DestinaAsia

Tag: #SupportLocal

  • Empowering 810 Young Artists: Hock Kee Kopitiam and NASOM Launch Inspiring Charity Art Initiative

    Empowering 810 Young Artists: Hock Kee Kopitiam and NASOM Launch Inspiring Charity Art Initiative

    The nationwide “Happy New Year 2026 with Hock Kee Kopitiam: The Most Joyful Wins” coloring and drawing competition has officially come to a close, marking a spectacular success with 810 young artists participating from all corners of Malaysia. This initiative served as more than just a creative outlet; it functioned as a powerful bridge between youthful imagination and charitable action. To celebrate this milestone, winning artworks are now being featured in a dedicated online exhibition on the Hock Kee Kopitiam official website, where the public can support a noble cause.

    In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, Hock Kee Kopitiam has pledged that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these artworks will be donated to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM). CEO Nick Ng highlighted that the project aims to give these children’s creations a deeper purpose, transforming simple sketches into a lifeline for the autism community. By visiting the online gallery, supporters can purchase these unique pieces starting from RM50, contributing directly to the development of programs and resources for individuals on the spectrum.

    (From right) Nick Ng, Founder of Hock Kee Kopitiam, and Isaac from Two Creative Art & Design with the Group A winners (ages 4–6) of the “The Most Joyful Wins” nationwide art competition.

    The competition, which took place throughout December 2025, focused on children aged 4 to 12, encouraging them to depict joy and culture through their eyes. After a meticulous selection process, 13 winners were crowned in Group A (ages 4–6) and Group B (ages 7–9), while 14 winners were recognized in Group C (ages 10–12). The diversity of the submissions provided a refreshing look at how the younger generation perceives happiness and heritage in a modern Malaysian context.

    The integrity of the contest was upheld by a high-profile panel of judges, featuring Hock Kee Brand Ambassador Bella Astillah alongside experts from Two Creative Art & Design and NASOM board members. Media partners from Utusan Malaysia and Oriental Daily also contributed to the evaluation process, ensuring that the winners represented the very best of the 810 submissions. This collaboration between the corporate, creative, and media sectors underscores the widespread community support for inclusive initiatives that empower both young talents and vulnerable groups.

    (From right to left) Nick Ng, Founder of Hock Kee Kopitiam, and Julian Wong, Chairman of The National Autism Society of Malaysia signed a CSR partnership collaboration agreement.

    Julian Wong, Chairman of NASOM, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, noting that such partnerships are vital for raising both funds and public awareness about autism. By showcasing these artworks at various Hock Kee Kopitiam outlets—spanning from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to Johor, Perak, and Kelantan—the brand continues to foster a culture of compassion. This project serves as a reminder that the simplest expressions of art can lead to significant social impact, bringing a joyful start to the year 2026 for the entire community.

  • Sakura Band Kembali Bersinar dengan Album Baharu “RE:START”, Tanda Kebangkitan Semula

    Sakura Band Kembali Bersinar dengan Album Baharu “RE:START”, Tanda Kebangkitan Semula

    Selepas melalui tempoh rehat yang agak panjang, kumpulan muzik tempatan Sakura Band kini kembali mewarnai industri muzik tanah air dengan pelancaran album terbaharu mereka berjudul “RE:START”, yang menandakan satu fasa kebangkitan semula buat kumpulan ini. Album tersebut dilancarkan menerusi sebuah persembahan istimewa sempena sidang media yang berlangsung di Hard Rock Café, Kuala Lumpur pada 17 April 2026.

    Menurut Mell atau nama sebenarnya Melly Matius yang mewakili Sakura Band, pemilihan judul “RE:START” bukan sekadar simbolik, sebaliknya mencerminkan perjalanan baharu yang dilalui oleh kumpulan itu selepas tempoh rehat yang panjang. Katanya, konsep kali ini lebih menumpukan kepada kemunculan semula Sakura Band dengan sedikit perubahan dari segi muzik yang kini lebih menjurus kepada pop rock, namun masih mengekalkan identiti asal kumpulan tersebut.

    Album ini dimulakan dengan trek pengenalan berjudul “RE:START” yang berfungsi sebagai pembuka kepada keseluruhan naratif album. Mell menjelaskan bahawa setiap lagu dalam album ini mempunyai kisah tersendiri yang diinspirasikan daripada pengalaman peribadi ahli kumpulan, menjadikannya lebih dekat dan jujur dengan diri mereka.

    Sebagai usaha memperkenalkan semula identiti muzik kepada peminat lama, Sakura Band memilih lagu berunsur pop berjudul “Masih” sebagai single pertama. Lagu ini dipilih kerana mempunyai elemen pop yang kuat serta membawa vibe yang hampir dengan karya mereka sebelum ini, sekali gus menjadi jambatan untuk menghubungkan semula pendengar dengan muzik Sakura Band.

    Dari segi produksi, album ini turut menampilkan kolaborasi bersama beberapa nama berpengalaman dalam industri muzik. Sakura Band kembali bekerjasama dengan penyanyi dan penulis lagu Adi 6ixth Sense, selain menjalinkan kerjasama pertama dengan penerbit Laq yang juga merupakan gitaris kumpulan Akim & The Majistret. Proses rakaman bagi lagu “Masih” dan “Bulan & Bintang” dilaporkan berjalan dengan lancar hasil keserasian dan keterbukaan dalam perkongsian idea antara semua pihak terlibat.

    Keunikan “RE:START” turut terletak pada pendekatan penulisan lagu yang lebih autentik dan dekat dengan realiti kehidupan seharian. Sakura Band banyak mengambil inspirasi daripada apa yang mereka lalui, rasai dan perhatikan di sekeliling, dengan harapan agar pendengar dapat lebih mudah mengaitkan diri dengan lagu-lagu tersebut.

    Dari segi bunyi dan susunan muzik, album ini memperlihatkan evolusi yang lebih matang dengan penerokaan genre pop rock serta elemen eksperimen yang lebih ketara. Ini juga merupakan kali pertama Sakura Band menghasilkan dan menerbitkan album sendiri, sekali gus memberi ruang kepada mereka untuk lebih bebas berkarya sambil tetap mengekalkan identiti muzik yang sudah sinonim dengan kumpulan tersebut.

    Namun begitu, proses penghasilan album ini tidak terlepas daripada cabaran, khususnya dalam mencari idea dan konsep yang segar serta mengekalkan konsistensi sepanjang produksi yang bermula sejak Januari 2025. Walaupun berdepan kekangan masa dan komitmen masing-masing, Sakura Band berjaya menyiapkan album ini dengan hasil yang memuaskan dan menganggapnya sebagai satu proses pembelajaran yang berharga.

    Sakura Band berharap album “RE:START” dapat diterima baik oleh peminat serta pendengar muzik tempatan, selain mengukuhkan lagi kedudukan mereka dalam industri muzik tanah air. Mereka turut merakamkan penghargaan kepada Seventeen Eleven Music atas peluang dan kepercayaan yang diberikan, dengan harapan album ini menjadi titik permulaan kepada lebih banyak karya dan kolaborasi pada masa akan datang.

    Album “RE:START” terbitan Seventeen Eleven Music ini boleh mula distrim di semua platform penstriman muzik digital utama pada 17 April 2026. Muzik video rasmi bagi lagu “Masih” pula akan mula ditayangkan di saluran YouTube Seventeen Eleven Music pada hari yang sama jam 3 petang melalui pautan berikut: https://youtu.be/X1WrYVLYHYc?si=VYzwPE_l51M3O4A7

  • Balan Kash Showcases Heritage and Hip-Hop Fusion in Symbolic Merdeka Month Release “Cekap”

    Balan Kash Showcases Heritage and Hip-Hop Fusion in Symbolic Merdeka Month Release “Cekap”

    In conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Month, rapper-songwriter and creative force Balan Kash makes a powerful return with the official music video for his track Cekap, produced by Balan Kash Entertainment. More than a visual release, this project highlights his versatility as an artist while presenting a symbolic narrative of Malaysian pride and identity. Adding to his achievements, Balan Kash has also been nominated in the Best Hip-Hop Song category at the 24th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM24) with two of his songs, further strengthening his standing in the industry.

    Cekap, the title track of his first full-length Malay-language album, blends modern hip-hop with classical Indian sounds and traditional Malaysian influences. The word cekap in local slang means sharp or on-point, reflecting bravery and confidence in addressing issues that resonate deeply with Malaysians. For Balan Kash, this piece is more than entertainment as it serves as a reminder that after more than six decades of independence, Malaysians of all backgrounds continue to share a common spirit of unity.

    The music video, directed by Kinggolddigga, unfolds as a striking visual journey on identity and national harmony. It begins with a traditional Dikir Barat performance, with Balan Kash positioned at the center of musicians, symbolizing the merging of heritage and contemporary music. The story transitions into a blood donation center, representing the idea that Malaysians share the same blood regardless of race or religion, reinforcing the foundation of unity. The narrative reaches its peak in the Circle of Unity sequence, where Malaysians of diverse backgrounds dip their hands in red paint and form a symbolic circle of shared identity. A dramatic confrontation between Balan Kash and the police resolves peacefully with a handshake, portraying reconciliation and mutual understanding. These powerful visuals are enhanced with performance shots, flashing lights, and bold red backdrops, highlighting themes of courage, pride, and love for the nation.

    For Balan Kash, Cekap is not just a song but a reflection of the Malaysian spirit that shaped him while growing up in Klang’s multicultural community. His experiences taught him that true strength comes from unity rather than division, and this belief is the essence of the music video. Speaking from the heart, he shares that Malaysians may have different stories but share the same spirit. Through Cekap, he celebrates freedom, diversity, and the resilience that comes from standing together, dedicating this work to his homeland as a reminder that unity will always prevail despite challenges.

    The production of Cekap was supported under Dana Kebolehan Pasaran (Domestik 2.0) by DKK Industri Muzik, an initiative led by MyCreative Ventures and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia. Balan Kash Entertainment expressed gratitude for the government’s continuous support of the creative industry through the Dana Kandungan Kreatif initiative.

    The music video for Cekap is now available on Balan Kash’s official YouTube channel, inviting audiences to experience the powerful fusion of hip-hop, tradition, and the spirit of Malaysian unity in a visual celebration of culture and identity.