Henkel Malaysia, in partnership with Project Hope Welfare Association, completed a 10-week computer literacy program aimed at empowering children from low-income and Myanmar refugee families. The initiative, part of Henkel's 'Make an Impact on Tomorrow' program, provided essential computer skills and confidence-building activities. Henkel's President, Teoh Tsu-Shien, highlighted the company's commitment to social impact, while Project Hope's Chairperson, Lai Leen, acknowledged the significant contributions. This collaboration follows a previous successful initiative, the 'EZY Baking Workshop,' further demonstrating Henkel's dedication to community empowerment.

Perbadanan Putrajaya announces the LENTERA Festival 2024, a special edition illumination festival featuring the 'Grand Light Symphony,' 'Musical Fountain,' and over 40 displays themed around 'Tradition and Light.' The festival will take place at Putrajaya Lakefront, with tickets available online and at festival counters starting February 20, 2024. Additionally, a Creative Lighting Structure Competition will be held, inviting professional design companies, higher education institutions, and resident associations to participate and showcase their innovative designs.

The Hope Branch, an NGO founded by comedian Harith Iskander and Dr. Jezamine Lim, is providing aid to flood victims in Kelantan, Malaysia, with RM120,000 allocated for relief operations. Essential items are being distributed in Kg Seberang Merbau and Kg Bukit Budu, benefiting up to 1085 individuals. The organization thanks Colgate and BZU BZU Malaysia for their sponsorship. Harith Iskander emphasizes long-term community support, while social worker Kak Yong highlights the severe impact of floods on families' health and income. The Hope Branch plans future visits to other affected villages.

Dignity for Children Foundation in Sentul, Malaysia, offers a range of Christmas initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged children and families. These include a traditional Christmas feast, gift sets, choir bookings, handicraft workshops, and a Gift-A-Meal program. Proceeds from these activities support educational and life skills training programs for marginalized communities. The foundation, recognized internationally, emphasizes empowering the B40 community with practical skills. Natalie Tan, Head of Transformational Enterprises, underscores the importance of these initiatives in providing livelihood skills. The article encourages participation in these meaningful activities to spread joy and make a positive impact during the festive season.

The inaugural Selangor International Race (SIR) 2023, held at the PKNS Headquarters, showcased Selangor's potential as a premier sports tourism destination. The event, flagged off by the Raja Muda of Selangor and the Menteri Besar of Selangor, featured a 145-kilometre race and an 18-kilometre VIP ride. Participants from ten countries competed, with notable victories by Mohamad Nur Aiman and Yeong Zhen Yi in the Malaysian categories. The event, supported by numerous sponsors, significantly boosted the local economy and infrastructure, positioning Selangor as a burgeoning sports hub. Future editions are anticipated to further elevate Selangor's status in the global sporting landscape.

Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, will receive the 2023 Women In Motion Award at the Festival de Cannes. The award, presented by Kering and the Festival de Cannes, honors her exceptional career and contributions to challenging gender and age-related stereotypes in the film industry. Yeoh's extensive filmography includes iconic roles in films such as 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' and 'Crazy Rich Asians.' The Women In Motion program, launched by Kering in 2015, aims to highlight women's contributions to cinema.

Aadhitya Arunachalam, a long-awaited Malaysian action thriller directed by Ben G, premieres today. The Tamil language film features a plot centered around a police officer combating drug use among teenagers. The cast includes notable actors such as Gaffar and Banumathi, with Gaffar making his film debut. Produced by Dato AK, the film aims to support Tamil primary schools in Malaysia with a portion of its profits. The movie will be released in Malaysia and Singapore with a PG-13 rating.

CITTA Mall has introduced Malaysia's first succulent dispensing vending machine in collaboration with Cactus Boy Nursery. The machine, designed to sell up to 108 succulents, supports a cashless, unmanned retail system. John Tam, General Manager of CITTA Mall, emphasized the mall's commitment to green initiatives. Koh Kuan Meng, the founder of Cactus Boy Nursery, customized the vending machine to safely transport and sell succulents, meeting customer demand while he travels. The machine offers succulents at various price points and ensures optimal plant care through automated systems.

Woodford Reserve concluded its competition, “The Wonderful Race,” with Koh Yung Shen of Backdoor Bodega in Penang winning the top honor for his cocktail, “Winter Woodford-land.” Judges Nicholas Ng, Bannie Kang, and Evgeny Yashkovich selected Shen for his innovative blend of Woodford Reserve bourbon and wintermelon sugar. Shen's prize includes a trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky. The competition highlighted the creativity and dedication of Malaysia’s bartending elite, with other participants also showcasing their unique skills.

Urban poor children in Malaysian cities face significant challenges, including malnutrition due to limited access to healthy food and exercise. World Vision Malaysia's One Goal Malaysia movement, through its 'Eat Right to Play Right' (ERTPR) programme, aims to address these issues by promoting healthy eating and physical activities among urban B40 families. The programme includes nutrition lessons, community kitchen sessions, and optional urban gardening activities. Currently, 134 children from three PPR communities are participating, with plans to expand to 10 communities within Selangor over the next three years, benefiting approximately 450-500 children.