The Address Magazine Nov-Dec 2013 #92: The Winter Issue

A TROPICANA MAGAZINE 

pg 60 

NO 

LOOK- 

ING 

BACK 

The smiling life of an architect 

turned restaurateur 

THE 

WINTER 

ISSUE 

Embracing 

the cold front 

pg 64 

AWESOME AURORA 

Chasing the solar wind in southern Iceland 

pg 82 

WILDERNESS CHIC 

Fashion from Asia’s all-season travellers 

TROPICANA 218 MACALISTER 

Making a mark in Penang 

KDN No 1505 (7892) 

Bimonthly Magazine 

Volume #92 Nov - Dec 2013

CONTENTS 

CHAPTER ONE THE LATEST/ PAGE 17 

NEW OPENINGS/ PAGE 18 FASHION/ PAGE 20 

BEAUTY/ PAGE 22 TO 23 GADGETS & HOME LIVING/ 

PAGE 24 TO 26 BOOKS/ PAGE 28 MUSIC/ PAGE 30 MOVIES/ PAGE 32 

THE DIARY/ PAGE 34 TO 36 

CHAPTER TWO THE HOME/ PAGE 39 

THE FRESH PRINCE OF VERBIER/ PAGE 40 TO 43 

PROPERTY NEWS/ PAGE 47 TO 56 0 

CHAPTER THREE THE EXPERIENCE/ PAGE 59 

AN INTERVIEW WITH THANEE 

LAIVARINTR: 18'S A CHARM/ PAGE 60 

NATURE'S WINTER WONDERLAND/ PAGE 64 

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS/ PAGE 68 TO 73 

A WORLDLY RIDE/ PAGE 74 TO 77 

BLACK DRAGON RIVER/ PAGE 78 TO 79 

CHAPTER FOUR THE LOOK / PAGE 81 

FASHION. STYLE WAVE. 

ACCESSORIES. BEAUTY./ PAGE 82 TO 105 

CHAPTER FIVE THE TASTE/ PAGE 113 

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE SWEDE/ PAGE 114 

TO 116 THE DISHES/ PAGE 119 TO 124 THE DRINKS/ PAGE 126 TO 127 

THE SCENE/ PAGE 128 THE LIST/ PAGE 142 

THE LAST GOODBYE/ PAGE 146 

10 TA | NOV/DEC 2013

W I N T E R B E A U T Y 

Warm and cold colours take precedence this winter, as makeup artist Taisu shows us how to achieve these looks. 

Photographs by Delvin Xian / Image Rom Studio - Art Direction by Irene Danesi - Makeup by Taisu - Hair by Bibian Leong / David Shaw Folio - 

Wardrobe by Love Moschino - Coordination by Deborah Lee - Model Patricia / Wu Models 

100 TA | nov/dec 2013

nov/dec 2013 | TA 101

102 TA | nov/dec NOV/DEC 2013


104 TA | nov/dec NOV/DEC 2013

nov/dec NOV/DEC 2013 | TA 105

Replete 

Your Skin 

Cosme Decorte’s latest 4D serum, the AQ MW Repletion, rejuvenates your skin cells 

from deep within for a firm-filled ‘lift’ and a youthful radiance that defies the years.

A 4D 

Serum 

is Born 

Members of the media at the exclusive AQ MW Repletion 

launch event on 7 August at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Japan. 

Cosme Decorte’s popular AQ MW (Absolute 

Quality Miracle Wonder) anti-aging skincare range 

proudly welcomes a new 4D serum – the AQ MW 

Repletion. Backed by the wonderful regenerative 

and therapeutic properties of the AQ MW concept, 

this novel serum is infused with a new and original 

active ingredient called the AQ MW Stemrise iPG, 

which promotes well-defined three dimensionality 

(3D) and challenges time (ID) – the fourth 

dimension – by improving the quality of progenitor 

cells deep within your skin. With this elixir of youth, 

your skin with feel rejuvenated with an unrivalled 

firmness and elasticity that defies the years. 

FRESH FLORALS 

The unique AQ MW design motif represents a pattern that’s throbbing with life as plants 

and flowers vigorously put forth new buds. Created by Marcel Wanders, a prodigy of avantgarde 

elegance, the ornate design symbolically focuses on the skin’s own mechanism – its 

hidden ability to rejuvenate itself over and over – while the dignified white and lithe curves 

reflect his perception of feminine beauty.

The Key to 

Youthful 

Skin 

THE 

MAGIC OF 

REPLETION 

The serum works by going beyond the surface of the skin 

and focusing on the source of youthful skin – progenitor 

cells. Present in the stratum basale, the lowermost layer 

of the skin, progenitor cells help maintain the skin by 

constantly dividing and thereby supplying new cells. 

Eventually, the generation of these progenitor cells slows 

down, leading to a loss of firmness in the skin. Hence, 

Cosme Decorte’s research into means of rejuvenating 

each and every progenitor cell has yielded one promising 

solution: AQ MW Stemrise iPG, an active ingredient that 

targets the under-eye area, cheeks, and nasolabial folds 

to create greater cell density deep within the skin for a 

definitive firmness. 

• Adds plumpness, moisture and density from within, 

imbuing the skin with ‘pushed-up’ firmness and lift. 

• Richly and deeply moisturises the skin for a wellconditioned, 

smooth appearance with less noticeable 

loose pores, fine wrinkles and nasolabial fold lines. 

• Skin problems associated with external stress are 

rectified internally at an early stage by the functions 

of mucinsome and double peptides, encouraging the 

regeneration of skin cells. 

• Enjoy the relaxing scent of essential oils (natural 

fragrances) and sandalwood. 

The AQ MW Stemrise iPG is derived from three oriental plant extracts: 

Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract 

Harvested in Japan, this major 

ingredient can often be found in 

traditional Chinese herbal medicine 

due to its restorative, alleviative 

and calming benefits. 

Eugenia Calamus Extract 

Brought into Japan in ancient 

times, this ingredient was 

considered so valuable that it 

was included in the ‘shōsōin’ 

(ancient treasure house) as an 

imperial treasure. It is also known 

as ‘hyakurika’ (100 fragrances) 

because of its strong fragrance. 

Acorus Calamus Root 

This medicinal herb is known 

for its use in ‘shobuyu’ (acorus 

calamus root bath), a customary 

bath carried out during the Boys’ 

Festival in Japan. Bathing in this 

water warms the body, improves 

blood circulation, and releases 

tension in the nerves.

A mirACLe 

WonDer 

The AQ MW Repletion carries the AQ MW’s signature 

‘integrated beauty’ concept, which fuses dermatological 

studies with the soothing of the mind. It’s a concept that 

emphasises two mechanisms: skin regeneration, which 

is supported by a powerful moisturising ingredient 

called mucinsome, and relaxation, for which the scent of 

sandalwood is used to soothe the mind. 

After cleansing, use the AQ MW Repair Emulsion (softening), Repair Lotion (balancing) 

and then Repletion Serum (protecting and moisturising) for maximum results. 

AQ MW Repair Emulsion 

Instead of toners, Cosme Decorte 

focuses on emulsions as they contain 

superb skin softening properties to help 

subsequent skincare products penetrate 

deeper into the skin. 

AQ MW Repair Lotion 

This high-performance lotion smoothes 

out fine lines and produces a clear and 

radiant complexion. 

HoW To APPLy THe AQ mW rePLeTion 

Perform the following after taking two pumps of AQ MW Repletion on the palm. 

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 

Press fingers and palms 

Press fingers and palm 

Push the bottom of 

Press the ju liao 

against the cheeks 

of one hand against the 

each palm against the 

(acupuncture points 

and lift several times, 

forehead and lift several 

cheekbone and massage 

located directly below 

working outward from the 

times, alternating 

three times in a circular 

the pupil, at the level of 

centre of the face, until 

hands each time, until 

motion and then lift 

the wings of the nose) 

the serum thoroughly 

the serum thoroughly 

toward the temple. 

with the middle finger 

penetrates the skin 

penetrates the skin. 

Repeat the sequence 

several times. 

three times. 

KOSÉ (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. 

No. 5, Jalan Teknologi 3/5A, Sinar Damansara Industrial Park, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan 

T 03-6140 3161 | F 03-6140 2951 | E enquiries@kose.com.my | W www.kose.com.my

TRUE BEAUTY BEGINS WITHIN 

Advocating health as the basis for beauty, 

ReJeune developed the Rejeune Cream 

and Magnetic Physiotherapy Tools to help 

stimulate the meridian, enhance blood 

circulation and balance hormone levels for a 

more radiant and youthful complexion. 

ReJeune Cream 

Glow with vitality and beauty 

The ancient Chinese medical text “The Inner Canon 

of Huangdi” states that the external image of the body, 

internal body organs, meridians and blood are closely 

related and they complete a cohesive function of the body 

through qi (energy flow), blood and body fluid. Hence, any 

influence or damage to any of these factors can affect the 

body’s normal physiological function causing diseases, and 

also affect one’s physical attractiveness. 

Based on that belief, the ReJeune Cream has been developed 

to stimulate the meridian, balance hormone levels and 

revitalise degenerated organ functions. It combines the 

riches of pure natural botanical ingredients and state-of-theart 

biochemical technology. The main ingredients are not 

botanical, animal or chemically synthesised hormones, but 

essential precursors for the synthesis of hormones in our 

body – prohormones. During application, these ingredients 

are converted and synthesised into essential hormones of 

the human body. 

Benefits of ReJeune Cream: 

1. Stimulate the meridian: Maintaining the meridian 

system inside the human body. 

• Promote transportation of qi. 

• Enhance blood circulation. 

• Remove blood clots and regenerate cells. 

2. Balance hormone levels: Hormones assist the 

operations of body functions. 

• For example, melatonin can regulate sleeping 

patterns and sexual functions. The lack of 

estrogen can speed up the aging process, causing 

wrinkles, loss of skin suppleness and other 

problems. 

• Once applied, the cream will be converted to the 

natural hormones that the human body needs.

Magnetic Physiotherapy Tools 

The beauty of regeneration 

ReJeune pioneered the first magnetic physiotherapy tools based 

on the meridian acupoint massage therapy in traditional Chinese 

medicine. Meridians and acupoints make up a complex network 

of channels in the human body. When blockage occurs in these 

channels, health problems will arise. Hence, the meridians need to 

be released to enable the body to regain its balance. When used 

with the ReJeune Cream, it can swiftly and effectively activate the 

acupoints and deliver the cream deep into the layer where the 

meridians are located, thus smoothening the flow of blood and 

qi in the body and improving organ functions. The body then 

receives the necessary nourishment, warmth, gases and so on to 

allow complete physiological function, resulting in both inner and 

outer beauty. 

About ReJeune 

ReJeune comes from a French word that means ‘revival’, 

‘regeneration’, and ‘new life’. The brand was first established in 

Hong Kong in the year 2002. The research and development, 

production and presentation of the ReJeune products are based 

on the meridian (the path in which our qi flows) knowledge, 

which is integrated with the quintessential medical essence of 

Chinese and Western origin, before it is produced into exclusive 

beauty and health care treatment. ReJeune Cream, made of pure 

botanical extracts combined with magnetic physiotherapy tools – 

ReJeune’s meridian health beauty therapy – complete care from 

inside out, is devoted to restore the balance between body and 

mind in order to achieve cell regeneration. 

In 2010, ReJeune officially reached the shores of Malaysia, and 

within a year’s time, the brand signed on five Master Licensees 

covering Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei with distribution 

channels through more than 100 beauty salons. 

ReJeune received the following awards in Malaysia: 

• Super Golden Product 

• Super Health Brand 

• Celebrity Healthcare 

• Celebrity Beautycare 

• Celebrity Product 

• Asia Pacific International Honesty Enterprise – Keris Award 

ReJeune Headquarter 

No. 27-3 & 27-M, Jalan PJU 5/20A, 

The Strand, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor 

T. 03-6142 7330 

W. www.rejeune.com.my | www.facebook.com/MyRejeune

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE SWEDE 

Words Alison Elfwing 

Photographs LAW SOO PHYE 

From Sweden to Australia and now Malaysia, this is one Swede who hasn’t forgotten 

his roots. Award-winning celebrity chef and cookbook author Chef Michael Elfwing 

shares his favourite comforting winter recipes from home that will warm you up 

from head to toe. 

You may recognise him from his cookbook 

that graced the shelves of our bookstores, 

or more recently from the candid television 

advertisements as Panasonic’s ‘Cooking 

Magic’ ambassador where there was even a 

version in which he spoke fluent Malay! Or, 

you may have had the privilege of getting to 

know him up close as the Chef de Cuisine at 

the award-winning Senses of Hilton Kuala 

Lumpur, where both chef and restaurant 

stole the limelight at the Malaysian International 

Gourmet Festival (MIGF) several 

years in a row. 

At the age of 32, Chef Michael Elfwing has 

fast become a household name on the Malaysian 

culinary scene. Looking at him across 

the table as he tells me about his journey from 

the sleepy town of Landskrona in Sweden to 

Kuala Lumpur, his boyish good looks do no 

justice to his maturity, experience and expertise 

in the kitchen. Composed and speaking 

in a soft, pleasant tone, he reveals that despite 

being in the public eye, he actually shies away 

from fame and feels most comfortable slicing, 

dicing, chopping, cooking and creating. 

At the tender age of 16, Chef Michael made 

the bold decision to move the thousands of 

miles from Sweden to Perth to live with his 

father, also a chef. Little did he know that this 

move would lead to the launch of his career. 

Starting off in the modest kitchen of Little 

River Winery and Cafe in Swan Valley, 


which served rustic French cuisine, he learnt 

everything he could from his father. With 

that strong foundation, five years later Chef 

Michael joined the Hilton group. Under the 

guidance of celebrated chef and award-winning 

Malaysian-born Cheong Liew at The 

Grange in Hilton Adelaide, Chef Michael 

was introduced to cooking with Asian ingredients 

and techniques he still employs today 

in his cooking. 

A stint later on at three-Michelin star restaurant 

The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal 

in the UK further expanded his knowledge of 

molecular gastronomy and fed his hunger for 

the use of top quality ingredients. 

Chef Michael was part of the opening team 

at the five-star Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Climbing 

the ladder through long hours, hard work 

and very little social life, his dedication over 

the last nine years now sees him in a position 

he never thought he would be in: Executive 

Sous Chef of the hotel. 

Chef Michael’s signature dish is an eye 

catching people pleaser aptly named ‘Smoking 

Allowed’. Tasmanian ocean trout is 

smoked at your table, accompanied by Nordic 

deep sea shrimp with sour cream and chives. 

“Having travelled so many miles and been 

away from home for so long, exposed to and 

influenced by so many cultures, can you remember 

how to cook Swedish food, let alone 

what it tastes like?” I ask. 

“Yes, of course! Swedish food and Scandinavian 

cuisine is a part of me, and you see it in a lot 

of my food,” he says, pointing to his cookbook, 

simply titled Cooking with Michael Elfwing. 

Here in Malaysia, Chef Michael eats a simple 

meal at home, normally comprising toast 

or Knäckebröd, which is a Swedish crispbread, 

topped off with creamy Räkost – a prawn 

cheese. “For me, Swedish food is home. It’s 

what I cook when I feel homesick, when I 

miss my family, and my meat and potatoes!” 

“It’s not all meatballs or gravlax you know,” 

he continues, a cheeky half-smile creeping 

up. “Swedish food is a lot about seasonal ingredients, 

and since it’s cold for the majority 

of the year, you find a lot of meats, root vegetables. 

Oh, and sauces!” he exclaims. “The 

Swedes love their gravy!” 

I was treated to three of Chef Michael’s 

favourite homecooked Swedish dishes, ones 

that he holds close to his heart. 

“The first one is Dillkött på kalv, which is 

veal cooked in dill sauce served with parsnip 

and baby carrots. It’s very traditional and 

slightly unusual, a tasty braise simmered in a 

root vegetable stock,” he says. “You can use 

either veal or lamb, then from the stock you 

make the sauce, and add butter and flour and 

chopped dill. A usual braise would be brown 

colour, but this is light and creamy.” 

“When would you eat it?” I ask, savouring 

the tenderness of the veal which melted like 

butter in my mouth. “Not as often as we eat 

meatballs, which is every Sunday!” he laughs. 

The next dish I tried was Kåldolmar, or 

Swedish cabbage rolls. Made from minced 

pork or beef and rice rolled in cabbage leaves 

then braised in onion gravy, these hearty 

rolls will have you licking your lips and begging 

for more. 

“You eat it with mashed potatoes, golden 

syrup, crispy fried shallots, lingonberries and 

some beetroot.” I stare at him in disbelief and 

exclaim, “Golden syrup?” 

He chuckles at my reaction then gives me 

the logic behind it. “The golden syrup and the 

fried shallot go on the mash potatoes, and ➢ 

Opposite page — Chef Michael 

Elfwing preparing the Kåldolmar, also 

known as Swedish cabbage rolls 


— Swedish cabbage rolls 

served with mashed potatoes, 

golden syrup, mushrooms, 

lingonberries and beetroot 

“It’s not all meatballs or gravlax you know; 

Swedish food is a lot about seasonal ingredients, and 

since it’s cold for the majority of the year, you find a 

lot of meats, root vegetables and sauces. ” 

← the cabbage rolls with the light sauce from 

the braise. You get a lovely sweet-savoury experience.” 

I had to agree with him, it was a 

wonderful combination of flavours and textures. 

The vibrant, meaty flavour is delicious 

and I could taste the richness of the chopped 

cabbage and onion fried in butter. 

“The mince beef has quite a lot of cooked 

rice to it. I guess it’s a poor man’s dish, but 

it gives it a nice texture and makes it affordable.” 

Chef Michael tells me that it is a dish 

that is fast becoming extinct, and is a dish 

that was made by his grandmother rather 

than his mother. “I learnt to make it from 

my food memories.” 

A cherished recipe is one he learnt from 

his late mother. A simple yet stunning sticky 

chocolate cake, or Kladdkaka. Dark and 

moist, it was balanced perfectly by the luxurious 

melting vanilla ice cream. I savoured 

each bite, thinking to myself that this was 

indeed a chocolate lovers dream come true. 

There is a lot of finesse in his food yet everything 

tastes comforting and homely. One 

thing that is obvious is that Chef Michael 

puts his heart and soul into his food, and it’s 

cooked with a lot of love. He brings to light 

simple, understated flavours that are particularly 

comforting for a cold winter’s day. 

This is one Swede that certainly has the 

right touch to make even the simplest of ingredients, 

spectacular. 

RECIPE 

Swedish Cabbage Rolls / Kåldolmar 

Serves 4 

1 medium head of white cabbage 

50 g cooked short grain rice, like Japanese sushi rice 

5 tbsp milk 

5 tbsp breadcrumbs 

½ yellow onion 

2 tablespoons butter 

400 g of minced beef 

1 egg 

Salt & white pepper 

2 tablespoons Lyle’s golden syrup 

Sauce 

Beef stock or chicken stock 

1 yellow onion 

6 button mushrooms 

Serve with 

Beef stock or chicken stock 

The method 

1 — Remove the stem from the cabbage and boil in a 

pot of water with the core facing up, until the leaves 

are tender. Carefully peel the cabbage leaves and cut 

off the thick part of each leaf. 

2 — Peel and chop the onion and fry in a pan 

with butter until soft and leave to cool, soak the 

breadcrumbs in the milk for a few minutes. 

3 — Mix the meat, cooked onions, soaked bread 

crumbs, rice, egg, salt and pepper together. The meat 

should be fairly loose and not packed tightly. 

4 — Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of meat onto each 

cabbage leaf, fold the leaves, and roll up into small 

rolls. You should have about 12 cabbage rolls. Lightly 

brown them in a pan with butter. Start by frying them 

with the seam side down. 

5 — Preheat the oven to 175C. Transfer the cabbage 

rolls to a heatproof dish and pour in the stock. 

6 — Bake for 20 minutes then drizzle with Lyle’s golden 

syrup and bake in the oven for another 10 minutes. 

7 — To make the braising stock: Sauté the onion and 

mushrooms until brown and add the beef or chicken 

stock, season with salt and pepper and allow to 

simmer for a few minutes. 

8 — Once the onion is soft pour over the cabbage rolls 

and bake in the oven as per point 5–6. 

9 — Serve the cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes 

topped with Lyle’s golden syrup and fried shallots, 

lingonberry jam. 

Smaklig måltid. 


TROPICANA CITY MALL 

No 3, Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor 

HK KITCHEN 

Steamed Rice with Beef, 

Apple and Egg – Great dishes 

don’t need fancy names, and 

this one is as unfancy as it 

gets. Known for his fruity 

experiments with savoury 

dishes at Private Kitchen, 

Hong Kong Chef Lam Fai 

reveals his unique takes on 

traditional Hong Kong staples 

to the masses at this new 

casual dining establishment 

for a fraction of the price. 

This dish takes the popular 

steamed rice with beef and 

egg, and adds a spanner 

with soft stewed apples on 

top. The minced beef patty, 

which is freshly marinated at 

Private Kitchen every day, is 

chewy, slightly sweet and very 

peppery, which goes well with 

the steamed rice, but feels a 

bit rich, particularly with the 

half-cooked egg layered on 

top. This is where the stewed 

apples come in, tempering 

the richness with a soft sweet 

and sour aftertaste, making 

it a perfect compliment and 

exposing Chef Lam Fai’s 

continental background. To 

further balance the dish out, 

he adds a few strands of siew 

pak choi, and a mildly sour 

pickled chili paste. 

LG19, Lower Ground – T. 03-7728 8399 

Operating hours – 10.00 am to 10.00 pm 

NOV/DEC 2013 | TA 119

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT 

47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor 

THAI GRILL 

Keng Som Fish – This sweet, 

sour and spicy Thai-style 

assam fish is a Thai Grill 

speciality that has managed 

to hit all the right notes. The 

freshly-caught tilapia fish 

is deep fried to a crisp and 

then dunked in a crimson red 

broth – comprised of Thai 

ginger, lemongrass, onions, 

dried chillies, tamarind juice, 

fish sauce, chicken stock and 

vegetables like long bean, 

cauliflower and kangkung – 

that is reminiscent of tom 

yam soup. The fiery red 

colour is a mere facade as it 

is only slightly spicy; instead, 

the flavour strikes an ideal 

balance between sweet, sour 

and spicy. The fish is well 

done – preparing it in this 

method clearly removes 

any muddy taste that we 

sometimes associate with 

river fish. Best to dig in as 

soon as the dish is served 

to enjoy the crunchiness of 

the fish together with the 

steaming hot broth. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7804 8888 (ext 308) - www.facebook.com /TheGrillTGCC 

Operating hours - Monday to Sunday - Lunch - 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm 

- Dinner - 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm 




JOJO 

ITALIAN RESTAURANT 

Rack of Lamb – Tender, 

sweet and juicy, JoJo’s hearty 

eight-rib rack of lamb sure 

is something. The key is to 

not go overboard with the 

seasoning and Italian Chef 

Johnny has understood this 

all too well so that you will be 

able to enjoy the natural taste 

of the meat. The rack of lamb 

is seared quickly over a hot 

fire and the temperature is 

then brought down to allow 

the centre to roast, resulting 

in a perfect caramelised crust 

with the middle part being 

tender and juicy. It is one of 

the most expensive cuts of 

lamb and should be roasted 

until pink, or medium at most. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7805 3935 - www.jojoitalianrestaurant.com 

Operating hours - Monday to Thursday - 11.00 am to 11.00 pm 

- Friday to Sunday - 11.00 am to 1.00 pm 




GIN SHUI TEI 

Gindara Saikyomiso – 

Essentially grilled black cod 

in saikyomiso marinade, 

saikyomiso comes from 

Kyoto, Japan and is known as 

the sweet miso paste where 

more rice than soybean is 

used in its making. Compared 

with other miso, it has the 

least amount of salt, thus 

minimising the intense 

flavour to a naturally sweet, 

mild taste. The saikyomisomarinated 

black cod fillet is 

rinsed first so that the miso 

does not come off too strong. 

It is then grilled until tender 

and presented on a dried 

hoba leaf with a smear of 

saikyomiso on the side. An 

excellent source of omega-3 

fatty acids and vitamin B12, 

the black cod is superbly fresh 

and firm, and the miso greatly 

enhances the meat with its 

sweet flavour and aroma. The 

combination is divine as the 

succulent meat slowly melts in 

your mouth. Great with plain 

rice and a good, chilled sake. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7804 8888 - www.facebook.com /ginshuitei 

Operating hours - Monday to Sunday - Lunch - 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm 

- Dinner - 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm 




PALMS 

COFFEE HOUSE 

Butter Fish Fillet – If you 

are a fan of butter prawns, 

then this Butter Fish Fillet 

is sure to tickle your senses 

and without the hassle 

of de-shelling! The deep 

fried snake fish fillets come 

buried in buttery shreds 

that are flash fried to a crisp 

and served sweet and salty. 

Essentially, the fluffy shreds 

are a concoction of butter, 

egg yolk, chicken stock, sugar, 

curry leaves and cili padi, and 

are absolutely sinful with 

every bite. The fresh curry 

leaves lend an irreplaceable 

fragrance to this dish, while 

the chilli gives it a wonderful 

kick. Pair all that scrumptious 

fluff with the crispy fish 

fillets and you have yourself 

the perfect combination of 

textures and flavours. 

Clubhouse - T. 03-7804 8888 (ext 306 /309) - www.tropicanagolf.com 

Operating hours - Monday to Friday - 7.00 am to 12.00 am 

- Saturday to Sunday - 7.00 am to 8.00 pm 


JAYA SQUARE 

Jalan SS17/2, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor 

IMPERIAL CHINA 

TAI THONG 

Steamed Honey Egg with 

Fresh Ginseng, Bird’s 

Nest and Aloe Vera – As 

part of the Nourishing 

Promotion (available until 

December 2013), Chef Jacky 

Lim introduces a playful 

dessert using fresh ginseng. 

Traditionally eaten in its dry 

form, fresh ginseng is made 

possible due to the fact that it’s 

grown in carefully monitored 

greenhouses in Korea, 

resulting in a less bitter taste. 

This flavour is applied here in 

the form of a soft egg custard, 

which is infused with ginger, 

honey and garnished with a 

pandan leaf and wolfberry. 

The light ginger and ginseng 

taste infuse well into the 

supple egg custard, which is 

topped with aloe vera that 

has been stewed in a similar 

concoction for 30 minutes, 

providing a slight flavourful 

bite to the otherwise delicate 

dish. Once you reach the 

bottom of the cup, bite into 

the three slices of fresh 

ginseng. Its texture is similar 

to ginger except that it’s 

sweet, with only a slight hint 

of the ginseng’s trademark 

bitterness – the perfect ending 

to the last dish of the evening. 

Level 3 – T. 03-5636 1266 – www.taithong.com.my 

Operating hours – Monday to Saturday – 11.30 am to 2.30 pm & 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm; 

Sunday & Public Holidays – 9.30 am to 2.30 pm & 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm 


EDITOR’S NOTE 

What is winter? It’s perhaps a difficult question to answer in Malaysia. We don’t experience 

the geological signs that winter has come. There’s no drop in temperature, 

no looming grey skies or fields of snow. Yet the season still arrives quite noticeably. 

Spurred by luxury ad campaigns and fall fashion ranges, Malaysia readies itself for 

the winter front every November. 

With that in mind, we have dedicated this issue of The Address to all things winter. 

We travel to extremes in southern Iceland for a true white Christmas (Nature’s 

Winter Wonderland, p64) and holiday with royalty at the chalet of three crowns in 

Switzerland’s stunning Verbier (The Fresh Prince of Verbier, p40). 

But it’s not all vacations; we also prepare to battle the elements with our Game 

Changer – adventure clothing and accessories giant The North Face (Scaling New 

Heights, p68). The American brand has grown beyond its roots as a niche outdoors 

equipment supplier into a retail icon at the forefront of the wilderness chic movement. 

Indeed, it has lived up to the challenge to which its name refers – the notoriously 

difficult-to-climb northern faces of the world’s toughest peaks. 

Elsewhere, Tropicana’s inaugural development in Penang is set to build on a very 

different name: Norman MacAlister. One of the island’s most famous figures, Colonel 

MacAlister was governor of Penang from 1808–1810 and his legacy is still felt 

in Georgetown today. Macalister Road combines the city’s business and historical 

backgrounds, and Tropicana 218 Macalister is set to offer its own blend of lifestyle 

living and central business district (CBD) convenience when it opens in 2017 (Property 

News, p47). 

Less landed is our nomadic-themed fashion shoot, showcasing the latest looks that 

draw inspiration from the dynamic lifestyles of Central Asian travellers. Roughly 30 

per cent of Mongolia’s population are nomadic or semi-nomadic, living off and at 

one with the land around them. As the world continues to look for new green initiatives 

there’s still a lot to be learned from the resourcefulness of those that rely on 

nature for their very existence. 

Infiniti has attempted to combine this frugality with the luxury we’re used to at 

The Address in their latest launch: the Q50 Hybrid (A Worldly Ride, p74). The design 

remit was one faced by a lot of companies in Asia today – don’t just toe the line with 

the established Western brands; surpass them, in every detail and in all conditions. 

The result is a product more than capable of tackling the European automobile giants 

on their home turf, come rain or shine. 

And with that spirit we welcome you into the exciting months of winter and into 

the pages of our coolest issue yet. 


Festive DRINKS 

1. HOT BUTTERED RUM 

Marini’s On 57 

Spices feature significantly in 

this unique, slightly oily drink. A 

marriage of cinnamon sticks and 

cloves form the base, with brown 

sugar adding to the earthiness. 

Half a cube of salted butter in 

hot water, dark rum and orange 

peel complete this festivity in 

a mug. The drink tastes like a 

sweetish tea with a good blast 

of caribbean rum coming 

through. There is also a pleasant 

creaminess courtesy of the dairy. 

It is a strong mixed drink with 

flavours guaranteed to get you in 

the christmas spirit, just like an 

alcoholic fruit cake would. While 

this is an old-fashioned cocktail 

that is associated with the holiday 

season, its history stretches deep 

into America’s colonial days. 

www.marinis57.com 


2. WHITE ALE 

Tom Dick & Harry’s 

White ales or beers made 

with mostly wheat (as opposed 

to only barley) are one of the 

oldest forms of beers around. 

They are tamely pleasant on the 

nose and palate, with light to 

zero bitterness. Franziskaner 

Weissbier is a Bavarian beer, 

like most German white ales. It 

has been putting smiles on faces 

since 1363, and is the oldest 

private brewery in Munich. 

The Franziskaner has fresh 

flavours of wheat, and is always 

a refreshing, crisp beverage. It 

is fruity, almost lemony, with 

a sourish finish. An excellent 

beverage for any time of day. 

For variation, there is a dunkel 

(dark) version. 

3. HOT CHOCOLATE 

Dip’n Dip 

Chocolate, in liquid form? You 

just cannot go wrong with such 

a sensual concoction. And it is 

when we are enjoying a cuppa 

that we are almost giggly kids 

again. Chocolaty drinks were 

highly-prized beverages created 

eons ago in Central America by 

the Mayans. Their drink was 

crude and bitter though. Today’s 

hot chocolates are refined and 

comforting. The simple process 

sees the union of chocolate bits 

with hot milk. Some recipes 

would add spices, salt or liqueur. 

This drink scores when it is thick 

and chocolaty. The version at 

Dip ’n Dip ticks those boxes with 

its dark chocolate mix. Malty as 

well, just the right viscosity, a 

tad milky on the tongue, with a 

subdued bitterness. 

www.dipndip.com 

4. MULLED WINE 

Sid’s Pub 

Wine has been heated and 

spiced since first-century 

Rome, so it is a cocktail that is 

about two millennia old! For 

the English version, it is more 

likely to be done in the kitchen 

than the bar. The ingredients 

are steeped for a few hours in a 

pot – comprising water, brown 

sugar, lemon peel, orange peel, 

cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and 

star anise. Red wine and brandy 

join the party later. It is not an 

easy drink at first; starting off 

sweet-sour, and then confusing 

your palate with a dry tang and a 

linger of spice-based bitterness. 

It only looks like sangria. Served 

hot. Variations use port or claret 

as the base. Available at all Sid’s 

Pubs in December. 

www.sidspubs.com 

Embrace the festive season with these drinks designed for gloomy days 

4 

1 2 

3 


THE SCENE 

Flip the pages to keep tabs on all the latest happenings in town, past and present – 

hot off the press of Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, Tropicana City Mall and externally. 

There is just so much good stuff going on right now; from golf tournaments and wedding 

celebrations to press conferences, gala dinners and charity drives, our editorial team 

had a field day trying to keep up-to-date with them all! 

Kids Go 

MUDBALLING 

1 


Monday, 5 August 2013 

The children of Kindyland Tropicana came out in 

force to toss mudballs in the name of clean water 

at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort. The efforts to 

create a clean water environment saw 93 children 

between the ages of four and six clearing the lake 

at East 1, Hole 1 of concentrated deposits of sludge 

and slime. Part of the resort’s Corporate Social Responsibility 

(CSR) programme, the activity was also 

a chance for the inquisitive kids to learn about the 

environment and conservation – all under the guise 

of flinging mud! 

3 

2 

1 — Dr Tan Foo (left in blue shirt), Organic Consultant of Innovative Landscape showing the children how the organic mudball is made 2 — A young 

girl with her very first mudball 3 — James Thor, Senior Manager of TGCR explaining the purpose of the Mudball to the children 


1 

Raya Charity 

OUTING 

PSPK, RUMAH AMAL CHESHIRE 

HOMES & PUSAT PEMULIHAN DALAM 

KOMUNITI SELAYANG 

Thursday, 5 September 2013 

2 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort brought hope and 

joy to three charitable homes in the Klang Valley this 

Raya. Accompanying generous donations amounting 

to RM9,000, a group of staff led by Tropicana Golf & 

Country Resort’s Senior General Manager Mr Herman 

Tan visited Rumah Amal Chesire Homes, PSPK 

and Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Selayang. The 

team met with staff and residents from the homes and 

the afternoon ended with the charities receiving duit 

Raya and goodie bags. The outing represents Tropicana 

Golf & Country Resort’s second trip to two of 

the homes and was part of the resort’s yearly charity 

initiative to give back to society. 

4 

3 

1 — Kids just love desserts 2 — Herman Tan handing over a donation mock cheque to Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor President Datin Paduka 

Khatijah Sulieman 3 — TGCR volunteers helping out the kids during a colouring contest 4 — A group photo opportunity of all three charity homes 

and TGCR volunteers 


1 

Aidilfitri at 



Main Atrium – Thursday, 18 July to Monday, 

5 August 2013 

Tropicana City Mall (TCM) celebrated the Hari Raya 

festivities with a three week-long event themed around 

the traditional lifestyle and art of Malay culture. In collaboration 

with Kraftangan Malaysia, TCM featured 20 

booths that offered exclusive merchandise ranging from 

batik apparel and traditional attire with matching accessories 

to Malay delicacies. There were also various traditional 

arts and craft workshops such as batik painting, 

pottery making and rattan/mengkuang leaf weaving held 

every weekend. Adding a little challenge, a batik painting 

competition was held on 27 July and 4 August for 

children aged five to 12. Apart from that, the first ten 

shoppers who spent a minimum of RM300 in three 

accumulated receipts on the same day got to redeem a 

limited edition TCM Hari Raya Touch ‘n Go card with 

a pre-loaded value of RM10 and a pack of Raya packets, 

while shoppers who spent RM100 in two accumulated 

receipts on the same day received limited edition ‘Aidilfitri 

at Tropicana City Mall’ Raya packets. of their service. 

2 

3 

4 

1 — A young boy trying his hand at batik painting 2 — Ladies learning how to weave a basket 3 — Kids enjoying a traditional Malay game - congkak 

4 — An overview of the Aidilfitri event at the main atrium of Tropicana City Mall 


1 

2 

Hari Raya 

CHARITY DINNER 

Tropicana City Mall 

Main Atrium – Saturday, 3 August 2013 

4 

3 

It was a day to remember for the 40 children of the Pertubuhan 

Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Al-Nasuha as they 

were treated to a special charity dinner at Tropicana 

City Mall. As the evening progressed, they received duit 

Raya and were entertained with an angklong musical 

performance, a singing performance by Ovation Music 

Academy and a batik painting experience courtesy of 

Kraftangan Malaysia. Supporting tenants such as Occubite, 

MyBytes, Newsplus and Nando’s Malaysia contributed 

both in cash and kind. The total amount of contribution 

was undisclosed as requested by the tenants. 

5 

1 — “Voila! Behold our masterpiece” 2 — A special dinner provided by Nando’s Malaysia 3 — Angklong musical performance 4 — All smiles at the 

Hari Raya Charity Dinner 5 — A group shot to end the evening 


Optimax Launches 

VISUMAX ReLEx SMILE 

ONE WORLD HOTEL 

Orchid Room - Saturday, 24 August 2013 

Optimax Eye Specialist, touted as Malaysia’s recognised 

pioneer in the eye care industry in laser refractive 

surgery, recently launched their latest product 

- VISUMAX ReLEx Smile. The minimally invasive 

laser refractive technique helps correct vision 

defects such as short-sightedness and astigmatism. 

It is a flapless, bladeless and painless treatment with 

numerous innovative benefits, high precision levels 

and perceptibly greater comfort during the treatment 

itself. A 4mm opening is all it need, allowing 

significantly more corneal tissue to remain intact. 

VISUMAX ReLEx Smile treatment is suitable for 

those aged 18 to 45 years. The entire procedure is 

completed in a single treatment, taking only 10 to 20 

minutes. There is no pain during or after treatment 

and patients experience 80 per cent less dry eye and 

no flap complications. 

1 

3 

2 

4 

5 

1 — Dr Chuah Kay Leong, Optimax Senior Consultant Opthalmologist greeting a guest 2 — Miss Malaysia World 2013 winner Melinder Bhullar 

3 — Guests all smiles for a group shot 4 — From left: Optimax Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Chuah Kay Leong, Dr Rupal Shah from India, 

Optimax partner Tan Eng Piow, Optimax Marketing Director Sandy Tan, Datin Lee Sho Hoo, Optimax Managing Director Dato’ Tan Boon Hock, 

Optimax General Manager Samuel Sze and Carls Zeiss General Manager Yap Chun Chong 5 — Dr Chuah Kay Leong giving a speech on the product 


La Martina 

FALL/WINTER 2013 COLLECTION 

PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR 

La Martina - Wednesday, 21 August 2013 

3 

2 

1 

La Martina’s new Fall-Winter 2013 Collection takes 

inspiration from the history of polo tournaments and 

incredible stories behind its designs. Taking centre 

stage is the Olympics Collection - a reminiscent of 

Argentina’s first Gold Medal in the sport of polo, at 

the Olympics held in France over eight decades ago. 

The flag of the season is focused on the United Kingdom, 

inspired by the excitement surrounding the birth 

of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby boy. 

Fall/Winter also features a collection of trousers with 

special attention given to its range of colours such as 

mustard, beige and indigo. For the ladies, the trousers 

are constructed in a trendy slim-fit and are ideal when 

teamed with a pair of leather boots. Meanwhile, the 

Capsules’ Collection features Maserati and Guards. 

The Maserati collection is impeccably detailed with the 

mighty Maserati logo, nylon applications, removable 

hoods and distinctive embroideries, while the Guards 

collection is enhanced with further regal details such 

as chic collars, personalised buttons, gold embroideries 

and Guards patches. Focusing on construction and 

details, the Fall/Winter designs deliver a collection 

of distinctive styles that allows the wearer to mix and 

match the pieces that expresses their individuality. 

4 

1, 2 & 3 — La Martina models flaunting the Olympics Collection in shades of navy and red 4 — Attractive accessories to match with the collection 


1 

Honda Malaysia launches 

9TH GENERATION 

ALL-NEW ACCORD 

2 

SETIA CITY CONVENTION CENTRE 

Saturday, 24 August 2013 

The 9th Generation All-New Accord has finally arrived 

in Malaysia! Available in three variants, namely 

2.0VTi, 2.0VTi-L and 2.4VTi-L, the highest variant 

is powered by Honda’s revolutionary ‘Earth Dreams 

Technology’ engine for a high level of driving performance 

and fuel efficiency. All three variants are 

fitted with ECON Mode which when activated combines 

and performs a series of ECO Assist functions. 

Moreover, the stylishly sculptured All-New Accord 

is smaller and lighter than its predecessor and the 

interior space is much roomier with its rear legroom 

increased by 35.5 mm. The car also features 

a range of advanced and smart safety features as 

well as driver-assistive visibility technologies. One 

example is the LaneWatch Camera made available 

in the 2.4VTi-L variant, which is also Honda Malaysia’s 

first model to receive this safety feature. The 

blind spot visual will be displayed on the eight-inch 

full LED backlit VGA intelligent Multi Information 

Display (i-MID). The All-New Accord (2.0VTi-L 

and 2.4VTi-L) also features the Multi-Angle Rearview 

Camera that is able to capture a display area of 

180 degrees for better visibility when reversing. The 

car comes in five colours – Modern Steel Metallic, 

Champagne Frost Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta 

White and Alabaster Silver Metallic. 

3 

1 — The 9th Generation All-New Accord 2 — Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yoichiro Ueno and Assistant 

Large Project Leader of the All-New Accord, Masao Nakano 3 — The All-New Accord’s eight-inch screen displays the navigation system, audio 

system, and rearview camera 


Samsung 

Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear 

1 

SUNWAY LAGOON RESORT HOTEL 

CONVENTION CENTRE 

Samsung – Friday, 20 September 2013 

One of the most hotly anticipated gadget launches 

of the year drew an understandably large crowd 

to the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel Convention 

Centre on Friday, 20 September, and Samsung did 

not disappoint with the announcement of the Galaxy 

Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear. Revolutionising 

the wristwatch, the Galaxy Gear brings wearable 

technology into the mainstream, helping users stay 

connected to their digital lives. The Gear connects 

wirelessly to the Galaxy Note 3, providing previews 

of incoming text messages, emails and various other 

notifications. Coming in a range of colours and with 

4GB internal storage, the Gear is just the beginning 

of Samsung’s wearable technology concept – and expect 

to see other brands following suit very soon. 

Launched alongside the Gear, the new Note 3 brings 

an improved full HD Super AMOLED display, a 

lighter body and increased battery life as well as the 

new S Pen with Air Command gesture technology 

allowing easy access to the device’s key functions. 

2 

3 

4 

1 — Galaxy Gear 2 — The front and back view of the Galaxy Note 3 3 — From left: Vincent Chong, Head of IT and Mobile Communications Division, 

Samsung Malaysia Electronics; Kwon Jae Hoon, Managing Director, Samsung Malaysia Electronics; Justin Joo, Business Manager, IT and Mobile 

Communications Division, Samsung Malaysia Electronics; Matthew Ng, Head of Sales, IT and Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Malaysia 

Electronics 4 — The Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear provides unrestrained connectivity – no matter where, when and how you’d like to be connected 


THE ADDRESS IS EXCLUSIVELY 

CIRCULATED TO 

• Tropicana Privilege Cardmembers 

• Residents of all Tropicana’s developed properties 

• Members of Tropicana Golf & Country Club 

• Honorary members of Tropicana Golf & Country Club 

• Select group of VVIP 

When 

you have 

finished 

with this 

magazine, 

please 

recycle it 

The Address magazine is published by 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Berhad, 

a member of Tropicana Corporation Berhad. 

The views and opinions expressed or implied 

in The Address are those of the authors or 

contributors and do not necessarily relect those 

of Tropicana Corporation Berhad, Tropicana 

Golf & Country Resort Berhad, Tropicana 

City Mall, its directors or editorial staf. All 

rights reserved by Tropicana Golf & Country 

Resort Berhad and Tropicana Corporation 

Berhad. All information is correct at time of 

printing. Reproduction in whole or in part, 

without written permission is prohibited. All 

materials published remain the property of 

Tropicana Corporation Berhad. Transparencies, 

CDs or ilms submitted for publication are 

sent at the owner’s risk and while every care is 

taken, neither The Address nor its agents are 

responsible for any loss or damage. Printed 

by Percetakan Skyline Sdn Bhd (135134-V) 

35 & 37, Jalan 12/32B, TSI Business Industrial 

Park, Batu 61/2 Of Jalan Kepong, 52000 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

CHAIRMAN 

YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Nik Hashim Bin Nik Ab Rahman 

GROUP EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN 

YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan Chee Sing 

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Dato’ Yau Kok Seng 

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR 

Dato’ Dickson Tan Yong Loong 

DIRECTORS 

Dillon Tan Yong Chin 

Diana Tan Sheik Ni 

Edmund Kong Woon Jun 

Herman Tan Kar Eng 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Dato’ Dickson Tan Yong Loong 

DEPUTY EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Serena Lim 

SUB EDITOR 

Joshua Chan 

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 

Evelyn Wan 

PROMOTIONS & ADVERTISING 

SENIOR MANAGER 

Serena Lim 

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER 

Andy Lim 

ASSISTANT ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER 

Denise Tan 

PUBLISHER 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Berhad 

[A Member of Tropicana Corporation Berhad] 

FEEDBACK & INQUIRY 

COMMUNICATIONS & PROMOTIONS MANAGER 

Tropicana Corporation Berhad 

Level 10-12 Tropicana City Office Tower, No 3 Jalan SS 20/27, 

47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. 

T. 03-7710 1018 F. 03-7725 3035 

corp.comm@tropicanacorp.com.my 

www.tropicanacorp.com.my 

SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Berhad 

Jalan Kelab Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, 

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. 

T. 03-7804 8888 F. 03-7804 3688 

gm@tropicanagolf.com 

www.tropicanagolf.com 

LEASING & MARKETING MANAGER 

Tropicana City Sdn Bhd 

Lot B1-01 Basement 1 Tropicana City Mall, No 3 Jalan SS 20/27, 

47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. 

T. 03-7710 1018 F. 03-7710 0202 

enquiries@tropicanacitymall.com 

www.tropicanacitymall.com 

Produced by 

Mongoose Publishing Sdn Bhd (580051-K) Level 36, Menara Ambank, 

8 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

www.mongooseasia.com 

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS PRODUCER, BRANDING SOLUTIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS Jack Newberry 

EDITOR, BRANDING SOLUTIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS Ian Johnston 

DEPUTY EDITOR, BRANDING SOLUTIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS Deborah Lee COPYWRITER Lai Swee Wei 

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Irene Danesi JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joyce Lim 

CONTRIBUTORS Alison Elfwing, Audrey Teoh, Bibian Leong, Brian Fang, Chang Wui Loon, Chua Siew Ching, Deepak Gill, 

Delvin Xian, Gerald Goh, Jessica Loo, Lau Chak Onn, Law Soo Phye, Lee Kah Loong, Taisu, Yugo Tham, Zack Yusof 

14 TA | NOV/ DEC 2013

FACILITIES AND TENANTS 

AT TROPICANA CITY MALL 

EdutainmenT 

Gymboree L2-38/39 03-7727 6587 

Jkids Playground & L2-40A 03-7732 3259 

Kids Party 

Creative Robotics L2-41 03-7733 3433 

Management Office 03-7710 1818 

Leasing 

Audrey Go 012-344 8955 

Mandy Yee 016-203 2180 

Ron Lee 012-571 7559 

Advertising & Promotion 

Katy Teo 012-307 9980 

Daphne Sim 017-222 6121 

Customer Service Line 03-7710 0101 

Operating Hours 

Website 

Anchor TenanT 

Carrefour LG-17 03-7721 0006 

Beauty / Health / Personal Care 

Cosmetics 

Elianto G-PPK3A 03-7722 1120 

Health Care 

GNC LG-27 03-7729 8871 

Fitness Club 

Jatomi Fitness 

10.00 am – 10.00 pm daily 


L1-15/16/ 

17/17A 03-7722 5598 

Pharmacy 

Caring LG-03A/05 03-7727 6918 

Guardian G-05 03-7725 6239 

Beauty 

Bellisia Esthetics & 

Wellness Theraphy L2-29/30 03-7724 2191 

Beauty Century L2-07 03-7725 2233 

/03-7728 8882 

Beverly Wilshire Clinic L1-03 03-7725 8890 

Creative Nail Boutique L2-03 03-7727 6240 

Derma Sculpture LG-23 03-7728 8409 

Lovely Nails L2-19 03-7731 1531 

Mary Chia L2-31/32 03-7729 1661 

MaskSlim L1-01 - 

Parfum Jewel L1-23 03-7725 2025 

Sasa L2-13A/21 03-7729 8216 

Thai Odyssey L2-05/06 03-7725 2488 

Tresses Hair & Beauty 

Store LG-10 03-7727 8830 

Top Passion Retail LG-33A 03-7710 7102 

Watsons G-43A 03-7722 1703 

Hair Salon 

Monsoon-ID L2-02 03-7727 2219 

Top Passion 

Hair Saloon L2-03A 03-7729 8882 

X-Cut LG-12 03-7710 8882 

Personal Care 

The Body Shop G-47 03-7727 9352 

The Face Shop L1-59 03-7727 9357 

Eosungcho L1-27 Opening Soon 

Electrical & Electronics 

Best Denki L1-33A 03-7728 3359 

Gintell L1-38 03-7728 3859 

EntertainmenT 

Cobay L2-22/22A/23 - 

Golden Screen 

Cinemas L2-13 03-7725 4888 

Fashion Accessories 

Fennel L1-25 03-7729 9917 

Sox World L1-30 03-7727 8360 

Winnie’s Collection L2-27 03-7728 4045 

Fashion Apparel 

Lifestyle Fashion 

Star 360 G-30 03-7725 2670 

Lingerie 

3 Dots L1-26 03-7729 9218 

Sorella L1-36 03-7728 3048 

Young Hearts L1-29 03-7728 3035 

Maternity & Children 

Bambini Lot L1-41 017-8863775 

The Baby Outlet L2-37 03-7732 8233 

Ladies 

Ann’s & Spicyholic 

& StayReal G32/33/33A 03-7733 6636 

Korean Collections L1-32 - 

Lovely Charms L1-33 03-7733 2252 

Mazza Korean Collection G-03A - 

Mirrorcle L1-03A 03-7722 1895 

M2 Premium Brands Lot L1-05 016-905 4295 

Poppi L1-23A 03-7722 1112 

Twenty Second Concept L1-28 03-7729 8612 

Ladies & Men 

Bossini G-03 03-7727 8294 

Esprit G-47A 03-7727 3217 

Hang Ten G-12 03-7728 0814 

Kitschen G-18/19 03-7727 9535 

Nichii G-19A 03-7728 0144 

Food & Beverage 

Bakery & Confectionery 

Cake Sense LG-43A 03-7731 1908 

Famous Amos G-PPK3B 03-7722 1595 

Moon Kee Lot LG-03 016-356 6268 

Tropics Bakery LG-01 - 

Café 

Chatime G-06 03-7803 7228 

Delifrance G-PPK2A 03-7722 1249 

Good Taste L2-09 03-7722 4266 

Hui Lau Shan G-PPK2B Opening Soon 

Jing-Si Books & Café L2-42 03-7731 1640 

Marbles Bread Boutique L1-K3A 03-7710 5313 

Mbuji G-51 03-7731 7936 

Papa’s Café L1-56 03-7729 8156 

PastryCulture’ G-K2 03-7731 9686 

Starbucks Coffee G-01 03-7731 8667 

Sumptuous Corner LG-42 - 

The Coffee Bean 

& Tea Leaf G-PPK3 03-7722 1572 

Fast Food 

ChicKing Fried Chicken L1-11 03-7725 2799 

Ninja Joe LG-18 03-7725 0834 

Bar/Restaurant 

Esquire Kitchen L1-13 03-7728 8080 

Grand Kingdom L1-48/49/50 03-7728 1118 

Igentis L2-10 03-7728 1334 

HK Kitchen Lot LG-19 012- 311 1730 

Kay Café & Restaurant G-13A 03-7726 8628 

Kenny Rogers Roasters G-15 03-7727 9607 

Kiku Zakura L1-53 03-7728 6598 

142 TA | nov/ dec 2013

Kimchi Korean 

Restaurant L1-57 03-7729 9643 

Kluang Station G-43 03-7725 9039 

Nando’s G-08 03-7725 6555 

Otak Otak Place L1-58 03-7728 0403 

Pan Mee & Co LG-30 03-6140 5864 

Papa John’s G-07 03-7727 7272 

Pasta Zanmai G-40 03-7727 1060 

Pho Hoa L1-52 03-7728 1714 

Rakuzen G-41/42 03-7710 7000 

Restaurant Food & Tea L1-12 03-7710 5313 

Secret Recipe Beyond Veggie G-37 03-7722 1680 

Secret Recipe G-39/39A 03-7722 3096 

Studio Lounge G-39B/39C 03-7733 6696 

Subway L2-12 03-7728 3175 

Sushi Tei G-16/17 03-7728 9299 

Taiwan Street L2-11 03-7725 8615 

Yume Cuisine G-33A 03-7725 6636 

Takeaway 

Bobalicious Smoothies L1-K2 03-7726 2318 

Dao Kia LG-43 03-6150 1122 

Daily Fresh LG-26 03-6140 5864 

Each A Cup LG-02 - 

Eat & Run LG-25 03-7729 2297 

I Scream G-11 03-7724 1904 

Juice Works 2 Go LG-23A 03-7722 1706 

Kushi Q LG-20 03-7728 3613 

MBG FruitShop G-K1 016-229 8602 

Occubite Muffins & Coffee G-PPK5 - 

Porridge Time LG-32 - 

Share Tea G-PPK2 - 

Shihlin Taiwan Street 

Snacks LG-37 03-7728 7735 

Stacks L1-13A - 

Tea Chansii LG-22 - 

Tutti Frutti L1-K3 - 

Zenberi L1-K1 - 

Specialty 

Gerkins Tea LG-33 03-7728 3788 

Koong Woh Tong LG-38 03-7728 0578 

Yummi House LG-41 - 

Royce’ G-45 03-7726 8819 

Gallery 

Dijaya Property 

Showcase G-23A 03-7710 9787 

Home 

Akemi Uchi L1-19 03-7710 9951 

Anogen L1-09/10B 03-7724 2704 

EGO by Haus L1-20/21 03-7728 3920 

Japan Home Center L1-53A 03-7731 7146 

Kitchen Shop LG-31/31A 03-7728 8971 

Nesh LG-28 03-7729 6293 

The Montage L1-18 03-7733 6848 

Information Technology 

Computer IT 

Aver Awards L2-17 03-7725 2882 

/03-7726 1262 

Mybytes G-25 03-7725 2568 

SBC L2-23A 03-7727 6229 

Veneta System LG-11 03 7726 9557 

Telecommunication 

Blackberry Expert Center Lot L2-19a 012-362 3232 

/016-266 3322 

Celcom LG-06 03-7726 2690 

CTY Phone Boutique L2-18 - 

E Media L2-25 012-245 8585 

Handphone Counters L2-K2 - 

MAXIS L2-08 03-7728 4121 

Mobile Camp L2-43A - 

Tron L2-15 011-1679 9577 

U Mobile L2-45 018-388 1318 

Jewellery 

Crystal Corner LG-40 03-7728 4813 

Pandora G-48 03-7726 0877 

Poh Kong G-09/10 03-7728 2190 

Leisure 

Books & Stationery 

Borders L1-39/46/47 03-7727 9203 

/03-7727 9204 

Newsplus LG-08 03-7727 8176 

The Other Bookstore L2-33A 03-7710 5405 

Gifts & Souvenirs 

D’Nata G-28 03-7710 0271 

Story Book L2-18A 03-7710 2033 

Surprise L2-33 03-7729 4002 

Scrap Book Memories L2-39A 03-7725 0633 

Music & Videos 

MK 2 LG-21 03-7710 2922 

Victoria Music Centre L2-20A 03-7722 2955 

Toys & Hobbies 

Brickboy Brothers L2-35/36 03-7728 0119 

Brother Game L2-16A 03-7728 1170 

Gamer’s Hideout L2-26 03-7729 1377 

Guitar Planet L2-23B - 

My Puzzle House L2-16 03-7727 1866 

Petsmore.com/ 

Furfurry.com LG-21A 03-7722 2566 

Toys ‘R’ Us L2-40 03-7727 8266 

Shoes & Bags 

Bata L1-02 03-7727 5669 

Crocs L1-42 03-7726 6620 

Daphne Shoes Lot G-02 012-628 4614 

De Porsche Shoppe L2-20 03-7725 1594 

Dr Kong Footcare L1-43A 03-7729 7889 

MBT G-20 03-7733 8371 

NEO L1-22 03-7728 1132 

Summit G-23 03-7725 0361 

Urban 360 G-31 03-7725 2670 

Swan L2-28 03-7727 9478 

Luggage 

Cosas United L1-06 03-7727 6223 

Samsonite G-21 03-7722 1072 

Sports Goods & Apparel 

Adidas G-22 03-7731 2913 

Mykitzone L1-43 03-7732 1180 

Running Lab G-29 03-7727 8555 

World of Sports L1-08 03-7728 0620 

Sundry & Services 

Optical 

A-Look L2-01 03-7728 9139 

Better Vision L1-37 03-7727 9245 

Focus Point LG-35 03-7710 6630 

MOG G-50 03-7722 5963 

Other Services 

786 Star Money Changer LG-39 03-7710 4050 

/03-7710 9050 

7-Eleven G-38 03-7728 1392 

Alliance Bank 

(LG)ATM-01 

CIMB 

(G)ATM-01 

Cosway LG-15 03-7727 8843 

E-Print LG-09 03-7732 5305 

G Guard B1-03 03-7724 2681 

Minit Cobbler LG-07 03-7729 8655 

Pos Malaysia LG-29 03-7725 0850 

Smart Uniform LG-13 03-7729 5568 

Sweet Florist LG-13A 03-7710 0600 

Valet Parking G-ME - 

Watches, Pens & Clocks 

City Chain L1-40 03-7727 8834 

Classic Timepiece LG-16 03-7728 0837 

Hang Thai Watch G-49 03-7732 3128 

Red Army Watches L1-07 03-7710 0218 

Watches Of Switzerland 

Services & Repair LG-36 03-7727 9713 

/03-7727 9730 

Watch It Gallery G-46 03-7726 6541 

TROPICANA Corporation 

CONTACTS 

Tropicana Corporation Berhad 

(HQ) 

03-7710 1018 

Property Sales Hotline (HQ) 

03-7728 2018 

Tropicana Property Showcase 


03-7710 9787 

Customer Loyalty & Services 

03-7728 3018 


Management Office 

03-7710 1818 

Customer Service Line 

03-7710 0101 

Tropicana City Office Tower 

Management Office (9 to 6pm) 

03-7710 1018 

Security Control (after 6pm) 

03-7710 0999 

Tropicana City Tropics 

Serviced Suites 


03-7729 6822 

Damansara Intan 

e-Business Park 

Property Management Office 

03-7118 3111 

Tropicana Golf & Country 

Resort Berhad 


03-7804 8888 

Tropicana Grande 

Show Unit & Sales Office 

03-7806 3368 

Casa Tropicana Condominiums 


03-7883 0982 

Merchant Square Business Park 


03-7883 0866 

Villa Green 3 

Show Unit & Sales Office 

03-7963 3514 

Casa Indah 1 Condominiums 


03-6140 9198 

Casa Indah 2 Condominiums 

Sales Office 

03-7963 4202 

Casa Damansara 2 

Condominiums 


03-7727 0166 

Casa Suites Apartments 


03-7726 2911 

Casa Kiara 1 Condominiums 


03-6203 6888 

Casa Kiara 2 Condominiums 

Property Sales Hotline 

03-7728 2018 

Fortune Park Apartments 


03-8944 9331 

Sales Office 

03-8943 8116 

NOV/ DEC 2013 | TA 143

FACILITIES AND TENANTS AT 

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT 

TROPICANA 

GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT 

SITE LAYOUT 

PLAN 

0 5 10 25 50 

N 

Buggy Track 

DRIVING RANGE 

WESTERN COURSE 

Practice Green 

Children’s 

Playground 

Landscape 

Landscape 

18th Green 

18 

14 

13 

33 

32 

Landscape 

30 

31 

Children’s 

Playground 

29 

21 

Administration 

Office 

19 

15 

17 

20 

16 

22 

Golf Office 

(Temporary 

) 

25 

26 

24 23 

Main 

Lobby 

MAIN WING 

Car Porch 

34 

35 

36 

Landscape 

28 

27 

Fountain 

Poolside 

Cafe 

38 

37 

39 

SPORTS WING 

41 42 

43 

44 

40 

Carpark 

Lake 

45 

legend 

lower ground 

ground 

46 

47 

Carpark 

level 1 

With a gross built-up area of over 380,000 

square feet (35,303 square metres), Malaysia’s 

largest and award-winning clubhouse 

at Tropicana Golf & country Resort is 

truly impressive. This is a listing of all the 

facilities and amenities that are built for 

the convenience of all Tropicana members, 

residents and their guests 

golf / sports membership 03-7804 8888 

vivian ext 208 

membership email membership1@tropicanacorp.com.my 

golf email 

golf@tropicanacorp.com.my 

sports department 03-7804 2087 

operating hours 9.00 am – 6.00 pm (Monday to Friday) 

email 

gm@tropicanagolf.com 

Website 

www.tropicanagolf.com 


IVING RANGE 

Landscape 

Lobby 

8 

Car Porch 

12 

MAIN WING 

11 

10 

9 

7 

Main Kitchen 

6 

Practice Green 

GOLF WING 

1 

2 

5 

Golf 

Counter 

4 

3 

Buggy Station 

Buggy Track 

9th Green 

EASTERN COURSE 

1st Tee 

Food And BeverAge 

main Wing 

7 Golfers’ Terrace 03-7804 8888 

(ext 326) 

15 Gin Shui Tei Japanese Restaurant 03-7886 9168 

36 Poolside café 03-7804 8888 

(ext 327) 

9 Spring Garden Tropicana 

chinese Restaurant 03-7880 7226 

11 The Palms coffee House 03-7804 8888 

(ext 306) 

The Palms Wing 

24 Havana Lounge 012-398 9992 

8 Royce 017-322 3668 

26 Jojo Italian Restaurant 03-7805 3925/3935 

25 Thai Grill 012-398 9992 

sPorTs And recreATion 

sports Wing 

46 outdoor tennis court 

43 2 indoor tennis courts 

45 4 indoor badminton courts 

31 12-lane computerised bowling alley 

33-34 2 play pools with water slides and waterfall 

42 3 squash courts 

23 Multipurpose studio 

38 Japanese bath and Jacuzzi 

3-4 Male changing rooms with 

360 private lockers 

35 Resort-style larger-than-olympic-size 

swimming pool 

41 Sauna and steam bath 

24 Snooker room 

39 2 table tennis courts 

40 Well-equipped gymnasium 

44 1 vIP badminton hall 

47 1 futsal court 

Fountain 

Buggy Pick-up Area 

leisure And enTerTAinmenT 

24 Havana Lounge 012-398 9992 

27 Thai odyssey Spa & Massage 03-7803 1233/ 

03-7804 1129 

29 Trocadero Bowling & café 03-7804 8888 

16 Gaming room 

37 Library 

Carpark 

Carpark 

FuncTion AreAs 

6 Greens I 

10 Greens II 

30 Greens III 

32 Poolside terrace 

28 Spanish courtyard 

12-14 The Grand Ballroom (First floor) 

Carpark 

sales & marketing (Banquet Function) 03-7804 8888 

Liza ext 141 

Shah ext 517 

Sandy ext 142 

Siti Fairuz ext 155 

email 

salesmarketing@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Toll Free 1800 88 8128 

Lake 

golFing FAciliTies 

Golf at Tropicana 03-7804 8888 

(ext 211/212/200) 

Tropicana driving Range 03-7804 8888/ 

012-278 3172 

Buggies and turf mates 

56-bay driving range 

27-hole championship golf course 

18-hole putting greens 

5 Female changing rooms 

with 60 private lockers 

AmeniTies 

20 Alam convenience Store 03-7804 3095 

1 de Manshop Tailoring 03-7880 4063 

21 eco Hair Saloon 03-7804 9316 

2 Pro-Shop Golf Shop 03-7804 6348 

17 Kain 017-200 8142 

18 Kindyland Tropicana 017-314 6754 

22 Klinik Tropicana 03-7805 5461 

19 The Green House Florist 03-7880 1388 

3-4 Prayer room 

nov/ dec 2013 | TA 145

The Multitasker 

AN INTERVIEW BY JACK NEWBERRY 

Multi talented, 

Malaysia-based model, 

TV host, djay, vjay, 

writer, producer, 

director and women’s 

activist Asha Gill 

somehow manages 

to find time between 

juggling her career 

and a young son to tell 

The Address a little bit 

about her. 

How do you motivate 

yourself every day? 

“I have a six-year-old son 

who is my motivation. He 

is all I need to get up before 

it’s light and make my day 

count.” 

What would you do as 

mayor of KL for the day? 

“I’d need more than a day! 

The list would be too long.” 

How does the weather 

affect your mood? 

“If it’s constantly grey and 

miserable, I get the blues. 

So if I have to be in the 

cold, I pray for crisp, bright 

winter’s days.” 

Could you ever imagine 

swapping the warmth 

of Southeast Asia for the 

cold winds of England 

again? 

“I could never live in 

constant cold and grey 

damp skies, not even for six 

months of the year, but I 

do love the seasons. That’s 

something I crave from 

time to time.” 

What is your ideal 

winter destination? 

“My ideal winter destination 

would be somewhere with 

lots of snow in Europe 

around Christmas. Skiing, 

mulled wine, fondue, carols, 

lights and bazaars in small 

town squares – heaven.” 

Do you collect anything? 

“Hand-blown glass balls 

and paperweights… and art 

made by my son.” 

What is the best advice 

you have ever been told? 

“Just breathe… then act/say/ 

do, even if it takes a week of 

breathing!” 

What is luxury to you? 

“Time. Time to be alone, 

read a book cover to cover 

in one sitting. A bath and a 

few bottles of ice cold beer 

or wine. A great meal with 

friends. To sleep past 6am 

(now, this one is the most 

difficult!).” 

What are your plans for 

the future? 

“To go with the flow and 

watch my little man grow. 

To suck up all the good I 

can out of life and give back 

as much as I can. To love 

my family and apart from 

that, nothing else matters, 

does it?” 


CHAPTER ONE 

THE LATEST 

NEW OPENINGS. FASHION. BEAUTY. 

GADGETS & HOME LIVING. BOOKS. MUSIC. 

MOVIES. THE DIARY. 

PAGES 

17 - 37

CHAPTER TWO 

THE HOME 

HOME & INTERIOR. PROPERTY NEWS. 

PAGES 

39 - 57

CHAPTER THREE 

THE EXPERIENCE 

THIS IS THE LIFE. THE VACATION. 

THE GAME CHANGER. THE DRIVE. 

THE SWING. 

PAGES 

59 - 79

CHAPTER FOUR 

THE LOOK 

FASHION. STYLE WAVE. ACCESSORIES. BEAUTY. 

PAGES 

81 - 111

CHAPTER FIVE 

THE TASTE 

THE COOKBOOK. THE DISHES. 

THE DRINKS. 

PAGES 

113 - 127

NEW OPENINGS 

CAROLINA HERRERA 

OPENS AT SURIA KLCC 

The newly opened cH carolina 

Herrera store at Suria KLcc 

boasts an ambience that is warm 

and sensual with intriguing 

dressing rooms, split glass 

displays, and images of carolina 

and carolina Jr. throughout 

the store, making it a personal 

and intimate environment. 

Internationally, the brand 

provides a range of collections 

for women, men and kids. 

However in Malaysia, only 

women’s apparel, handbags and 

accessories are carried. 

www.carolinacarrera.com 

ROGER VIVIER SETS 

FOOT IN SINGAPORE 

Beginning november 2013, 

French label Roger vivier 

is scheduled to open its first 

boutique in Singapore at ngee 

Ann city, marking the first 

ever boutique in Southeast Asia 

and the 12th in the Asia Pacific 

region. Fashionistas around 

the region will be thrilled to 

know that the new boutique 

will carry the brand’s new Pre- 

Spring 2014 collection. 

www.rogervivier.com 


FASHION 

A RIVER OF SAPPHIRES 

AND DIAMONDS 

The latest additions to the 

corum Bridges collection 

feature a seamless blend of 

watchmaking and jewellery art. 

The Golden Bridge and Miss 

Golden Bridge are decked out in 

dazzling gemset interpretations 

playing on the hypnotic power 

of precious stones. Admirably 

enhancing the linear mechanics 

of the baguette movement, 

sapphires and diamonds 

highlight fascinating graded 

shades of colour. The Golden 

Bridge is spotted in various 

shades of blue sapphires and 

white diamonds, while the 

entrancingly feminine Miss 

Golden Bridge plays with the 

pink colour palette by offering a 

range of seven subtle shades. 

www.corum.ch 

A GLAM-PUNK VISION 

The Giuseppe Zanotti Fall/ 

Winter 2013/2014 collection is 

a suggestion of ‘Rock’. It offers a 

variety of funky glam rock style 

with leopard-print pumps and 

gold metal plate on ankle boots. 

Meanwhile, the Zanotti Homme 

collection offers a collection for 

the unprecedented kind of man 

who is fashion forward, confident 

and playful. visit the Giuseppe 

Zanotti boutique in Pavilion KL 

and glam up this holiday season. 

www.giuseppezanottidesign.com 


BEAUTY 

MIRACLE WONDER 

MAKEUP 

Turn up in your weekend 

best with cosme decorte’s 

AQ MW Autumn/Winter 

make-up collection comprising 

elegant Blend Foundation, 

Secret Glow, Blend Blush, eye 

Shadow, Lasting Gel eyeliner 

and Lipstick. The elegant 

Blend Foundation gives you 

the perfect, natural-looking 

coverage, while the Secret Glow 

ensures a professional finish 

highlight. complete your look 

with the Blend Blush to define 

your cheeks, the eye Shadow and 

waterproof Lasting Gel eyeliner 

to bring out the intensity in 

your eyes, and the Lipstick for a 

moisture-rich yet bold coverage. 

www.kose.com.my 

HYDRATE YOUR LOCKS 

Aesop’s latest hair care release, 

Shine, is an aromatic and 

lightweight hydrating oil that 

softens and adds lustre to all 

hair types. Leaving no buildup 

or oily residue, it offers an 

effective alternative to siliconebased 

grooming products. Key 

ingredients include jojoba and 

sweet almond emollient oils, 

vitamin F for conditioning, 

and ylang ylang, petitgrain 

and patchouli extracts for an 

appealing aroma. Available in 

Aesop stores and counters in 

selected department stores, 

and at Aesop online. 

www.aesop.com 


KIEHL’S ‘HAZE’ 

HOLIDAY COLLECTION 

Kiehl’s together with nYc artist 

eric Haze introduces the limited 

edition ‘Haze’ Holiday collection 

which includes gift packages 

as well as this season’s limited 

edition holiday products – Ultra 

Facial cream and calendula 

Toner, Kiehl’s top two bestselling 

products worldwide. 

The Ultra Facial cream is a 

light-textured daily moisturiser, 

providing 24-hour hydration, 

while the calendula Toner is a 

gentle, alcohol-free toner that 

contains calendula, derived from 

the Marigold flower, handpicked 

and placed in each and every 

bottle by hand. 

www.kiehlstimes.com.my 

WARM CHRISTMAS SCENTS 

Rediscover the sweetest 

memories of christmas with 

L’occITAne’s Un noël 

à Grasse collection, featuring 

two limited edition fragrances 

– Fleur d’or & Acacia (for her) 

and cèdre & oranger (for him). 

enjoy the warm, honey-like 

scent of Fleur d’or & Acacia 

and the scent of orange trees 

in cèdre & oranger. Apart from 

the fragrances, there’s also a 

special limited edition Fleur d’or 

gift set for you to spread the 

christmas cheer. It contains the 

Fleur d’or eau de toilette, 

shower gel, and body milk. 

www.loccitane.com 

nov/ dec 2013 | TA 23

GADGETS & HOME LIVING 

SHOOT AND SHARE 

The new canon vixia mini 

compact personal camcorder 

features an ultra wide-angle 

lens (canon f/2.8 fisheye 

lens), full Hd video, 2.7-inch 

capacitive-tilt touch panel Lcd 

display, 12.8 megapixel high 

sensitivity cMoS image sensor, 

slim ultra-compact body with 

built-in stand, and built-in Wi- 

Fi that allows users to share 

their video and photos to social 

networking sites like YouTube 

and Facebook, or send directly 

to their Pc. Available in white 

and black shades. 

www.canon.com 

WALL OF FAME 

Goodrich Global’s latest designer 

collection includes a brand 

name that is no stranger to us 

– Roberto cavalli, a renowned 

Italian fashion designer. He has 

produced a unique style of wall 

coverings which he has long 

since applied in the interiors of 

his houses, yachts, boutiques 

and clubs. The Roberto cavalli 

Home is inspired by the iconic 

prints and patterns of the most 

significant collections from 

animal print to damask, and 

stripes to monochromic checks. 

www.goodrichglobal.com 


50 CENT’S FIRST 

WIRELESS SPEAKER 

‘Sync by 50’ wireless speaker is 

the latest release by SMS Audio, 

a premier audio headphone 

and accessories brand from 

rapper curtis ‘50 cent’ Jackson. 

equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 

aptX technology, it provides 

omni-directional 3d stereo 

sound and professionally 

tuned 50 mm drivers to deliver 

dynamic, crystal clear audio. 

Add to that five pre-set eQ 

settings, soft touch sensor 

control keys, easy pairing and 

near Field communication 

(nFc) and the Sync becomes a 

beast in portable entertainment. 

www.smsby50.com 

URBAN TRANQUILITY 

Spanish designer Jaime Hayon 

showcases his signature organic 

mode of expression with the 

Fritz Hansen Ro lounge chair. 

Ro is a chair in which you can 

find room for your inner space 

and take a break from the hectic 

bustle of everyday life. A oneand-a-half 

seater, it suggests 

generous proportion as well as 

the enveloping nature of the 

chair – one can almost imagine 

being swallowed into a dreamy 

world of relaxation. The chair is 

available in nine colours: black, 

grey, taupe, violet, blue, yellow, 

light pink, sage-green and sand. 

www.spacefurniture.com.my 


BOOKS 

THE VALLEY OF 

AMAZEMENT 

AMY TAN 

[RM64.90] 

A new novel from the bestselling 

author of The Joy Luck Club. In 

fin-de-siècle Shanghai, Violet 

Minturn grows up at Hidden 

Jade Path, the city’s most 

exclusive courtesan house. But 

when the revolution comes, she 

is separated from her mother 

and forced to become a ‘virgin 

courtesan’. Both Chinese and 

American, Violet moves between 

these cultural worlds, becoming 

a shrewd businesswoman who 

deals in seduction and illusion. 

But her successes belie her 

private turmoil. Violet’s need 

for answers propels her on a 

quest of discovery: a journey to 

make sense of her life, to right 

the wrongs of the past – to find 

love requited. Spanning 50 

years and two continents, The 

Valley of Amazement dramatises 

the collapse of China’s imperial 

dynasty and the secret life of the 

courtesan house. 

HOW TO FALL IN LOVE 

CECELIA AHERN 

[RM64.90] 

She has just two weeks. Two 

weeks to teach him how to fall in 

love – with his own life. Adam 

Basil and Christine Rose are 

thrown together late one night, 

when Christine is crossing the 

Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin. Adam 

is there, poised, threatening to 

jump. Adam is desperate – but 

Christine makes a crazy deal with 

him. His 35th birthday is looming 

and she bets him that before then 

she can show him life is worth 

living. Despite her determination, 

Christine knows what a dangerous 

promise she has made. Against 

the ticking of the clock, the two of 

them embark on wild escapades, 

grand romantic gestures and some 

unlikely late-night outings. Slowly, 

Christine thinks Adam is starting 

to fall back in love with his life. But 

is that all that is happening? 

I AM MALALA: THE STORY 

OF THE GIRL WHO STOOD 

UP FOR EDUCATiON AND 

WAS SHOT BY THE TALIBAN 

MALALA YOUSAFZAI 

[RM59.90] 

When the Taliban took control 

of the Swat Valley, one girl spoke 

out. Malala Yousafzai fought for 

her right to an education. On 9 

October 2012, she almost paid 

the ultimate price. When she 

was shot in the head at point 

blank range while riding the bus 

home from school, few expected 

her to survive. Instead, Malala’s 

miraculous recovery has taken 

her on an extraordinary journey 

from Northern Pakistan to the 

halls of the United Nations 

in New York. At 16, she has 

become a global symbol of 

peaceful protest and the youngest 

ever nominee for the Nobel 

Peace Prize. I Am Malala is the 

remarkable tale of a family 

uprooted by global terrorism, of 

the fight for girls’ education, and 

of Malala’s parents’ fierce love for 

their daughter in a society that 

prizes sons. 

DAVID AND GOLIATH: 

UNDERDOGS, MISFITS, 

AND THE ART OF 

BATTLING GIANTS 

MALCOLM GLADWELL 

[RM57.90] 

Malcolm Gladwell, the 

bestselling author of The 

Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, 

and What the Dog Saw, offers 

his most provocative book yet. 

Three thousand years ago on a 

battlefield in ancient Palestine, 

a shepherd boy felled a mighty 

warrior with nothing more 

than a pebble and a sling – and 

ever since then, the names of 

David and Goliath have stood 

for battles between underdogs 

and giants. David’s victory was 

improbable and miraculous. 

He should not have won. Or 

should he? In this book, Malcolm 

Gladwell challenges how we 

think about obstacles and 

disadvantages, offering a new 

interpretation of what it means 

to be discriminated against, cope 

with a disability, lose a parent, or 

suffer from any number of other 

apparent setbacks. 


MUSIC - 

SPECIAL: ZACK YUSOF’S ALBUMS OF 2013! BFM radio DJ Zack Yusof selects his top albums and artists of the year 

MONOMANIA 

Deerhunter 

Having come within a cusp 

of the alternative mainstream 

with 2010’s critically acclaimed 

Halcyon Digest, Atlanta, 

Georgia’s finest purveyors of 

psychedelic rock return to their 

garage rock roots in thrilling 

fashion on their swaggering 

fifth effort Monomania. Gone is 

the lush, dream pop ambience of 

old to be replaced by an urgent 

post punk clutter. Following 

up your most successful album 

with a confrontational thrash 

is admirable but normally 

tantamount to disaster. 

Somehow, Bradford Cox and co 

manages to pull it off. Totally 

uncompromising, Monomania 

is an edgy affair that demands 

closer inspection. Pushing the 

envelope never sounded so cool. 

AM 

Arctic Monkeys 

Five albums in and Arctic 

Monkeys have delivered their 

most consistently satisfying 

album, one that elevates 

them into the elite pantheon 

of international stadium 

rockers with a funky flourish. 

Concocted in the Californian 

desert, AM is the band’s 

self-professed West Coast 

record and features the band 

channelling the sweaty club 

G-Funk of Dr Dre plus the 

crunch of Black Sabbath’s 

heavy metal guitars to 

breathtaking effect. Ever 

the musical chameleons, the 

Monkeys have tried their hand 

at snotty punk, stoner rock and 

sparkling guitar pop. This time 

around it’s groovy indie metal 

and judging by the quality of 

tunes on AM, it’s a guise that 

suits them perfectly. 

6 FEET BENEATH THE MOON 

King Krule 

South London’s Archy Marshall, 

aka King Krule produced one 

of the albums of the year with 

6 Feet Beneath The Moon, an 

exquisite full length debut of 

substance and style. Placing 

King Krule’s music into a genre 

is impossible - borrowing as 

he does from an eclectic range 

that includes jazz, r&b, hiphop 

and indie rock – so it’s 

testament to the 19-year-old 

singer-songwriter’s chops as 

a musician that he manages 

to gel everything together so 

seamlessly. With his grizzled 

baritone, Marshall spits out 

tough street poetry like an 

old bluesman. However, the 

gruffness of his vocal delivery 

is beautifully juxtaposed by 

the soulful, almost jazz-like 

backing tracks. 

TOMORROW’S HARVEST 

Boards of Canada 

Bar My Bloody Valentine, 

few bands do reclusive and 

work shy more effectively 

than enigmatic Scottish electro 

duo Boards of Canada. A 

whopping eight years in the 

making, expectations were 

sky high for their forth album 

Tomorrow’s Harvest. Yet the 

pair of Michael Sandison and 

Marcus Eoin manages to deliver 

in spades. Inspired by seventies 

sci-fi soundtracks, Tomorrow’s 

Harvest is a masterpiece that 

showcases the duo’s gift for 

intricate sampling and haunting 

melody in great light. There’s 

a grandeur and timelessness 

to the songs that elevates the 

album way beyond the realm of 

mere high tech studio trickery. 

File under analogue machine 

music with soul. 


MOVIES 

CARRIE 

A reimagining of the classic 

horror tale about Carrie White 

(Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy 

girl outcast by her peers and 

sheltered by her deeply religious 

mother (Julianne Moore). 

Carrie unleashes telekinetic 

terror on her small town after 

being pushed too far at her 

senior prom. Based on the bestselling 

novel by Stephen King, 

Carrie is directed by Kimberly 

Peirce with a screenplay by 

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. 

Release date: 7 November 2013 

Genre: Horror 

Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, 

Julianne Moore, Gabriella Wilde, 

Emma Thompson 

FROZEN 

Disney’s 53rd animated feature 

Frozen is loosely based on Hans 

Christian Andersen’s fairy 

tale The Snow Queen. When a 

prophecy traps a kingdom in 

eternal winter, Anna, a fearless 

optimist, teams up with extreme 

mountain man Kristoff and his 

sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic 

journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, 

the Snow Queen, and put an end 

to her icy spell. Encountering 

mystical trolls, a funny snowman 

named Olaf, Everest-like 

extremes and magic at every 

turn, Anna and Kristoff battle 

the elements in a race to save the 

kingdom from destruction. 


Genre: Animation 

Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, 

Jonathan Groff 

THE COUNSELOR 

The Counselor is a thriller flick 

co-produced and directed by 

Ridley Scott, from a screenplay 

by Cormac McCarthy. The film 

stars Michael Fassbender with 

Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, 

Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt in 

supporting roles. The film tells 

the story of a lawyer, played by 

Fassbender, who finds himself 

in over his head when he gets 

involved in drug trafficking. 

The film will be dedicated to the 

memory of the director’s brother 

Tony Scott. 


Genre: Thriller 

Cast: Michael Fassbender, 

Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, 

Cameron Diaz, Penélope Cruz 

THE SECRET LIFE OF 

WALTER MITTY 

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is 

an adventure-comedy celebrating 

the true potential in everyone. 

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) leads 

a life filled with adventure and 

romance, but only in his serial 

daydreaming. In reality, he is a 

timid photo processor at Life 

magazine, too afraid to even ask 

out his pretty co-worker. But 

when his job is put on the line, 

Walter must at last spring into 

action and he soon finds himself 

on a global adventure, living a 

life more extraordinary than he 

could have ever dreamed. 

Release date: 25 December 2013 

Genre: Adventure /Comedy 

Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristin Wiig, 

Shirley MacLaine 


THE DIARY 

15 – 17 November 

INTERNATIONAL BABY EXPO 2013 

Touted as ‘Malaysia’s Largest International Baby Expo’, the International 

Baby Expo (IBEX) is an exhibition and trade show that caters 

to the needs and demands of expecting mothers, babies, parents and 

children. The three-day event will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention 

Centre with highlights such as seminars, workshops and 

group discussions with various experts and professionals. 

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – T. 03-9132 9888 – 

www.ibex.com.my 

16 –17 November 

DIGI LOL FESTIVAL 

The DiGi LoL Festival is a two-day event featuring performances and 

over 30 stalls that offer up to 70 percent discounts for their goods. Get 

ready to receive additional discounts on top of the promotional prices 

during the Happy Hour between 2.00 – 3.00 pm daily. In addition, 

lucky DiGi customers will get to participate in lucky draw sessions 

and stand to win amazing prizes. 

Main Atrium, Tropicana City Mall – T. 03-7710 0101 – 


20 November – 25 December 

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 2013 

Get into the holiday spirit at Tropicana City Mall as there will be a colourful 

Christmas Bazaar, exciting performances including carolling, 

singing and dancing, Santa Claus and Santarina walkabouts, and 

Christmas workshops for kids. You can also be a Santa this Christmas 

by placing a donation at the Main Atrium. All proceeds will help 

make the Christmas wishes of the selected orphanage homes come 

true. So be good, do good and feel good. Tropicana Corporation 

wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Main Atrium, Tropicana City Mall – T. 03-7710 0101 – 



5 – 7 December 

SEPANG 1000KM (S1K) 

ENDURANCE RACE 

A spin-off event from the hugely successful 12-hour Merdeka Millennium 

Endurance Race (MMER), the S1K is a touring car race that pits 

production cars below 1,800 cc against each other. The race has already 

attracted international entries from as far as Australia and Japan. 

Sepang International Circuit, KLIA – T. 03-8778 2222 – 

www.sepangcircuit.com.my 


10TH PENANG ISLAND 

JAZZ FESTIVAL 

Bringing together Penangites and Malaysians from all walks of life, 

the 10th Penang Island Jazz Festival is an independent festival fully 

owned and organised by The Capricorn Connection. Besides performances 

on the main stage, there will also be a number of workshops 

and a mini jazz gallery. The festival has, through the years, seen many 

local and foreign acts from the US, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, 

Indonesia, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, 

Hungary, China, Taiwan and Vietnam. 

Bayview Beach Resort, Penang – T. 012-296 7800 / 012-356 5544 

– www.penangjazz.com 


IV PUTRAJAYA INTERNATIONAL 

12 HOUR WALK 2013 

The most exciting walk event in Malaysia is taking place again this 

year, with a strictly ‘walk, not run or jog’ theme. Entries will be closed 

once the total number of submissions has reached 1,000 by 7 November 

2013. In order to be qualified for receiving cash prizes, participants 

are required to cover at least 50 km (Men’s category) and 40 km 

(Women’s category) during the 12 hour walk. In addition, camping is 

also allowed on the competition ground. 

Dataran Putrajaya, Putrajaya – T. 03-8737 8228 – 

www.racewalkermalaysia.com 


HOME & INTERIOR 

The Fresh Prince 

of VERBIER 

Nestled amongst the crème de la crème of sublime luxurious 

ski chalets in the canton of Valais stands Chalet Trois Couronnes. 

Trumpeting a name that begets aristocracy, chalet 

Trois Couronnes (Three Crowns) sits on a private estate 

with supreme views of the breathtaking Swiss Alps. 

Verbier is no stranger to royalty, with ski enthusiasts 

and vacationers such as Prince Harry, Diana Ross, Richard 

Branson and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of 

Denmark frequently making this quaint Swiss village part 

of their retreat ritual. Thus, the birth of Trois Couronnes 

seems apt, a Swiss abode of royal name and of royal stature. 

This regal property took a team of highly skilled craftsmen, 

architects, art connoisseurs and interior designers 

from across Europe to study and assemble three distinct 

chalet structures interconnected by linear art galleries. Such 

attention to detail can only result in a masterpiece of impeccable 

nuances and quality of craftsmanship. The entire 

property was constructed based on an adaptation of local 

historical construction techniques that lend to the authenticity 

of the architecture. 

The true luxury of this chef d’oeuvre may lie in its commanding 

view, but the weaving of spatial journeys and lush 

interiors is a reflection of the team’s bloodthirsty dedication 

to design excellence. The antique pieces, fine art, transplanted 

gothic fire places and woodwork were sourced from vawords 

QUEN 

photographs Yves GARNEAU 

Now this is the story all about how A Swiss Chalet was crafted in Valais town 

Decked out in precious timber, antiques and crisp Alpine air Thus Trois Couronnes 

was crowned the Fresh Prince of Verbier. 

rious cities such as Florence, Austria, Paris and Belgium. In 

addition to these treasured historical jewels, other artefacts 

such as floors and ceilings from the eighteenth and nineteenth 

centuries, forged iron chandeliers, nineteenth-century 

elevator doors and a soapstone oven turned up during 

their hunt and were also incorporated into the interiors. 

These three chalet residences were constructed of antique 

wood and architectural elements reclaimed from other Alpine 

chalets and a stone base. 


The arrival to Trois Couronnes begins at a grand entranceway 

and ends in an underground cobbled stone garage 

spacious enough to park eight vehicles. The garage is cleverly 

coupled with ample storage facilities for bulky sport 

equipment, therefore reducing the danger of damage to the 

interiors and a heated boot room. Entering the main hallway 

of solid timber beams and ceilings, one is greeted by 

an art gallery disguising itself as part of the main reception 

and beyond the artwork lies the banquet hall. The banquet 

hall is housed within vaulted ceilings, the curves defined by 

soft lighting and beautiful muted timber flooring. The soft 

furnishings are kept in a neutral palate, allowing the continuation 

of the art pieces from the art gallery reception to 

flow into the banquet space. 

The delights of the central space continue below to a 

wine cellar and the carnotzet. The carnotzet looks onto the 

gallery of wine on one end and is anchored by a natural stone 

wash basin at the other end. Defined by a pair of plush ➢ 


← Venetian armchairs, it gives this long forgotten space an 

eclectic touch. If wine tasting and involuntary singing are 

not up to one’s desire then traipse over to the private cinema 

lounge set in natural wooden finish from floor, to walls 

to its ceilings. The acoustics are treated with plush sofa 

lounge material and heavy. 

The central space houses the pool and spa facilities. Bear 

in mind, these are no ordinary settings for an ordinary spa. 

Besides the hammam done in gold mosaics and sauna, there 

is a Jacuzzi located outdoors next to the snow-capped 

mountain face of the Alps. Unwinding outdoors in the air 

of the heavens is priceless and one should remember to keep 

the interior architecture subtle. The indoor pool is dressed 

in Italian mosaics and pattern and housed in a space fitted 

out with whimsical art sculptures, a bar and a swing day 

bed. One is kept cosy and warm via the built-in fireplace 

as one takes in the breathtaking view of the mountainside 

laid bare through the floor-to-ceiling high glass façade. 

Wrought iron lounge beds and an antique brass telescope 

set against the backdrop of the art gallery and banquet hall 

complete the setting of the aqua space. 

Trois Couronnes’ 14,000 square feet comprises eight bedrooms 

housed in the rest of the three chalet structures with 

a shared main living and dining area that is separated by a 

vaulted hallway and natural stone chateau fireplace and is 

serviced by the main kitchen. Crystal goblets sparkle under 


Clockwise from left — The dining area of Chalet Trois Couronnes is lit by the 

sunshine of the Swiss Alps; Guests enjoy unrivalled views and the building blends 

seamlessly with the surrounding mountains; Trois Couronnes’ contemporary 

décor is ‘aged’ by antiques 

the Alpine sunshine streaming in through the extravagant 

glass sliding doors that lead out unto the terraces. 

The master suites occupy the entire top floors of two of the 

chalets and in each suite, one sleeps under old wooden roofs, 

open fireplaces and private balconies. The nineteenth-century 

elevator procured during one of the travels is now glass 

encased and offers access to one of the master suites. 

Touted as Verbier’s largest ‘Minergie’ due to its extensive 

geothermal heating and solar harvesting capabilities, the 

Trois Couronnes is in its own class of eco-friendly lodging. 

Living in an upgraded rusticated chalet comes with the benefits 

of modern technologies, such as integrated smart video 

and sound systems and Lutron light controls. 

Trois Couronnes is curated in an Arcadian Alpine language 

with the fittings of lavish contemporary décor and 

‘aged’ with antiques. Thick skin and furs adorn palatial sofas 

and armchairs under high ceilings and full height windows 

make for gloriously light and decadent spaces. With solid 

timber doors and wrought iron grilles and iron door latches, 

the chalet is akin to European castles of yore. 

Stone floorings and counter tops lend textures and solidity 

to the base of the chalet and to its internal flooring 

and kitchen counter tops. The cut-stone fireplaces salvaged 

from a French chateau blend seamlessly with the genuine 

Renaissance-era roof beams and rare antique wooden carved 

ceilings. 


FLOORING 

THE 

COMPETITION 

When it comes to quality hardwood floors, Malaysia turns to one name: Ekowood 

What’s the most important feature 

of your home? The bed? The sofa? 

Perhaps the kitchen or bathroom? 

Sure, these are all incredibly important, but 

there’s one feature in your home that sees 

more use than any other: the flooring. Often 

underappreciated and overlooked, the type of 

flooring in your home makes a huge impact on 

the look and feel of your living space – and no 

company understands the importance of solid, 

luxurious flooring better than hardwood floor 

specialist Ekowood. 

A home-grown Malaysian brand, Ekowood 

has expanded to become the provider of 

choice for premium-quality wood floors in 

more than 35 countries around the world. 

With a complete tree-to-floor philosophy 

that sees the company handling the products 

from timber logs through to installation, both 

consumers and corporations have come to 

trust Ekowood to deliver the highest in quality 

and longevity. Indeed, Ekowood products have 

been named Best Engineered Solid Hardwood 

Flooring for three consecutive years, and 

Ekowood flooring can be found closer to 

home in the premium showrooms of Bufori 

and Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia, as well as in 

hotels like the Hilton KL Sentral, Westin KL 

and the Marriott Putrajaya. 

For homeowners, quality real wood floors 

represent a solid investment and offer a 

sensation that cannot be reproduced by 

other materials. In fact, Ekowood’s floors 

are a tactile and visual treat, with four 

different collections offering the ultimate in 

customisation and choice.

Exotic Selection 

Ekowood’s Exotic Selection features wood 

harvested from tropical forests, lending 

flooring in this range a welcoming allure. 

The warm browns of Ekowood Iroko from the 

durable African iroko hardwood tree bring 

the beauty of nature indoors while the sultry 

reds of Ekowood Doussie can transform a 

space with their classy style. Alternatively, 

the traditional finish on Ekowood Teak makes 

living areas feel elegant and classic. 

Use in a commercial gym 

Winchester Coffee flooring 

Ekowood flooring in a residenial office 

Temperate Favourites 

Flooring in the Temperate Favourites collection 

is the choice of homeowners and designers 

seeking a smart, traditional look and feel. The 

timeless beauty of options like Ekowood Maple 

and Pecan has the ability to lift a space and 

creates a desirable rustic charm. The word 

here is variety; choose from Oak White Sand’s 

lighter tones to make spaces appear brighter 

and bigger, or the luxurious deeper hues of 

Smoked Oak that add intimate style. 

Winchester Style 

The choice for discerning connoisseurs, 

all floors in the Winchester Collection are 

painstakingly handmade by master craftsmen. 

The result is the preservation of every grain in 

the wood, giving a high quality, unique finish. 

The reddish hues of Winchester Mesquite let 

designers make a lavish statement while the 

gorgeous browns of Winchester Suede and 

Pecan keep things looking classic. This is the 

last word in luxurious modern living. 

Fine Seasons 

The Fine Seasons range adds a touch of the 

whimsical to any space, creating a playful 

atmosphere by weaving together woods from 

different species. The technique forms unique, 

standout patterns, tones and grains that are 

perfect for funky and contemporary interiors. 

The orangey hues of Fine Cherry Blossom add 

light and warmth to a room, and Fine Winter, 

Autumn, Spring and Summer borrow from 

their respective seasons’ tones and colours to 

spice up their living spaces. 

Find your dream flooring at the Ekowood Showroom 

Menara TSH, 8 Jalan Semantan, Damansara Heights, 

50490 Kuala Lumpur or call 03–2084 0880. 

www.ekowood.com.my

PR 

OP 

ER 

T 

Y 

N E W S 

TROPICANA 218 MACALISTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING 

ON PENANG’S FAMOUS MACALISTER ROAD – 

IMPRESSIVE REVENUE GROWTH FOR TROPICANA 2Q FY13 

Prestigious. Award-winning. Quality. Innovative. High capital appreciation. These are just some of the 

signatures of the property projects undertaken by Tropicana Corporation Berhad. The following pages 

showcase some novel and stunning residential and commercial developments as further testament to the 

organisation’s flair in this industry. Tropicana Corporation hopes to create a more compassionate and 

supportive community, especially within its circles of influence. As a responsible developer, Tropicana 

Corporation continues to deliver on its responsibility to give back to society by supporting various charitable 

causes and participating in celebrations and community events.

“We are very excited to introduce Tropicana 218 Macalister. It is an integrated mixed 

development in the middle of Georgetown’s bustling business district with total estimated 

GDV of RM300 million. Located at Penang’s famous Macalister Road, it boasts an overall 

design and layout that embraces resort-style living; a concept that is synonymous with 

the Tropicana brand.” — Dato’ Dickson Tan, Tropicana Group Managing Director 


Clockwise from left — Tropicana 218 Macalister on Macalister Road, Penang; Landscaped walkway; 

Barbeque area; Pool deck overlooking Penang’s cityscape 


A New Icon 

TROPICANA 218 MACALISTER 

— The luxurious Neo Designer Suite with unobstructed city view 

Tropicana 218 Macalister on the renowned Macalister Road 

marks something special for Tropicana Corporation Berhad. 

Combining contemporary lifestyle living with a central location 

just minutes from the Komtar building and some of 

Georgetown’s most recognisable heritage sites, Tropicana 

218 Macalister has an estimated gross development value of 

RM300 million. 

Split into four components, the two-block, 33-storey development 

will offer 208 hotel rooms under an international 

brand name hotel, 211 luxurious Neo Designer Suites, 88 serviced 

residences and 20 retail spaces. Residents will enjoy the 

benefits of a neighbourhood mall concept afforded by the retail 

units as well as the development’s modern features, amenities 

and services such as an aqua gym, garden, rock climbing 

facilities and a barbecue pit. 

The development’s signature Neo Designer Suites will spread 

across Tower A and Tower B, ranging in built-up area from 

378 – 1,312 square feet, while the serviced residences (683 – 

1,299 square feet built up) are set to occupy Tower B. The 

hotel will be located in Tower A, which also houses the development’s 

impressive sky top lounge overlooking the sea. 

Tropicana 218 Macalister, which is primed for completion in 

2017, aims to leverage on Penang’s status as the eighth most 

liveable city in the world in 2012 as well as the island’s strong 

position as a major destination for foreigners under the 

MM2H scheme. Additionally, the development will prioritise 

security with a 24-hour security infrastructure combining intercom, 

three-tiered card access, CCTV and an alarm system. 

There will also be dual key optional units (for units above 

1,299 square feet) that enhance investment opportunity. 

TROPICANA SPONSORS RM100,000 FOR PENANG STAR- 

WA L K 2013 – Young and old came out to take part in the Penang 

Starwalk 2013, and Tropicana Corporation Berhad was on 

hand to lend support – in more ways than one. Having already 

pledged RM100,000 in sponsorship, Tropicana was also present 

to reward participants and finishers and to promote the recently 

launched Tropicana 218 Macalister development. 


Speaking during the cheque presentation, Dato’ Dickson 

Tan, Group Managing Director of Tropicana, said “As part 

of our social responsibility initiative, it is fitting that we now 

energise the community by supporting the popular Penang 

Starwalk that has been around for 36 years. With this contribution, 

we hope Penang will continue to promote a healthy 

lifestyle and further enrich its local heritage.” 

Following the event, participants also had the chance to visit 

the Tropicana booth at Birch Road, where details of Tropicana 

218 Macalister were shared with the public. The reception 

was incredibly positive, with visitors eager to learn more 

about the contemporary lifestyle living concept of Tropicana’s 

development in Penang. Pam Loh, Marketing and Sales 

Executive Director of Tropicana, said “We are very pleased to see 

the high level of interest received on our latest development, the 

Tropicana 218 Macalister. Early bird registrants for the Neo Designer 

Suites were attracted to the exclusive concept design and 

the wide range of facilities provided, and were looking forward 

to its upcoming development of the remaining phases.” 

“Our booth received a never ending line of people, participants 

and spectators, who expressed a keen interest in our 

development,” Pam Loh explained. “We believe Tropicana 

218 Macalister is set to change the skyline of Penang in the 

near future.” 

Tropicana 218 Macalister – comprising Neo Designer Suites, 

serviced residences, retail units and an international brand 

name hotel – will offer contemporary lifestyle living in the 

heart of Georgetown’s business district and is slated for completion 

in 2017. 

From top — The long queue at Tropicana’s booth; Supporting Penang Starwalk 

– from left: Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Chief Executive Offi cer of The Star; Dato’ 

Dickson Tan, Managing Director of Tropicana; and Dato’ Andy Khoo, Executive 

Director of Tropicana; A Starwalk participant having a go at Tropicana’s Spin & Win 


A Glowing Success 

IMPRESSIVE REVENUE GROWTH FOR 

TROPICANA 2Q FY13 

Tropicana Corporation Berhad posted astonishing revenue 

growth of 209 per cent for the second quarter that ended 

on 30 June 2013. The percentage saw revenue increase to 

RM362.1 million from RM117.1 million, while the property 

development division posted a growth in profit before tax of 

132.7 per cent to RM45.6 million. Group profit before tax 

also rose despite higher finance costs to RM62.3 million from 

RM58.7 million in the same quarter last year. 

There was cause for celebration in the half year figures, 

too, as Tropicana notched up revenue of RM667.4 million 

compared to RM234.9 million in the same period last year. 

Growth was also seen in the Group’s profit before tax for the 

first half of the FY13 financial year, with the figure increasing 

62 per cent to RM129.1 million. Net profit after tax and minority 

interest rose 60.7 per cent to RM82.1 million. 

Responding to the announcement of the figures, Tropicana’s 

Group Chief Executive Office Dato’ Yau Kok Seng said, “The 

improved results from our property development division 

were attributed to higher profit recognition from Tropicana’s 

key ongoing development projects, namely Tropicana Danga 

Bay in Iskandar Malaysia, and Tropicana Grande, Tropicana 

Avenue and Tropicana Gardens in the Klang Valley.” 

He added, “Overall, we are highly encouraged by the good 

progress the Group is making in accelerating project launches 

and realising the value of our landbank. Recent launches in the 

Klang Valley have seen favourable response, reflecting strong 

market interest towards our lifestyle-oriented products. Both 

our Bayberry Serviced Residences in Tropicana Gardens and 

our maiden launch in Tropicana Metropark, the Pandora Residences, 

have enjoyed high take-up rates of 80 per cent since 

their respective launch in April and May of this year.” 

Group Managing Director of Tropicana, Dato’ Dickson Tan 

added, “For the first half of 2013, we achieved record new 

sales of RM1.06 billion, and we remain confident of chalking 

up robust new sales to achieve our sales target of RM2 billion 

for the year. Our locked-in unbilled sales at the end of June 

2013 stood at another all-time high of RM1.65 billion, which 

will drive our future revenue and profits as our construction 

progress gathers pace.” 

The growth and ambition certainly doesn’t stop for Tropicana. 

Another RM2.05 billion worth of new projects are 

planned for the second half of the financial year, including 

the first phase of Tropicana Heights in Kajang and the 

Group’s maiden project in Penang, Tropicana Bay Residences 

in Penang WorldCity. 


“Recent launches in the Klang Valley have seen favourable response, relecting strong market 

interest towards our lifestyle-oriented products.” 

END- OF- YEAR PROJECT LAUNCHES – It will be a busy final 

quarter for Tropicana Corporation Berhad with a line 

of project launches towards the end of 2013. In September, 

Tropicana pulled back the curtains on its inaugural development 

in Sabah, Tropicana Landmark and in October, the 

final release of Pandora Serviced Residences, Tropicana Metropark, 

Subang. 

Clockwise from bottom left — Tropicana Landmark in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; 

Tropicana Heights in Kajang; The waterfront view of Tropicana Metropark in 

Subang Jaya; Penang WorldCity on Penang Island 

Upcoming launches to look ot for include Tropicana Heights 

in Kajang, Paloma Serviced Residences of Tropicana Metropark 

in Subang, Oasis@Danga Cove in Iskandar Malaysia, 

Johor, and Penang WorldCity as well as Tropicana 218 Macalister 

in Penang. 


From top — YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (left), Deputy Chief Minister of Malaysia, 

presenting the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ 

Danny Tan; Phua Chu Kang in his famous yellow boots engaging the guests of 

Tropicana Metropark with humour and games 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR TROPICANA 

FOUNDER – Thursday, 3 October was a proud day for Tropicana 

Corp as founder and Group Executive Vice Chairman 

YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan Chee Sing was presented 

with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Excellence in Resort 

& Property Development) at the 5th World Chinese Economic 

Forum (WCEF). 

After accepting the award from the Deputy Chief Minister 

of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, YBhg Tan Sri 

Dato’ Danny Tan said “I am honoured to receive this award 

as it recognises the efforts put into promoting Malaysia to 

the wider international business community. I would like to 

thank WCEF for this award. The World Chinese Economic 

Forum brings together leading Chinese entrepreneurs from 

around the world to strengthen linkages between China, 

South East Asia and the West. It creates a platform to foster 

business partnerships, global economic cooperation and 

academic collaboration. This is in tandem with the Group’s 

roadmap where we believe in building strategic partnerships 

to accelerate growth.” 

Overall, 11 entrepreneurs were given Lifetime Achievement 

Awards at the presentation, which was attended by the 

Governor of Victoria, Australia, His Excellency Alex Chernov. 

The WCEF was established in 2009 and the Lifetime 

Achievement Award honours individuals who have made 

significant contributions in their respective fields of work. 

DONATIONS AND FUN WITH PHUA CHU KANG – Tropicana 

Corp hosted a night of fun with Singaporean TV and 

comedy star Phua Chu Kang on 5 October. The festivities 

marked the final release of the trendy, upscale Pandora Serviced 

Residences, the first phase of Tropicana Metropark, 

and saw Tropicana Foundation donating a total of RM90,000 

to Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, Persatuan Rumah KIDS and 

Rumah RACTAR. 

Edmund Kong, Group Deputy Managing Director of Tropicana, 

presented cheques of RM30,000 each to the charities 

and homes, and commented: “As a responsible developer, we 

have focused our efforts on not only building better communities 

but also improving the lives of those around us. We 

are dedicated towards assisting the underprivileged as well as 

enriching the experiences of young and old alike.” 

Following the cheque presentations, the crowd – made up of 

Pandora Serviced Residences purchasers, Tropicana Privilege 

Card members, online registrants, members of the media and 

the general public – was treated to performances by Phua Chu 

Kang, Urban Tribes and Cookie Ong. Guests were also treated 

to an exclusive showcase of Tropicana Collection. 


Top — From left: Dato’ Yau Kok Seng, Chief Executive Offi cer of Tropicana; Mr Tan 

Wee Hiong, Chairman of Foon Yew; Mr Tong Sing Chuan, Vice Chairman of Foon 

Yew; Dato’ Khaled Nordin, Menteri Besar of Johor; YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan, 

Group Executive Vice Chairman of Tropicana and Founder of Tropicana Foundation; 

Dato’ Francis Ng, Executive Director of Tropicana and Mr Dillon Tan, Executive 

Director of Tropicana 

Bottom; Presenting the award — From left: Prof Dr Denver Tan, President of 

AEA; President of YB Dato’ Dr James Davos Mamit, Deputy Minister of National 

Resources and Environment; Edmund Kong, Group Deputy Managing Director 

of Tropicana and Pam Loh, Sales and Marketing Executive Director or Tropicana 

RM500,000 FOR FOON YEW SCHOOLS IN JOHOR – Tropicana 

Foundation aims to improve the lives of the underprivileged 

communities through funding and charitable campaigns. 

Initiated by Tropicana Group Chief Executive Officer 

YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan Chee Sing, the foundation 

places a particular emphasis on health and education – something 

evident in its latest gesture: a donation of RM500,000 

to Foon Yew Associated Chinese Schools in Johor. 

The donation was presented to Tan Wee Hiong, Chairman of 

the school’s board of directors, by YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny 

Tan Chee Sing in conjunction with the school’s 100th anniversary 

celebrations. 

“At Tropicana, ensuring quality education is something which 

is very close to our hearts,” YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan 

Chee Sing said. “We believe that Foon Yew has contributed 

significantly in providing quality education in the Chinese 

language to Malaysians, regardless of their background. With 

the growing need for Chinese education in the state of Johor, 

we hope that it will continue to play a key role in producing 

highly sought-after graduates and will contribute positively 

towards the growth of the nation.” 

Indeed, Foon Yew – the oldest and largest Chinese independent 

school in Malaysia, with over 10,000 students – has a 

bright future. With a main campus in Stulang, it has a second 

branch in Kulai and has been given the approval to open a 

third school in Pasir Gudang. The RM500,000 donation from 

Tropicana will help solidify the school’s status as a leader in 

Chinese language education. 

TROPICANA ENTERS POWER BRAND HALL OF FAME – 

Tropicana Corp was honoured this 23 September to be 

presented with the Hall of Fame Award by Malaysia Power 

Brand 2013. 

Tropicana Group Managing Director Dato’ Dickson Tan said 

“The Malaysia Power Brand award is one of the most prestigious 

brand awards and Tropicana is proud to be a recipient. 

Winning the Hall of Fame award is recognition of our pioneering 

spirit that has reinforced our position as one of the 

top property developers in the industry. Kudos to my team 

for their tireless efforts.” 

This year, Tropicana has been focused on unlocking the significant 

value of its land bank, and has also undergone a major 

rebranding exercise. “2013 has been a pivotal year for us,” 

Dato’ Dick Tan said, “as it marks our transformation into a 

premier developer. When we started the company more than 

two decades ago, we pioneered the concept of resort-themed 

developments with the introduction of Tropicana Golf & 

Country Resort. We went the extra mile for our properties to 

exude quality design, excellent amenities and stunning views 

surrounded by lush landscaping, at growth regions across 

Malaysia,” he added. 

The Hall of Fame Award isn’t the first accolade of its type for 

the Group this year. Tropicana has also received the highest 

five-star award for ‘Best Mixed Use Development’ for Tropicana 

Metropark at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2013 and 

the BCI Asia Top 10 Developers Award 2013. ➢ 


← TROPICANA TAKES RAT RACE SERIOUSLY – The Edge-Bursa 

Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Rat Race 2013 took runners from 

corporations across the city through the streets of Kuala 

Lumpur in a bid to raise funds for more than 20 beneficiaries 

in Malaysia. Now in its 14th year, the race focuses on getting 

businessmen and women to drop the suits and don the 

running shoes all for a good cause. And that’s exactly what 

hundreds did on September 17. 

No organisation, it seems, took this years’ event more seriously 

than Tropicana. With nine teams of runners training 

every week since the beginning of August, plus a team of dedicated 

cheerleaders, Tropicana was well represented in this, 

its tenth Rat Race. This year, Tropicana’s donations for the 

Rate Race are the highest to date for the Group, amounting 

to RM84,000. 

“The Rat Race is a great way to show people that each of us 

can do our bit for charity,” a Tropicana spokesperson said. 

“We get to meet people, sweat, have fun and, at the same 

time, be socially responsible.” 

Tropicana did not go home empty handed; they were first 

runners-up in the Team Spirit category. 

From top — Tropicana entered nine teams, plus cheerleaders, for the Rat Race; 

The Tropicana team making a strong start; All cheers and smiles as all nine teams 

get a fi nal photo opportunity 



AN INTERVIEW WITH THANEE LAIVARINTR 

18 ’ s 

a charm 

SEA CUISINE OWNER THANEE LAIVARINTR TELLS US ABOUT LEAVING ARCHITECTURE 

FOR THAI RESTAURANTS, HOW KEEPING HIS STAFF HAPPY MEANS GOLF EVERY DAY AND 

WHY IT’S A GOOD THING THAT HE CAN’T COOK. 

“No, because I’m crazy!” Thanee Laivarintr replies. He could 

be explaining any number of things about his life, style and 

personality. Like the way he wakes up at 5:30am to play golf 

before work; how ‘work’ involves food tasting, travelling 

and taking his staff around the world; or how business, in 

his eyes, is just like 18 holes. But he’s not. He’s talking about 

his irrepressible love for design and the ideas he has to add 

to his 18 Thai restaurants in Malaysia and four in Singapore. 

“I love to do new things,” says Thanee, who moved to Malaysia 

in 1980. “It’s fun.” You quickly get the impression that 

Thanee has realised things aren’t worth doing unless they 

are enjoyable. In fact, that’s the whole reason he finds himself 

here today, the very proud owner of a group of successful 

restaurants, each looking and feeling very different but 

all with the same thread of Thai passion running through 

them. Thanee left a highly-paid job in architecture for this, 

and he hasn’t looked back. 

After working for 16 years in Singapore and Malaysia, the 

laid-back designer wanted more. “I felt that I was answering 

to somebody else all the time, so if I had a great idea I still 

had to answer to the people above me, or to my principal. It 

wasn’t easy.” The arrival of his son 16 years ago only fuelled 

the desire for change. “I asked myself: ‘What can I do?’ And 

at the time, I was 43 or 44 I think, and I said: ‘Hey, let’s do 

something I love the most. I’m from Bangkok, I love food, 

I eat every day and I’m an architect – I can design my own 

restaurant.” That was the easy part. He then had to face his 

boss (“You know what he said? ‘Can I join you?’” Thanee 

laughs) – and his wife. 

“So I told my wife: I’m going to resign from my job.” He 

pauses. “She said to me: ‘Are you stupid?’” It may not be the 

conventional career choice, especially with a newborn son 

in the picture, but Thanee explains the logic. “You know, 

life is not about earning money; it’s about doing something 

that you love.” That is a nice ideal, but it takes a lot of determination 

to see such a philosophy through. 

Having taken up his boss’ offer to join him, Thanee established 

SEA Cuisine and set about opening his dream restaurant. 

“My partner was also an architect; we knew nothing 

about food,” he explains. “We went to KLCC to look for a 

location for the first restaurant and they asked for our track 

record. I said ‘we don’t have one, but we can go to the other 

restaurants and tell you, as customers, how to make each 

one better.’ They believed me, and they gave me my first opportunity.” 

It cost the partners RM800,000 and they haven’t 

spent a sen more since. “We got the profit from Rain Nudle 

House and built the second one at Mid Valley.” From there, 

expansion was rapid, and Thanee soon had 25 restaurants 

before scaling back to a more controlled 18. 

From the beginning, however, Thanee had a bigger goal 

than simply finding personal success. “I went to so many 

Thai restaurants in this country when I started living here 

and they disappointed me. They disappointed me every 

time. And so I spoke to other Thai people and they agreed. 

They said: ‘Why don’t you do a good Thai restaurant; somewhere 

you can eat every day?’” That Thai input is something 

Thanee carries with him to this day, hiring chefs from back 

home in Bangkok, where they have grown up tasting and 

cooking the food. 

“I tell my chefs: ‘You’ve got to cook the way you cook in 

Bangkok. Don’t change the recipe, don’t change it.’” That 

way, Thanee says, you can be sure the food is authentic – 

and that is what customers are looking for. There is just one 

more mantra Thanee wants his chefs to work to. “My philosophy 

in food is: you cook simple food but cook it well. I 

think that is a successful formula. It’s just like the movie,” 

he continues, searching for the name of the flick he encourages 

his chefs to watch. “What’s it called?” he asks, before 

pulling out the most unlikely name: “Ratatouille! Yeah, Ratatouille 

is all simple. I speak to my chefs one by one after 

they have watched it and ask: ‘What have you learned?’ And 

they say: ‘Try not to keep rats in the kitchen!’” he laughs. “I 

say: ‘That’s very wrong! What it’s trying to tell you is to do 

simple things and do them well.’” 

Thanee is committed to this. “A lot of restaurants are trying 

to do the same as us, but a lot of them fail on the food. ➢ 

AN INTERVIEW BY IAN JOHNSTON PHOTOGRAPHS GERALD GOH / IMAGE ROM STUDIO ART DIRECTION IRENE DANESI 

STYLING AND COORDINATION LAI SWEE WEI HAIR AND MAKE UP POEY CHONG / MONICA LEE FACE ART ACADEMY 

WARDROBE ALFRED DUNHILL, CANALI, DKNY, LA MARTINA, MASSIMO DUTTI, TED BAKER AND ZARA 


— Absolute Thai Gardens at The Gardens Mall 

← I mean, they can make the decor beautiful but the food 

is not there.” That’s an interesting comment from someone 

whose background, and heart, is in design – and from someone 

who still designs, with immense interest, his own restaurants. 

But for Thanee, food is unquestionably the priority. 

“Food is number one. In Malaysia, pricing is number two, 

service is number three. Decor comes last.” That doesn’t 

stop Thanee spending great amounts of time and creativity 

on the look of every outlet though. “I love designing them 

all differently,” he says, pointing to Busaba in Bangsar Shopping 

Centre as his current favourite. 

His afternoons, he says, are spent designing, and he dedicates 

time to travelling the world in search of inspiration 

and ideas. This is why Thanee believes it’s a blessing that 

he’s not in the kitchen himself. “Can I cook?” He laughs. “If 

you can cook, you can have maybe one or two restaurants, 

because you’ve got to go to the kitchen and cook. When 

you don’t cook, you’re not scared to leave; you can keep on 

opening.” Providing, of course, there’s still time for fun. 

“You know, there are many places we could expand to. But I 

don’t want to go very far because I still want to get up in the 

morning and play golf!” 

Thanee lives at Tropicana Indah, which means he’s never 

far from the clubhouse. “I get on the golf course – either 

KLGCC or Tropicana Golf and Country Resort – at about 

6:45am.” But golf is much more than a wake-up call; he 

sees great parallels between the course and the workplace. 

“Golf is just like business; we cannot make 18 holes the same 

score, right? We have to mix it up – bogey, par, birdie. It’s 

about how to make the whole 18 holes into a good package. 

That is my business; that is golf. It’s the same thing.” 

It is this calm approach that has seen Thanee drop his 

handicap to nine while also growing his business, and the 

early-morning golf is not a habit that he would give up lightly. 

He loves the game so much that he goes to great lengths 

to protect his morning round. His office staff, for example, 

take a company trip annually to locations like Cape Town, 

Italy, Japan, Korea and next year to somewhere in Scandinavia. 

The goal, of course, is to show the team other restaurants, 

businesses and ideas around the world but, Thanee 

winks, it’s also important to keep them happy. “I mean they 

serve me well, so I can play golf every morning!” 

It seems Thanee is living the dream – wake up, play golf, 

taste food, design a restaurant, visit a restaurant and then 

go home – but he has worked for this lifestyle and he likes 

to enjoy every moment. He fell in love with Malaysia when 

visiting from Singapore and has since married a Malaysian 

and settled with his two children, now 16 and 13, who definitely 

consider themselves Malaysian. 

“I moved to Tropicana Indah because of my children; we 

found a school nearby. I rented the place but after three or 

four years I felt comfortable so I bought it. Now I’ve been 

there for eight or nine years; we’re very happy there and 

with the recent development it’s become like a city by itself.” 

Thanee moved to Malaysia more than 30 years ago, and that 

time here has had a big impact on his identity. In fact, he feels 

so settled here that he finds himself facing a dilemma few people 

can appreciate. “Every time Malaysia and Thailand compete 

at sport,” he sighs, “I don’t know who to support!” 

Whichever side he picks, one thing is for sure when it 

comes to Thanee Laivarintr: there will always be a smile 

beaming across his face. 


“Will I run out 

of new concepts 

and designs for 

restaurants? 

No, I’m crazy!’’ 


Clockwise from top left — Skydiving; Superjeep tours; Cold-weather golf; Dogsledding; Snowmobilling; Self-driving expeditions; Off-road adventures; White water rafting; Glacial water scuba diving 


THE VACATION 

Nature’s Winter 

WONDERLAND 

PHOTOGRAPHS hotel rangÁ 

WORDS CHUA Siew Ching 

Want a memorable winter holiday? Pack your bags and jackets, 

and head to South Iceland for fun in the snow and more. 

Ready to explore what South Iceland has in 

store for you? Here’s a taste of what to expect 

Do you just think of volcanoes when someone mentions 

Iceland? We don’t blame you for the association, what with 

the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 that caused 

an almost global logistical nightmare for airline companies. 

But along with the word ‘volcano’ also comes the idea of an 

exotic getaway that can only be experienced in this Nordic 

country, in particular South Iceland – the region about 

an hour’s drive away from the capital city Reykjavik. With 

Icelandic highlands, glaciers, black sand beaches, stunning 

waterfalls, hot springs, nature reserves and historic places as 

well as cultural centres for the non-nature buff, South Iceland 

makes for an interesting and memorable holiday destination. 

Where else can you find mother nature at her best 

(and yes, her worst as well) all year round, where various 

activities and adventures await from dog sledding to river 

rafting? South Iceland just might be your next best holiday 

destination, especially if you are looking for something out 

of the ordinary. 

h a v e a n a d v e n t u r e — The thing about South Iceland is 

that there is plenty to do for everyone and for every adrenalin 

level. Those who seek more adventure can opt for the 

daredevil activities. If you’re into aquatic sports, check out 

river rafting in South Iceland, which is not only a challenge 

but also an unforgettable experience. Hire a guide who will 

navigate you through the canyons of South Iceland’s glacial 

rivers, where rapids can be terrifying but exhilarating. 

Want to know what’s underneath all that glacier water? 

Sign up for a scuba diving trip and suit up. Check out Silfra, 

which is a lava ravine in Thingvellir National Park, the site 

of the first Icelandic parliament and the Great Atlantic rift 

between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. 

For the past 20 years Silfra has been filtrated due to the new 

groundwater it receives from the glaciers. Because of this, 

it has a visibility of up to 120 metres in its clear waters, in 

particular just below Lake Thingvallavatn. A diver’s dream 

come true. ➢ 


← If water is not your thing, give cave exploration a try. 

With the many beautiful caves around South Iceland, 

you’ll have plenty of sites to choose from to explore, all of 

which are shaped uniquely by volcanic activities or glacial 

ice movements. For safety and a better experience, sign up 

with an organised tour. In Iceland, there are plenty of tour 

companies to sign up with for a day tour or more to get the 

most. Guides speak English and provide pick-up and dropoff 

services to your hotel. 

The fun tours to check out? The Super Jeep Tours, where 

you’ll hop onto an SUV specially modified to cope with the 

rugged terrain in South Iceland for an amazing ride as well 

as the most stunning views ever. Or an ATV motorbike 

tour where not only will you experience the thrill ride but 

also get to explore some of Iceland’s astonishing sights like 

the famous black beaches of the South Coast. 

But if there’s one thing you can’t miss while here, it’s definitely 

dog sledding. Fun for the entire family, it’s an amazing 

way to discover the winter wonderland that is Iceland. This 

activity is available all year round and is perfect for the kids. 

If you’re up for it – pricewise that is – sign up for a flight 

or helicopter tour, which will take you over volcanoes to see 

nearby glaciers, geothermal areas and the Icelandic highlands 

from above. The perfect, luxurious way to enjoy the 

beauty of South Iceland. 

The Northern Lights is a natural 

phenomenon caused by magnetic 

activity in the atmosphere where 

the night sky is filled with greens, 

reds, yellows and blues, ‘dancing’ 

for beautiful display 

p i c t u r e p e r f e c t — Without a doubt, the Northern 

Lights – or the aurora borealis – is one of the top must-sees 

in Iceland. Nature’s most spectacular light show, the Northern 

Lights is a natural phenomenon caused by magnetic activity 

in the atmosphere where the night sky is filled with 

greens, reds, yellows and blues, ‘dancing’ for beautiful display. 

As there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights, 

it’s best to check with a tour operator of where the best 

location is and when, which is normally from September 

through April. 

With so many sights here, it’ll be hard to see them all. 

If time is a limitation, check out the Grand Golden Circle 

of Iceland, which encompasses three of the country’s most 

beautiful natural sights. First up, the Great Geysir. One of 

the world’s most notable geysers, this natural attraction is 


— A spectacular view of the Northern Lights above Hotel Rangá 

home to the active hot spring Strokkur that gushes out hot 

water almost 20 metres high throughout the day. Then, 

Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, is Iceland’s most famous 

waterfall that drops 32 metres into a narrow canyon that 

is 70 metres deep and 2.5 kilometres long. The sound of 

its water rushing is almost deafening to the ears. Finally, 

Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s most historic site as 

it is here where the oldest existing parliament in the world 

first met, earning it UNESCO Heritage Site status. It is also 

home to the largest lake in Iceland (over 100 metres deep), 

the Thingvallavatn. 

If time permits, make your way to the glacier lagoon of 

Jökursarlon, a highlight of South Iceland. Here, huge iceberg 

peaks float gently in the lagoon as a result of them breaking 

away from Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Europe. To get 

closer to these ice beauties, hop onto a boat and ride up close. 

If the place looks familiar to you, it is because Jökursarlon is 

a popular filming location where movies like James Bond’s 

Die Another Day and Batman Begins have been shot. 

There are simply too many places to explore and see in 

South Iceland. So to make the best of your holiday, plan exactly 

what you want to experience. It’s best to book yourself 

tours as this is the most efficient way to discover the country. 

And a final tip? Bring your camera as you won’t be able 

to take your lens off the beauty that is South Iceland. 

PERFECT LOCATION 

With all the activities you’ll be 

doing in South Iceland, you’ll want 

a hotel to come back to at the end 

of the day and have a good night’s 

rest. Check out Hotel Rangá, a 

luxury countryside hotel and the 

only four-star resort in South 

Iceland. This picturesque hotel 

has it all: 52 cosy and luxurious 

rooms, including its World Pavilion 

suits that are themed after each 

of the seven continents to provide 

you with an experience that 

is literally a world apart. Hotel 

Rangá is also one of the best 

places in Iceland to witness the 

Northern Lights. In fact, the hotel 

specialises in providing Northern 

Lights-related services like aurora 

forecasts, photography and even 

wake-up calls to ensure you don’t 

miss this beautiful phenomenon. 

TRAVEL TIPS 

Get here: Fly to any major 

European city and book a flight 

on Iceland Express. You’ll land 

in Keflavik Airport where you can 

then make your way to your hotel 

easily. It’s best to find out if your 

hotel provides pick-up services. 

Safety: Best thing about South 

Iceland? Safety for tourists. Locals 

are friendly and willing to lend a 

hand if you need anything while 

most spots are clearly marked 

with signs to ensure you don’t 

venture too far into danger. 

Eat: Nordic food may need some 

getting used to – think pickled 

herring, cold dishes and, in some 

places, whale meat. Thankfully, 

with more tourists visiting Iceland 

these days, you can expect to find 

more common fare like pizzas 

and pastas. 


THE GAME CHANGER 

Scaling New 

HEIGHTS 

The story of The North Face 

WORDS AUDREY TEOH 

PHOTOGRAPHS THE NORTH FACE 

EVER THINK A 

‘HIPPIE’ BRAND FROM 

THE LATE ’60S WOULD 

BECOME ONE OF THE 

MOST RECOGNISED 

OUTDOOR MARQUES 

OF TODAY? 



— The North Face Himalayan Parka 

From prominent American politicians to Hollywood celebrities, 

the distinctive half-dome logo is a familiar sight on 

parkas and backpacks, but despite its popular appeal, The 

North Face has humble beginnings. Founded in 1966 by 

two friends – Doug Tompkins and Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp – 

to cater to backpackers, mountaineers, campers and other 

outdoor enthusiasts, the brand has evolved into a veritable 

powerhouse, one that is synonymous with high-performance 

gear and apparel designed to withstand the most 

brutal conditions. 

Named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of most 

mountains, the brand’s early years established its foothold 

in the category not only by specialising in high-quality gear 

but also by sponsoring athletes and expeditions to remote 

locations across the world. As early as 1972, The North Face 

was already well known, as the company backed climbing 

legends Jim Bridwell and Kim Schmitz as they trailblazed 

a new route up the biggest wall in Yosemite National Park. 

At the same time, the brand was also making a name for 

itself in designing lighter, more efficient gear to help explorers 

reduce bulk and weight such as the Oval Intention, 

the first lightweight, geodesic tent with flexible aluminium 

poles, and the Back Magic pack, an innovative adaptation 

to the conventional rigid frame backpack design. In 1985, 

The North Face introduced its classic mountain jacket, the 

foundation on which its entire clothing line is based. 

But the road to success wasn’t without its ups and downs. 

Although the original business soon gained a steady following, 

the company’s attempt in the 1980s to manufacture all 

its own products led to a host of problems, from issues with 

the supply chain and delayed delivery to high amounts of 

capital being invested in inventory. Furthermore, an attempt 

at running their own outlet stores to sell lower-priced 

products was not well received by consumers or wholesale 

customers. As a result, all the outlet stores were eventually 

closed, but the damage had already been done. 

In an effort to turn things around, Odyssey Holdings acquired 

the company in 1988 and implemented significant 

changes which revived the brand’s ailing financial health. 

However, in an ironic turn of events, Odyssey Holdings itself 

filed for bankruptcy in 1993. 

This represented yet another dramatic change for The 

North Face, but fortunately one that took an upward trend, 

and one which saw the transformation of The North Face 

Visit The North Face flagship store at e@Curve. 

Holdings into The North Face, Inc. and the continued rise 

of an iconic brand. Throughout its difficulties, the brand 

has remained a constant presence in stores and – most importantly 

– the hearts and minds of its customers, who carry 

its gear and apparel to all four corners of the globe. 

GOING FURTHER, GETTING STRONGER — Be it expeditions 

to the bitter heights of the Himalayas or the barren Sahara 

desert, The North Face is a consistent and dependable 

companion for professional athletes as well as amateur sports 

fans. With its mantra ‘Never stop exploring’, the brand is 

also a strong advocate for nature appreciation and preservation, 

sponsoring numerous individuals and groups, as well 

as funding non-profit organisations that help children reconnect 

with nature via The North Face Explore Fund. 

However, the brand philosophy takes on a whole new 

meaning when extreme athletes looking to push the boundaries 

of performance and endurance put The North Face 

products to the test at events like The North Face 100, a 

distance trail run which enters its fifth year in 2013. This 

year’s theme is ‘Break All Boundaries’ and it has been run in 

six countries so far: Thailand in February, Taiwan and the 

Philippines in April, China and Australia in May and Singa- 

INNOVATION MILESTONES 

1969 1972 1975 1976 1978 1985 

The SIERRA PARKA 

is introduced, 

marking the brand’s 

fi rst foray into 

‘classic’ apparel. 

The fi rst TNF- 

BACKED 

EXPEDITIONS 

TO YOSEMITE, 

where Jim Bridwell 

and Kim Schmitz 

trailblazed a 

new route up the 

biggest wall in the 

national park. 

OVAL INTENTION is 

the fi rst lightweight, 

geodesic tent with 

fl exible aluminium 

poles. 

BACK MAGIC 

PACK offers an 

alternative to the 

conventional rigid 

frame backpack 

design. 

TNF backs a 

13-WOMAN 

TEAM on their 

ANNAPURNA 

ASCENT, led by 

Arlene Blum. 

The MOUNTAIN 

JACKET marks the 

birth of the entire 

The North Face 

clothing line. 


Be it expeditions to the bitter heights of 

the Himalayas or the barren Sahara desert, 

The North Face is a consistent and dependable 

companion for professional athletes as well as 

amateur sports fans 

Different Strokes 

The North Face founders Doug Tompkins and Kenneth ‘Hap’ 

Klopp have gone vastly different ways in the last few decades. 

While Klopp remained with the company for 20 years and is now 

a business consultant, Doug Tompkins took the opposite tack to 

become an ecologist, forming the Deep Ecology Foundation with 

his wife Kristine. 

pore in October; the last two races are in Japan in November 

and Hong Kong in December. Meanwhile, The North 

Face 100 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, which spanned seven 

valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits across France, Switzerland 

and Italy, concluded this year on 1 September. 

As the brand prides itself on clothing and equipment that 

can live up to the rigorous demands of trail running, mountain 

climbing, skiing and even expeditions to remote locations, 

extensive R&D is a must, resulting in products that 

perform better in terms of durability as well as efficiency 

without a corresponding increase in bulk or weight. For example, 

The North Face lays claim to innovative new insula- 

tion technologies such as ThermoBall (synthetic fibre clusters 

using Primaloft which mimics the insulating properties 

of down without the weight), 950 Fill Pro Down (natural 

down treated with a water-resistant finish to stay dry 17 

times longer compared to non-treated down, and ZLOFT, 

which uses Primaloft synthetic insulation and a Z-Baffle 

construction to maximise warmth without adding weight 

or bulk, keeping cold air out and warm air in. 

These innovations come in particularly handy when designing 

outerwear that needs to withstand changing weather 

conditions such as the Summit Series, which helps prevent 

overheating while ascending and reduce flash cooling 

while descending, and FlashDry fabrics designed for faster 

removal of moisture from the skin and speedier evaporation 

for faster drying so that users can remain more comfortable 

regardless of the weather. 

For 47 years, The North Face has surpassed itself in performance 

and innovation, just as the athletes it supports 

have pushed themselves to go beyond the limits of their 

physical endurance. Having been shaped by dreams, challenges, 

and corporate ingenuity, the brand we know today 

is a symbol of style, substance and progress in the world of 

outdoor gear and apparel. 

1986 1989 1990 2001 2005 2008 

Backs a 550-mile, 

unsupported 

dogsled expedition 

to the NORTH 

POLE, led by Will 

Steger. 

Sees an 

international 

six-man team 

through the FIRST 

UNMECHANISED 

CROSSING of the 

coldest continent, 

spanning 4,000 

miles and seven 

months. 

Supports the 

OXYGENLESS 

ASCENT of 

the WORLD’S 

SECOND HIGHEST 

MOUNTAIN PEAK 

by Greg Child, 

Steve Swenson 

and Greg 

Mortimer. 

Supports an ALL- 

WOMEN CLIMBING 

and ski expedition 

in the KASHMIRI 

SNOW PEAKS. 

Supports the 

achievement of 

DEAN KARNAZES 

as he runs 50 

MARATHONS IN 

50 US STATES in 

50 consecutive 

days. 

The fi rst THE 

NORTH FACE 100 

distance trail run 

is organised. 



For 47 years, The North Face has 

surpassed itself in performance and 

innovation, just as the athletes it supports 

have pushed themselves to go beyond the 

limits of their physical endurance 


THE DRIVE - DISCOVER THE NEW Infiniti Q50 Hybrid 

A worldly 

ride 

words lau chak onn 

PHOTOGRAPHS Infiniti usa 

Few sedans are as one with the world as the new Infiniti Q50 Hybrid, 

with a chassis capable of handling snow as well as sun, and an all-new hybrid engine 

that leaves little behind but a telling zigzag of tire tracks. 


The sheetmetal body is 

aerodynamically sculpted to register 

a minute 0.26 coefficient of drag, 

which means it’ll cut through 

turbulent air quicker, while using 

significantly less fuel 

When it comes time to purchase a luxury sedan, the first options 

that come to mind are usually German – and with good 

reason. They are fast, well built and in typical German fashion, 

engineered to perfection. However, despite their fearsome 

reputation, there is also a tendency for these same cars 

to falter after a few years in our sweltering tropical climates. 

Unlike their European counterparts, the Japanese have 

been actively chasing this coveted segment of the market 

from across the Pacific, and in this area, Infiniti quite literally 

has the best of both worlds. As the luxury segment of Nissan, 

Infiniti has made a mission of combining the plushness and 

aesthetic appeal of its European competitors with good ol’ 

fashioned Japanese practicality and efficiency – and nothing 

embodies that better than the all-new Infiniti Q50 Hybrid. 

As the follow-up to the well-received Infiniti G, the Q50 

knows it has a tough act to follow, and comes out guns blazing 

with a new sweeping sheetmetal body that seems to 

taper at the front, giving the car a rear-biased, sporty appearance. 

Its new continental front mesh grill and angular 

front-end afford a muscular yet modern stance, making the 

Q50 a worthy addition to the luxury sedan range, with an 

unmistakably Japanese touch. 

Of course, the Japanese also understand that the car needs 

to be able to handle difficult continental terrain and to see its 

occupants safely through the long winter months. Thus, this 

impressive metalwork sits on Nissan’s familiar front-midship 

platform that gives the car a good weight distribution, 

which is incidentally 50 pounds lighter than its predecessor. 

On top of this sturdy mechanical platform, there is also 

your typically Japanese technical wizardry. The car is the 

first in the world to feature Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steering, 

which actually makes small adjustments to the steering 

based on what it feels the driver wants – for instance increasing 

the centre deadzone at higher speeds to avoid floating 

across lanes, and decreasing it in tight corners, allowing the 

driver to still feel in control with minute adjustments. It also 

changes its sensitivity across different terrain making the car 

handle similarly, regardless of the environment or season. 

Perhaps even more futuristically, the car also has a 

small camera just under the rear-view mirror that detects 

lane-markers and makes small adjustments to the steering to 

keep it within the lines when it drifts off, and accommodates 

cross winds. It also handles the car’s cruise-control, adapting 

the speed to the car in front and also based on current road 

conditions, going so far as to engage the brake if it detects an 

oncoming collision.➢ 

From top — Infiniti Q50’s striking sheetmetal body; LED headlights; 

17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires 


From top — The Q50 Hybrid sports a powerful 3.5-litre V6 paired to a smart 

lithium-ion battery; both front seats are ergonomically shaped to hug both driver 

and passenger while cornering. 

Opposite page — Access to all key controls is designed so that the driver does 

not need to change driving posture; Kacchu aluminum and genuine maple wood 

trim add a touch of elegance to the interior 

← In fact, rumours abound that for relatively straight roads, 

the car can quite capably drive itself without much input. 

In case you are worried that this might take all driving sensation 

away from the driver, the system was developed with 

input from three-time F1 champ Sebastian Vettel (who is used 

to his share of technical wizardry in his cutting edge race car) 

to ensure the best combination of safety, comfort and driver 

engagement. Speaking of comfort, the car comes standard 

with plush leather heated seats, sat-nav, a power moon roof, 

LED headlights, a 14-speaker Bose stereo system and of course 

that satisfying vacuum-sealing thump of a luxury sedan door 

closing. Its revised intake and exhaust system, in addition to 

further isolation and insulation measures, reinforces the laying 

down of the Q50’s gauntlet to challenge other continentals. 

But what truly makes this car at one with the world is 

its concern for its well-being, and at the same time, its understanding 

of the human condition – namely the need for 

speed. The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid’s swooping looks are not just 

for show – the sheetmetal body is aerodynamically sculpted 

to register a minute 0.26 coefficient of drag, which means it 

will cut through turbulent air quicker, while using significantly 

less fuel. Under the bonnet, it sports a 3.5-litre V6 

and a lithium-ion battery boasts a max efficiency EPA fuel 

economy of 36mpg, as compared with the standard car’s 

30mpg. While hybrid engines are hardly a breakthrough, 

this one merges a 296-horsepower V6 to a 67-horsepower 

electric motor, generating a net total of 354 horsepower, or 

amazingly, 26 horsepower more than the standard Q50. Despite 

its environmental credentials, this green monster will 

get you from 0–100km/h in less than 5.5 seconds. 

Pair its whiz-bang technical wizardry with a surprisingly 

reasonable price tag, and you will find that this is a car that 

will eat up tarmac while leaving the leaves on the trees, and 

is guaranteed to get you home in style, wherever your home 

might be. 



THE SWING 

Black Dragon River 

Go north, slant east. In China, heading upwards in that prescribed manner 

would surely lead you to Heilongjiang province, all OF 460,000 square kilometrEs 

and steadily growing in popularity as a holiday getaway. With Mongolia to its 

west, Jilin to the south and Russia in the northeast, the notable province had 

historically been a major European gateway. Jafri M explores its natural beauty. 

photographS CLUB MED YABULI 

s u m m e r h o l i d a y – Literally translated as ‘Black Dragon 

River’, Heilongjiang sees temperatures averaging from 18C to 

23C during summertime in mid-year. The province, generally 

flatter in the interior areas, is known for its rich diversity of 

wildlife including deer, bears, pheasants, hares, squirrels, badgers, 

and wild boars, especially in lush areas like Yabuli. 

Indeed, in the early 1990s, the Chinese government upgraded 

the protection of much of Yabuli to National Park 

status, with sustainable development a major criteria of all 

resort plans, like disallowing tree culling and mining. 

Summer attractions in Heilongjiang include picturesque 

nature spots and lakes to explore like the Fujin National 

Forest Park, Zhaolin Park and Sun Island. Golfers often 

head for sprawling courses like the Harbin International 

Golf Club and Heilongjiang Xudong Golf Club. 

The former is the first golf club in Heilongjiang province, 

set up in 1999, and offers a 43-acre, nine-hole, par 36 layout 

with a golf practicing hall and ski park that opens in winter. 

The Heilongjiang Xudong Golf Club, started in 2000, is located 

in Pingshan Town of Acheng District in Harbin. Only 

an hour’s drive from downtown Harbin, the 494-acre, par 

72, 18-hole course is set on hilly terrain amid eight lakes. 

Open in summer, it is closed during winter where, as the 

first golf course constructed on a snowfield in Asia, it serves 

as an excellent ski resort as well. 

w i n t e r w o n d e r l a n d – Heilongjiang’s winters are extremely 

long and cold, with temperatures ranging from 

-15C to -30C. 

Seasonal attractions in the area include ski festivals, winter 

swimming, sculpture competitions, and stunning ice 

lantern displays. The month-long Harbin International Ice 

and Snow Festival is dedicated to the fascinating art of ice 

sculpture and is always popular with locals and tourists. 

The ski season kicks off in November and stretches to 

April. The Yabuli area, while relatively unknown in the 

West, is widely hailed in China as an especially picturesque 

area often used for movie location shoots. Yabuli also 

hosted the 2009 Winter Universiade. In fact, the hype in 

Heilongjiang has been on the upscale Club Med Yabuli. ➢ 


The Yabuli area, while relatively unknown in the West, is widely hailed in 

China as an especially picturesque area often used for movie location shoots 

← c l u b m e d y a b u l i – Opened as the first international 

premium all-inclusive ski resort in north eastern Heilongjiang, 

Club Med Yabuli is all pristine shimmer with its top 

notch four-Trident ‘Charm and Prestige’ category. Some 180 

kilometres southeast of the province capital, Harbin, it is an 

under four-hour drive from the airport and within a national 

park. The elegant architecture of the resort, built in 2008, 

complements the surroundings; Canadian château style with 

ample stone and wood and an eye-catching clock tower. 

Inside, it is contemporary, convivial and family-friendly 

with the appealing visual derivations inspired by plum, elm, 

oak, walnut and maple trees that flourish in the surrounding 

landscape. The rich indoor hues of intense red, yellow, gold 

as well as green, reflective of the vibrant landscape, reverberate 

throughout the resort with embracing warmth. 

As Margaux Lhermitte, its interior designer, explains, 

“The resort decor is a cornucopia of plants and trees, where 

spices, seeds and grains from the region will be displayed, as 

well as French illustrations of plants. The Yabuli Resort is a 

botanical home, blending exoticism with French flair.” 

Within the resort, the rooms and suites number some 280 

in total. They are spacious and designed in soothing tones, 

have good internet access and amenities and reassuringly 

heated bathroom floors. 

The three restaurants guests can dine at include the casual 

Apple Garden, which offers a substantial international buffet 

offering familiar Western, Chinese and Japanese favourites. 

There is also Bianco, which serves Italian fare. Mudan, 

Club Med’s first Chinese restaurant, is a touch more formal 

with its elegant oriental dining set up and à la carte menu 

featuring regional specialities. 

The resort, of course, offers the winning Club Med formula 

where guests enjoy an all-inclusive package. Here at 

Yabuli, there are ski passes and a ski school for children ages 

four years and up from certified ski instructors. 

The resort is constantly abuzz with families, couples and 

some business groups. And skiing, of course, is the main 

draw, with guests enjoying quick easy access to the slopes 

and where at extra charge, premium skis, snowboards, 

boots and other equipment can be rented. 

There are 18 ski runs in total with the biggest beginner’s 

terrain in the country. Its five ‘magic carpet’ surface 

lifts are especially useful for novices. There is also a highspeed, 

heated eight-person gondola that transports guests 

smoothly up the 530-metre vertical rise to the mountaintop 

in under ten minutes. The scenery along the way is picture 

perfect with soft, powdery snow and surprisingly less crowd 

than a fully booked resort should expect. 

Along with skiing, there are other outdoor activities such 

as snow tubing, snowboarding and going on purportedly the 

longest alpine slide in Asia. Back inside, the fun continues 

in imitable Club Med fashion with flying trapeze, bungee 

bounce, yoga, karaoke sessions at three private KTV rooms 

(a first for the Club), billiards and mahjong. There is also 

an adults-only indoor pool and Jacuzzi. And for sybarites, 

the Club Med Spa is a 10-suite haven offering pampering 

treatments using top French skincare brand, L’Occitane. 

From top — The Club Med Yabuli resort; The Club Med Spa by L’Occitane; 

One of the Suites at Club Med Yabuli 


ON OLGA: Missoni dark green knit dress and leather pants, H&M faux fur overcoat ON DANNY: canali velvet blazer, wool overcoat and suit pants 


S N O W 

M A D I C 

Taking style cues from Central Asia’s permanent travellers. 

P E O P L E 

Photographs by Gerald Goh / Image Rom Studio - Art Direction by Irene Danesi - Makeup by Taisu - Hair by Daniel - 

Styling by Yugo Tham - Coordination by Deborah Lee - Models Olga K / AndrewsModels and Danny Lee 


ON OLGA: Moschino floral needlepoint sweater and patterned trousers 

ON DANNY: Canali wool sweater, wool overcoat and wool suit pants 


H&M faux fur waistcoat 


ON DANNY: Canali blue patchwork scarf and wool suit pants 

ON OLGA: Missoni knit patterned dress, H&M faux fur waistcoat 

and Tangoo satin wide leg pants 


Canali wool checkered blazer 

and silk printed scarf 


Canali wool overcoat, wool checkered 

blazer, wool striped suit pants and 

printed scarf 


Moschino cape and Missoni leather pants 


STYLE 

wave 

by Deborah Lee 

Maison Martin Margiela 

— TAILORING 

Borrowing from the men, the fall runways 

bore witness to oversized and pinstripe versions 

that reminisced looks from the mafia and The 

Great Gatsby. 

Spotted at: Yohji Yamamoto, Stella McCartney, 

Maison Martin Margiela, Ralph Lauren, 

Vivienne Westwood, Emanuel Ungaro 

Céline 

— COSY KNITS 

Inspired by chunky Aran knits, fall’s sweaters 

come in a variety of cuts. Do like Céline and 

Chanel – pair them with flirty skirts for a 

feminine take. 

Spotted at: Céline, Chanel, The Row 

— POWDER PINK 

Romance beckons! Soft and delicate, the hues of 

the English Rose lend a whimsical and angelic 

touch to your look. 

Spotted at: Dior, Miu Miu, Carven, Chanel, 

Mulberry, Nina Ricci, Rodarte 

Paco Rabanne 

— METALLICS 

Taking cue from medieval times, armourinspired 

mesh pieces ruled the runways in 

delicate dresses – some hiding parts of the body, 

while others form a peek-a-boo effect. 

Miu Miu 

Spotted at: Chloé, Anthony Vaccarello, 

Paco Rabanne, Chanel Haute Couture, Balmain 


— ROLLNECKS 

Also known as ‘turtlenecks’, there is nothing 

quite like neck insulation that can help you 

keep warm in an air-conditioned room or 

winter weather. Wear under suits or sweaters 

to keep stylish. 

Spotted at: Hermès, Balenciaga, Lanvin, 

McQ by Alexander McQueen, Raf Simons 

Prada 

— CLARET 

Incorporate this shade of dark red in your 

wardrobe. Two options: wear it head-totoe, 

or if you want something less OTT, 

pair with a complementary colour like teal. 

Spotted at: Prada, Canali, 

Alexander McQueen, Topman Design, 

Richard James, Giorgio Armani 

Rake 

— SOMETHING BLUE 

This time, the blues are less intense and 

more relaxed. They come in all shades – 

periwinkle, electric blue, baby blue. All in all, 

a great colour to invest in. 

Spotted at: Gucci, Costume National Homme, 

Nicole Farhi, Rake, Carven 

Hermès 

— PAJAMA SILK 

Black tie gets chic with patterned pajama-style 

silk blazers with elaborate embroidery. Maintain 

decorum by dressing the rest of your outfit in 

classic black and white. 

Louis Vuitton 

Spotted at: Louis Vuitton, Etro, Dolce & Gabbana, 

Roberto Cavalli, Gucci 


Sharp Lines 

Pewter and crystal that makes maths look beautiful 

Photographs by Li / Image ROM Studio - Art direction by Irene Danesi - 

Coordination by Deborah Lee 


Royal Selangor ‘Samarra’ tumbler 

with faceted edges, RM200 


Swarovski ‘Annual Edition Christmas Ornament’ 

in clear crystal (Christmas Set 2013), RM550 


Swarovski ‘Selma’ pierced rhodium-plated 

earrings in clear crystal pavé, RM740 


Royal Selangor ‘Samarra’ paperclip tray 

with faceted edges, RM200 



Swarovski angel ornament in clear crystal with 

light rose crystal heart, RM500 


nov/dec NOV/DEC 2013 | TA 99

The Address Magazine Nov-Dec 2013 #92: The Winter Issue

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?