Ways to Celebrate Merdeka 2024 with Family and Friends

Get ready to swoon — Indonesian music icon Bunga Citra Lestari, better known as BCL, is bringing her heartfelt ballads to Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 27, 2025, for one unforgettable evening of romance and nostalgia. 

Organized by Pulse Project Asia and taking center stage at the Plenary Hall, KLCC, BCL’s concert: Eternal Love – Timeless Romance promises to wrap fans in a love-soaked serenade of her most beloved hits.  

Pulse Project Asia director Muhammad Anuar Zaini noted that the concert will track the "Indonesian Idol" judge’s illustrious career, but also mentioned that it will be more intimate and exclusive.

BCL has long held a special place in the hearts of fans across Southeast Asia. She first captured attention not just as a powerhouse vocalist, but also as a compelling actress in the film "Cinta Pertama," which also introduced her debut single, "Cinta Pertama (Sunny)."

Since then, her star has only burned brighter, with iconic tracks like "Karena Ku Cinta Kau," "12 Tahun Terindah," and her newest anthem, "Memulai Kembali." 

Tickets for her concert start from RM288 and can be snagged online via Ticket2U here. For those craving a closer connection, the Cinta Abadi package includes a Meet & Greet, a photo op, and exclusive merch signed by BCL herself.

For more information, visit Bunga Citra Lestari's Instagram page or Pulse Project Asia's Instagram page.

Location: Plenary Hall, KLCC 21, Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian cinephiles, get your Letterboxd accounts ready!

The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) is returning for its 8th edition this July 19 to 27, 2025, continuing its objective to bridge Malaysian and global cinema through rich and diverse storytelling. 

This year’s edition features 62 films from over 48 countries and in 43 languages, presenting a wide variety of narratives from around the world. The films will be shown at MYTown, with the Golden Awards Night set to happen at Zepp KL on July 26.

The Malaysia International Film Festival 2025 will open with the Malaysian film “Ninavau.” Directed by Bebbra Mailin, the film follows the story of a native Kadazan woman returning from Peninsular Malaysia to her Catholic family in Sabah, exploring cultural identity and emotional heritage. 

The festival will close with “Transamazonia,” an international co-production that spans France, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan. The film explores themes of resilience, transformation, and urgent environmental issues through visually stunning storytelling. 

The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival will also honor legends and notable personalities for their contributions to film. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to legendary Hong Kong actor and martial artist Ti Lung, whose unforgettable roles have shaped martial arts and crime dramas. 

The Excellence Award in Film will be given to Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, who is renowned for his roles in “Habibie & Ainun” and “My Stupid Boss” and his dedication to South Asian cinema. 

Highlights of the upcoming Malaysia International Film Festival 2025 include open-air cinema screenings of beloved Malaysian classics such as “The Journey,” “Mufanik 2,” “Polis Evo 1,” and more, special tributes to pillars in Indian cinema such as Raj Kapoor and a focus on women filmmakers, and a special segment that features the evolving identity of modern Hong Kong. 

This year’s Distinguished Jury Panel includes popular names like acclaimed British filmmaker Asif Kapadia, Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu, Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, Indian filmmaker Rima Das, and Malaysian actress and cultural icon Diana Danielle.

Visit the official Malaysia International Film Festival website for more information on tickets and the full lineup. Follow the Malaysia International Film Festival on Facebook and Instagram. 

The spotlight is about to shine bright on Kuala Lumpur as B.I, the charismatic former member of iKON turned solo powerhouse, brings his much-anticipated B.I TOUR: The Last Parade to town! 

B.I fans, known as ID — a tribute to the word "identity" — are gearing up for an unforgettable night of music and connection on Sept. 21, 2025 at Mega Star Arena.

Since launching his solo career in 2021 under his own label, 131, B.I has captured hearts worldwide with deeply personal music and philanthropic spirit. His charity-driven releases, including the album Waterfall and the heartfelt single Midnight Blue (Love Streaming), showcase his commitment not only to artistry but also to giving back.

The upcoming Kuala Lumpur concert arrives alongside the release of B.I’s third studio album, Wonderland, promising a rich mix of fresh tracks and fan favorites. 

This tour celebrates both B.I’s musical journey and the deep bond he has with his fans. Attendees can expect to sing along to hits from Wonderland, as well as the emotionally charged songs from Love or Loved Part. 1 and Loved Part. 2, and classics like To Die For. 

Tickets drop on June 13, 2025 at noon via Ticketing Tix, and are priced between RM358 and RM888 (plus a RM4 processing fee). Early buyers can look forward to exclusive fan perks including official posters, soundcheck access, group photos with B.I, and limited-edition signed merchandise.

Visit Ticketing Tix here to secure your tickets.

For more information, visit Lofi Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook. 

Location: Mega Star Arena, F106, Level 1, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 55100 KL

Our favorite alien just landed at OH!SOME Malaysia with a new beach-inspired collection to make the summer season more exciting!

The popular one-stop retail brand has been making waves since debuting in Malaysia in September 2024 and has already become a favorite destination for fun and unique merchandise. This month, the brand drops its exclusive seaside-inspired collection featuring the playful and mischievous Stitch. The Stitch Beach Collection is a first-of-its-kind collaboration that comes just ahead of Disney’s highly anticipated live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie release. 

"We're thrilled to bring this exclusive collection to our customers," shared an OH!SOME representative. "At OH!SOME, we're all about spreading joy and creating meaningful moments. Whether through our products or interactive events, we aim to be a destination for happy memories." 

This limited-edition collection takes Experiment 626 to the sandy shores, the same way he catapulted from space and into the island of Hawaii. It features seaside-inspired designs perfect for your tropical adventures, and consists of a mix of statement pieces and practical accessories, from beach towels and flip flops to straw shoulder bags and bento boxes. Here are some of the things you should grab from the collection:

• Acrylic quicksand blocks featuring Stitch and Angel in beach-themed scenes.
• Surfing Stitch charms to take with you everywhere.
• Adorable plush toys showcasing Stitch in jellyfish, crab, and anglerfish hats.
• Practical essentials like straw shoulder bags, bento boxes, beach towels, and flip-flops designed for style and functionality. 

Apart from items you can use for a beach getaway, the Stitch collection also extends to everyday items such as hair accessories, neck pillows, handheld fans, scented candles, tumblers, and portable chargers. 

What are you waiting for? Make this summer all about Stitch and add a touch of summer vibes to your everyday essentials. The Stitch Beach Collection is available in select OH!SOME stores around the country:

• AEON Mall Bandar Dato’ Onn
• AEON Mall Taiping
• Berjaya Times Square
• Mahkota Parade, Melaka
• Melawati Mall
• Palm Mall, Seremban
• IOI Mall Puchong 

Catch more fun merchandise this season by following OH!SOME Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram. 

Step into the future at the National Art Gallery (NAG) in Kuala Lumpur and experience Malaysia's classic paintings in a new light with the National Art Gallery's digital wall, blending tradition with modern technology.

Their groundbreaking exhibition, "Into The Frameless (Merungkai Bingkai)." This immersive experience reimagines Malaysia’s national collection, blending art with cutting-edge technology.

Running until April 2027, this long-term exhibit features 34 artworks presented in digital formats, making it much more than just a typical art show.

The gallery is divided into three captivating sections: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and projection mapping. 

Each one explores a different facet of modern tech, but the real magic happens when these technologies bring classic Malaysian artworks to life.

One of the standouts is the Immersive Video Segment, where you can experience 31 works across five nature-inspired zones — “Coastlines,” “Sea,” “Paddy Fields,” “Micro Flora,” “Macro Flora,” and “Mountains” — each showcasing the rich cultural and environmental diversity of Malaysia.

Some iconic pieces include Syed Ahmad Jamal's Storm (1958), Chuah Thean Teng's Fishing Village (1959), A.J. Rahman’s Night in Langkawi (1976), and Ibrahim Hussein's Genting (1978), to name just a few.

But it’s not just about looking at the artwork; it’s about interacting with it. A cool feature is the AI Photobooth, where you can have your portrait transformed into a unique digital creation. 

Meanwhile, the AR Coloring section allows visitors to color in designs and turn them around in augmented reality, from small sketches into full-blown animations. 

For more information, visit the National Art Gallery on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

The blind box craze is definitely far from over. 

Leading blind box toy company POP MART just opened their largest store in Malaysia to date at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur! Following their debut in the country in 2023, Pop Mart now has seven branches all over Malaysia, with three outlets in Kuala Lumpur. 

Known for their popular blind box collections and cute figurines, POP MART has become a go-to spot for collectors and a popular trend for all ages — at least one or two people you know already have their hands on a Labubu, a Dimoo, a Molly, and more! 

The outlet at The Exchange TRX takes up a whopping 2,876 square feet of space, complete with vibrant gradient LED lights, a THE MONSTERS photo zone, a Mystery Box Wall, a POP BEAN corner, and a section filled with MEGA versions of popular POP MART characters like Labubu, Hirono, and Molly. 

All the shelves were well stocked with every POP MART collectible you can imagine, and then some. 

POP MART also had some opening exclusive collectibles for fans, which were the LABUBU Shepherd figurine (RM130.80), LABUBU Hedgehog figure (RM130.80), and the HACIPUPU Little Gourd (RM479). Other opening exclusives included the first launch of the limited MOLLY MOZERO figure (RM1,939), with only 30 units available at the TRX branch, and a limited number of 100 units worldwide. 

Excited to see what’s in store at the largest POP MART in Malaysia? Head on over to The Exchange TRX to add more collectibles to your collection!

Follow POP MART Malaysia on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more product updates and launches!

Location: C.78.0, Concourse Level, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily 

Big Bang fans, get ready to scream your hearts out — Daesung is bringing his powerhouse vocals and infectious energy to Malaysia this June!

Daesung, renowned for his soulful vocals, infectious personality, and sense of humor, will light up the stage on June 7, 2025, at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting as part of his highly anticipated D’s WAVE Asia tour.

This solo concert will kick off in Seoul on Apr. 26. The Malaysian stop is a new addition to the tour announced on Apr. 20 to the delight of many fans. The K-Pop singer will also visit six other cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, Hong Kong, Kobe, Macau, and Yokohama. For the full list of concert dates, see below: 

Fans attending can expect an unforgettable show filled with tracks from Daesung's recently released solo mini-album, D’s Wave, his first solo EP. Released in early April, the album showcases his emotive vocals and rock-fueled sound, a culmination of nearly two years of hard work. 

The EP features eight tracks, “Universe,” “Beautiful Life,” and “Fly Away,” among others.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale to the public at 4:26 PM (local time) on May 2, 2025, while exclusive pre-sale access for Resorts World Genting members begins on Apr. 30, 2025 at 4:26 PM (local time).

Prices range from RM388 to RM988 (VIP), with each person able to purchase a maximum of four tickets.

VIP ticket holders will enjoy special perks, including a chance to take a group photo with Daesung, exclusive signed posters, and access to a special one-of-a-kind send-off event, where lucky fans will be randomly plucked for these exclusive experiences.

For tickets and more information, visit etix on their website, or go to Resorts World Genting’s website. 

For more updates, visit Dream Factory Entertainment on their Facebook or Instagram. 

Malaysian Studio Ghibli fans, now’s your chance to watch one of the Japanese animation studio’s classic films. 

Popular Japanese animated fantasy film “Howl’s Moving Castle,” is set for a re-run in Malaysian cinemas! Regional film studio mm2 Entertainment will be bringing the beloved movie back to local Malaysian theaters such as TGV, GSC, MBO Cinemas, and Dadi Cinema this April 17, 2025. 

“Howl’s Moving Castle” will be re-released in its original Japanese audio, with English, Malay, and Chinese subtitles being shown on-screen. 

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle”

“Howl’s Moving Castle” is a Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by celebrated Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. The movie was first released in 2004, premiering at the 61st Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 5, 2004, and theatrically released on Nov. 20, 2004. 

The film is loosely based on the 1986 novel “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Diana Wynne Jones, and follows the story of Sophie, a young hat-maker who was cursed by the Witch of the Waste. She encounters a wizard named Howl and becomes entangled in his schemes and resistance in fighting a war. 

The film explores the themes of pacifism, critique of modern life, growing old, and of compassion. 

The film received universal acclaim across the years, with numerous critics praising Miyazaki’s storytelling, use of childlike wonder, and the themes discussed in the film. It has also become a cult favorite among cinephiles and is considered a “must-watch” film from Studio Ghibli. 

“Howl’s Moving Castle” in Malaysian Cinemas on April 17, 2025

Some local cinemas and the Japan Foundation in Malaysia are holding giveaway contests for the upcoming “Howl’s Moving Castle” re-run. Check out these posts to see what’s up! 

At the same time, Dadi Cinema is holding a “Howl’s Moving Castle” Fan Gathering on Apr. 16, 2025, at Dadi Cinema PKL at 8 PM. For RM45, fans will receive one random button badge, one random magnet, a pouch, and a towel. 

Relive the Studio Ghibli magic and watch “Howl’s Moving Castle” on the big screen. Follow mm2 Entertainment on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information!

Kuala Lumpur, get buzzing — 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀 (7!!) is finally heading to Malaysia as part of their 2025 Asia Tour. 

The Okinawan J-Pop trio will make their highly anticipated debut at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on May 13, 2025, bringing their signature blend of infectious hooks and popular anime anthems to local fans for the first time!

Known for their catchy, emotionally charged tracks, 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀 (7!!) have made a lasting mark on anime culture, with hits such as "Lovers," the opening theme for "Naruto Shippuden," and "Orange," the beloved ending theme from "Your Lie in April." 

Since their debut in 2011 with the single "Fallin’ Love," the band — whose name is inspired by lead singer Nanae, as "7" is pronounced "Nana" in Japanese — has built a devoted following with their distinctive pop-rock sound.

For die-hard fans, the VIP experience offers exclusive perks, including early entry, a photo session with the band, and first access to the merch counter. 

Tickets are priced at RM290 for VIP, RM190 for General Admission, and RM290 for a Duo package (two GA tickets).

Tickets are available now on BookMyShow here.

For more information, visit 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀 (7!!) on their website, or Instagram and Facebook. 

Location: Zepp Kuala Lumpur, 2-01-02, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah

Get ready to roll the dice! A new Monopoly game is in the works!

Tourism Malaysia is collaborating with game publisher Winning Moves to produce “Monopoly: Kuala Lumpur Edition.” The special edition board game is set to be released by the end of 2025 as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. The game will be featuring some of Malaysia’s iconic attractions with a focus on the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and aims to showcase a unique way for tourists to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. 

“We’re excited to partner with Monopoly to bring a piece of Kuala Lumpur to life through this interactive board game. Hence, this collaboration allows us to reach a wider audience and inspire future travelers by sharing the beauty and adventure of Kuala Lumpur in a completely new way,” said YBhg Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

This initiative is expected to increase tourists' interest in the country, igniting their curiosity for Kuala Lumpur’s diverse landscapes, lively culture, and dynamic communities. 

Through this collaboration, the country hopes to bring in more visitors in 2026 and motivate them to explore the city and discover all the exciting things it has to offer. 

Winning Moves also emphasized that the Kuala Lumpur edition will not only highlight the city’s famed landmarks but also celebrate the capital’s unique identity and vibrant energy. 

“We’re excited to work with local stakeholders to make this edition a true reflection of the city,” said Jennifer Lau, the Partnerships Manager at Winning Moves. 

With this release, Kuala Lumpur joins other cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, London, New York, Sydney, and Cape Town, which have had their own localized Monopoly editions.

The game is currently in the production stage, and businesses and organizations who are interested in being featured are welcome to reach out to Winning Moves. You may send your suggestions and requests to [email protected].

For updates, follow Tourism Malaysia on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.