13/03/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | MAR 13, 2026

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Malaysian composer Joy Ngiaw bags Emmy M ALAYSIAN-BORN composer Joy Ngiaw has made history by winning the Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for an o Musician receives award for her work on Wondla

Tiket Sehala exposes overseas job scam reality THE growing threat of fraudulent overseas job offers has been brought to the big screen through Tiket Sehala – a survival thriller inspired by a true story. The film sheds light on the harsh reality faced by a group of Malaysian workers who fall victim to a human trafficking syndicate after being lured by promises of lucrative jobs in South Korea. Director Rahila Ali said Tiket Sehala highlights a global issue that affects not only Malaysians, but also a lot of people in other countries. Produced by Key Billions Sdn Bhd, the film features a lineup of local actors, including Noki K-Clique, Jaa Suzuran, Ainee Mustafa, Zaki Yamani, Sharifah Sakinah, Fancy Goh, as well as former national karate athlete Shaharudin Jamaludin. The production also includes actors from South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Singer and actor Zaki described his involvement in the film as a meaningful new experience, particularly as it marks his debut in acting. The film was shot over two weeks in South Korea, including locations in Seoul, Andong and Yongju. Zaki said working in a professional studio for the first time was especially exciting. “This was my first time entering a studio built specifically for filming and it really felt like the vibe of the Korean dramas we often watch,” he said, adding that filming night scenes in temperatures dropping below -10°C posed a significant challenge. For Noki, starring in Tiket Sehala offered a deeper understanding of the realities behind overseas job scams. “The storyline, inspired by a true story, was not only challenging from an acting perspective but also raises awareness about the risks faced by victims of such syndicates. When I read the script and realised it was based on a true story, I felt a responsibility to portray the character as best as possible,” he said. – Bernama The film is survival thriller inspired by a true story. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @TGV CINEMAS

Animated Programme award for her work on the animated series WondLa , which can be streamed on the Apple TV+ platform. She received the award at the 4th Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, held at Lincoln Centre, New York City, earlier last week. In a post on social media, she expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition and described it as a great honour in her journey as a composer. “Speechless!!! Beyond grateful for this incredible honour,” she wrote. Ngiaw also extended her appreciation to the production team, including Skydance Animation and Apple TV+, for trusting her to develop the musical world for the animated series. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without John Lasseter and Skydance Animation’s trust since day one. Scoring the studio’s first short film Blush via a blind pitch truly jumpstarted my career. I went on scoring the studio logo, and now this epic trilogy. I am forever grateful,” she said. Born in Pahang, Ngiaw also expressed her gratitude to her family in Malaysia and to those closest to her who have been a constant source of strength throughout her career, reported Bernama. “To my family back home in Malaysia, and my partner – thank you for being my rock, and the heart to my music,” she said. Meanwhile, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) also congratulated Ngiaw on her achievement on the international stage. In a post on its official social media account, Finas described Ngiaw’s win at the 4th Children’s & Family Emmy Awards as proof that Malaysian creative

Ngiaw is born in Pahang. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @JOYNGIAW

talent can make an impact globally while bringing pride to the nation in the global content industry.

“May this achievement inspire a new generation of artists to continue creating and conquering the world,” Finas said.

Thai sensation BUS set for first-ever Kuala Lumpur concert this May RISING Thai pop powerhouse BUS (Because of You I Shine) is set to make its Kuala Lumpur debut on May 19, performing live at Zepp KL. In this show, BUS will light up the stage with an electrifying performance, bringing hit survival show 789 Survival . Its debut single Because of You, I Shine achieved viral success with over 21 million views on YouTube. BUS continue to shine with the release of the single Watch Your Step and

sub-unit singles No Matter What and Brother Zone . The rapid rise of this T-pop group led to its first major sold-out arena concert BUS The 1st Concert Light The World, held March 14 to 16, 2025, at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. In April 2025, BUS released its first Japanese single Because of You, I Shine and performed at Summer Sonic

its signature style, charisma and viral hits to fans for the first time. BUS is a blend of unique personalities and charisma, coming together to create something truly extraordinary. The group, comprised of 12 members Alan, Marckis, Khunpol, Heart, Jinwook, Thai, Nex, Phutatchai, Copper, AA, Jungt and Peemwasu, debuted on Dec 6, 2023, through the

BUS, comprising 12 members, debut through a hit survival show 789 Survival .

Countdown, cementing their growing influence beyond Thailand and into the Asian music scene with their latest single So Blue . Tickets for the general public go on sale on March 19, from 11am onwards.

delivered a standout performance of K-pop band Cortis’s Go! , captivating live audiences and online viewers across the region. BUS also made history as the first Thai band to perform on Mnet’s M

Tokyo 2025, a significant milestone in the international music scene. The group has rapidly been gaining international attention, recently going viral for its high-energy performance at Iconsiam, where they

BUS the 1st Asia Fancon Tour: The First Light will take place at the Zepp KL on May 19.