06/01/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | JAN 6, 2026

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Cinematic cityscapes o Michelle Yeoh likens KL’s ‘I Lite U’ lights to cinema

Yeoh has played Madame Morrible in the Wicked movies. – AFPPIC

D RAWING parallels with a film set, Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh likened Kuala Lumpur to a stage and the world as its audience as Malaysia prepares to unveil its story to global visitors through Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). The UN Goodwill Ambassador for Road Safety and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) said the campaign is not merely about promoting tourism but serves as an open invitation for the world to experience Malaysia’s diversity, warmth, rich heritage and vibrant arts. “Visit Malaysia 2026 is not just about tourism. It is an invitation to experience our diversity, warmth, culinary symphony and our vibrant arts,” she said in her speech at the “I Lite U” Festival, which launched at Bukit Bintang last Saturday. The evening, held as part of a larger festival of lights across the capital, saw iconic landmarks illuminated in a spectacular display, reflecting the vibrancy

NATIONAL songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin was honoured with the Malacca Arts and Culture Icon Award last Wednesday . She described the accolade as a source of motivation to continue creating and contributing to the arts, culture and tourism of the historic state. “I am deeply touched and wish to thank the Malacca state government for this recognition. “If there are opportunities and invitations, insya-Allah I would be happy to participate, particularly if they involve traditional songs and initiatives that celebrate Malacca’s identity,” she said during the New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration and the launch of Visit Malacca Year 2.0 at Encore Melaka, Klebang. Commenting on the song Senandung Anak Melaka , which has gained widespread popularity, Siti said she is open to further collaborations to promote traditional songs in the future. At the same event, the composer of the Visit Malacca Year 2.0 theme song, Senandung Anak Melaka , Mohd Fauzi Mohammad, was also recognised as Tokoh Pemerkasaan Seni Tradisional Melaka . Meanwhile, Malacca Tourism Friendship Ambassador Datuk Fan Bingbing received the Malacca International Cultural Diplomacy Icon Award for her significant role in promoting the state’s culture and tourism globally. The awards were presented by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam. – Bernama Siti Nurhaliza gets honoured as Malacca’s arts, culture icon Siti sings at the launch of the Visit Malacca Year 2.0. – PICS FROM BERNAMA MALAYSIAN animated feature Papa Zola The Movie is set to reach international audiences across Southeast Asia, West Asia and South Asia following its local box office success, having collected RM43 million in just 18 days. Produced by Monsta in collaboration with Astro Shaw, the film will begin its international journey on Jan 23 in Indonesia, before expanding to Saudi Arabia in April, followed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait – in May, alongside premieres in Turkiye and India. To ensure accessibility and resonance with audiences worldwide, the film will be dubbed in Arabic, Turkish, Vietnamese, Hindi, Tamil and English, reflecting Monsta’s commitment to global storytelling. MD Pictures chief marketing officer Rivki Morais, in a statement, said the overwhelming audience response has earned the trust of distributors worldwide, supporting the film’s international rollout.

creativity and community. Yeoh said light symbolises guidance and hope for the future, while also acting as a beacon to signal Malaysia’s presence to the world. “First, it guides and illuminates our path forward. And second, it becomes a beacon that signals to others, ‘Here we are,’” she said. Sharing her personal connection to the capital, Yeoh said, standing in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the city that shaped her early dreams, filled her with pride as the nation prepares to welcome international visitors. The internationally-acclaimed actress said the illumination of the city tonight marked the beginning of a story of “breathtaking beauty, rich heritage and relentless innovation” to be shared with the world in 2026. Calling on Malaysians to embody the spirit of hospitality, Yeoh encouraged them to show the true meaning of Malaysian hospitality – and said the nation’s arms, hearts as well as shining country were open to welcome future guests from near and far. The Hollywood star added that the lights switched on tonight symbolised a shared aspiration for a brighter future. “Let this light shine as a symbol of the glorious future that we build together,” she said. The “I Lite U” event is seen as a prelude to a series of cultural and tourism initiatives in 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s image as a global destination for heritage, art and innovation. – Bernama the film tells the heartwarming story of Papa Zola, a hardworking father thrust into extraordinary circumstances to save his family. The story has captured the imagination of audiences across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Beyond its box office performance, it said the film has been praised for its emotionally driven narrative, which highlights the struggles of everyday life, family and the universal challenges of fatherhood. Monsta, the studio behind popular franchises such as BoBoiBoy and Mechamato, added that the success of Papa Zola The Movie reinforces its ability to produce animated content that resonates across cultures while retaining strong local elements. With Papa Zola The Movie , Monsta continues to elevate Malaysian animation, proving local stories told with heart, creativity and universal themes can compete on the world stage. – Bernama

and innovation that Malaysia hopes to showcase to the world. The Ipoh-born actress described the lights as more than decoration, but as a symbolic bridge connecting culture,

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Yeoh at the ‘I Lite You’ Festival launch.

Papa Zola The Movie to hit screens across Asia in January

Papa Zola The Movie takes its story from real-life struggles that every parent goes through.

Zainal Aabidin said Papa Zola The Movie is a story that stands on its own, one that audiences anywhere can connect with. According to the production company,

“It’s grounded in real-life struggles that every parent and family can relate to, making it highly marketable across cultures,” he said. Meanwhile, Monsta’s media director Faiz