a familiar pattern. He postures and presents a very ethical stance but is known to downplay and 'discreetly' handle serious allegations, particularly when it's his close friends who are in the dock. Take the case of Pratik Shah, his DOP on his last outing 'CTRL' featuring Ananya Panday. It is being said that Vikram tried to hush up allegations of sexual misconduct against his favourite DOP, but when the heat on him became too much, Shah was silently removed from his next feature, the biopic on Sourav Ganguly. Similarly, in the past, as the founding member of Phantom, when allegations against fellow partner Vikas Bahl were made, a hurriedly formed committee to look into his misdemeanours gave him a clean chit. But lo and behold, who was heading that committee?! Yes! Vikramaditya's own mother, Dipa Motwane. But the moment Phantom was dissolved and Vikramaditya sold off his shares for a cool sum, he rushed to post a holier-than-thou tweet against Vikas Bahl, trying to take a moral position. A carefully timed public statement followed, subtly distancing himself from his embattled associate, as though loyalty had an expiry date! Now, insiders claim that history is quietly repeating itself. Whispers suggest that while the director initially took no steps and tried to hush up the matter, amid emerging scrutiny, strategic moves are already underway to ease Pratik Shah out of key projects so as to maintain his feminist and idealist image. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those in the know, say this filmmaker has mastered the art of impeccable timing, knowing exactly when to stand by and when to step away, all while carefully safeguarding his image of untouchable credibility. Over the years, he has skillfully positioned himself as a 'human-turned-director' with an idealistic worldview, winning audiences over with both his work and his carefully crafted persona.

Kendrick & SZA's Grand National Tour Cements How They're Two Sides Of The Same Coin

Yahoo

13-06-2025

Entertainment
Yahoo

Kendrick & SZA's Grand National Tour Cements How They're Two Sides Of The Same Coin

Kendrick Lamar and SZA just make sense. It all started in 2014 with 'Babylon' off SZA's Z EP. Since then, we've been blessed with 'untitled 04 | 08.14.2014' from his untitled unmastered., 'Doves In The Wind' from her CTRL, 'All The Stars' from the Black Panther soundtrack, '30 For 30' from SOS Deluxe: LANA, and of course, gnx's 'gloria,' and chart-dominating 'luther.' Aptly, their musical and poetic relationship was commemorated with their Grand National Tour. Complete with an opening DJ set by Mustard, fans piled into the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the second of a three-night stint to honor their hometown hero and his ethereal work wife. The entire show played out like a movie. The on-screen opening credits showed Kendrick and SZA under an abandoned overpass, as a script typography style commonly associated with Mexican culture wrote out certain phrases and symbols while drawing out the Grand National. It was a true work of art. It was theatrical. K. Dot kicked off the main event with 'wacced out murals' in the black Buick Grand National he once dreamed of owning. The interludes featured SZA and himself in an interrogation room. 'Were you being metaphorical or should we take it as a threat?' an off-screen narrator asked Kendrick at one point. He curtly replied, 'It's whatever you wanna take it' before diving into the explosive 'squabble up.' His transition from 2015's 'King Kunta' into 2017's 'ELEMENT.' and 2025's 'tv off' was a symbolic trifecta of who the rapper is— a Pulitzer Prize winner who's arguably the greatest lyricist of the 21st century and by his own definition: 'the alpha and omega, b***h.' He and SZA combined their sets to give ample time for their respective solo catalogs and join forces when needed. Like when she slid in afterward to perform '30 For 30.' Pulling from dreamy themes from her own musical trinity— CTRL, SOS, and LANA— the singer serenaded the crowd with 'What Do I Do,' 'The Weekend,' and 'Love Galore.' Following the romantic tune, the emcee was cuddled up in the car discussing lies versus the truth, which served as a segue for 'euphoria.' The heat that permeated from the literal fiery explosion was felt throughout the stadium, but we were all too busy rapping along to the diss track and 'hey now' to notice. One highlight of the emcee's set was the interpolation of Anita Baker's 'Angel' serving as the official interlude. This subtle hint of softness was further proof that Kendrick is the masculine equivalent to SZA's divine feminine. As a Gemini man, many are drawn to his wit, intellect, and intuitive curiosity. With her being a Scorpio woman, people gravitate towards her irresistible mystique, emotional awareness, and passionate tenacity. There's a permissive balance with these two that works as collaborators and friends. All in all? They get each other, and in turn, we understand them more. Some fans in the crowd went bar-for-bar with his hits including 'HUMBLE.,' 'Swimming Pools (Drank),' 'm.A.A.d city,' 'Alright,' 'dodger blue,' and 'Poetic Justice.' Others felt seen through her classics like 'F2F,' 'Garden (Say It Like Dat),' 'Blind,' 'I Hate U,' 'Kill Bill,' 'Good Days,' and 'Snooze' featuring surprise guest Justin Bieber. Even while performing records that don't belong to these two like 'LOVE.,' that magnetic pull was still felt. The best example of their platonic soul tie was during their performance of 'luther.' It was endearing and mesmerizing, as though you're witnessing two people who really just want to see the other win. Truthfully, the show could've ended right there. However, there was something so tender about ending with 'gloria.' It served as a soothing wind-down. He opened the car door for her before entering the driver's side, and they faded to black. It was a fitting end to the magic we'd witnessed from a gentle beast and nurturing beauty. All Kendrick ever wanted was a Black Grand National, but all we ever wanted was this: an audacious reminder that this level of rapport can exist without romantic ties. More from Keith Sweat Stands Behind "Entitled" Women Remarks With A Little Help From Kendrick Lamar B2K Announces 2026 Reunion Tour Kendrick Lamar Gave Ray Vaughn This Advice For His Battle With Joey Bada$$

India Today

06-06-2025

Entertainment
India Today

Sumukhi Suresh's stand-up special

Sumukhi Suresh—stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer—is the kind of entertainer whose comic timing always has main character energy, whether she's crafting zingers for a film, stealing scenes on a Netflix show, or holding court on stage. In the last year alone, she's written dialogues for Vikramaditya Motwane's CTRL, lit up Netflix's The Royals as Keerthana, the charmingly chaotic assistant to Bhumi Pednekar's girlboss Sophia, and taken her stand-up special Hormonal on a wildly successful tour across India. And on June 7, she brings the curtain down on her tour, performing the last show at NMACC in Mumbai.