Tropicana Magazine May-Jun 2018 #118: Winner Takes All

Vol. #118 May / June 2018 

WINNER TAKES ALL 

NU INFINITY 

AND BEYOND 

Nick Fong, Alex Lee and Leslie Cheng: 

The Interior Design Trio on Why Style 

And Substance Go Hand-in-Hand 

WALES OF 

A TIME 

Wikipedia founder on truth 

and freedom of information 

MONUMENTS 

AND MINARETS 

A guide to Istanbul’s most 

iconic architecture 

MAJOR 

SWING 

The tournaments that have 

golfers and golf fans riveted

EDITOR’S NOTE 

We All 

Love 

Winners 

There’s something undeniably 

attractive about success that 

it’s part of our subconscious 

behaviour, wired into our 

DNA and selected for through 

evolution. Because in doing so, 

the strong survive to perpetuate 

the gene pool. 

Not all winners are 

championed equally. There is 

such a thing as winning with 

humility and grace. In sports, 

this is called sportsmanship. It’s 

why we don’t tolerate winning 

through cheating. It’s why we 

cheer loudest, not always for the 

guy we expect to win, but for the 

one who works the hardest and 

gives it their best. That’s why 

an underdog can be a winner, 

even if at the end of the match or 

competition they walk away with 

a silver and not a gold. 

Tropicana Magazine cover 

personalities Nick Fong, Alex Lee and Leslie Cheng are certainly a winning combination who have successfully 

recognised each other’s strengths to create a successful interior design business. Their company, Nu Infinity, has 

been instrumental in the design of many residential and commercial projects in the country; read about how the 

trio make it work on page 22. 

Speaking of sportsmanship, in this issue’s Swing (page 62) we tip our cap at the global tournaments that 

truly discern champions from an already stellar list of elite players. From the Augusta Masters to the PGA 

Championship, this is where champions are made. 

Like stopping to smell the roses, success should be celebrated, and driving a Maserati is one of many ways to 

enjoy the spoils of your toil. We take a closer look at the all new Ghibli on page 120. 

Of course, what is wealth without good health? Tropicana’s resident health and nutrition expert Shereen Khoo 

shares tips on maintaining the health of your heart for increased longevity and a better quality of life. 

Last but not least, a resource we use widely here at Tropicana Magazine – Wikipedia. You may be surprised 

to hear that Wikipedia, unlike other tech related entities such as Google and Facebook, is not for profit. For that 

reason, it has not generated for Jimmy Wales the billions that Google has done for Larry Page and Sergey Brin, or 

Facebook has for Mark Zuckerberg. 

Yet if our interview on page 112 with Jimmy Wales is anything to go by, you couldn’t meet a more deserving 

winner. Conceived because of a firm belief in truth and freedom of information, Jimmy Wales created Wikipedia 

for the greater good; and as Mark Zuckerberg and the Cambridge Analytica revelations have helped to underline, 

winners should be good guys. 

So whatever you’re striving for, remember there are many paths you can take. Do the right thing, serve a 

higher purpose and stick to the one that you can live with and which lets you sleep at night.

Sole Distributor: 

BEAUFIX ENTERPRISES SDN. BHD. (39435-W) 

(A member of Beaufix Group) 

Showroom: 68, Jalan TSB 9, Kota Damansara, 47000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. 

T +603-6156 6888 F +603-6156 1818 E enquiry@beaufix.com W www.beaufix.com 

www.facebook.com/beaufix 

Beaufix reserves the right to make changes to the models, specifications, construction, colors and materials in order to conform with 

technological developments and as part of normal product development.Colors on print may differ from actual products.

SWISS STORAGE DESIGN 

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING 

EVERYTHING IN PLACE 

Choosing the perfect kitchen deisgn is not enough to 

guarantee you the perfect storage space. Only by selecting the 

right storage solutions for your kitchen layout and the right 

interior fittings to match can you be sure of enjoying maximum 

accessibility and convenience. 

Use of space 

My kitchen is great because 

we can use every last inch of 

space in it 

Accessibility 

My perfect kitchen is where 

everything I need for cooking 

is always within easy reach 

Food storage 

My kitchen should be 

organised to suit me, not the 

other way around

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

YBHG Tan Sri Dato’ Nik Hashim Bin Nik Ab Rahman 

CHAIRMAN 

Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Bin Zakaria 

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN 

Tan Sri Dato’ Tan Chee Sing 

GROUP EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN 

Tan Sri Datuk Lee Fook Long 

Dato’ Dickson Tan Yong Loong 

DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Dion Tan Yong Chien 

Dillon Tan Yong Chin 

Datuk Tang Vee Mun 

Diana Tan Sheik Ni 

Din Tan Yong Chia 

DIRECTORS 

EDITORIAL 

Dato’ Dickson Tan Yong Loong 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Daphne Wong 

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Royce Tan 

EDITOR 

Evelyn Wan 

SUB-EDITOR 

GROUP 

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS 

Daphne Wong 

GENERAL MANAGER 

Winnie Ooi 

MEDIA ADVERTISING MANAGER 

Jason Kok 

Heather Ng 

MEDIA ADVERTISING SENIOR EXECUTIVE 

PUBLISHER 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Berhad 

(203361-T) 

[A Member of Tropicana Corporation Berhad] 

Herman Tan 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

FEEDBACK & INQUIRY 

GROUP CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS 

Tropicana Corporation Berhad (47908-K) Level 2, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 Tropicana City Office Tower, 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 

PRODUCED BY 

Mongoose Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd (403251M) 

Level 28 Integra Tower, 

The Intermark, 

No. 348 Jalan Tun Razak, 

50400 Kuala Lumpur 

www.mongooseasia.com 

EDITORIAL 

Muna Noor 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 

Chai Tze Yuen 

SUB-EDITOR 

DESIGN 

Nor Hamimah Abdullah 

ART DIRECTOR 

Shirley Chia 

ART DIRECTOR 

Rozalya Rayceal Ramlin 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Bosco Lim, Daniel J, Joey Yap, 

M8 Studio, Sharmini M.Rethinasamy, 

Tan Lee Kuen, Zaim Zariff 

When 

you have 

finished 

with this 

magazine, 

please 

recycle it

VOLUME 

#118 

ON THE COVER 

22 To Infinity And Beyond 

THE SCENE 

10 The Happenings 

PROPERTY NEWS 

50 StarProperty.my Awards 2018 

52 Pets Carnival & Bazaar @ Tropicana 

Metropark 

53 Ride & Walk Yellow Event @ Tropicana 

Aman 

53 Bridge Bubble Run @ Tropicana Aman 

Property Gallery 

54 Tropicana Yoga Event @ Tropicana Aman 

54 Sunset Happy Hour @ Tropicana Metropark 

Property Gallery 

54 Ramadhan Buffet @ Tropicana Golf & 

Country Resort 

CULTURE 

14 Books 

18 Film 

20 Music 

THE HOME 

36 Sofa To Last 

42 Architecture of Asmara 

128 CONTACT US 

130 THE LIST 

132 THE END 

THE SWING 

58 Fore! 

60 Major Swing 

THE TIME 

66 Rhythm Of Le Rhöne 

THE LOOK 

68 Hot Off The Runway 

74 Work It 

HEALTH 

86 A Lot Of Heart 

THE COOKBOOK 

92 Less Is More 

98 THE DISHES 

THE DRINKS 

104 The Next One Hundred 

THE GAME CHANGER 

108 Set The Truth Free 

THE DRIVE 

116 Split Personality 

THE VACATION 

124 Istanbul’s Bewitching Trio 

TM | MAY/JUNE 2018

THE DIARY 

15/5 – 14/6 

RAMADAN 

The annual fasting period of Ramadan is fast approaching. During the 

fasting month, several hotels will be offering a variety of Ramadan 

specials to break fast; from sumptuous buffets to seasonal dishes, there 

will be something everyone in the family can enjoy. For something 

a little more casual, check out the various Ramadan bazaars that 

crop up during the fasting month, which offer various types of street 

food, drinks and sweets. The lively atmosphere in the bazaars and the 

colourful decorations all over town lend to the overall festiveness of 

the season. 

Various locations around Malaysia 

TM | MAY/JUNE 2018 

10

THE DIARY 

10/6 

AN EVENING WITH MPYO 

This performance marks the end of both the 2017/2018 

season at Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) 

and the end of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth 

Orchestra’s (MPYO) tenth anniversary celebrations. 

Themed Rhapsody of Emotion, the concert will include 

Haydn’s ‘Symphony No. 104’ alongside other classical 

greats, and will be led by MPO’s Resident Conductor 

Naohisa Furusawa. As the culmination of the two 

major events, expect a great night of symphonic music 

presented by the country’s top orchestral musicians. 

Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra 

Level Two, Tower Two, PETRONAS Twin Towers 

Kuala Lumpur City Centre 

50088, Kuala Lumpur 

03-2331 7008 

mpo.com.my 

21/5 – 20/6 

CAVE OF THE HEART 

This photography exhibition by A. Prathap 

– Special Photographer with Times of India – 

showcases the elegant poses of iconic Malaysian 

odissi dancer Padma Shri Datuk Ramli Ibrahim 

among the majestic beauty of Ellora, one of the 

largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes 

in the world. The exhibition seeks to explore the 

inner landscape of the human psyche, where 

the Dance of Life resides. Prathap has over 15 

years’ experience behind the camera, and has 

photographed numerous international events, 

personalities and more. 

Sutra Gallery 

12, Persiaran Titiwangsa 3 


03-4021 1092 

sutrafoundation.org.my 

4/7 – 7/7 

ARCHIDEX 2018 

The annual International Architecture, Interior Design 

& Building Exhibition Malaysia 2018 (ARCHIDEX) is 

back again at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Since 

its inception in 2000, the region’s leading architectural 

business event has seen the gathering of architects, 

engineers, developers, interior designers, urban planners, 

academics and more coming together to showcase and 

discuss the future of the industry. The integrated platform 

includes various happenings like conferences, forums, 

related industry business events and more, and this year 

there will be over 500 companies from more than 14 

countries in attendance. 

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 


03-7982 4668 

www.archidex.com.my 

11 MAY/JUNE 2018 | TM

THE SCENE 

The Scene 

The hottest events to have set society abuzz. 

THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE BOSCH EXPERIENCE CENTRE BY GARY TE, CEO OF BSH HOME APPLIANCES 

MALAYSIA AND HENDRIK KRETZER, REGIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF BSH HOME APPLIANCES, ASIA PACIFIC; TAN LONG KEE, MANAGING 

DIRECTOR OF TBM; TAN LONG HAN, DIRECTOR OF TBM AND TAN WAI KEAT, GENERAL MANAGER OF TBM. 

FROM TOP:GARY TE, CEO OF BSH HOME 

APPLIANCES MALAYSIA GIVES A SPEECH 

DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE SECOND 

BSH EXPERIENCE CENTRE IN MALAYSIA; 

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: GARY TE, CEO OF 

BSH HOME APPLIANCES MALAYSIA AND 

HENDRIK KRETZER, REGIONAL EXECUTIVE 

VICE PRESIDENT OF BSH HOME APPLIANCES, 

ASIA PACIFIC; TAN LONG KEE, MANAGING 

DIRECTOR OF TBM AND TAN WAI KEAT, 

GENERAL MANAGER OF TBM AFTER THE 

PLAQUE SIGNING OFFICIATING THE LAUNCH 

OF THE BOSCH EXPERIENCE CENTRE. 

BOSCH EXPERIENCE CENTRE 

25 JANUARY 2018 

Bosch home appliances, a globally trusted 

brand in the home appliance sector, has 

launched its new Bosch Experience Centre. 

The brand’s second outlet in Malaysia is 

part of a collaboration with Tan Boon Ming 

(TBM), a chain of electrical stores. 

Set across 1,500 square feet, the Bosch 

Experience Centre is a one-stop shop to help 

consumers discover a range of home appliances 

that have been engineered with safety features 

and state-of-the-art technologies to make 

everyday life easier. Showcasing German 

quality and reliability across a range of home 

appliances including Bosch washing machines, 

refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and even 

wine chillers, the centre has been designed to 

encourage hands-on interaction with the latest 

Bosch home appliances. 

To celebrate the opening, Chef Khoo Jian 

Wei was invited to hold a special cooking 

demonstration using an assortment of 

Bosch products. However, you don’t need 

to be a certified chef to cook up a storm. 

Thanks to special sensor-controlled Assist 

functions on Bosch Ovens, even a beginner 

cook can achieve perfect results at the 

single click of a button. 

That’s not all. Bosch consumers can also 

look forward to Bosch Home Connect, 

which will arrive in store soon. This special 

technology links appliances to handheld 

devices via Wi-Fi and enables consumers 

to make their home smarter and more 

energy-efficient. 

The Bosch Experience Centre is located 

at PS-2, Taman Evergreen, Batu 4, Jalan 

Klang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, and is 

open every day from 9.30am to 9pm. www. 

bosch-home.com.my 


12

CULTURE | BOOKS 

Motivational Reads 

Books that will help you get the most out of life. 

TRIBE OF MENTORS 

TIMOTHY FERRISS 

This book is a collection 

of answers and insights by 

‘mentors’ sharing their secrets 

for success and happiness. 

Among the 100 over ‘mentors’ 

interviewed are activist 

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, TED curator 

Chris Anderson, comedian 

Jimmy Fallon, author Neil 

Gaiman and athlete Maria 

Sharapova, alongside a host of 

icons, entrepreneurs, artists, 

billionaire investors and more. 

The questions posed include 

light-hearted queries – “What 

are one to three books that 

have greatly influenced your 

life?” – as well as deep ones like 

“How has a failure, or apparent 

failure, set you up for later 

success?”. 

WHEN: THE SCIENTIFIC 

SECRETS OF PERFECT 

TIMING 

DANIEL PINK 

Perfect timing is not an art 

form to be perfected, nor is 

it simply blind luck. At least 

according to author Daniel 

Pink. In his latest book, Pink 

challenges those beliefs by 

stating that it is a science that 

can be studied, understood, 

and used to our advantage to 

lead successful lives. He draws 

from psychology, biology and 

economics to demonstrate 

how we make better (or worse) 

decisions during particular 

times, and also offers 

practical and helpful tips to 

help navigate the potential 

unfavourableness of bad 

timing. 

BARKING UP THE WRONG 

TREE 

ERIC BARKER 

Author Eric Barker disputes 

most career advice commonly 

given to achieve success – play 

it safe, perform as instructed, 

follow rules, increase your 

confidence – and follows with 

the challenge that one should 

always look at both sides of the 

argument in order to become 

successful. He also draws 

lessons from surprising sources 

– pirates, gang members, 

Genghis Khan – providing 

a different way of studying 

these cases and offering insight 

that can be applied to our 

lives and careers to gain an 

edge. But it is not all just fluff; 

Barker provides scientific 

research, analyses and practical 

takeaways as well. 

GRIT 

ANGELA DUCKWORTH 

For those who do not consider 

themselves naturally talented, 

there is still hope yet for a 

prosperous life. Psychologist 

Angela Duckworth believes 

that it is a combination 

of passion and long-term 

perseverance – grit – that 

helps to propel us towards 

greatness. Identifying 

passions and following 

through on commitments 

are just some of the factors 

that contribute to achieving 

success, and Duckworth 

presents her research from 

historical insights as well as 

modern experiments in peak 

performances, with case studies 

and interviews with teachers 

working in the toughest school 

in the US , young finalists in 

the National Spelling Bee, high 

achievers like CEOs and more. 

Our Pick... 

CURATED BY CHAI TZE YUEN 

SMARTER FASTER BETTER 

CHARLES DUHIGG 

In today’s competitive world, managing how we think is crucial to transform 

our life. Charles Duhigg derives from the latest studies in neuroscience, 

psychology and behavioural economics – reinforced with case studies from 

CEOs, four-star generals, FBI agents and more – to demonstrate that how we 

manage our thinking and choices and even the way we view the world plays a 

significant role in ensuring genuine productivity. There are eight key concepts 

explored in this book, covering topics from motivation and goal-setting to 

focus and decision making, and this study of the science of productivity will 

help readers achieve more with less stress and struggle. 

“A pleasure to 

read . . . Duhigg’s 

skill as a 

storyteller 

makes his book so 

engaging to read.” 

The New York Times Book Review 


14

CULTURE | FILM 

Merciless Movies 

Films that showcase the cutthroat nature of the corporate world. 

TOO BIG TO FAIL [2011] 

Based on the non-fiction 

book of the same name by 

The New York Times financial 

columnist, ‘Too Big To Fail’ 

recounts the US financial 

crisis of 2008. The film 

revolves around the strategies 

and decisions of the financial 

market’s leaders in the 

months before the market’s 

meltdown. It focuses 

particularly on Treasury 

Secretary Henry Paulson 

and his efforts to curb the 

disaster, straddling the line 

between Wall Street and the 

regulatory authorities in 

Washington, DC. 

Starring: William Hurt, 

Edward Asner, Billy Crudup, 

Paul Giamatti 

WALL STREET: MONEY 

NEVER SLEEPS [2010] 

Gordon Gekko is back. Fresh 

out of prison and seemingly 

repentant, he tries to establish 

a relationship with estranged 

daughter Winnie. Meanwhile, 

her fiancé, Jake is reeling from 

the loss of his mentor and 

company that fell victim to 

a hostile takeover by a rival 

company, orchestrated Bretton 

James. This leads to an alliance 

between Jake and Gekko – Jake 

gets Gekko’s advice on how to 

bring James down; while Gekko 

seizes the opportunity to repair 

his relationship with Winnie, 

with Jake’s help. 

Starring: Michael Douglas, Shia 

LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey 

Mulligan 

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET 

[2013] 

This Martin Scorsese film 

based on New York stockbroker 

Jordan Belfort’s memoir of the 

same name depicts his rise to 

riches, his decadent lifestyle 

at the peak of his career, and 

subsequent fall from power. As 

a young stockbroker, Belfort 

was quickly tempted by its 

fast-paced, drug-fuelled party 

lifestyle. When his career 

came to a sudden halt, he took 

matters into his own hands 

and created a company that 

went to become guilty of one 

of the biggest cases of fraud 

and money laundering in the 

industry. 

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, 

Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie 

AMERICAN PSYCHO [2000] 

Unbeknownst to his fiancé and 

colleagues, wealthy New York 

investment banker Patrick 

Bateman harbours a secret to 

die for – he is also a serial killer. 

This alternate psychopathic 

personality is a compulsive 

(and impulsive) murderer 

whose kills are fuelled by ego 

and materialism, envy and 

frustration. He lashes out in the 

most violent of ways with axes, 

chainsaws and even surgical tools. 

The uneasiness that accompanies 

the murders and torture would 

only be exacerbated with a twist 

at the end that doesn’t offer a 

predictable or typical resolution. 

Starring: Christian Bale, Reese 

Witherspoon, Willem Dafoe, Jared 

Leto 


Our Pick... 

ARBITRAGE [2012] 

Hedge fund manager Robert Miller appears the very image of success in both his professional 

and personal life and is about to complete the sale of his empire for a handsome profit. 

However, behind closed doors he is struggling to ensure this transaction is completed before his 

involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud is found out. A fatal error one night causes him to 

falter. Throw a persistent detective into the mix, and you’ve got a thriller drama that shows the 

lengths someone in Miller’s position is willing to go to in order to protect his wealth and power. 

Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Brit Marling 


18

CULTURE | MUSIC 

Rocking Anthems 

The best new music coming out of the speakers. 

OUT IN THE STORM 

WAXAHATCHEE 

American indie rock band 

Waxahatchee’s fourth album is 

made up of some of lead vocalist 

Katie Crutchfield’s biggest rock 

and roll anthems, exploding with 

raw relentless energy. It may be 

a considered a breakup album by 

some, but unapologetic lyrics and 

almost aggressive declarations 

by Crutchfield (“I’m a live wire, 

electrified” on Sparks Fly) exude a 

sense of confidence and defiance 

that can only come from surviving 

pain. Add to that a measure of 

strength and vulnerability through 

lyrics like “You yell in my face / 

But you finally hear my say / I’m 

walking away” on Fade, and you’ve 

got an album that’s all at once soft 

yet strong. 

CONCRETE AND GOLD 

FOO FIGHTERS 

Concrete and Gold might just be 

Foo Fighters’ most nuanced album 

to date. This is in part thanks to the 

partnership with pop producer Greg 

Kurstin, whose stylistic conventions 

give the album an added gleam 

without diminishing the band’s 

organised chaos. This can be heard 

especially in what could arguably be 

one of their more impressive works 

in recent years; Run – a thunderous 

call to “Wake up / Run for your life 

with me” – brings to mind the band’s 

raw riffs of old, strengthened by 

Kurstin’s synths and piano. Plus, 

with strong anthems and punk 

rockers to blues ballads all making 

appearances, this is also one of Foo 

Fighters’ most balanced albums 

musically. 

AFTER LAUGHTER 

PARAMORE 

Following their 2013 self-titled album, 

Paramore have ditched their signature 

angsty pop-punk image in favour of a softer, 

peppier 80’s style pop for their latest record, 

After Laughter. The sounds may be more 

vibrant than what we’re used to, but the 

enduring themes from Paramore’s early days 

still stand – they are still a rock band with 

plenty of angst and bitterness. We can see 

that much in Told You So, where lead singer 

Hayley Williams sings “For all I know / The 

best is over and the worse is yet to come”; or 

“Tell me that I’m alright / That I ain’t gonna 

die” in Hard Times. With this album though, 

we know they will be. 

NOTHING FEELS 

NATURAL 

PRIESTS 

The debut fulllength 

studio 

album by the 

punk rock Priests 

showcases a 

creative leap 

from their EP, 

displaying their 

evolution from a 

confrontational 

character to a 

persona that’s 

more mature and poetic in expressing the same frustrations 

from before, but with more sounds like the saxophone and 

piano added to their repertoire. On the melancholic title 

track, lyrics “No, it’s not for anyone / And I can’t wait until it’s 

done” express an entreaty for freedom from the constraints 

that bind us to our situations. Yet on Suck, “Please don’t make 

me someone with no sympathy” reaffirms that no matter how 

much Priests want to break out of convention, they need to do 

it in their own way and time. 

Our Pick... 

A DEEPER 

UNDERSTANDING 

THE WAR ON 

DRUGS 

Frontman Adam 

Granduciel is 

known for being 

a perfectionist, 

and that precise 

eccentricity is 

evident the tiniest details – from the layered textures 

to every note and crack in the album’s soundscape. 

We say soundscape because that’s exactly what this 

album is – 10 songs translating into over 66 minutes 

of magnified, expansive sweeps of music that feel very 

much like a valley (or abyss) you can lose yourself in. 

That much is revealed in the album’s first release, 

Thinking of a Place with simple lyrics like “I’m 

moving through the dark / Of a long black night” that 

heralded the listening experience this album offers. 



20

NICK FONG, ALEX LEE AND LESLIE CHENG 

To Infinity 

and Beyond 

Withstanding family discouragement, industry misconceptions and 

individual characteristics, three guys go all out to make their business one 

that has skyrocketed to success. 

On Leslie Cheng 

Wool Blend Coat 

from ISSEY 

MIYAKE 

On Alex Lee 

Nude Colour Trench 

Coat from SPAO 

On Nick Fong 

Navy Blue Trench 

Coat from SPAO, 

Pants from 

MASSIMO DUTTI. 


22




On Alex Lee 

Personality’s own 

outfit 


24


On Nick Fong 

Turtleneck shirt from 

ZARA, Navy blue 

Pant from MASSIMO 

DUTTI, Placket coat 

from COS 

“We were mere 

acquaintances who shared 

similar interests. We spent 

the first 6 months sizing 

each other up to see if this 

business partnership was a 

good one.” 

On Alex Lee 

Anorak Jacket & Knit 

Sweater from COS 


Hooded long coat 

from UNIQLO x 

LEMAIRE. 

Interior design firm Nu Infinity 

has been instrumental in planning 

the design of many residential and 

commercial projects in the country 

such as Guocoland, IJM’s Rimbun 

Vista, Brunsfield’s Oasis Rio and retail outlets 

such as Moods, Wa-Sabi and The Studio at 

Gardens Mall. 

Fate played a big part in bringing together 

three very different individuals to form the 

company. They weren’t college buddies nor 

former colleagues who decided to go out on a 

whim and put a company together. 

Behind every successful project, come the 

dreams and plans of Nick Fong, Alex Lee and 

Leslie Cheng before an idea can materialise. 

LAYING THE FOUNDATION 

“ I was in Sabah working on a friend’s home 

when Nick who lived nearby came to have 

a look and gave his input,” says 36-year-old 

Seremban-born Alex. “ We were introduced 

and discussed the possibilities of working together. We first 

tried working on a project together before we decided to ink the 

partnership, and we’ve not looked back since.” 

The path to greatness was not always smooth. When Alex and 

his parents moved to Kuala Lumpur, they were not in the least bit 

pleased with his choice of career. “ As pioneers of the floppy disc 

industry in Malaysia, they had hoped I would be more ambitious 

as I had wanted to study Interior Design. I had to fight for a 

scholarship and ensure that no matter what, I didn’t fail.” 

Today, Alex’s parents see their 

son’s achievements in a different 

light. “Though at first my father used 

to regard us as carpenters, but with 

more projects on board he started 

regarding our profession with some 

amount of pride. Now, my father 

is very proud of what I do. He tells 

everyone he meets that their child 

should study Interior Design!” 

Nick had a little less drama 

from his family when it came to 

his chosen career path. Coming 

from Sandakan, Sabah, he grew up 

amidst a culture steeped in natural 

history, so it was no wonder he 

gravitated towards wanting to 

study Archaeology. “ My parents 

encouraged me to study something 

that would make more money, 

hence I switched to Architecture in 

Melbourne.” 

“ I did my industrial training in Kuala Lumpur, which signaled 

my first real encounter with the city. I worked here for two years, 

and those two years made me realise that this was really what I 

wanted to do. After that, I went to the U.K. to finish my degree.” 

Nick loved all that the country had to offer him. Architecture 

in European countries was mesmerising and it motivated him to 

be anything but ordinary in this field. Unfortunately, when the 

economic crises hit, he had to erase all plans of making the U.K. 

his home as employment was scarce. 




Blazer from ZARA. 

“Meticulous with 

attention to detail 

and understanding the 

requirements as well 

as pushing boundaries 

are just some of what 

comes with the young, 

enthusiastic team at 

Nu Infinity” 

So, Nick headed back to Kuala Lumpur and together with Alex 

formed Nu Infinity. The duo decided to venture into the interior 

design industry while the trend was just starting, and to steadily 

accumulate the experience they needed. 

As the partnership strengthened, Nick and Alex met another 

like-minded person in Leslie. 

“ It was during our third project that we chanced upon Leslie,” 

says Nick. “As we worked with him and realised he had a skill set 

that could potentially add value to our company, we asked him to 

come on board to grow the team.” 

“ Leslie had been in the industry for about 8 years whilst 

we started fresh, and he had invaluable experience and a calm 

approach that strengthened the team. Besides, we didn’t work by 

the book – if wood cannot be made to bend, we would think of how 

to bend it; and bricks aren’t flexible, but we’d imagine flexible 

bricks! He was attuned to that mindset. He would crack his head 

trying to work it out for us.” 

Leslie hails from Kuala Lumpur and armed with a diploma in 

Interior Design, he would assist in procuring the right materials 

needed for each project. He is the on-site manager and his 

experience in carpentry is an advantage. 

“ With his vast experience and good contacts, he is an asset 

that makes this partnership work all the more!” adds Alex. “ I guess 

naturally we all play quite different roles, so there’s not much of a 

clash. Plus, his circle of contacts is much bigger than ours!” 

BUILDING ON STRENGTHS 

Meticulous, detailed, daring to push boundaries and focused on 

meeting requirements are just some of what comes with the young, 

enthusiastic team at Nu Infinity. 

But the age difference between all three partners and their time 

of study differed; bringing to the fore different skill sets and ID 

styles done in their industry. This does bring about little kinks in the 

partnership that, over time, the trio has managed to smoothen out. 

“ I think ultimately when we have a team, we adapt to the team, 

we don’t really bulldoze through with our own ways,” says Alex. 

“ When it comes to decision-making, we sit through the process, 

weighing different opinions before making a decision. When it 

comes to working with our team, we have to work bearing in mind 

their age, their target group and their comfort zone. We have to 

incorporate into the workplace elements that will make it more 

conducive, to the extent where they actually want to work here and 

don’t mind staying here for longer hours, should the work require 

them to.” 

“ We were in no hurry to make noise about every job we took 

on or accomplished,” explains 32-year-old Nick. “ We knew that our 

company was still in its infancy and there was still a lot to prove, 

so we decided to keep it low key and just manage the work we get 

without any fanfare. Building a worthy and strong portfolio was 

more important than doing a song-and-dance in the media over 

every one job that we did.” 


26




On Nick Fong 

Blazer from 

MASSIMO DUTTI. 


28


PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN FANG, M8 STUDIO 

TEXT SHARMINI M.RETHINASAMY 

ART DIRECTION SHIRLEY CHIA 

STYLIST BOSCO LIM 

MAKE UP JOEY YAP 

HAIR ANGELINE LOW 

“We didn’t work by the book 

– if wood cannot bend, we 

would want to bend it; if 

bricks can’t be flexible, 

we would want it to be 

flexible.” 

“Alex was adamant about building portfolios, about selling 

ideas, designs and charging for it,” adds Nick. “ Back then people 

were still new to this concept and felt that interior design work 

should be pro bono. We started off by charging for every job that 

came and began to build our portfolio. We are quite a progressive 

team.” 

“ We didn’t want to be a fly-by-night kind of company,” 

divulges Alex of the early days. “ We didn’t want to do one big 

project and call it quits by the end of it. Because we didn’t grow 

up with each other or went to college together, and we were mere 

acquaintances who shared similar interests, we spent the first six 

months sizing each other up to see if this business partnership was 

a good one. Furthermore, I am about four years older than [Nick].” 

“ When we saw an opportunity to do this, and after having 

started it, I realised that the business part of it was really 

something I wanted to get into,” adds Nick. “Architecture has 

taught me how to multitask and touch base on various aspects as 

its subject matter has a very wide scope.” 

PROGRESS IN DIVERSITY 

Today, Nu Infinity is inspiring others who are interested in the 

field of interior design by accepting invitations from various 

universities and colleges to give talks and present the reality 

behind their work. 

“ This is to ensure that the industry gets a good crop of 

graduating designers and the interior design companies reap the 

benefit of good talent,” explains Nick. “ Some of these students 

later join us as interns, and the talks we have given actually preempts 

them for what they can expect and it breaks down initial 

barriers between the company and the staff.” 

“ We are all on the same page, which is important. It’s the 

vibe that they feel within these walls that translate into good 

work. The same vibe is then translated into their presentations 

to clients. That’s essential for us to portray ourselves as serious 

players in the industry.” 

“ We engage in a lot of teambuilding exercises to ensure our 

staff are happy, and in turn happiness and unity translates into 

good work.” 

These days, eight years after its inception, Nu Infinity has in 

their portfolio at least 50 projects to work on annually. Given 

the amount of work at hand, the trio maintains a good and calm 

chemistry to ensure work is undertaken and carried out in a 

professional manner. 

Yet, how do they keep this chemistry in check? 

“ I am the careful one,” laughs Nick. “ He [Leslie] is the wise one. 

Alex, well, he goes crazy so we have to rein him in from time to time. 

If ever there’s a tense moment between us, Leslie is the mediator, 

whose level headedness and calmness helps diffuse any situation!” 


THE HOME 

Hafele 

Smart Locks 

German company HÄFELE has established 

a reputation in Malaysia as a complete kitchen 

and wardrobe solutions provider. Lesser 

known is their inventory of electronic locking 

systems. Their Smart Locks security solutions 

are equipped with an array of safety features 

that will put any homeowner’s mind at ease. 

Among the many criminal-proof features 

their Smart Mortise, Smart Deadbolt 2S and 

Smart Keybox locks carry are warning sounds 

emitted when intruders attempt to pry open 

the lock, and the ability to enter random digits 

after a PIN is keyed in to thwart the use of 

finger prints to discern codes. 

HÄFELE Safety Locks come integrated 

with HÄFELE Lock mobile application, a 

keyless convenience using PIN and Bluetooth 

key options that also work offline. The ability 

to generate these virtual keys via a mobile application 

in real time and track dates and times 

when visitors unlock the door, is particularly 

useful to Airbnb hosts who can now synchronise 

their listing calendars with their HÄFELE 

x igloohome account so that PIN codes are 

automatically created for guests. 

www.smartlocks.com.my 

www.hafele.com.my 

Hatch Egg 

Chair 

For two decades, Hatch has been furnishing 

homes with world-class products that are recognised 

in more than 25 countries. The brand is 

also a frequent exhibitor at exhibitions and homedec 

events. Designing and creating contemporary 

pieces, they provide convenient end-to-end 

service from the selection of materials used to the 

delivery of the final product befitting the aesthetic 

taste of its clientele. 

Besides its extensive portfolio of sofas and 

bedframes, Hatch caries chairs, tables, sideboards 

and other bric-a-brac to complete the look of 

your home or office. We’re partial to their stylish 

Egg Chair seen here. A design classic that would 

look stylish in any setting, this comfortable 

curved swivel chair can also be customised in a 

range of colours and textiles, if the on-trend millennial 

pink is not to your fancy. 

www.hatch.my 


32

ADVERTORIAL 

Kare’s Natural Attraction 

Inspired by the elements, Kare has curated these unexpected objects and 

eye-catching pieces for the unconventionally stylish home. 

Framed Canyon 

Photograph, 80x120cm 

with toughened safety 

glass 

Gold powder-coated 

steel Mobile Pendant 

Lamp with stones 

Gold polyresin Turtle Figurine 

Mano gold 

polyresin 

Hand Figurine 

Bug Table in lacquered recycled 

solid wood with lacquered steel 

legs, 200x90cm 

Nero Cabinet in laquered 

medium density fibreboard 

(MDF) with powder-coated steel 

front, base and feet with brassplated 

steel handles 

Specialists in furnishing ideas which are unique and non-conformist, German brand Kare draws 

from nature at its wildest for its Elements line. Looking to the rugged landscapes of Scotland and the 

serenity of a Swiss mountain lake for design cues, these striking yet elegant furniture and statement 

piece accessory and lighting items take the raw industrial quality of rough stone, the classic beauty of gold 

and brass, and the sleek styling of lacquered timber to elevate an ordinary setting into an extraordinary 

abode that ignites the senses. 

Volcano Coffee Table in 

natural sand stone table 

top and brass-plated steels 

legs, 82x92cm 

KARE Malaysia is located at: 

Lot OV501, 5th Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, 1 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Selangor. 

Lot S223, Level 2, The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, LIngkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur. 

www.kare.my 

www.facebook.com/KARE.KualaLumpur/ 

www.instagram.com/kare_kl/

THE HOME 

Sofa to Last 

Choosing a sofa can feel like making a lifetime commitment. Don’t jump in blindly, consider your 

options for a happy marriage. 

WORDS BY CARAMELLA SCARPA AND MUNA NOOR IMAGES BY KARE 


36

THE HOME 

The living room is where most people spend their time. It’s where you watch 

TV as a family, where you entertain guests, and where, at the end of a long day, 

you flop onto the sofa and just chill. A good comfy sofa is the centrepiece of the 

room, and as much as a lived-in bulk of foam may have a sentimental value to you – or 

just be so cosy you don’t want to part with it – having a well-designed statement piece 

will make the room. 

Sofas aren’t cheap however so you’ll want to invest wisely. That’s not to say that 

once you’ve picked and paid for one that you’re stuck with your choice indefinitely. 

With some careful planning, you can ensure what you fork out for a sofa befits the use 

you get out of it. 

Essentials things to consider 

Use 

By considering the purpose of your sofa, it will help you to determine the size of budget 

you should allocate to this important purchase. Is this sofa a long-term investment or a 

short-term purchase? If you’re moving out into your own albeit rented place, it’s likely 

your sofa will need to change as your needs do. If you have children, it’s likely your sofa 

will have a shorter lifespan. But if you’re several switches in and have finally moved into 

that forever home, then consider something that will last. 

Size 

Measure the size of the sofa. This is so it fits the room and through any doors or up 

stairs when you’re moving it in. The scale of your sofa should match its surroundings, 

which will be important when you start to add other furniture pieces. If your room is 

small, one sofa should suffice. Select one that provides the illusion of space – a base that 

is on legs and off the ground for example. A low-back sofa provides a visual of the wall 

and suggests a larger living room. 

If your room is large you can consider two identical sofas facing off against 

each other with a coffee table in the middle. Alternatively add a chair or two to the 

combination. 

“The scale 

of your sofa 

should match its 

surroundings, 

which will be 

important when 

you start to add 

other furniture 

pieces.” 


THE HOME 

Comfort 

Always test your sofa. Unless it is a showpiece, an uncomfortable sofa will be a 

pain to use. Do you prefer a soft sofa to sink into or a firmer sofa for support? 

Will you use it sitting up straight to watch television, curled up in the corner 

reading a book, or stretched out along its length to relax? 

The answer will determine the length of the leg, from the seat to the floor, and 

the height of the back and arm rest. You’ll need to ensure you can fold your legs 

at the end of the couch and that the armrest isn’t too high for your preferred use. 

Take your time doing this. Like shoes, slipping them on once will tell you about 

fit but not about comfort. Linger for a while and return if necessary. As a general 

rule, if you find it hard to get up once seated you need shallower seats; taller 

people need deeper seats. 

“A modular sofa 

or one that can 

be dismantled 

is a practical 

solution if you 

frequently move.” 

Filling 

Related to comfort is the matter of filling; and what’s inside your sofa is just 

as important as what is outside. Polyurethane foam fillings depend on density 

to provide comfort and can be high density and hard, or low density and soft. 

However, they do tend to lose their shape over time and can disintegrate quite 

rapidly in Malaysian heat. Feathers are soft and natural but they can clump 

together and will need daily plumping. The best bet is to opt for a combination 

and make sure you don’t feel the frame or springs through your cushion padding. 

Style 

This really is quite personal and will reflect the owner’s personality. Nevertheless, 

there are practical aspects to consider as your sofa will be the centrepiece of your 

living room and everything else should be considered around it. A modular or one 

that can be dismantled is a practical solution if you frequently move. 

Upholstery 

There is an abundance of material to choose from – leather, pleather, suede, satin, 

velvet, cotton, canvas, polyester mix and so on. Where do you start? Consider the 

amount of care your sofa will need. Do you have the budget for heavy or frequent 

maintenance? Does your family include children or pets that shed? 


38

THE HOME 


THE HOME 


40

THE HOME 

“Natural 

materials like 

cotton and linen 

can be durable 

provided you 

protect them 

from direct 

sunlight.” 

Leather, provided it is well cared for, can age well and last a long time. It’s also easy 

to wipe down. As is microfibre, which has the same soft luxurious feel of suede but is 

stain resistant and easily wipeable. Natural materials like cotton and linen can be durable 

provided you protect them from direct sunlight. They should be fitted well however. 

Should wrinkles develop you’ll need to iron them out, which isn’t always feasible; saggy 

fabric can snag or appear cheap and worn. 

Removable or easy to clean options are always best. Certain fabrics can be scotch 

guarded against wear and tear. Remember that a sofa set for outdoor use uses weather 

and water-proof or resistant materials and switching them indoors is not practical. 

Colour, pattern and texture 

The colour of your sofa should work against the walls. So choosing a paint hue should 

be considered in tandem with picking a sofa colour, although which comes first or is 

given priority over the other is a personal preference. 

Neutrals are safest as you can change your room around it. However light colours 

can develop mildew and even mold in Malaysia’s hot and humid weather. In addition to 

fabric considerations, who uses your couch and how often will have a bearing on what 

colour to choose. If you have children with dirty hands and feet or pets who moult, a 

darker colour is the way to go, and textured or woven fabrics work wonders at hiding 

wear and tear. 

Frame 

This goes back to use. Is it long or short term? A good quality hard wood frame is 

durable and consequently can be expensive. Cheaper soft wood such as pine can 

bend, warp and even break, and brittle particleboard is an absolute no-no. We don’t 

recommend plastic frames either due to their ability to give, although the jury seems to 

be out on the use of metal. Do check how it is assembled though. Avoid a sofa whose 

frame is held together using nails or glue if you’re looking at long-term commitment. 


THE HOME 

ARCHITECTURE 

OF ASMARA 

How Eritrea became an unlikely hub for gems of modernist architecture. 

WORDS BY GIOIA FORSTER / DPA / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE ALL IMAGES BY EDWARD DENISON / DPA / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE 

When Eritrea was under Italian 

colonial rule, European 

modernist architects used 

the east African country to carry out 

architectural experiments they would not 

dare attempt back home. The striking 

results have now become a UNESCO 

World Heritage site. 

When most people think of modernist 

architecture, they might picture the 

austere cubic constructions of European 

architects like Walter Gropius and 

Le Corbusier. 

They would probably not associate 

the movement with the east African 

country of Eritrea. And yet, Asmara, the 

capital of Eritrea, recently became the first 

modernist city to be added in its entirety 

to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. 

The UN organisation praised the 

city for its “innovative town planning 

and modernist architecture in an 

African context.” 

Take the Fiat Tagliero gas station, 

for example. With its giant wings and 

airplane-like nose, it looks as though it’s 

about to take off from a runway. 

The Fiat Tagliero building is probably 

one of the most interesting examples of 

modernist architecture in the world – 

and not least because of its location. 

Eritrea is sometimes referred to as 

the African North Korea. It is difficult 

for journalists to gain access to the 

country, and human rights activists say 

the government, which has been in power 

since independence from Ethiopia in 

1993, is one of the most repressive in 

the world. 

The UN accuses the state of systematic 


42

THE HOME 

crimes against humanity, committed in 

order to ‘ultimately to control the 

Eritrean civilian population.’ 

Tens of thousands of people have fled 

to neighbouring countries and to Europe, 

many to escape military service. In 2014 

and 2015, Eritreans were the largest group 

of refugees coming to Italy across the 

Mediterranean Sea. 

The unique cultural treasure of 

Asmara hardly fits in with this picture. 

It is sometimes referred to as ‘La piccola 

Roma’ (little Rome) or ‘the Miami of 

Africa’ because of its many art deco 

buildings. 

Modern Asmara was largely created 

during the Italian colonial period from 

the 1920s to the 1940s. At the time, 

modernism was in vogue in Europe, 

with its clean lines, minimal frills and 

functional designs. Far away from home, 

the Italian architects in Asmara were 

able to go wild. 

There is “more flamboyance than in 

the Italian context,” says Edward Denison, 

a lecturer in architecture at University 

College London (UCL). 

As well as Italian modernism, 

examples of the German Bauhaus style and 

Futurism can also be found in Asmara. 

Some of the curvy government buildings 

are reminiscent of the White City in Tel 

Aviv, a collection of Bauhaus buildings. 

Several houses resemble the boxshaped 

dwellings of the Weissenhof Estate 

in Stuttgart. The Eritrean capital also 

features unique fusions of European and 

African architecture. For instance, the 

Enda Mariam Cathedral, built in 1938, 

combines modernist design with East 

African architecture. 

The buildings and the original town 

planning are remarkably well-preserved. 

“It feels very much intact as a 1930s and 

1940s city,” says Denison. 

Since the Second World War, the 

city has hardly been developed. In 2001, 

a building ban was imposed to protect 

ST MARY’S 

ORTHODOX 

CATHEDRAL 

“As well as 

Italian 

modernism, 

examples of 

the German 

Bauhaus style 

and Futurism can 

also be found 

in Asmara.” 


THE HOME 

CINEMA 

IMPERO 


44

THE HOME 


THE HOME 

“In 2001, a building ban was imposed 

to protect the old buildings. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, where 

modern cities grow rapidly and 

haphazardly like urban jungles, 

Asmara stands out.” 

FIAT TAGLIERO 

PETROL STATION 


46

THE HOME 

CASA DEL FASCIO 

the old buildings. In sub-Saharan Africa, 

where modern cities grow rapidly and 

haphazardly like urban jungles, Asmara 

stands out. 

This is partly because the buildings are 

not seen as a memorial to hated colonial 

rule, as in other parts of Africa. “Despite 

the evidence of its colonial imprint, 

Asmara has been incorporated into the 

Eritrean identity, acquiring important 

meaning during the struggle for selfdetermination,” 

according to UNESCO. 

During the Italian and brief British 

colonial periods, Asmara was the 

intellectual centre of Eritrea, explains 

Denison. During Ethiopian rule, it became 

a symbol of the struggle for independence. 

“To liberate Asmara meant to liberate 

the country,” says Denison, who worked 

on the application. “The UNESCO 

application was motivated by the desire 

to develop the city by retaining its 

characteristics, rather than preserving 

its history.” 

Internationally, some are hoping that 

the UNESCO recognition will now lead to 

changes in the country. The government 

says that tourists are welcome. In 2016, 

just 142,000 visitors came to Eritrea, 

compared with 864,000 to neighbouring 

Ethiopia the previous year. 

The Eritrean Ministry of Information 

is hoping that inclusion on the World 

Heritage List will potentially benefit the 

tourism sector in Eritrea. 

However, the aim of the UNESCO 

application was to create benefits for the 

local population – tourism was not the 

priority, Denison says. The focus is on 

developing the city and creating jobs, 

he says. “Eritrea will always prevent 

mass tourism.” 


PROPERTY 

NEWS 

STARPROPERTY.MY AWARDS 2018 

PETS CARNIVAL & BAZAAR @ TROPICANA 

METROPARK 

RIDE & WALK YELLOW EVENT @ 

TROPICANA AMAN PROPERTY GALLERY 

BRIDGE BUBBLE RUN @ TROPICANA AMAN 

PROPERTY GALLERY 

TROPICANA YOGA EVENT @ TROPICANA 

AMAN 

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. 

SUNSET HAPPY HOUR @ TROPICANA 

METROPARK PROPERTY GALLERY 

RAMADHAN BUFFET @ TROPICANA GOLF & 

COUNTRY RESORT

PROPERTY NEWS | NEWS 

STARPROPERTY.MY AWARDS 2018 

14 MARCH 2018 JW MARRIOTT KUALA LUMPUR 

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TROPICANA CORP BHD GROUP MD DATUK ANDY KHOO, ECO WORLD DEVELOPMENT GROUP BHD PRESIDENT AND 

CEO DATUK CHANG KHIM WAH, GAMUDA LAND CEO NGAN CHEE MENG, IJM LAND BHD CENTRAL REGION SENIOR GM DATUK HOO KIM SEE, 

IOI PROPERTIES CORP BHD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEE YOKE HAR, LBS BINA GROUP BHD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATUK CYNTHIA LIM, MAH 

SING GROUP BHD CEO DATUK HO HON SANG, MALAYSIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION BHD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IMRAN SALIM, MATRIX 

CONCEPTS GROUP GROUP DEPUTY MD HO KONG SOON, PARAMOUNT CORPORATION BHD PROPERTY DIVISION BEH CHUN CHONG, S P 

SETIA BHD PRESIDENT AND CEO DATUK KHOR CHAP JEN, SIME DARBY PROPERTY BHD DATUK WAN HASHIMI, SUNWAY BHD PROPERTY 

DIVISION MD SARENA CHEAH, UOA DEVELOPMENT BHD CFO KIM ANG AND UEM SUNRISE BHD MD AND CEO ANWAR SYAHRIN ABDUL AJIB. 

TROPICANA CORPORATION 

BERHAD WAS ALL SMILES 

WHEN OUR DEVELOPMENT 

TROPICANA 218 MACALISTER 

RECEIVED HONOURS UNDER 

“THE NICHE & UNIQUE” 

CATEGORY, WHILST TROPICANA 

GARDENS WITH CONNECTED 

MRT STATION WAS NAMED BEST 

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT 

UNDER “THE JUST-WALK 

AWARD” CATEGORY AND DALIA 

RESIDENCES @ TROPICANA 

AMAN WAS HONOURED AS THE 

BEST LANDED DEVELOPMENT 

UNDER “THE CORNERSTONE 

AWARD” FOR 2018. 


50

NEWS | PROPERTY NEWS 

SSince its inception in 2016, the StarProperty.my 

Awards has been held annually to recognise Malaysia’s 

best developers and their contribution towards 

creating a progressive and modern nation by delivering 

sustainable, innovative and quality property products 

for the public. 

This year, a total of 21 award categories and two special All 

Star Awards were introduced to the awards line-up and judged 

by a prestigious panel drawn from the Malaysian real estate 

industry and experts in the fields of architecture, sustainable 

building, interior design, landscape architecture and real estate 

investment trusts. 

The event, which was held at the JW Marriott Hotel in mid- 

March, was graced by Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah 

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Star Media Group Berhad 

chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, and saw Tropicana Corporation 

named as one of the ten “Top Ranked Developers of the Year”. 

The Corporation also went on to win four prestigious accolades 

for its properties. 

Bagging the highest accolade, Tropicana Corporation 

Berhad took the Excellence award for Tropicana Gardens for 

the Just-Walk Award for Best Integrated Development. This is 

awarded to property developments that combine ‘Work, Play, 

Live & Learn’ all-in-one-place and create communities that 

merge residential, commercial, office and diverse amenities 

within walkability range. 

Honours were accorded to Tropicana Corporation Berhad 

in two categories, namely The Cornerstone Award and Niche 

& Unique Award. 

The Cornerstone Award for Best Landed Development was 

awarded to Dalia Residences, Tropicana Aman, and is accorded 

to celebrate uniquely built landed property developments that 

prioritise the needs of buyers. This includes a highly accessible 

location, exceptional amenities, and quality assured furnishing 

and fittings. 

Tropicana Corporation Berhad’s Penang property 218 

Macalister was thrust into the spotlight when it received 

Honours in the Niche & Unique Awards category for Best 

Boutique Development. This award is bestowed on boutique 

developments that are small (5-acres or less), unique and combine 

modern lifestyle and lush landscaping for a niche market. 

Tropicana 218 Macalister is certainly deserving. Stretching 

along Macalister Road on a 2.09 acre parcel of freehold land, 

its overall design and layout embraces contemporary lifestyle 

living in a town setting, and upon completion, will offer 208 

hotel rooms together with 211 units of Commercial Suites and 

88 units of serviced apartments. 

Last but not least, Tropicana Corporation Berhad was also 

given a Merit for its Ivory Properties Group Berhad in the 

Small Is Big Award category for Best Small Home Development. 

This is awarded to homes with a built-up size of approximately 

800 square feet that are able to ingeniously make the most of 

their size with state-of-art amenities and built-in furniture that 

optimise all available space – no easy feat. 

Congratulations to all the winners. These recognitions from 

industry stalwarts and the public are testament to Tropicana 

Corporation Berhad’s commitment to excellence in quality, 

design and functionality. 



CLOCKWISE: 

PET LOVERS 

AND THEIR 

FURRY 

FRIENDS 

ENJOYING THE 

GREENERY 

AND THE 

OUTDOORS AT 

TROPICANA 

METROPARK; 

PETS OF 

ALL BREEDS 

GUIDED 

BY THEIR 

OWNERS 

HAVING A 

CHALLENGING 

FUN TIME AT 

THE AGILITY; 

THE PETS 

BAZAAR 

FEATURED A 

VARIETY OF 

WHOLESOME 

PET PRODUCT 

AND GOODIES 

PETS CARNIVAL & BAZAAR @ TROPICANA METROPARK 

21 & 22 APRIL 2018 

More than 1,200 pet lovers gathered at the Tropicana 

Metropark Property Gallery and its sprawling 9.2-acre Central 

Park over two days for the property’s inaugural Pets Carnival & 

Bazaar. A fun-filled weekend for families and their furry fourlegged 

friends, a raft of activities were organised to keep all 

creatures great and small thoroughly entertained. 

In the Ruff Zone interactive area, attendees could participate 

in clay moulding workshops, get their pet and owner caricatures 

drawn, and enjoy pony rides. An anticipated hit, the petting zoo 

in the Cute Zone was a big favourite with younger children. 

Attendees didn’t go away empty handed. Owner-Pet 

Lookalike, Best Trick, Pet Agility and Best Pet Costume 

contests saw winners take home some terrific prizes. Pets were 

the biggest winners of all. A pets’ bazaar presented shopping 

opportunities including goodies specially crafted for Fido and 

Felix, and pet wash stations were available for pet grooming 

with proceeds donated to animal shelters like Cherishlife 

Home, Save A Stray, Second Chance Animal Society and Pet’s 

Journal. Best of all, a pet adoption drive also saw some lucky 

dogs and cats find their forever homes. Awww…. 

Pet owners lauded the event for the opportunity to enjoy 

quality time with their pets and meet other like-minded 

pet owners within the neighbourhood. Speaking about the 

event, Tropicana Managing Director Ung Lay Ting said, 

“We understand that given our busy schedules it can be really 

difficult to find time, what more find the right location to 

allow our pets to run and play. Hence, we held this event at 

our very own Central Park which was the perfect backdrop for 

parents, children and their pets from the community here and 

those in the area to come together to strengthen family bonds 

and have a good time with their pets within a safe and secure 

neighbourhood.” 


52

NEWS | PROPERTY NEWS 

RIDE & WALK YELLOW EVENT @TROPICANA AMAN 


8 JULY 2018 

Healthy communities work out and have fun together. Celebrating its third instalment, you can sign 

up now to participate in Tropicana Aman’s upcoming Ride & Walk event. The event consists of a 16 

kilometre bicycle fun ride and a 2 kilometre walkathon around the beautiful Kota Kemuning township 

of Tropicana Aman. Things kick off at 7am with a Zumba work out to get everyone warmed up for the 

flag off at 7.30am. Participation is RM38 and comes with a specially designed t-shirt, face towel, goodie 

bag, and a finisher’s medal upon completion. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike, bikes and helmets 

(which are mandatory) can be rented. This event is only open to participants age 13 and above. To sign 

up visit tropicanacorp.com.my where more information is available. 

BRIDGE BUBBLE RUN @ TROPICANA AMAN PROPERTY 

GALLERY 

1 JULY 2018 

If you’re going to stick to your exercise regime, getting fit 

should be fun. And it doesn’t get any more fun than Tropicana 

Aman’s Bridge Bubble Run. A 5 kilometre fun run involving a 

series of inflatable obstacle challenges you’ll get to slide down a 

giant inflatable slide, dodge water guns, hot foot it across a tire 

step and claim victory across the foamy finish! Entry is RM60 

and will include your race bib, dry-fit tee, towel, waterproof 

phone cover for all those silly snaps, RM10 worth of food 

vouchers, a goodie bag valued at RM100 and finisher’s medal 

upon completion. Stick around to celebrate as there will be a 

post-fun run carnival and lucky draw too. Entry closes on 31 

May 2018 so don’t miss out. The Bridge Bubble Run kicks off at 

6am and flag-off is preceded by a Zumba warm-up. This event 

is only open to participants age 13 and above. To sign up visit 

tropicanacorp.com.my where more information is available. 



TROPICANA YOGA EVENT @ TROPICANA AMAN 

MARCH 2018 

Residents and guests of Tropicana Aman woke 

up to weekend-long sun salutations during the 

month of March. Starting the day off right, all 

were welcomed to attend the free early morning 

yoga sessions which were held in the verdant 

spaces of Tropicana Aman’s vibrant and unique 

mixed township development. Promoting good 

health and wellbeing, two yoga sessions were held 

each day. After limbering up on downward dog 

positions and warrior poses, attendees left with 

smiles and stretched out muscles ready to face the 

week ahead. 

RAMADHAN BUFFET @ TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT 

17 MAY TO 14 JUNE 2018 

SUNSET HAPPY HOUR @ TROPICANA METROPARK 


24, 25, 31 MARCH & 1 APRIL 

Tropicana Metropark’s salubrious Sunset Happy Hour 

evenings attracted a chic crowd of resident gourmands 

and food lovers. Hosted over two consecutive weekends 

at the end of March, the event provided an opportunity 

for these connoisseurs of fine cuisine to meet, mingle 

and bond over their shared epicurean love. Stylishly 

kicked off with plump juicy trays of oysters and lashings 

of wine during the Wine & Oysters Night, the occasion 

was followed by a celebration of gin and scrumptious 

pastries the weekend after as attendees watched the 

sun set on the stylish suburban enclave and toasted to 

great food and new friends. 

An annual event, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Bhd’s Ramadhan 

buffet moves into its 14th highly anticipated installment during this holy 

month in the Islamic calendar. To the beautiful strains of the traditional 

ghazal, guests can look forward to a lavish spread of over 300 dishes that 

showcase the rich variety of nostalgic kampung fare under the theme 

of Aneka Sajian Desa. Monster Bakso and Sup Gearbox Lembu are just 

some of the dishes to whet your appetite, while pasar malam favourites 

like barbequed Kambing Golek and smoky Ayam Bakar can be enjoyed 

in a comfortable setting. 

Held over 29 days in Twenty7 Restaurant and the Palm Coffee House, 

the buffet is expected to cater to a whopping 2,400 people a day, so don’t 

miss out. Free parking and buggy shuttle services will be available and 

for those observing Ramadhan there is a mushollah for convenience. The 

buffet starts at RM86nett for adults and RM46nett for children under 

12 years of age. Call 03-7804 8888 ext. 306/325 or 03-7804 1919 for 

reservations and corporate packages. For catering services for Rumah 

Terbuka during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, contact the Sales & Marketing 

department at Toll Free 1 800 888 128 or email salesmarketing@ 

tropicanacorp.com.my. 


54

ADVERTORIAL 

Introducing Häfele’s 

latest products 

for Smart Kitchen 

Storage – the 

anthracite range 

Because grey is the new black. 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Established in Malaysia in 1993, German 

brand Häfele is a complete kitchen 

solutions provider supplying appliances 

and intelligent storage systems to deliver the 

perfect kitchen. Its latest products reflect this 

year’s biggest design trend — anthracite. 

A hard variety of coal with a dark grey to light black 

colour, this raw natural material has become the 

bold colour inspiration for Häfele’s new kitchen 

storage range and reflects one of the most 

prominent interior design trends of 2018. 

Customised to provide storage space and 

opening methods that suit the height and amount 

of space of your kitchen, the anthracite range’s 

neutral colour pairs well with industrial finishes, 

exposed brickwork and metallic touches. 

It also provides an alternative to the tried and 

tested white, steel and timber finishes often 

used in kitchens, and has a versatile colour 

quality that you can combine with a variety of 

shades to satisfy any personality and design 

approach. This flexibility means that you can 

mix things up according to changes in trends, 

tastes and design choices without having to 

change your kitchen units. 

Bearing the hallmarks of German quality, 

Häfele has been certified as per DIN EN ISO 

9001 since 1995, and its high-quality fittings 

have eliminated the need for regular repairs and 

replacements to ensure maximum longevity. 

With kitchen storage and accessories such 

as drawers, wall units, corner shelves and 

dispensers with smooth pullouts, Häfele’s 

anthracite range lets you make optimal use of 

every inch of space, so you can plan a dream 

kitchen that will last a lifetime, that can adapt and 

change with your family and its needs and tastes. 

You can visit Häfele Design Centre, Showroom 

& Offices at: 

Häfele (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd - Head Office 

18 Jalan Juruhebah U1/50, Seksyen U1 

Temasya Industrial Park 

Shah Alam, 40150, Selangor 

Phone: +603 5569 2526 

Fax: +603 5569 3526 

Email: info@hafele.com.my 

Häfele KL Design Centre 

42 Jalan SS21/1, Damansara Utama 

Petaling Jaya, 47400, Selangor 

Phone: +603 7733 4526 

Fax: +603 7733 3526 

Email: info@hafele.com.my 

Häfele Sabah Office & Showroom 

4.2 & 4.3 Neutron Point 

Lorong Point Neutron 

Jalan Lintas Khidmat 

Kota Kinabalu, 88300, Sabah 

Phone: +6088 380 533 

Fax: +6088 386 533 

Email: hafelesabah@hafele.com.my 

For more information, visit: www.hafele.com.my or www.facebook.com/HafeleMalaysia/

THE SWING 

TITLEIST 

Women’s Breezer 

www.titleist.com 

HUGO BOSS 

Golf Club Covers 

www.hugoboss.com 

TITLEIST 

Vokey Design 

SM6 Wedges 

www.titleist.com 

Fore! 

Golf like a pro with 

the right equipment. 

GUCCI 

Cotton Polo with 

Kingsnake Embroidery 

www.gucci.com 

CURATED BY SHARMINI M.RETHINASAMY 

HUGO BOSS 

Slimfit Pants with 

Technical Twill 


CALLAWAY 

Goshawk Polarized Sunglasses 

www.callawaygolf.com 

BROOKS 

BROTHERS 

Golf Bag 

www.brooksbrothers.com 

PUMA 

Ignite Pwrsport 

Golf Shoes 

www.cobragolf.com 


58

THE SWING | NEWS 

MAJOR 

SWING 

Tournaments that elite players from all over the world participate in – and 

where reputations of the greatest player in golf are cemented – make for a 

thrilling experience not just for the golfer but for the spectators alike. 

COMPILED BY: SHARMINI M.RETHINASAMY 


60

NEWS | THE SWING 

PEBBLE BEACH, 

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA 


THE SWING 

The top prizes may not actually be the heftiest of 

all tournaments, but these major championship 

victories are much sought after by golfers who are 

worth their tee. An accumulation of wins garnered 

at these tournaments earns players a reputation that 

surpasses any other win. It also does not hurt that 

the majors are a career boost that lands the golfer 

large bonuses from sponsors and an upper hand on 

negotiating contracts. Should the player be an unknown, they are 

bound for endorsements upon winning. 

We line up the majors that not only have the golfers on track 

to their biggest career play but also have golf enthusiasts riveted at 

every swing. 

AUGUSTA MASTERS 

The famed green jacket and the prestige of clinching the ultimate 

accolade in golf is a much sought-after ambition of professional 

golfers. The tournament is hosted as an invitational by and played 

at Augusta National Golf Club in the US state of Georgia. The 

course has severely undulating fairways and greens with ponds 

and creeks in the back nine, providing a challenging game. It is 

also the only major that is played on the same golf course every 

year in the first week of April. 

The Masters trails way back to its inception in 1934 when 

famed golfer Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts decided that the 

game needed an annual playoff. The awarding of the coveted 

green jacket to the champion has become a tradition and 

distinctive characteristic of the tournament. 

Being the invitational tournament of the club, it invites fewer 

than 100 players, with automatic entry for all golfers in the world 

top 50 ranking. Former champions have a lifetime invitation to 

compete at the Masters. To date, Jack Nicklaus holds the record for 

having won the most Masters – a total of six victories. Nicklaus, 

Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods all hold the record for the most 

consecutive wins with two. 

Most thrilling Masters: In 2004, a major-less Phil Mickelson 

edged out his competitor Ernie Els, when he birdied the final hole, 

giving him a one-stroke lead. So often the bridesmaid at major golf 

tournaments, this US golfer broke the label “the best player never 

to win a major” that day. 

THE U.S. OPEN 

The annual open national championship, The United States Open 

Championship is the second most prestigious of the four major 

tournaments. More commonly known as the U.S. Open, it was first 

organised in 1895 by the United States Golf Association (USGA) on 

the nine-hole course of Newport (R.I.) Golf and Country Club. 

With 10 professionals and one amateur, the first tournament 

kick-started as a 36-hole competition, with four trips played around 

the course in one day. The surprise winner was Horace Rawlins, 21, an 

English professional who was the assistant at the host course. 

Since then, the game has evolved to a 72-hole stroke play, which 

amounts to four rounds on an 18-hole course. Still organised by the 

USGA, the tournament is staged in mid-June with the final round 

played on the third Sunday. Unlike the Augusta Masters, the U.S. 

Open is held at a variety of courses that provide a challenge for the 

avid golfer. 

As a winner, the golfer enjoys the privilege of not just a secure 

career and endorsements but is automatically invited to play in 

the three other majors – the Masters, the Open Championship 

(British Open) and the PGA Championship – for the next five years. 

The winner is also exempt from qualifying for the U.S. Open for 

10 years, with an automatic invitation to three of the five senior 

majors once they turn 50. Other perks includea five-year invitation 

to the U.S. Senior Open and a lifetime invitation to the Senior PGA 

Championship and Senior British Open. 

Most thrilling U.S. Open: The tournament at Torrey Pines in 

2008 saw an injured Tiger Woods, with two stress fractures in his leg, 

struggling as he fought Rocco Mediate. The resulting playoff came 

to a climatic sudden-death drama with Tiger winning his last major 

trophy to date. 


62

THE SWING 

“An accumulation of 

wins garnered at these 

tournaments earns players 

a reputation that surpasses 

any other win.” 

CAPE KIDNAPPERS, 

NEW ZEALAND 


NEW ZEALAND 


THE SWING 

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 

Organised by The R&A, the offshoot of The Royal and Ancient 

Golf Club of St Andrews, the tournament – sometimes referred 

to as the British Open – carries the prestige of being the oldest 

professional golf tournament in existence, held since 1860. 

Typically played on links-style courses in the United 

Kingdom, primarily England and Scotland, The Open 

Championship is celebrated for maintaining the tradition of 

the links play that dates back to its inception in Scotland. The 

variable weather conditions, often windswept, offer the main 

influence on tournament scores. 

Links courses are not doctored to provide a challenging 

round of golf. Typically coastal, flat with fairways that cut 

through dune grass and gorse bushes, the courses are rough and 

have menacing bunkers. 

Leading world ranking golfers and from around the globe 

are given the opportunity to enter through qualifying events in 

all continents and final qualifiers in the UK prior to the main 

championship. In addition, those qualifying recent professional 

majors as well as all former Open Championship winners under 

the age of 60 are exempted from qualifying rounds. 

The coveted Claret Jug is a trophy that dates back to 1872, 

and the champion’s name is inscribed on its base. The actual 

inscribing takes place during the closing ceremony before it 

is handed to the champion, a tradition that is still practised to 

this day. 

The most thrilling Open Championship: With Tiger Woods 

dominating the golf news in the lead up to the 2002 tournament, 

Ernie Els stepped out of his shadows to clinch the Claret Jug. 

Whilst battling for the coveted accolade, he battled tough weather 

conditions against four others, to eventually gain victory over 

Thomas Levet in a sudden-death situation. 

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 

Played at a parkland club in the United States, the courses are as 

difficult as those chosen for the U.S. Open but without setting up 

the course as difficult as the USGA does. 

The first PGA Championship was held in October 1916 

when the winner Jim Barnes received USD500 and a diamond 

studded gold medal donated by wealthy department store 

owner and catalyst behind the formation of the PGA, Rodman 

Wanamaker. Today, the prize money has escalated to a 

whopping USD1.8 million. 

Participants are made up of recent champions of the three 

other professional majors and leading players from the world 

rankings. Qualifiers are also held among members of the PGA 

of America, the organisation of club and teaching pros that are 

separate from the PGA Tour. It is also the only championship 

to invite all the winners of PGA Tour events from the 

preceding year. 

The most thrilling PGA Championship: Tiger Woods and Bob 

May were locked in intense battle at the 2000 championship. May 

almost took the major home as he was closing in as the winner 

going into the last two holes. Woods birdied, which forced them 

into a three-hole playoff. Tiger won beating May by a stroke. 


NEW ZEALAND 


64

THE SWING 


NEW ZEALAND 


NEW ZEALAND 

ST. ANDREWS, 

SCOTLAND 


THE TIME | NEWS 

Rhythm of Le Rhöne 

The first two collections of Le Rhone exhibit the perfect balance between 

the classic and the chic. 

WORDS BY MUNA NOOR 

THE BRAINCHILD OF TWO ENTREPRENEURS AND CHILDHOOD FRIENDS: Loïc Florentin and 

Timo Rajakoski, who met at school in Venezuela and decided only after a career spent working for various 

luxury brands to create Le Rhöne. 

Inspired by their passion for craftsmanship, excellence and creativity, each timepiece is first and 

foremost the product of talented craftsmen based in the best Swiss workshops, with each movement 

genuinely crafted following the Swiss horological heritage. 

Rare for watchmakers, Le Rhöne welcome customisation and provide the opportunity to personalise 

your timepiece by choosing different materials and finish options. Here’s a look at their first two 

collections to inspire you. 

www.lerhone.com 


66

NEWS | THE TIME 

HEDONIA 

Designed for women, the Hedonia line 

embodies elegance and refinement with 

its 41mm diameter and moon phase 

complication. Its magical stellar night blue 

sky is an enchantment. Crafted from motherof-pearl 

and surrounded by a SuperLuminova 

star-studded sky, it features an exclusive 

in-house Grande Phase de Lune complication 

that comes to light against the blue 

Aventurine dial rotating on the top of the 

moon. A dozen sparkling diamond indexes 

indicate the hours, while SuperLuminovafilled 

stainless steel hour, minute and second 

hands have a Côte de Genève certified dial 

with a vertical guillochage. 

FUN IN THE SUN 

Supermodel and muse Doutzen Kroes fronts Piaget’s new campaign. Shot by Mert & 

Marcus, the campaign brings to life Piaget’s Sunny Side of Life philosophy, a celebration 

of life lived to the fullest under the sun in the island paradise of Ibiza, where Kroes wears 

pieces from the maison’s watch and high jewellery collections, including stacked gold 

Possession bangles, Limelight Gala watches and Sunlight Journey High Jewellery creations. 

int.piaget.com 

THE ROAD RACER 

Crafted for men, Le Rhöne’s first timepiece 

collection, The Road Racer draws direct 

reference to the Pony cars of the 1960s and 

is inspired by Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet 

Camaros or Dodge Challengers. Genuine 

engine parts of the first generation of 

Camaros can be found inside the case of the 

watch, and two counters at 9 o’clock and 3 

o’clock respectively to indicate the seconds 

and the chronograph bi-compax indicators, 

enhancing the sports look of this American 

Vintage Car fascination. 


THE LOOK | HOT OFF THE RUNWAY 

BACK IT UP 

Lush leather look from behind. 

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 

Leather Backpack 

www.ferragamo.com 


68

HOT OFF THE RUNWAY | THE LOOK 

White Now! 

The no-fuss wardrobe staple. 

OFFICINE GÉNÉRALE 

T-Shirt 

www.officinegénérale.com 

VALENTINO 

Shirt 

www.valentino.com 

VALENTINO 

Acetate Sunglasses 

www.valentino.com 

HUGO BOSS 

Cufflinks 


HUGO BOSS 



MARNI 

Cotton Shirt 

www.marni.com 

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 

Sneakers with Sea Horse Embroidery 

www.ferragamo.com 

HUGO BOSS 

Pants 




EGG-CITING 

INSPIRATION 

Quirky yet stylish footwear. 

LOEWE 

Slip On with Egg Heel 

www.loewe.com 


70


GUCCI 

Single Double G Earrings 

with Pearls 

www.gucci.com 

Tassel Dazzle 

From the arts and craft table to 

fashion, the tassel breathes new life 

into your wardrobe. 

MARTE FRISNES 

Red Raquel 

Tassel Bangle 

www.martefrisnes.com 

MOY PARIS 

Layered Pearl 

Tassel Necklace 

www.farfetch.com 

FENDI 

Bag Charm 

www.fendi.com 

LIZZIE FORTUNATO 

Daisy Crater Earrings 

www.lizziefortunato.com 

CHLOE 

Eyewear 

Jewelry 

www.chloe.com 


YVES SAINT LAURENT 

Kate Tassel Bag 

www.ysl.com 

OSCAR DE 

LA RENTA 

Spinel Tiered 

Tassel Earrings 

www.oscardelarenta.com 

PHILOPSOPHY 

DI LORENZO 

Cord Belt with Hearts 

www.philosophyofficial.com 



CLEAR 

AS DAY 

When invisible doesn't mean unseen. 

CHANEL 

Hobo Handbag 

www.chanel.com 


72


80s Redux 

Flamboyant, avant-garde, funky, its 

time to invest in these 80s classics. 

GUCCI 

www.gucci.com 

GIVENCHY 

High Boots 

www.givenchy.com 

DOLCE & GABBANA 

Crop Top 

www.dolcegabbana.com 


Brocade Dress 


YVES SAINT LAURENT 

Belt Bag 

www.ysl.com 

ALBERTA FERRETTI 

Sequin Bra 

www.albertaferretti.com 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 

Boyfriend Jeans 

www.alexandermcqueen.com 


Lycra Leggings 


CURATED BY SHARMINI M. RETHINASAMY 



Jet set style 

Sacoor Brothers’ latest collection 

will take you from boardroom to 

beach club seamlessly. 

WORDS BY REMI DUTTA 

Well-known Portuguese label 

Sacoor Brothers’ Spring Summer 

2018 collection has arrived with its 

bags packed and passport in hand. 

A favourite with personalities 

like actors Rob Lowe, Patrick 

Dempsey and model Irina Shayk, 

and seen locally on actors and 

performers Bront Palarae, Sean 

Ghazi and Remy Ishak, the latest 

line adopts the theme World 

Trotters and seeks inspiration 

from three distinct global 

destinations: New York, Morocco 

and Greece. 

Taking a leaf out of New York’s 

‘work hard, play hard’ attitude 

towards life, warm weather pieces 

adopt a timeless feel with clean 

silhouettes, practical details and 

modern trimmings you can build 

a capsule wardrobe on. For use 

in a less corporate setting, the 

lightweight and looser items look 

to the Mediterranean’s chicest 

locations to imbue a relaxed but 

sophisticated vibe into key items. 

In both the women’s and men’s 

collections, the colour palette is 

neutral with a mix of dark and 

light shades of grey, green, mint 

and beige being used in the label’s 

structured pieces. Meanwhile, rich 

tones of golden spice, baked coral, 

camel, dark blues and yellow are 

employed in billowy, loose-fitting 

separates that are best suited for 

travel and post-work rendezvous. 


74 

“Mix and match athleisure wear 

with more structured pieces for 

brainstorming sessions 

and corporate retreats.”


MEN’S COLLECTION 

In the men’s collection, exciting 

features are brought into 

focus with the use of premium 

materials. Taking a page out of 

the young upwardly mobile New 

York businessman’s playbook, the 

collection features jackets, polos, 

trainers and joggers in an urban 

colour palette. 

The business suit is created 

from the latest collection of 

Marzotto fabrics with easy stretch 

for the man on the go, and the use 

of a glossy or matte, washed out 

or coated style for that 

fashionable look. 

For smart but casual weekend 

wear, athleisure garments adopt a 

more relaxed approach to provide 

comfort without sacrificing an 

iota of style. Mix and match 

with more structured pieces 

for brainstorming sessions and 

corporate retreats. 

IMAGES BY SACOOR BROTHERS 

WOMEN’S 

COLLECTION 

Chic, simple and elegant 

are the main aesthetics of 

the women’s collection. 

Architectural silhouettes 

explore a mix of hard and 

soft lines, and classic tailored 

pieces have been updated 

with new forms and details 

to keep things au courant. 

The overall look is clean and 

inspired by the precision of 

architectural drawings. 

Tapping into the growth 

of fluid home-office lifestyles, 

women’s pieces lie somewhere 

between work and leisure 

dressing, with fluid lines, lace 

inserts and elevated pleats. 

For a weekday look, the 

fitted or knitted dresses, 

pleated skirts and midi skirts 

paired with roomy shirts and 

blouses can be worn as business 

formals to meetings. The 

business casual line includes 

premium knits and tapered or 

loose trousers and flat shoes, 

but we’re pegging the wide 

leg long trousers, worn with a 

classic blouse, masculine heels 

and an unbuttoned trench coat 

thrown on top as this season’s 

go-to outfit. 


THE LOOK 

White linen suit, 

black tank top and 

wide belt 

MICHAEL 

MICHAEL KORS 

Boots 

SALVATORE 

FERRAGAMO 

Sling bag 

KATE SPADE 

WORKIT 

Stylish pieces that look the biz. 


76

THE LOOK 

Silver leather jacket 

MICHAEL 

MICHAEL KORS 

White Shirt 

SACOOR 

BROTHERS 

Denim jeans and 

white sneakers with 

floral motif 

KATE SPADE 

Box Bag 

LONGCHAMP 


THE LOOK 

Floral pyjama set 

and bag 

TORY BURCH 

Strappy heels 

MICHAEL 

MICHAEL KORS 


78

THE LOOK 

Oversized Blazer 

COS 

Wide belt 

SALVATORE 

FERRAGAMO 

White denim jeans 

MICHAEL 

MICHAEL KORS 

Suede boots 

LONGCHAMP 


THE LOOK 

Navy trench coat and 

white knitted turtle 

neck sweater 

MICHAEL 

MICHAEL KORS 

Frames 

CARRERA 


80

THE LOOK 

Suede coat and boots 

LONGCHAMP 


THE LOOK 

TM | MAY/JUNE 2018 82

THE LOOK 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

DELVIN XIAN @ IMAGEROM 

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS 

ASYRAF & MIEMIE LOH @ IMAGEROM 

ART DIRECTION SHIRLEY CHIA 

STYLING BOSCO LIM 

MAKEUP WAN NING LER 

HAIR JUNO KO 

MODEL YANA FOMENKO 

@ ANDREWS MODELS 

SHOT ON LOCATION AT HATCH 

Knit dress 

SALVATORE 

FERRAGAMO 

White shirt 

SACOOR 

BROTHERS 

Peep toe boots 

LONGCHAMP 


THE LOOK | KIDS FASHION 

The Kids Are Alright 

Big style for small people 

CURATED BY VIVIAN YAP 

TROPICAL TIDE 

GUESS Kids – which was born Baby GUESS and debuted 

in 1984 – is all grown up now. Their latest collection is 

made up of threads for the fashion-conscious child, and is 

minimal, sophisticated, yet engineered with a hint of urban 

street style for some casual cool cred. Featuring denim 

patches, flamingo motif embroidery and shell-feather prints, 

this season’s items play with textures, burst with colour, and 

include a good deal of printed patterns. Among the coveted 

pieces, the sequin hoody stands out. 

www.guess.com 

EMBRACE THE WILD 

Inviting spring into wardrobes, Singapore label Charles & Keith has elected 

the giant panda as the mascot of its new Where The Wild Things Are line. 

Motifs of this once endangered monochromatic creature are printed all over 

the collection, highlighting the complex relationship human beings share with 

nature. To appeal to the little ones, the Little Collection features 3D images 

of the giant panda on classic ballerina flats and crossbody bags. For women, 

designs include knotted bow convert loafers, knotted bow sandals, printed 

lace-up sneakers mules, printed wedge thongs, printed front flap backpack, 

and a printed semi-circle wristlet adorned with giant panda prints. 

www.charleskeith.com/my/ 


84

KIDS FASHION | THE LOOK 

RACE TO THE FINISH LINE 

Following in the tyre treads of 

Ferrari Junior, here’s another 

elite children's clothing brand 

that’s taking fashion to the 

highway. Tommy Hilfiger’s 

speedway inspired collection 

sees kids donning retro style 

sporty streetwear. Pieces include 

Tommy typography bombers, 

red varsity jackets, classic school 

sweaters and perennial denim in 

Tommy’s signature Americana 

theme colours of red, white and 

blue to stir up nostalgia and 

primary-hued pride. 

global.tommy.com 

READY, STEADY 

A marriage between Ferrari and Berlinetta, 

Ferrari Junior Collection is a tasteful and energetic 

collection for infants and children. Featuring the 

Prancing Horse’s bold signature colours of red, 

black and yellow, these smart ensembles capture 

the vibrancy of youthful spirits and that immaculate 

Italian style. The versatile pieces with chic colour 

blocks will allow your tykes to mix and match for 

fun results, and the clothing is breathable and light 

for ultimate comfort. 

www.ferrarijuniorcollection.asia 


HEALTH | THE SUSTAINABLE DIET 

A Lot of 

Heart 

You can live a long healthy life if you eat well, 

exercise and avoid stress. Shereen Khoo adds 

a few more years to your lifespan with these 

helpful tips on improving your heart health. 

WORDS BY SHEREEN KHOO 


86

THE SUSTAINABLE DIET 

| HEALTH 

The ancients’ got it right when they 

identified the heart as the storehouse of 

love. Coincidently one of the most vital 

organs in our body, keep your heart healthy 

this coming Mother’s Day and Father’s Day by 

preparing a spread that’s nutrient-rich with 

vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients. 

For a healthy heart, the American Heart 

Association recommends the consumption of 

the following: 

LOTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS 

Naturally high in vitamins, minerals and fibre, 

they are also low in calories. Fibre refers to 

components of plant materials in the diet that 

cannot be digested by a human’s body and fibre 

can be either soluble or insoluble. Both soluble 

and insoluble forms of fibre are essential and 

appear to have different health properties such 

as increasing gastrointestinal health as well 

as reducing blood cholesterol levels. Eating 

a variety of fruits and vegetables may help to 

control weight and blood pressure and the 

soluble fibre is also found to have a 

cholesterol-lowering effect 

CHOOSE UNREFINED WHOLEGRAIN FOODS 

The unrefined whole-grain foods such as the 

wholemeal varieties produce a lower glycemic 

effect and helps regulate blood sugar. Eating 

whole grains such as oats and barley also provide 

the body with a type of soluble fiber called betaglucan 

which has a cholesterol lowering effect. 

CUT DOWN ON YOUR SATURATED FAT INTAKE 

Saturated fats are known to increase the levels of 

bad LDL cholesterol. Choosing lean protein such 

as poultry and fish without the skin, selecting the 

leanest cuts available such as the breast meat, and 

preparing them in healthy ways will reduce the 

intake of saturated fats. Select fat-free or low-fat 

dairy products instead of full-fat or full-cream 

milk and cut down on consumption of food 

products made from butter. Better yet reduce 

or cut out dairy. 

CONSUME FISH AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK 

Research shows that eating oily fish containing 

omega-3 fatty acids (for example, salmon, trout, 

mackerel and herring) may help lower risk of 

coronary artery disease. Eat one serving of fatty 

fish (100 grams cooked per serving) at least two 

times a week. Although increasing omega-3 fatty 

acid consumption through foods is preferable, 

those with coronary artery disease may want 

to talk to their physician about supplements to 

obtain a larger dose of omega-3. As a precaution, 

avoid consuming fish that are known to contain 

high mercury levels such as shark, swordfish, 

king mackerel, tilefish and tuna. 


HEALTH | THE SUSTAINABLE DIET 

HEART HEALTHY MEAL 

Stuck for ideas to prepare that main 

event at home? Well, look no further 

than this healthy heart and easy-to-cook 

main course. This grilled salmon dish 

is full of wonderfully complementary 

flavours and rich in valuable omega 

fatty acids. 

You can also boost your fibre 

intake by serving steamed or stir-fried 

vegetables and brown rice. It is a perfect 

combination for a healthy main course. 

HERBED SALMON STEAK 

(Serves 2) 

• 2 salmon steaks, 1-inch thick 

• 1 lemon, squeezed for juice 

• 1 ½ tbsp of fresh parsley, chopped 

• 1 ½ tbsp of fresh rosemary 

• Salt and pepper for seasoning 

METHOD 

1. Season the fish with a little salt and 

pepper. Sprinkle the parsley and 

rosemary on top of the fish. 

2. Grill under a moderate heat (180°C) for 7 

to 8 minutes, turning halfway through. 

3. Return to the oven for a further 7 to 8 

minutes or until the fish flakes easily 

when tested with a fork. 

4. Remove from oven. Pour 1 teaspoon 

of freshly squeezed lemon juice over 

the fish and serve. 

TM | MAY/JUNE 2018 88

BEAUTY & WELLNESS 

GETTING FIT IN THE GARDEN OF THE 

THIRD HEAVEN 

Trisara – which is Sanskrit for ‘garden of the third 

heaven’ – could not be a more accurate name for 

Thailand’s most celebrated all-pool villa resort. Hidden 

within a lush jungle landscape with breathtaking views 

of the South China Sea, Trisara is teaming up with 

Fitbit, one of the biggest names in fitness, to create a 

100,000 step fitness experience for guests. 

Held across eight days and seven nights, the 

programme begins the minute you strap on your 

complimentary Fitbit Ionic Smart Watch. A private 

fitness consultation will assess your fitness levels and 

objectives, and a fitness schedule will be customised 

for you with the ultimate goal of achieving 100,000 

steps during your stay. 

With activities such as kayaking, stand up 

paddle boarding, circuit training, ocean swimming 

and rainforest walks, getting fit and healthy will be 

anything but boring and repetitive. In addition to 

complimentary water sports such as snorkelling and 

windsurfing, guests – who will stay in one of Trisara’s 

Private Ocean Front Pool Villas – will also receive 

daily massages at Trisara’s newly relaunched JARA 

Spa and get to indulge in locally inspired cuisine at the 

resort’s restaurant, PRU. With all that to look forward 

to, not having time to set foot in the gym won’t be 

such a bad thing after all. 

Valid for stays until 31 October 2018, with rates 

starting from USD850 per night. 

www.trisara.com 

WHERE EAST AND WEST MEET 

Located beside the beautiful Yangcheng 

Lake in Suzhou, China, Sangha by Octave is 

a holistic wellness sanctuary that combines 

Chinese and Western approaches to 

achieve mindfulness. Its tranquil setting 

within grounds approximately 189,000 

square metres – and adjacent to the ancient 

Chongyuan Temple – is ideal for this. 

Here, guests will be provided with 

a body-mind evaluation led by an 

international team of medical doctors and 

healing experts. The resulting customised 

healing plan will include a combination 

of healing spa treatments, Ayurvedic and 

traditional Chinese medicine practices, 

lakeside yoga and sound healing, among the 

numerous unique treatments and services 

offered. 

WORDS BY VIVIAN YAP 


ADVERTORIAL 

A Thai Odyssey Experience 

Where relaxation and bliss are within reach 

A 

member of the Malaysian Association of Wellness and Spa, the 

award-winning Thai Odyssey offers up a delightful menu of healing 

treatments in a relaxing spa inspired environment. 

Invited to try one of their treatments, as per spa etiquette I arrived at 

the Mid Valley Megamall Thai Odyssey 10 minutes prior to my designated 

appointment time. This is recommended so that you can decompress and 

mentally shrug off whatever thoughts weighing heavily on the mind. 

Given the serenity of the setting, this was not hard. Enveloped by the 

heady scent of exotic fragrance, the hustle and bustle of frantic shoppers 

quickly disappeared as I entered a tranquil setting of dark woods, soft Thai silk 

cushions and mood lighting. 

As with all therapies, mine is preceded by the offer of hot Thai herbal 

tea to soothe the belly, and a warm and gentle footbath before entering the 

treatment area. 

Though every one of Thai Odyssey’s 50 over spas are pleasant and 

welcoming, not all are set out over two storeys like the one at Mid Valley 

Megamall in Kuala Lumpur. Upstairs, different spaces have been designed 

for different treatments. Among them are the Traditional Thai Massage, 

Thai Aromatherapy Massage, Thai Herbal Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, as 

well as more targeted treatments like the Traditional Foot Massage and Half 

Body Massage. 

I would be trying the Traditional Thai Massage, which is offered in 60, 

90 and 120 minutes options and takes place in small but private rooms with a 

wardrobe to store items and a curtain for privacy. 

Normally, natural botanically derived products are used for Thai Odyssey 

treatments. However, as the Traditional Thai Massage is a dry massage, this 

is an exception. As per spa etiquette I removed all jewellery, switched off my 

phone and slipped into the garments offered and sunk down onto the floor 

mattress face up with a herbal eye mask on. 

Surrendering to 90 minutes of blissful relaxation, I knew I would be in 

good hands as Thai Odyssey therapists have more that 6 years of experience in 

the art of Thai healing. Unlike many massages, which employ large sweeping 

motions, the Traditional Thai Massage is a pressure massage and uses gentle 

but firm pressure to knead away kinks in the muscles and stretch out tightness. 

This is applied by the therapist not just with strong fingers and palms, but 

entire arms, elbows and even feet to get the desired results. 

As my assigned therapist worked her way slowly but assuredly up from 

the soles of my feet to my thighs, then my hands, arms and shoulders, she 

would regularly check to ensure that the pressure she placed was neither too 

soft nor to hard. 

Arms behind me, I was briefly lifted off the ground in a stretch before 

instructed to turn over for the second part of the treatment, this time face 

down. Similarly working her way up from my lower to upper extremities, this 

portion of the massage also included plenty of welcome kneading of the back 

and shoulders, which were tense from hours spent hunched up in front of the 

computer screen. 

Testament to how relaxed my body had become from all the attention 

given to it, when I sat up nearly 90 minutes after we had begun, my ligaments 

and joints comfortably cracked into place as the therapist bent and twisted my 

body around hers. Just like that one and a half hours had melted away. A light 

head massage concluded the treatment, and after another soothing cup of Thai 

herbal tea, I exited feeling limber and light. 

With over 50 Thai Odyssey outlets conveniently located across the 

country, it’s reassuring to know that escaping the stresses and strains imposed 

upon us by daily life is easy and affordable. Just be sure to call to make a 

reservation ahead of your “me time” to ensure your preferred time and service 

is available. 

For a list of locations and services, go to thaiodyssey.com/services/Malaysia.

THE COOKBOOK 


92

THE COOKBOOK 

Less 

is more 

The winning formula of Basque cuisine. 

WORDS BY KATJA WALLRAFEN / DPA / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE 

ALL IMAGES BY LAURA EDWARDS / DPA / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE 

Ager Uriguen Uribe sets down a plate of baby spinach with thinly sliced steak and 

cranberries in a passionfruit dressing. 

The dish is a touch of avant garde combined with the traditional Basque cuisine 

Uribe grew up, adding up to something new and exciting. But the Bilbao-born chef is 

not alone in mixing old and new – in fact, part of the reason why the region's cuisine 

has been such a success is because his fellow Basques are doing the same thing. 

Uribe takes a step back to first describe the fantastic starting point that is his homeland, a 

border region between Spain and France. 

He swears that Basque produce is the best: "Basque country is on the Bay of Biscay. The fertile 

soil, as well as the fresh fish - not only from the sea, but also lakes and rivers - means only the very 

best." 

Jose Pizarro also sings the praises of the region's exceptional products: "Basque country is 

an excellent place for livestock because there's a lot of grass and the winters are rainy. As a rule, 

animals are allowed to graze on the green hills, which makes their meat wonderfully delicious." 

Pizarro is at the forefront of the movement that brought a new wave of Spanish cuisine to 

London. 

"Meat plays a big role, but so does fish. To this day, the fishermen still go out to sea. I owe some 

of my recipes to them," says Pizarro. 

Marmitako, a classic fish stew, was originally prepared by Basque fishermen on their boats. 

Onions and garlic are sauteed in oil, followed by red and green peppers, a bay leaf and potatoes, 

before being simmered with fish stock. Fried mackerel is added at the end. 

"Vegetables also play an important role, as the Basque country is basically a huge vegetable 

garden," says Miquel Villacrosa, head chef at Das Stue, a top hotel in Berlin. For the past two years, 

the native Catalan has been working in the hotel's Cinco restaurant. 

For new creations, he follows the Basque tradition of focusing on one or two main ingredients. 

Thanks to the excellent quality of the products, the dishes don't need much: A tomato salad with 

fresh fruits, made with high-quality olive oil and sea salt, is a poem. 

There is also a tradition of cooking together in Basque cuisine. 

Txokoa is the name of Uribe's Berlin-based restaurant that he has been running for four years 

with business partner Giovanni Miranda from Chile. "The name can mean a cosy spot, as well as a 

gastronomic society," explains Uribe. 

During their elaborate, sometimes hours-long preparations, they watch football or try out new 

recipes together. 

If you want to get to know the diversity of Basque cuisine, it's best to start with the Basque 

version of tapas, which are called pintxo. 

Classics include angulas, which are glass eels in olive oil, sauteed garlic and dried chilli flakes, or 

bacalao al pil-pil, which is made with salt cod, garlic, chilli and olive oil. 


THE COOKBOOK 


94

THE COOKBOOK 

Basque in the spotlight 

The fact that the 2018 installment of the 

World’s Best Restaurants Awards on June 

19th takes place in Bilbao, Spain speaks 

volumes about the Basque region as a 

culinary destination. 

Located in the north of Spain, Basque 

country stretches toward the Bay of Biscay 

and encompasses cities such as San Sebastian, 

Bilbao, Pamplona and even Biarritz in 

France. 

San Sebastian – or Donostia as it’s known 

in Basque – is a city with a stellar 17 Michelin 

stars, more than any other foodie destination 

in the world with the exception of Kyoto. In 

fact the region, which is celebrated for its 

unique culture, language and phenomenal 

food, also has the most Michelin-starred 

restaurants per capita in the world. To say 

Basque cuisine is having a moment in the 

limelight would be a gross understatement. 

Its climate and geographical location – 

along the Bay of Biscay, stretching out across 

arid plains in the south towards the western 

Pyrenees – are two reasons for its amazing 

and abundant produce. 

Local fishermen continue to set out to 

sea bringing back with them a bounty of cod 

(which is salted) and tuna. Inland there are 

freshwater fish, seasonal fresh fruits and 

vegetables like guindilla peppers from Ibarra 

and Tolosa beans, and cured meats like black 

pudding and spicy chorizo de Pamplona. 

Markets such as San Sebastian’s San 

Martín and La Bretxa, which supply some of 

the world’s most highly rated restaurants, 

should be your first stop on any Basque 

culinary journey. 

Don’t just stop at pintxos, possibly the 

single food item most commonly associated 

with the region. Basque food is diverse and 

delicious thanks to a rich and varied history 

of conquest and immigration, and a brave 

approach to creative experimentation. 

What to eat 

Start with 

Pintxos – bite-sized eats served 

as tiny open sandwiches held 

together with a toothpick and not 

for sharing. 

Gerezi beltza arno gorriakin – soup 

made from cherries in a sweet wine 

syrup served with crème fraîche or 

ice cream. 

Dig into these mains 

Bacalao al pil pil – salted Atlantic 

cod and garlic cooked in olive oil. 

Marmitako – stew of tuna, onions, 

potatoes, peppers and tomatoes. 

For dessert 

Pastel Vasco – crispy sponge cake 

with crème pâtissière filling and 

fruit such as cherries. 

Turron – almond nougat. 

Idiazábal cheese – hard aged 

cheese made from unpasteurised 

goat’s milk. 

What to drink 

Sidra – naturally fermented 

local cider with still and dry 

characteristics. 

Txakoli – sparkling dry white 

wine, highly acidic and best served 

chilled as an apéritif. 

La Rioja wine. 

ADDITIONAL WORDS BY MUNA NOOR 

" Basque food is diverse 

and delicious thanks 

to a rich and varied 

history of conquest 

and immigration, and 

a brave approach 

to creative 

experimentation." 


THE COOKBOOK 

" For new creations, he 

follows the Basque 

tradition of focusing 

on one or two main 

ingredients. Thanks to 

the excellent quality 

of the products, the 

dishes don't need much" 


96

THE COOKBOOK 

7 Basque restaurants to try 

Arzak, San Sebastian 

Sitting as prettily on a hill on the edge of San Sebastian as 

they do at #30 on the World’s Best Restaurant’s 2017 Iist, this 

3-Michelin star family-run restaurant by Chef Juan Mari Arzak 

and his daughter Elena turn out peerless modern Basque cuisine. 

www.arzak.es 

Mugaritz, San Sebastian 

A beautiful garden setting is just the beginning of the amazing 

culinary experience you can expect from 2-Michelin star chef 

Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz and his team. The 20-course menu 

has already put this restaurant at #9 on 2017’s World’s Best 

Restaurants list. 

www.mugaritz.com 

Azurmendi, Bilbao 

At #38 on the World’s Best Restaurants last year, this fabulous 

3-Michelin star family-run restaurant has won plaudits for 

its approach to sustainability as well as its impeccable service, 

imaginative cuisine and flair for drama. Your gastronomic 

journey begins at Azurmendi’s rooftop vegetable garden and 

continues in the dining room where each course is accompanied 

by different visual projections. 

www.azurmendi.biz 

Nerua, Bilbao 

No trip to Bilbao is complete without a visit to the Guggenheim 

Bilbao Museum. Under the careful eye of Chef Josean Alija, the 

food whipped up at #56 on the World’s Best Restaurants 2017 

list is as much art as anything within the museum’s gallery. 

www.neruaguggenheimbilbao.com/en 

Rodero, Pamplona 

In a city better known for the running of the bulls, this elegant 

1-Michelin star venue shines for its friendly service and excellent 

value for money. Their winning 7-course degustation menu of 

Basque specialties includes wine, water and tea or coffee. 

www.restauranterodero.com 

Europa, Pamplona 

Proving that hotel restaurants can be just as creative as 

any independent eatery, this family-run 1-Michelin star 

establishment in Europa hotel is located just off the city’s main 

square and has continued to wow guests and diners with its 

exemplary take on Basque ingredients and generous service. 

www.hreuropa.com 

Asador Etxebarri, Axpe 

At #6, Asador Etxebarri is the highest ranked Basque restaurant 

in the World’s Best Restaurants 2017 list. It’s an amazing 

accomplishment for self-taught Chef Victor Arguinzoniz, whose 

simple but distinctively smoky wood-fire barbeque dishes have 

turned this rural countryside town into a gourmet destination. 

asadoretxebarri.com 


THE DISHES 

CLUBHOUSE 

Tel: 03-7804 8888 

www.facebook.com/ginshuitei 

OPERATING HOURS 

Monday to Sunday 

Lunch 12.00pm to 3.00pm 

Dinner 6.30pm to 10.30pm 

TOFU SUTEKI 

The Tofu Suteki simply melts in your mouth. Sitting regally 

in sweet and sour gravy, the silky tofu is complemented 

by a generous helping of mushrooms, which adds plenty 

of flavour. This delectable dish works as a starter or an 

accompaniment to a main dish. 


98

THE DISHES 

CLUBHOUSE 

Tel: 03-7804 8888 (ext 306/309) 

www.tropicanagolf.com 


Monday to Friday 7.00am to 12.00am 

Saturday to Sunday 7.00am to 8.00pm 

TIGER PRAWNS WITH GREEN CILI PADI 

AND PETAI & LAUK TEMPOYAK SAYUR 

LEMAK NEGERI SEMBILAN 

Succulent tiger prawns stir fried to perfection in a 

sumptuous green cili padi paste and petai. Not for 

the faint of heart, this dish is spicy at its best and 

the inclusion of petai provides added flavour. 

This particular tempoyak dish originates from 

Negeri Sembilan and is made of fermented durian 

cooked with pucuk ubi, petai, pegaga, daun kaduk, 

daun kunyit, serai and ikan bilis. The mixture is 

simmered in coconut milk, which gives the dish a 

creamy texture, and results in a gravy that’s mildly 

sweet and sour. It’s a delicacy favoured by many 

Malaysians, but is an acquired taste as it can be 

quite pungent. Both dishes are best served with a 

plate of hot rice. 


THE DISHES 

Clubhouse 

Tel: 03-7805 3935 

BUSINESS HOURS 

11.30am to 3.00pm 

5.00pm to 10.30pm 


Monday to Sunday 

Lunch 

11.30am to 3.00pm 

Dinner 

5.00pm to 10.00pm 

JAPCHAE 

Japchae translates as mixed vegetables. 

When it was first invented in the 17th 

century, it was a noodle-less dish. 

Today, the main highlight of the dish 

is glass noodles stir fried with colourful 

vegetables. The Japchae has a balanced 

sweet and savoury flavour with a 

crunchy vegetable texture that’s neither 

raw nor soft, and bouncy glass noodles 

that are not mushy. You will find that 

wood fungus, julienned carrots and 

sesame seeds are a favourite inclusion in 

this dish. 


100

THE DISHES 

CLUBHOUSE 

Tel: 03-7805 3935 

www.jojoitalianrestaurant.com 


Monday to Thursday 

11.00am to 11.00pm 

Friday to Sunday 

11.00am to 1.00pm 

PIZZA QUARTRO STAGIONI 

A combination of four flavours, this ensemble 

consists of beef bacon, turkey ham, mushroom 

and black olives with liberal portions of 

mozzarella cheese. The pizza crust is thin and 

baked to perfection – neither too crispy nor 

soft, but just the right texture. The toppings are 

a simple yet enticing blend that immortalises 

this Italian eatery’s best flavours on one pizza. 


THE DISHES 

Lot 413, 4th floor, 

Suria KLCC , 


Tel: 03-2166 9881 

www.taithong.com.my 


Monday to Saturday 

11.30am to 10.30pm 

SHREDDED CHICKEN AND MANGO SERVED WITH SWEET SPICY SAUCE 

Tai Thong celebrates our respected elders this Parents' Day with a two-month long 

promotion that includes delicious dishes such as Shredded Chicken and Mango Served 

With Sweet Spicy Sauce, a concoction as nutritious and healthy as it is delicious. As our 

pillars of strength, the towers upon whom we lean on for support, mum and dad deserve 

to be feted with a feast that includes this sumptuous serving platter (pictured) with juicy 

abalone morsels, bite-sized parcels of glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaf and crispy 

dancing fish. The quickest way to the heart is the stomach after all. 

Sunday and Public Holidays 

10.30am to 10.30pm 


102

THE DRINKS 


104

THE DRINKS 

THE NEXT 

ONE HUNDRED 

Louis XIII Cognac puts the future in your hands. 

WORDS BY REMI DUTTA 

If you could bottle time what would it look, smell and taste like? An exquisite blend of up to 1,200 

eaux-de-vie sourced 100 percent from Grande Champagne, at the very heart of Louis XIII’s exquisite 

cognac is the question of time and its restorative powers. 

The first cru of the Cognac region, since its origins in 1874, each generation of cellar master has 

selected from its cellars the oldest and most precious eaux-de-vie for Louis XIII. The result of this careful 

process is the distillation of 100 years in a single bottle. 

But what does a single sip conjure? Imagine if you will France a century ago. 1918. A man toiling on a 

vineyard. He’s gone now but in the wake of two world wars, political and economic upheaval, the dawn of 

the computer age and the democratization of travel and information, his work lives on and is celebrated 

in every sip. It is the perfect eulogy for his lifelong commitment and passion and encapsulates the 

gravitas and sense of occasion that surrounds the uncorking of any crystal bottle of Louis XIII Cognac. 

Each decanter of Louis XIII is the life achievement of generations of cellar masters. Even the vessel 

Louis VIII’s precious liquid is contained in is a work of collective commitment. Made from fine crystal 

for generations, it is mouth-blown by some of the most skilled master craftsmen whose trade and art has 

been handed down and learned through repetition. Presenting centuries of cumulative experience in a 

single glass Louis VIII invites you to introspect and contemplate. 

So it is of no surprise that while rare for a brand as established Louis XIII to consider its longevity and 

continued existence so publicly, Louis XIII should do exactly that when it debuted the track ‘100 Years - The 

Song We'll Only Hear If We Care’ in in partnership with Pharrell Williams. 

This latest collaboration between Louis XIII and singer, arranger, composer, fashion designer and 

environmental advocate, Pharrell Williams, 100 Years - The Song We'll Only Hear If We Care’ is the 

continuation of a project that began in 2015, when Louis XIII teamed up with renowned actor and 

creative visionary John Malkovich to create “100 Years: The Movie You Will Never See.” 

By setting aside its finest eaux-de-vie as a legacy to his successors for the coming century Cellar 

Master Baptiste Loiseau compels us to think a century ahead. What will the world be like 100 years from 

now? The warning the brand presents is surprisingly sobering for what is essentially an alcoholic drink. 

“Nature and time are at the heart of what we do,” explained Ludovic du Plessis, Global Executive 

Director of Louis XIII at the track’s premiere. “If the environment is unstable, even the greatest Cellar 

Master would not be able to compose the exceptional blend that is Louis XIII. Global Warming is one of 

the most important issues of the 21st century.” 


THE DRINKS 

“By setting aside its 

finest eaux-de-vie 

as a legacy to his 

successors for the 

coming century 

Cellar Master 

Baptiste Loiseau 

compels us to think a 

century ahead.” 

Aware of environmental issues particularly global warming and the threat it poses 

to the planet and every living creature on it, Louis XIII’s If We Care campaign is a 

reminder that while the future is impossible to predict, it is not impossible to control. 

Created to be enjoyed alone deep in thought or by the fireside amongst peers 

in animated conversation and debate, this superb cognac is perfectly positioned to 

inspire action and motivate others to get involved in the international effort to curb 

global warming. Crafted over a century in an age of high turnover and immediate 

gratification, Louis XIII rightly asks us to slow down, even stop and reconsider the time 

in which we frame our actions – the ultimate manifestation of mindfulness before it 

became a movement. 

What’s at stake is considerable. Pharrell’s ‘100 Years - The Song We'll Only Hear If 

We Care’ is a poetic interpretation of the tragedy that could potentially unfold if we do 

nothing; the broadcast of his art to the 100 guests invited to the Shanghai reveal could 

be the only time in history anyone outside of the studio where the song was made will 

have heard it if we don’t consider our actions now for the next 100 years. This is because 

its eventual release in 2117 is conditional. 

Recorded onto a single disc made of clay from the chalky soil of Cognac, the track 

has been stored in the cellars of Louis XIII in a state-of-the-art safe specially designed 

by Fichet-Bauche and destructible only when submerged in water. The only way to 

guarantee this original piece of music will be heard again a century from now is if we 

address the dire consequences of global warming. Fail to act and sea levels will continue 

to rise at current rates with scientists projecting that in 100 years a significant portion 

of the world’s land may be underwater, Pharrell’s composition included. 

Pharrell Williams says it best when he said at the Shanghai event, “I love the fact 

that Louis XIII thinks a century ahead. We should all do the same for the planet.” So the 

next time you are engrossed, glass in hand, and Louis XIII’s exceptional aromas evoking 

myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, honeysuckle, cigar box, leather, figs and passion fruit 

on the palate, remember to drink to the future, and then act on it. 

www.louisxiii-cognac.com 


106


SET THE 

TRUTH 

FREE 

It’s almost impossible to imagine life without Wikipedia – but while 

other internet titans have made billions, Jimmy Wales’ online 

encyclopaedia remains resolutely not-for-profit. 

Richard Godwin meets the good guy of tech. 

WORDS BY RICHARD GODWIN / EVENING STANDARD / 

THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE 

ALL IMAGES BY CAMERA PRESS / 

THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE 


108


Jimmy Donal Wales, born 7 August, 

1966 in Huntsville, Alabama, also 

known as Jimbo Wales, is an American 

internet entrepreneur. He is the cofounder 

of Wikipedia, an online non-profit 

encyclopaedia, and the for-profit web 

hosting company, Wikia. 

I cribbed that from Jimmy Wales’ 

Wikipedia page – I’m sure he won’t mind. 

Wales is unusual among founders of 

unfathomably popular websites (Wikipedia 

is the fifth most visited on the web) in that 

he is a) incredibly nice; b) not a billionaire; 

and c) presiding over a website that doesn’t 

produce paroxysms of disgust and derision 

whenever you mention it. ‘We make the 

internet not suck,’ is how he likes to put it. 

Those three qualities might be linked, 

you see. 

While the open-source, communitycreated 

encyclopaedia that he launched in 

2001 has its faults, it is open about them. 

‘When most websites talk about community, 

they just mean the general public,’ he tells 

me, while busying himself with a plate of 

eggs and avocado. ‘With Wikipedia, the 

community actually know each other: they 

get in fights, they make up, they keep each 

other in check in a kind and thoughtful way 

over a long period of time. It requires a lot 

of nurturing. And it requires that you forget 

about the way you’re supposed to build 

a website.’ 

So it is not perfect, but it works. He cites 

one particular example that always makes 

him laugh, which is that the Wikipedia entry 

for ‘poor Jemima Goldsmith’ features a 

supremely unflattering picture for someone 

so glamorous. ‘She just thinks it’s funny. I 

keep telling her, just give us another photo.’ 

We’re talking over breakfast at The 

Ivy Kensington Brasserie, not far from the 

Notting Hill home Wales shares with his 

wife, Kate Garvey, and their two daughters, 

four and six. Wales also has a 17-year-old 

daughter from a previous marriage. 

Garvey used to be Tony Blair’s diary 

manager and now works for Freuds, the PR 

company founded by Matthew Freud. Wales 

has described his wife as ‘the most connected 

woman in London’ and that was certainly the 

impression you might have had from their 

2012 wedding. Alastair Campbell played the 



“Wales is concerned 

about the collapse 

of local journalism 

and a click-based 

online advertising 

model which results 

in stories going 

unreported.” 

bagpipes, the Blairs, David Miliband, Lord 

Adonis, Mick Hucknall and Lily Cole were 

guests, as was another Siliconminster power 

couple: Steve Hilton (David Cameron’s former 

advisor) and Rachel Whetstone (currently 

vice-president of communications at 

Facebook, who formerly held senior lobbyist 

roles with Uber and Google). Wales likes to 

cook and they regularly hold dinner parties. 

Indeed, Wales and Garvey are so at home 

among the international elite, they met at 

the Piano Bar at the World Economic Forum 

in Davos, Switzerland. It remains a romantic 

place for them both. ‘Now we stay in the same 

room in the same hotel every year – it’s like coming home,’ Wales says 

between forkfuls. (The eggs are ‘unexpectedly delicious!’ he exclaims.) 

His voice is less Alabama and more business American with a few 

Anglicisms thrown in. He’s forthright and funny, a little rough around the 

edges, like Wikipedia, but this is part of the charm. And no, the other tech 

CEOs don’t tease him about not being a billionaire. (An old section of his 

Wikipedia page, since revised, pinned his fortune at less than $1 million.) 

‘Launching Wikipedia with no ads, no paywall, was a series of bad business 

decisions, but that’s how I’ve built my career so far,’ he smiles. ‘I said that 

to [Google co-founder] Larry Page and he just laughed and said, “Just keep 

doing what you’re doing”.’ 

Wales is freshly back from Davos, where he spoke about his new site, 

WikiTribune, which he hopes will harness Wikipedian principles of 

transparency, community and neutrality for the era of misinformation 

and alternative facts. ‘I had a stomach bug for the first days so it was kind of 

grim,’ he says of this year’s conference. ‘And then the President spoke and 

we all had stomach aches. Ha ha... 

‘In the event, Donald Trump didn’t declare nuclear war or call anyone 

a p***y. ‘He stuck to the script and didn’t say anything new. Here are his 

positions, you can agree with some and disagree with others. If he behaved 

like that all the time, it would be significantly less frightening.’ 

It was the rise of Trump – as well as Brexit – that prompted the launch 

of WikiTribune in October. Wales is concerned about the collapse of local 

journalism and a click-based online advertising model which results in 

stories going unreported. 

‘In the past, if you were a boat manufacturer and you wanted to sell 

boats you’d say: “Well, who buys boats?” It’s men in their early 50s who are 

having a midlife crisis. So you’d work out what publications we read. But 

now they can just follow that demographic around the internet. I can be on 

the spammiest website or message board and I see boats. That means quality 

newspapers aren’t just competing with each other, they’re competing with 

everything.’ The idea of WikiTribune is to allow a Wikipedian ‘community’ 

worldwide to suggest stories, collate information, crunch data, write and 

edit articles. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, he has taken on 10 

journalists full-time. ‘It’s a start,’ he says. 

Since Trump’s election, the public mood has turned against the tech 

giants: Esquire recently characterised the ‘big four’ tech companies (Google, 

Facebook, Amazon and Apple) as a ‘tax-avoiding, job-killing, soul-sucking 

machine’. Wales doesn’t appear to disagree with that characterisation, but 

isn’t sure what to do about it. 


110





112


“Esquire recently 

characterised the ‘big four’ 

tech companies as a ‘taxavoiding, 

job-killing, soulsucking 

machine’. Wales 

doesn’t appear to disagree 

with that characterisation…” 

He isn’t necessarily in favour of breaking down the 

monopolies. ‘I’m not sure what that means,’ he says. 

‘But never mind what I think ought to happen, they 

are under a lot of pressure and there’s going to be a lot 

of hard public policy questions around this.’ He notes 

that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg becoming 

President ‘might not be a bad idea, by the way, if we’re 

going to have a billionaire president’. 

What?! I say. That’s a terrible idea. Awkward 

laughter from Wales. You’ve probably met him a 

bunch of times, right? ‘I have. He’s a very sweet guy. But 

anyway, he’d be a better President than Trump – I’m not 

exactly going out on a limb there.’ 

Wales has now been in London for about seven or 

eight years and will be eligible for a British passport 

next year – ‘just when it will become useless because of 

Brexit!’ And he feels very much at home here. Indeed, it 

all seems very cosy, this tech-politics love-in. Are people 

right to be suspicious of this? 

He laughs. ‘I’m not really on the inside of lots of 

things, but I do know all these people. Often, people 

have some kind of conspiracy mindset about the elite. 

They literally have no idea how incompetent we all 

are.’ Oh, I wouldn’t say that. Wales puts in a word for 

Jeremy Corbyn. ‘Whatever you may think of him – and 

I’m not a fan, I’ve never bumped into him at a dinner 

party in London – he is not part of a Westminster 

bubble.’ Neither, he points out, is Theresa May. But he 

suggests that the fact that members of opposing parties 

might occasionally meet over dinner isn’t such a bad 

thing. ‘There is a Westminster set, people who know 

each other socially and so on – and that helps with a 

bipartisan approach. It’s not as completely broken down 

as it is in the US.’ 

Regulating the sector, he says, is ‘an ongoing problem’. 

He feels that things went downhill in the United Kingdom 

when Second Home co-founder Rohan Silva left No 10 (that’s 

David Cameron’s former tech advisor, now an Evening 

Standard columnist). He believes Government debates about 

removal of encryption are ‘insane’: ‘It’s the dumbest thing 

ever. It makes zero sense. It’s an incredibly important barrier 

against cybercrime. The truth is, they had a brief golden era 

when they could spy on everyone they wanted – and now it’s 

become significantly harder again.’ 

Overall, he sees plenty of reasons to be cheerful. He 

struggles with smartphone addiction – who doesn’t? – but sees 

an elegant solution in Arianna Huffington’s new app, Thrive, 

which limits your usage. ‘I think I need to download that and 

try it. And I’m thinking about going on to Twitter and just 

unfollowing everyone. And completely rebooting.’ Lately, 

he’s been finding solace in Instagram. ‘You never get sucked 

into a black hole. It’s just pictures. Friends. Kids. It’s nice.’ 

And perhaps you have to see the best side of people in his 

business. ‘What is interesting is that in 2017 there was the 

lowest percentage of people in poverty in history. The lowest 

infant mortality rate in history. It was by a lot of measures 

the greatest year in history. I’ve been as guilty as anyone of 

saying the world is doomed. But it’s not all bad.’ 


THE DRIVE | NEWS 

CURATED BY MUNA NOOR 

BMW GROUP MALAYSIA INTRODUCES FIRST-EVER BMW X2 

IMAGE BY BMW MALAYSIA 

Introduced here in Malaysia in the 

sDrive20i M Sport variant, the BMW X2 

is the newest member to the premium 

automaker’s portfolio of Sports Activity 

Coupes. 

Undeniably sporty, the vehicle comes 

with a BMW Aerodynamics and Sport 

Suspension package. This manifests as a 

lean, mean, lowered 10mm body, matching 

body and wheel arch trim and doors 

cladding, and 90mm diameter, high-gloss 

chrome two-sided exhaust tailpipes. 

Moving to the top, the roofline of 

the BMW X2 has an almost coupe-like 

lightness that gives the car the impression 

of surging forward. The inclusion of side 

skirts, 19” M light alloy wheels, doublespoke 

style 715M with run-flat properties, 

and roof rails in Aluminium Satinated add 

to the poised, ready-to-pounce appearance. 

Powered by the multiple award-winning 

two litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 

4-cylinder petrol engine which combines 

twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, 

double VANOS and High Precision 

Injection, the BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport 

variant generates a top speed of 227km/h 

and sprints from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 

seconds. At an overall system output of 

192hp and 280Nm of torque, it also comes 

with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport doubleclutch 

transmission. 

As the only premium automaker with 

such an offering, BMW ConnectedDrive 

elements have once again been designed to 

assist, inform and entertain. This includes 

Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, 

Concierge Services, BMW Online and 

BMW Remote Services. 

The BMW X2 also offers drivers a wide 

selection of Driver Assistance systems. 

With the mere push of the Driving 

Experience Control switch, drivers can 

choose between COMFORT mode, 

efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO mode, 

and SPORT mode. It is also equipped with 

the Performance Control which allows 

engine control and brake intervention 

during cornering. The car is not just about 

speed though; Park Assistant helps parallel 

parking manoeuvres, and Park Distance 

Control and the rear-view camera makes 

precise manoeuvring that much easier. 

Not to be left out, passengers are also 

prioritised in the designing of the BMW 

X2 with the automatic air-conditioning 

split into two zones. Both front passenger 

and driver are treated to electric seat 


114


MALAYSIA’S ZEN LOW 

TO BETTER HIS 2018 

PERFORMANCE 

Seasoned race car driver, Zen Low, is 

geared up to improve on his 2017 thirdplace 

finish for the coming 2018 Ferrari 

Challenge Trofeo Pirelli APAC season. 

Malaysia’s first driver to compete at the 

wheel of the 488 Challenge in the onemake 

series was re-appointed to race for 

team OneApps NAZA Aylezo this year. 

Brimming with confidence, he is all set for 

the six-city 2018 Series, which kicked off 

in Melbourne in March and is set to finish 

in Monza in November. 

Competing in the Trofeo Pirelli 

category under the race number of 69, 

Zen is an adroit businessman with a keen 

interest and natural talent for racing. He 

founded Aylezo Motorsport in 2009, and 

over the years has participated in multiple 

motorsport events including the Gulf 12 

Hours 2012, Asian Le Mans Series, GT 

Asia 2015 and Bathurst 12 Hours 2017. 

www.facebook.com/ferrarimalaysia.nazaitalia 

IMAGE BY NAZA ITALIA 

adjustment, with the addition of memory 

function for the driver, while the Comfort 

Access System allows for contactless 

opening of the tailgate where luggage 

compartment capacity is ample at 470 

litres, and up to 1,355 litres with the 

40/20/40 split folding down rear seat 

backrests. 

All this is as good as it looks. Inside, the 

new BMW X2 offers LED ambient lighting 

in orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and 

white colour settings, while external colour 

offerings come in a choice of Galvanic 

Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic 

and Sunset Orange Metallic with Black 

Interior Colour with contrasting Grey 

seams. For ultimate ferocity, we love the 

Black Sapphire metallic model, which has 

an interior option of Magma Red interior 

with contrasting Grey seams. 

RM320,800 on the road, without 

insurance, and with BMW Group 

Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited 

Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service 

Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty 

Programme. Just contact BMW Group 

Financial Services Malaysia to find out 

about its dynamic financial programme. 

www.bmw.com.my 


THE DRIVE 

SPLIT 

PERSONALITY 

Winds of change have blown over Maserati Ghibli’s sports sedan. 

It’s 2018 version gets a makeover to reflect the two moods of the 

Maserati driver. 

WORDS BY 

MUNA NOOR 

fter four years of remarkable success, the Maserati Ghibli is back with a 

A 

facelift. 

No other pillars of Maserati’s personality speak louder than its 

elegance and sportiness. Revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow, the 

refreshed 2018 Maserati Ghibli has been respectfully restyled with a rich 

array of hi-tech features plus two distinctive trims that will suit drivers 

with a passion for speed and agility as well as drivers who enjoy cruising in 

luxurious levels of comfort. 

Despite the rework, the Ghibli remains faithful to its DNA, and virtues such as 

its unmistakable class, top-quality performance and stylish yet comfortable driving 

experience remain intact. 

In fact, if there is something satisfyingly familiar about the Ghibli, you’d be right. 

The car shares its core architecture – chassis, suspension layout, V6 engines and eightspeed 

ZF automatic transmission – with the Maserati’s flagship vehicle, the Quattroporte. 

Both the Ghibli and the Quattroporte are also the first Maserati models to adopt 

the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system developed in collaboration with Bosch. It 

has been designed to help prevent, rather than simply correct, vehicle instability and 

provides enhanced active safety, improved driving dynamics and thrilling performance. 

However, the Ghibli is 293 millimetres shorter and 50kg lighter than the Quattroporte. 

This combination of perfect weight distribution, front double-wishbone/rear multi-link 

suspension and standard Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), collectively conspire to provide 

the kind of razor-sharp road handling you’d expect of a car of this calibre. 

Further reductions by engineers and designer in the car’s drag coefficient from 

0.31 in 2017 to 0.29 in 2018 have managed to improve aerodynamic efficiency of the 

retooled Ghibli by 7 percent. For sheer speed, the all-petrol versions of the Ghibli were 

manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello and feature the acclaimed Euro 6 homologated Twin 

Turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine in conjunction with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Of course, with great power comes greater responsibility. The refreshed Ghibli comes 

with a suite of safety features built in and has been conferred a five-star Euro NCAP 

safety rating. 

IMAGE BY MASERATI 


116

THE DRIVE 

“Each has been engineered and 

designed to use its own voice 

to sing the twin praises of 

Maserati’s luxurious elegance 

and race-bred performance.” 



“The Ghibli GranLusso reinterprets the 

concept of luxury in a sports sedan 

by enhancing the exterior finish and 

improving on-board comfort for both 

driver and passengers.” 


118


The introduction of Electric Power Steering (EPS) is another first for Maserati and 

replaces previous hydraulic power steering in its Levante, Quattroporte and Ghibli 

models. This improves the car’s handling and comfort, better supports the driving modes 

and enables the newly-introduced active functions of the Advanced Driving Assistance 

Systems (ADAS), while retaining the classically Maserati razor-sharp steering feel. 

It’s optionally available in the restyled Ghibli, but worth forking out for. In addition to 

its existing features, the new ADAS package includes functions like Highway Assist, Lane 

Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, all off which will go 

a long way towards providing peace of mind for drivers and their passengers. 

GranLusso & GranSport: two distinct souls of Ghibli 

The big news is that the upgraded Ghibli comes in two distinctive trims – the GranLusso 

and the GranSport. Both carry an exterior design that stands out for its coupe-like 

attitude, as well as unique features such as the distinctive C-pillar bearing the iconic Saetta 

logo, frameless doors, range-standard quadruple chromium-plated exhaust pipes, and a 

pronounced grille that harks back to the iconic Maserati cars of the ‘50s. Nevertheless, each 

has been engineered and designed to use its own voice to sing the twin praises of Maserati’s 

luxurious elegance and race-bred performance. 

Both are available as an upgrade of the Ghibli 350 Hp and Ghibli S 430Hp versions. 

Impressively the top-range Ghibli S version now delivers 430 hp and 580 Nm peak torque, 

20 Hp and 30 Nm more than the 2017 car. This increased power output gives the Maserati 

sports sedan a top speed of 286 km/h and better acceleration, taking the new Ghibli S from 

0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. 

Maserati’s Design Centre in Turin has given each trim a clear identity, which are 

immediately recognisable thanks to their unique exterior and exclusive interiors. The 

difference can be seen for example in the restyling of the front and rear bumpers. While 

visually discreet, these aerodynamically optimised changes accentuate the original’s sporty 

yet luxurious style. 

Generally speaking, the baseline Ghibli and new Ghibli GranLusso share the same 

design features, while the Ghibli GranSport boasts a subtly different exterior that 

underlines its sportier character with the front bumper incorporating a larger concave 

grille with a ‘sharknose’ profile and integrated chrome bar inspired by the Alfieri Concept 

to add a three-dimensional effect to the car’s frontal aspect. 

The air duct has also been restyled for 2018 Ghibli. Wide open and more linear on the 

Ghibli and Ghibli GranLusso, it features a sportier layout on the Ghibli GranSport with 

two wings virtually supporting the grille and separating the central splitter from the side 

air ducts. This design visually accentuates the width of the car, conveying an extra sense of 

stability from the front. 

The headlights have maintained the same contour. Like the 2018 Quattroporte, the 

full Ghibli model range is equipped with all new, Adaptive full LED headlights with glarefree 

high-beam which was developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli Automotive 

Lighting, while the baseline model uses Bi-Xenon technology. 

Interior motives: refinement versus ferocity 

If it’s what’s inside that counts, then the Ghibli has a lot going for it as things couldn’t be 

more distinct between the two trims. 

The Ghibli GranLusso reinterprets the concept of luxury in a sports sedan by 

enhancing the exterior finish and improving on-board comfort for both driver and 

passengers. This most elegant expression of the Ghibli uses exclusive materials and special 

features in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship. 

Externally, it’s distinguished by its Adaptive full LED headlights, chrome inserts on 

the front bumper, GranLusso badge at the base of the front wing, body-colour side skirts, 

silver brake calipers and 20” Urano Diamond alloy wheels. Inside its Ermenegildo Zegna 

Silk interior features patented mulberry silk inserts on the seats, doors panels, roof lining 

and ceiling light fixture. 


THE DRIVE 

The tailored seat details and the label on the sun visors, complemented 

by an Ebano wood trim and Ebony wood-finished leather steering 

wheel, make this trim unique and exclusive, beautifully epitomising the 

GranLusso soul. It also includes Comfort seats with extensive 12-way 

power adjustment as standard, as well as power-adjustable steering wheel 

and foot pedals, parking sensors and new Soft Close Doors. 

On the flipside, the Ghibli GranSport takes its inspiration from 

the legendary racing heritage of Maserati. Conceived to meet the needs 

of customers seeking a sportier expression of a high-end sedan in the 

segment, externally, the GranSport also features Adaptive full LED 

headlights and is recognisable for its Black Piano inserts on the front 

bumper, the GranSport badge on the front wing, body-colour side skirts, 

blue inserts on all Trident and Saetta logos, red brake calipers and, last but 

not least, the 21” Titano Anthracite alloy wheels. 

Open the door, step inside and you’ll find that the Sport 12-way power 

full leather seats and Sport steering wheel create an inspiring mix for the 

driving aficionado. The interior of the Ghibli GranSport also features 

standard gearshift paddles and Inox sport foot pedals. The Ghibli and 

Ghibli GranSport can be further customised with an Exterior Carbon 

Package for an even more emphatic message about Ghibli’s racing 

heritage. It covers the external door mirrors, B- and C-pillar covers and 

door handles on the base trim, as well as the front splitter and rear spoiler 

on the GranSport. 

So which personality are you? Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde? Launched in 

Malaysia at the end of March through Naza Italia, the official importer 

and distributor for Maserati in the country, the Ghibli S enters the 

Malaysian market at a starting price of RM718,800 for the standard 

model, RM768,800 for the GranLusso, and RM768,800 for GranSport. 

This includes local taxes and duties, five years standard warranty coverage 

with no mileage restrictions, plus a free maintenance program of five 

years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM 

Nasimuddin, Naza World Group Executive Chairman, is confident of 

shifting sufficient numbers and anticipated a lot of interest. Speaking 

at the launch in the capital, he said, “Malaysian Maserati aficionados are 

bound to be excited with this latest Maserati offering.” 

Prospective owners can view and test drive the 2018 Maserati Ghibli 

by visiting the Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya. 

ABOVE: SPORTY INTERIOR OF THE MASERATI GHIBLI 

GRANSPORT 

“The Ghibli GranSport 

takes its inspiration 

from the legendary 

racing heritage of 

Maserati.” 

ABOVE: ELEGANT INTERIOR OF THE MASERATI GHIBLI 

GRANLUSSO 


120

SPECIALISED SERVICE CENTRE EXCLUSIVELY FOR 

MERCEDES-BENZ, BMW AND AUDI CAR OWNERS 

AT KOTA DAMANSARA 

We provide a full range of fixed-price services, each performed in a structured series 

of operating procedures to ensure faster and more efficient performance servicing; 

especially for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and AUDI car owners whose car warranties have expired 

LIST OF SERVICES 

Lubrication & Maintenance Service 

Air Cond Service and Maintenance 

Programming and Adaptation using latest STAR Diagnostic Compact 4 and BMW 

ISID Diagnostic Tester 

Computer and Electronic Programming complete with SCN Coding 

Suspension System 

Engine and Automatic Transmission Overhauling 

Braking System ABS/ETS/ASR/SBC/ABR 

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Suspension System 

Prominent Autotech Sdn Bhd 

No 8-E, Jalan Teknologi, Pusat Teknologi Sunsuria 

Kota Damansara PJU 5, 47810 Petaling Jaya Selangor 

Tel: +603-6151 5369 / +603-6151 8369 

Fax: +603-6150 5369 

Email: enquiry@prominentautotech.com.my 


Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm 

Saturday, 8.30am - 3pm 

Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays 

www.prominentautotech.com.my

THE VACATION | NEWS 

LIVE LIKE A ROYAL 

While few will receive an invite to the royal marriage of Prince 

Harry and Meghan Markle, which is to take place on 19th May, that’s 

no reason not to join in the celebratory mood. 

The Dunstane Houses, a fabulous boutique hotel in Edinburgh, 

has launched a ‘Live like a Royal’ package that promises guests the 

royal treatment and a tour of some of the sights Harry and Meghan 

visited during their own February visit to the city. 

Unveiled with a new look following a six-month renovation 

project, The Dunstane Houses date back to 1852. Designed by 

Edinburgh architect, William Playfair and comprising two twin-set 

Victorian town houses, the buildings are conveniently located in 

Edinburgh’s charming Wester Coates neighbourhood, moments from 

Haymarket station and a quick ten-minute walk to the city centre. 

Guests to the 35-room establishment will be welcomed by a royalthemed 

champagne afternoon tea full of the Queen’s favorites. The 

mouthwatering spread includes the finest egg mayo and cucumber 

finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, a freshly brewed pot of 

Earl Grey tea and a glass of fizz. 

The following day, the resident ‘Royal guide’ – known locally 

as Andy the Highlander – will whisk you off on a day-long tour of 

the city’s royal hotspots clad in full Scottish plaid. These include 

Linlithgow Palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born; Borthwick 

Castle where the 16th century Queen was besieged in 1567; and 

Holyrood Palace, the current Queen’s official Scottish residence and 

where Mary spent most of her life, and married two of her husbands. 

The tour will conclude with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia 

(which was featured heavily in the Netflix’s ‘The Crown’) and 

Edinburgh Castle, which is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. 

Colloquially known as The Honours Of Scotland, it comprises the 

crown and the sceptre, first used together during the coronation 

of Queen Mary herself. 

After a day of living like royals, guests will return to The 

Dunstane’s Ba’ Bar, an all-day lounge and bar that champions local 

produce from across Scotland and home to an extensive selection of 

craft beers, artisan gins and one of the biggest selections of Scottish 

whiskies in Edinburgh. A Scottish dinner will be served followed 

by a whisky tasting with the hotel’s resident connoisseur. 

The Dunstane Houses’ ‘Live Like a Royal’ package starts from £475 

per night including the aforementioned activities on a B&B basis. 

birdtravelpr.com 


122

NEWS | THE VACATION 

IMAGES BY RITA PLATTS 


THE VACATION 

Exploring the three most significant 

monuments from the city’s rich past 

WORDS BY 

TAN LEE KUEN 

If there is one view that defines Istanbul, it is the ravishing silhouette of the Old City, its rising 

minarets, domes and towers piercing the sky. It is a timeless view that would greet visitors in 

days of old as they approached the city from the sea; today, visitors are more likely to be wowed 

from Galata Bridge. With over 8,000 years of history, Istanbul the imperial city, the capital 

of two world empires, is jam-packed with history. To look at it then, as now, is to imagine an 

ethereal city rising from the sea. 

While Istanbul’s charms are seductive and far-ranging, it is in Sultanahmet, the Old City, that 

you can most feel its timeless history. This plot of land, surrounded on three sides by water – the Sea 

of Marmara to the south, the Golden Horn to the north and the Bosphorus to the east – is crammed 

with remnants of the city’s glorious past, the source of much of Turkey’s rich and complex history. 

The city that we know and love as Istanbul has its origins in 667BC, founded by explorers from 

the Greek city-state of Megara, and was originally known was Byzantion, later Byzantium. The city 

was one thousand years old and a prosperous one when Constantine the Great made it the capital 

of the Roman Empire in 330AD. In 1453, Constantinople fell to the Ottomans Turks under the 

command of Sultan Mehmed II to become Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. 

I live in Cihangir, an artsy and laidback neighbourhood about 2km from Sultanahmet, and to 

think that these sights are a mere 30-minute walk away will never grow old for me. In this article, we 

explore three of Istanbul’s most iconic sites – Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. 

Placed in close proximity to one another, it is perfectly doable to explore all three by foot. 


124

THE VACATION 

PHOTO BY ISTOCKPHOTO 


THE VACATION 

HAGIA SOPHIA 

Hagia Sophia, one of the most visited sites in Istanbul, is an 

important historical monument that was a church, a mosque 

and now, a museum. Dating back to the 6th century AD, Hagia 

Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian I on the site of another 

religious structure that was burnt down in a riot. Upon its 

completion, he had purportedly entered the magnificent 

structure, fallen on his knees and uttered, “Oh Solomon, I have 

outdone you” in reference to Solomon’s church in Jerusalem. 

Once the largest cathedral in the world, the church was where 

the rulers of Constantinople were crowned. 

No expenses were spared in the making of Hagia Sophia, 

with quality materials sourced from all over the empire – 

white marble from the Marmara Island, pink marble from 

Afyon and yellow marble from North Africa. The church 

was also famous for its stunning gold mosaics on Christian 

themes, a feature of Byzantine art, although only fragments 

are now left, including a magnificent scene from the Last 

Judgement on the upper gallery. 

When the Ottoman Turks took over Constantinople, 

Sultan Mehmet II was so impressed with the Hagia Sophia 

that instead of destroying it, he had it hastily converted 

into a mosque. He had the gold mosaics plastered over and 

redecorated with fine floral designs and geometric patterns 

characteristic of Islamic art. 

In 1935, when Turkey became a secular republic, Hagia 

Sophia had its third, and perhaps, final changeover, into a 

museum, welcoming visitors from all around the world. Even 

if there are hundreds of tourists around, it is possible to find 

a cool and quiet corner in which to soak in the atmosphere. 

And as you stand below the impressive dome, an engineering 

feat of its day, take in the soaring grandeur of the structure as 

well as the possibility of harmonious co-existence of faiths. 

TOPKAPI PALACE 

Topkapi Palace was the administrative centre and place of 

residence of the Ottoman sultans for over four centuries. 

A huge architectural construction, it is divided into four 

courtyards, each linked by massive gates. The entire area, 

enclosed within thick walls, has living quarters, pavilions, 

gardens, libraries, schools, mosques, kitchens and harem. 

At its peak, the palace housed and fed over 4,000 people. 

Today, it is tourists that crunch the gravel on the paths 

leading through the gardens to the different pavilions. Not 

all the palace is open to the public, and a separate ticket is 

required to enter the harem, a worthwhile venture. The 

harem, which could house up to 300 wives and concubines, is 

not the place of debauchery that its name suggests. This was 

the imperial living quarters, and probably a source of some 

of the greatest palace intrigue while containing some of the 

most sumptuous rooms in the entire place. 

When exploring the palace grounds, bear in mind that 

each courtyard had its own function and restrictions during 

Ottoman times. Unarmed visitors were free to enter the 

TOURISTS VISITING THE INTERIOR OF AYA 

SOPHIA - ANCIENT BYZANTINE BASILICA. 

FOR ALMOST 500 YEARS THE PRINCIPAL 

MOSQUE OF ISTANBUL, HAGIA SOPHIA 

SERVED AS A MODEL FOR MANY OTHER 

OTTOMAN MOSQUES. 

TOPKAPI PALACE, FAMOUS PLACE, 

ISTANBUL, TURKEY 


126

THE VACATION 

“the old city is crammed 

with remnants of the city’s 

glorious past, the source 

of much of turkey’s rich 

and complex history.” 

first, and the largest, courtyard, but the second courtyard, 

the administrative centre of the palace, was accessible only 

to official visitors and members of the court. Here lies the 

lovely Imperial Council Chamber, where officials would 

confer on state matters conducted by the Grand Vizier. The 

Sultan would sometimes listen in from the adjacent Tower of 

Justice, concealed behind gold grills. When the Sultan drew 

close the curtain, it signalled the end of the meeting. 

Within the pavilions and the rooms, the Ottoman love for 

colour and patterns are in full evidence. You’ll find interiors 

emblazoned with vibrant Iznik tiles, painted ceilings and 

doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. 

But it is the more austere palace kitchens and 

confectionaries, designed and built by the great Ottoman 

architect Sinan, that are among my favourite rooms. With no 

fires burning in the hearth to prepare delicacies like pilaf and 

saffron pudding, they were exceptionally cold inside during 

the wet and grey March day of my visit. Instead, the kitchens 

now hold a collection of the imperial ceramics collection. 

Celadon from China was especially prized as dining ware 

because of the belief that it would change colour if the food it 

carried was poisoned. 

At the fourth courtyard, where the pleasure pavilions 

and pretty gardens are, stop by the Konyali café for coffee 

and sweeping views of the Bosphorus, across to the Asian side 

of Istanbul. 

SULTAN AHMET CAMII - BLUE 

MOSQUE IN ISTANBUL 

THE SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE (THE BLUE 

MOSQUE) 

Built in the 17th century, this mosque that dominates the 

Sultanahmet skyline was commissioned by a 19-year-old 

Sultan Ahmed I to rival that of Hagia Sophia. It was designed 

by Chief Architect Mehmed Aga, who had studied under the 

great Sinan. The mosque is unique for its six minarets, which 

lore has it occurred when the Sultan had requested for gold 

(altin) minarets and Mehmed Aga had misheard it as six (alti). 

The moniker Blue Mosque is thanks to the thousands 

upon thousands of glorious Iznik tiles in various shades of 

blue that adorn the insides. The gorgeous floral patterns on 

the tiles represent Earth in spring, as well as the Gardens of 

Paradise. Together with an abundance of windows (originally 

stained glass but since replaced), the feeling within the 

mosque is light, serene and uplifting. 

Admission to the Blue Mosque is free but the main hall 

is closed to visitors during prayer times. 


PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICES 

TROPICANA MANAGEMENT 

SERVICES SDN BHD (TMS) 

Property Management Office 

CASA INDAH 1 

CONDOMINIUMS 


MERCHANT SQUARE 

BUSINE SS PARK 


CASA KIARA 2 

CONDOMINIUM 


CASA TROPICANA 

CONDOMINIUMS 


Jalan Kelab Tropicana 

Tropicana Golf & 


47410 Petaling Jaya 

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 

Tel: +603 7804 1533 

(Direct Line) 

+603 7804 8888 

(General Line) 

Fax: +603 7806 5044 

tms@tropicanagolf.com 

Office hours: 

9am – 6pm (Monday – Friday) 

9am – 1pm (Saturday) 

Closed (Sunday) 

B-G-05, Casa Indah 1 

Condominiums 

No 2A, Persiaran Surian 

Tropicana Indah, 

PJU 3 Kota Damansara 



Tel: +603 6140 9194/6140 9166 

Fax: +603 6140 9168 

casaindahcondo@yahoo.com 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm (Monday – Friday) 



No 1, Jalan Tropicana 

Selatan 1, PJU 3 



Tel: +603 7883 0866 

Fax: +603 7883 0966 

merchantsquare@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm 

(Monday – Friday) 



Dicasa Management 

Services Sdn Bhd 

Lobby Level 

No 14, Jalan Kiara 5, Bukit Kiara 


Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia 

Tel: +603 6203 9229 

Fax: +603 6203 9339 

casakiara2@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 5pm 




B-5-17, Block B 

Casa Tro picana 

No 5, Jalan Persiaran Tropicana 

PJU 3 

Tropicana Golf & Country Resort 



Tel: +603 7883 0982 

Fax: +603 7883 0292 

casatropicana@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm 




CASA INDAH 2 

CONDOMINIUMS 


A-02-01, Management Office 

Casa Indah 2 Condominiums 

No 2B, Persiaran Surian 

Tropicana Indah Resort Homes 

PJU3 

Kota Damansara 



Tel: +603 6142 6288 / 6388 

Fax: +603 6142 6788 

casaindah2@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm 




ARENA MENTARI BUSINESS 

PARK 


Block C, Wisma TT 

No 1, Jalan PJS 8/15 

Dataran Mentari 



Tel: +603 5621 1979 

Fax: +603 5621 1980 

istimabudi@gmail.com 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm 




TROPICANA INDAH SDN BHD 


Jalan Kelab Tropicana 

Tropicana Golf & 




Tel: +603 7804 4722 

+603 7805 5855 

Fax: +603 7806 5044 

tisb@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 6pm (Monday – Friday) 



TROPICANA GRANDE 


Level 1, Management Office 

Block A, Tropicana Grande 

Condominiums 

No. 3 Persiaran Tropicana 



Tel: +603 7610 0965 

Fax: +603 7610 0968 

stephaniechua@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 9am – 6pm 




TROPICANA CHERAS 


To be ready soon 

For more information, please 

contact Sales & Marketing 

Department at: 

Tel: +603 7710 1018 

DAMANSARA INTAN 

E-BUSINESS PARK 


A328, Block A 

Damansara Intan 

No 1, Jalan SS 20/27 



Tel: +603 7118 3111 

Fax: +603 7118 3222 

gracewong@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm 




FORTUNE PARK APARTMENTS 


A-5, Pangsapuri Suria Perdana 

(Fortune Park Apartments) 

Taman Serdang Perdana 

Seksyen 4 

43300 Seri Kembangan 


Tel: +603 8944 9331 

Fax: +603 8944 9332 

fortunepark@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9am – 5.30pm 




TROPICANA HEIGHTS 

Property Management Offi ce 

Off Jalan P6/2, 43500 

Semenyih, Kajang 


Tel: +6013-2020746 

Fax: +603 7806 5044 

tisb@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Monday – Friday) 

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Saturday) 

Closed (Sunday & Public Holidays) 

TROPICANA CHERAS 

Admin Of fice 

6, Jalan Tropicana Cheras 1, Taman 

Tropicana Cheras, 43000 Kajang, 

Selangor. 

Tel: +6013-2020746 

Fax: +603 7610 0968 

stephaniechua@tropicanacorp.com.my 

Office hours: 

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Monday – Friday) 

9.00 am to 5.30 pm (Saturday) 

Closed (Sunday & Public Holidays)

THE LIST 

FACILITIES AND TENANTS AT 

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT 

TROPICANA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT 

SITE LAYOUT PLAN 

N 

Buggy Track 

DRIVING R 

WESTERN COURSE 

Practice Green 

Children’s 

Playground 

Landscape 

18th Green 

18 

14 

Tai Thong 

13 

32 

Children’s 

Playground 

21 

48 

19 

20 

17 

22 

15 

16 

M 

Lo 

17 

33 

Landscape 

30 

31 

29 

Administration 

Office 

24 23 

25 

26 

MAI 

C 

34 

35 

36 

Landscape 

28 

27 

Poolside 

Cafe 

38 

37 

39 

SPORTS WING 

41 42 

43 

44 

40 

Carpark 

Lake 

45 

46 

LEGEND 

Lower Ground 

Ground 

Level 1 

47 

C 

To Basement C 

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 


130

THE LIST 

ANGE 

Practice Green 

Buggy Track 

9th Green 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE 

Main Wing 

7 Twenty7 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 

8 Royce 017-322 3668 

26 J Italian Restaurant 03-7805 3925/3935 

25 Myeung Dong Korean BBQ 016-3684500 

Landscape 

ain 

bby 

8 

ar Porch 

12 

N WING 

11 

10 

9 

7 

asd 

Main Kitchen 

6 

GOLF WING 

1 

2 

5 

Golf 

Counter 

4 

3 

Buggy Station 

EASTERN COURSE 

1st Tee 

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 017-885 4188 

27 Thai Odyssey Spa & Massage 03-7803 1233/ 

03-7804 1129 

29 Bowling & Café 03-7804 8888 

16 Gaming room 

37 Library 

22 Spine & Joint Tropicana 03-78042072 

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) 

arpark 

arpark 

Sales & Marketing (Banquet Function) 03-7804 8888 

Liza ext 141 

Sandy ext 142 

Siti Fairuz ext 155 

Mas Suria ext 517 

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 016-243 4801/ 

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 

48 Klinik Tropicana 03-7805 5461 

19 The Green House Florist 03-7880 1388 

3-4 Prayer room 


THE END | MALTESE ISLANDS 

“Perfect sincerity and transparency 

make a great part of beauty, as in 

dewdrops, lakes, and diamonds.” 

–Henry David Thoreau– 


132

Tropicana Magazine May-Jun 2018 #118: Winner Takes All

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?