Culture

The landmark word has loomed over Tinseltown since before movies started talking, becoming a symbol of the entire film industry. For the first time in decades, the Hollywood sign — at least a little bit of it — was illuminated on Friday to celebrate its 100th birthday. The nine-letter sign is officially a centenarian but, as with many an aging grande dame in Hollywood, looks as fresh as ever. Like the actors and actresses it looks down on, the sign has been in its fair share of films. Directors who want to let their audience know a movie is set in Los Angeles have an easy establishing shot, while a filmmaker who wants to signify the destruction of America can set their special effects team loose on the sign. It has also seen real life tragedy: British-born actress Peg E...

The United States has returned four antiquities worth $1 million to Nepal, including a pair of gilt copper masks representing a Hindu deity, following anti-trafficking operations, New York authorities said on Monday. One of the items was seized as part of a probe into Subhash Kapoor, whom Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described as an “allegedly prolific looter who helped traffic items” from several Asian countries. Between 2011 and 2023, officials claim to have recovered more than 2,500 items trafficked by Kapoor and his network, Bragg’s office said in a statement. “The total value of the pieces recovered exceeds $143 million,” it added. “We will continue to target antiquities trafficking networks no matter how complex. I thank our outstanding team of analysts an...

In a bid to enhance bilateral tourism relations, the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry unveiled plans for a Batik Special Collection Series. Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the Minister, announced this initiative, aiming to fortify tourism ties between Malaysia and China. The minister expressed his anticipation for the fashion series to serve as a pivotal step in fostering closer bonds between the tourism industries of both nations. Highlighting its strategic role, he stated, "This series will primarily target China's tourism market, amplifying our efforts to entice more Chinese tourists in the upcoming year." Moreover, in a reciprocal gesture, Malaysia plans to facilitate China in promoting its distinct collection series within the country. This reciprocal promotion seeks to ...

Malaysia clinched the third spot in Asia for English proficiency in the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), trailing behind Singapore and the Philippines, as per the latest report. The index, which assesses English proficiency across 113 nations, positioned Malaysia at the 25th spot globally. The capital city displayed a commendable high proficiency level, securing a score of 564. Overall, Malaysia attained a score of 568, slightly dipping from the previous year, while the global average settled at 502. Impressively, Kuantan registered a score of 604, showcasing a high proficiency level. Notably, individuals aged between 26 to 30 exhibited the highest English proficiency in Malaysia, averaging a score of 582. The EF EPI relies on the EF Standard English Test (SET) to ...

Thailand has welcomed over 23 million international tourists this year, marking a significant milestone in the nation's tourism industry. Malaysian travelers have notably topped the list among the top five nationalities visiting the country, with a robust arrival count exceeding 3.8 million, according to reports by Bangkok-based newspaper The Nation. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol affirmed the statistics, stating, "Malaysian tourists to Thailand accounted for more than 3.8 million arrivals from January 1 to November 12 this year." She further highlighted the prominent positions held by other nations on the list, citing China with 2.9 million arrivals, followed by South Korea (1.37 million), India (1.35 million), and Russia (1.17 million). "The overall tota...

As the Sydney Opera House in Australia marks its 50th anniversary, the iconic architectural masterpiece is not only celebrated for its striking design but also its unique connection with the public, earning it the title of "The People's House." In 2003, the Opera House's distinctive white sails became a canvas for a powerful message when activists David Burgess and Will Saunders painted "NO WAR" on its exterior. This act of protest underscored the strong bond that many Sydney residents have with the building. The theme of "The People's House" was chosen for the official celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Opera House's completion. This theme reflects the enduring connection between the landmark and the people it serves. Over the years, the Sydney Opera House ...