News – December 2021


[News]
The Matrix Resurrections

From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes “The Matrix Resurrections” the long-awaited fourth film in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined a genre.  The new film reunites original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the iconic roles they made famous, Neo and Trinity.
The film also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Candyman,” the “Aquaman” franchise), Jessica Henwick (TV’s “Iron Fist,” “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens”), Jonathan Groff (“Hamilton,” TV’s “Mindhunter”), Neil Patrick Harris (“Gone Girl”), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (TV’s “Quantico,”), Christina Ricci (TV’s “Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story,” “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles”), Telma Hopkins (TV’s “Dead to Me,”), Eréndira Ibarra (series “Sense8,” “Ingobernable”), Toby Onwumere (TV’s “Empire”), Max Riemelt (series “Sense8”), Brian J. Smith (series “Sense8,” “Treadstone”), and Jada Pinkett Smith (“Angel Has Fallen,” TV’s “Gotham”).
Lana Wachowski directed from a screenplay by Wachowski & David Mitchell & Aleksander Hemon, based on characters created by The Wachowskis.  The film was produced by Grant Hill, James McTeigue and Lana Wachowski.  The executive producers were Garrett Grant, Terry Needham, Michael Salven, Jesse Ehrman and Bruce Berman.
Wachowski’s creative team behind the scenes included “Sense8” collaborators: directors of photography Daniele Massaccesi and John Toll, production designers Hugh Bateup and Peter Walpole, editor Joseph Jett Sally, costume designer Lindsay Pugh, visual effects supervisor Dan Glass, and composers Johnny Klimek and Tom Tykwer.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, In Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, In Association with Venus Castina Productions, “The Matrix Resurrections.”  The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.  
It will be in Malaysian  (and worldwide) cinemas beginning 22 December 2021.

I first watched The Matrix when I was back in college. Back then, I thought Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss were so cool in the movie and I wanted a banana phone like the one used in the movie. The action too was very ground-breaking, pushing the edge of CGI that was available at that time. 
The whole plot was rather interesting too with the whole concept of social conditioning and how society maintains control of its citizens. I resonated with it as Sociology was one of the subjects I was studying back then. 
If you don’t want to know any plot details then just stop reading here.

Watching “The Matrix Resurrections” was certainly very nostalgic for me with the many many references to the original trilogy (I wasn’t surprised as this was a continuation of the storyline). What I kinda thought was rather pointless (for those in my generation who are fans of The Matrix) were the multiple flashback scenes from the original trilogy. Perhaps they were included for the new generation who have never watched the original trilogy but then again, you ABSOLUTELY MUST watch the original trilogy or else you’d be hopelessly lost if you start with this one.
The challenge for the producers was to make a fresh plot that would resonate with today’s audience, yet stay true to the original trilogy. I’d say that they mostly managed to achieve that. I was very impressed by the inclusive and diverse cast which included Jessica Henwick and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
To be honest, I did feel a tinge depressed seeing (the much older but still fit) Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss who are age 57 and 54 respectively but still kicking ass! Guess we all have to grow old sometime… the goal is to age gracefully.

BMW M @ The Pavilion Bukit Jalil

In the festive spirit of Christmas, over 60 high-performance BMW M vehicles, along with BMW M owners and fans gathered at Pavilion Bukit Jalil on Saturday to celebrate the upcoming 50th Anniversary of M in 2022.

BMW Group Malaysia announced on 20 December 2021 that they will be offering up to a 20% reduction on parts repair for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners affected by the flood over the weekend. Authorised dealerships will also provide an RM300 rebate on the towing cost for affected owners.
“Following the flood cases that have been reported in various states in the country, we remain committed to deliver peace of mind for our customers throughout their ownership experience, even during this challenging time. To this end, BMW Group Malaysia and our network of dealers stand ready to provide our customers with the needed support when it comes to their vehicles.”Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia
Owners are encouraged to reach out to their preferred authorised dealership or contact the BMW Roadside Assistance for more information. Alternatively, they may also contact the Customer Interaction Centre at 1 800 88 3000. The reduction and rebates are valid until 31 January 2022.

OPPO Offers Flood Relief Assistance to Affected Users – #OPPOCare4U

To ensure that OPPO users get the care it needs in these unprecedented times, OPPO is offering support to all its users affected by the recent flash floods via its #OPPOCare4U Flood Relief Program.
Under its flood relief assistance programme, OPPO is offering Up to 30 percent discount on all repairs as listed below. The entitlement will be only eligible on a single receipt and it starts on December 26 and ends on December 31, 2021.  
30% price discount on selective spare parts for certain OPPO smartphone model; and/or20% price discount for courier service (only available for Customer who apply for online send-in repair service).
Users may walk into the nearest OPPO service centre or My OPPO Space to send in their smartphone for repair. Alternatively, they can also apply for an online send-in repair service request at https://support.oppo.com/my/send-in-repair/.
All affected users can contact their preferred OPPO service centre or My OPPO Space, or alternatively connect with OPPO’s online customer service at https://support.oppo.com/my/service-center/, to enquire on the eligibility of their smartphone model and the availability of spare parts. 
To learn more about the terms and conditions, head over to https://support.oppo.com/my/answer/?aid=2045565

Heineken Malaysia Mobilises Assistance for Flood Victims in Klang Valley

When I think of Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia), it’s usually for the multiple memorable events and campaigns that they had throughout the years. However, it’s very heartwarming to see corporations rally to help the people affected by the floods in times of crisis.
HEINEKEN Malaysia through its HEINEKEN Cares programme, is channelling 100,000 meals and emergency care packages to victims impacted by the ongoing flash floods throughout Klang Valley.
In collaboration with its network of non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners, HEINEKEN Malaysia seeks to mobilise and distribute immediate aid to victims in need of necessities in the wake of the major flood caused by the recent heavy rainfall. The NGO partners include Dialogues Includes All, Epic, PWD Smart Farmability and Make It Right Movement.
“We deeply feel for all the flood victims, their families and loved ones whose homes and livelihoods have been affected by the floods. People are at the heart of our company, and as a company with a long history in Malaysia, we strive to assist communities during these challenging times. As the impacted families work towards rebuilding their lives, HEINEKEN Malaysia will play its role in mobilising urgent aid to the plight of flood-hit individuals and providing them with basic necessities. On this note, I would also like to extend my gratitude towards our employees as well as our NGO partners for their relentless support during these difficult times.”Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia
HEINEKEN Malaysia is calling on its business partners to participate and band together in undertaking essential support activities, by channelling food aid directly to their local communities or donating to the Company’s CSR arm, SPARK Foundation, where all fundings will then be directed to participating NGOs to further aid the flood victims.
The HEINEKEN Cares programme was established this year with the ultimate goal of providing 150,000 meals to communities affected by job or income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 30 November,  over 123,800 meals have been distributed to more than 8,000 beneficiaries. The 100,000 meals and emergency care packages are in addition to the original goal of 150,000 meals.
Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia added, “In line with our Brew a Better World sustainability strategy, we aim to create positive social impact in the communities where we operate. Through our HEINEKEN Cares programme, we are now committing an additional 100,000 meals and care packages to bring much-needed essentials as well as cleaning equipment in aid of the communities affected by the floods.”
At HEINEKEN Malaysia, the health and safety of its people are among its top priorities. The Company is also reaching out to employees to support those affected by the floods during this difficult period to ensure the health and well-being of their employees and their families.

Photo credits: Respective brands