Latest news with #Myanmar-born
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
UFC fighter Joshua Van hopes his success will put spotlight on Myanmar crisis
Joshua Van of Myanmar and Brandon Royval of the United States exchange blows in their flyweight bout during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. SINGAPORE – Each time Joshua 'The Fearless' Van steps into the Octagon, the mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete is fighting for more than himself. The 23-year-old hails from Myanmar's Chin State, the mountainous western state bordering Bangladesh and India, where clashes continue in its capital Hakha between resistance forces and the military, which seized power from an elected government in a 2021 coup. And as he battles his way up the rungs of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Van, the only Myanmar-born fighter on the promotion's roster, hopes that 'the bigger I get, the more they all know about Myanmar', as he wants to raise awareness on the struggles back home. He will get his chance to do that soon. On June 29, in front of a sold-out crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Van made history by defeating the UFC's then No. 1 ranked flyweight Brandon Royval by unanimous decision to earn the right to be the next challenger for the UFC flyweight title held by Alexandre Pantoja. He will be the first Southeast Asian-born fighter to challenge for a UFC belt. After stepping up as a replacement for the injured Manel Kape with less than three weeks' notice, Van's win made the MMA world sit up and take notice of the flyweight sensation. It was the first fight in UFC history where two fighters each had more than 200 significant strikes and the bout was awarded Fight of the Night – both athletes took home an additional US$50,000 (S$63,700). For his first six fights in the UFC, Van, who is now an American citizen but fights under the Myanmar flag, did not have permission to take the Myanmar flag into the ring. While he did not know why it was not allowed, during a bout in March he fought hard and the flag was draped over his shoulders for the first time. Van told The Straits Times in a video interview from Texas: 'The reason why they (UFC) let me carry my flag to the ring was because I fought for it. And for me to do that and show the world, it means a lot. It makes me feel like I fight for my people. I fight for my country. I want people to know where I am from and what Myanmar is. 'The bigger I get, the more they all know about Myanmar. So for me to for me to do that, I have to work harder.' Since making his UFC debut in 2023, Van has risen through ranks with his explosive striking and relentless pace in the Octagon, where he has a record of eight wins and a loss. UFC vice president and head of Asia, Kevin Chang, has witnessed Van's rise and describes it as being 'incredible to watch', noting that he has 'given the fans in Myanmar a true sporting icon'. Born in Hakha, Van and his family – he has four sisters – fled to Malaysia when he was about nine after Myanmar became increasingly ridden with military and political conflict. About two years later, the refugees relocated to Houston, Texas, where Van picked up MMA before making his amateur debut in 2020. He may be far from home, but he keeps up to date on the situation in Myanmar through other family members who remained. When asked about what he wants the world to know about his country of birth, he said: 'I want people to understand that Myanmar used to be a strong, independent country, until these government takeovers. It ruined it all for us. But we are still fighting... and we will fight until we get the victory. I'm the example of that. 'I lost, but I get back up and keep going.' Despite the fact that some pundits have suggested that Van may face a grappling disadvantage against 'The Cannibal,' he still fancies his chances. While the UFC has not announced a date, Pantoja has suggested the match could take place in December. Van said: 'I'm always confident when it comes to fighting, so this is not going to be anything different. I am just going to go in there, do my thing, and get that belt for sure. 'I am going to feel like I'm on top of the world (if I succeed). I am going to be letting everybody know what Myanmar is about so that would mean the world to me.'
The Star
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Art exhibition celebrates 75 years of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties through brush, ink
Paintings are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua YANGON: An art gallery in downtown Yangon has celebrated the 75th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations with a unique exhibition blending Chinese and Myanmar cultures. Showcasing everything from the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda to elegant Chinese calligraphy, the five-day exhibition was both a tribute and a testament to enduring friendship. It ran from May 31 to June 4. Held at Artistic Space Art Gallery, the exhibition was organised by the Myanmar-China Calligraphy and Painting Association. Paintings are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua It featured more than 50 pieces of paintings, as well as calligraphy works that reflected the intertwined heritage of the two nations. "The goal is to bring together Myanmar-born Chinese and Myanmar artists to deepen cultural exchange and mutual learning," said U Maw Li Shwe, chairman of the association. Chinese calligraphy works are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua "We also aim to strengthen the friendship between the two nations." The exhibition included calligraphy and paintings by eight artists. All artworks are for sale, with proceeds going toward a Chinese calligraphy competition fund supporting Myanmar-born Chinese artists. U Maw Li Shwe emphasized the enduring nature of the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between Myanmar and China. "We hope this relationship continues to grow and flourish," he said. "In the future, we plan to host more cultural exchange programs with Myanmar-born Chinese people and local Myanmar people." The event drew artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Among them was U Than Aung, 42, principal of the Eastern Language Business Center. "I'm very happy to take part," he said. "This is a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange." He collected four pieces from the exhibition, particularly admiring U Maw Li Shwe's ink paintings. "The bamboo trees and orchids are beautifully done," he said, pointing at the bamboo trees and orchids artworks on the wall. "They are fresh and refined, and truly expressive." Chinese calligraphy works are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua "These kinds of exhibitions serve as cultural bridges," he added. "They help bring the people of China and Myanmar closer together." Veteran Myanmar artist U Thike Oo, 75, also participated. "We're showcasing works alongside Chinese artists," he said. With a career spanning over five decades and nearly 200 paintings, he sees the exhibition as more than just an art event. "This one feels special. It's about friendship." U Kyi Oo, 59, a modern painter, also participated in the exhibition. "I'm showcasing modern pieces here. "What I love most about Chinese culture is the food, especially Yunnan cuisine. For Chinese celebrations, I joined a Chinese New Year event last year." The exhibition also resonated with younger visitors, like 20-year-old Thunn Naychi Soe, a student of U Maw Li Shwe. "I came here to support my teacher. I especially love the Shwedagon Pagoda and bamboo tree paintings, as well as the calligraphy." Born in Myanmar to a Chinese family, she said the event helped expand her cultural perspective. "I used to focus only on Chinese traditions. This exhibition helped me appreciate Myanmar art more deeply." She emphasized the importance of recognising and respecting cultural diversity. "Every culture should be valued equally. Events like this help people truly feel and understand the richness of different cultures and heritages." "China and Myanmar share many values," she added. "We both honor family and respect our elders. These are the principles that are vital to any society," she said. - Xinhua
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zanilia Zhao rumoured to be dating director Midi Z
16 May - Rumours are rife that Zanilia Zhao is currently dating Taiwanese director Midi Z. Gossip vlogger "Melon-eating Girl Zhang Xiaohan" recently claimed in a live stream that the two met on the set of "The Unseen Sister", which Zanilia starred alongside Xin Zhilei, and Midi directed. They reportedly became close since then, and that Midi was even spotted taking Zanilia's son out for a walk near her place. They were also seen interacting naturally, and seemed more like a father and son than anything. Midi was also spotted entering and leaving Zanilia's place many times the next day on 1 May. 42-year-old Midi, who is a Myanmar-born Taiwanese director, is known for his many critically acclaimed films, including the 2014 film, "Ice Poison" and 2016's "The Road to Mandalay". Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Zanilia was previously married to actor Feng Shaofeng, whom she met on the set of "The Monkey King 3" in 2018. (Photo Source: SINA)
