Nabil Luqman

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Social

tech

privacy

Muse AI

wearables

VR glasses

AI companion

Meta Connect 2026 put artificial intelligence and wearable technology firmly at the centre of Meta&rsquo;s plans for the future.
Held on 23 September, the company&rsquo;s annual showcase introduced a new range of AI-powered glasses, the $1,299.99 Meta VR Glasses, expanded capabilities for its Muse AI agent and a new pocket-sized AI device called Muse Charm.
Rather than focusing heavily on the metaverse, Meta&rsquo;s latest announcements centred on making AI more accessible through devices people can wear and use throughout the day.
Here&rsquo;s everything Meta announced at Connect 2026.
Muse AI Takes Centre Stage
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d321fb88fb03f5e651b56966f974988889c2d878bbb348dac62a3873b2647573" />
The biggest theme of Meta Connect 2026 was Muse, Meta&rsquo;s personal AI agent.
Unlike a conventional chatbot that primarily answers questions, Meta describes Muse as an agent designed to take action on a user&rsquo;s behalf. It can research topics, fill out forms, book travel, work with connected applications and continue working on tasks even after the user closes the app.
Meta also announced new connectors that allow Muse to interact with third-party services. These include shopping and travel platforms, while developers will also be able to build their own integrations through Meta&rsquo;s Connector Platform.
The company is positioning Muse as part of its vision for &ldquo;personal superintelligence&rdquo;, with Zuckerberg suggesting that the technology could eventually become a more persistent assistant in people's everyday lives.
Muse can also operate a user's Mac with permission, allowing it to work with applications in the background. Meta says users remain in control of which services Muse can access and what actions it is allowed to perform.
Shopping is another major focus. Meta is working with partners including Stripe and Shopify to enable Muse to help users discover and purchase products. Meta has also said it could eventually generate revenue by taking a small fee from transactions completed through the AI agent.
Muse Is Coming To Meta&rsquo;s Smart Glasses
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/782b4bad8f0a660eb9d2fc6e1b77ff6a20bfc964167c3fa7a3ce3eaec1b8a8ae" />
Meta is also bringing Muse beyond phones and computers and directly into its AI glasses.
Users will be able to interact with the assistant through voice and other hands-free controls, allowing Muse to help with tasks such as checking calendars, getting information and managing everyday activities without reaching for a phone.
Meta also demonstrated how Muse could be used for health and fitness, including helping users build workout routines and make suggestions based on what they are doing. The company believes glasses are particularly useful for personal AI because they can remain with the user throughout the day and, in camera-equipped models, understand more of the user's surroundings.
That strategy is reflected in the wider expansion of Meta's AI glasses range.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Gets A Hardware Upgrade
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e02f460857872afb2197e773d997f6e912276d2349a6971289f84ce590ff3260" />
Meta announced the third generation of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, bringing several hardware improvements while retaining the familiar glasses-first design.
The new models have slimmer frames, improved battery life and a six-microphone array designed to reduce background noise. They also feature a 12MP camera capable of recording 3K Ultra HD video.
Meta says the Gen 3 models can provide up to nine hours of battery life, while a new action button provides quicker access to Meta AI. The glasses will be available in multiple styles, including Aviator, Zena and Wayfarer, with prices starting at $449 in the US.
Meta also announced plans for Dolby Atmos spatial audio capture, allowing videos recorded with the glasses to include 360-degree spatial sound.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio Removes The Camera
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d079a78a1890e5ff8e2c2ecc481f9f28f03300c99f04d97bd5a6f06c0837f39f" />
One of the more unexpected announcements was the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, Meta's first pair of camera-free AI glasses.
Unlike the company's existing smart glasses, the new glasses do not have a camera. Instead, they focus on open-ear audio, calls and hands-free access to AI. The design is also slimmer and lighter, weighing 43 grams. Meta claims the glasses can provide up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a further 48 hours available through the charging case.
They will be available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, with 23 colour and lens combinations. Prices start at $349, with shipping beginning in October. The camera-free approach also arrives as Meta faces wider questions about privacy surrounding camera-equipped smart glasses.
Meta has previously highlighted the recording indicator built into its glasses, while new privacy features announced at Connect are designed to provide greater protection for certain AI functions.
Meta Adds More Privacy Controls For AI
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ed3b8b63a1c905fccd82fe5b369518a09a0a4e6e2c4392ee4b45da2a81d2630" />
Privacy was another significant part of Meta's AI strategy at Connect.
Muse currently operates through a dedicated cloud computer known as Muse Secure VM, which is designed to isolate the agent and its connected data. Meta says users control which services Muse can access, while sensitive actions such as sending emails or making purchases require approval.
The company also announced Muse Confidential VM, which is expected later this year. Meta says the system will encrypt the entire virtual machine, including the user's data and conversations, using a key held only by the user. According to Meta, this would prevent even the company itself from accessing that information.
For its AI glasses, Meta is also developing private processing for certain AI features, initially focusing on functions such as live translation.
The announcements come as privacy remains an important issue for wearable technology, particularly devices that can capture images or interact with AI throughout the day.
Meta VR Glasses Arrive In 2027
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9db5fb3c857c86e138a20265f3e1626b352dcc95ce13dbe15ebb9ffd09ca9253" />
Perhaps the most substantial hardware announcement was the Meta VR Glasses.
Designed to bring virtual reality into a glasses-style form factor, the device weighs around 100 grams &mdash; roughly the weight of a deck of cards and about one-fifth the weight of the Meta Quest 3. The lightweight design is possible because Meta has separated the computing hardware, battery and storage into an external puck that connects to the glasses.
The glasses feature a 5K micro-OLED display and are designed for entertainment, gaming and productivity. Users can create large virtual screens, turn a flat surface into a keyboard and touchpad, and interact using hand gestures rather than traditional controllers.
For entertainment, Meta is positioning the device as a personal cinema, with support for 3D content and partnerships with streaming platforms. The company is also developing immersive sports experiences, including live events viewed from virtual courtside or stadium perspectives.
Gaming will also be supported, with more than 75 games planned to work with hand gestures at launch. Xbox Cloud Gaming will provide access to hundreds more titles.
Meta VR Glasses are scheduled to launch in spring 2027 for $1,299.99.
Hologram Calls And A New AI Companion
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/485e83536adaf54cc16ce48dd13103873a22f0db87d72b63731c30b85389fabe" />
Meta also demonstrated hologram calling on its VR glasses, allowing users to appear as a full-body digital representation during video calls.
The company says the feature will work across calling platforms including WhatsApp and Zoom, with the hologram designed to reproduce the user's expressions and reactions in real time.
Meta closed the keynote with Muse Charm, a small handheld device designed to provide access to Muse without requiring a user to wear smart glasses.
The device is expected to launch around the end of the year, although Meta has not yet announced its price.
Overall, Meta Connect 2026 presented a clear direction for the company: AI is moving beyond the phone and computer and into glasses, virtual reality devices and dedicated hardware.
With Muse at the centre of the ecosystem, Meta is betting that wearable technology will become an increasingly important way for people to interact with AI in their everyday lives.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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From an AI agent that can handle tasks for you to smarter glasses and a new VR headset, Meta Connect 2026 was all about bringing AI into everyday life.

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Meta Connect 2026: Everything Meta Announced, From Muse AI To New Smart Glasses

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a dramatic walkout at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, as dozens of delegates left the chamber when he took the podium to defend Israel&rsquo;s military actions in Gaza and across the Middle East.
The walkout, which included the Malaysian and Indonesian delegations, came amid mounting international criticism of Israel&rsquo;s conduct in Gaza and growing diplomatic divisions over the conflict. Netanyahu continued with his address after the delegates left, while members of the Israeli delegation stood and applauded.
Malaysia And Indonesia Among Delegations That Walked Out
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The coordinated walkout took place as Netanyahu began his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Malaysia was among the countries whose representatives left the chamber, while Indonesia's permanent mission also confirmed that its diplomats walked out as Netanyahu was about to speak. Footage released by Indonesia's mission showed its delegates leaving their seats alongside representatives from other countries.
The protest followed a call from Palestinian representatives for diplomatic missions to leave the chamber during Netanyahu's speech. The scene was met with jeers and boos from some attendees, while the Israeli delegation remained and applauded. The session's presiding officer also called for order.
Netanyahu responded by referring to those who had left as "moral cowards" and challenged any remaining delegates who shared their position to leave as well.
Netanyahu Defends Israel's Actions In Gaza 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/707396413743361352cafb466d030b380509c836aa39520d0b8e4c90b723a028" />
Much of Netanyahu's address focused on defending Israel's military campaign and rejecting accusations that the country is committing genocide in Gaza.
Netanyahu described allegations of genocide as false and argued that Israel had taken measures to protect Palestinian civilians. He said Israel's actions were aimed at defending the country and its population, while continuing to reject accusations made against the Israeli government and military.
Israel has consistently denied that its military campaign in Gaza constitutes genocide, saying its operations are directed at Hamas and are carried out in self-defence. The allegations remain the subject of ongoing international legal and political debate.
Netanyahu also defended Israel's broader military actions in the region, including operations involving Iran. He said the decision to target Iranian nuclear facilities had been one of the easiest decisions he had made as prime minister, arguing that Israel would have faced a greater threat had it not acted.
He also thanked US President Donald Trump for his support and described the United States as Israel's key partner.
Netanyahu Targets Critics Including Mamdani And Erdoğan
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3824c98426e9ae42570f97960dd16b3af5ffadba1634cf4f6fde76d4441ccf7d" />
The Israeli prime minister used the UN platform to directly criticise several of his opponents and international critics.
Among them was New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has strongly criticised Israel's military campaign in Gaza and previously described Netanyahu as a "war criminal". Netanyahu accused Mamdani of spreading false claims about Israel and called him antisemitic.
Netanyahu also criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing Turkey of supporting Hamas. T&uuml;rkiye subsequently rejected Netanyahu's comments as baseless and argued that his use of the UN platform to attack Erdoğan was inconsistent with the principles of peace, dialogue and international law.
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The Israeli leader also criticised European countries, including the UK and France, over their increasingly critical positions on Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.
Abbas Addresses UN Via Video
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Netanyahu's speech came just hours after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly through a prerecorded video.
Abbas was unable to attend the UN meeting in person after the United States denied him a visa. It was the second consecutive year that he was denied a visa, according to reports.
In his address, Abbas accused Israel of policies that threaten the Palestinian population and called for continued international efforts towards a two-state solution. He also criticised the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and warned against further displacement of Palestinians.
The contrasting addresses highlighted the deep divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Abbas focusing on Palestinian rights and the humanitarian situation while Netanyahu concentrated on Israel's security concerns and its defence against Hamas and other regional threats.
Protests Continue Outside UN Headquarters
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6080cf92848ac786cb884eaa7afaca35d32e7e2df5027cf889339eeb5e8647aa" />
The tensions inside the General Assembly were mirrored by protests outside the UN headquarters in New York.
Demonstrators gathered near the building to oppose Netanyahu's visit and Israel's military campaign in Gaza. New York police detained dozens of protesters during demonstrations, according to local reports.
Netanyahu's visit also comes as he faces a political campaign at home ahead of Israel's October 27 election. His brief trip to New York has largely focused on his UN appearance rather than the extensive diplomatic meetings that have traditionally accompanied Israeli prime ministers' visits during the General Assembly.
A Deepening Divide At The UN
The walkout underscores the increasingly polarised international response to Israel's actions in Gaza and its wider military operations in the Middle East.
For Malaysia and Indonesia, the decision to leave the chamber placed their delegations among the countries publicly protesting Netanyahu's appearance. Meanwhile, Netanyahu used the same platform to defend Israel's actions, attack critics and reinforce his government's position on national security.
The contrasting positions at the UN General Assembly reflect the wider diplomatic divide over the Gaza war, Palestinian statehood, Israel's military operations and the future of the region. As international pressure continues, the UN remains one of the principal forums where those competing positions are being publicly debated.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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As dozens walked out of Netanyahu’s UN address, he also repeatedly turned his attention to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

eac5932e88665207a7e6bf78821193c2865117eeb349681523fcf5655bb6bf2f

Netanyahu Faces UN Walkout As Malaysia, Indonesia Among Delegations Protesting His Address

Meta has unveiled its new Meta VR Glasses at Meta Connect 2026, introducing a lightweight virtual reality device that combines a glasses-like design with 5K micro-OLED displays, full-colour passthrough, eye and hand tracking, spatial audio and Meta AI.
Weighing around 100g, the device is designed to deliver VR entertainment, gaming and productivity without the bulk of a conventional headset. Meta says it will launch in spring 2027 for US$1,299.99, or roughly RM5,300. Malaysian pricing and availability have not been announced.
A Lightweight VR Design
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/83dcb45a214bdb6da6950e5c4a8736c9447c771c59e0583d281c4f81d8ab328e" />
The Meta VR Glasses are around five times lighter than the 515g Meta Quest 3. This is largely because Meta has divided the hardware between the glasses and a separate computing puck.
The glasses house the displays, pancake lenses, cameras and speakers, while the puck contains the Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite processor, battery and storage. It connects to the glasses through an optical tether and can be clipped to a pocket or bag.
The puck provides up to three hours of continuous high-resolution media playback and supports 45W fast charging. The open-sided design and full-colour passthrough cameras also allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while using the glasses.
5K Micro-OLED Display And Spatial Audio
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f5c33b656ff381ee1ba83f918f2e865993892306b8686228c6fd25f1dbd5037f" />
The Meta VR Glasses feature dual micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 2,412 x 2,288 pixels per eye and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Meta says the displays deliver 37 pixels per degree and support Dolby Vision.
The glasses also feature integrated Dolby Atmos spatial audio, turning them into a portable virtual cinema for films and other entertainment.
Their field of view is approximately 70 degrees horizontally by 66 degrees vertically. That is considerably narrower than the Meta Quest 3, which has a field of view of about 110 by 96 degrees. However, the VR Glasses offer higher display resolution per eye and 37 pixels per degree, making clarity a major focus.
Eye Tracking, Hand Gestures And Meta AI
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d576fb81f39ee03e34d845479182bd362107cae9bd6e0547fe0e8bd3a9b20286" />
Meta is moving away from traditional controller-first interaction with the new glasses. Six outward-facing cameras support passthrough and hand tracking, while four inward-facing cameras provide eye tracking. Iris recognition is also available for biometric authentication.
Users can navigate the interface using their eyes, natural hand gestures or voice commands through Meta AI. More than 75 games are expected to support hand-controlled gameplay at launch, while Touch Plus controllers will remain compatible for experiences that require them.
The glasses also support Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving users access to hundreds of cloud-streamed games.
A Personal IMAX Cinema
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a0f982fe2c5d981218c5e76d38dd63abd4ec248f93a36b3aab49b83415044354" />
Entertainment is one of Meta's biggest selling points for the VR Glasses. The device is the first VR product to receive IMAX Enhanced certification, with compatible content benefiting from the format's expanded aspect ratio and audio-visual specifications.
Disney+ is also bringing selected 3D films to the platform from November in select countries. Announced titles include Marvel films such as The Avengers and Black Panther, alongside themed environments inspired by locations including Tatooine and Avengers Tower.
Meta and Disney's Industrial Light &amp; Magic are also developing Disney Immersive Cinema experiences. These can go beyond placing a film on a virtual screen by adding immersive environments, dynamic effects, 3D visuals and spatial audio.
Meta says additional services including Prime Video, YouTube, DIRECTV, AMC+, Crunchyroll, Plex, ESPN and Tubi will be supported, while Peacock, HBO Max and Paramount+ are bringing 3D content to the platform. Meta is also working with James Cameron and Lightstorm Vision on films being brought to 3D in 2027.
Immersive Live Sports
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f5c92b1966b82199d53796b90e128ade3bd6db73e24ee019e469b7e25c9a4936" />
Sports are another major part of Meta's pitch. The company says users will eventually be able to watch more than 100 immersive live sports events each year, with partners including MLB, NBC Sports, TNT Sports and UFC.
These experiences can use 8K streaming and 180-degree views to provide a more immersive perspective than a conventional broadcast.
A Virtual Office Anywhere
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/457ad04865eac8bcc1e2cd9c2dcb2f06449c987ce06ff75c2b9717db8360c5a0" />
The Meta VR Glasses are also designed as a portable productivity platform. Users can connect them to a Mac or Windows PC and create multiple virtual displays, effectively carrying a multi-monitor setup without physical screens.
Meta says any flat surface can also be used as a virtual keyboard and touchpad. Full-colour passthrough allows users to continue seeing their desk, phone and surroundings while working.
Hologram Calling
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d1c54a6b0cbe17d7edb4030a66ffd6bb439d4966f914fab5f5f69a418df889fd" />
Another new feature is Hologram Calling, which creates a photorealistic digital representation of the user for video calls. The system can reproduce facial expressions and reactions in real time, with spatial audio helping create the impression that participants are sharing the same space.
The feature is designed to work with calling platforms including WhatsApp and Zoom.
Meta VR Glasses Price And Release Date
Meta VR Glasses will go on sale in spring 2027 for US$1,299.99. The base configuration includes 128GB of storage, while storage can be expanded through a microSD card. Touch Plus controllers are sold separately.
Meta has not announced an exact release date, Malaysian pricing or an official Malaysia launch for the device.
With their 100g glasses form factor, high-resolution micro-OLED displays and external computing puck, Meta is positioning the VR Glasses as a new category between conventional VR headsets and lightweight augmented reality glasses. Its premium price will be one of the key factors to watch when it arrives in 2027.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A cinema, gaming console and virtual workspace — all sitting on your face.

53bdca4d6e270adaf536a946d9f657b8ef03e71d1413408c73550511385bb90c

Meta Unveils 100g VR Glasses With 5K Micro-OLED Displays And IMAX Cinema Experience

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games are well underway, with athletes from across Asia competing in 43 sports in Japan. For Malaysian fans, there has already been plenty to celebrate, with the national contingent picking up medals across several disciplines.
Among the more unexpected highlights has come from esports, where 27-year-old Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira made history by winning Malaysia&rsquo;s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in esports.
His victory in the Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) event was impressive enough on its own, but Taj Izrin also caught the internet&rsquo;s attention for a very different reason &mdash; he competed barefoot and even appeared to yawn during the competition.
While other athletes might be expected to arrive in full sporting gear, Taj Izrin looked remarkably relaxed behind the racing simulator. Social media users were quick to joke that he appeared to have just woken up, only to casually go on and win an Asian Games gold medal.
Behind that laid-back appearance, however, was a highly focused performance.
Taj Izrin Makes History For Malaysian Esports
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c587361ea5e82716662c503c4daed59c073f6ef5a89b16fe7208f84111b2d5fe" />
Taj Izrin secured Malaysia&rsquo;s second gold medal of the Games at the time, and more importantly, became the first Malaysian esports representative to win gold at the Asian Games.
His route to the title was not straightforward. Across three races at Aichi Sky Expo, Taj Izrin finished second in the opening two races, collecting 16 points and keeping himself within striking distance of the leaders.
That meant everything came down to the final race.
Taj Izrin responded by securing pole position and producing his strongest drive of the competition. He went on to win the deciding race, earning another 20 points to finish with 36 points overall and take the gold medal.
Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Naif Al Faleh finished with the silver medal on 25 points, while South Korea&rsquo;s Kim Young Chan claimed bronze with the same total.
Taj Izrin&rsquo;s consistency across the three races ultimately proved decisive. Rather than needing to dominate from the beginning, he kept himself within reach before delivering when the gold was on the line.
The achievement also marked a major improvement on Malaysia&rsquo;s previous best esports results at the Asian Games. At Hangzhou 2022, Malaysia won silver in Arena of Valor and bronze in Dota 2, but had yet to claim an esports gold.
Why Was Taj Izrin Competing Barefoot?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/80b90f81896b3bac22026ae3239bbcd80c0ba3c8d1fea23e1eb082f7bd713b6b" />
While his racing performance made headlines, it was Taj Izrin&rsquo;s footwear &mdash; or lack of it &mdash; that gave the victory an extra viral moment.
Images and broadcast footage showed the racer sitting at his simulator without shoes, while another clip appeared to capture him yawning during the event. The combination made him look remarkably relaxed despite competing on one of the biggest sporting stages in Asia.
The contrast quickly became a talking point among Malaysian social media users, with fans joking about how someone could look so casual while competing for an Asian Games medal.
But the laid-back appearance did not mean Taj Izrin was taking the competition lightly.
The racer had undergone months of dedicated preparation as part of the National Sports Council&rsquo;s Podium Programme. The programme was among the support initiatives that helped prepare him for the Asian Games, with the Malaysian Esports Federation crediting Taj Izrin, his coach and the programme for contributing to the historic result.
His preparation also included physical training alongside his sim racing work. Reports have highlighted how Taj Izrin continued training despite challenges with the simulator and limited opportunities to practise with the equipment being used.
So, while the barefoot appearance may have made him look like he was casually playing a racing game at home, the gold medal was the result of months of serious preparation.
Gran Turismo 7 Is More Than Just A Racing Game
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Taj Izrin&rsquo;s gold came through Gran Turismo 7, the realistic racing simulation developed by Polyphony Digital for PlayStation.
The Gran Turismo franchise has been a major name in virtual racing for decades, building a reputation around detailed cars, realistic driving physics and its focus on recreating the experience of real motorsport.
GT7 continues that tradition by giving players a huge selection of cars, circuits and racing events, while attempting to replicate many of the details found in real-world driving.
The series has also developed an unusual connection between gaming and professional motorsport.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2b374e18ec4be2d9f48e538839c9b1ccdde905b9dc2d8d0794a56bcd1e59258" />
One of the best-known examples is British driver Jann Mardenborough, whose career famously began through Gran Turismo. Mardenborough won the 2011 Nissan PlayStation GT Academy Europe competition after competing in online trials involving more than 90,000 participants.
After winning GT Academy, he entered Nissan&rsquo;s driver development programme and transitioned from virtual racing to real-world motorsport. He went on to compete in British GT, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and GP3, where he won a race at Hockenheim in 2014.
His journey became one of the most prominent examples of how skills developed through sim racing could translate into professional motorsport.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7dc8d45df103dea807be71bcf22cdd0ead963ed847685442e79a007512a67e56" />
That connection makes Taj Izrin&rsquo;s Asian Games victory particularly fitting. His own interest in motorsport began with a fascination for real racing and racing games before he pursued sim racing more seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He later won Toyota Gazoo Racing competitions in Malaysia and Asia and reached the Gran Turismo Nations Cup World Final before eventually representing Malaysia at the Asian Games.
Malaysia&rsquo;s Asian Games Medal Haul
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/eaba1500f350621fff61e106f6a2e2c8d8231fc037f60216b332af75a63ce9c2" />
Taj Izrin&rsquo;s victory is just one part of Malaysia&rsquo;s campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
As of 24 September, Malaysia had collected three gold medals, one silver and five bronze medals, giving the country a total of nine medals.
The medal tally includes Taj Izrin&rsquo;s GT7 esports gold and karate exponent C. Shahmalarani&rsquo;s gold in the women&rsquo;s under-50kg kumite. Malaysia&rsquo;s first gold of the Games came from Adeola Fay Robert in the women&rsquo;s under-55kg karate kumite.
Malaysia&rsquo;s silver medal came from the eFootball duo Muhammad Hariz Hazmi Hakimin and Farish Luzman Muhammad Farid Sellekumar, who finished runners-up to Iran.
The country&rsquo;s five bronze medals have come across several disciplines, including wushu, karate and team kata, adding to Malaysia&rsquo;s growing medal haul as the competition continues.
With the Asian Games running until 4 October, Malaysia still has plenty of opportunities to add to its tally.
For now, though, Taj Izrin has already carved out a unique place in the Aichi-Nagoya Games &mdash; becoming Malaysia&rsquo;s first esports gold medallist while somehow looking like he could have been racing from his living room, barefoot and completely unbothered.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Taj Izrin just turned a barefoot gaming setup into an Asian Games gold medal.  If this is the start of his Jann Mardenborough arc, we’re here for it.

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Taj Izrin Goes From Barefoot To Gold As Malaysia Makes Esports History At Asian Games

BTS fever has reached Malaysian banks, with ARMYs turning up before sunrise to get their hands on Maybank&rsquo;s limited-edition BTS WORLD TOUR &lsquo;ARIRANG&rsquo; Debit Card.
The card launched at selected Maybank branches on 23 September, but demand quickly turned the release into an event of its own. At the Shah Alam Main Branch in Seksyen 14, some fans reportedly arrived as early as 3am to 4am, hours before the bank opened.
With queues forming outside the branch and BTS songs playing inside, the scene looked less like a normal banking day and more like a mini BTS concert.
Fans Queue From As Early As 3am
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Photos shared by Maybank staff member Irfan Othman showed fans waiting outside and inside the Shah Alam branch, with some bringing their bags and belongings as they prepared for the long wait.
Irfan even joked on Threads: &ldquo;Is this a bank or a BTS concert?&rdquo;
The early-morning queues continued into the following day, with another photo showing fans sitting along the walkway outside the branch while waiting for the doors to open. Inside, the banking hall was reportedly packed, with customers carrying BTS-themed items while staff worked through the crowd.
The BTS atmosphere was not limited to the fans. Irfan, who handles the branch&rsquo;s speaker system, asked customers what BTS songs they wanted to hear, turning the wait into an impromptu listening session.
Fans also shared their own experiences online. One fan said they arrived at 4.30am with six other ARMYs, despite not knowing each other beforehand. By the time they were waiting together, they had started chatting and even created a WhatsApp group.
Another fan who visited the Bukit Bintang branch said they began queuing at around 7am and completed the card replacement after the branch opened at 9.30am, praising the staff for handling the crowd efficiently.
What Is The Maybank BTS ARIRANG Debit Card?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/846f01113375e089792233b5b37fbd5a3694d5d6bfbcce9011af8252e150ca34" />
The Maybank Visa BTS WORLD TOUR &lsquo;ARIRANG&rsquo; Debit Card is a limited-edition Visa debit card created in conjunction with BTS&rsquo; upcoming ARIRANG World Tour.
The card features a predominantly black design with &ldquo;BTS World Tour ARIRANG&rdquo; branding and works like a standard Maybank Visa debit card. It can be linked to an existing or new Maybank current or savings account, while eligible customers can also add it to Apple Pay or Samsung Wallet for mobile payments.
Maybank has capped the total nationwide issuance at 200,000 cards. For the initial physical launch, the card was made available at 12 selected branches, with only 60 cards allocated per branch each day. That limited availability helps explain why some fans were willing to arrive several hours before opening.
The selected branches include locations in Shah Alam, Bukit Bintang, Mid Valley City, Petaling Jaya, Penang, Ipoh, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Karamunsing and Kuching.
Online Applications Open On 28 September
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/09917b689a77e6d008334945ddfaf8eb08b9e1c762670f04de53461dcade5fc2" />
For fans who missed the physical branch allocation, Maybank is opening online applications through Maybank2u from 28 September 2026, subject to remaining stock.
Existing Maybank debit cardholders can request the BTS edition as a replacement through Maybank2u. Users can log in, head to Settings, select Cards and choose the option to replace or renew their debit card before selecting the BTS edition.
A standard RM12 replacement fee applies, and cards will be delivered to the registered mailing address. Maybank has also warned that delivery could take more than 30 days during periods of high demand. If the remaining allocation runs out before a request can be fulfilled, the replacement fee will be refunded.
Those who are not already Maybank customers will first need to open a Maybank account before requesting the limited-edition card.
The card has a default daily purchase limit of RM3,000, which can be increased to RM10,000 through Maybank2u. Online shopping and overseas transactions also need to be activated separately before they can be used.
A Chance To Win BTS Concert Tickets
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Beyond the collectible design, the BTS debit card is also tied to Maybank and Visa&rsquo;s BTS concert ticket promotion.
The campaign runs from 23 September to 1 November 2026 and gives eligible cardholders opportunities to win tickets to BTS&rsquo; Kuala Lumpur concert at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil.
Successfully applying for or replacing an existing card with the limited-edition BTS debit card gives cardholders an automatic entry into the prize draw. Customers can also earn additional entries through eligible spending, with every cumulative RM400 spent on qualifying retail transactions using a Maybank Visa debit card earning another entry.
Certain transactions, including eWallet top-ups, government payments and charity donations, are excluded from the campaign.
BTS&rsquo; ARIRANG World Tour is scheduled to stop in Kuala Lumpur in December 2026, adding another reason for Malaysian ARMYs to keep an eye on the promotion.
BTS Fever Extends Beyond Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7af8762bb9c648063635944da204e4e32a65325d0331b431d0a0443fdd8d9cab" />
The excitement surrounding the ARIRANG card is not limited to Malaysia. BTS-themed bank cards have also been introduced in other Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand and the Philippines, with fans sharing their respective designs online.
For Malaysian ARMYs, however, the Maybank launch has already become a memorable fandom moment in its own right. From arriving before dawn to making new friends in the queue and listening to BTS songs while waiting for their turn, getting a debit card has unexpectedly become a full-on fan experience.
With online applications opening on 28 September, the next wave of fans will not need to camp outside a Maybank branch. But given the reaction to the physical launch, the limited-edition BTS ARIRANG debit card is clearly more than just another bank card for many Malaysian fans.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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3am queues for a debit card. There’s really no stopping an ARMY when it comes to the ARIRANG card.

bfdba9c9a38c4cdd0fb700e1dcce2ea8bf203c423855d9735d1f6992817e5e5d

Malaysian BTS Fans Turn Maybank Branches Into Mini Concerts For Limited-Edition ARIRANG Debit Card

When financial difficulties pushed his company into a deficit, entrepreneur Ade Azhar Ismail found himself with just RM33 left in his savings account.
Rather than give up, he returned to his roots by selling nasi lemak from the boot of his car in Seksyen 9, Shah Alam.
Ade, who has spent almost 16 years as an entrepreneur and previously earned a five-figure income as the CEO of his own distribution company, admitted that returning to roadside selling was not an easy decision.
However, what started as a way to generate an income during a difficult period eventually grew into a new business venture, earning RM9,000 in profit in its first month.
From A 60-Person Team To Just 14 Employees
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cf92a83a942ce74a504298cf652ac29d98be7cd1b0834263d46c441f42918413" />
According to Harian Metro, Ade has never worked a salaried job, having started his business journey through direct selling by selling toys.
In 2009, he became the CEO of his own company, which distributed products including air fresheners, storybooks, children's books, educational reading materials and books on the life of the Prophet.
At its peak, the company had around 60 employees. However, its sales team gradually shrank, with Ade saying only 14 employees remain. Many of those who left were Gen Z workers who were no longer interested in direct selling.
The loss of his sales team, along with several business partners leaving, affected the company's operations and contributed to it running at a deficit from the middle of last year.
Despite the difficulties, the company remains operational. Ade decided not to draw a CEO's salary and instead started selling nasi lemak, using the proceeds as his income while putting the remainder towards the company.
He Initially Felt Embarrassed Selling By The Roadside
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b7ec3f45c98ecc6c42285cd1b169c7d6e8549bc666154f85287c920a1fe20e0e" />
Returning to street trading was not easy for someone who had spent years running a company.
Ade admitted that he initially felt embarrassed about facing his siblings, relatives and employees while selling nasi lemak from his car boot.
However, he eventually put those feelings aside after remembering that his own business journey had started with direct selling. Friends and fellow business owners also supported him by visiting his selling spot and buying nasi lemak.
Ade said his family was initially unaware of the difficulties he was experiencing. His wife only found out about his new venture on the 15th day.
Since he sourced the nasi lemak from a distant relative rather than preparing it himself, she did not realise that he had started selling food by the roadside.
Started With Just 30 Packets
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/68932fc7fbd98fde9bd69359473fda02724b295f6ccf631d152f2de14866efb4" />
Ade's first day began with just 30 packets of nasi lemak.
He recalled feeling discouraged and even like a &ldquo;loser&rdquo; before starting, but his confidence grew once customers began buying. By the end of the day, all 30 packets had been sold.
Encouraged by the response, he continued with the business. A video of him selling nasi lemak later went viral on social media, bringing more attention to his venture.
Ade said his first month's profit reached RM9,000. By his 53rd day of selling, he had started recruiting workers and expanded the car-boot business to five additional locations.
Now Selling Up To 1,200 Packets A Day
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c5e76c6739f906f07afa74a89acbceb97bb75ff486044155d6b618a30926b2ca" />
By the 81st day, Ade and his team were selling as many as 1,200 packets of nasi lemak a day.
The business operates in two shifts, with the first beginning at 8.30am and the second starting at 5pm and continuing until the nasi lemak is sold out.
Roadside trading comes with challenges, from unpredictable weather to keeping up with growing demand. Despite this, Ade said they had sold out every day from the first day through to his 81st day.
Although the work is tiring, he said he enjoys meeting customers, including those who travel from far away to support his business.
&ldquo;Let Go Of Embarrassment And Ego&rdquo;
Ade sees the experience as an opportunity to reflect on his past mistakes and make improvements.
For others facing financial or business difficulties, he advised them not to let embarrassment or pride stop them from finding a way forward.
&ldquo;Let go of embarrassment and ego. Find a way out of your problems,&rdquo; he said.
Ade also encouraged people to make use of whatever experience and resources they already have instead of being afraid to start again.
&ldquo;Don't be afraid to start and, God willing, we can rise again and rebuild what we once worked for, even if we have to start from the bottom,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Rock bottom isn’t the end — sometimes it’s just the start of a better recipe.

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