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Malaysia Can Rally ASEAN, Global Support For Palestine
Malaysia Can Rally ASEAN, Global Support For Palestine

Barnama

time15-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Barnama

Malaysia Can Rally ASEAN, Global Support For Palestine

By Suraidah Roslan KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, recognised for its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and constructive role as ASEAN chair, is in an influential position to rally regional and global backing for Palestine, said Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali. 'No one can question Malaysia's support for Palestine,' he said when appearing on BernamaTV's programme 'ASEAN's Role in the Palestinian Cause' here on Tuesday. bootstrap slideshow Walid said Malaysia, through its leadership in ASEAN and active engagement in platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), is well-positioned to encourage broader international solidarity and mobilise stronger regional and global support for Palestine. He said Malaysia can play a strong role at the regional level by leveraging its international relations to garner greater support and assistance for Palestine and the Palestinians. Walid said that ASEAN can also play a role in supporting Palestine through its influence and economic interests in the Middle East. He said ASEAN's decision to hold a summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries indicated that the regional grouping could contribute meaningfully towards achieving a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East. 'And that will encourage ASEAN countries to invest more in the Middle East, in Palestine,' he said. 'They can benefit from the capabilities of Palestinians,' Walid said, adding that despite living under occupation, Palestinians are among the most highly educated communities in the Middle East and the Arab world.

Forth Rail Bridge construction brought to life with the help of Edinburgh lecturer's AI filming techniques
Forth Rail Bridge construction brought to life with the help of Edinburgh lecturer's AI filming techniques

Scotsman

time10-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scotsman

Forth Rail Bridge construction brought to life with the help of Edinburgh lecturer's AI filming techniques

The building of Scotland's iconic Forth Rail Bridge has been brought back to life thanks to the creative talents of Queen Margaret University's (QMU) award-winning filmmaker. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Walid Salhab, a media practice lecturer at QMU, has used a blend of photography, time-lapse filming, AI and visual storytelling to create an action-packed short film clip depicting the bridge's construction in the 1880s. The Forth Rail Bridge is a celebrated Scottish landmark and a milestone in the development of railway civil engineering. It was the first major structure in Britain to be made of steel, and its construction resulted in a continuous East Coast railway route from London to Aberdeen. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Walid's one-minute short film shows hundreds of workers beavering away on the construction of the magnificent structure. With the help of AI, Walid has breathed life into images of the bridge, showcasing an important period in Scotland's history, and helping to celebrate the skill and innovation of the engineers and construction workers who created the iconic structure. User (UGC) Submitted Walid, the creative talent behind the innovative new film of the bridge, is an award-winning filmmaker and lecturer who is particularly well-known for his unique style of stop-motion/time-lapse filmmaking. In recent years, Walid has gained international recognition for his stunning portrayals of Edinburgh's and Scotland's iconic buildings and dramatic landscapes. He is the only man in history to have had access to the full five-month build phase of the Kelpies in Falkirk. His dynamic stop-motion/time-lapse film of the magnificent equine monuments was used to launch the Kelpies in Scotland and New York in 2014, thereby helping to promote Falkirk as an international tourism destination. Walid explained: 'I have always been fascinated by the enormity and beauty of the Forth Rail Bridge. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has such an interesting history, and its application of science to architecture went on to profoundly influence mankind in ways beyond bridge-building.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He continued: "I've been doing time-lapses of the bridges in South Queensferry for a few years now. Over time, I've come across some amazing old photos of the Forth Rail Bridge being built. That got me thinking - what if I could create actual footage of the construction process using AI? 'I started taking photos of the angles I wanted, and then used four different software programmes to put it all together, mixing in bits of the time-lapses I've shot over the years.' Walid has been really moved by the reaction to his short film. He said: 'The response has been incredible, and for some people, seeing the construction activity come to life has been quite emotional for them. I didn't realise just how much the rail bridge resonates with people until I started hearing from the grandchildren of those who helped build it - reaching out to thank me for bringing its story to life. The bridge obviously holds a very special place in people's hearts." Discussing his work, Walid said: 'Scotland is the perfect place for a filmmaker to experiment and innovate with their filming techniques. The beauty of the country, with its stunning landscapes and architecture, provides the main feature or backdrop to many of my short films. I can't fail to be inspired by the opportunities that are presented to me, and I can let my imagination run wild. AI is unlocking new dimensions of creativity for me, enabling fresh and imaginative ways to showcase Scotland's iconic monuments, architecture, and beauty spots." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, Walid's latest work with the Forth Rail Bridge is just part of his bigger filming ambition. He confirmed: 'My goal is to see if I can use AI to create a feature length film. So, I am experimenting to find out if one person alone, without the expense of a full crew of actors and camera operators, can create an entire movie. 'I like to encourage my students to look at new ways of expanding and capitalising on their creative filmmaking. If one person can make a feature length film with the help of AI, it will be easier for more talented young filmmakers to break into the feature film industry.' Walid's film clips of the Forth Rail Bridge and of Edinburgh's statues have sparked widespread interest, especially on Facebook and TikTok. You can view more of Walid's latest experimental short films on Facebook (Salhabfilms) and TikTok (cedar9982).

Faizal Hussein admits to newfound fame after "Bidaah"
Faizal Hussein admits to newfound fame after "Bidaah"

Yahoo

time23-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Faizal Hussein admits to newfound fame after "Bidaah"

23 May - Faizal Hussein recently admitted that he is being recognised by more people outside Malaysia following the success of his web drama, "Bidaah". The actor, who plays the role of cult leader Walid in the drama penned by Erma Fatima, said that he has been getting a lot of offers to appear on podcast shows and do digital content since playing the character, which has now gone viral. "They offered me a hefty amount of money. But I turned them down because none of that was a part of my profession as an actor," he said. Faizal also admitted that his social media following has also grown larger, both from those who enjoyed his performance and those who jokingly offered themselves to be his wife. "I don't understand why they would be sending me such messages, although I am their father or grandfather's age. But then again, as long as I don't respond, it's fine," he added. It is noted that Indonesian viewers were the ones who enjoyed the drama very much, with the character Walid and his infamous line, "Close your eyes and imagine my face" becoming the new Internet meme. (Photo Source: Faizal Hussein IG)

Edinburgh statues brought to life with help of AI filming techniques
Edinburgh statues brought to life with help of AI filming techniques

STV News

time26-04-2025

  • Entertainment
  • STV News

Edinburgh statues brought to life with help of AI filming techniques

Statues have been springing to life across Scotland's capital city through the work of an award-winning filmmaker from Edinburgh. Walid Salhab, a media practice lecturer at Queen Margaret University, has been putting Edinburgh's sculptures into motion using a blend of photography, AI and visual storytelling. The bronze statue of Scottish boxing legend, Ken Buchanan, located at the back of the St James Quarter; Wojtek, the Soldier Bear Memorial, in Princes Street Gardens; and Paddington Bear in St Andrew Square Garden, have all shaken off years of immobility and are now strutting around the streets of Edinburgh. Walid told STV News: 'I love Edinburgh, it is my home. I owe the city a lot and I like to show it off. 'We take a lot of it for granted. Bringing it alive might bring interest and remind people what's around the corner from their houses.' Walid has been using AI software to create works of well-known statues in the city. From Paddington the bear eating a marmalade sandwich in St Andrew's Square to the Duke of Wellington fed up with having a cone on his head, Walid's videos have already racked up thousands of views on TikTok. He's also used the technology to bring to life pictures of the Forth Rail bridge being built in the 1880s. 'I wanted to show the scale and recreate how they were built; it's not historically accurate but it's a bit of fun,' he said. 'People loved it. Some people even thought it was real footage and thanked me for finding it.' He added: 'When I do something, it takes a lot of experimentation, research, and different software and technology. You only learn by doing small projects.' Walid has his sights set on creating a feature-length film based on his son's storybook. Despite the many criticisms of generative AI, such as copyright infringement and ethical issues, Walid believes it can be a positive tool for creativity. 'AI is a leveler; it allows people with less budget to create work that might match bigger studios,' he said. 'When I was experimenting with 3D animation, a film would have taken ten years on my own; with AI, I hope it would take around two years. 'In the future, every person will be able to tell their story. That is important.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

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