Latest news with #JPEG
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Heart And Soul: Beneath the gentle smile of a caring aunt
The writer says that Teh (pic), his aunt, always tried to give her best to her children. Her life was full of ups and downs, but she took them on the chin and weathered every storm. — TEH HUI YONG Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: heartandsoul@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". MY aunt, Teh Hui Yong – my late father's elder sister – turns 75 this year. In the 1990s, we lived in the same neighbourhood. As a child, I always saw her as a joyful woman, smiling warmly whenever we met. Her home was my refuge whenever I was caned by my mother. Only when I grew older did I begin to understand the hardship behind her smile. Born into poverty, she married young and became a mother of six. Her husband was largely absent in his responsibilities, and she struggled alone to raise her children. In 1987, at the age of 37, she secured a canteen business at a Chinese primary school in Sungai Besar, Selangor. Living in nearby Sabak Bernam, she moved into the school hostel with her youngest son, then four years old. With only a bicycle, she made daily trips to the wet market to buy bananas for her fried banana stall. Her son would perch on the crossbar as she balanced bunches of bananas on the pillion seat and handlebars. At night, she would count her modest earnings on an old lounge chair while gently cradling her son to sleep. Two years later, she stopped her canteen business in Sungai Besar because her son had to start kindergarten, and she returned to Sabak Bernam, where she rented a stall selling asam laksa and pisang goreng. Not long after, she won another school canteen tender in town, which she managed for nine years with hired help and support from her children. Her quiet resilience and love remain an inspiration to me. In the school canteen, my aunt sold a variety of food – curry noodles, laksa, mee jawa, lor mee, plain soup noodles (one type per day), nasi lemak, chicken rice, and fried bee hoon. She also offered sweets, snacks, drinks, and fritters like fried bananas, sweet potatoes, and cucur udang. The students had ample choices, but the preparation behind the scenes was tough. To support the government's Bantuan (assistance) scheme, she prepared free breakfasts for selected students, with a different menu daily. Roti canai was compulsory at least once a week, which she bought from a stall. Though she had no motorbike licence, she risked riding one to collect them early – saving on delivery and ensuring everything was ready by recess. On Sundays, she'd prep ingredients at the canteen. One afternoon, after packing lunch in tiffin carriers for her children, she cycled home through a narrow alley with them. Suddenly, she felt a strike on her back – her bicycle halted abruptly. A chill ran through her. Wrapped around the back wheel was a long albino Burmese python. She and her children retreated as it freed itself and slithered away. Running the canteen marked a turning point. She earned enough to meet her children's needs, though they were considerate and rarely demanding. Every Chinese New Year, she took a bus to Teluk Intan to buy them new clothes. Her life was full of ups and downs, but she took them on the chin and weathered every storm. Today, she lives peacefully in retirement with her grown-up children in Singapore – a life well earned. I am happy to see her current state and until today, I still love listening to her stories – the stories of her hardship that she has been telling with a grin.
The Verge
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
This filmmaker is fighting piracy with piracy.
Posted Jul 17, 2025 at 8:52 AM UTC This filmmaker is fighting piracy with piracy. We're All Gonna Die director Freddie Wong uploaded the movie to torrent networks with an exclusive intro message, on the same day it was released for digital download. Wong hopes viewers will support future filmmaking efforts by buying a lousy JPEG that proudly proclaims their pirate nature. Yarrr.
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
10 Best Image Optimization Tools in 2025
Improve Your Website Speed, Boost SEO, and Maximize Your Design Profits In today's digital world, visuals are everything — especially when you're selling designs online. Whether you're a freelance designer, creative entrepreneur, or running an eCommerce shop, image optimization isn't just a technical detail — it's a business-critical strategy. Optimizing your images can drastically improve website loading speed, user experience, and search engine rankings — all of which directly influence your ability to make sales and grow your design brand online. Here are the 10 best image optimization tools that every modern designer and digital seller should explore in 2025. Still leading the pack, TinyPNG and TinyJPG are powerful tools for compressing PNG and JPG files without noticeable quality loss. The drag-and-drop interface is simple and perfect for batch uploads. ✅ Best for: Designers uploading visuals to portfolio sites, online marketplaces, or blogs. This browser-based tool is fast, free, and supports multiple formats. Squoosh lets you compare original vs. compressed versions in real time. ✅ Best for: Quick optimization on the fly with format conversion options. A WordPress plugin and web tool that handles image compression, WebP conversion, and CDN delivery. Ideal for blog owners and WooCommerce users. ✅ Best for: Designers who run WordPress-based stores or blogs. More than just compression — ImageKit offers real-time transformation, CDN integration, and performance analytics. ✅ Best for: Advanced users who need fast delivery and optimization at scale. Kraken offers robust optimization features, API integration, and bulk image handling — perfect for high-volume use. ✅ Best for: Agencies or creators managing large libraries of digital assets. This tool is known for reducing JPEG file sizes while maintaining maximum visual quality. Great for portfolios and product galleries. ✅ Best for: Visual perfectionists who can't afford quality compromise. A fast, browser-based tool that allows you to upload up to 20 images at once. Simple UI, effective compression. ✅ Best for: Quick, no-signup batch processing. Supports JPEG, PNG, GIF, and SVG formats. Offers both lossy and lossless compression modes. ✅ Best for: Versatile use across different image formats. A WordPress plugin that automates image optimization and also offers lazy loading features. ✅ Best for: WordPress users focused on improving site speed and SEO. While not strictly an image compression tool, Canva Pro allows you to export graphics with optimization settings for web use. ✅ Best for: Designers creating custom graphics and social media content. If you're planning on selling designs online, poor image performance can cost you clicks, sales, and visibility. Optimized images load faster, keep users engaged, and ensure that your creative work is seen in its best light. Many successful designers credit proper optimization as one of the keys to their early growth. One such story is shared on Designiscope, where a beginner designer made over $350 by strategically showcasing vector graphics with optimized previews. Whether you're uploading vectors, mockups, or branded assets, tools like the ones listed above can help you boost performance and sales without compromising on aesthetics. Image optimization is no longer optional in 2025 — it's a core part of your online design business strategy. Whether you're hosting your portfolio site or uploading assets to design marketplaces, the right tools can help you stand out and sell smarter. Start integrating one or more of these optimization tools into your workflow, and you'll be on your way to faster sites, better SEO, and ultimately, more sales. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Heart And Soul: Proud aunt goes for director's blockbuster premiere debut
(From left) K Chandrasekaran (Abhilash's father), Datuk Gopikrishnan, Datin Latha Gopikrishnan, Arjun Chandra, Hiasuria Arjun, Shamini Hari Dass, Nirmala Chandrasekaran (Abhilash's mum), the writer, Abhilash Chandra, actor Irfan Zaini and actor Andy Teh. — NANA AZMI Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: heartandsoul@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". It's not often that one has the privilege of being invited to a film premiere! What more when the film has a family member as the film director. Exciting right? Well, that is exactly how I felt when I was invited for the premiere night of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga on April 7, 2025 by its co-director and script writer, none other than my nephew Abhilash Chandra. Now, a little about my nephew: From his teen years Abhilash was very passionate about chasing his dream: filmmaking. My one and only brother K Chandrasekaran, being deeply practical and wary of the uncertainties of the film industry, nudged his son towards a more 'secure' profession: law. He believed in stability; in success by society's standards. So, reluctantly, Abhilash shelved his dream and walked the long road to earning a law degree. After successfully completing his degree, Abhilash set forth to achieve his dream as some passions don't fade – they simmer. He went on to fulfil his one and only ambition by enrolling for Masters at the reputable Tisch School of the Arts, a branch of New York University that used to be in Singapore. And after a long and arduous journey in the film world he now stands tall behind the camera – exactly where he belongs! Going back to the premiere, Abhilash instructed all of us relatives to wear black which was the colour theme depicted in the very elegant-looking poster of his film. So off we went, nine family members, to IOI City Mall in Putrajaya where the premiere was held, with the men in black sober suits while the ladies not entirely in black, still nodded to the theme. I opted to go traditional, draped in a black sari. When we reached the mall, the atmosphere was festive, amplified by the Aidilfitri celebrations, and the presence of high-profile guests like the Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and film legends such as Datuk Yusof Haslam (who also happened to be the producer) added a touch of prestige. The event also featured a live performance of the film's theme song Bara Jiwa, which further energised the crowd. The crowd was vibrant and enthusiastic, with fans, media and industry insiders packing the venue to catch a glimpse of the star-studded cast that included the likes of Sharnaaz Ahmad and Syafiq Kyle. The mall shimmered with soft lights and promotional banners, but my nerves hummed louder than the music echoing through the atrium. Tonight was the premiere of a Malay film and I was walking into it not just as an audience member, but as the aunt of the co- director. My nephew had a real feature premiering on the big screen! And yet, I felt a pinch of displacement. It wasn't my crowd. I knew my wavelength was a few decades off the young fans who were there. But, still, there was something beautiful in it. I was a quiet observer in a generation's moment, absorbing their excitement like warmth from a fire I no longer danced around, but appreciated from the edge. But then I saw him – my nephew – standing beside the film's poster, laughing modestly while cameras clicked around him. He wasn't the little kid who once spent hours watching films on the laptop. He was a filmmaker, surrounded by people who saw him that way. Pride swelled in my chest, flushing out the awkwardness. I realised I didn't need to belong to this world; I already had a place in his. Just being there, witnessing that moment, was enough. On reflection, days later, I realised that it wasn't just a movie screening – it felt like a cultural moment, with fans eager to witness what many are calling a new benchmark for Malaysian action cinema; a celebration of Malaysian identity. The cast reflected the country's diversity, and fans praised it for uniting audiences across races and backgrounds. The film didn't just tell a good story – it looked and sounded great. From high-octane fight scenes to the hauntingly powerful theme song Bara Jiwa, it delivered cinematic flair that rivalled international thrillers. And the result was a blockbuster. Yes, Abhilash's directoral debut Blood Brothers that he co-directed with Syafiq Yusof actually made it to becoming one of the highest-grossing Malaysian films ever. The numbers speak volumes: over RM76mil in earnings. Authentic, raw and brimming with heart, the film caught the attention of local film goers. Abhilash's story is not just about immersing himself in every heartbeat of filmmaking. It's about honouring one's true calling. He proved that sometimes, the detour doesn't derail the dream – it deepens it.
The Star
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Heart And Soul: A touching reunion of former SMK Bukit Mewah teachers
The writer (front row, standing, in long-sleeved batik shirt) reconnects with fellow educators from SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban, at their first full reunion in over 20 years. — LIONG KAM CHONG Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: heartandsoul@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". We are former teachers and head teachers of SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban – now scattered across the country after retirement or transfers over the past 20 years. Though we stay connected through a chat group aptly named 'SBM BFF' (Seremban Bukit Mewah Best Friends Forever), full group meet-ups have been rare. So, when someone suggested an in-person reunion, the response was swift and enthusiastic. What started with 20 interested members quickly swelled to 50. To ensure comfort, the organisers eventually capped the number as the hotel restaurant hosting our high tea had its limits. The date – May 16, 2025, Teachers Day – was perfect. True to our teacherly nature, a full programme was drawn up. And long before the 2.45pm registration, most of us were already there, buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was electric – like a scene of long-lost friends reunited. Handshakes, hugs, laughter and chatter filled the room. In that moment, we were no different from the noisy students we once guided. There were stories, questions, laughter – and heartfelt memories. Many had aged gracefully, some remarkably unchanged. Amid the joy, we paused to remember colleagues who had passed on. But we agreed – at this stage of life, acceptance is key. That, we decided, is the true recipe for healthy ageing. The organising chairperson opened with a brief welcome, followed by a doa (prayer). Then, the celebration began –our first full reunion in over 20 years. Ten of us, former school administrators, were seated at the 'VIP' table with a served meal, while the rest, seated across four other tables, enjoyed a buffet spread. But after two decades of retirement, titles no longer mattered – we soon left our seats, mingled freely, and helped ourselves at the buffet. Conversations flowed as easily as the laughter. More than the food, it was the reconnection that mattered most. Smiling faces and joyful chatter said it all. An hour was set aside for open sharing, and unsurprisingly, the slot filled quickly. Teachers, after all, rarely shy away from a stage. We heard stories of post-retirement life: travel, health, family time, and new hobbies. It was clear – retirement was not just well earned, but well lived. The highlight came with the cutting of the Teachers' Day cake, followed by a rousing group's declaration of 'Kami guru Malaysia, berikrar dan berjanji ...' (We, Malaysian teachers, pledge and promise...). Our voices filled the restaurant – Surely, the other guests knew their school-going children were in good hands! The photo session that followed was a flurry of activity. It took time to gather all 50 of us for the group shot, but that didn't stop the phones from clicking – smaller group photos, selfies, and candid moments captured in abundance. By 6pm, it was time to part. There were waves, hugs, and quiet goodbyes. And in every heart, the same thought lingered: When will we meet again?
