Latest news with #Izwan
The Star
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
DBKL's festival showcases 14 orchestral ensembles at 10 venues
(Seated, from left) Izwan, Lim, Ismadi, Naquib and Pek at the event's pre-launch in Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy of DBKL KUALA Lumpur is set to transform into a vibrant cultural soundscape with the return of Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL). Now in its second edition, the festival runs until June 29, taking place at selected venues across the city. Organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), this year's festival showcases 14 local and international orchestral ensembles, bringing together over 1,200 musicians. 'This is not just about music – it's about creating inclusive and impactful cultural experiences,' said DBKL Socioeconomic Development executive director Ismadi Sakirin at the festival's pre-launch. 'Beyond contributing to the growth of orchestral music, the festival also enhances KL's reputation as a cultural hub.' Also present at the launch were DBKL Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sport Department director Naquib Hamdan, DBKL Music Unit head Isabella Pek, DBKL Culture, Art, Tourism and Sports senior deputy director Izwan Razif and Kuala Lumpur Society vice-president Jack Lim. Ismadi noted that FOKL will expand its reach this year, taking place at 10 locations, up from just three last year – an indication of DBKL's growing commitment to the initiative. Ismadi says the festival will position Kuala Lumpur as a cultural hub. Festival venues include Auditorium DBKL and Dataran DBKL at DBKL headquarters, DBKL's training institute in Cheras, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, and the River of Life area in Masjid Jamek. The programme also features workshops led by musicians from across Asia, including Japan, China and Thailand. To nurture the next generation of talent, the festival will spotlight performances by schoolchildren and youth ensembles. According to a DBKL statement, over 60 schools have been invited to attend selected performances. To promote accessibility, DBKL is collaborating with GNB Disabled Welfare Association to ensure people with disabilities can attend the concerts. FOKL will also include a charity performance in support of the Malaysian Association for the Blind. Admission is free. For schedule of performances, venues and showtimes, visit
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
BYD SUV owner opts for full loan settlement after highway scare
SHAH ALAM: The owner of a fully electric BYD Atto 3 sport utility vehicle (SUV), which recently went viral following a harrowing incident on a highway, has decided to part ways with the vehicle through a full loan settlement borne entirely by BYD Sime Motors. According to a Sinar Harian report, Izwan Hassan, 33, said the decision was made after prioritising his family's safety, despite incurring a minor financial loss from the loan instalments paid during his 10-month ownership. "We appreciate the professional conduct shown by BYD Sime Motors in resolving this matter amicably by repurchasing the vehicle through a full settlement with the bank. "Although I did suffer a slight financial loss from the instalments paid, I am not willing to risk a repeat of the incident. My family's safety is paramount," he said in a Facebook post on Saturday. Earlier, Izwan and his family endured a terrifying moment when the newly purchased electric SUV suddenly came to a halt in the fast lane of the Cheras–Kajang Expressway. The incident occurred on May 1 while they were travelling from Melaka to Penang, with the vehicle reportedly cruising at speeds between 90 and 100km/h. The vehicle was later sent to the BYD Glenmarie service centre, where it remained for 12 days before company representatives met Izwan in Melaka. Contrary to initial assumptions that a faulty 12V battery was to blame, BYD clarified that the root cause was a defective sensor on the driver's door. "They informed me that when the door sensor malfunctions, the vehicle's safety system is automatically triggered. Hazard lights turn on instantly, the brakes engage abruptly, and the entire system shuts down. "Based on dashcam footage, the car began braking at 12:20:21am while moving at 106km/h and came to a complete stop by 12:20:27am, in under seven seconds," he said. What raised further concern, Izwan added, was the complete lack of warning prior to the vehicle's emergency response. "The tyres could not be turned even after shifting the gear to neutral. Everything happened so fast, we couldn't react in time. The safety system is supposed to protect passengers, but in this case, it posed a danger," he said. The incident has since sparked widespread debate among netizens and electric vehicle (EV) owners, particularly over the reliance on automated systems that fail to provide early warnings when malfunctions occur. Reflecting on the ordeal, Izwan said the experience had taught him to be more cautious when selecting a vehicle. "For now, we're exploring other vehicle options that offer stronger safety features and more reliable after-sales support. I've also learnt not to be easily swayed by viral promotions on social media," he said. As of press time, BYD has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Sharjah beat Sailors to claim AFC CL2 glory
SINGAPORE: Sharjah FC claimed the AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 title with a dramatic 2-1 win over Singapore's Lion City Sailors at Bishan Stadium on Sunday as Marcus Meloni scored deep into added time to secure victory for the side from the United Arab Emirates. The final looked to be heading for extra-time when Lion City's Maxime Lestienne cancelled out Firas Ben Arbi's 74th minute goal but Meloni struck in the 97th minute to give Sharjah head coach Cosmin Olaroiu the perfect send off before he takes over as UAE national team boss. Sharjah become the first club from the country to lift the title and follow in the footsteps of domestic rivals Al Ain, who won the AFC Champions League in 2003 and 2024, in becoming the only outfits from the Gulf state to taste continental glory. Sharjah's Meloni had an early sight of goal but his free-kick from distance was comfortably dealt with by Lion City goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud as both teams took time to impose themselves on the game. The home side shaded proceedings, with Bart Ramselaar denied the opener when his driven strike from the edge of the area was blocked by central defender Shaheen Abdalla and goalkeeper Adel al Hosani's batted the ball to safety after it looped towards goal. Caio Lucas almost unlocked the Lion City defence with 11 minutes left in the half, the Brazil-born winger swinging a right-foot cross in from close to the left touchline that an on-rushing Ben Arbi only narrowly missed reaching to beat Izwan. The game was starting to open up and Diogo Costa almost put the Sailors in front moments later, the Portuguese winger hitting the base of Al Hosani's right post with a powerful left-foot strike from the edge of the area. MELONI HITS WINNER Lion City midfielder Song Ui-young skied his first-time effort well off target inside the opening five minutes of the second half while Ramselaar started and almost finished a flowing move through the centre that ended with the ball flying over the bar. Ousmane Camara squandered a gilt-edged opportunity with 21 minutes remaining, rising highest to meet Meloni's corner from the right only to steer his header marginally wide of Izwan's left post. With 16 minutes remaining, however, Sharjah found their way through. Caio Lucas swung the ball over from the left corner of the area towards Khaleed Ebraheim as the full-back galloped into space behind the Lion City defence and his first-time centre as he slid along the turf found Ben Arbi at the far post and he finished with aplomb. The clock had barely ticked over into added time when Lestienne levelled, the prolific Belgian lashing a low left-foot shot through a defender's leg and past Al Hosni to raise the possibility of extra-time. But Meloni won the title for Sharjah six minutes later when he moved the ball onto his right foot on the left side of the Lion City penalty area and bent an unstoppable low shot beyond Izwan to seal a remarkable win. — AFC
