This Diwali, Madame Tussauds Singapore and MakeMyTrip invite visitors to celebrate the Festival of Lights with Icons of India, a limited period experience. As partners, the two brands spotlight the enduring global appeal of Indian cinema, celebrating its glamour, energy and cultural influence while creating new ways for audiences to connect with their favourite stars.

Guests can get up close with the wax figures including Deepika Padukone, Varun Dhawan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh, along with a special lineup of activities. MakeMyTrip is offering travellers an exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 deal on tickets for bookings made between 21 October and 15 November 2026.

Wade Chang, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore, said, “Diwali is an important celebration of Indian culture, bringing people together through the shared spirit of light, joy and togetherness. Through the Icons of India campaign, we’re excited to bring guests closer to the most iconic stars and create memorable experience. The partnership with MakeMyTrip is a wonderful opportunity to share the magic of Indian cinema with even more audiences in Singapore.”

Jasmeet Singh, Chief Business Officer – Holidays & Experiences, MakeMyTrip, said, “Travellers today want to do more than just visit a destination; they want experiences that make the trip memorable. Our association with Madame Tussauds Singapore brings a much-loved attraction closer to Indian travellers, bookable on MakeMyTrip as easily as a hotel or a flight. With many Indians travelling abroad over the festive season, Icons of India gives travellers heading to Singapore one more reason to plan their trip around Diwali.”

A highlight of the experience is the newly unveiled wax figure of Deepika Padukone, one of the most recognisable stars of contemporary Indian cinema. Dressed in a striking red floor-length gown with an elegant open-back design, the figure captures Deepika’s signature glamour, with her long cascading hair and captivating gaze bringing her distinctive screen presence to life.

With a celebrated career spanning Indian and international cinema, Deepika has established herself as one of India’s most recognisable global stars, having served on the Feature Film Jury at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and represented Indian cinema on the global stage at the 2023 Oscars. Her newest wax figure now brings this celebrated icon to Madame Tussauds Singapore.

For more information, please visit madametussauds.com/singapore

Kuala Lumpur clearly wants more Trevor Noah.

Following the sell-out of his 9th November show, global comedy icon Trevor Noah has added a second Kuala Lumpur performance on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 8.00PM, giving fans another chance to catch the Emmy Award-winning comedian live in Malaysia.

Presented by LOL ASIA and BOHM, the additional show will take place at Idea Live Arena, Kuala Lumpur, as part of Noah’s Asia Tour 2026. The first show sold out, underscoring the extraordinary anticipation surrounding Noah’s first-ever appearance in Malaysia.

Shared Rizal Kamal, CEO of LOL Asia. “So, we’re giving Malaysia another night. Clearly, one Trevor Noah show was never going to be enough.”

TREVOR NOAH — ASIA TOUR 2026

Venue: Idea Live Arena, Kuala Lumpur Show date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 Time: 8.00PM

Tickets go on sale TODAY, 15 September 2026, at 1.00 PM (MYT), exclusively at: fantopia.io

* Only purchase tickets through our official ticketing site. Please avoid scalpers and third-party platforms.

South African comedian and former “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah is coming to Kuala Lumpur!

The comedian, writer, producer, author, podcaster and television host is making his way to Malaysia on 9 November, 8.00pm at Ideas LIVE Arena, Kuala Lumpur for a highly anticipated live stand-up performance that promises to put one of the world’s sharpest comic minds centre stage.

For a comedian whose career has crossed continents, cultures and formats, a Trevor Noah show is never simply about the joke. It is about perspective — the ability to look at the absurdity of modern life, politics, race, culture, relationships and the strange ways human beings behave, and find the universal thread running through all of it.

For LOL Asia CEO Rizal Kamal, bringing Trevor Noah to Malaysia is the culmination of a long-standing ambition.

“For 14 years, I chased Trevor to come to Malaysia. He will finally make it here for the first time. Trevor belongs to a rare category of performer who can cross cultures, find the joke and still retain the humanity. Malaysia has a sophisticated audience. I think they will appreciate exactly what makes him so special. We’ve waited a long time for this — and we can’t wait to finally see Trevor Noah live in Kuala

Lumpur.”

Fans are strongly encouraged to secure tickets early and are directed to access the presale

through the official Fantopia ticketing page.

Presale: 9 September 2026, 10.00am

Want the presale access? Sign up here  

General Sale: 11 September 2026, 10.00am

Ticketing Link

The mystery surrounding the lead cast of “KUDRAT 1968: High Council” has been unveiled, as Astro Shaw introduces Zarif Ghazzi, Mierul Aiman, Akmal Asyraf, Dai Fuad, Evertts Gomes, and Chech Harith as the new torchbearers of the popular High Council franchise.

The announcement follows a wave of speculation among fans, with theories circulating about how this prequel will shape the origins of the High Council universe and unravel the relationships between its characters. Helmed by showrunner Zulaikha Zakaria alongside co-director Khairi Asyraff, the project begins answering these questions on 11 September, debuting as a four-episode premium Astro Originals series before continuing on the big screen across Malaysia this year.

In a first for Malaysia, audiences will be introduced to a “One Story, Two Formats” approach — the series and film were developed and filmed concurrently, with a continuous release strategy designed to deliver a more expansive storytelling experience. The series acts as a gateway, building anticipation and establishing the world before culminating in the cinematic release of “KUDRAT 1968: High Council.”

The ensemble cast further expanding the universe includes Zamarul Hisham, Nabila Huda, Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof, Aziz M. Osman, Aleza Shadan, Yasmin Hani, Rusdi Ramli, Muzayyin Mahyuddin, Johnny Gillett, Jebat Zulfar, Balkisyh Semundur Khan, Umar Shakur, Nix Wong, Mokhtar Mohsin, and Zarul Zaidee.

Executive Producer and Head of Astro Shaw, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, said: “The High Council brand continues to grow stronger with the introduction of ‘KUDRAT 1968: High Council.’ Since unveiling the six main cast members and the teaser, we have seen an overwhelming level of excitement from audiences, who have begun forming their own theories and connections between the characters.”

Showrunner Zulaikha Zakaria added: “KUDRAT 1968 is a work of fiction that prioritises storytelling and entertainment, while remaining grounded in reality. Although the story is fictional, we drew heavily from Malaysian history and the country’s social landscape. The year 1968 was deliberately chosen because it reflects a young nation still searching for its identity while navigating significant tensions.”

The project also marks a strategic collaboration with local fashion brand Christy Ng, introducing an exclusive Christy Ng x KUDRAT 1968 collection featuring limited-edition bags and socks.

The film also features its official theme song, “Manifestasi”, performed by Sharul Kamal.

Experience the origins of High Council in KUDRAT 1968: High Council, premiering on Astro Ria (Channel 104) and Astro Citra (Channel 108) every Friday at 9:00 PM starting 11 September.

Seven years after the last Pokémon movie, it was announced that a new film, “Pokémon: Wild Card,” is set to be released next year.

In an announcement made at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, the Pokémon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara said, “For the first time in seven years, a new Pokémon movie awaits us. Its main character is a participant in card tournaments, who fights and strives to become a champion.”

A teaser was also unveiled at the event, where viewers got a glimpse of the player, as well as the character Mimikyu.

The movie is helmed by Katsuhiko Kitada of “Attack on Titan” and “The First Slam Dunk” fame, with Story Inc. producing. CloverWorks, meanwhile, handles the animation.

“Pokémon: Wild Card” is set to be released in 2027.

Check out the “Pokémon: Wild Card” teaser trailer here:

Ariana Grande recently assured that she is doing much better now after injuring her foot while performing one of her last shows for her concert tour.

The singer, who was seen limping in her heels during a performance of her song, “Supernatural” a few days prior, revealed that she will be changing her heels to a more cozy footwear in her upcoming shows.

“[I] am bandaged up underneath, recovering from a minor injury. It is not a sprain or anything muscular but just a deep cut! So when you see me tonight without my signature heels, or even possibly having a little trouble putting weight on that foot, that is why! But please do not fret. On with the show and I am on the mend!” she posted.

Ariana added that she can’t wait to perform for her fans, even if “I am few inches shorter than usual.”

The singer will be performing at The O2 in London on 1 September as her final show, after which she will be taking a temporary hiatus from the limelight.

CUCKOO Malaysia has officially announced the return of its signature anniversary celebration, CUCKOOTOPIA and Lee Junho will be a part of it.

Held in a joint partnership with Anugerah Melodi Terhangat (AMT), the CUCKOOTOPIA – 12th Anniversary Appreciation Concert, Powered by AMT 2026 will take place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 6:30 PM to midnight at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

“As we celebrate 12 years of CUCKOO, we wanted to create an experience that goes beyond just an event. The CUCKOOTOPIA is our tribute to all Malaysians who have walked this journey with us, growing together to be #SAMASAMAHealthier. That’s why our theme this year is inspired by flowers blooming in their own unique way. Just like how it takes a field of flowers to form a stunning landscape, our success is only possible thanks to the love, joy, and community of each blooming friend: our BFFs – Buddies, Friends, and Families. This celebration is our way of saying thank you, turning appreciation into action and gratitude into celebration,” said Queenie Goh, Chief Marketing Officer of CUCKOO Malaysia.

Steered by the campaign theme “12th Anniversary: Cherishing Every BFF”, the celebration honours the communities that drive CUCKOO Malaysia, from the team behind the scenes and on-the-ground teams to its customers, users, and fans. Bringing this theme to life, the milestone campaign unfolds through a dynamic series of initiatives, including an immersive pop-up, a nationwide contest, exclusive merchandise drops, and a massive live concert.

Headlining the festivities is an exclusive appearance by international superstar and CUCKOO Global Brand Ambassador, Lee Junho, who will be joining fans at both the pop-up and the concert. Fans can connect with the star at the CUCKOOTOPIA Pop-up, a vibrant experiential activation running from 22 to 25 October 2026 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. And adding to the excitement, CUCKOO will also launch a limited-edition line of CUCKOOTOPIA merchandise, with designs to be officially revealed soon.

The celebration will then culminate in the electrifying live concert at Stadium Merdeka. The stage will feature Lee Junho’s highly anticipated concert appearance, alongside Taiwanese special guest artiste, Trevor Kuo, and CUCKOO Brand Ambassador, Phei Yong. Together, they will lead a powerhouse roster of local favourites, including Jaclyn Victor, Faizal Tahir, Ella, Mimifly, ALPHA, 3P, Jeryl Lee, Umairah, Odda, Emily, Janice Yoong and 15 participants from the 8TV reality programme, Youthopia.

To give fans a direct ticket to the celebration, a nationwide contest, the “Spend & Meet Lee Junho” Contest, will run from 1 September to 10 October 2026. Customers who spend a minimum of RM200 on any CUCKOO product or service package during the contest period can simply submit their entry via the newly upgraded CUCKOO+ App.

Through the contest, 300 Special Prize winners will walk away with Healthy Home Zone concert tickets to the concert. Further elevating the experience, 20 Grand Prize winners will secure an exclusive photo session with Global Brand Ambassador Lee Junho at the CUCKOOTOPIA Pop-up, alongside Rock Zone concert tickets. Additional tickets will also be given away through upcoming exclusive activities, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned to CUCKOO’s official social media pages for more chances to win.

Southeast Asia’s first “Squid Game: The Experience” will begin advanced ticket sales on 31 August 2026 at 11.00 AM MYT (10.00 AM WIB), ahead of its public opening on 16 October 2026 at Agora Mall, Thamrin Nine in Jakarta.

The launch gives fans in Malaysia a new opportunity to step into the world of Netflix’s global hit series within the region. Jakarta will become the first Southeast Asian city to host “Squid Game: The Experience”.

Designed as a regional entertainment destination, the experience offers Malaysian fans a new reason to visit Jakarta and experience the franchise beyond the screen. Located at Agora Mall in Central Jakarta, the experience is connected to the city’s MRT, LRT, Commuter Line and Airport Train, making it easily accessible for local and international visitors.

Spanning more than 1,900 square metres, the indoor experience brings the world of Netflix’s popular series “Squid Game” to life through six themed rooms, interactive challenges, dedicated photo opportunities, and cinematic lighting and sound. Visitors can enjoy themed food and beverage options, alongside exclusive merchandise available at the venue. As the franchise’s first immersive experience of its kind in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta edition brings the experience closer to Malaysian fans and audiences across the region.

“The wait is finally over. We are opening advanced ticket sales for people who have wanted to step into the world of “Squid Game” and face its iconic games for themselves,” said Genta Gitary, Chief Operating Officer of PT Vista Adhya Paragon (SideQuest Worlds). “This immersive experience is built to be enjoyed among family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone into the arena.”

“Squid Game: The Experience” will operate daily from 10.00 WIB to 22.00 WIB, with each session lasting approximately 75 minutes. The games are designed for entertainment and friendly competition, making the immersive experience suitable for visitors aged 13 and above. Visitors under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are priced from Rp299,000 to Rp349,000, depending on the day and entry time. A VIP Experience add-on is available for Rp149,000, offering access to a themed VIP lounge, a complimentary series-inspired beverage, exclusive collectibles, and selected merchandise and food and beverage discounts. Advanced ticket sales will begin on 31 August 2026 at 11.00 AM MYT (10.00 AM WIB). Individual tickets can be purchased at ticket.squidgameexperienceid.com, while private group packages for corporate and organisational clients can be requested through squidgameexperienceid.com/group

The Jakarta edition is designed and produced by Kingsmen Xperience and delivered locally by SideQuest Worlds, part of PT Vista Adhya Paragon. It follows editions in New York, Madrid, Seoul, London, Sydney and Tokyo.

For ticket updates, exclusive offers and special surprises, visit the official website squidgameexperienceid.com and join the Waiting List.

Chinese singer YoungCaptain is set to perform in Malaysia this coming November.

The singer announced the good news on social media on 12 August, revealing that he will be performing as a part of his “I AM WHAT I AM” tour first at the Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil on 7 November, followed by Setia SPICE Arena in Penang on the 28th of the same month.

In between the two shows in Malaysia, he will be performing in Singapore at the Resorts World Convention Centre on 14 November.

The theme of this tour symbolises YoungCaptain’s unwavering commitment to his original passion for music creation, and also represents the idea that everyone should bravely be themselves, undefined and unconstrained.

Through music, he hopes to share with every audience member the perseverance, courage, and genuine emotions he has experienced during his growth, allowing everyone to find their own resonance in the songs.

Tickets for both concerts are priced at RM688, RM588, RM488, RM388, and RM288 (excluding handling fees). Tickets for the Kuala Lumpur concert will go on sale on 17 August, and tickets for the Penang concert will go on sale on 19 August.

Tickets can be purchased through Fantopia.io.

Malaysian recording artist JessC, based in Australia and signed to Future Global Entertainment Australia, hosted the JessC U.S. Music Awards Celebration Dinner at the Grand Riverine Ballroom in Kuching.

The event marked her three nominations at the 2026 Josie Music Awards: World Artist of the Year, and both Social Impact Song of the Year – Pop/Contemporary and Social Impact Video of the Year – Female for her original song “One Chance.”

Returning to her hometown for the first time in a decade, JessC reunited with family, teachers, classmates and fans. The event drew more than 400 guests and over 40 Chinese, English and Malay media outlets.

JessC’s music is distributed globally by Universal Music Group. The 2026 Josie Music Awards drew more than 101,000 entries from over 40 countries, and she has been invited to the awards ceremony and red carpet in Nashville, where she will perform at the Grand Ole Opry House.

As the celebration reached its climax, JessC announced that “One Chance” had won the Gold Winner – Pop Vocal award at the 2026 Fenix Award Europe, making her the sole Gold Winner worldwide in that category this year. The news was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

With two Josie nominations and the Fenix Gold Award, “One Chance” has drawn international recognition for both its musical quality and its message of hope and courage.

JessC opened the night with a self-accompanied piano performance of “Where Is My Home,” reflecting on her return after a decade away. She went on to perform “You Are My Everything,” “One Chance,” “My Style,” “Ye Lai Xiang,” “My Heart Belongs Only to You,” “Mari Menari Raya” and “Expose.”

She also shared that she received the W.I.S.H. Global Excellence in Performing Arts Award on 31 July 2026 — presented by YABhg. Dato’ Sri Hajah Hamidah Khamis, wife of Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister — honouring her contributions through music and community service.

“The greatest meaning of tonight is not how many awards I have received, but to thank everyone who has walked this journey with me,” JessC said, adding that she hopes to keep creating original music that connects people across cultures.