The 2012 Hang Tuah Animation

Azrul Hassani Baharom draws inspiration from his childhood cartoon characters to spearhead his foray into the animation industry. Rozana Sani has the story

LIKE many who grew up in the late 70s and 80s in Malaysia, Azrul Hassani Baharom, 36, has fond memories of afternoons spent watching his favourite cartoons and TV shows as a child.

The second of three siblings, Azrul was enthralled with the robots in Transformers and Ultraman’s battles. Azrul would also be drawing cartoon characters and creating all sorts of gadgets to “save” the world.

The TV shows stirred in Azrul a deep interest in animation, so much so that he went on to study at IT and multimedia at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Upon graduation, at the height of the dotcom bust, he decided to go it alone and set up

Funcel Sdn Bhd, an animation production house specialising in 2-D animations.

“I met a friend who knew some people previously involved in the production of Anak-anak Sidek the comic series and cartoon. Their employers JAS Sdn Bhd had ceased operations. So, I teamed up with them to pursue my passion,” says Azrul.

But his father, a contractor, objected.

“My father built his construction company from scratch and had ambitions of his sons joining him. As the eldest son, I knew that he would be disappointed but I stuck to my guns. He eventually let me have my way but I was on my own.

Funcel was a do or die for me,” said the soft-spoken entrepreneur.

During the period, many of the heavyweights in Malaysian animation were in dire straits.

“Funcel Sdn Bhd was the underdog — a humble start-up,” adds Azrul.

Funcel had only RM20,000 in the beginning but it set its sight on the global market.

“We didn’t have an exact plan. But by improvising day by day, we believed we could make it. Animation is in our soul just like the Disney brothers.”

Azrul identifies mostly with Roy Oliver Disney, the older brother of Walt Disney and co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. While Walt looked after the creative side, Roy oversaw the business.

“While we dreamt of producing our own animation creations, there was the practical side to look into. I found myself having to manage both the creative and business side of the company.”

Azrul delved into managing and marketing. While he continued to contribute to the creative side, he delegated work to his able creative director and team.

“The team members were honoured to be entrusted with responsibilities.”

Rising star

Although Funcel struggled to make ends meet for the first five years, with Azrul on the brink of bankruptcy at one point, it progressed from doing outsourcing jobs to animation productions. It has since marketed its animations to various international and local distributors and broadcasters such as Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

Based in Petaling Jaya, Funcel’s 80-strong creative talents (pre-production studio, main studio and post-production studio) have to date produced Joji, Supraboy, Toopye, Jaguh, Atan & Nyet, Dunia Air Tawar, Puyoo World and Planet Saga, mainly targeting 9 to 14-year-olds.

Funcel is more ready to claim its place in the global market after acting as producer for RTM and production partner of the Malaysia Film Development Corporation (Finas),

One project that could propel Funcel onto the world stage is Satria: The Warriors of 7 Elements. Funcel is working with partner-cum-project consultant, renowned Japanese animation studio Gonzo — inspired by Hiroyuki Kitakubo, the award-winning director of the anime, Blood: The Last Vampire. Funcel is co-producing the project with Finas.

“Set in the golden age of Malacca, Satria tells about seven heroes who protect the Malacca Sultanate from a nemesis. In addition to portraying the culture to the global arena, this epic action adventure has elements of brotherhood, honour, loyalty, patriotism, moral values,” says Azrul, adding that there is strong interest among international broadcasters and distributors. Satria is expected to make a foray overseas by year-end.

Funcel is looking into animation spin-offs as well as merchandising and licensing. The comic book Animaxi, which was published by Funcel’s sister company Century Vantage Sdn Bhd, is being turned into animation. Azrul reveals that Funcel is in talks with retailers about merchandising.

Aiming for the world
Having long reconciled with his father and now with a family of his own, Azrul is thankful for Funcel’s status after 13 years in the industry.
It has been awarded status as an MSC Malaysia Status Company in the creative multimedia cluster. Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) has selected it as one of the five animation industry players to collaborate with academia.
In his personal capacity, Azrul is an exco member of Persatuan Penerbit Televisyen Malaysian and also a member of Creative Content Industry Guild and New Economic Forum.
He sits on the panel of the MDeC Pre-seed Fund Programme for the Creative Content sector.
He speaks at conferences organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Azrul Hassani Baharom

He also helps TERAJU, a unit in the Prime Minister’s Department, to elevate the Bumiputera economy under the Creative Content Industry cluster.
However, Azrul is quick to point out there are more goals to achieve, not least to help Malaysia become a notable player in the creative content industry.
And he has a burning ambition to make Funcel a platform for home-grown creative talent and content.
“Outsourcing, joint venture production, intellectual property creation... these are all strategies of a creative content company. We’re looking at 3-D next.”
Azrul has set his heart set on a training college where Funcel trains the next generation of animators.
“The growth of animation in Malaysia has been organic but it has to be looked at from a wider perspective especially when it comes to competing with other countries. It’s time that we go global but we must have the talent and a training school would help.”




Reference : http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/tech/animation-drives-azrul-1.35939/satria-warriors-of-the-7-elements-1.36225?page=8

Hang Tuah in Animation

Silat Lagenda 1998

Director : Hassan Abd Muthalib
Production Company : Peninsula Picture Sdn. Bhd.
Language : Bahasa Melayu
Category : Animation Film
Genre : Adventure, animation
Classification : U - for public view
Date publish : 27 August 1998
Duration : 90 min
Format : 35mm

Hassan Abd Muthalib

Film Info
Writer : Hassan Abd Muthalib (original story)
              Hisham Harun Hashim (play screen)
Actors : Noor Kumalasari : Mona
              Karim Latif : Tun Seleman / Pak Leman
              Dato' Jalaludin Hasan : Extra actor
              Othman Hafsham : Prof. Keefi
              M. Amin : Tok Guru Pujangga
              Razali Buyong : Bapa Burn
              Ismail Din : Bapa Zack / Narrator
Crews : Hassan Abd Muthalib, Elias Maidin, Sha'aban Yahya, Syed Mohamed.
Publisher : Hisham Harun Hashim, Hilmy Harun Hashim.

Sipnosis :
   The film is actually not based directly on the ancient legend, but to take essentially the story of Hang Tuah heroism in the past five companions. This story begins when Malacca in the 15th century to the conflicts of two gallant warriors seleman and Mona, where the winner will control the five-blade weapon mystery. When Mona fails to obtain such weapons, he continued to bear a grudge and still trying to master even with magic. Hundreds of years have passed, five-blade weapon was converted into a keris and stored in a cave on Mount Ledang, and Mona appressed in the period. Mona only will be unfrozen when got five young men in the 21st century is very interested in the heroic story of Hang Tuah and his friends managed to find the weapons and try to restore power. The battle between the forces of evil and good to start over.



Reference : http://www.sinemamalaysia.com.my/film/info/?id=Silat_Lagenda_258

Hang Tuah The Movie

The short clip taken from the movie "Hang Tuah". Starring by P. Ramlee as Hang Tuah, Ahmad Mahmud as hang Jebat, and so on.

Reference : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxvUtx2lcpw

Kit Kat Teaser

   A TV commercial made by Kit Kat, and they insert these Hang Tuah character into the commercial. (M. Nasir) as Hang Tuah went to a mini market called  "7-eleven". They starts to argued about "who is he?" (refers to Hang Tuah or M. Nasir). So, the motive is, Kit Kat can solve all problems, including this one. Watch to understand please. Haha!

Reference : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjfOOPWKcXY

Intro 2

   Enough with the origins of "Hang Tuah", where we know that this issue have no ending. So, I continue with the traditional sound clip, movie clip that related to Hang Tuah, and the most interesting part.....ANIMATION OF HANG TUAH AND THE GANG!!

The Origins of "Hang Tuah" Part 3

Is "Hang Tuah" is from Sulawesi?


Generasi Pejuang Bangsa impressed with an article by blogger otai Mahaguru 58 successful dismantling of the origins of Hang Tuah, allegedly by Khoo Kay Kim did not exist and there is no record. Mahaguru 58 using one of the most historic resources for the Malays in the history of the Malay Archipelago or Salatus Salatin Tun Sri Lanang work.
On pages 103 and 104 of the manuscripts, it clearly stated of Hang Tuah's origins! I will publish the essence of the information displayed there:


Maka sembah Seri Bija Pikrama, "Tuanku, yang kegemaran paduka adinda itu, jikalau ada budak laki-laki yang baik rupa­nya dan sikap serta dengan beraninya, itulah yang kegemaran paduka adinda."


Maka titah raja di Gowa, "Budak-budak bagaimana itu? Anak orang baikkah? Atau sebarang orangkah?"


Maka sembah Seri Bija Pikrama, "Jikalau boleh, anak orang baiklah, keraeng."


Setelah baginda mendengar kata Seri Bija Pikrama itu, maka titah raja di Gowa kepada juak-juaknya, "Pergi engkau semua carikan aku, anak daeng baik, anak hulubalang baik; barang yang baik rupanya dan sikapnya engkau ambil."


Maka segala juak-juaknya pun pergilah mencari anak orang, daripada segala kampung dan dusun dicarinya tiada dapat olehnya. Maka didengar nya ada anak raja Bajung yang terlalu baik rupanya dan sikapnya, bapanya sudah mati.


Maka segala juak-juak itu pun pergilah ke Bajung. Setelah sampai, dilihat­nya sungguh seperti khabar orang itu, lalu diambilnya, dibawanya kembali mengadap raja di Gowa dipersembahkannya.


Maka oleh raja di Gowa, ditunjukkannya pada utusan itu. Maka titah baginda, "Budak ini berkenankah saudaraku di Melaka, orang kaya?"


Maka dipandang oleh utusan kedua itu, terlalulah ia berkenan dengan gemar nya. Maka sembah Seri Bija Pikrama, "Demikianlah tuanku, yang dikehendaki paduka adinda."


Maka titah baginda, ''Jika demikian budak inilah Orang Kaya, aku kirimkan kepada saudaraku raja Melaka, ia ini anak raja Bajung, daripada tanda muafakat, serta dengan kasihku akan saudaraku raja Melaka, maka aku berikan."


Maka sembah Seri Bija Pikrama, "Sebenarnya lah titah tuanku itu; yang titah paduka adinda pun demikian juga, tuanku. "


Adapun anak raja Bajung itu Daeng Merupawah namanya; umur nya baru dua belas tahun. Diceriterakan orang yang empunya ceritera, sudah dua ia membunuh, mengembari orang mengamuk di negeri.


Setelah keesokan hari, maka utusan kedua itu pun naiklah mengadap Raja Mengkasar, didapatinya raja di Gowa telah pepak dihadap orang.


Maka Seri Bija Pikrama dan Tun Sura Diraja pun duduk menyembah. Maka oleh raja di Gowa utusan kedua itu dipersalini dengan sepertinya. Maka keduanya menyembah.


Maka titah raja di Gowa, "Katakan kepada saudaraku, Orang Kaya, akan Daeng Merupawah ini petaruhku Orang Kaya kedua kepada saudaraku, Raja Melaka. PerHamba ia baik-baik, dan kalau ada sesuatu yang dikehendaki oleh saudaraku, Raja Melaka, dalam Mengkasar ini menyuruh ia kepada aku." Maka sembah utusan kedua itu, "Baiklah tuanku."


Setelah itu maka kedua utusan itu pun bermohonlah, lalu turun. Maka surat dan bingkisan pun diarak oranglah dengan selengkap alatnya, dengan segala bunyi-bunyian.




Setelah datang ke perahu maka surat serta bingkisan itu disambut oranglah, disirupan. Maka segala yang menghantar itu pun kembalilah; maka Daeng Merupawah serta dengan Seri Bija Pikrama, maka kedua buahnya itupun belayarlah kembali.?*


Hatta berapa lamanya di jalan, maka sampailah ke Melaka. Maka dipersembahkan orang kepada Sultan Mansur Syah, mengatakan Seri Bija Pikrama telah datang.


Maka baginda pun keluarlah, semayam dihadap segala Orang Besar-besar dan hulubalang sida-sida, bentara, biduanda, Hamba raja sekalian. Maka surat itu disuruh baginda sambut dengan istiadatnya. Maka Seri Bija Pikrama dan Tun Sura Diraja pun bersama ­sama baginda, serta membawa Daeng Merupawah.


Setelah sampai ke balai, maka surat disambut bentara dipersembahkan ke bawah duli baginda; maka disuruh baca kepada khatib.


Setelah sudah dibaca, maka Sultan Mansur Syah pun terlalu sukacita mendengar bunyi surat Raja Meng­kasar itu.


Maka Seri Bija Pikrama dan Tun Sura Diraja pun naik menjunjung duli, lalu duduk mengadap kepada tempatnya sedia itu; maka Daeng Merupawah pun dipersembahkan ke bawah duli dengan segala pesan raja Mengkasar itu semuanya dipindahkannya.


Maka Sultan Mansur Syah pun terlalu suka, serta berkenan baginda memandang rupa dan sikapnya Daeng Merupawah itu. Maka titah baginda, "Bagaimana maka Raja Mengkasar ber­kirimkan anak raja Bajung ini? Dilanggarkah raja Bajung maka anaknya tertawan ini?"


Maka sembah Seri Bija Pikrama, "Tiada tuanku, Raja Mengkasar bertanya kepada patik akan kegemaran duli tuanku maka patik katakan gemar akan budak yang baik rupa." Maka semuanya perihal ehwalnya habis dipersembahkannya ke bawah duli Sultan Mansur Syah.


Maka baginda pun suka, serta Seri Bija Pikrama dipuji baginda. Maka Daeng Merupawah itu dinamai baginda Hang Tuah, itulah asal Hang Tuah; maka dipeliharakan oleh baginda dengan sepertinya, terlalu kasih baginda akan Hang Tuah, maka dianugerahi akan dia sebilah keris terupa Melaka dengan selengkap perhiasannya.


Adapun Hang Tuah selama ia di Melaka, tiada lain kerja­nya, hanya berguru akan ilmu hulubalang. Barang siapa yang lebih tahunya dimasukinya; adalah kepada zaman itu tiadalah dua orang-orang muda sebagainya.


Adapun "Perhangan" ke bawah duli Sultan Mansur Syah yang setelah sudah pilihan delapan orang, iaitu Hang Jebat, dan Hang Kasturi, dan Hang Lekir, dan Hang Lekiu, dan Hang Ali dan Hang Iskandar, dan Hang Hassan, dan Hang Hussin; dan tua-tuanya Tun Bija Sura, menjadi sembilan dengan Hang Tuah.




Such information displayed Admiral Hang Tuah himself who came from Makassar and called Daeng Merupawah, son of King Bajung.
Why did not completed the study of the origins of the Malacca Sultanate warrior and let people question its existence?


Reference : http://sejarahmelayu.blogspot.com/2012/04/hang-tuah-adalah-wujud-berasal-dari.html

The Origins of "Hang Tuah" Part 2

  History textbooks will be rewritten to align with the facts rather than myth and legend, according to historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim.

  For example, he said, there is no record of admiral of Malacca Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat and Princess Hang Li Po really exist, according to The Star.
  However, it is not clear whether anecdotal history that can not be verified will be included in the proposed new history syllabus for 2014.

  Khoo (right) are also part of the curriculum committee members to analyze, said talks should not be included as fact in textbooks.

"The main agenda of this committee to instill patriotic elements" (the students)

"My personal view, myths and legends should not be included in the curriculum.

"However, if they choose to insert it, it must clearly state that the story is not based on facts," he was quoted as saying to the English-language daily.



Reference : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/186810