Weekly News Review: Blood Brothers: Bara Naga

     Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, has become a major success in Malaysian cinema. Released on April 10, 2025, the action thriller has grossed over RM70 million, making it the second-highest-grossing local film in Malaysia, just behind Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan . The film follows Ariff, a loyal bodyguard framed for betrayal, who seeks to clear his name with the help of his estranged brother, Jaki, while being pursued by his former best friend, Ghaz . The movie's success is attributed to its intense action sequences, compelling storyline, and effective promotional campaigns, including nationwide tours featuring the cast . A sequel, Blood Brothers Part 2: Perang Naga, has been announced, with the main cast expected to return.

    In my opinion, the success of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga showcases the growing strength of Malaysia's film industry. It's encouraging to see local productions achieving significant box office success and resonating with audiences. The film's engaging plot and high production values set a new standard for Malaysian cinema. I'm excited about the upcoming sequel and hope this trend continues, bringing more attention to local talent and

Achieving Fluency: My Top 3 Speaking Tips

1. Take Notes During Preparation Time

    Before your speaking test begins, you’ll be given some time to prepare. I found that taking quick notes during this time helped me organize my thoughts. Jotting down a few key points or ideas helps me stay on track during the test, especially when I’m given a prompt I’m not fully familiar with. It also reduces the chances of rambling or losing my focus when it’s my turn to speak.

2. Use Simple but Effective Language

    Sometimes, it's tempting to use advanced vocabulary to impress the examiner, but I’ve realized that clear and simple language can often be more effective. Avoid using complicated words unless you're certain of their meaning and pronunciation. Speaking in a straightforward, clear manner is better than trying to show off vocabulary and ending up with mistakes.

3. Expand Your Vocabulary

    The more words you have in your vocabulary, the easier it becomes to express your ideas effectively. Reading books, watching English content, and noting down new words has been crucial for me. I try to use these new words in conversations to make my speech sound more varied and professional. This also helps when you’re discussing a range of topics in the exam and need to come up with words on the spot.

Briefing on My Group Discussion Performance

     In our group discussion on how the government can improve the entertainment industry, I personally don’t remember all the specific points discussed, but I’m sure my group members did really well in presenting their ideas. They brought up various suggestions, such as how the government could provide financial support to local filmmakers and artists, offer incentives for innovation, and improve digital distribution platforms to ensure local content reaches a global audience. These ideas were insightful and well-thought-out.

    While I can’t recall every detail, I was impressed with how everyone contributed, and I felt the discussion flowed smoothly. I did well with grammar in expressing my ideas, but I know I could improve on structuring my responses to make them clearer. Time management was another area I need to work on, as I struggled to complete my thoughts within the given time. Overall, I was proud of my group for how we collaborated, and I look forward to improving my own skills in future discussions.

You Against the Clock: A Student’s Guide to Time Management

    Time management is one of the most common struggles faced by students today. With endless assignments, co-curricular activities, exams, and sometimes part-time jobs, many students find themselves overwhelmed. Poor time management often leads to stress, late submissions, and a drop in academic performance.

    One effective solution is to use a planner or digital calendar. By scheduling tasks ahead of time, students can clearly see what needs to be done and when. This reduces the chances of forgetting deadlines and helps break big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Even setting reminders on your phone can make a huge difference in staying organized.

    Another useful strategy is to set priorities using the “urgent-important” rule. Students should focus on tasks that are both urgent and important first, rather than wasting time on distractions like scrolling through social media or procrastinating. Learning to say “no” to unproductive activities is also a key part of managing time wisely.

    In conclusion, managing time may not be easy, but it is definitely possible with the right tools and habits. Personally, I believe that planning ahead and staying focused on priorities are the first steps toward a more balanced and productive student life. Time is limited—but with discipline, we can make the most of it.

My MUET Path

    Preparing for MUET has been a rollercoaster ride, full of both progress and challenges. Currently, I’m at Band 3, but my goal is to achieve Band 4. It’s not just about the band score—it's about proving to myself that I can communicate more effectively in English.

    Among the four components, I find listening the easiest. I enjoy watching English videos and listening to podcasts, which helps me understand different accents and contexts. However, speaking is the most challenging part for me. I often get nervous when talking in front of others, and sometimes, the words just don’t come out as fluently as I want them to.

    To overcome this, I’ve started practising speaking in English more often, especially with my friends. It’s helping me build confidence slowly but surely. I also make it a point to write more essays, whether it's for class or practice, to improve my grammar and vocabulary.

    With steady effort and the right mindset, I believe I’ll reach my goal. Every day is a step forward—and I’m not giving up anytime soon.