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PSA, bibliophiles! This is your sign to add more titles to your bookshelf, as Malaysia’s leading bookstore, MPH, has launched its new store at the bustling The Exchange TRX shopping mall.
Unveiled through a grand opening event on May 16, the new MPH Bookstore is the brand’s largest flagship store in Malaysia.
The newly opened store is adorned with glass doors and gold-hued frames, designed as an ode to great knowledge hubs like the Library of Alexandria in Egypt. It also houses a wide variety of books, from fictional novels to educational reads and self-help titles, as well as stationery items.
Visitors can also look forward to a lot more surprises, as the store boasts a whopping 20,000-square-foot space where workshops, author meet-and-greet sessions, book launches, and masterclasses are expected to take place.
To top it off, the store is also holding special events until June 2 to celebrate its opening, including a “Spin & Win” and “Spend & Win” promo, where customers can win prizes and receivespecial gifts. Click here to view the mechanics.
This follows the closure of MPH Bookstore’s beloved Mid Valley Megamall branch in January this year, after 25 years of providing Malaysians with a wide array of books and services.
Stay tuned for MPH The Exchange TRX’s latest offerings by following them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also purchase their titles via their MPHOnline website.
Location: MPH, L2.28.0 - L2.29A, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Kuala Lumpur
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Film enthusiasts may have already heard of the new animated film currently dominating the charts, and guess what? You can soon catch it in movie theaters in Malaysia!
Cinema chain giants Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV Cinema just announced that the Chinese blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” will finally be released in Malaysia on Mar. 13.
The sequel to the 2019 blockbuster premiered on the first day of the Lunar New Year and shattered box office records when it surpassed US$1 billion in real-time earnings — officially dethroning Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” as the highest-grossing animated film of all time!
“Both critically and commercially, ‘Ne Zha 2’ has been a massive success!” GSC said in a post. “On 2025.3.13, head to the cinemas and experience Nezha’s fiery legend.”
About ‘Ne Zha 2’: Cultural Implications and Impact
Written and directed by Sichuan-born Chinese animator and producer Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, the Ne Zha franchise follows Ne Zha and Ao Bing as they struggle against enemies after surviving the Heavenly Tribulation. The narrative of “Ne Zha 2” picks up from where the first film left off and is a mythological journey that weaves themes of friendship, destiny, and self-discovery.
Both films are based on the 16th-century Chinese classical novel “The Investiture of the Gods” and integrate numerous elements from Chinese mythology, which makes them appealing pieces of cultural artifacts for both local and international viewers.
Apart from its stunning animation quality and exciting storyline, “Ne Zha 2’s” success opened up opportunities for non-English language films. It marked a breakthrough in the internationalization of Chinese films, receiving high marks from critics and viewers alike. The film reportedly got an 8.2 rating on IMDb, with the US, Canada, and Australia giving the highest marks. Since its release in January, the film has grossed a total box office of 12.3 billion yuan (RM7.5 billion) in pre-sales and overseas earnings, making it the eighth-highest box office film worldwide, and the highest-grossing film in China.
Its massive success not only increased Chinese films’ exposure but also encouraged cultural exchange between China and other foreign countries. It contributed greatly to cultural diversity, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese culture to global audiences. The film also did a great job in reconstructing mythology to have a more modern take, using traditional elements and tales as metaphors to reflect social issues that enlighten the young generation in a fun and exciting way, and amping emotional resonance among its audience.
It goes without saying that “Ne Zha 2” has reshaped global cinema culture, expanding possibilities for non-English language films in the industry and adding new colors to global cultural diversity.
You can catch “Ne Zha 2” in a cinema near you on Mar. 13! Can’t wait till then? Why not join the advanced fan screening hosted by Encore Films Malaysia on Mar. 9? Schedules and tickets are already posted here.
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Malaysian Pokémon fans, you shouldn’t miss out on this!
Malaysian courier service Pos Malaysia announced that they are collaborating with the Pokémon franchise last Feb. 21, 2025, with a special-edition Pokémon stamp folder set! The stamp series includes 10 stamps that look like actual Pokémon trading cards, four postcards, a Poké ball-shaped folder and envelope, and a fun pack and half playmat with Pikachu and Eevee.
The special set is priced at RM99, the designs include beloved Pokémon characters like Pikachu, first generation icons Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, and newcomers Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Koraidon, and Miraidon.
Pre-orders for the set are already live, and can be ordered at any of Pos Malaysia’s Philatelic Bureaushere, and their 13 General Post Offices. The sets are estimated to ship out by Apr. 28, 2025 (as mentioned on the website).
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this special edition Pokémon set and Poké-fy your stationery now!
Follow Pos Malaysia on their Facebook and Instagram for more information and future collabs!
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Marcos Kueh creates incredible textile art. The Sarawakian designer infuses symbolism, meaning, and story into one intentionally woven tapestry, showcasing vibrant colors, cultural motifs, and incredible skill. With some works measuring over six feet tall, Marcos’ art is awe-inspiring and ethereal, but more than that, they are political.
Hailing from the tri-national island of Borneo – which Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei currently share – Marcos has grown up with a consciousness of cultural identity. Though he is proudly Sarawakian, Marcos admitted that he’s had to challenge colonial ideas deeply ingrained in his community.
For example, despite the incredible mastery that Sarawakians are known for, Marcos shared that weaving is still stereotypically associated with being underprivileged or uneducated. And because his original background had been in graphic and textile design, he had only discovered the beauty of the loom during his internship in The Netherlands.
“[Working on the loom] shifted my perspective on what it means to connect with people who have woven since the beginning of civilization,” Marcos shared. “[I was able to fully appreciate] how they managed sublime tensions that are hard to describe and how they expressed creativity even in scarcity.”
Marcos with his work | Courtesy of Marcos Kueh
While Marcos currently spends most of his time in The Netherlands as a textile researcher, his current residency fails to hinder him from exploring the concept of home and culture. Sharp-eyed observers will note that a prominent and reoccurring motif in his works is the Dayakian mask. These are Bornean masks traditionally used to evoke spirits or gods for a variety of reasons, events, or performances.
“I love the idea that we will never be sure if the person wearing the mask is truly being possessed by spirits or they are merely performing,” Marcos added.
But while the stereotype of the Sarawakian people is perhaps linked to such tradition, the artist also clarifies that those in his community are modern and sophisticated. “When people think of Sarawak, I wonder if they still think of us as humans who live in jungles with our traditional costumes, dancing for harvest gods,” Marcos mused. “Are people open to the idea that our villages are empty and that many of us are working office jobs for tree lodging corporations or petrol stations, all for the benefit of capitalistic progress?”
Perhaps this is why Marcos forges on with his exploration of cultural identity through textile art – to show the world that Sarawakians, especially in today’s world, are sophisticated and multi-faceted.
“They are not just caricatures of culture for the entertainment of tourists,” Marcos pressed. “Sarawakians have the freedom to define their own narrative.”
Marcos' works depict incredible imagery | Courtesy of Marcos Kueh
The artist also shared that his passion is concurrently driven by personal reflections on colonialism and immigration. “As a person born in a developing country, I am very fascinated by the idea of where our inferiority complex comes from in relation to the idea of the West,” he mused. “Most of my artistic research relates to how we are being seen and how we perform towards those expectations.”
As such, Marcos’ work can be said to be inherently political. However, he does acknowledge that not everyone sees it as such. “The initial ideas I have for the work will translate differently to audiences. People who want to see the politics behind it will choose to see it in such a way. Some might add more complexity to the work based on lived experience. Others might just see pretty textiles,” he acknowledged. “The diverse ways that art is experienced add variety to it all.”
Marcos' works on display | Courtesy of Marcos Kueh
In 2025, Marcos looks forward to exploring more opportunities to deepen his research on the politics of textile production and immigration. As he knows, the textile industry was a major catalyst for the Industrial Revolution, which brought about mass migration. “As an immigrant myself working in Europe, I think there is much to connect and talk about,” he mused.
The artist also looks forward to seeing the art industry in his home country grow. While he acknowledged there are plenty of challenges to overcome, Marcos shared that he is optimistic about the courage artists in Malaysia have.
“My peers who are based in Malaysia may still find the art industry economically unstable; most of them do art part-time which does affect the quality of work. There’s also the issue of self-censorship due to the social climate of Malaysia,” he explained. “It takes plenty of courage to want to pick up art; fortunately, the public is now more open to visiting art shows. There are also plenty of new spaces emerging, which give more local artists a platform to participate.”
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The OCBC Cycle Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s premier annual cycling event, is coming back on Apr. 27, 2025, at the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), in Kuala Lumpur.
For this year, the cycle will feature its longest ride in the city center ever – an exhilarating 50 km race that will take cyclists on a ride past iconic landmarks such as the Pavilion KL, Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), Istana Selangor, Masjid Negara, KTM Building,and Bank Negara in two laps.
It’s an additional 8 km more than its previous edition. It’s said to be the most challenging for the anticipated 3,000 riders, with more than 2,000 pre-registering before the event’s official launch.
For a more relaxed ride, a 25 km race is available, offering cyclists a chance to enjoy the landmarks in one single lap. Apart from the individual races, cyclists can also form teams of 10 people for the 50 km KL Mayor’s Ride. Children aged 3 to 9 can also join the Kids’ Push Bike Category, making the entire event something everyone can enjoy!
The OCBC Cycle KL 2025 will have prizes for three bicycle types for adults – mountain, road, and folding bikes – for both men and women. All participants will also receive a medal and a digital certificate, along with free items from sponsors.
Here are the Race Categories & Routes for this year’s OCBC Cycle KL 2025:
Starting Point: Dataran Merdeka
Individual – 50 km (Men and Women Open)
Flag-Off Time: 6:45 AM
Cut-Off Time: 9:45 AM
Minimum Age: 16 Years Old
Individual – 25 km (Men and Women Open)
Flag-Off Time: 6:45 AM
Cut-Off Time: 9:45 AM
Minimum Age: 16 Years Old
Team of 10 – 50 km KL Mayor’s Ride (Men & Women Mixed)
Flag-Off Time: 6:45 AM
Cut-Off Time: 9:45 AM
Minimum Age: 16 Years Old
Kids Push Bike
Flag-Off Time: 8 AM
6 sub-categories (Boys & Girls): 3 years old, 4 years old, 5 years old, 6 years old, Boys Open, Girls Open
Minimum Age: 3 to 9 Years Old
Registration for the OCBC Cycle KL 2025 is open until Mar. 23, 2025! You can register here.
Registration fees are priced from RM60 (Kids Push Bike), RM75 (Individual-25km, Bib and Medal), RM95 (Individual 25-km, Bib, Medal and T-Shirt), RM95 (Individual-50km, Bib and Medal), RM130 (Individual 50km-Bib, Medal, and T-Shirt), and RM1,200 (Team of 10, Bib, Medal and Jersey).
Participants can collect their Race Packs from Apr. 25 to 26, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 7 PM. The exact venue has not been announced as of writing.
For more information and updates, follow the OCBC Cycle KL 2025 Events Page on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter) page.
Location: Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Raja, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, 50050
Date and Time: Apr. 27, 2024 from 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM
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The exciting anime entertainment hub INCUBASE Studio in Malaysia is making another milestone with the launch of its first international branch of INCUBASE Arena in Kuala Lumpur.
Located in Fahrenheit88in Kuala Lumpur, they kicked off the launch with "Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition,"the largest Kamen Rider event ever in the country, which drew over 400 fans,and even earned a spot in TheMalaysia Book of Records.
Founded by Sion Yip, INCUBASE Studio was created to be a nurturing base for anime cultural experiences and to make anime culture more accessible worldwide. "INCUBASE aims to nurture the anime experience, positively impacting society and providing opportunities to introduce anime culture to a wider audience," Sion said.
At the same time, a brand-new location at Mong Kok’sChong Hing Square has reopened as of Jan. 17, 2025, an exciting double debut for anime enthusiasts!
Courtesy of INCUBASE Studio
The new Hong Kong location of INCUBASE Arena is a sprawling 20,000-square-foot
exhibition space with anime merchandise galore and fun zones spread across two basement levels of Chong Hing Square.
The first exhibition at the Mong Kok venue is the "Chainsaw Man Animation Exhibition – Hong Kong,” showcasing highlights from the Japanese original alongside a special Hong Kong-exclusive area. Fans were thrilled as voice actor Kikunosuke Toya (Denji) and Pochita made surprise appearances at the opening.
With plans to expand further across Southeast Asia, mainland China, and beyond, INCUBASE Studio is set to make anime culture more accessible and celebrated worldwide.
For more updates, visit INCUBUS Studio on their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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Despite its very cool – and therefore, somewhat intimidating – aesthetic, the streetwear community is in fact, incredibly welcoming. Hugh Koh, the co-founder of Malaysian streetwear brand Pestle and Mortar, can attest to this; he’s been embraced with open arms into diverse and talented streetwear communities both in and out of Malaysia.
“Each of the different brands out there are all doing their own things and everyone inspires each other,” Hugh said.
People know Pestle and Mortar as a clothing brand that prides itself on cultural storytelling; they embrace elements familiar to their Southeast Asian clientele. Their recent collaboration with Philippine brand Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK) and Indonesian brand Ageless Galaxy further strengthens such commitment.
Entitled “SEA No Bounds, SEA No Borders,” this collaborative release features unique designs created by each brand. For their part, Pestle and Mortar created a shirt that showcases three animals, each representing one culture.
“We included a tiger for Malaysia, a garuda [for Indonesia], and a bull [for the Philippines],” Hugh explained. “The whole idea is that these animals come together and carry artifacts from each country. From a distance, it looks graphic but when you come closer you see the details and realize that it tells a story.”
On the other hand, DBTK released an acid-wash shirt, while Ageless Galaxy designed a white top that showcases the durian, papaya, and mango fruit. The collection was lauded across three cities – Jakarta, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur – in a celebratory tour that highlighted togetherness and collaboration.
Pestle and Mortar's design for "SEA No Bounds, SEA No Borders" | Instagram/Pestle and Mortar
For Hugh, highlighting local and regional talent has always been an important aspect of his clothing brand. In fact, that’s how he came across the DBTK and Ageless Galaxy brands in the first place. His multi-label brand, Major Drop, carried DBTK and Ageless Galaxy, forming a bridge for these international creatives to come together.
“Southeast Asia has so much going for it; so many cool things are coming out, but a lot of people always look to the West and want to have Western brands. We wanted to create a space to shine a light on different regional creators,” Hugh explained.
Hugh Koh raises the Malaysian flag up | Instagram/Hugh Koh
Now 15 years old, Pestle and Mortar continues to shine a light on various creators, setting patriotic trends that inspire local citizens. The public is particularly receptive to such values, especially as Hugh noted that young people are becoming more conscious about what they wear.
“People now want a stronger message. What does a brand represent? People no longer want to buy for the sake of buying,” Hugh pointed out. “Our customers know how to curate their wardrobe and even for us, when we create our product, we are conscious about how we manufacture.”
Of course, this kind of fashion philosophy reflects Hugh’s style as well. As the visionary nears his 40th birthday, he noted that his style has evolved to include cleaner, more timeless pieces. “Right now, I’m all about being comfortable,” he shared. “These days, I gravitate more towards relaxed, clean looks [that also represent my values].”
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Step into the enchanting universe of the Little Prince (Le Petit Prince), as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale comes to life in Kuala Lumpur.
Whether you’re rediscovering this childhood classic or introducing it to a new generation, Le Petit Prince offers a magical escape into a world of stars, imagination, and heartfelt lessons.
This immersive exhibition, running from now until March 21, 2025, is your chance to relive the timeless story like never before and experience the whimsical landscapes, profound lessons, and unforgettable characters of The Little Prince through an interactive and multisensory journey.
Website/Le Petit Prince
Prepare to be transported to a fantasy world where glowing stars, dreamy landscapes, and life-sized versions of iconic characters await. From the wise Fox to the tender Rose and, of course, the Little Prince himself, this exhibition brings the story’s illustrations and themes vividly to life.
The exhibition will be split into four segments: The Story That Took Flight, The Pilot and His Little Prince, From B612 to the Stars,and You Are Unique to Me.Each section offers a blend of nostalgia and wonder, perfect for fans of the book or newcomers alike.
There’s even more to enjoy with a dedicated activity area, making it a fun outing for families and friends.
Tickets are priced between RM45 and RM60, with a family package available at RM135 for two adults and two children. Tickets are selling out fast, so secure them before they’re gone! You can get them here.
Location:3F, Farenheit88, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
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