Xie recently starred in the Channel 8 drama "The Gift of Time" in 2025, where he played a wealthy entrepreneur battling cancer. The role marked his first acting project since leaving showbiz in 2005.

Reports indicate that he had already asked to be excluded from consideration before the awards nominations were finalised, and that he will not attend the ceremony scheduled for April 19 at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

In a message posted on Instagram, he expressed in Chinese gratitude for the recognition he received during his career and credited the success of his performances to the teamwork behind each production.

He also emphasised that awards are the best recognition for young and active actors and should remain so, as he is semi-retired.

"I deeply understand what awards mean to every colleague still climbing the ladder of success; they are a testament to hard work and perseverance, and stepping stones to the next opportunity. Although I had the opportunity to meet the audience last year as Lin Huoyan, I am already semi-retired and hope that the spotlight will remain on outstanding actors who are still active, giving them more opportunities to shine," reads Xei's message when translated.

Born on 15 September 1961, Xie Shaoguang, whose birth name is Cha Shao-kwong, is widely regarded as one of Singapore’s most accomplished Mandarin-language television actors.

He built his reputation through numerous dramas produced by MediaCorp Channel 8 and became one of the country’s most recognisable screen stars in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Over the course of his career, Xie won the Star Award for Best Actor five times, a record that stood for many years and helped cement his status as one of Singapore’s leading television performers.

During the height of his career, Xie appeared in several critically acclaimed series. One of his best-known roles came in the 1998 family drama "Stand by Me", where he played Du Hanmin, a former doctor who becomes paralysed. The series was a major success and won Best Drama Serial at the Star Awards, with Xie himself taking home the Best Actor prize for his performance.

After stepping away from acting in 2005, Xie spent nearly 20 years pursuing other interests. During that period, he worked as a chef and even spent time as a Buddhist monk before eventually returning to the screen in 2024.

Despite his comeback, Xie has suggested he now considers himself semi-retired and prefers that the spotlight shift toward younger actors in the industry.

During her time at KAIST, Ku also developed “Kooroll,” an eco-friendly hair roller, which later won recognition at the 2025 Korea Outstanding Patent Awards. The product was designed to reduce plastic use by around 80% compared with conventional hair rollers, highlighting her growing interest in combining technology with beauty innovation.

The invention has since evolved into a startup venture, with Ku involved in everything from product design to branding and the patent process. The foldable roller was designed to solve portability issues common with traditional rollers and reflects the actress’s expanding role as an entrepreneur.

Ku Hye-sun was born in Incheon, South Korea, in 1984 and rose to fame as a television actress before branching into directing, writing, music and visual arts.

She first gained widespread recognition through Korean television dramas such as "Hearts of Nineteen" in 2006 and the historical drama "The King and I" in 2007. However, her breakthrough role came in the hugely popular 2009 series "Boys Over Flowers" , where she played Geum Jan-di, a spirited student who becomes romantically involved with a wealthy heir.

The drama became a major hit across Asia and cemented Ku’s status as one of the most recognisable faces in the Korean entertainment industry.

She continued to build her career with roles in several well-known dramas, including "Take Care of Us, Captain" (2012), where she played an aspiring pilot, and "Angel Eyes" (2014), a romantic melodrama about two lovers reunited after years apart. She also starred in the medical fantasy drama "Blood" (2015) alongside actor Ahn Jae-hyun.

Beyond acting, Ku has established herself as a filmmaker. She made her directorial debut with the short film "The Madonna", which was screened at international film festivals and won awards for audience appreciation. She later directed her first feature film, "Magic" (2010), which was invited to the Jecheon International Music and Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival.

In 2014, she wrote, directed and starred in the film "Daughter", a psychological drama addressing child abuse and family relationships. The film was screened at the Busan International Film Festival, further establishing her reputation as a creative force beyond acting.

The festival’s name is a portmanteau of cinema and laya — “freedom” in Filipino — reflecting its mission to champion filmmakers who “boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience.” It also aims to position the Philippines as “the cinematic centre of creativity and free artistic expression” in Asia. 

For more than 20 years, Cinemalaya has done just that. 

But its 21st edition arrived with unusual challenges. Two years ago, it was forced to move out of its longtime home at the CCP, now under renovation. Funding setbacks then forced a delay, moving its usual August run to October. 

This year’s theme, “ Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos ” — in English, “Sail through the Waves, Winds, and Storms” — acknowledges this turbulence.

“We thought everything would be smooth sailing,” festival director Chris Millado admitted during Cinemalaya’s September 3 press conference. “But no. Cinemalaya, as you might have heard, almost capsized.” 

Despite setbacks, the festival pressed ahead. From October 3 to 12, 20 films will be screened at Shangri-La Mall cinemas in Metro Manila, continuing Cinemalaya’s tradition of presenting independent voices to wider audiences.

“Remember, 21 years ago, the whole Filipino industry was caught in the doldrums. There were no waves. It was stagnant,” Millado recalled. “And through Cinemalaya, it started to persevere and soften until it started harnessing the direction of this wave after wave of a new breed of filmmakers and their storytelling.”

Among this year’s entries is “ Republika ng Pipolipinas ,” the full-length directorial debut of Renei Dimla. The film tells the story of a disillusioned farmer who renounces her Filipino citizenship and establishes her own micronation to resist a government project that threatens to seize her land. 

The premise resonates strongly in a country where agriculture remains central to livelihoods, and where recent investigations into flood-control infrastructure have exposed deep-seated corruption.

“It’s a mockumentary because it brings together people from all walks of life — a mother whose child was killed during the drug war, an artist without government support. They all form the republic,” Dimlai told Global South, noting the social commentary aspect of the film.

Transgender struggles take the spotlight in Kevin Alambra’s “ Warla ,” a crime drama loosely inspired by real events. It follows a 19-year-old transgender woman who finds the family she longs for in a gang of trans sisters that kidnaps foreign men to fund gender-affirming surgeries.

The Philippines is home to the largest trans population in Asia — about 239,000 people, according to World Population Review. Yet in a predominantly Catholic country, queer communities continue to face stigma and discrimination.

“I felt the need to tell it and to humanise trans women because real people are behind this story,” Alambra told Global South World. “We hope that people start to be more active in understanding transgender lives, because it’s their lives we’re discussing.” 

Another feature, “ Paglilitis ” (The Trial) by Cheska Marfori, focuses on an employee persuaded by a determined lawyer to file charges against her powerful former boss, who had sexually harassed her in the workplace.

Set in the Philippines — dubbed the “social media capital of the world,” where nearly three-quarters of the population is online — the film examines how support and backlash collide in a digital space shaped by the rise of so-called woke culture.

“The patriarchy is deeply embedded in the office in this story, along with the power structures that sustain it,” Marfori told Global South World. “The office becomes a representation of the Philippines and, on a larger scale, the world.”

Other full-length features in the competition are “Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Nonilon Abao, "Child No. 82" by Tim Rone, "Cinemartyrs" by Sari Dalena, "Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan" by Dustin Celestino, "Padamlágan" (Night Light) by Jenn Romano, "Open Endings" by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente, and "Raging" by Ryan Machado.

Screenings will primarily be held at Shangri-La Plaza, with Ayala Malls Cinemas and Gateway Cineplex also serving as festival venues.

“I’m not worried about women in the film industry,” Davis told AFP. “We’re used to adversity… and now we’re becoming the change we want to see.”

FiveThirtyEight reveals the latest popular music in the film. Take Jingle Bells , for instance. It was never meant to be a Christmas song written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and originally titled  One Horse Open Sleigh . Intended as a Thanksgiving tune, it wasn’t until decades later that it became a quintessential holiday classic. Its cheerful melody has since found a home in countless films, cementing its place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The hauntingly beautiful Silent Night has a more sombre origin. Composed during the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816—a time of great hardship following volcanic eruptions—this Austrian carol carries a poignant reminder of resilience and hope. Its cinematic appearances have only added to its emotional resonance during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, Auld Lang Syne , with its 18th-century Scottish roots penned by Robert Burns, has become a staple of New Year’s Eve scenes in movies, evoking a sense of reflection and connection. Its inclusion in films has made it a powerful anthem for bidding farewell to the past and welcoming new beginnings.

Other classics, like We Wish You a Merry Christmas , trace their origins back to 16th-century England. These timeless songs have seamlessly blended history with modern storytelling, becoming the soundtrack to our collective holiday memories.

Films and Christmas songs share a unique symbiosis, with movies amplifying the emotional impact of these melodies while the songs themselves create unforgettable cinematic moments. From joyous jingles to heartfelt hymns, holiday music remains a vital thread in the tapestry of festive storytelling.

According to the Bangkok Post , the Department of Livestock Development has launched an investigation to determine if animal cruelty occurred during the filming. 

Show director Sant Srikaewlaw responded to the criticism on November 9, sharing video clips on Facebook to prove that the cat was alive and well after filming. 

He explained that the cat was administered an anaesthetic during the scene under the close supervision of its owner and trained professionals.

The broadcasting channel, One31, released a statement online on November 10, confirming that the scene was conducted under the care of experts from an animal modelling agency with over ten years of experience. 

Despite the assurances, authorities have called for the cat to undergo a full examination to ensure its health and confirm no harm was done.

Animal scenes in film and television have been met with scrutiny over the years, with some instances leading to animal welfare reforms in the industry. A notable case from 1986 involved the Japanese adventure comedy The Adventures of Milo and Otis, where reports emerged of animal cruelty and the alleged deaths of at least 20 cats during production.

The Africa Critical Minerals Summit held in Cape Town on November 7, 2024, saw Tanzania urging the need for enhanced collaboration among African nations to develop local processing and refining facilities for their mineral resources. Dr. Venance Mwasse, the CEO of the State Mining Corporation, highlighted the significance of performing cost-benefit analyses to identify prime locations for such facilities. He specifically mentioned the upcoming Kabanga Nickel smelter, in the country's Kagera region as a pivotal project to stimulate regional prosperity. Dr Mwasse also expressed optimism about Tanzania’s prospects to become a leader in critical minerals, with projections placing it as the sixth-largest graphite producer globally by 2050. He also called upon fellow African nations to fortify their state-owned mining corporations to achieve better national benefits and improve Africa's standing in the global mining industry.

Commencement environmental assessment concerning uranium mining project

Tanzania has commenced a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) concerning the Mkuju River uranium mining project, aimed at stimulating the economy. Deputy Minister for Minerals, Stephen Kiruswa, disclosed in Parliament on November 8, 2024, that this assessment will examine the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem, thereby ensuring adherence to ecological and legal regulations. Managed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, this project had faced delays due to low uranium prices but now stands to progress with recent price stabilisation. The SEA is expected to span six months, with its outcomes directing the project's subsequent phases. Kiruswa emphasised that the project holds significant economic advantages for the Namtumbo populace while concurrently upholding environmental protections.

Ranking on 2024 US Global Status Report on Human Trafficking 

Tanzania has achieved a Tier 2 ranking in the 2024 US Global Status Report on Human Trafficking, an acknowledgement of its enhanced measures against this pressing issue. Noteworthy actions affecting this advancement include the 2021 amendments to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which now encompasses provisions for attempted trafficking, and the stricter penalties established in 2022 that escalated maximum prison sentences from 10 to 30 years. The country has successfully formed a national network against human trafficking, supported by a dedicated secretariat for coordination efforts. However, Tanzania continues to grapple with its status as both a source and a transit country for human trafficking, with approximately 171,000 individuals subjected to forced labour from 2021 to 2022. Victims predominantly fall prey to coercion and exploitation, with a notable 61% being women and girls.  

Targetted increase in diaspora remittances

Tanzania is pursuing a significant increase in diaspora remittances, setting a target of $1.5 billion by 2028, up from the current estimated level of $700 million. This initiative, introduced during a labour migration conference in Dar es Salaam, aims to connect with one million Tanzanian expatriates to double their annual remittance contributions . The government is intent on improving support services for Tanzanians abroad, providing better access to financial services and investment opportunities, alongside digitising identification and registration frameworks. 

Tanzania Film Awards

The forthcoming Tanzania Film Awards , set for December, will recognise and celebrate the contributions made by artists within the nation's film industry. This inaugural event, coordinated by the Tanzania Film Awards body, seeks to uplift quality, stimulate competition, and establish international standards for Swahili-language films. Executive Director Eliya Mjatta underscored the awards' potential to enhance the global presence of local productions by promoting cultural exchanges and attracting diverse audiences. 

But what does it take to become a successful actor? Being successful in any field requires constant dedication and the film industry can be quite challenging, especially when you factor in having to perform at your job in the public eye.

Filipino star Miles Ocampo, who has been at it for the past twenty years knows a thing or two about making it as a successful actor.

In an exclusive interview with Global South World, Miles shared her insights on this performance-driven industry. “it’s fun, but at the same time scary,” said Miles who started her career when she was six years old.

Watch the full interview here:

The 27-year-old Filipino star, who won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival advised young aspiring actors who want to become successful to give their “101%”.

“You'll never know what's next for you. You'll never know if after this you're able to have another chance. You have to give your all, give your 100 and 1% as if this is your last time all the time,” she explained.

Miles, who’s also co-host of the longest-running noontime variety show also disclosed that being in the limelight comes with added pressure, especially when people feel like “they own your life and have the privilege to comment on your personal life,” she disclosed.

Popular Filipino actress Miles Ocampo recently shared her insights on the industry's growth in an exclusive interview with Global South World , acknowledging both achievements and areas for improvement.

"We're so far from what we have been doing before. And that's the exciting part in this industry right now," she said.

Watch the full interview here:

The 27-year-old actress, a staple in Filipino film and television, highlighted the new wave of international collaboration opportunities but noted that there’s still work to be done.

"I feel like we're not yet there at our destination; we have so much to improve on. But we're getting there," she explained.

Miles’s career began at age six after a breakthrough commercial appearance launched her into the limelight.

Now with over two decades in the industry, she has become a fixture in Philippine entertainment, starring in numerous movies and TV shows. Her popularity remains strong, ranking her at #9 on Global South World's 2024 list of the 60 most powerful Filipino actors on Instagram .

According to the data, the 20th century continues to be the best years of the global movie industry.

Here are 5 of the best movies of all time according to IMDb:

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This timeless classic tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully imprisoned, and his journey of hope and friendship with fellow inmate Red and has a 9.2/10 rating. It was directed by Frank Darabont and had Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as the stars.

The Godfather (1972)

A cornerstone of American cinema, "The Godfather" records the powerful Corleone crime family. Its influence on the gangster genre and its masterful storytelling continue to captivate viewers. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it starred Al Pacino and the late Marlon Brando.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Award-winning director, Christopher Nolan's superhero film "The Dark Knight" features an unforgettable performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker. Its dark and intense storyline has earned it a place among the best with a 9.0/10 rating.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

This film, the grand conclusion to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy brings the saga to an emotional end. Elijah Wood and Viggo Mortensen did justice to the plot accompanied by Peter Jackson's exceptional direction.

Schindler's List (1993)

With an 8.9/10 rating, Steven Spielberg's harrowing depiction of the Holocaust through the eyes of Oskar Schindler, a man who saved over a thousand Jews, is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Thailand's soft-power policy has yielded a 3.69 billion baht windfall, with over 800 foreign filmmakers showing interest in the "Land of Smiles" as a filming destination. The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported a surge in interest during its participation in the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France from May 14 to 25. According to The Star , the DOT estimates that inquiries at the festival will lead to over 3.69 billion baht in investments. The DOT received inquiries from over 800 filmmakers, attracted by the government’s 20% cash rebate for foreign film crews working in Thailand, and sought information on Thai films, series, and film crews. Additionally, 30 producers and filmmakers are ready to invest in projects in Thailand, the DOT noted.

Azerbaijan Independence Day wishes

The King of Thailand congratulates President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijan Independence Day and expresses hope for continued cooperation between the two countries in various areas, Azernews reports. In the letter, King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn wrote, "His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, allow me to extend my cordial congratulations and best wishes for the good health and happiness of Your Excellency, as well as for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people. Thailand and the Republic of Azerbaijan have enjoyed a fast-growing relationship in multiple areas of common endeavour."

NEC Corporation and NEC Thailand collaboration

NEC Corporation (Thailand) Limited (NEC Thailand) has announced a strategic partnership with AIRA Factoring Public Company Limited (AIRA Factoring) to enhance digital supply chain finance solutions through innovative technology and collaboration. This partnership highlights NEC Thailand’s dedication to utilizing its digital expertise to offer comprehensive support and opportunities for clients and markets throughout Thailand. According to Thailand Business News , NEC Thailand and AIRA Factoring will collaborate as non-exclusive partners to deliver a range of key services.

Strong banking system

The Thai banking system is strong, with high levels of capital and liquidity. Profitability improved in Q1 2024, but monitoring is needed for small SMEs and vulnerable households to prevent NPLs. The banking system’s loan growth turned slightly positive at 0.7% YoY, attributed to the expansion of large corporate loans in the manufacturing sector. Thailand Business News reports that the NPL ratio increased to 2.74% primarily from corporate loans and mortgage loans. Profitability improved from the previous quarter, but there is a need to monitor the debt serviceability of small SMEs and certain vulnerable households with slow income recovery.

Higher labour quota from Israel

Thailand's Labour Minister plans to ask Israel to raise its quota for Thai workers during an official visit. The focus will be on increasing job opportunities, ensuring proper wages, and addressing the living and working conditions of Thai workers in Israel. Bangkok Post reports negotiations will also include the safe employment of Thai nationals and the release of those held in Gaza. The Department of Employment has lifted its suspension of sending workers to Israel, with assurances of safety measures in place from the Israeli embassy.

African cinema is no exception, with filmmakers across the region leveraging the continent’s diverse storytelling traditions.

Nigerian actor Godwin Nnadiekwe believes that what makes African cinema stand out from other film industries around the world is its storytelling. According to Nnadiekwe, this has contributed to the success of the African film industry.

“African film industries, we are very big in our storytelling. That is one of the core things that we have. So the way we tell our stories, we tell them differently from what they say out there. And this has actually brought in a lot of international recognition, global recognition and they know that the manner and the way we tell our stories, we showcase our culture, the diversity in our culture, our heritage… So that has actually made us stand out from the other film industries out there,” he told GSW.

Nigeria is the African continent’s most populated nation with hundreds of tribes scattered across its 36 states. The young actor also highlighted that filmmakers in the West African nation are faced with funding, distribution, and piracy issues in the industry.

He added that even in the digital space, piracy is still an issue because when filmmakers release their movies, they find pirated copies on YouTube and some social media platforms.

“More structured distribution platforms, if that can be done, would go a long way, and again, funding has been one of the challenges that most people are facing. For filmmakers who have a vision, funding remains one of the issues that they are facing today,” he said.

Nnadiekwe expressed hope for international collaborators with the Nigerian film industry and also called on the Nigerian government to grant filmmakers access to loans.

“I would love to see international bodies coming in to collaborate. I would also want to see these things happen. Yes and access to grants, loans, and support financially. And again, the government should also come in. It's not just an individual thing. I urge them to come in as well,” he added.

The six-episode limited animated series is set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, and follows wealthy island resident Tola and mainland resident Kole as they learn about the dangers in both places, delving into issues of class and going against the status quo.

"One of the things that intrigued me the most are the social cultural and social political dynamics in Lagos, where you have these two land masses, the mainland, where most of the working class and less wealthy people live. And then you have the island in Lagos today, where most of the wealthier people live… But specifically, with Iwájú, I'd always wanted to tell a story that re-imagines Lagos, Nigeria, where I'm from, through a futuristic lens," Olufikayo Adeola, who wrote and directed the show told ABC .

"It was very important to me that anyone who has been to Lagos or has lived in Lagos, even though this is a futuristic sci-fi story, anyone who knows Lagos would be able to watch this and recognise their Lagos in the story," he added.

After its premiere, Disney announced that the animated series will become available across the continent on Sub-Saharan African broadcast service DStv from April 22 to April 26.

Here are a few fan reactions on social media.

Topping the list of three is "Disconnect: The Wedding Planner" by acclaimed filmmaker David 'Tosh' Gitonga, released in January 2023. This film, a follow-up to the 2018 hit "Disconnect," has claimed the title of the most popular Kenyan film with 74 million viewed hours globally. This becomes the first-ever Kenyan title to be featured and widely available on Netflix around the world.

The report reveals that "Disconnect," the first Kenyan film that introduced Kenya to the Netflix market, secured the fourth position with 300,000 hours viewed while "40 Sticks," Kenya's 2020 Oscar submission, claimed the fifth spot with 200,000 viewed hours.

Securing the second position is "Married to Work," released in February 2023, with an impressive 1.2 million viewed hours.

Germany-funded series "Country Queen", which is the streaming platform's first-ever Kenyan series, captured the hearts of viewers, claiming the third spot with one million viewed hours.

While the success of Kenyan films on the global stage is evident, the report also sheds light on the dominance of South African and Nigerian content in the African market. South Africa leads with the most-watched titles with eight titles in the top 10, while Nigeria takes the remaining two spots.

Kenyan cinema's triumph on Netflix's Top 10 list signals a promising future for the nation's filmmakers. This proud moment for Kenya signals that Kenyan filmmakers are on the rise, telling tales that transcend Kenyan borders.