30/08/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | AUG 30, 2025

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Kuala Lumpur is reimagined through powerful symbols of strength, unity and modern heritage.

Marking 68 years of Merdeka with a showcase that honours how far Malaysians have come and the many patterns that unite us.

‘United by Art’ brings together 14 artists, 14 states and countless Malaysian stories through scarf design. – PICS COURTESY OF MYTOWN KL

Kaleidoscope of Malaysian identity

Celebration

of

heritage,

Art”. A large-scale map installation invites shoppers to go on a visual “Jelajah Malaysia”, connecting iconic state symbols such as food, wildlife and crafts. Interactive walls encourage personal expression, including a collaborative string art wall where participants weave their own stories of national pride. Hands-on weekend workshops add another layer of experience, with activities such as batik painting and family-friendly craft sessions designed to inspire creativity across generations. For those seeking a playful challenge, the Stamp Quest Adventure offers a mini scavenger hunt through four themed stations, rewarding participants with exclusive MyTown merchandise.

heritage. From the roaring tigers of Kuala Lumpur to playful modern motifs of Selangor, every scarf becomes a bold canvas of local stories, traditions and quirks. The showcase, running from now until Sept 16, marks the first time scarves are at the heart of #empatbelas, following past editions that spotlighted stamps, pantuns and movie posters. Each creation reflects the artist’s personal ties to their home state, blending cultural symbolism with modern design sensibilities. Creativity woven into everyday experiences Beyond the stunning scarf displays, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the theme “United by

T HIS Merdeka, MyTown Shopping Centre is ablaze with colour and culture as it partners with A Piece of Malaysia (Apom) for this year’s edition of #empatbelas, a nationwide design initiative that reimagines Malaysian pride in unexpected ways. Themed “Kita Banyak Pattern”, the showcase features 14 scarves designed by 14 artists, each representing a state and its unique o MyTown Shopping Centre hosting cultural showcase for Merdeka

togetherness Shoppers are also treated to surprises such as gachapon capsule machines featuring Malaysian-themed fridge magnets and live weekend performances that bring traditional music, cultural dances and even a Merdeka marching band into the mall’s lively atmosphere. The collaboration with Apom highlights the work of homegrown artists and reflects MyTown’s commitment to championing local entrepreneurs and cultural pride. As visitors explore the scarves, installations and activities, the message is clear: Malaysia’s beauty lies in its patterns, diverse, dynamic and united by art.

Selangor’s vibrant contrasts come to life in a scarf that reflects city energy and quiet tradition. – PICS BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ/THESUN

Ruang Inspirasi Festival’s electrifying acts A week after the curtain came down on Ruang Inspirasi Festival (RIF) 2025, many fans are still riding the wave of euphoria and have expressed hopes that two of Indonesia’s biggest acts, Juicy Luicy and Tulus, will return next year with longer performances. colour-blocking outfits – mixes of blue, yellow, orange, beige and white – turning the event into a lively celebration of hues that reflected the youthful, vibrant spirit of RIF 2025. along to every lyric, creating an emotional choir-like atmosphere. As night fell, Juicy Luicy took over the stage at 8.30pm, opening with an intro from Bukan Orangnya that immediately sent fans into thunderous cheers.

The show began as early as 1.30pm with Bruneian singer Aziz Harun performing his hit songs including Senyum and Teman , before Tulus took the stage at 2.30pm with 13 evergreen numbers such as Sewindu , Monokrom , Teman Hidup and Hati-Hati di Jalan . The charismatic singer’s performance, accompanied by a local jazz orchestra, left a lasting impression as the audience sang

Their energetic setlist – including Malapetaka , Tanpa Tergesa , Mawar Jingga , Lampu Kuning , Lantas and Sialan – kept the hall alive with continuous sing-alongs. Although the alternative pop band’s set felt short, each song was delivered with intensity, freshness and raw emotion, creating a deeply satisfying experience for the audience. Lead vocalist Julian Kaisar not only commanded the stage but also stepped down several times to greet fans, take photos and continue singing – moments that became among the night’s most memorable highlights. He further charmed the crowd with playful banter, asking who among them had come with a broken heart or had yet to move on, before teasing them with a lighthearted “healing tip” – jogging, in line with current trends. His spontaneity lit up the atmosphere, strengthening the bond between artist and audience. RIF 2025 also featured a strong

Drawing a crowd of 8,000 for two sessions at Mega Star Arena on Aug 17, the festival – presented by Expoindo in collaboration with Thrive – proved that music is not only entertainment but also a source of inspiration and an emotional outlet for Malaysia’s younger generation. Adding colour to the festival, most fans showed up in bold

Fans cheer enthusiastically at RIF as an artiste walks past.

to Malaysia every year – or even twice a year if I am lucky,” Julian said, closing the stage with high energy as fans cheered endlessly. Fans are now eager for RIF to return next year with longer sets, as the music of Tulus and Juicy Luicy turned Kuala Lumpur into a space of inspiration, healing and unity across generations. It is also possible that in future editions, organisers may consider bringing in other major names such as Sheila On 7, Armada, D’Masiv and Hindia – broadening RIF’s musical spectrum and appeal. – Bernama

opening set by local singer Aizat Amdan, who performed at around 7.30pm with iconic hits such as Hanya Kau Yang Mampu and Lagu Kita , setting the stage perfectly for Juicy Luicy’s appearance. Overall, RIF 2025 introduced a fresh concept that fused music with inspiration, making it more than just a concert. From day to night, audiences were taken on an emotional journey, a colourful showcase and a soulful exchange rarely found in conventional music festivals. “If possible, I would love to return

Indonesian singer Tulus takes the stage. – PICS FROM BERNAMA