Latest news with #Megat
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Move over brides: This Pak Andam gives grooms their wedding-day glow-up
AT first glance, Megat Mat Akhir Megat Mohamad seems like just any other successful entrepreneur, proudly running a well-known charcoal factory in Kuala Sepetang, a coastal town in Perak. But behind the business-like exterior is a man with an unexpected passion; one that involves shimmering powders, makeup brushes and wedding-day magic. Fondly known online as Megat Tan, he has been taking the Internet by storm with his wedding transformations, infectious energy and unwavering confidence. Not for brides, as you might expect — but for grooms. For the 57-year-old father of eight and grandfather of 12, the path to becoming a respected Pak Andam, a traditional term for makeup artists and stylists for Malay weddings, was neither conventional nor easy. In a field largely that's largely dominated by women, Megat had to carve out a space for himself through sheer passion and resilience. Smiling, he confides: "People online used to call me effeminate. But my children know that their father is a strong man. If I really were effeminate, I wouldn't have survived working in a mangrove charcoal factory." HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Long before he became a familiar face on TikTok and a go-to name for grooms on their big day, Megat was just a simple kampung boy from Matang Merbau, Sungai Tinggi in Trong, Perak. The eldest of seven, he grew up in a modest household where survival hinged on daily labour. His late father worked as a mangrove woodcutter and his mother was a full-time homemaker. "We lived hand-to-mouth — kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang. That was our reality," he says softly. Even sitting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination was nearly out of reach. The fees were too much for his family to afford, and if not for the generosity of neighbours and relatives, he might not have sat for it at all. He completed his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Tinggi before moving on to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tat Beng. "I couldn't continue my studies because I felt sorry for my late father," he shares, adding: "So, I started working to help ease the burden of supporting my six younger siblings, who were still very young at the time." After finishing school, Megat worked with his father in the mangrove wood industry, chopping logs and helping transport them to charcoal kilns. Within a year, his dedication earned him the position of kepala, or site supervisor. "From there, I started earning a bit more than usual. I had the woodcutting income plus a supervisor's allowance. That's when I began dreaming of becoming a mangrove wood and charcoal entrepreneur," he recounts. In 2000, Megat applied for a licence as a Kup Kayu Jaras Bakau (KKJ) operator. His application was approved by the Forestry Department, granting him the legal right to operate. That marked the beginning of his journey as a licensed mangrove harvester. Before long, he began delving deeper into the charcoal industry and eventually expanded into Kup Arang Kayu Bakau operations. With the licence secured, he successfully expanded into charcoal production — a business he still runs today. Yet, what many don't know is that his parallel journey as a Pak Andam also began around the same time. MAKING OF A GROOM STYLIST In the mid-1980s, Megat was one of only four young men in his village frequently chosen to serve as wedding groomsmen. He often found himself responsible for preparing the groom — adjusting outfits, calming nerves and even applying light makeup. It was an unpaid role, typically rewarded with food and bunga telur, but it quietly laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. "At that time, there was no such thing as a makeup artist for grooms," he recalls, adding: "The groomsmen had to do everything — from makeup to dressing the groom in traditional attire." Megat quickly became the go-to person for these tasks. Whether it was pinning the tengkolok or offering a last-minute touch-up, he was always ready. At first, he didn't think much of it. "Preparing a groom can be tricky. It involves a lot of tools. I wasn't really interested in the beginning," he admits, continuing: "But over time, the ideas started coming. I began to figure out how to enhance a groom's glow and picked up knowledge about the products along the way." Weddings then were formal, guided by strict religious customs. "If you wanted to be a groomsman or a Pak Andam, you had to know a bit about the religious side of things too," he says with a chuckle. Makeup was also much simpler. "We didn't have all the products available today. I only had four or five basics — face powder, an eyebrow pencil, lipstick and a bit of kohl." What began as a favour soon turned into fascination — and that fascination blossomed into a full-fledged passion, one that would quietly anchor his life for the next 40 years. Under the guidance of seasoned peers like Shaharudin Mat Nayan, Mohamad Haroon and Halim Bakar, Megat gradually mastered the craft the traditional way — slowly, patiently and with heart. Encouraged by a close friend who shared his passion, Megat also began to explore the world of makeup more deeply by studying skin tones, product formulas and the subtle art of enhancing rather than masking. Today, he is a seasoned Pak Andam, a groom stylist with four decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for making men look and feel their best on one of the most important days of their lives. "I don't just want to put makeup on faces. I want to bring out confidence in men to make them feel like they belong on the wedding dais just as much as the bride," he says. Passionately, Megat adds: "And for that, sincerity is everything. Without it, no matter how expensive your products are, the result will always look… flat." Unlike others who learnt the trade through formal courses or apprenticeships, Megat honed his craft one wedding at a time. He arrives at weddings not just in full traditional attire, but also with brushes in hand and a quiet determination to get it right. "Both paths — charcoal and makeup — have supported my family," he reflects with pride, adding: "It's been almost 40 years in both fields now… and all to put food on the table." In his 40s, he even enrolled in a distance-learning diploma in business management at Open University Malaysia. But midway through, he had to give up to support his eight school-going children. Today, Megat stands proud. Not just as a businessman or stylist, but as someone who carved his own path with grit, resilience and heart. TIKTOK FAME AND VIRAL STARDOM It wasn't until Megat began documenting his process on social media, especially TikTok, that things took a dramatic turn. With videos that now reach up to 5.6 million views, his flair for transformation quickly caught the attention of Malaysians across generations. The views translated into bookings. Where he once only received two or three clients a month, Megat now gets two to three bookings a week, earning him a supplementary income of RM1,000 to RM3,000 per month solely from his services. And with service charges starting at RM250, excluding transport and lodging, his rates are considered affordable, especially given the premium cosmetics he uses. "I only use international brands," he explains, adding: The full kit I carry costs around RM5,000. But I want the best for my clients, they deserve it. These products are more comfortable on the skin and reduce the chances of breakouts." BUILDING A WEDDING EMPIRE Today, Megat proudly helms a growing wedding empire that includes deejay and emceeing services, his own equipment, a bridal boutique and full-service wedding packages. Despite his success, Megat believes there's still space — and a real need — for more men in the field. He feels the role of Pak Andam, particularly for grooms, is one where a male presence can offer genuine comfort and make a meaningful difference. "When you're helping the groom dress or applying skincare, there's a certain comfort when it's another man," he says, adding: "I hope more young men realise that this is a dignified profession and there's nothing to be ashamed of." It's a message that resonates with a new generation unafraid to break free from gender stereotypes. And if Megat's journey proves anything, it is that passion and authenticity will always outshine outdated labels.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cybersecurity Summit 2025 to tackle digital threats
INDUSTRY leaders, policymakers, and IT and business professionals are invited to attend the Cybersecurity Summit 2025, taking place on July 24 at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre. This one‑day conference is dedicated to exploring the critical challenges and opportunities in safeguarding Malaysia's digital economy. Under the theme 'Securing Malaysia's Digital Future', the summit will bring together senior government officials, industry experts and business stakeholders to examine emerging cyber threats, evolving compliance frameworks and the role of cutting‑edge technologies such as AI in strengthening cybersecurity resilience. Through a mix of keynote presentations, real‑world case studies and interactive panel discussions, attendees will gain practical insights and strategies tailored for organisations of all sizes, underscoring Malaysia's commitment to a secure and innovative digital landscape. The keynote address will be presented by Ir Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA). Dr Megat has been serving the Malaysian government since 1997 and has vast experience as an engineer in the ICT and telecommunication fields. In the past 26 years, Dr Megat has been actively developing and implementing policy and strategic plans for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) agenda as well as building human capital capacity in innovation and knowledge management. Among other the featured speakers is Dato' Ts Dr Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, chief executive officer of CyberSecurity Malaysia. With over 30 years of ICT experience spanning public and private sectors, Dr Amirudin has driven numerous national cybersecurity initiatives and chaired both local and international platforms. In October 2024, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, appointed him to the National Anti‑Financial Crime Centre Advisory Board. Sarbnedhan Sandhu, general manager of Technology Supervision at Securities Commission Malaysia, will explore how organisations can bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and real‑world defence. Drawing on supervisory assessments and local case studies, his session will unpack why these gaps persist and offer actionable steps to operationalise security controls in alignment with Malaysia's national cybersecurity priorities. Sarbnedhan is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity professional with over two decades of experience. As general manager at the Securities Commission Malaysia, he plays a key role in driving the technology and cybersecurity agenda across the capital market industry. From Hong Kong, Dr Darron Sun, head of Information Technology at the Hong Kong Housing Society, will present 'Safeguarding Tomorrow's Landscape: Generative AI Risk Mitigation and Governance Frameworks.' A World CIO 200 Global Champion (2024), Dr Sun brings extensive expertise in IT management, fintech, proptech, cybersecurity and internal audit. He will share proven approaches for embedding governance and controls into AI‑driven systems, ensuring both innovation and security. Moderating the panel discussion on 'Digital Trust & Resilience: Strengthening Cyber Confidence in Malaysia' is Jaco Benadie, Partner, Technology Consulting – Cyber in Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd. As the leader of EY ASEAN's OT Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Jaco is renowned for his commitment to excellence and his innovative approach to advancing cybersecurity measures. He is widely recognised as a leading authority in the energy sector's cybersecurity, ensuring that key industry players maintain secure and resilient operations. The summit's full line-up features thought leaders across government, finance, technology and critical infrastructure – each offering unique perspectives on threat intelligence, digital trust, governance and more. Participants will also enjoy dedicated networking sessions, enabling collaboration with peers and solution providers. The Cybersecurity Summit 2025 is fully HRD Corp‑claimable, with group rates starting at RM888 and standard registration at RM1,199. Don't miss this opportunity to equip your organisation with the insights and connections needed to secure Malaysia's digital future. Visit to register today.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Rafiq bowls to Singapore Open victory, ends string of near-misses
KUALA LUMPUR: After a string of painful near-misses this year, bowler Rafiq Ismail finally found redemption by clinching the men's Open title at the Singapore Open on Friday. Rafiq, a former world champion, displayed nerves of steel to overcome former national teammate Megat Zaqrul Haiqal Mega Zairudin in the stepladder finals, and it was nothing short of a southpaw showdown to remember. Despite three open frames, Rafiq mounted a dramatic comeback in the second game, edging Megat 193-190 to seal the victory after having earlier forced a decider with a convincing 243-221 win. It was a long-awaited triumph for Rafiq, who had finished runner-up at both the IBF World Cup and PBA Scorpion Championship earlier this year. The Singapore Open crown marked his third at the event, adding to earlier wins in 2017 and 2019. He was also third in 2013 and again last year. "I told myself to never give up until the very last frame. I had a few open frames early on and was quite down, but self-talk really helped. I just kept repeating positive things to myself to stay focused," said Rafiq. "This win is a massive relief. I had lost in a few stepladder finals earlier this year, so to finally break through means a lot. Winning the Singapore Open is really special. It's one of the most prestigious titles, and I'm very grateful." He pocketed S$25,000 (RM82,750) for the win, while Megat took home S$12,000 (RM39,720). Rafiq had booked his spot in the final by overpowering Syazirol Shamsuddin 279-222 in the semi-final, with the latter having earlier knocked out home favourite Nigel Enriquez 289-206. Malaysia looked poised for a title from the start, with three representatives making the top four cut after the six-game roll-off – Megat topped with 1,490 pinfalls, followed by Rafiq (1,457), Syazirol (1,406) and Nigel (1,395). Meanwhile, rising star Lavinia Kho came agonisingly close to completing a Malaysian double in the women's Open but was denied by Singapore's Arriane Tay in the final, going down 245-176, 244-193. Lavinia, who announced herself with a breakthrough victory at the Malaysia Open in 2023, had entered the stepladder finals as the top seed after leading the roll-off with 1,368, ahead of Arriane (1,333), Nur Irdina Hazly (1,325) and Jermaine Seah (1,307). She settled for S$6,000 (RM19,860), while the defeat also dashed Malaysia's hopes of a clean sweep of the men's and women's titles — a feat last achieved by Adrian Ang and Sin Li Jane in 2013.
Sinar Daily
12-06-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Covid-19 remains a threat: Expert urges early testing, treatment and updated vaccination
Timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 12 Jun 2025 06:00am Individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. - 123RF photo KUALA LUMPUR - The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. Individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. - 123RF photo "Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, yesterday. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. "If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. "We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. "This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. "By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional. - BERNAMA
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Covid-19 remains a threat: Expert urges early testing, treatment and updated vaccination
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. 'Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, today. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. 'If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. 'We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 'This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. 'By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.
