dixonthum

Malaysia’s most prestigious TV talent show — Astro Star Quest 2025《Astro新秀崛起吧！》 — officially premiered on 11 October 2025! The first episode featured 10 bright new contestants taking the stage, kicking off their first round of evaluations in an atmosphere filled with tension and excitement.

The 10 contestants are Joshua 张佐权 (19), Liew Jian Xu 廖健旭 (17), Leow Yee Xing 刘伊幸 (24), Song 陈松宁 (26), Pang Ee Jun 彭义竣 (18), Yong Hui Ying 杨荟颖 (21), Jack 刘浅 (17), Howie 马豪怿 (25), Pang Ee Xin 彭于歆 (21), and Yap Xiao En 叶晓恩 (19). Their ranking tags were also revealed, classifying them as “Survivors” (险存者), “S-Class Talents” (S级新秀) and “Mid-Level Performers” (中阶者) representing each contestant’s initial standing on the competition stage.

The show is hosted by Hui Mei 萧慧敏 and Priscilla Abby 蔡恩雨, with a panel of resident judges including Al Kuan 管启源, Nicole 赖淞凤, and Geraldine 颜慧萍. At the beginning of the show, the contestants were unaware that the judges were secretly observing them backstage. The judges shared their impressions: “This season’s contestants are full of creativity and diversity — truly refreshing to watch.”

Mentor #TheNavigator Nicholas Teo 张栋梁 explained the competition format, revealing that the entire contest will consist of five evaluation rounds, with the first official challenge beginning in this episode.

Star Hunter Mani Fok 霍汶希 also made a guest appearance, offering her unique insights into what defines true quality of a superstar. She said, “As a judge, I carry a huge responsibility. Many people can sing well, but to become a truly outstanding artist, you need more than skill — you need the right attitude and personality. Your voice must be distinctive, and your performance must move people. A singer who can convey real emotion through their performance and touch the audience’s hearts is the one most likely to become the next superstar!”

Towards the end of the episode, before the elimination announcement, the hosts teased that another 10 contestants will appear in the next episode — ready to battle it out for their chance to advance, promising even fiercer competition ahead!

Astro Star Quest 2025 airs every Saturday at 8:30 PM on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, and sooka. Stay tuned to witness the birth of the next big star!

Subscribe to Astro One today for just RM49.99/month to enjoy on-demand, unlimited entertainment. You can also upgrade your streaming experience to Astro Fibre with 500Mbps high-speed unlimited internet and Entertainment Pack for only RM139.99/month. Learn more through the My Astro App, visit astro.com.my, or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838.

Music, My Personal

Astro Classic Golden Melody Singing Competition 2025 Grand Finals Celebrates 25 Years of Timeless Voices in Genting Highlands

October 6, 2025October 14, 2025 dixonthum

The Grand Finals took place at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting, on 4 October 2025, at 8:30 PM — a night filled with nostalgia, talent, and unforgettable performances.

I’ve been watching this show since I was young, often with my grandmother, and it’s amazing to see how it has continued to grow and inspire over the past 25 years.

A Night of Golden Melodies
I’m glad that I get to witness this year’s performance live! The event kicked off with a lively opening act featuring Hong Kong veteran actress and singer Nancy Sit 薛家燕 and Yenz Kwok 郭燕燕, performing alongside all the contestants — setting the perfect tone for an evening of music and memories.

Sponsored by Mah Sing Group, and with Resorts World Genting’s Arena of Stars as the official venue, this year’s competition continued its mission of discovering remarkable singing talents aged 35 and above. After months of intense competition, the Top 8 finalists finally took the stage to compete for the championship title.

Senior Category 前辈组:
James 洪健丰 (46, Kelantan), Suzan 傅淑甄 (48, Penang), Christine 吴玥霖 (48, Perak), Blue 谢晓莹 (47, Johor)

Junior Category 后辈组:
Ar C 官佩楒 (39, Selangor), Alex 叶东城 (36, Perak), Winli 郑文丽 (40, Penang), Catherine 孙艺绫 (35, Penang)

Performances, Emotions, and Awards
The night featured heartfelt performances from the finalists and alumni, along with an amazing guest performance by Vic Teo 张与辰 performed《爱将》.

1st Preliminary Round	2nd Preliminary Round	Final Top 4
Winli 郑文丽《玫瑰香》	Winli 郑文丽《后知后觉》	Catherine 孙艺绫《爱》
Suzan 傅淑甄《卡门》	Christine 吴玥霖《写一首歌》	Alex 叶东城《勇敢》
Christine 吴玥霖《落雨声》	Catherine 孙艺绫《山路十八弯》	Blue 谢晓莹《让我跟你走》
Catherine 孙艺绫《被遗忘的时光》	Alex 叶东城《独家试唱》	James 洪健丰《背叛情歌》
Alex 叶东城《千千阙歌》	Ar C 官佩楒《花房姑娘》
Ar C 官佩楒《这么近那么远》	Blue 谢晓莹《夜太黑》
Blue 谢晓莹《在水一方》	James 洪健丰《那片海》
James 洪健丰《The Show Must Go On》

Song List Performed by Finalists

After rounds of breathtaking performances, the results were finally revealed:
🏆 Champion: Blue 谢晓莹
Received RM30,000 and the champion trophy.

🥈 Runner-up: James 洪健丰
Received RM20,000 and a trophy.

💖 Mah Sing Popularity Award: Winli 郑文丽
The winner was voted by the fans! Voting opened earlier and ended on Saturday, 4 October, at 10 PM. The winner received RM8,888 and a trophy.

🎤 Outstanding Performance Award: Blue 谢晓莹
The winner of this special award was assessed by Taiwan’s Golden Melody Award-winning singer Ricky Hsiao 萧煌奇, who has served as the evaluator since Episode 4. He closely observed each contestant’s vocal ability, stage presence, and emotional expression, and revealed his choice for the most promising voice during the Grand Finals. The winner received RM10,000 and a trophy.

Coincidentally, both the winner and runner-up are from the Senior Category! Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved achievements. I am truly inspired by all your strength, courage and showmanship on stage.

Hosts & Judges
The Grand Finals were hosted by Gan Jiang Han 颜江瀚, Vivienne Oon 温慧茵, and Darren Ch’ng Boon Keat 庄文杰, keeping the night flowing with their warmth and energy.

Resident Judge Yenz Kwok said, “The judges really had a tough time deciding on the runner-up because everyone gave their best performance. But the champion was instantly recognizable. Blue’s voice is so unique — the way she delivers classic songs brings back so many wonderful memories to her listeners. That’s what we looked for in this competition.”

“Blue has her own way of interpreting each song, and that makes her performance truly emotional and heartfelt,” said celebrity judge Nancy Sit. “James, on the other hand, showed incredible showmanship and confidence on stage. Both of them are truly well-deserved winners. In fact, all the finalists have shown tremendous growth since day one — their improvement, confidence, and passion on stage made every judge feel truly proud and happy.”

Other than Nancy Sit 薛家燕, and Yenz Kwok 郭燕燕, local veteran singer Joyce Lim 小凤凤, music producer Tee Kok Leong 郑国亮, and Malaysia’s leading jazz singer Winnie Ho 何芸妮 were also in the judging panel.

For more details and competition terms, visit The Golden Club’s official Facebook page: @TGCTheGoldenClub, and Instagram: @tgc_thegoldenclub

Entertainment

HANDS Percussion Brings Camaraderie 2025 to PJ Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC)

October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 dixonthum

Guys, mark your calendars because Malaysia’s leading contemporary drum ensemble, HANDS Percussion, is back with a brand-new production you won’t want to miss. Titled Camaraderie, this special concert will be happening from 14 t o16 November 14 to 16, 2025 at the PJ Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC, 1 Utama).

For your information, the word Camaraderie comes from French, meaning a spirit of trust and deep connection beyond friendship — and that’s exactly what this show is all about. Through rhythm, memory, and collaboration across generations, HANDS explores the beauty of human bonds in a way that transcends both time and tradition.

What to Expect at Camaraderie
This isn’t just another percussion performance — it’s a full-on celebration of culture, innovation, and togetherness. Here are some highlights:

Reimagined Classics with a Twist
HANDS brings back its signature works but with a fresh new energy. Collaborating with the ITA Ensemble, the concert blends cross-border creativity, electronic remixes, and live drumming, pushing percussion beyond traditional boundaries.
Two Brand-New Works
- Kenangan by Teuku Umar, founder of Gangsapura Gamelan. Inspired by Malay gamelan, it reflects 17 years of friendship and artistic growth.
- A new Teochew-inspired piece that fuses rhythm, colours, and mythological imagery, balancing tradition and modernity.
Generations Sharing the Stage
Expect heartwarming moments, including Principal Percussionist Jimmy Ch’ng performing alongside his daughter. Even 10-year-old Yanhou, who started drumming at age five, will take the stage — a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation.
Diverse Instruments & Collaborations
It’s not just drums! The performance will feature cello, guzheng, gamelan, and a powerful collaboration with DeafBeat, Malaysia’s pioneering deaf percussion ensemble. Together, they’ll create rich layers of sound and movement, highlighting diversity and inclusion.

Dates & Times
14 November 2025 (Fri) – 8:00PM
15 November 2025 (Sat) – 3:00PM & 8:00PM
16 November 2025 (Sun) – 11:00AM & 4PM
Venue: PJ Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC, 1 Utama)
Ticket Prices: RM88, RM128, RM188, RM268
Tickets: Book here

If you love music that tells stories, connects generations, and celebrates diversity, Camaraderie by HANDS Percussion is the event to catch this November. Get your tickets early before they sell out — this is one performance that promises to move both your heart and soul. Don’t miss this!

About HANDS Percussion
Founded in 1997, HANDS has become a pioneer in promoting Malaysian original percussion works while fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Rooted in the tradition of the 24 Festive Drums, HANDS has performed on international stages, proudly showcasing the unique identity of Malaysian drumming.

Lifestyle, Music

Astro Classic Golden Melody Singing Competition 2025 Grand Finals at Genting Highlands

September 28, 2025October 4, 2025 dixonthum

Malaysia’s longest-running and highest-rated Chinese singing competition show, Astro Classic Golden Melody Singing Competition 《Astro经典名曲歌唱大赛2025》, is celebrating its grand 25th anniversary! The highly anticipated Astro Classic Golden Melody Singing Competition 2025 Grand Finals will take place this Saturday (4 October 2025), at 8:30 PM, live at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.

Sponsored by Mah Sing Group, with Resorts World Genting’s Arena of Stars as the official venue, the competition continues its mission of discovering singing talents aged 35 and above. After months of intense competition, the Top 8 finalists have emerged and will compete for the championship title.

The ultimate Top 8 includes:

Senior Category 前辈组:
James 洪健丰 (46, Kelantan), Suzan 傅淑甄 (48, Penang), Christine 吴玥霖 (48, Perak), Blue 谢晓莹 (47, Johor)
Junior Category 后辈组:
Ar C 官佩楒 (39, Selangor), Alex 叶东城 (36, Perak), Winli 郑文丽 (40, Penang), Catherine 孙艺绫 (35, Penang)

They will battle it out on 4 October 2025, showcasing their talent and passion through music.

The show will be hosted by Gan Jiang Han 颜江瀚, Vivienne Oon 温慧茵, and Darren Ch’ng Boon Keat 庄文杰. The star-studded judging panel features celebrity judge Nancy Sit 薛家燕, resident judge Yenz Kwok 郭燕燕, local veteran singer Joyce Lim 小凤凤, music producer Tee Kok Leong 郑国亮, and Malaysia’s leading Chinese jazz singer Winnie Ho 何芸妮.

A brand-new “Outstanding Performance Award (卓越演唱奖)” has been introduced this year, with Taiwan’s Golden Melody Award-winning singer Ricky Hsiao 萧煌奇 serving as the assessor from Episode 4 onwards. He has been closely evaluating contestants’ vocal, stage presence, and emotional expression, and will reveal his choice of the most promising talent during the Grand Finals. The winner will receive RM10,000 and a trophy.

Meanwhile, voting for the “Mah Sing Popularity Award (Mah Sing人气奖)” is now open and ends on 4 October 2025 at 10 PM, with the winner receiving RM8,888 and a trophy. The Grand Finals Champion will take home RM30,000 and a trophy, while the Runner-up will receive RM20,000 and a trophy.

Adding more star power to the finals, Hong Kong veteran actress and singer Nancy Sit will return to Malaysia as the celebrity judge. She will also perform in the opening act alongside Yenz Kwok and the Top 8 finalists. Rising Malaysian powerhouse singer Vic Teo 张与辰 will appear as a guest performer, bringing his soulful voice to the stage.

To mark the 25th anniversary, Astro has prepared a special celebratory showcase featuring not only the birth of new champions but also a nostalgic reunion with past winners and finalists. Familiar faces will make surprise appearances, including 2012 runner-up Bai Lin 白琳, 2013 runner-up Sharon Wong 黄雪云, 2010 champion Irene Tam 湛爱铃, 2015 champion Winnie Goh 吴玮琳, 2020 Star Competition champion Chris Cheong 张淑凤, 2021 champion JJ Zheng 郑综宪, and 2024 junior category champion Vivian Tan 覃微雯. Together, they will perform timeless golden classics, evoking cherished musical memories and adding a heartfelt, nostalgic touch to the event.

The Astro Classic Golden Melody Singing Competition 2025 Grand Finals will be held on Saturday, 4 October 2025, at 8:30 PM at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.

📺 Viewers can also tune in via Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, or sooka.

For more details and competition terms, visit The Golden Club’s official Facebook page: @TGCTheGoldenClub, and Instagram: @tgc_thegoldenclub

Food & Drink

Premium Italian Tomatoes Arrive in Malaysia with the eTomAato

September 25, 2025 dixonthum

I had the chance to attend the launch of eTomAato: European Tomato, A Red Passion in Kuala Lumpur, and let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience. This two-year, EU-backed campaign was introduced during the 18th edition of Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) 2025, and it’s all about bringing premium European tomatoes to Malaysia.

The event was hosted by the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur together with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), supported by O.I. Pomodoro da Industria Bacino Centro Sud Italia and the European Union. With over 70 Italian tomato producers under the eTomAato banner, the goal is to connect Malaysia’s growing food scene with the best of Mediterranean tomato heritage.

What really stood out to me was how much emphasis was placed on quality, safety, and sustainability. These tomatoes aren’t just rich in flavour; they’re carefully produced under strict European standards, ensuring consistency and reliability. As someone who loves both cooking and dining out, I can see why Italian tomatoes are in demand – they bring out that authentic taste in every dish, whether pasta, pizza, or even Malaysian fusion creations.

At the launch, I listened to Dr. Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency, and Francesco Pezzarossi, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur. Dr. Donvito shared how “eTomAato bridges the gap between Europe’s centuries-old tomato heritage and Asia’s dynamic culinary innovation.” And it makes sense – it’s about giving Malaysian chefs and consumers access to top-quality ingredients that inspire creativity in the kitchen.

Some interesting trade figures were also revealed: between January and May 2025, Italy exported over €1.17 billion worth of preserved tomatoes globally. Malaysia imported €8.58 million, with €1.8 million coming from Italy, making it our second-largest supplier in this category. Clearly, there’s already a strong appetite for Italian tomatoes here.

Looking ahead, the campaign will roll out seminars, in-store tastings, chef collaborations, and culinary showcases across Malaysia. I’m excited to see how this initiative not only enriches our food culture but also strengthens EU-Malaysia food trade.

If you love exploring new flavours or experimenting in the kitchen, keep an eye out for the eTomAato campaign in Malaysia. From what I’ve experienced at the launch, these tomatoes are going to be a game-changer for both home cooks and professionals alike.

For more details and updates, check out etomaato.eu