Latest news with #KLCC
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
J-pop, ‘Enka' and a whole lot of laughs: What's on at Japan Malaysia Expo 2025 in KL
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The Japan Malaysia Expo 2025 (JEMY 2025) has opened its doors for a three-day celebration of Japanese culture at Hall 1 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), with its Entertainment Zone drawing crowds eager for a taste of J-pop, Enka and comedy — straight from Japan. Here's a look at three standout Japanese acts bringing their talents to Malaysian fans: J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba, Enka singer Leon Niihama, and physical comedy trio Wannabes. J-pop star Manaka Inaba has been performing solo since 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Manaka Inaba on Malaysian food and flying solo If you think Malaysia has great food, you've got something in common with J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba — who's not only performing at JEMY 2025 but also on a personal mission to sample as much local food as possible. The 27-year-old managed to get her first taste of satay on her first night in Malaysia and was surprised by its sweet and savoury flavour. She's also excited to try durian, pineapple and watermelon during her stay. Despite being in the Japanese entertainment industry for over 10 years, this is her first time in Malaysia — and she was touched by the warm welcome from fans who came out in droves for the JEMY 2025 launch. 'First of all, Japan to Malaysia is not a short distance, and to be able to see some fans who flew over just to catch me here is truly heartwarming,' said Manaka, adding that she even met fans who had travelled all the way from Japan. A former idol under Hello! Project, Manaka was previously part of Country Girls and Juice=Juice before officially 'graduating' in 2022 to pursue a solo career — a move she admits comes with fresh challenges. 'As a group, we had other members, so you'd only need to sing your part. But now that I'm on my own, every single part is mine, and I have to decide how I want to deliver each line,' she said. Her setlist for JEMY 2025 includes a mix of solo hits such as Pink Temperature and Attoeteki Love, as well as nostalgic favourites from her Hello! Project days. Enka singer Leon Niihama also performed the ending theme for the popular anime 'Detective Conan'. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Leon Niihama: Second visit, first performance For Enka and pop singer Leon Niihama, this trip marks his return to Malaysia — but his first time performing here. Best known for singing the Fun! Fun! Fun! ending theme from the Detective Conan anime series, Leon is now in his seventh year as an Enka singer. According to Masterclass, Enka is a traditional Japanese music style built around pentatonic scales and a melismatic vocal technique called kobushi. It often takes the form of sentimental ballads with roots in ryūkōka, a genre popular in 19th- and early 20th-century Japan. Leon said his love for Enka started with his father, who was also an Enka singer. 'I've loved Enka and pop songs since I was a child, and I've always felt that it's my duty to share their greatness with all generations and the rest of the world,' he said. The 29-year-old recalled his last visit to Malaysia during a high school trip. 'Malaysia is truly a country of many memories for me,' he said. 'I was in a hotel when a malfunctioning alarm went off, and my friends and I rushed out into the hallway, accidentally locking ourselves out. With our shaved heads, wearing T-shirts and shorts, we had a really tough time at the front desk,' he added with a laugh. He's also hoping to relive one of his favourite local eats: Nasi lemak. Wannabes is made up of Gon (centre), Chiro (left), and Guri (right). — Picture by Firdaus Latif Wannabes: The comedy trio that's going global Formed two decades ago as a duo, the comedy group Wannabes — originally known as Bicsmalln — now consists of three members: Gon, Chiro and Guri, who joined in 2019. Specialising in 'physical comedy', the trio are known for transforming themselves into objects using a blend of acrobatics, choreography and slapstick. They say they're currently the only performers in Japan focused on this style. The group recently saw their international profile skyrocket after appearing on Britain's Got Talent, leading to invites from Italy, the Philippines, the US and Spain. Their rebrand from Bicsmalln to Wannabes, said Gon, was to make their name easier to pronounce and remember. Wannabes are a regular live act at Tokyo Tower, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, they've also focused on YouTube, where their channel now boasts over three million subscribers. As for their performance at JEMY 2025? Dressed in their signature striped outfits, the trio simply said, 'We just want to make sure everyone has fun.' JEMY 2025 is on now at KLCC from July 18 to 21. Entry to the Exhibition Zone is free, but tickets for the Entertainment Zone cost between RM25 and RM40. For more info, visit:
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
J-pop, ‘Enka' and a whole lot of laughs: What's on at JEMY 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The Japan Malaysia Expo 2025 (JEMY 2025) has opened its doors for a three-day celebration of Japanese culture at Hall 1 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), with its Entertainment Zone drawing crowds eager for a taste of J-pop, Enka and comedy — straight from Japan. Here's a look at three standout Japanese acts bringing their talents to Malaysian fans: J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba, Enka singer Leon Niihama, and physical comedy trio Wannabes. J-pop star Manaka Inaba has been performing solo since 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Manaka Inaba on Malaysian food and flying solo If you think Malaysia has great food, you've got something in common with J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba — who's not only performing at JEMY 2025 but also on a personal mission to sample as much local food as possible. The 27-year-old managed to get her first taste of satay on her first night in Malaysia and was surprised by its sweet and savoury flavour. She's also excited to try durian, pineapple and watermelon during her stay. Despite being in the Japanese entertainment industry for over 10 years, this is her first time in Malaysia — and she was touched by the warm welcome from fans who came out in droves for the JEMY 2025 launch. 'First of all, Japan to Malaysia is not a short distance, and to be able to see some fans who flew over just to catch me here is truly heartwarming,' said Manaka, adding that she even met fans who had travelled all the way from Japan. A former idol under Hello! Project, Manaka was previously part of Country Girls and Juice=Juice before officially 'graduating' in 2022 to pursue a solo career — a move she admits comes with fresh challenges. 'As a group, we had other members, so you'd only need to sing your part. But now that I'm on my own, every single part is mine, and I have to decide how I want to deliver each line,' she said. Her setlist for JEMY 2025 includes a mix of solo hits such as Pink Temperature and Attoeteki Love, as well as nostalgic favourites from her Hello! Project days. Enka singer Leon Niihama also performed the ending theme for the popular anime 'Detective Conan'. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Leon Niihama: Second visit, first performance For Enka and pop singer Leon Niihama, this trip marks his return to Malaysia — but his first time performing here. Best known for singing the Fun! Fun! Fun! ending theme from the Detective Conan anime series, Leon is now in his seventh year as an Enka singer. According to Masterclass, Enka is a traditional Japanese music style built around pentatonic scales and a melismatic vocal technique called kobushi. It often takes the form of sentimental ballads with roots in ryūkōka, a genre popular in 19th- and early 20th-century Japan. Leon said his love for Enka started with his father, who was also an Enka singer. 'I've loved Enka and pop songs since I was a child, and I've always felt that it's my duty to share their greatness with all generations and the rest of the world,' he said. The 29-year-old recalled his last visit to Malaysia during a high school trip. 'Malaysia is truly a country of many memories for me,' he said. 'I was in a hotel when a malfunctioning alarm went off, and my friends and I rushed out into the hallway, accidentally locking ourselves out. With our shaved heads, wearing T-shirts and shorts, we had a really tough time at the front desk,' he added with a laugh. He's also hoping to relive one of his favourite local eats: Nasi lemak. Wannabes is made up of Gon (centre), Chiro (left), and Guri (right). — Picture by Firdaus Latif Wannabes: The comedy trio that's going global Formed two decades ago as a duo, the comedy group Wannabes — originally known as Bicsmalln — now consists of three members: Gon, Chiro and Guri, who joined in 2019. Specialising in 'physical comedy', the trio are known for transforming themselves into objects using a blend of acrobatics, choreography and slapstick. They say they're currently the only performers in Japan focused on this style. The group recently saw their international profile skyrocket after appearing on Britain's Got Talent, leading to invites from Italy, the Philippines, the US and Spain. Their rebrand from Bicsmalln to Wannabes, said Gon, was to make their name easier to pronounce and remember. Wannabes are a regular live act at Tokyo Tower, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, they've also focused on YouTube, where their channel now boasts over three million subscribers. As for their performance at JEMY 2025? Dressed in their signature striped outfits, the trio simply said, 'We just want to make sure everyone has fun.' JEMY 2025 is on now at KLCC from July 18 to 21. Entry to the Exhibition Zone is free, but tickets for the Entertainment Zone cost between RM25 and RM40. For more info, visit:
Hype Malaysia
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Bigger & Bolder! Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 To Take Over Suria KLCC This August
Kuala Lumpur's biggest fashion event is coming back bigger and bolder than ever! Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) is once again teaming up with Suria KLCC and KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd to revive its iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers-facing show space, setting the stage for an elevated week of homegrown fashion. From 4th to 10th August 2025, the annual fashion event will ramp up the excitement, scale, and style for its 13th season, featuring its biggest line-up yet, with more than 55 designers and brands comprising highly anticipated veteran returns, emerging runway talent, and established fashion mainstays. Now refreshed with a designated arrivals hall, the KLFW 2025 show space spans almost the entire Esplanade at KLCC Park. Housed within the sleek, monochrome, single-storey structure are the main show hall, runways, and a variety of activation spaces. Alongside the 500 invited guests expected at each show, fashion enthusiasts can once again catch the action via the runway livestream, exclusively broadcast on the venue's large LED screen panel. Here are the details of the upcoming event: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 Date: 4th (Monday) – 10th (Sunday) August 2025 4th (Monday) – 10th (Sunday) August 2025 Time: 2pm onwards (Monday), 12pm onwards (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Weekend), 3pm onwards (Thursday) 2pm onwards (Monday), 12pm onwards (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Weekend), 3pm onwards (Thursday) Venue: Suria KLCC Bold collaborations take centre stage at KLFW 2025, with the artistic heritage of textile custodians Muni and Sofia Iman transformed into show-stopping runway pieces. Blending elegance with edge, womenswear label Larney presents an exciting crossover with designer Afiq M, whose return to the all-black runway is heightened by a wave of long-awaited veteran revivals. KLFW 2025 is also thrilled to welcome back Ezzati Amira, Hatta Dolmat, Maarimaia, Mimpikita, Neonate, and Private Stitch, all of whom are set to continue pushing creative boundaries and showcasing the rich diversity of Malaysian fashion. Set to make bold first impressions are rising stars Akmal Hakim, ShazNash, Ugly Pretty, HUNTILANAK, and MOKJY, who will be joining circuit regulars Outdwell and Doubleback in making their KLFW debut. Also making highly anticipated appearances are renowned designer Radzuan Radziwill and bespoke artisan Teh Firdaus, both celebrated for crafting couture pieces worn by A-listers and royalty alike. The runway will also welcome young designers Raja Irfan, Mei Mei, and Salahuddinhilmi in the Design To Sustain segment, following their impressive victory at the KLFW Designer Search 2024. For the latest updates and all things KLFW 2025, be sure to visit the official website or follow the event on social media at @KLFashionWeek on Facebook and Instagram.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
A busy four-day summit
All set for the big day:A KLCC staff adjusting the flags before the summit begins tomorrow. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will take centre stage in regional diplomacy this week as it hosts the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings, with top leaders from Asean and its dialogue partners gathering here for four days of high-level discussions. The four-day summit, which begins tomorrow, will see multiple multilateral meetings being held, including post-ministerial conferences with global powerhouses. Wisma Putra secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin (pic) confirmed that all foreign ministers from Asean member countries and dialogue partners will be attending. 'Timor-Leste will also be attending this meeting as an observer,' he told the press during a curtain raiser session yesterday ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will open the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings on Wednesday, which will be immediately followed by a plenary and retreat session. Other notable meetings being held include the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission. 'This remains a key focus at the Asean level, especially concerning whether nuclear weapon states will agree to the SEANWFZ protocol. 'Discussions are ongoing and there are indications we can achieve progress even though it has been a lengthy process,' Amran said. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had previously said China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ, while the United States is currently reviewing the treaty before signing. The protocol of the treaty commits states with nuclear weapons to respect SEANWFZ and not contribute to any act that violates the treaty and its protocols; to not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against states in the zone; and to not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons within the zone. Four trilateral meetings will also take place during the summit, involving Malaysia and the Asean Secretariat with Brazil, Norway, Switzerland and Turkiye. There will also be a signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia involving Algeria and Uruguay, with Amran saying more countries are showing interest towards being part of it. More than 10 Asean Post-Ministerial Conferences will be held during the four-day meeting, including meetings with China, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Japan, Russia, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom and the European Union. The 26th Asean Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting, 13th Mekong-ROK Cooperation Ministerial Meeting, 32nd Asean Regional Forum and 16th Mekong-Japan Cooperation Ministerial Meeting will also be held. The Fourth Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development is also set to take place during this meeting with the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representatives also scheduled during the four-day meeting. Malaysia took over the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 this year from Laos with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability", reflecting the country's commitment to fostering a united and prosperous Asean. This is Malaysia's fifth Asean chairmanship after having assumed the role in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Malay Mail
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Traffic disruptions in KL from July 5 as roads near KLCC to face closures for Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Traffic flow in several locations in Kuala Lumpur are expected to face disruptions during the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (58th AMM) scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. The Asean Main Logistics Secretariat, Foreign Ministry said that traffic disruptions are expected to begin as early as this Friday within a one-kilometre (km) radius from the KLCC area and along major roads and highways connecting main entry points to the city. 'Additional information on affected routes and the closure of certain roads will be announced by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) soon. 'The Foreign Ministry apologises for all the inconvenience that might be caused and deeply appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public,' the secretariat said in a statement today. As host to an important regional event, the secretariat said that the Foreign Ministry is committed to ensure the smooth and successful organising of the event without neglecting the public's welfare. Malaysia took over the Asean chair on Jan 1 this year from Laos and it is the fifth time that the country is serving as Asean Chair, with its previous terms being 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. — Bernama
