DPMM FC announced the signing of Mexican striker Julio Cruz after the striker put pen to paper on his contract ahead of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2024-2025 season this weekend.
The 28-year-old will be the club’s fourth foreign import arrival following the inclusions of Brazilian Gabriel Gama, Portuguese Miguel Oliveira and Australian Patrick Flottmann during the pre-season.
The Minatitlan native boasts a scoring pedigree having won the Golden Boot in the Liga de Expansion MX, equivalent to second tier of Mexican football league.
He last represented Oaxaca FC and played his last match on March 12. His former side went on to finish 10th in the league last season.
Julio, who could lead the line in a newly-bolstered attack, also laced up for Costa Rican top flight side Cartagines before making the switch to Chilean outfit San Carlos.
With his arrival, the club have fielded sixth foreign import this term having also retained the services of goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski and midfielder Farshad Noor. This season will see the most number of foreign players in the DPMM FC roster following a relaxation of quota allowed to play in the SPL.
The Gegar Gegar men will begin their much-anticipated campaign against Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on May 11. – Fadhil Yunus
Local graffiti artist Nerdink recently participated in the largest gathering of international and local artists for a graffiti, street art and mural festival, dubbed ‘Meeting of Styles 2024’, at Taguig City, the Philippines. The event was held from May 3 to 5 at Mural Park in TLC Village, in conjunction with the 437th anniversary of Taguig celebration.
The event featured shipping containers used as canvases for international and local graffiti artists as part of the art and culture event.
Some 90 artists, including those from Australia, Malaysia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, Chile, the United States, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia also participated.
“It was a great experience being with artists we don’t see so often,” said Nerdink
“The best part of the tournament was the motivation we can bring back to Brunei and hopefully one day, we can host these events,” he said. – Adib Noor
Local graffiti artist Nerdink in a group photo with his peers. PHOTO: NERDINK
Fashion has always been a captivating reflection of culture and personal identity, and it’s been fascinating to watch how it’s evolved over the years, especially when it comes to celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Southeast Asia.
In Brunei Darussalam, the festivities are more than just a spiritual affair – they’re also a vibrant showcase of style and tradition. Each year, families step out in coordinated baju kurung and baju cara melayu, with a splash of modernity that makes this traditional attire feel fresh and unique.
What’s even more amazing is seeing how the younger generation infuses their outfits with contemporary trends while still honouring the customs that make this celebration so special, and the result has been a delightful mix of colours, fabrics and designs that, of course, tells a story of both heritage and creativity.
With Aidilfitri now stretching over an entire month, you can see that people are taking a more laid-back approach to their clothing. The festive spirit is still alive and kicking, but the attire has definitely gotten more relaxed.
Gone are the days of strictly formal attire; I recall that from the 90s to the early 2000s, women would wear the baju kurung, often elevating it with intricate katok and beaded designs on their tops – an elegant touch that didn’t come cheap, mind you.
While it’s still a norm to see the older generation donning the traditional baju kurung with said katok and beads, the majority of the women here are now embracing a more comfortable yet stylish – and affordable – look when visiting relatives, opting for flowy – yet sparkly – abayas, pareo skirts, shimmer and kaftan tops.
There’s also a resurgence of the traditional kebaya Nyonya, which I’m particularly fond of because it’ll always be reminiscent of the classic era of P Ramlee movies.
Eager to hear what others thought about this year’s Raya fashion, I spoke with a few colleagues and friends about the latest trends. Surprisingly, they all shared similar – if not the same – insights.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show celebrants in their Raya outfits. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORSPHOTO: CONTRIBUTORS
My colleague Rokiah, who does her own tailoring for herself and her family members, mentioned that her Gen Alpha daughter, Aisy, prefers minimalist clothing, focusing on comfort with a hint of style. She then added that Aisy and her friends see katok as outdated for their age group, opting for minimal lacing, if any, on their baju kurungs.
“These days, their generation – especially the older Gen Alphas – lean more towards the loose kaftan style simply because they can wear it on different occasions other than Hari Raya or formal functions,” said Rokiah.
“These easy-to-wear outfits can also fit into daily wear when they feel too lazy to put on a t-shirt and a pair of pants, and it’s a bit of a mix and match situation, too.”
I then chatted with my fashion-savvy colleague, Syaz, who was eager to share her insights on this year’s Raya trends. “Beyond the classic baju kurung, one trend I really like this year is the kaftan. It’s mostly ready-made these days and comes in both one- and two-piece sets, with plain or printed fabrics, at a reasonable price, especially from local brands,” said Syaz.
She added that it’s a style that suits everyone and is especially convenient for mothers who need an easy, flowy outfit to manage their toddlers, stylish for women running out of Raya outfit ideas, and versatile with its one-size-fits-all design thanks to its pareo skirt and loose-fitting top.
“I think this trend will continue in the coming years, and I’m excited to see how women choose to style it. It’s fascinating to see what accessories they pair it with, the type of tudung they wear, and the trendy colours they pick. Abayas are also a great addition to any Raya wardrobe, serving as a quick go-to outfit for those who have to slip out during lunch breaks or after work to attend open houses.”
Syaz said that she views her Raya collection as a set of investment pieces as she can wear them for years as long as they still fit well, and they can be used for various occasions without worrying about whether they’re still in style.
“Since they’re timeless, they’ll never go out of fashion – they’re classics.” I then asked – okay, maybe slightly pressured – my close friend Rafidah to share her thoughts, and she told me she’s all about the kebaya for this year’s Raya celebration.
“It’s a classic choice that combines tradition with comfort, and it’s a look I’ve enjoyed wearing for years.
“As a plus-size girl, I find the kebaya suits my shape and style perfectly. On other days, I’ll opt for an Opah-style kurung with a modern twist, especially when comfort is the priority.”
The Opah-style kurung, added Rafidah, is the ideal outfit for those laid-back visits when she knows she’ll be spending a while at someone’s home. Her overall fashion choice for Raya, however, is a balance of tradition, comfort and a bit of modern flair.
She noted that one of the most popular styles this year is the batik with lace, and loves seeing people wear them, describing the look as “very classy and comfortable”. “I appreciate how these outfits feel effortless; you can wear them as-is or add a few accessories, and you’re good to go.”
This year, she also noticed that people are embracing bolder colours like brick orange, which, while not her personal preference, she respects as a way to express happiness and confidence.
Looking ahead to next year’s Raya, Rafidah is excited to see new styles emerge, and hopes for fresh takes on existing kurung designs, which would add a unique flair to traditional outfits. – Izah Azahari
JAKARTA (BERNAMA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo is pushing for a transformation in the country’s technology sector, aiming to shift it from being a consumer to a producer, thus reducing dependence on foreign markets.
Widodo, also known as Jokowi, envisions Indonesia playing a crucial role in the global tech supply chain, requiring bold innovations to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology.
“I’m grateful that we now have the Indonesia Digital Test House (IDTH), an international-standard testing centre, built at a cost of IDR980 billion (USD61 million) with modern equipment,” he said at the IDTH opening ceremony Tuesday.
Indonesia President Joko Widodo. PHOTO: AP
It was broadcast live via the official YouTube channel of Sekretariat Presiden.
Located in Depok, West Java, the IDTH certifies digital devices, such as laptops, bluetooth devices, and mobile phones, ensuring that they meet safety and user standards before release.
Jokowi expressed hope that the IDTH, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Informatics, will become a hub for driving innovation, strengthening the local digital technology ecosystem and providing easy access to certification.
He pointed out that Indonesia’s heavy reliance on imported technology, has led to a trade deficit of nearly USD2.1 billion, or over IDR30 trillion.
Imports dominate testing requests, with China providing 3,046 devices compared to Indonesia’s 632, the Indonesia president said, adding that out of 320 global Apple device suppliers, the Philippines has 17; Malaysia, 19; Thailand, 24, and Vietnam, 72.
“Surprisingly, Indonesia, despite boasting the largest share of ASEAN gross domestic product at 46 per cent, only has two suppliers,” he said.
AMSTERDAM (AP) – German police on Tuesday broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists who had occupied a courtyard at Berlin’s Free University earlier in the day, the latest such action by authorities as protests that have roiled campuses in the United States (US) spread across Europe.
The protesters had put up about 20 tents and formed a human chain around the tents. Most had covered their faces with medical masks and had draped kufiyah scarves around their heads, shouting slogans such as “Viva, viva Palestina.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Dutch police arrested about 125 activists as they broke up a similar demonstration camp at the University of Amsterdam.
In this image taken from video, police arrests some 125 activists as they broke up a pro-Palestinian demonstration camp at the University of Amsterdam. PHOTO: AP
In Berlin, police called on the students via loudspeakers to leave the campus. Police could also be seen carrying some students away and some scuffles erupted between police officers and protesters.
Police used pepper spray against some of the protesters. The school’s administrators said in a statement that the protesters had rejected any kind of dialogue and they had therefore called in police to clear the campus.
“This form of protest is not geared towards dialogue. An occupation is not acceptable on the FU Berlin campus,” university president Guenter Ziegler said. FU is the abbreviation for Free University. “We are available for academic dialogue – but not in this way.”
The administrators said some protesters attempted to enter rooms and lecture halls at Free University in order to occupy them. The protest organisers, which say they are made up of students from various Berlin universities and other individuals, had called on other students and professors to take part in the action, the university statement said.
A person is carried away by police officers during a pro-Palestinians demonstration by the group ‘Student Coalition Berlin’ in the theatre courtyard of the ‘Freie Universität Berlin’ university in Berlin, Germany. PHOTO: AP
In recent days, students have held protests or set up encampments in Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and Britain, following earlier protests at US campuses.
Amsterdam police said on the social media platform X that their action was “necessary to restore order” after protests turned violent. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Video from the scene aired by national broadcaster NOS shows police using a mechanical digger to push down barricades and officers with batons and shields moving in, beating some of the protesters and pulling down tents. Protesters had formed barricades from wooden pallets and bicycles, NOS reported.
Students protest against the war in Gaza, at an encampment on the grounds of Cambridge University, England. PHOTO: AP
The demonstrators occupied a small island at the university son Monday, calling for a break in academic ties with Israel over its massacre in Gaza.
After clearing the Amsterdam protest by early afternoon Tuesday, police closed off the area by metal fences. Students sat along the banks of a nearby canal. The school said in a statement that police ended the demonstration at its Roeterseiland campus overnight Tuesday “due to public order and safety concerns”.
“The war between Israel and Hamas is having a major impact on individual students and staff,” it said. “We share the anger and bewilderment over the war, and we understand that there are protests over it. We stress that within the university, dialogue about it is the only answer.”
Exploring the charm, companionship in feathered friends
The Jerudong market is one of Brunei’s oldest and most renowned open-air markets. For residents on this side of the Brunei-Muara District, it’s the go-to destination for freshly caught fish and a place to be spoiled for choice with fruits and vegetables.
Like a small watering hole, the Jerudong market is a lively place, constantly buzzing with chatter, set against the backdrop of the ocean and the sounds of crashing waves that dominate its other end.
Here, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic market, a different vibe permeates the air. A line of man-made stalls, some cobbled together from driftwood and zinc, obstructs the view of the horizon.
Fish, fruit, and vegetable vendors give way to a variety of coconut juice sellers and food vendors offering everything from fried fritters to grilled corn.
However, amidst the bustling scene, a new sound cuts through the noise – a riotous symphony adorned in feathers and plumes, from the small, sweet chirps of dainty, vibrantly coloured lovebirds to the somewhat rough clucks of the majestic Brahma chicken, the king of poultry with its great size and strength.
While most people would consider popular and easily accessible pets like cats and dogs, some are looking to the sky for their home companions, hoping for a feathered friend to help while away the stresses of life.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Analisa binti Abdullah has spent over two decades in the bird business, managing a quail farm alongside her husband in the Kampong Lumapas area of the Brunei-Muara District.
Yet, it’s at her weekend stall near Jerudong Beach where she’s most visible, marked by a large basin full of quail eggs at the front.
A flock of quails in a cage. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL
She shared that they slaughter about a thousand quails each week, supplying some to local restaurants, but most of her customers are regular people.
“At the moment, we probably have about 10,000 quails on our farm, but we also rear other birds and poultry,” said the 42-year-old during an interview.
At her stall, alongside a multitude of quails, tucked away in the bottom left corner, you’ll find a pair of petite chickens, their chests proudly puffed out.
Quail eggs. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL
These are Serama, a bantam breed of chickens from Malaysia, highly cherished by enthusiasts who raise them for show competitions.
In our neighbouring countries, these shows – essentially beauty contests – are often held, and such chickens can fetch quite a price.
“Our customers come from all age groups. People are drawn to birds for various reasons and they have been for a while.
“Whether for plumage, behaviour, presentation or just for regular rearing, it really depends on individual preferences.”
A person holding an Ayam Serama. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL
Another vendor specialising in ornamental birds and poultry, Rosnah Kamarudin, echoed this sentiment, however she also noted a potential decline in the hobby’s popularity since the pandemic.
She shared how she used to earn about a thousand dollars a month just from the sales of her birds. However, since the pandemic restrictions have eased, she now earns about BND600 a month.
“Since these are ornamental birds, their prices may depend on the season and trends. You need to be aware of these fluctuations and know when to capitalise on them,” she said.
Rosnah added that some birds, like the Serama, are prized based on grade. She explained that the price of a Serama, for example, will depend on how small it is and or whether its chest is highly lifted and prominently forward.
Ayam Brahma. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL
FEATHERED FRIENDS
While there are many reasons why people choose to adopt or raise birds, some seek a flock for sustainable living.
Rowena, a British teacher in Brunei, began raising quails in the Sultanate to live sustainably and looked forward to hatching her own.
Similarly, Bibi, a poultry and bird enthusiast in Kampong Rimba, explained that the concept of self-sustainability inspired her and her husband to raise chickens.
Over the years, they’ve raised various breeds, including the Silkie chicken, prized for its fluffy plumage.
Photos show Silkie chickens owned by Bibi. PHOTOS: BIBI
Bibi’s Ayam Serama. PHOTO: BIBI
Bibi admitted to never having eaten or cooked any of her feathered pets or their eggs, finding more fulfilment in hatching and raising them.
“We love hearing them crow in the early morning because we never heard any roosters crowing in our neighbourhood before. It creates a village atmosphere.”
Despite sustainability being a driving force, Bibi went on to highlight how chickens and birds make genuine and enjoyable pets.
An incubation process. PHOTO: BIBI
“They are fun to watch, and they always come running to greet you. They are also beneficial for the garden, as they eat bugs and fertilise fruit trees.
“If you have an incubator, it is rewarding to care for them from egg to adult.” – WARDI WASIL
ANN/THE STAR – Malaysian actress Ruhainies has provided clarification that her acting opportunities were not cancelled but rather postponed in the aftermath of her alleged involvement in a khalwat scandal with married Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz.
In a recent interview with the local media, the 31-year-old Ruhainies stated that the controversy had minimal impact on her career, particularly as she usually collaborates with international brands.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t affected at all, but there were advantages too.
“I believe everything happens for a reason and Alhamdulillah I’ve received many offers overseas,” she told mStar, The Star’s Malay-language news portal.
Ruhainies, whose full name is Nur Ruhainies Farehah Zainul Ilyas, added that her suspected khalwat controversy had gained plenty of traction to the point it reached China.
However, she declined to comment more on the offers she received for now.
Ruhainies. PHOTO: THE STAR
“I can’t say much because discussion is still ongoing. This story is not just viral in Malaysia but in China.
“I pray that my popularity won’t be affected because of this controversy,” said the actress.
It’s worth noting that Aliff’s wife, Malaysian artiste Bella Astillah, represented Malaysia at the Wuhu Shenshan Music Festival 2024 in China recently.
She earned praise for her energetic performance despite her struggles in a domestic conflict with Aliff, 33.
On March 9, Aliff and Ruhainies were detained by religious authorities under suspicion of khalwat in a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.
The controversy affected their reputation, with a brand even blurring Ruhainies’ face in a Ramadhan commercial.
Bella later filed for a divorce from Aliff, but the Singaporean refused to divorce her during the second hearing on April 4.
The estranged couple, who have two children together, married in September 2016.
KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – Another individual has been apprehended in connection with the acid assault on Malaysian footballer Faisal Halim that occurred on Sunday.
Selangor police chief Commissioner Datuk Hussein Omar Khan announced the arrest of the suspect, a man in his late 30s, in Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia on Monday.
“This is the second suspect detained in connection with the acid attack. He will be remanded today to assist with the investigation,” he said when contacted on Tuesday.
Commissioner Hussein said the motive behind the attack is still under investigation.
It was reported that a man in his 20s had been arrested in Pandan Indah on Sunday night in connection with the acid attack.
Faisal Halim. PHOTO: BERNAMA
National winger Faisal, who is also known as Mickey, suffered an acid attack on Sunday at a shopping mall in Damansara.
Police received information from the public at 5.51pm that a national footballer was splashed with liquid believed to be acid when he was at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara.
The reason behind the attack is also uncertain.
Images of his injury are going viral on social media and many internet users are in shock that such an incident happened to a national football player.
Just days ago, his Harimau Malaya teammate Akhyar Rashid was robbed in Kuala Terengganu last week and suffered cuts and bruises.
BRUSSELS (AFP) – European Union (EU) ministers expressed mounting alarm on Tuesday over an Israeli military assault on Rafah in the Gaza Strip, with the bloc’s top diplomat warning it would cause “a lot of casualties”.
Belgium’s development minister, Caroline Gennez, said an Israeli offensive on Rafah would cross a “red line” and said that “sanctions… have to be on the table” in response.
Speaking hours after Israel sent tanks into Rafah, she said an attack on the city “threatens millions with famine”.
“It is very clear that international law is no longer respected in Gaza,” she said.
A Palestinian youth stands in front of a destroyed building following Israeli bombardment of Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan district in the southern Gaza Strip. PHOTO: AFP
Gennez also urged her EU counterparts to unanimously agree on a decision to “stop exporting weapons to the Middle East, to Israel and the warfaring countries”.
Germany’s development minister, Jochen Flasbarth, said “the situation is dramatic and continues to worsen” in Gaza and called the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory “appalling”.
But he said there would be no discussion of potential sanctions at Tuesday’s talks.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who was chairing the meeting of development ministers, warned “there is no safe zone in Gaza” for Palestinian civilians to flee to, noting that there were “600,000 children” in the densely populated enclave.
He stressed that the EU and United States (US) had all asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to not go ahead with his threatened assault on Rafah.
“In spite of these warnings and this request, an attack was started yesterday (Monday) night,” Borrell said.
“I am afraid that this is going to cause again a lot of casualties, civilian casualties”.
Borrell and several of the ministers going into the meeting expressed backing for UNRWA, the United Nations’ agency for Palestinian refugees.
Displaced Palestinians flee Rafah with their belongings to safer areas. PHOTO: AFP
In April, a United Nations investigation into Israel’s allegations against UNRWA – accusations that a small number of UNRWA employees had participated directly or indirectly in the October 7 Hamas attack – had not been substantiated with evidence.
The bloc’s 27 countries, represented at the EU Council, issued a general statement on humanitarian aid that coincided with the development ministers’ alarm at the desperate conditions faced by Gaza’s population.
The statement, without naming any countries, made “a call to help reduce the lack of protection of affected people and constraints faced by protection actors, including but not limited to breaches of International Humanitarian Law and lack of access”.
It expressed “deep concern that funding for protection does not match the needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises”.
