Latest news with #Damai
Focus Malaysia
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Excessive backlash prompts PMX to disable comment section of some FB, Instagram posts
NEVER before had Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim been so badly trolled particularly on social media platforms till it warrants his social media administrators to disable comments, particularly those related to his presence at the recent 18th PKR national congress. Such was the sentiment aired by a few supposedly disgruntled PKR supporters or more specifically the faction of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli who was ousted in the party's deputy presidency race by PMX's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar. 'PMX turn off the comment section on his Facebook posts regarding the PKR Congress (he is most popular at FB with 2.7M+ followers),' fumed hafizubai🇵🇸 (@hafizubai1) on X. 'Our PM is refusing to hear people's voice. Correct me if I'm wrong but did Najib ever do that? Heck even Muhyiddin or Ismail Sabri ever did (that)? Shameful!' Another furious PKR backer Zaz (@ThIsIs_Zharif) wondered what has PKR become till PMX has to shut down his FB comment section. 'Afraid of the rakyat? Is this how you manage the pulse of the rakyat? A clown party!' Anwar Ibrahim pun mula tutup komen di Facebook? 😂😂 Keadilan ni dah jadi apa? Takut dengan Rakyat? Macam ni cara kamu uruskan denyut nadi rakyat? Parti badut! — Zaz (@ThIsIs_Zharif) May 24, 2025 The social media-savvy netizen went on further to reveal that the comment section of six FB posts had bed been turned off while querying if 'this us the way the Bapa Reformasi evade the people's anger'? In an update, Zaz observed that the comment section on PMX's FB section was disabled from '7.17am to 7.20am' yesterday (May 25) with a check by FocusM revealed that commenting is limited to 'only people who have followed this page for more than 24 hours'. Apart from FB, a few netizens also reported that the comment section on PMX's Instagram in which he boasts 1.2M followers has also been disabled/limited. At the end of the day, one PMX fan who has been looking up to him as an idol since young expressed sympathy to the former while stating that 'such is the price that he must pay for supporting the foolish Damai (Nurul Izzah's) team'. 'For the first time, PMX has to close the comment section because 95% of the comments criticised him,' he penned on X. Aku simpati pd PMX antara idola aku yg aku sokong dari muda. Itulah harga yg perlu dibayar kerana team Damai yg bahalol. Buat kali pertamanya PMX terpaksa tutup ruang komen krn 95% komen hentam beliau. Kamu mengajar kami 'lawan tetap lawan' dn kami sambut 'lawan tetap lawan' — Ezzad_AR (@EzzadAR) May 25, 2025 'You taught us lawan tetap lawan (fight on, keep fighting) and we respond with lawan tetap lawan.' – May 26, 2025
Business Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Alibaba movie unit's pivot, rebrand bring US$2 billion value gain
DAMAI Entertainment Holdings, formerly Alibaba Pictures Group, is shifting its focus from movies production to faster-growing entertainment segments targeting younger consumers – and investors are taking notice. Since its May 19 earnings report, which highlighted a pivot towards intellectual property (IP) licensing and live events, the company's shares have roughly doubled, making it the top performer on Hong Kong's Hang Seng Composite Index and adding US$2 billion in market valuation. Several analysts have since upgraded their outlooks. The rebrand to Damai Entertainment, effective this month, reflects this broader focus. While its core film production business shrank, Damai still posted double-digit growth in both sales and profit for the fiscal year ended Mar 31 – driven by its IP merchandising and live entertainment arms. The Damai name, originally tied to its concert and event unit, now represents the company's alignment with China's 'new consumption' trend. Young consumers are increasingly drawn to tech-driven, emotionally engaging experiences, and Beijing is encouraging more spending to boost the economy. The name change and strategic shift are a 'turning point', signalling Damai's ambition to become a more well-rounded offline entertainment provider, Citigroup analysts said in a note. The stock has already surpassed Citi's HKD$0.92 target and China International Capital's revised HKD$0.98 target. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Still, Damai remains a penny stock with notable risks. Its film and TV segment shrank 9.6 per cent last year, and content investment remains volatile. Citi maintains a 'Buy/High Risk' rating, citing margin uncertainties. Its valuation has also become high, according to Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based Chanson & Co. 'Short-term stock price fluctuations increase valuation risks,' he said. The stock is trading at nearly 29 times its forward earnings estimates, far above a ratio of around 10 for the Hang Seng Index, data compiled by Bloomberg showed. But he believes the pivot towards younger consumers is smart: 'Young people have a longer consumption cycle.' Pokemon and Sanrio The move is already playing out. Gen Z's spending on hobby goods and celebrity merch has fuelled stock surges for companies such as Pop Mart International Group and Bloks Group – and now Damai. The IP merchandising unit, including the sub-licensing business AliFish, partners with brands such as Pokemon, Sanrio, and Chiikawa, and sub-licenses them to merchants. The unit's revenue grew 73 per cent last year. The Citigroup analysts call AliFish 'the nation's largest IP licensing agent' and the 'young people's underlying supplier for IP merchandising'. Meanwhile, Damai's live entertainment business – concerts, festivals, exhibitions – saw a 236 per cent revenue jump. It also runs a major ticketing platform and expects more growth from international concert sales. 'Entertainment in China has strong, diverse demand,' Shen said. 'If one has liked something since childhood, they will basically always like it.' BLOOMBERG
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alibaba Movie Unit's Pivot, Rebrand Bring $2 Billion Value Gain
(Bloomberg) -- Damai Entertainment Holdings, formerly Alibaba Pictures Group, is shifting its focus from movies production to faster-growing entertainment segments targeting younger consumers — and investors are taking notice. Shuttered NY College Has Alumni Fighting Over Its Future Trump's Military Parade Has Washington Bracing for Tanks and Weaponry NYC Renters Brace for Price Hikes After Broker-Fee Ban Do World's Fairs Still Matter? NY Long Island Rail Service Resumes After Grand Central Fire Since its May 19 earnings report, which highlighted a pivot toward IP licensing and live events, the company's shares have roughly doubled, making it the top performer on Hong Kong's Hang Seng Composite Index and adding $2 billion in market valuation. Several analysts have since upgraded their outlooks. The rebrand to Damai Entertainment, effective this month, reflects this broader focus. While its core film production business shrank, Damai still posted double-digit growth in both sales and profit for the fiscal year ended March 31 — driven by its IP merchandising and live entertainment arms. The Damai name, originally tied to its concert and event unit, now represents the company's alignment with China's 'new consumption' trend. Young consumers are increasingly drawn to tech-driven, emotionally engaging experiences, and Beijing is encouraging more spending to boost the economy. The name change and strategic shift are a 'turning point,' signaling Damai's ambition to become a more well-rounded offline entertainment provider, Citigroup analysts including Vicky Wei said in a note. The stock has already surpassed Citi's HKD$0.92 target and China International Capital Corp.'s revised HKD$0.98 target. Still, Damai remains a penny stock with notable risks. Its film and TV segment shrank 9.6% last year, and content investment remains volatile. Citi maintains a 'Buy/High Risk' rating, citing margin uncertainties. Its valuation has also become high, according to Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based Chanson & Co. 'Short-term stock price fluctuations increase valuation risks,' he said. The stock is trading at nearly 29 times its forward earnings estimates, far above a ratio of around 10 for the Hang Seng Index, data compiled by Bloomberg show. But he believes the pivot toward younger consumers is smart: 'Young people have a longer consumption cycle.' Pokémon and Sanrio That's already playing out. Gen Z's spending on hobby goods and celebrity merch has fueled stock surges for companies like Pop Mart International Group and Bloks Group — and now Damai. The IP merchandising unit, including the sublicensing business AliFish, partners with brands like Pokémon, Sanrio, and Chiikawa, and sublicenses them to merchants. The unit's revenue grew 73% last year. The Citigroup analysts call AliFish 'the nation's largest IP licensing agent' and 'young people's underlying supplier for IP merchandising.' Meanwhile, Damai's live entertainment business — concerts, festivals, exhibitions — saw a 236% revenue jump. It also runs a major ticketing platform and expects more growth from international concert sales. 'Entertainment in China has strong, diverse demand,' Shen said. 'If one has liked something since childhood, they will basically always like it.' American Mid: Hampton Inn's Good-Enough Formula for World Domination The Spying Scandal Rocking the World of HR Software New Grads Join Worst Entry-Level Job Market in Years US Tariffs Threaten to Derail Vietnam's Historic Industrial Boom As Companies Abandon Climate Pledges, Is There a Silver Lining? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sign in to access your portfolio
Malaysian Reserve
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Alibaba movie unit's pivot, rebrand bring US$2b value gain
DAMAI Entertainment Holdings, formerly Alibaba Pictures Group, is shifting its focus from movies production to faster-growing entertainment segments targeting younger consumers — and investors are taking notice. Since its May 19 earnings report, which highlighted a pivot toward IP licensing and live events, the company's shares have roughly doubled, making it the top performer on Hong Kong's Hang Seng Composite Index and adding $2 billion in market valuation. Several analysts have since upgraded their outlooks. The rebrand to Damai Entertainment, effective this month, reflects this broader focus. While its core film production business shrank, Damai still posted double-digit growth in both sales and profit for the fiscal year ended March 31 — driven by its IP merchandising and live entertainment arms. The Damai name, originally tied to its concert and event unit, now represents the company's alignment with China's 'new consumption' trend. Young consumers are increasingly drawn to tech-driven, emotionally engaging experiences, and Beijing is encouraging more spending to boost the economy. The name change and strategic shift are a 'turning point,' signaling Damai's ambition to become a more well-rounded offline entertainment provider, Citigroup analysts including Vicky Wei said in a note. The stock has already surpassed Citi's HKD$0.92 target and China International Capital Corp.'s revised HKD$0.98 target. Still, Damai remains a penny stock with notable risks. Its film and TV segment shrank 9.6% last year, and content investment remains volatile. Citi maintains a 'Buy/High Risk' rating, citing margin uncertainties. Its valuation has also become high, according to Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based Chanson & Co. 'Short-term stock price fluctuations increase valuation risks,' he said. The stock is trading at nearly 29 times its forward earnings estimates, far above a ratio of around 10 for the Hang Seng Index, data compiled by Bloomberg show. But he believes the pivot toward younger consumers is smart: 'Young people have a longer consumption cycle.' That's already playing out. Gen Z's spending on hobby goods and celebrity merch has fueled stock surges for companies like Pop Mart International Group and Bloks Group — and now Damai. The IP merchandising unit, including the sublicensing business AliFish, partners with brands like Pokémon, Sanrio, and Chiikawa, and sublicenses them to merchants. The unit's revenue grew 73% last year. The Citigroup analysts call AliFish 'the nation's largest IP licensing agent' and 'young people's underlying supplier for IP merchandising.' Meanwhile, Damai's live entertainment business — concerts, festivals, exhibitions — saw a 236% revenue jump. It also runs a major ticketing platform and expects more growth from international concert sales. 'Entertainment in China has strong, diverse demand,' Shen said. 'If one has liked something since childhood, they will basically always like it.' –BLOOMBERG
Vogue Singapore
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Treatments to Try: Experience Bastien's podiatry expertise
Courtesy of Dior It can be argued that the myriad of advancements in technology is a double-edged sword. With heightened convenience and efficacy comes job displacements brought about by the advent of AI tech; ethical concerns surrounding online privacy; and even a dehumanisation of certain services and interactions. And while the relationship between tech and the beauty realm proves to be just as layered and complex, there is something to be said about the innovations, devices, and aesthetic treatments that have emerged within the realm as of late. From the latest groundbreaking podiatry procedures to newfangled tweakments that enhance rather than alter, it is safe to say that 2025 is brimming with promise when it comes to massages, facial treatments, and the like. Bearing this in mind, Vogue Singapore's editorial team ventured out into the beauty scene to review the best procedures designed to address a variety of concerns. This month, we delve deep into a myriad of new procedures in the aesthetic sphere, the skincare realm, and more. See: the most buzz-worthy new pampering session in foot and nail care, courtesy of the proficient podiatry experts at Bastien Gonzalez. Digits are buffed, coddled, and massaged to oblivion and back; a rejuvenating experience that extends beyond your toes goes and up to your calves and gams as well. There is also the most recent addition to Dior Prestige La Suite's extensive menu of services to speak of. Meet Le Soin Premier Dior Prestige, an 'intensely regenerating ritual' designed to amalgamate the most exceptional complexion-lifting and -toning formulas with an indulgent massage. Whether you're dealing with sensitive, sagging, or dry skin, or simply craving a well-deserved sensorial scalp pampering session for the day, peruse the best beauty treatments and more to try in Singapore, as recommended by Vogue Singapore's beauty desk. Chantal Arnts 1 / 5 The Recovery, $448++ for 120 minutes at Damai Spa, Grand Hyatt Singapore Who it's catered for: Those looking to escape into an urban sanctuary. Damai's post-COVID return to the spa scene couldn't have come at a better time and now, it's back with a refreshed space designed by NAO Taniyama & Associates. This reimagining of wellness offers a fitness centre, salt steam room, infrared sauna and lush outdoor area featuring Damai's own wellness pool. Vogue's review: Redefining luxury wellness with its new Mind Body Wellness programme, Grand Hyatt's Damai spa marries scientific innovations with sensorial therapies to treat 21st century woes such as burnout and digital fatigue. Each treatment is designed to recalibrate and soothe, delivering wholeness—not just wellness. 'These programmes have been designed meticulously to respond to the real needs of modern life, leveraging the latest technologies and nature-aligned principles to support each guest's full spectrum of wellbeing, shares Thea Wong, director of wellbeing at Grand Hyatt Singapore on the spa's new vision. I checked in for The Recovery programme. The 120-minute experience begins with the MLX i3 Dome, a new-gen detox technology incorporating far infrared heat (FIR), with plasma and LED light. Designed to boost the metabolism while rejuvenating the skin, it's also great for muscle recovery, easing jet lag and fatigue. Unlike traditional saunas, the body is heated from the inside out, meaning there's no breathing of hot air—which may be cloying for some. Best of all, your treatment time is maximised as a therapist simultaneously cleanses and massages your face and shoulders while the MLX dome works its magic from the chest down. Next you'll move to a massage bed where you'll experience plasma and light device on the face. Beyond just being an LED light treatment which helps address ageing or problem skin, the helmet also emits negatively charged ions for increased vitality, suppleness, and rejuvenation. These negative ions penetrate the skin and are also inhaled via the mouth and nose, delivering benefits within. The treatment concludes with a stress-busting massage and you'll emerge more energised and rejuvenated than before. 10 Scotts Rd, Grand Hyatt, Singapore 228211. Tel: +65 6416 7132 Courtesy of Raffles Spa 2 / 5 Bastien's Pedicure and Manicure at Bastien Gonzalez, Raffles Spa Who it's catered for: Long neglected toes and talons looking for the perfect marriage of feelgood nail care with medical know-how. Vogue's review: Our favourite French exports—other than the fashion and the fromage— are the highly skilled podiatrists at Bastien Gonzalez. Unlike run of the mill manis and pedis, each experience at Bastien's luxe Singapore outpost within the Raffles Hotel, is customised. You'll be ushered to a private suite where you'll kick back on a reclining chaise as your foot care expert cleans, treats, and buffs those long neglected toes and talons to perfection with their in-house tools—including the famed polishing paste made with mother-of-pearl and natural horn buffer. All about restoring the nail and foot to health, the dry pedicure bridges the gap between medical expertise, beauty, and sensorial wellbeing as callouses are removed and skin is left intensely rejuvenated while cuticles are respected instead of trimmed to oblivion. Another highlight: a foot and calf massage to promote blood circulation, ease tension and remove swelling. But for the ultimate afternoon, consider pairing this with Raffles Hotel's Body Ballancer Pressotherapy treatment ($175 for 60 minutes). The specialised suit inflates with compressed air and stimulates the lymphatic system as it gently massages to legs, hips, and abdomen. Bastien's Pedicure, $200, and Bastien's Manicure, $155 by Bastien Gonzalez at Raffles Spa, 328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719. Tel: +65 6412 1377 Courtesy of Dior 3 / 5 Le Soin Premier Dior Prestige, $390 for 90 minutes, Dior Prestige La Suite Who it's catered for: If the crushing effects of gravity are starting to show on your visage, this one's for you. Vogue's review: As someone who has just entered a new age bracket this year, the emergence of the Le Soin Premier Dior Prestige treatment feels particularly serendipitous. Touted as a potent firming and lifting facial, it employs the formidable Dior Prestige skincare line to target the various aspects of skin-ageing. This is all complemented by a relaxing massage that harbours a focus on the overtaxed muscles of your limbs. My session commences with a skin analysis that (correctly) identifies my current concerns: sallowness, dryness, and a hint of sagging. To rectify this, a thorough double cleanse that leads into a gentle exfoliation and extraction. I'm told that this is necessary to ensure better absorption of the rest of the products, of which is powered by the 'most precious Rose de Granville extract.' A mask and massage follows after. This deeply relaxing affair successfully lulls me to sleep, and I awake to the sensation of a light pressure on my face, scraping and tugging it into submission—the work of the Dior Prestige Le Pétale Multi-Perlé. The Dior Lip Glow Oil acts as the finishing touch; a perfect accompaniment to my-now refreshed mien which appears significantly more radiant and toned than before. The Shoppes @ MBS, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B2-26/26A, Singapore 018972. Tel: +65 6688 7561 Courtesy of Spa by JW Marriott 4 / 5 Jetlag Cure Massage, $240++ for 75 minutes at Spa by JW, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach Who it's catered for: Weary, travel-worn bodies. Vogue's review: There's no better way to reset your body clock and bust fatigue than with Spa by JW's Jetlag Cure Massage. Perfect after long-haul flights or even after a choppy night's sleep, the full body treatment is an invitation to melt and unwind for 75 minutes. Equal parts reviving yet relaxing, this massage uses physical manipulation to promote circulation and release tension. I appreciate the combination of Aromatherapy Associates products employed here: the De-stress Muscle Gel with energising rosemary and warming black pepper to help undo knots, and the Revive Morning Body Oil, formulated with detoxifying juniper and reviving grapefruit essential oils to promote clarity and alertness. Don't forget to give yourself ample time in the space to enjoy the sauna or steam facilities before your treatment—the perfect prelude to any spa experience at JW Marriott. 30 Beach Road, Nicoll Hwy, Access via, 189763. Tel: +65 6818 1888 Courtesy of Strip 5 / 5 Strip AFT Hair Removal, $350 for the full bikini area, Strip Ministry of Waxing Who it's catered for: Anyone dealing with an unmanageable bush. Vogue's review: Think an IPL laser, but better. Strip's AFT Hair Removal sets itself apart thanks to its outstanding machinery, which is jointly developed with Alma Laser—revered experts in the light-based hair removal technology field. This is evident within the first 15 minutes of the treatment, where the device's built-in cooling system triggers to successfully calm and soothe my (easily) irritated skin. I'm told that their custom applicators, too, are made wider than most, allowing for technicians to cover a wider surface area so hair removal is swift and painless. For those who find themselves dealing with inflamed skin post-laser, consider adding the Two Lips Post-Wax Care to your treatment. A personal favourite is Ice, a mighty formulation comprising sea algae, menthol and liquorice designed to be safe for use on your nether regions and also to bring down irritation. Glimpse the full list of Strip outlets here.
