Latest news with #JWP
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Queen opens inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 in Labuan
LABUAN: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, officially opened the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex today. The event, themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora', highlighted the region's rich floral and cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions. The festival began with a lively showcase of traditional dances, including the Magunatip, a rhythmic bamboo dance performed by the Murut community of Sabah. The cultural performances set a festive tone, drawing visitors from across Malaysia and beyond. Accompanied by dignitaries such as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Sarawak Governor's wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Her Majesty toured intricately designed gardens crafted by government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. These exhibits celebrated Borneo's biodiversity and cultural landscapes. A special moment occurred when Her Majesty was presented with a rare black orchid from Sabah, symbolising the region's unique botanical treasures. The festival, organised by the Department of Federal Territories (JWP), aims to boost Labuan's eco-tourism and socio-economic growth. Thousands of native and exotic floral species, including rare orchids and pitcher plants, were displayed, attracting gardening enthusiasts and families. Tomorrow, Her Majesty will officiate the opening of the new Labuan Handicraft Gallery, further promoting local artisans. The Borneo Flora Festival 2025 is set to become an annual highlight, reinforcing Labuan's transformation into a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination. - Bernama
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Freida Pinto to Star in ‘Unaccustomed Earth' Series at Netflix
Freida Pinto is set for a major role in Netflix's upcoming series adaptation of the Jhumpa Lahiri short story collection 'Unaccustomed Earth.' Variety has learned that Pinto will play Parul Chaudhury in the series, which was originally announced in April. As previously reported, Netflix has commissioned eight episodes. More from Variety 'XO, Kitty' Season 3 Adds Three New Cast Members, Wraps Production in South Korea Netflix Reality News: Nick Viall to Host Age-Gap Dating Show, Harry Jowsey Gets His Own 'Bachelor,' 'Love Is Blind' Season 9 Release Set and More Netflix, Caracol Series 'Eva Lasting' Season 3 Taps Bogotá's Iconic Spots as Colombia Ramps Up Global Shoots The official logline for the show states that it is 'an epic, soapy, and culturally vibrant drama about a tight-knit Indian American community navigating love, desire, and belonging. Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, 'Unaccustomed Earth' invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA. When a star-crossed romance between a devoted wife and her long lost love comes to light, a scandalous affair is born and new battle lines are drawn in this intensely interconnected immigrant community.' Pinto is perhaps best known for her breakout role in the Oscar-winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire,' which marked her feature debut. She has since starred in films like 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes,' 'Knight of Cups,' 'Hillbilly Elegy,' and 'Mr. Malcolm's List.' In television, Pinto is known for her roles in 'Guerilla,' 'Surface,' and 'The Path.' She is repped by CAA and Principal Entertainment LA. John Wells will co-write the adaptation with Madhuri Shekar . Both will executive produce, with Wells serving as showrunner via John Wells Productions (JWP). Ritesh Batra will direct and executive produce the first and second episodes. Nisha Ganatra, who had originally optioned the book and developed the series, will also executive produce. Lahiri will executive produce as well, along with Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow of JWP, and Celia Costas. Warner Bros. Television, where Wells is under an overall deal, will produce. This is the latest Lahiri book to be adapted for the screen. Her novel 'The Namesake' was made into a film in 2006 starring Kal Penn, Tabu, and Irrfan Khan. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025: Volunteers successfully sow seeds of beauty in Labuan
Datuk Seri Noridah Abdul Rahim, KP JWP (third right) with the flower distribution volunteers. LABUAN (July 13): The much-anticipated Borneo Flora Festival @ Labuan (BFF) 2025 is nearing its climax, thanks to the unwavering dedication of nearly 2,000 volunteers, who have formed the backbone of the festival's success. Since last May, three series of volunteer program organised by Department of Federal Territories have been successfully implemented, not just to sow flower seeds, but to display a spirit of togetherness and love for nature in Labuan. The first series saw volunteers working alongside BFF's official ambassador, Nadeera, to sow seeds and prepare planting mediums. A cheerful atmosphere filled the air as participants diligently ensured each seed received the best start. In the second series, volunteers transferred the sprouted seedlings to Padang Membedai, where they were carefully transplanted into polybags in preparation for their next journey. BFF volunteers work together to transplant the flower trees. The culmination of this effort was achieved in the third series which brought together more than 800 volunteers from 43 government agencies including TUDM, Labuan Fire Department, Labuan PDRM, Labuan Navy, private companies and the community of villagers to move 250,000 polybags of seasonal flower plants from Padang Membedai to the BFF Site at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex. This effort not only highlights the commitment of volunteers, but also ensures that Labuan is ready with colorful and stunning flowers for visitors to BFF 2025. 'BFF 2025 is not just a flower festival, but also a celebration of the spirit of togetherness and responsibility towards the environment. We call on everyone to participate in this special event,' said Datuk Seri Noridah Abdul Rahim, Director General of the Federal Territories Department at the BFF site. Volunteers from Brunei Darul Salam. With only a few days left before BFF 2025 begins, various interesting attractions await visitors. Among the highlights include interesting photo spots such as the highlight BFF mural, Tombiruo statue, stunning night lighting, concerts by pop artists, coloring competition, and DJ Corner that will definitely add to the excitement. As a complement, the Doulos Hope ship, famous for its diverse collection of reading materials, will dock in Labuan until 28 July 2025, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the world of knowledge alongside the beauty of flowers. Various members of associations, communities, and government agencies join hands to make the BFF 2025 program a success. For domestic and foreign tourists planning to join BFF 2025, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a 15% discount from official airline partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, by using the promo codes MYBFF15 (Malaysia Airlines) and FYBFF15 (Firefly). In addition, various hotels in Labuan are also offering attractive promotions throughout BFF 2025, making your travel experience more meaningful. Borneo Flora Festival community flowers Labuan
The Star
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Free spectacles for 500 pupils from B40 families in KL
Dr Zaliha (second from right) with Zainal Abas (second from left) checking on a pupil undergoing eye screening at SK Seri Bintang Utara in Cheras. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star SOME 500 children from low- income households in Kuala Lumpur will receive free spectacles as part of an effort by Federal Territories Department (JWP) to address poor eyesight. The recipients will be identified via eye screening of Year One to Three pupils from five primary schools – SK Seri Bintang Utara, SK Sungai Penchala, SK Seri Mega, SK Tun Hussein Onn and SK Jalan Bellamy. Introduced in five primary schools last year, the initiative called Mata Hati Wilayah is entering its second year. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the initiative was a social intervention to help children from B40 families who could not afford glasses. She said a 2023 Health Ministry study found that nearly 30% of young Malaysian children suffered from poor eyesight. 'What's even more worrying is that they are probably not even aware and this may have an impact on their academic performance and self-esteem,' she said during the programme's launch at SK Seri Bintang Utara in Cheras. At the event, the minister also announced a RM10,000 allocation to the school to support its commitment in ensuring the success of the programme. To widen access to proper eye care for the underprivileged, Dr Zaliha said she would also propose that the Education Ministry incorporate screening into orientation programmes for Year One pupils. 'This is important as poor eyesight has been linked to delayed cognitive and language development in children,' she added. Also present were Education Ministry deputy director-general (school operations) Zainal Abas, JWP deputy director-general (socio-economic and management) Datuk Parang Abai @ Thomas and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Community and Urban Wellbeing Department director Badrul Hisham Baharuddin.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
KL Youth Force, trainee allowance proposed at Youth Assembly
PUTRAJAYA: The establishment of the Kuala Lumpur (KL) Youth Force, a minimum allowance for industrial trainees, and stricter enforcement on the placement of foreign nationals were among key proposals raised during the inaugural Federal Territories Youth Assembly (Sidang Belia Wilayah Persekutuan – SBWP), which concluded today. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the KL Youth Force aims to support disaster victims in the Federal Territories, particularly in welfare-related crises such as floods and fires. 'Although similar structures already exist, such as Rakan NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency volunteers), the KL Youth Force needs further study. If it involves welfare matters, it must follow proper standard operating procedures (SOPs),' she said. On the proposal for trainee allowances, Dr Zaliha noted that while the government sector already provides such support, the call was to expand this to the private sector. 'Some private companies do provide allowances, but there's no clear policy. I intend to discuss this with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim for further consideration,' she added. She was speaking at a press conference after winding-up session of the three-day assembly, which began on June 21. A total of 15 resolutions were presented, covering areas such as the economy, social development, technology, and legislation. Asked whether the proposals would be brought to higher levels, including Cabinet discussions or the 2026 Budget planning, Dr Zaliha said all approved resolutions would be submitted to the Federal Territories Department (JWP) for follow-up. 'For matters beyond my portfolio under the Ministerial Functions Act 1969 (Amendment 2023), I will refer them to the Cabinet for consideration by the relevant ministers. 'JWP will also coordinate with the respective ministries to monitor the progress of these proposals, ensuring the efforts of the youth assembly members are not in vain,' she said.
