Taylor Swift's impact on the music industry is undeniable, as evident from her chart-topping album "The Tortured Poets Department" and the record-breaking "Eras Tour". Her recent shift towards a quieter approach may be seen as a strategic move to focus on songwriting and artistic expression. This change in pace allows her to maintain her creative edge while still connecting with fans through her music, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.
TikTok Boosts Indonesian Boat Dance Trend 'Pacu Jalur'
7.12.25
TikTok users worldwide have taken inspiration from traditional dance moves performed by young performers on long boats in Kuantan Singi, Indonesia. Local dancers Linda Lestari, Yunia Pratiwi, Mila Novita, and Raden Putri Alpadillah Ginanjar collaborated with the platform to promote their unique cultural heritage. The trend has been dubbed "Pacu Jalur," which translates to "pushing the current."
An exhibit at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, titled "If Books Could Kill", explores the use of toxic pigments such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and orpiment to create vibrant colors for bookbinding over millennia.
TudungPeople, a Malaysian modest fashion brand founded in 2011, is showcasing its signature plain-coloured hijabs at the Malaysia Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka. The brand's designs embody the quiet strength of intentional design and celebrate unity in diversity through its products, which are inspired by Malaysian heritage and values comfort, functionality, and timeless elegance. Dr Fazly, founder of TudungPeople, believes that modest fashion is a strength, not a limitation, and aims to reinterpret traditional elements thoughtfully for the modern Muslimah. The brand's global expansion programme, supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), will help establish its presence abroad and promote Malaysian culture through soft power.
Cambodia's S-21 prison, also known as Tuol Sleng, has been recognized by UNESCO for its efforts in transforming a land ravaged by war and genocide into a place of peace and dignity. Norng Chanphal, who survived the prison as a child, expressed relief and hope that the recognition will allow the site to exist forever and serve as a reminder to prevent similar regimes from happening again. The inscription acknowledges Cambodia's efforts to heal and honor its past, bringing some justice to the souls of victims like Chanphal's mother.
A vintage double-decker bus from Hong Kong's public housing estate, Wah Fu Estate, recently visited the area as part of a walking tour led by Henry Chai Man-hon, who served as district councillor from 2004 to 2019. The estate, known for its luxury residences for ordinary people, will be demolished between 2027 and 2035. Local artist Swing Lam captured a photo with the bus, which is part of a series of tours aimed at sharing the stories of Wah Fu Estate's residents.
Will Smith's AI-Generated Spaghetti Scene Stuns Industry
7.12.25
AI-generated video has made significant progress, with advancements such as Will Smith's convincing spaghetti-eating scene on Google's Veo 3 platform. This milestone has attracted Hollywood, artists, and advertisers, with companies like Runway AI and OpenAI launching new technologies like Dream Machine and Sora. The industry is shifting towards using AI for pre-visualization, visual effects, and storyboarding, allowing for more creative freedom and cost savings. However, some creators, including actor Will Smith's union representative Elizabeth Strickler, express concerns about the impact on energy consumption, original work usage, and the role of AI in artistic decision-making.
Xi Jinping Praises Indonesian Cultural Diversity Heritage
7.12.25
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of preserving human civilization diversity for peace and sustainable global development during a forum. He highlighted Indonesia's cultural diversity, with over 1,340 ethnic groups, 718 local languages, and 2,213 nationally recorded intangible cultural heritages. The country is also home to significant archaeological sites such as Sangiran and Leang-Leang in South Sulawesi Province, where early human discoveries like Homo erectus and Homo floresiensis were found. Xi Jinping noted that Indonesia's differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, and tradition are strengths that form the foundation of its national identity.
Hanteo Global Festival Rocks Seoul World Cup Stadium
7.11.25
The Hanteo Global music festival is set to take place at Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 6 and 7. The event will be headlined by a legendary Korean artist, with a special stage dedicated to celebrating K-pop's evolution over the decades, featuring artists from the first to fifth generations.