Lifestyle, Music

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

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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.

Nancy Sit 薛家燕
Yenz Kwok 郭燕燕

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.

Joyce Lim 小凤凤
Tee Kok Leong 郑国亮
Winnie Ho 何芸妮
Vic Teo 张与辰

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

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.

Food & Drink

Premium Italian Tomatoes Arrive in Malaysia with the eTomAato

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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

Lifestyle

Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 Brings 15,000 Runners to Celebrate Malaysia Day at KLCC

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The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) turned the heart of Kuala Lumpur into a vibrant celebration of health, culture, and unity. Held on 20 September 2025 right in front of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, this iconic Malaysia Day event saw 15,000 runners take part, while another 30,000 visitors joined the festivities throughout the day.

I personally joined the 5KM Fun Run and despite the rain at the start, it was nothing short of amazing. Everyone braved through the drizzle together, and running in a colourful sarong alongside thousands of people created an atmosphere of pure joy. The rain actually made the experience more refreshing and memorable.

This year’s Malaysia Sarong Music Run was proudly driven by JETOUR Malaysia, the Main Sponsor and Official Car Partner, with strong support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). The opening ceremony was officiated by Dato Sri Tiong King Siong (Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture), and Dato’ Seri TPr. (Dr.) Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur. Their presence gave the event even greater significance as a national celebration.

The run featured three exciting categories this year:

  • EKI JETOUR X BSC Relay Run (9 September 2025) – a unique sarong relay.
  • 5KM Malaysia Speed Run – open only to Malaysian citizens, highlighting both recreational and elite local talent.
  • 5KM Fun Run – open to everyone, including tourists, which was the one I joined.

But MSMR is not just about running. It’s a full-day festival of music, culture, and food. Local artists performed live, food stalls offered Malaysian favourites, and everywhere you looked, participants were celebrating Malaysia Day in sarongs. The sight of thousands of runners in traditional attire created a stunning sea of colour and pride at KLCC.

Since its first edition earlier this year, MSMR has grown rapidly, including the Sarawak edition in Kuching. Now in its third and most iconic edition, the run has evolved into an international community festival and is set to play a key role in Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

For me, running the 5KM Fun Run at KLCC was more than just exercise — it was a moment of unity, heritage, and fun. Rain or shine, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 showed why it has quickly become one of the most unique and meaningful runs in Malaysia.

Travel

Family-Friendly Singapore Attraction: Explore Real Dinosaur Bones at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

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Guys! I just discovered a very unique museum in Singapore that you should explore too. Thanks to my brother in-law for bringing me there during my last trip. So if you’re planning your next trip to Singapore and want to explore something beyond shopping and food, here’s one of my favourite finds — the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. Located inside the National University of Singapore (NUS), this is the country’s first and only natural history museum, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you love science, history, or simply want a unique experience in Singapore.

Walking in, I was immediately drawn to the dinosaur exhibition in Singapore. The museum houses three massive sauropod skeletons, and here’s the exciting part — these are not replicas, but real dinosaur bones that are more than 150 million years old. Two of them even still have their skulls, which is extremely rare. Standing underneath them, I felt like I had stepped straight into a Jurassic era. Another jaw-dropping highlight is the sperm whale skeleton, measuring 10.6 metres long. This whale was discovered off Jurong Island in 2015, and it’s Singapore’s first recorded sperm whale.

But the museum isn’t just about giant creatures. The Heritage Gallery gives you a fascinating look into Singapore’s natural history research, dating back to the days of the old Raffles Museum. Beyond that, the Biodiversity Gallery is packed with specimens of plants, corals, insects, reptiles, and marine life — a true showcase of Southeast Asia’s incredible biodiversity.

For practical details, here’s what you need to know before visiting. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) and is closed on Mondays. Tickets are priced at S$18 for Singapore residents (adult) and S$27 for non-residents (adult), while children, students, and senior citizens enjoy discounted rates. Kids under three enter free, and NUS students and staff get free admission. Entry is based on time slots (10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM), but once inside, you can take your time exploring.

What’s exciting right now is the museum’s special exhibition — “A Decade of Discovery” (2025–2026), celebrating its 10th anniversary. It features rare historic collections, a stunning coral specimen from Pulau Hantu, and a commemorative book that dives deep into Singapore’s natural heritage. The museum also hosts fun programs like scavenger hunts, open houses, and even after-hours events where you solve mysteries in the galleries.

If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, a family-friendly attraction in Singapore, or simply want to see real dinosaur bones in Singapore, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum should be at the top of your list. It’s educational, fun, and one of the most unique experiences you can have in Singapore.

Lifestyle

Everything You Need to Know About Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR) in Kuala Lumpur

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Malaysia Day 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting celebrations yet, with the return of the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025. I attended the launch recently and can tell you, this year’s event is going to be huge. Happening on 20 September 2025 in front of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, MSMR is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, including runners, spectators, tourists, and culture lovers.

What makes the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 special is its unique blend of sports, culture, food, and music. Unlike a typical run, participants complete a 5KM route while wearing sarongs, sampling delicious Malaysian traditional food along the way, and enjoying live traditional music performances that keep the festive vibe alive from start to finish. This year is extra special because runners from 26 different countries have registered, turning MSMR into an international cultural event right here in Kuala Lumpur.

Highlights of Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025
This year’s MSMR features three exciting events:

  • EKI JETOUR X BSC Relay Run – A fun sarong relay run held on 9 September 2025.
  • 5KM Speed Run (5K Malaysia Speed) – Open only to Malaysian citizens, showcasing both recreational runners and elite homegrown talent. Happening on 20 September 2025.
  • 5KM Fun Run – Open to everyone, including tourists and international participants. This is the heart of MSMR, bringing people together in sarongs for a colourful cultural run.

And the excitement doesn’t end at the finish line. As the sun sets, MSMR transforms into a Malaysia Day cultural festival with live performances from artists starting at 6:30 PM, traditional showcases, and plenty of local dishes to try. It’s more than just a run — it’s a full-day celebration in the heart of KL.

JETOUR Malaysia as Main Sponsor and Official Car Partner
The event is proudly supported by JETOUR Malaysia, taking the lead as the Main Sponsor and Official Car Partner for MSMR 2025. To mark the occasion, JETOUR has launched a Special September Promotion:

  • RM2,000 petrol card + one-year free comprehensive insurance for the first 916 early-bird customers.
  • Exclusive 3% rebate for civil servants on selected models.

It’s a strong show of support that ties in perfectly with MSMR’s values of culture, wellness, and community.

Why You Should Join MSMR 2025
If you’re looking for something fun, cultural, and meaningful to do this Malaysia Day, MSMR 2025 has it all. Whether you’re running, cheering on participants, enjoying the food stalls, or soaking in the live music, this event captures the heartbeat of Malaysia’s culture and unity. Plus, with its international participation, it places Malaysia firmly on the map as a global cultural tourism destination in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

So mark your calendar: 20 September 2025, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 is more than a run — it’s Malaysia Day celebrated in the most festive way possible.